Hi there, it’s Hillarie! The Wild is a pop of inspiration to get you back into nature. It’s a quick read to help you slow down, be present, and enjoy life. Join me on my latest adventures in gardening, birdwatching, and outdoor discovery.
Hi friends, happy Monday! Here on Whidbey Island, the days are feeling longer and I can go out without a jacket some days. What are the days feeling like where you are?
The daffodils are starting to fade out of the yard and the tulips are getting ready for their show! I have been a real helicopter gardener over those tulips, kneeling down next to them to give them a real stare down. Are you doing what you should be doing? Why has it been one day and you still haven't bloomed? What could you possibly be doing in there?
No answers, but that is nature for you. Blunt and unbothered by anyones timeline. In the meantime, there is plenty to enjoy around my yard: purple blossoms on the vinca as it creeps across the ground, the beginnings of my orange lily behind my buddha statue, and some of the first fern fronds, reaching up though piles of leaves like little zombie arms. So cute!
I have also been getting rounds of seeds started for my summer vegetable garden. It is a slow and steady process, and I am starting to find a good rhythm for caring for the seedlings. Thus far I have started from seed some peppers, a few kinds of tomatoes, and lemon cucumbers. I plan to start several more trays in the coming weeks.
This is only my second year planting a vegetable garden, and seeds are still a little intimidating. At first, I just didn’t know where to even begin. Do you get one of each? How many of each do I plant? How much space do I need for all of this?
After much consternation, I ended up selecting locally grown heirloom varieties with fun looking photos: funky plump carrots, long purple beets, and tropical flavored ground cherries. These are plants that will bring me joy to watch come to life, and as a result, I am happy with the selection
In the next issue of the wild, I will be sharing some tips and best practices for how you can overcome doubts when it comes to starting seeds. Spoiler alert: it’s less complicated than you think and anyone can do it.
Between now and then, think about what kind of vegetable you would love to grow. If you need a little accountability, don’t be afraid to hit reply and tell me what you are thinking of trying. In the next issue, I will share some of my lessons and ideas of easier seed starting.
Take care, be kind, and talk soon,
Hillarie