Time to get cracking.
Here it is, almost May in zone 8, and I haven’t even bought my new plants!
I’ll spare you all the long and drawn out details, but with all the “life” going on in my life lately, I haven’t had the chance UNTIL now to really get cracking on my garden.
Unfortunately, my garden this year consists of containers again, as said in my previous entry. I had my own lovely plot that I took so much pride in last year. But alas, I moved to a better location in the city, and because of that, lost my land. However, my friend who just decided to rent a house said in passing that I could garden with him on his land. I have yet to follow up on that since he’s been moving and I don’t want to bother him, but I’m crossing my fingers and I suggest you all do the same as well!
I have two window boxes, one with ornamentals and one with herbs. All my herbs last year were annuals except my lemon balm, so I still have that. Other slated herbs for the container garden: basil (as many varities that I can fit), cilantro, borage and of course, mint. Ornamentals to get: shasta daisy, rudbeckia and whatever else I see that might float my boat.
I actually gave one of my window boxes to the aforementioned friend to take care of while I was moving. For some reason he swore all my plants in said box died except for one lone coreopsis. I absolutely hate to question another experienced gardener’s verdict on the well-being of a plant, but I know those plants were in perfect health and wouldn’t have just up and died. He still has my much beloved lime bush until I get a good growlight for indoors, and needless to say, I’m a little worried about it. Especially since I believe he has been leaving it outdoors, and despite how warm it’s been here, it certainly hasn’t been warm enough at night to leave a lime bush outside.
My lesson learned: maintain your plants, don’t lend them out when you’re moving.
But, he is apparently going to let me garden with him, so of course I can’t go and start questioning the wellbeing of my plants. What a dilemma.
I’d like to find a place around me that has some plants for sale (more than marigolds, primulas and pansies) so I can get some things planted - even if in just my containers - but I haven’t found any. It’s not easy carting a bunch of plants home on the bus, but I think that might be what I end up doing.

April 21st, 2004 at 12:59 pm
If the nighttime temp is over 55 F at night, it is probably warm enough for the lime. I had no idea that Vancouver was zone 8- I figured its so far north it must be frigid, but I guess the ocean helps out. Jealous.
April 21st, 2004 at 5:29 pm
A few years back, there was (and probably still is)a great corner store on Cambie (near Black Dog Video) that had A LOT of herbs/ornamentals/bedding plants etc. inside and out. If you happen to be in that neighbourhood, (which I think is close to you) keep your eyes peeled - you can’t miss it. Sorry I can’t remember the exact location…it was a while ago.
Good luck with your gardening friend!
April 21st, 2004 at 7:24 pm
It hasn’t been 55 (which I BELIEVE is around 12 C) every night, that’s the problem. It’s probably been at least half that. The days have been warm but the nights have been pretty cool.
Holly - thanks for the tip, that is right around me and I’ll definately go hunting for it!
April 26th, 2004 at 2:38 am
Kelly,
there is a store on 4th avenue, past Capers on the sames side of the street (north), they sell
“more than marigolds”.
www.theurbansunflower.com
and also on 4th is the: Earthrise Garden Store.
If you have a friend with a car, you should really go “nursery hopping” in the Fraser Valley.
For your herbs, have you tried pineapple sage and lemon verbena, both very fragrant and great on ice-cream.
Good luck with your containers.