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2 days ago
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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About Me
- Erin
- Iowa, United States
- I'm part hobbit, part Jedi, and a lacto-ovo vegetarian.
I grew up in rural Illinois living a typical farm-kid life — exploring, raising animals and helping my mom around the house and in the garden. When I went to college for landscape architecture, a venture fueled by my love of art and the outdoors, I found I missed certain parts of the country lifestyle.
While in school I first lived in a dorm and then in a basement apartment with my husband. My studies included plants and designing gardens, but my gardening was limited to a few houseplants.
Our post-college, grown-up-a-bit-more apartment gave us a little room to stretch and enjoy the sunshine. My garden started from an innate desire to create, be independent, and take a step toward sustainability.
Today, my garden helps feed my husband and I, gives me a sense of personal accomplishment and provides me with the kind of “green” therapy that I used to take for granted. I hope my garden will inspire others who wish to garden, but don’t think they can because they don’t have a yard or traditional garden space. In some ways it’s easier, in others it’s harder, and it’s all worth it.
Year 1 - 2009
I love love succulents. Why? Because for someone as low-maintenance as me, succulents are the perfect plant (and a great beginner plant for those whose green thumbs aren't up to par).
ReplyDeleteI have a balcony that's a bit larger than yours, but not by much! I had a ton of flowers planted in hayracks on the railing that looked beautiful last year....because I watered 2x a day! Not for me. This year, it's 100% succulents and they're doing great! Morning light, afternoon shade, water every 7-10 days---perfect!
ReplyDelete@ greenmyguy – I love succulents too! Never had much luck with them until recently. Now I just stick them in the sunniest spot I have, soak them every week or 2 and otherwise ignore them! Wish my herbs were as low maintenance!
ReplyDelete@ Jenny – Maybe I'll have to consider doing some of my planters in succulents. I saw a GREAT example of it here xhttp://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/look/look-overflowing-flower-boxes-087663
I doubt my climate would allow that kind of awesomeness though. I'm not sure about if they'd survive the winters. I'll have to check that out.
I did have to water a lot this year, but I learned a lot about what plants can take a little drought and what can't. So I'll have to adjust for next year – mints get really thirsty!