And then, I had my eureka moment: I need to think of it not as a resolution... but as an experiment!
Experiments, now there are things that I can get into. A quick search of my blog shows that I have pages worth of posts that contain the word "experiment." They cover things like growing currants as topiaries in a semi-shaded spot that needed some structural plants... which had the added benefit of resulting in a delicious tart, made from these:
I'm just such a fan of melding form AND function... and of eating from my own backyard... that this makes sense on all kinds of levels. So my EXPERIMENT for this gardening year will be as follows:
In 2010, I will limit my plant, seed and corm/root purchases to things that are actually edible. Because I am all-too-aware of my weakness for pretty plants (and already had a couple of plans concocted) I will allow myself 3 exceptions to the above rule... and will strive for everything else to be both pretty AND tasty. I will also consume, share and/or put up as much of my garden's produce as humanly possible this year.
I hope that you all will follow along with this gardening adventure of mine. I'm sure that there are going to be some bumps in the road, a few inventive recipes, LOADS of temptations, and lots of dirty fingernails along the way. Stay tuned!
Beautiful AND functional: Peach tree blossoms from the 2009 garden.
13 comments:
That's quite a practical goal you've set for yourself, Kim. It'll be fun following along to see how your experiment pans out. Don't be too hard on yourself if you give into a few of those pretty plant temptations. A gardener's gotta have her fix, you know!
Yay! I love it. For me, gardening is all about the experimentation. No matter how much you plan, it's all just educated guess, anyway. Experimenting is most of the fun. And I love that you're going edible this year :)
I love edibles, and there is much beauty in them also, especially when loaded with blossoms or fruit!
I already have the dirty fingernails to go along with you. I also have some lettuce popping up already. A first for me.
This will be interesting and a great experiment! I know you will have a lot of interesting combos and innovative ideas.Looking forward to the journey!
Wow, you could go absolutely nuts with herbs that way! I can't wait to see how this one turns out.
Thank you for sharing this great gardening information
Grtz Albert
Kerri, I think I need to add a little more "practicality" into my life! And yeah, I built in three "give into temptation" clauses because I figured I couldn't go cold turkey... lol. (Right now, I'm figuring that those three spaces will be taken up by a canna with dramatic leaves, tall red snapdragons, and 'Black & Blue' salvia.)
Heavy Petal, me too! I personally love the fact that when I "fail," I can still consider it a win--because, hey, experimental data was gathered, right?! ;)
Garden Lily, very true. And the leaves--I haven't planted 'Ruby' Swiss Chard for a few years, but I was completely fascinated by the light streaming through its gorgeous leaves the last time I grew it.
Greenbow Lisa, YAY for dirty fingernails!!! I need to go along with you, now, and get my lettuce into the ground. I always seem to forget those cold-weather lovers until it's too late.
Leslie, thank you so much for the words of encouragement... I think I may need more of those along the way. :)
Heather, I KNOW! As a fellow lover of herb foliage, I know you get how geeked I am at THAT thought! (And I plan to steal a few container combo ideas from your garden last year. Fair warning! lol.)
Albert, thank you for stopping by and saying hello. :)
Kim, Are you saying you have yet to order corms, seeds tubers etc...How have to fought off the catalog pressure!
This is an absolutely splendid plan...I totally get not wanting to set yourself up with 'resolutions'~~they aren't flexible enough for me either.
Gail
I will be following your exploits....uhummm...experiments with interest. Thinking of currents for the garden also.
Oh you temptress, Kim! I think this project sounds delightful. Good luck and count me in to try some of your recipes! (Are you growing garlic :)
I like experimenting in the garden too. That way, if it ends up a mess, you can declare the experiment a success even if it didn't work out the way you'd have liked. Good luck. I have virtually no restraint.
I'm quite fond of experiments too - excellent.
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