Planting Zinnias From Seed

 Last year I tried something new when I planted my zinnias from seed indoors.  As you can see, my little newspaper pots worked better than the little peat pots that I usually buy.  I think it is because they hold more potting soil and they decomposed faster after I planted them. First I planted my seed in a pie tin with potting soil.  After they sprouted, I carefully transfer them to the homemade newspaper pots using a toothpick.

To make the pots, I cut newspapers into 4 strips.  Roll a strip of newspaper around a can.  I used a Pam can.  Pull it partially off of the can and fold down the bottom, sealing with tape.

Wintering Geraniums

I like to keep my geraniums over the winter but do not like the mess of keeping pots of geraniums in the house all winter long.  A couple of years ago I started using this easy method.  In the fall, right before the first frost, I gently pull my geraniums from their pots.  I shake off the dirt from their roots, cut off about the top 1/3 of the plant  and put them in open brown grocery bags.  I always plant my geraniums three to a pot, so just keep the three together in one bag.  Don't forget to label the color on the bag.  I put the open bags under my dark basement stairs and forget about them until about March 1st.  I do not water or even check on them for those five winter months.  Around March 1st I take them out of the bags and cut almost all of the tops off.  As you can see, they do not look like much.  I briefly soak them in room temperature water.  I plant them in a good size pot of new potting soil, three plants to a pot.  I have found that if you over water you will get mold problems, so I water sparingly.  We are now into April and you can see how fast they have grown!  

Bryn Mawr Garden Tour

New House, new landscaping!

It's been two weeks and we are pretty much unpacked.

58 bags of mulch later!

When we sit on the deck, it's like sitting in the woods.

I

This huge spruce tree has a weeping form.



A fun place for the grandkids to hang out.

Our new yard is half the size of the last house, so less mowing.  

I'd like this rock farther out in the yard, but I don't think it's going anywhere soon.

Room for more hostas.

Wild Ginger



Lots of room for more hostas.

I'd like this rock farther out in the yard, but it's not going anywhere soon.

We've started on the inside.  Why do they glue towel bars to the wall?

Lots of dated flooring from 1984.  Next week we are pulling up all the tile and carpet for hardwoods on the main floor.  It's going to be a big project!

Hotels

Love a good hotel!  These are two of my favorites on our trip along the gulf.

Orange Beach Hotel

This local paper must tell you about the winter clientele!

Chateau Hotel

French Quarter

Did you bring your horse?

Loved the courtyard, it was like four different buildings combined to make one hotel.

Pool was nice to look at, too cold to swim!

The room was old, but clean. 

And breakfast delivered each morning.

It doesn't get better!