The past month brought the usual “ups and downs” that come with early spring here in North Alabama. We had some freezing temperatures, but more significantly for my garden, we have had some VERY strong winds. As shown in the picture above, I covered the beds of new seedlings with row cover multiple times, not as much to protect them from the cold, but because the row cover offers wind protection to the vulnerable little seedlings. So far, they have made it through more than one severe thunderstorm!
Why buy local when it comes to cut flowers? Did you know that of all cut flowers purchased in the US, 80% are imported from other countries? Only 20% of all cut flowers sold in our country were grown in our country! Local flowers are a different product than imported flowers, and here's why:
1. They are fresher because they're harvested at peak quality. Most imported flowers are 2 weeks old by the time they reach your counter.
2. They remind us of the beauty of seasonality. You can't just go buy Zinnias in February…
3. Many unique varieties do not ship well, and are only available if grown locally.
4. One word: fragrance.
5. Grown with less chemicals, and more sustainable practices.
March marks the beginning of the transition to tender, warm-season annuals and I am THRILLED. All the cool flowers I grow have been started and planted by now, so bring on the start of summer flowers! Using the soil blocking method, growing a healthy transplant usually takes anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks, which includes a week or two of hardening off outside prior to planting. I am happy to say that I now have the first marigolds, celosia (cockscomb), tomatoes and basil seeds of the season growing under lights. And it is warming my soul.
This month I also bumped my eucalyptus into larger soil blocks, as pictured above. Click below to see more if you missed my IG post.
Click here to see what those daffodil bunches look like.
Above → Everett last year, bringing me wild daffodils.
Below → Everett this year helping me harvest daffodils after church.
Currently on my couch → Me. Crying at how big and sweet my little buddy is.
I am always amazed that no matter how many times I read the words of the Bible, I learn something new about our Creator. Today I want to share one of my favorite descriptions of God. Genesis opens with God creating everything from nothing, including man. Then, in 2:8 it says “Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man He had formed.” How many times have I missed that our God is, quite literally, a gardener? And not only did He plant a garden, but He cared what it looked like! Vs 9 says “the Lord God made all kinds of trees…trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” He is not a God of utility only, but also of beauty. So if you ever look at a flower in wonder, amazed it could be so beautiful, remember Who that beauty reflects. God created that beauty with intention. He created it for you.
cared what they looked like! The beauty of flowers wasn’t an accident! This teaches us about who God is, what He values, and what He sees as beauty.
My hope is that this month has brought you glimpses of spring, of warmth, and of new life. They are God's little reminders to us that there is life after death. Now get out there and be a part of that new life! Plant a garden! Toss out some flower seeds! Buy a houseplant and don't worry if you kill it - we've all done it. Gift a bouquet of local flowers to someone who needs a lift. Get your hands in the dirt and your face in the breeze and enjoy this sweet, short season to come – spring.
As always, I would love to hear from you, please reach out anytime. I am so grateful for your support and thankful we can enjoy a life made more beautiful by flowers.
Garth Road
