Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Spots of Green

Does it ever feel as though your life moves in a cyclical process as opposed to a linear movement?

I have officially exceeded the amount of time between degrees...that sentence sounds unnecessarily complex. In other words, it's the longest amount of time I have spent not in school. Since I was 5 years old of course.

I thought I would never want to look at another syllabus again, and yet here I am dreaming of another field of study I might like to pursue:

Horticulture.

I want to grow plants.

Pretty ones.

Delicious ones.

Aromatic ones.

An irrational dream to have at December's doorstep. Or is it...

Here are some exciting ways that I've assembled to beat the winter blues and spread a little happy green.

1. The ever faithful, Houseplant. I currently have 8 plants that I am tendering, although they say you can never have too many.

2. Terrariums. My sister, mom and I have attempted these and failed. Although I believe there is hope for YOU. If you are uncertain what a terrarium, and would like to know, is click the link.

3. Forcing bulbs. I always like this idea, but have yet to bring it into being. I'm thinking of taking the easy way out and buying bulbs that don't need the chilling process, and can be planted immediately, such as the Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus.

4. Planning your spring garden. This usually just increases my impatience, but it can provide sparks of creativity. My new house has a backyard that has 3 raised beds, in which I feel much good can be accomplished.

5. Lastly (but not really because I'm sure there are lots of other great ideas out there), I suggest buying cut flowers for your table. I know they die really fast, but during a particularly dark shade of blue they can provide a bright spot of warmth and inspiration.

2 comments:

Matthew said...

I think you love plants and that's okay:) Maybe pursuing a study of them would be worthwhile? Or skip that and start your own greenhouse called, "Just Jennie's."

I actually just went to this amazing community growing project in Milwaukee that you would LOVE! Right in the middle of the city. It'd be right up your alley, a good mix of 'plant work' and 'people work,' you agricultural social worker, you.

http://www.growingpower.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs7BG4lH3m4&feature=BFa&list=PL28DC513041DC29CF&lf=rellist

Jennie said...

Haha, i think you're right matt! I watched the youtube video and loved it! I wish there was something like that in mb, but maybe i'll just have to start one. Thanks for passing that on.