Full Bloom at Grandma’s Garden

Last fall, my father and I planted pansies, daffodils and muscari underneath the front magnolia tree after I got rid of most of the japanese forest grass and black eyed susan that was originally there. I personally didn’t mind those plants, but my grandma prefers flowers over grass.

My grandma and my aunt tend to like colorful and feminine clothing and items so I chose dainty and soft looking colors for them. I also tend to like pastel colors so it was fun coming up with the color palette.

Magnolia Circle: April Week 1 to Week 3

Didn’t know the pansies would come back after winter!

Tulips: April Week 1 and 2

Discounted bulbs from Lowe’s. Still in bloom!

More Flowers 🙂

Violas look like little postage stamps to me

Batch #1 Seedlings – True Leaves

Lately it’s been getting wet and cool in NYC. Usually when it’s above 50’s, I will put the seedlings out on the fire escape until the sun sets. Hopefully the sun will come out soon! Watching them grow has been helping me cope with being indoors for two weeks.

I’ve also started some hollyhocks about two weeks ago. I collected the seeds from a hollyhock my company bought at Atlantic Nurseries. So far only 3 out of 9 has sprouted. The first one to sprout is showing their second pair of leaves! I’ll post an update in a week or two.

Zinnias have been repotted since they were getting leggy and growing lots of roots. This was taken 5 days ago! The zinnias and violas now their second pair of leaves.

I’ve never grown Hollyhocks before. Can’t wait to see them bloom. Picture was taken 5 days ago.

Batch #1 Seedlings – Progress

The zinnias were the first to pop up, 3 days after I sowed. I didn’t even notice cause I didn’t expect it to sprout until at least a week later. The next day one of the pansies sprouted. I noticed it in the morning. By the time I came back from work, about 8 more have sprouted! I was surprised how fast they grow.

Now I am worried that they are not getting enough sunlight because they are stretching. Perhaps next week I’ll bring them outside during the day and put them inside at night.

Starting Seeds for the First Time!

I got carried away and bought too many seeds last year. I hope they are still viable. My goal this year is to have a cut flower garden at my grandma’s.

Mild Obsession with Violas

Ever since I noticed the viola seeds available at Floret, I’ve been paying more attention to different varieties of violas. They are so cheerful and perky. I’d definitely like to plant some as an informal border in the front yard. One time, I passed by someone’s small front yard and they had violas scattered across their lawn! I’d like to do that someday when I have my own plot of land.

Here are some pictures of the violas I noticed at NYBG. I recognized two of them since I have been browsing obsessively on the Floret website. I like how they are so tall and upright compared to the small violas I normally see at garden centers.

Sonia's Garden Observations

Adding more native plants to NYC!

viola