I don't know when or why it all started... I suppose it makes sense now that I have surpassed my adolescent years (I know this is true because Zac Efron doesn't interest me any more), it seems like a natural progression. Just like red wine and dancing on the dinner table. It's perfectly natural and we all know it will come at some stage in our lives (if we're lucky enough). That's when it all starts though, right? When you're older and need something else to enrich your life and give it purpose... When you desire more responsibility than you already have and enjoy being answerable for the life of something so small and precious... So vulnerable and apparently very delicious - just ask the snails. |
Gardening can be pretty intense you know. You've got to make the seedlings comfortable and warm, feed them weird looking pellets and throw water on them. You have to make sure they don't dry out, but can't have them too wet or they start to smell really bad and cry... Am I talking about plants or babies? I forget, but suddenly I completely understand what my mother felt like having children to look after. At the end of the day; plants and small humans- what's the big difference really? Oh! I know the answer to that - snails. What's more mortifying than having your baby eaten alive by snails? Oh! I know the answer to that one, too. It's watching your plants get eaten alive by snails. Devastating!
Goodness knows what possessed me to buy that first batch of seedlings... Maybe it was at the height of my 'domestic goddess-ness' or perhaps it was purely to do with the fact that all seedlings were seventy per cent off at Wilkos. Yes, I think the latter is more accurate. I'm still burning taco shells and shrinking clothes in the washing machine.
I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a green thumb. I think you need to earn that title or at least understand the meaning behind it. Like my Poppa, for instance; he's got thumbs so green, he gives Kermit the Frog a run for his money. I have vivid memories from my childhood of my Nanna and Poppa's back garden at their old house. It seemed like such a magical place at the time, so green and full of interesting things to look at, smell and eat. I remember trailing around behind my Poppa as he lead me through the sections, patiently answering my questions and explaining how things grow. I remember weaving past the worm and compost area, avoiding the stakes with upside down coke bottles on top, tasting the difference between parsley and coriander. I remember picking the strawberries and digging for potatoes, but unfortunately I do not have the nerve I once did, and can no longer hold a handful of worms without wincing.
So here's a riveting little collection of snaps I took after buying 10 litres of expandable potting soil (too much fun to handle) and planting my first seedlings. Just like a parent on their child's first day of school; I too proceeded to take photos (proud as punch), to document their journey.
Goodness knows what possessed me to buy that first batch of seedlings... Maybe it was at the height of my 'domestic goddess-ness' or perhaps it was purely to do with the fact that all seedlings were seventy per cent off at Wilkos. Yes, I think the latter is more accurate. I'm still burning taco shells and shrinking clothes in the washing machine.
I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a green thumb. I think you need to earn that title or at least understand the meaning behind it. Like my Poppa, for instance; he's got thumbs so green, he gives Kermit the Frog a run for his money. I have vivid memories from my childhood of my Nanna and Poppa's back garden at their old house. It seemed like such a magical place at the time, so green and full of interesting things to look at, smell and eat. I remember trailing around behind my Poppa as he lead me through the sections, patiently answering my questions and explaining how things grow. I remember weaving past the worm and compost area, avoiding the stakes with upside down coke bottles on top, tasting the difference between parsley and coriander. I remember picking the strawberries and digging for potatoes, but unfortunately I do not have the nerve I once did, and can no longer hold a handful of worms without wincing.
So here's a riveting little collection of snaps I took after buying 10 litres of expandable potting soil (too much fun to handle) and planting my first seedlings. Just like a parent on their child's first day of school; I too proceeded to take photos (proud as punch), to document their journey.
I was feeling surprisingly optimistic about my gardening skills, my little seedlings began to sprout and it was all very exciting, until the night came when snails attacked my Zinnia. I was so devastated that I went out and bought a kilo of snail pellets and covered every inch of the garden in a midnight rage. Good luck navigating that mine field, you slimy happiness-destroyers!
I never thought I'd find peace or satisfaction in the sight of a dozen snail carcasses and dried up slugs surrounding my flower beds, as I did the following morning. I realise that it's a little grotesque, but I guess it was then that I realised... I'm a big gardening geek. I stop to take photos of flowers in other peoples garden, only to Google them later and find out what time of year is best for planting. I have a list of flowers I want to plant next month and tips to make my Sweet Peas thrive. I keep my eggs shells (and those of my housemates) to use as slug barriers and my internet history is full of 'Gardening Tips for Beginners' and UK Gardening.
Feels good to get that off my chest.
Xxo
I never thought I'd find peace or satisfaction in the sight of a dozen snail carcasses and dried up slugs surrounding my flower beds, as I did the following morning. I realise that it's a little grotesque, but I guess it was then that I realised... I'm a big gardening geek. I stop to take photos of flowers in other peoples garden, only to Google them later and find out what time of year is best for planting. I have a list of flowers I want to plant next month and tips to make my Sweet Peas thrive. I keep my eggs shells (and those of my housemates) to use as slug barriers and my internet history is full of 'Gardening Tips for Beginners' and UK Gardening.
Feels good to get that off my chest.
Xxo