Reflections on Where I Am
Since moving to Nelson I’ve discovered many things, not only about small towns, but also just about living in a climate that is pretty much smack dab in the middle of where I grew up, and where I’ve been living the past five years.
I also have no land. No plot, not even a balcony for a container garden so I’ve been having to make do with my indoor collection (a selection of cacti and succulents, as always) and my few outdoor plants. In fact, most of my outdoor plants will have to be residing indoors for the winter as Nelson is a place that’ll get very hot and dry for the summer, but then wet and cold for the winter, making it difficult to overwinter in pots.
The oregano and the sage will be living outdoors, but the gingko tree (only about a year old, a stick and a few leaves really) will be living indoors, as will the lavender and bay. I may have already had my first casualty though, as the bay does not seem to be taking kindly to the move.
The oregano:
In an effort to stave off my desperation for land, I’ve been nurturing some rubin basil seedlings. Strangely enough, a green seedling started to grow, and is now the best one off. I’m not sure why since they’re all in the same pot. Perhaps green basil just has a genetic advantage?
And with that, I will leave you with another photograph of the mountain that overshadows the city. The snow so far has been kept at bay, but it’s slowly moving in.
November 22nd, 2006 at 3:12 pm
you’re making me want to grow herbs indoors over the winter! every time i’ve tried to, they’ve gotten infested with aphids, so i kind of gave up on that a while ago.
the city misses you too! i’m jealous of your snow, but i think we’re going to get some by the weekend…
xoxo
November 22nd, 2006 at 4:31 pm
Don’t think my first post went through so I’ll repeat in case…
My understanding is that non-green varieties require more light in general. Some purple varieties also have a tendency to revert back (or at least become variegated green and purple on the same plant). So with lower light levels the green plant would thrive where the purple would have a harder time of it. I also suggested that perhaps it is a rogue seed.
The mountain view is beautiful.
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:47 am
That’s your view? It’s gorgeous. So peaceful. The air must be so crisp every morning.
(Got here through the NaBloPoMo directory!)
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:56 am
oh man, _no_ outdoor space? did you already look into the community garden situation there?
November 27th, 2006 at 1:37 am
Hi! I just discovered your blog and found it quite interesting; however, I do have a suggestion about overwintering your gingko tree. I have a gingko bonsai and it lives outside all year here in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, and we have a very wet winter! As gingko is an outdoor tree even in climates like that of Montreal, I don’t think it’ll survive indoors. I would just put it outside on the ground if possible and perhaps cover the pot with some dry leaves for a bit of insulation. Don’t use plastic!
all the best!
-Gord