I rather impulsively bought out most of my Lowe's gardening department on Sunday afternoon.  I bought 7 six packs (pansies, icelandic poppies & stock) and a half flat of snapdragons to fill out my window boxes and patio planters.  Most of our last snow had melted away, the ground was soft, and I figured I'd get them in the ground some time this week — until a winter storm warning was issued!  We're supposed to get another foot of snow over the next two days.  Now I had to figure out a way to get my baby flowers in the ground quickly before the six packs freeze and damage them.  Once in the ground there should not be a problem as our temps don't drop very low.

The six packs were the newer, deeper versions that encourage strong healthy root systems.  Looking at them, it occurred to me to try using my hand-held bulb planter to create the holes quickly, neatly and easily.  The bulb planter is one of those spring loaded hole corers that bring the soil out and leave a perfect planting hole.  I dug holes about 5" deep and then put about 1/2 of the soil back in nicely loosened up, placed the plant in the center of the hole and gently packed the rest of the soil around it.  The extra width and depth of the hole will give the seedlings good growing room, and yet caused the least amount of disturbance to the surrounding plants.  I was amazed at how quickly it worked.  I planted the entire lot in just over half an hour. 

While out in the garden I noticed that my tulips are almost 6 inches high and my daffodils are probably a week from blooming… snow or not, spring is unfolding all around me and I'm so excited I can't stand it.  Then I ran inside, scrubbed the dirt out from under my fingernails (I hate wearing gloves!) and defrosted my hands with a hot cup of tea.  Now I can't wait to see my window boxes in bloom!

Audrey Jeanne Roberts