"Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the Spring and ends in the Fall is missing the best part of the whole year. For gardening begins in January with the dream."
Josephine Nuese
January is filled with quieter days- of reflection and planning, and seed (and corm )starting. Yes indeed- growth has begun! Eucalyptus and lisianthus are sprouting, snapdragons, anemone and ranunculus are just now popping up in their crates. Soon the pansies will be sprouting!
Winter sowing has begun, allowing the weather to dictate the growth of those seeds. The warmer days of January I collected grapevine and red dogwood for wreathmaking. As someone who can't sit still for long there are plenty of winter jobs to accomplish. Also lots of u tube gardening videos to watch!
My official flower season will start slowly in late March or April, with the awakening of Spring weather and an abundance of fresh flowers.
My workshop has become a planting station. Filled with grow lights and heating pads, trays, crates and flats of seedlings for April, May and June blooms. It has been a cold January. When this extreme cold spell breaks the cool season crops will head to the greenhouse. Playing in the dirt and and watching the growth of my seedlings is what gets me through the cold weather months. Being surrounded by green seedlings helps with the countdown to Spring. Which is now less then 2 months away.
Experimentation is a big part of growing. Especially during the "off season". Last year one of my goals was to have ranunculus blooms for a late June wedding. Ranunculus are a cool season crop. They stop blooming when temperatures get to warm. I planted in crates so I could move them around for different temps and growing conditions. I also planted them in raised beds , both in full sun for early season blooms, and in shade for later season blooms. It worked- I had an abundance of blooms mid May thru June. This year my goal is earlier blooms. I would love ranunculus and anemone by late April into late June this year. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Without a big fancy greenhouse I will be working with the weather..... One of the amazing things about ranunculus is that as cut flowers they can last up to 3 weeks. Another amazing thing about ranunculus is how the corms multiply. Expect a Spring full of ranunculus as well as peonies, lilacs, lupine and many other Spring flowers!
Dried flowers are a great way to enjoy the garden harvest during the winter months. True everlastings will keep their color for many, many years . A lot of flowers do dry well- but it is the "everlastings" that keep their color for years. Keeping them out of direct bright sunshine and away from humidity also helps their color to last longer. Stay tuned for a few dried flower classes this winter as we get past the extreme weather. If you are interested in a private class for 6 or so people reach out directly. If you have a request for a class let me know what you would like to design. If you need a winter flower fix dried flowers can be an awesome way to enjoy local flowers. I have been adding fresh eucalyptus to my dried arrangements to add fragrance to the arrangements.
My indoor orchid plants are blooming nicely with January blooms after being babied this month. February's flower fix will include a limited amount of imported Spring blooms along with forced branches, and fresh eucalyptus from my potted plants. My cooler will have fresh flowers again in February- while supplies last. I will be scheduling appointments and doing a limited amount of deliveries. Questions- ask, or watch for more info in February.
I am grateful to all who have supported me through my flower journey, whether you are a flower stand customer, or I have done holiday, wedding or funeral flowers for you. Maybe you have attended a class or purchased a product- or maybe you have shared my info with others. I appreciate you all. Feel free to keep sharing and spreading my love of locally grown flowers. Brenda/ Westside Gardens
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