tree pit

Tree Pit Progress – Week 4 to Week 9

I can’t believe the zinnias and sunflowers are still blooming. Even my hollyhock bloomed! I’m really surprised by how successful they have been. I think it is because all three plants happen to be hardy and can handle poor soils (please correct me if I am wrong).

I have been deadheading the zinnias and sunflowers every few weeks so that is another reason why they are still blooming.

The zinnia variety is Oklahoma Salmon and the sunflower variety is Cherry Rose. The germination rate was pretty good even though the seeds were a year old.

It’s been really satisfying for me to see the weekly changes and that the neighbors are able to enjoy them too! I even saw a couple take a picture next to them. Next year I’ll have to plan something just as good or even better now that my neighbors have this expectation (or maybe I’m just giving myself expectations).

Tree Pit Progress – Week 1 to Week 3

I finally got the chance to plant the zinnia and hollyhock seedlings outside during the last week of May when night time temperatures were looking pretty consistent. I was worried that people will steal the annuals and neighbors will pluck out the seedlings, thinking that they are weeds. So far none of that has happened!

Week 1 – Last Week of May
Week 3 – Second Week of June

I also snuck in some Cherry Rose Sunflower seeds (purchased from Seed Needs a year ago). I didn’t expect them to sprout in the second week! I though the squirrels might get them. Overall, I’m really happy to see the zinnias looking so strong and healthy! I thought that because they didn’t get much sunshine for two months, they would struggle outside.

The alyssum and dianthus are also starting to grow larger and spread. I’m hoping the alyssum will cover up the bare spots once the zinnias are ready to bloom. The small blue flowers (lobelia) may fade in the middle of summer and I may have to replace them with another annual, unless the alyssum spreads quickly.