I have started some more seeds in my 2 hex trays on Saturday. Mostly flowers and a few herbs, fennel and dill. I started some alyssum and alpine strawberries to try to use as a ground cover for my bulb garden. Although I spent time pulling grass and weeds in the fall, they are still trying to take over the area. The clover is still out of control. Since I cannot go to the farm as often as I would like, I have made peace with the fact that my garden will be a bit wild this year. I probably will try to spend some time on maintenance next time I go, but it is hard not to want to spend all my time there planting. Perhaps next time I can harvest some lettuce and radishes already. I have acquired many seeds and have a strong desire to plant all of them as soon as possible. Although I wasn’t able to go to the farm this week due to my work schedule, my boyfriend did go and check on it. He said that my veggies are looking good so far and seem to be growing. He told me that the lantana seems less than happy in its new home and I hope it makes it. The comfrey looks great and so does my cat. I learned that the Bradford pear trees we have at the farm can be grafted with edible pears. My boyfriend wants to give the grafting a try sometime soon. My sister sent me some lovely pictures this week of a skink in her neighborhood. She also sent a photo of a peace rose from my brother’s yard. I think the peace rose is really pretty and might try to get a cutting when I visit him. I have had some old and new visitors on my apartment balcony this week. I found an eastern tent caterpillar in one of my planters this week. I think it looks cool but I found out that it is a kind of bagworm. I don’t want to hurt it but the little guy can really eat some leaves. It’s been munching on some maple leaves from an overhead tree. My favorite squirrel has been visiting a lot this week. He has been coming around since I moved in about 5 years ago and started giving him food. He is recognizable because he has a hurt eye and split in his ear. He is the only squirrel that comes close to me when I am outside. I will miss him once I move but I do have neighbors who also put out food. The squirrels eat sunflower seeds and peanuts, but they don’t like the millet. We have many squirrels and different birds in my area because there are many large trees around. The trees and animals are my favorite thing about this apartment complex. I am very fortunate to have a balcony with a nice view. I have been working on some drawings to send to my family this week. My sister’s birthday and mother’s day are coming up so I want to mail them some pictures before then. We had quite a bit of rain last weekend and I hope we get more. April showers bring May flowers. 🌹
Lisa Ledbetter 