faulker042

Seeds of larkspur, cornflowers, poppies, nigella and flax are sown in the fall for spring and summer blooms. As I walked around the garden, I saw the self-sowing annuals for next spring had already sprouted. It is time to think about sowing annuals for spring blooms. I like to wait until we've had a killing frost before sowing my seeds. There is a frost in the forecast for this weekend. The frost kills back weeds. I pull out the weeds, then apply a mix of organic compost and soil around perennials. The layer provides good insulation and nourishment for the perennials while serving as a good medium for seeds. My success rate with sowing both perennials and annuals from seeds  has been encouraging and it is less expensive than buying plants in the spring. Some perennials, such as flax, coneflowers and rudbeckia, will bloom next year, but the plants may be small during the first year. The nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) sprouts are everywhere! I collected seeds and let hundreds fall to the ...

I must THINK before I speak French. I have a grand plan to practice and learn more of the French language since France has become our annual vacation location. I have repeated this plan for the last few years, but haven't made sufficient progress. I really need to improve my command of the language. Seriously. It's time. With only five months until the next trip, I am setting goals to increase my vocabulary, improve my conjugation of verbs and my ability to converse. I'm also listening to many of the songs of the late Edith Piaf ( La Vie En Rose fame) to make this task more enjoyable. Languages are tedious to learn. I'm easily distracted. My education included four years of French. Taught by a US Southern lady. Drawl and all! Not so good. Humorous, in fact. Slow and drawn-out syllables. My pronunciation is an embarrassment when I speak, but I have found that making the effort is truly rewarding. The French appear to forgive me (and probably laugh when I leave) as long ...