the garden is planted

Music: Susanna and the Magical Orchestra: Melody Mountain (2006)

Since I moved to Austin I have been trying my hand at gardening, and I have really enjoyed it. Since I don't actually own a yard (this belongs to, and is maintained by, the HOA), all I have to work with is a patio. This means I have to garden in pots, which many plants are unhappy with. Years of experimenting---and lots of dead plants---has got me to the point where I think I have figured out what works and what will not work. There is only one "sunny" corner, and that is where the foodstuff and a large rosebush will grow. This year I have planted a jalapeno pepper plant, a Tabasco pepper plant, and a zucchini plant (oh, and a tomato plant, but that's on the sill).

If you want to know what I spent this year's honoraria on, now you know.

This year I also added a hydrangea and a big fat pot (in this shot, on the far right). My grandmother had hydrangeas, a blue one and a pink one. I've heard many people say they do not like hydrangeas. I don't understand why, really. When I see one I think of my grandmother, who is in a nursing home now and who recently went into hospice.

My lime tree died (not enough sun), so in its place this year is some sort of African lily that tolerates low-light. I've also planted a Camilla plant, which reminds me of breakfast with Shappy here. I often choose my plants because they remind me of some happy thing or person or place I like. (The right fern is Johanna, the left fern, Jaime; the purple velvety plant in the sill is Adria)

I ordered parts to repair all three fountains (motors and tubing). I scrubbed them and added some environmentally friendly microbial stuff that will keep them clean. It's nice to hear the tinkling water when I come home and sit outside to eat.

I have uploaded a current gallery of the just-planted garden. I have mostly a shady patio, so low light and shade-loving plants grow best. Any suggestions? (Note: Jesús is a camera ho; he cannot help but to try and be in every frame!)

Finally, I've come to the conclusion that gardening is a form of mourning for me. I cannot elaborate more on that just yet, but I'm thinking and feeling my way through it. Maybe I'll write something up when I get it all figured out.