Welcome to my little corner of the internet all about growing plants from seeds. Whether you’re in it for the fun of it or trying to pinch a few pennies, I’ve got you covered! I’ve been digging in the dirt as a midwest gardener for over 50 years now, dabbling with everything from annuals to perennials, shrubs and trees. Gardening isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s a full-blown passion that’s been with me from my teenage years. I’ll never forget the first time my mom handed me some gladiolus bulbs and pointed me toward an old tractor tire in our Iowa backyard. Now, being farmers, we had this trusty dog whose job was to keep those pesky varmints out of our garden.
But let me tell you, he had a knack for getting into trouble too – like chasing cars down the road. And wouldn’t you know it, just as my gladiolus started to sprout, here comes old Rover, leaping over them like hurdles in a race to catch a car and breaking stems as he went! I did my best to play defense and save my flowers, but that experience is still etched in my memory. Ah, the joys of gardening, right?
I currently am very interested in planting to support pollinators as they decline. Let’s protect not only food crops like zucchini and apples, but also the gorgeous flowers that provide beauty for our lives.
You know why we really need to lend a helping hand to those buzzing, fluttering pollinators? Just think about it: bees, butterflies, birds, and bats are out there every day, going from flower to flower, making sure plants can reproduce. And what does that mean for us? Well, it means we get to enjoy delicious fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and herbs all thanks to these little critters. But here’s the kicker – they’re facing some serious challenges like losing their habitats, dealing with pesticides, and even climate change. If we don’t step up to help them out, we’re not just risking our favorite foods, but also the whole balance of nature. So, let’s give these pollinators a hand. It’s not just about saving bees; it’s about saving our future too!
Let me tell you about our little patch of paradise right here in central Illinois! For the past half-century, I’ve been tending to everything from veggies to vibrant flowers, not to mention all those shrubs, trees, and houseplants. It’s been my little slice of zen, you know? Especially with the chaos of raising four kids and having a bunch of grandkids running around. But amidst all that hustle and bustle, working in the garden has been my go-to stress-buster. There’s something magical about watching things grow and bloom, it’s like therapy for the soul!
As you enjoy your gardening adventures, I really hope you’ll consider planting with our pollinator pals in mind. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it! Whether you’re growing a little window box of herbs or transforming your backyard into a floral paradise, every little bit helps. Not only will you be treating yourself to a riot of colors and fragrances, but you’ll also be providing essential nourishment for those busy bees, butterflies, and other critters flitting around. It’s like giving back to nature while indulging in your green-thumb passion – a win-win if you ask me! So, let’s dig in and make our gardens not just beautiful for us, but a buzzing haven for our pollinator pals too!
I hope you get something of value from this site whether information to grow your own plants from seed, helping the pollinators or just enjoy the plant photos.