So, this season I’m working on my transparency. I made the choice to do this, not really because I was actively trying to deceive people, but rather because the “perfectness” of social media online was driving me towards insanity. By my own nature, it’s nearly impossible to not find myself comparing how I measure up to others. Yes, I know, it’s not a good thing. Like I said, I’m really making the effort to work on it! With that in mind, I’ve decided to be even more candid with you guys about my own failures.
Currently, the hardy annual flowers that we planted last fall are an absolute disaster. I went into the process with really high hopes and expectations, but it just turned into a giant mess. Initially, things were going fine – not great. I used a thin 12 gauge wire to try to make cheap low tunnels, as I didn’t have the cash to invest in legitimate hoop benders. The hoops held up the plastic until the first time it snowed, then they were flattened to the ground. That was the first issue.
Later it the season, it rained – a lot. My basement ended up with about 16 inches of water in it, and the garden had about a foot of standing flood water. Admittedly, I was disgusted by it. Several days went by and it eventually drained. The result? 95% of the hardy annuals were done. Ugh.
Even though these things were totally out of my control, I still can’t help but feel the overwhelming sense of failure – especially when I’m reminded of others’ success in doing what I had been trying to accomplish. The only option is to try again and keep going.
Keep going and going best advice for us all.
Arrr- you know I have learnt more by mistakes than things going well! It is extra knowledge and real experience – it grows our skills! X
Very true! Hope you’re having a great day!
The one you don’t know, maybe it is forget-me-not with a leaf of something else (violet?) poking through? The “weeds” are blooming nicely, I have the same ones, you can decide to enjoy them. 🙂
You were right! It is forget-me-not! I had completely forgotten that I planted it! Hope you’re having a nice day!
Man, I’m sorry to hear about the amount of floodwater your garden had this year. When weather out of our control does stuff like this, it’s hard to feel happy with the results. I saw how awesome your winter sown plants look in your most recent video though, it makes me wish I’d found your channel three or even four months ago.
The mystery plant looks like the calendula sprouts out in my garden, could it be that? are the leaves kinda sticky? They are such hardy plants, all mine survived the winter.
Winter sowing was definitely a big difference maker for me! I love it! Also, I think the mystery plant is ageratum. It’s grown a few more leaves and looks more like the ones from last year. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Hope you’re having a great day! 🙂
Sorry to hear about all the misfortune. Gardening can be a real challenge. It’s not for the faint of heart. 😊
That is a pity.. world ain’t no sunshine and rainbows.. we readers we also learn from mistakes and glad that you report yours that we can also be better prepared.
I just lost some hundreds of bulbflowers just because of insufficient cold treatment time.. planted them in hoophouse in february.. also I have a terrible rodent problem.. they are eating everything.. my sun flower seeds from the trays and sprouts as well.. also raninculus and freesia they enjoy..
Everybody fails.. every now and then.. but always look on the bright side of life.