A Story - "Prepared" and Perennials for Alkaline Soil - Phlox, Yarrow, Centaurea, Asters , Dianthus, Lilac

 A Story

Prepared

It all started with the Covid pandemic. Dan didn't just go down a rabbit hole.  He went down a mineshaft. The world became a scary, unpredictable place to him. The Youtubers that attracted him fueled his anxiety. Soon he was stocking up on food to feed them for five years.  He took most of his money out of the bank, just leaving enough to pay the regular bills.  After much nail-biting research, he decided to buy silver rather than gold. He built a secret storage space in the basement with a bookcase in front to disguise it and stored the silver in it.  His fear of dangerous substances in food made eating precarious and he began to lose significant weight.

His wife, Gloria, who didn't share his world view, felt him drifting away into his delusional world. He got angry when she questioned his decisions and finally she gave up trying to reason with him. He was sure something awful was about to happen.

Turns out Dan was right. One day when he was out buying more supplies, Gloria raided his silver cache and disappeared, ready to start a new life.

I am thinking about my new garden.  My old garden had clay soil on the acidic side which was good for lots of plants.  However, I didn't have many full sun locations.  In my new home, I will have lots of sun but the soil is on a limestone base so it will be alkali. I had originally wanted some roses but they like rich acidic soil which is not  what I have here.  However, phlox should grow here so I will get a couple of them in the spring.

Yarrow will be perfectly happy in the poorer soil. It will be less likely to flop over because the garden will be in full sun and the soil is light so it will be on the dry side.

I ordered a couple of asters - one purple, one magenta.  They are very tough and are great pollinators late in the season.

Centaurea prefers alkaline soil and full sun so I'm hoping for a good show with that. Easy to grow and a hardy perennial.

Also on my list is dianthus. I ordered a short bushy type and I plan on starting some carnations. I gave up trying to grow dianthus at my old garden but perhaps they will do well here. I really like the cinnamon scent of carnations.

Lilacs do well almost anywhere that's sunny and where the soil isn't too rich. They prefer alkaline soil over acidic, but they can grow in either.  I already have a couple of nice bushes  on this property and judging by the dried seed pods, the bushes  bloomed well last year.  

It will be an adventure to begin a new garden. 

A Story -"The Surgery" and Snowdrops

A Story

The Surgery

Peter had been feeling more tired than usual and occasionally had some chest pain, but both he and Brenda were surprised when tests showed that he had serious plaque build-up in his heart.  They had been eating lots of vegetables and lean meat, and walked every day.  The cardiologist said that often the cholesterol problem had a genetic base. However, the doctor explained that the necessary bypass surgery was pretty routine these days and that after the recovery time of a few months, Peter would feel better than he had for a couple of years.

"At least we caught it before you had a heart attack," Brenda said trying to find a silver lining.

"We'll have to cancel our trip to Portugal," Peter replied.

Brenda suppressed a sigh. They had been saving up for a few years to go to Portugal and now the trip would have to be postponed. Realistically, they would have to wait a year to make sure Peter was fully recovered. She didn't relish the restricted life of the next several months.  It wouldn't just be missing out on the holiday.  She knew that life would be quiet and boring while he recuperated.  

The surgery was scheduled quickly and their days were filled with appointments. Peter was nervous, agitated, and irritable. Brenda wished he would be more positive so this pre-op time wouldn't be so stressful.  There would be plenty of real pain after the operation. Let him fuss and complain then.

The day of the surgery the surgeon spoke briefly with them, reassuring them with the confidence that came from thousands of successful procedures.  Peter relaxed, and even joked with Brenda. She gave him a big smile and kissed him firmly. 

"See you soon, sweetheart."

But lightning strikes without warning. Peter died on the operating table.

 Snowdrops are fairy flowers that come up extra early, even before all the snow has melted.  They tide us over until the bright purples, yellows and pinks of the other spring bloomers come along.

Snowdrops are planted in the fall.  They can tolerate shade as long as they get sun in the spring. They bloom reliably for years and will slowly naturalize making a nice big patch.  However, they are not invasive.  Some bulb fertilizer sprinkled around them after blooming and again in the fall will ensure the plants are healthy and robust.