Jan 1, 2010

Sowing the Seeds....

I know - it's only January 1st. But I can't help it.

The snow has turned to rain, and I can see little pockets of dirt showing through the snow in places. And all I can think is...I'd really like to throw some seeds in that dirt!

I have plenty of time to plan - and I'll need it, being that I'm starting new gardens - but I can't help wishing for an early Spring when I'm pouring over online seed catalogues.

Check out Burpee and Stokes if you really want to send some warmth to that winter-chilled green thumb. Unfortunately Burpee doesn't ship to Canada - which is strange, because I can buy their products in my garden centre. But I've sent away for a Stokes catalogue and can't wait to circle, dog ear, and drool all over it!


Also, Rowan over at Candles & Wicks is a witchy woman after my own heart and is tossing about some fine Imbolg/Imbolc/Oimelc (however you prefer) information. She's ready for the next Sabbat, and I'm right there with her!

I'm a firm believer in "living in the now" but sometimes you really must have something to look forward to. And when you have to get through Winter in a Valley where the clouds are low and sunlight is scarce, a little garden-wishing and celebratory looking-ahead is a good way to pass the dark days!

Now where is my Farmer's Almanac.....

28 comments:

Free2bfree said...

Bring on the seed catalogs!!! Those greenthumb dreams are what help some of us make it through these cold winter months!

Anna said...

I work for the post office and I drool when the seed catalogs come in too!

clairedulalune said...

Oh, I love sowing seeds! I just planted my bulbs in a big pot about three weeks ago covered them over and i am trying my hardest not to look to see how they are getting on! I am sure your new gardens shall be a success! Looking forwad to Imbolc with you!

suzanne said...

I begin looking forward to gardening season once we pass New Year's Day. I haven't had a lot of luck sowing seeds and usually expand my garden by dividing my successful perennials. Garden catalogs (and magazines) are a huge comfort in the middle of winter. :)

brandi said...

~your background is adorable and definetly calls spring! i too am looking and awaiting anxiously for the weather to turn and the sun to come forth...we lost our garden last year as we were away for many days well weeks caring for a loved one...i am ready to sink my hands into the warmth get my fingers dirty my feet black with soil and grow grow grow...have you ever tried moon flowers.. a beautiful vine, flowers white like a full moon and open in the evenings...truely delightful! wishes you much enjoyments as your planning starts~

Anonymous said...

I can't wait till spring either. This is the first year that I have ever wanted a garden and so I have been plotting and planning also.

Tamara said...

I'm longing for it too! I actually scooped up some dirt at the end of summer and filled a bottle with it just so I had some lol I got an Heirloom seed catalog in the mail and it's already worn cuz I've looked at it so many times. LOL We are putting in a new garden too this spring and I can't wait!!!! Awwwwwww

Unknown said...

I am ready to start planting as well. We have to do more planning, as the ground we have had the garden in the last two years is depleted and needs to be worked back into usable soil...and I had forgotten that so thank you for reminding me I need to talk to Jack and get on the ball lol..

I need to get busy planning my herb garden especially! Last year did not do so hot so I have high hopes for this year!

Greenie blessings!

Rowan LeBoutillier said...

Thanks for mentioning me in your blog :D!! I'm going to try to plant some herbs again this year. Last year...not so good. I don't have a very good green thumb...it's a pale shade of sage.

Blessings to you, Rue )O(

mxtodis123 said...

This really makes me miss my garden. I've a huge backyard, but I learned the hard way that this is not the place to have a garden. The man upstairs was so worried about my cukes climbing the fence that he broke all the vines...and the kids next door are always throwing balls and other toys over and when they climb over, they stomp on all the veggies. Ah, to live in the country again.
Mary

Ange said...

Ah Rue - I love a good garden and yet have terrible trouble with soil. My hands dry it out too much ... and as such I am a terrible potter too! I need to add so much water as the clay drys out too quickly. So I admire from above and just dish out words and love to my plants 'face to face,' saving the dirt for falls off my mountain bike ;-) Look forward to spring! Funny - I feel that I've been cheated out of a real winter for once. I miss running in the snow and frost! Love

Suzie said...

The seed catalogs should start arriving in volume this next week! I've already gotten two before Yule, but they usually wait until the second or third week of January, then look out!

Google native plant nurseries, and order their catalogs. You will be able to find plants that are native to your area, and are therefore acclimated to your climate and weather. Once they are established, you don't have to keep fussing with them, and the birds, bees and other beneficial insects will love them. .and you!

Emme Toaye said...

I will not and never have mourned the passing of winter. I can't wait till spring is here again, until then happy hibernation.

Witchcrafted Life said...

Sweet friend, thank you so very much for your wonderfully kind and dear comments recently, they mean a tremendous amount to me.

I truly hope that your year is off to a sparklingly fantastic start, and that each the days that follows will continually be even more amazing for you than the last!

Immensely big hugs & endless joyful wishes,
♥ Jessica

Heather S-G said...

I am soooo feeling that itch, too!! This will be the first year in our new home that I can get out there and plant something in the earth...and I cannot wait!! Okay...off to pull out those seed catalogs ;) Happy New Year!

Johanna Parker said...

I agree that dreaming and imagining visions of spring is a good thing :) The days are getting longer, and it's just around the corner!... Have fun choosing just the right seeds for this new year...... You can draw so much inspiration from them as they begin to grow.

(Glad your black cat Dexter is on the mend too!)

Blessings,
~ Johanna

Magaly Guerrero said...

Oh I wish I could "throw something in the dirt", but I don't have a yard ;( so share your progress and let me live through until I get a place for my garden lol.

Happy New Year!

Hilary said...

I can't wait to start planting and get out there in my garden. But right now I am enjoying the calmness of winter.

Dede said...

I am so ready to start my garden! Already have plans on what we are going to be doing this year.

(((HUGS)))

Jessica - Magical Mundane said...

I so know what you mean dear Rue. I just moved so I am sure there is a delay with my seed catalogs. They are probably over at my mother in law's house just waiting for me. Even though I know winter is necessary, I wish it would move along faster. I am more of a warm weather girl :)

Jennifer MacNeill said...

The garden catalogs have starting arriving at my house and it's like torture looking through them! I want to plant!

Linda said...

We had a series of tv programs here in England called The Victorian Garden, they went back to an old estate country House and found the surving plantsman that worked his way up to be Head gardener. The whole series was dedicated to growing the victorian plants in the traditional methods and explaining how it all was then, and how the head gardener would spend hours with the new seed cataloques deciding what to plant as the Lords reputation and the estates depended on what one could produce out of season to wow guests at the dinner parties. I f you oculd get them on video or the books you would so enjoy them. Lindax

Linda said...

they sell it on amazon,http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000GW8TDW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=471057153&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0563206853&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=13XS40G1T07H3W34G3DN

motheralice said...

Oh, for warm earth and sprouted seed! Can't wait to get my hands dirty again... now where'd I leave those catalogs?

Rue said...

Thanks Linda - I'm going to look this program up!

Hope Spring comes early for all of you - and we can all get planting and exchange ideas and pics!

Another foot of snow here today - ugh! So much for seeing Earth again!

Emme Toaye said...

Thanks for your visit and kind words at my blog site. I am saving all my old CD's and the ones sent by mail advertising something to hang by fishing line in my garden to keep the birds from eating all my fruit and so the neighborhood cats will have some fun light reflections to chase.

Jules@MoonCatFarms said...

I am so itching to get my fingers in the dirt too! We have seed catalogs all over the house. Most of them have notebook pages sticking out of them with scribbles and wishlists jotted down. I'm ready!

Bridgett said...

I only wish I had my own yard so I could start a garden! Plants in pots are nice...but it's just not quite the same.

Onward to Imbolc! :)

)O(
boo