Thoughts on plants, flowers and how we live with them.
The elderflowers are blooming all around Austin! These plants are incredibly useful. They are easy to take care of and will grow fast. The blooms are very fragrant and will fruit into tiny berries. Certain elderberry fruit are medicinal and have lots of benefits like immune boosting and sinus relief. I also just learned the berries can be used as a natural dye! I've been into natural dying lately, so I will be experimenting this summer.
Ever since I moved into this house almost two years ago, I've always wanted to throw down wildflower seeds on our side yard. Last Autumn, I finally got around to it and they are all blooming like crazy! I hope they bring joy and happiness to everyone who walks by.
All of my flowers are seasonal to Texas. Oh how I wish I could grow beautiful lilacs, but those would never grow and thrive here. So what you see in my arrangements are what grows best for that time of year. Sadly, my anemones are pretty much done for the season, but the great thing about Texas summers is that it gets hot enough for SUNFLOWERS and MARIGOLDS and ZINNIAS to thrive all summer long.
I love getting creative with my space, especially if its limited. I throw down seeds where ever I see room, and having a bed that is deep enough for lots of roots to grow down helps them grow happily. I do love seeing beautifully structured rows of the same flower in other flower farms, but I think i'm a little non traditional in that way. I enjoy seeing the variety of colors and leaf structures growing together. A lot of the time, a volunteer plant will pop up from last year or from seed dispersal and if its growing well then I'll leave it and watch it grow. I'll thin them out once I see which ones are growing strong, but I'll leave the variety.
One critical task for houseplant care that is often overlooked is soil aeration. Aeration is creating space in the soil where air can reach the roots. All potted indoor plants need their soil aerated regularly. It's like a breath of fresh air for them and they will thank you for it.
Most importantly, be attentive and responsive to your living plant. Most plants will tell you what they need if you just observe and listen to them.
