DOA’s January 2023 In Review

 

Counting this one, I had 28 posts in January.  This is a huge leap from previous months. I was, of course locked out by Google. As it is, every time I log in there’s a note is my email IS THIS YOU. Yes, you automated dolt, it is.

I’ve done super short, silly yet sometimes informative posts all month. If you look way back at my 2008 posts, when this blog was new, the same tone was there. It makes me happy.

I have been trying to get a post a day, but don’t plan to keep up the pace. That I’d save for my Merlyn blog where I won’t get booted any time soon.

I’ve been enjoying my gardening posts, so more to come.

Peace, babies, Librariandoa

Plastic Storage Bins As Portable Mini-Green Houses

 Early spring with its rapidly fluctuating temperatures can be a challenge as you’re trying to get your seedlings a bit of sun. Here’s an idea for using plastic storage bins as mini-greenhouses that you can cover or uncover as needed, and you can put them back inside easily while the nights are still cool.

Summers Past: The Garden in Summer 2021

 As a reminder we weren't always buried under several feet of snow, here's some of 2021's DOA garden.

Muffin Tin Seed and Plant Spacers

 Here’s another of those fine garden ideas I see and forget when planting time arrives. Using a muffin tin to create evenly spaced planting spots for seeds or small plants creates a simple garden template.  I think I have an ever-unused tiny muffin pan that would be even better for some things.

Winter Milk Jug Gardening

 I’ve been fascinated by the idea of planting seeds out in a gallon milk jug ever since I saw the idea. 

Some years I manage to put aside a few of the jugs.  I never quite have the right seeds, though, as I’ve gone to mostly seeds which can be direct sown.

One of these days.

Here is an easy to follow graphic for starting these early seeds, in case you have the correct seeds at hand.

Spring Update For The Librariandoa Blog

 

I've moved things around on the sidebar to feature Gardening as we head towards spring.  There is also a helpful link to my Adventures of Merlyn Perilous blog which covers books, movies, TV and a variety of other fascinating things.  Go ahead and get in the habit and popping back and forth between the two so you don't miss anything!

I have a new Garden Resources list which includes my favorite seed companies and nurseries as well as the Plant Societies which I personally have an interest in.

Enjoy!

I Think I Have The Soot Under Control

 I actually do try to have a weekly and monthly set of cleaning goals, but you wouldn’t know it.

Gallows Humor, With Flowers

 I came across this in my iPad photos. Why not use it on a DOA blog?

At Least It’s Not The Dark Ages

 I used to have a cool T-shirt that said Welcome To The Middle Ages. It had a nice castle on it and everything. In truth I hadn’t yet reached middle age, so it wasn’t so appealing to wear. Could use it now. Here are a few wise words for getting along when things go medieval.

5 Perennial Mail Order Nurseries to Try

 I've been adding in a few new perennials each year for the last couple of years, after a very long time of only doing seeds and annual plants.

Looking recently for some of my old favorite Mail Order Nurseries, I find many of them aren't in business anymore.  There are still a few out there that have always had great selections and nice plants by mail.  

I believe all of these will give you a good experience.

Forestfarm

https://www.forestfarm.com

 

Goodwin Creek Gardens

http://www.goodwincreekgardens.com/

 

Gilbert H Wild and Son

https://gilberthwild.com/

 

 

High Country Gardens

https://www.highcountrygardens.com/

 

Fieldstone Gardens

https://www.fieldstonegardens.com/

 

Librarian Tales

 

I may have used these before.  The reference question that would not end prize goes to the guy who saw auras. And researched them for years.  About 20 years in, he switched subjects! Thank heavens I can't recall what the new one was!

Caturday: No Matter The Weather

 

Jung Seed Order 2023

 I asked for these as a Valentines gift this year. My husband has been placing a seed or plant order for me Valentines for a long time. 

This time I’m trying an Incrediball Blush hydrangea for out front. I’ll have to protect the new shrub from rapacious rabbits. There are also a few daylilies and other perennials which have survived the onslaught somehow. Those will be moved to new spots.

Then just a few seeds.

The dream lives on of my making my own pickles.  I asked for new pint jars for Christmas. I will just pick these Alibi Hybrid Pickling Cucumbers at the right time and pop them into jars.

Little Gem Lettuce have perfect heads. Just right for a fresh salad.

For the teeny lettuce you need teeny tomatoes. Tomato Sweet Million can be eaten by the handful.

https://www.jungseed.com/

Eggs-Actly!

 Wits are having a fine time with the egg shortage. Batman’s Egghead would approve.

Mom's Sketches and Paintings

 I've been looking through old sketchbooks to scan all of mom's artwork that I have here.  I think today I got most.

Quite a variety.

My First Seed Order of 2023: Territorial Seeds

Here’s my first order of the season.  A peony that looks prettier than it’s name, snap peas, beans, nasturtium and cosmos.

I have little luck with peonies, but I can’t resist them.  Snap peas are lovely to eat right in the garden. 

Nasturtium, Cleome, and cosmos direct seed very nicely.