posted March 26, 2003 12:33 PM         

I just came inside from hanging laundry to dry. The sun is shining, a mild breeze blowing, the temperature in the mid 60's. Birds everywhere are singing, and being a "backyard birder" for several years now I've come to recognize the song of many species. I was reminded of Linda's reference to birdsong during Spring in the Forgotten Melodies chapter (page 339), explaining how the singing actually promotes the growth of new leaves on the trees; and have to marvel. What a miracle Mother Nature is!

Maybe it's because I was born in the latter part of the season, but I just love Spring. After such a brutal Winter here in Northeastern USA Spring is more welcome than ever. The fair weather fills my heart with HOPE for new life, new beginnings. I've had lots of heartache along the way, and I've learned to get through the losses by focusing on and appreciating what I do have. So, I want to give thanks for this beautiful Spring day. With all the trouble in the world, a day like this allows me to have hope for a better tomorrow.

I'm sorry if I sound sappy (blame it on my Pisces Ascendant, lol)...but I just wanted to try and spread some light and love around. Thanks for listening.

posted March 27, 2003 08:43 AM         

I too, have been growing some herbs in pots over the winter; basil, sage, lavender and catnip (for my kitty) and plan on taking them outdoors shortly. I was also thinking about starting a small garden of mostly flowers, but my soil is clay and rocks! Years ago when I knew nothing about soil, I ambitiously planted a veggie garden and only got a few dwarf plants. Discouraged, I kept my "gardening" to indoor plants until the other year when I tried again, this time using top soil, seedlings of petunias and Miracle Grow. Again, they didn't last long at all.

Now, I have a bunch of flower packets that I'd like to try. I was thinking...should I start them in pots indoors? And when I put them outside...should I add potting soil to topsoil and Miracle Grow? Also, I read that coffee grounds and eggshells are good. I've already experimented with my indoor plants (including the herbs) by adding the grounds to the soil and the results have been great...lots of new shoots popping up, especially in the sage and catnip plants. I did some reading about composting and don't feel ready to do all that yet, but I wondered if anyone has had any similar challenges with clay soil and how they overcame them. Any ideas?

posted March 27, 2003 10:12 AM         

I raise llamas,horses & chickens so I always have the richest supply.

I`m in northern MI & snow still on the ground but my daffodils,crocus, March tulips and helleborus are bravely poking out.

Due to the weather fluxuations, I`ve started all seed indoors & put them out in May. I don`t think potting medium will help much w/the clay tho. Miracle Gro is a plus. Try to not use too many coffee grounds as they are acidic. Egg shells finely ground is a wonderful additive.

Let me know how your garden grows

posted March 27, 2003 10:35 AM         

I'll try your suggestions and let you know how I make out. I will start the seeds indoors and in the meantime work on the clay soil, so it'll be a while...but at least now I have an idea where to start.