Wandering through tianguis (the weekly Guaymas swap meet) on Wednesday I found a streetcorner salesman with lilies and poppies. Plants had been on my mind, and I couldn't take my eyes off the orange lilies in their little red-painted pots, already blooming in clusters of three and four glorious blossoms. Tiger lilies? They did have a few little freckles on their petals. I scooped up just one, to see if I could find a spot in my little yard for it. I'm a timid gardener, with very little history of success in keeping plants alive. And besides, my yard is surrounded with pink oleander, would orange lilies look really gauche there?
Flowers always make me feel rich. I used to buy cut flowers, and when the Capt was traveling and I was home alone, he would sometimes send me flower arrangements, always a thrill. But blooming plants are better by far, because they offer not only their initial beauty but the challenge of helping them thrive and propagate. It's like adopting a new pet.
For over a decade I've either been on the boat for months or lived in an apartment with no patch of dirt, so plants didn't have much of a chance in my life. But here I am, ready to try again, Googling for gardening guidance. Hope springs eternal.
8 comments:
those are absolutely beautiful! i would recommend a gardenia bush next time you go to tianguis. i got one my first year in chacala and passed it on when i left. the following year it was still doing great. they are very hardy and the scent of their flowers is wonderful! don't give up-keep on trying new and different plants and as you said, just google for info on how to take care of them. you will do fine!
my dad was a gardener by profession most of his life and i seem to have acquired his green thumb. at last count i had 31 plants but that was well over a month ago and i've bought many more since then. i like to put little ones in baskets or pots. two plants i've always had trouble with are ferns and palms. both seem to be doing fine and hopefully will stay well. steve calls the area by our kichen window the plant hospital.
have a great day! i'll e-mail on monday.
teresa
Lilies like these are really easy to grow. We had one that came back every year at our house in Wayne, Oklahoma. Amaryllis are easy and come back like clock worked. I think the orange and pink would look great together.
Maybe we can start our container gardens together! I've always dreamed of starting and caring for my own garden. I tried it last year, but the dog destroyed it. So this year I'm going to try again but in flower pots!
Best of luck to you! :D
I send you green-thumb vibes.
Teresa - Not sure gardenias would survive here in the desert. I have a friend who bought one, though, and it'll be interesting to see how it survives. I would love to plant something fragrant. How do you maintain plants when you travel so much? Family support?
Jomamma - Very encouraging! I'll pick up a few more and see what happens.
LL - Containers are definitely the way to go for me, since I don't have much dirt, just a little patch in front and it's planted in grass. I was advised if you buy those big unglazed clay pots you should ask the vendor to paint them inside, as they're just too porous otherwise.
Felipe - Thanks, I can use all the help I can get.
what fun! I hope all your gardening dreams come true!!!LL
Nice site, my first time here. Guaymas is a very beautiful place to visit in Mexico. I think I understand your situation. I've lived in an apartment for 3 years now & I dream of having a home with a backyard that has grass and flowers. Will I be able to maintain them.. I don't know but I would at the very least would want the opportunity to care for them...
I have a new spot to garden in Melaque -- if only temporarily. I need to post something about the garden at the new house. You are my inspiration.
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