mauve pom-poms
Dear Ciara,
A bright day here today. I began my morning with a coffee, before walking to the library to return some books. I always enjoy the walk into town, as I have to cross over a small stream that is usually full to the brim with fish. Today was no exception, their iridescent scales catching the sunlight each time they surfaced. I watched for a while, noticing that the sides of the stream have recently become covered in a thick undergrowth of bright yellow trailing daisies and these cute, mauve flowers I cannot name. They look like pom-poms.
After dropping off my books, I got a pineapple smoothie and then walked along the water. The tide was halfway out, exposing the mudflats and the colonies of crabs that live on them. Somebody had scribbled a positive message in chalk on the pathway. It brought a smile to my face.
When I arrived home, I pottered about the garden. The seedlings I planted a few days ago—amaranth, dwarf sunflowers and more tomatoes—have all sprouted. I would argue that this is the first time I’ve had a 100% germination rate, which is unusual for me, but I don’t want to get too carried away with myself yet. Plants are vulnerable when they are still small. Even the slightest brush of wind can tear them from the soil.
My cat’s whiskers plant has begun to flower again, white tendrils that drift back and forth in the breeze. And each of the desert roses are in bloom. The only thing struggling today is my vinca. I’ve written about this plant numerous times before, but if you have forgotten, it is the bane of my existence. Just when I think I've finally made it happy—after days of tending the soil, fertilising, and whispering positive affirmations—it perks up, only to wilt again a few weeks later. I grow weary of this repetitive cycle, but I am committed to figuring out what I am doing wrong. I still think it is the soil, but I am not sure what the problem might be. What do you think I should do?
The song for today is:
Burner Account – Darcie Haven
I can’t get it out of my head. It’s great to walk to the library to.
Love,
The Gardener