iechris

I purchased a house with my mother in September 2006. My mother was never a gardener, though her mother was, and my dad got bored quickly. I grew up in a house with no yard, even though we had what should have been a yard. We actually parked the cars where a front yard would normally be. My father had camellias when I was little, but got bored with them and that was that.

When we bought the house, I decided I really wanted to try gardening. I had several friends and a co-worker who were more experienced and between them, all the books I could check out of the library (where I work) and the internet I was able to educate myself some. So far I have done pretty well and I’ve found that I really enjoy gardening. I am very fond of propogating my plants and being able to share with my friends and co-workers. Coleus is pretty easy to root in water, but pot up a cutting and give it to someone and they they you are the greatest gardener ever! I’ve also been given some wonderful plants by friends and co-workers. Almost my entire foundation planting (hollies and lirope) was given to me by one of my good friends who has gardened for many years.

I like taking photos of my yard and writing it up, helps me see what I’ve done and how far I’ve come. I’m obviously also working through some childhood issues related to not having a yard growing up, but I think the gardening is cheaper than therapy! If only I could get my health insurance to pay 85% on a few hydrangeas…