What are those gorgeous acid green leaves: If it ain't one thing, it's another... Lady B

» Sonni - If it ain't one thing, it's another... Lady B

Unbelievable story! You're lucky to be typing that note -- things like that are so dangerous and we usually think we are so tough and strong that we forget about how easily bad accidents can happen.

I'm sure we are ALL very glad that nothing terrible happened and that you were able to safely end the story.

(and right after you invited me up to do a visit and an article! Listen, you can change your mind- you don't have to blow up your property if you aren't ready for visitors! )

Well you all flatter me greatly by saying "be the balcony garden editor". I personally think that although my love and appreciation is true and deep, I have a lot to learn! I did grow up in a house with a father who was a workhorse -- and his Yews and Junipers and Japanese Maple and White Birch were his babies. His oaks are now about 60 feet tall. But my experience was always peripheral.(I was busy being a singer/songwriter,artist... you name it)... As a kid I loved planting hens and chicks -- little rock gardens -- marigolds and paper lanterns. Cockscombs one year and those other red feathery flowers were my real exotic accomplishment. I grew Indian corn and morning glories... and would pretend the water running down the gutter was a forest stream... but I never knew what my dad knows about fertilizers, acid loving plants, etc. etc. Although he was a real simple gardener (he didn't know all the details), he cared a lot about his green family. ESPECIALLY HIS GRASS! (Grass in Brooklyn New York was a real serious issue).

My love for plants was very naive and limited.I always loved indoor and outdoor plants... and I love hugging trees. I always collected interesting seeds, but haven't had much luck in growing them. (I will try kitty litter for cuttings, by the way. I do have a cat!)

Then, about 1 1/2 years ago, while walking through my horticulturally obsessed cousin Gary's garden in Florida, (HE LOVES FLOWERS!!!), something clicked inside of me. I watched as he described how he plants coconuts and when he handed me star fruits from his front yard. I stepped into his and his wife's little private courtyard where he grows his orchids and air plants.... and that little horticultural switch that was kind of half dormant inside my soul was turned on. I quickly jumped onto the net to learn as much as I could and started my GARDEN.

I am still learning the basics. I would like to see what happens this winter when the REAL WEATHER begins. I want to see if I can keep evergreens alive for Spring -- and if those perenials REALLY come back. I am also dealing with shade -- and don't know sun very personally at this point. (Some terraces are FRYING in sun.

When I pull through the winter and get a real start on Spring this year (last year was my first serious year -- I've only planated annuals and assorted other things until then) I might be able to take on that kind of challenge. (Trust me, I've already given the editor thing some thought.. but I figured I am just not educated enough yet for the garden section. And what about the time?)

I think you guys just want company working your heads off!

I would love to get my cousin involved from Florida -- I'm going to see them on Thanksgiving and will get him to join. He is a Pediatrician with a huge practice and lots of partners -- but he is an amazing gardener and lover of nature.

Well, I can't believe I went on rambling like that. Barbara M thanks for your welcome back too --

Is there anyone else lurking out there besides Marge, Carole, Barbara,Lady B? Come out come out wherever you are.... you couldn't know less than I do! You must have something to share!Most of what I learned this year came from posting questions and sharing what little I know!

Participation is the key to community!

Regards and thanks as always, Sonni

-- posted by Sonni