Unheard of in the heartland, it hadn't occurred to me that an environment left to go arid for five years would have a lot of problems supporting healthy growth - I was just excited to finally have a place to discover the joys of tending a garden and being surrounded by beauty. Such are the joys of initial honeymoon delights. But furrowed brows and wrinkles soon enough set in, and life commences with more lessons to impart.
Hello House!
I never knew to flinch as each lesson arrived. Though no one would discern the finer weave of what unfolded, nature quickly showed forth how well connected and influential the environment can be. I trusted the local nurseries to sell what fared well in this area, and was delighted to finally set out a first, rudimentary garden.
The Ground Floor
None of these plants were able to thrive long enough to survive a summer in the garden, not even the cacti. I though maybe it was just a lack in planting and grounding techniques. Or, perhaps it was not enough amending, watering and fertilizing. I would soon try again, seeing the same plants offered up at many of the local farms and nurseries. I was convinced that people must really be finding that these lovely recruits could thrive in our 105 degree summers under a withering sun ...
