Seed Catalogs

We recently had snow in Leesville. Some snow as in a little snow. The correct term would be a dusting of snow. The "most snow we have had in three years and we will call it snowing" snow. And in true South Carolina fashion it was gone by noon. It was still cold in the afternoon so after snapping a few pictures I was back inside where it was warm. With my cup of hot tea, toasted raisin bread and newly delivered seed catalogs I settled down in my favorite chair (with Bella Rose sleeping on the floor). Using my imagination, I thought this is how a real northerner does it. You know, the ones who look wistfully through seed catalogs with real snow outside four feet deep, and dream of springtime. The ones who write about it in newspaper articles and books.

So sipping my hot Irish tea I made my first list of what I want to plant this spring. I usually end up making about three lists total - winnowing down my wish list to seeds I could actually have a chance germinating and plants that would actually survive summer in South Carolina. Usually by the second time through all the larkspur, poppies, and columbines have been scratched out.

Color was the theme for this year. After my first go round I realized I chose white and pink flowering plants - except for the Heavenly Blue morning glories which are a standard for me. Tall flowering tobacco, datura, and 'Alba' black-eyed susan vine, pink balcony petunias and wild bergamot. I am also leaning toward castor bean plants (Zanzibarensis) for my containers. Something I have always known about myself is that I am a visual person. I would prefer to see something explained instead of verbal or written instructions. That is why seed catalogs work so well. Because I am not the only one out there who likes to look at pretty pictures and say "I can grow that." Give me a picture book any day.

Actually, now is the time to order and start seeds. I have a small greenhouse which I heat with a heat lamp and a propane heater (when temps drops below freezing). Last year I had minimal success with germinating seeds without any heat at all in the greenhouse so I am fully expecting better germination this year with heat! My most intense work season is the spring and in Leesville that is sometimes a very small window of time. Summer can come with full heat and humidity by mid-May or it may sensibly wait until June. Either way when it does get here about the only thing I do outside is water in the morning and sit very still in the evening.

Since we have had our "snow" for the year I am ready for warmer temperatures! I am looking forward to watching my little seedling grow, visit nurseries to buy more plants, and complain about my water bill.