Garden Journal

Garden log 4/11/25. I may have stress-ordered some plants a few months ago. They arrived today, so I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend. The nurseries typically ship when it’s time for planting, so it should be pretty safe to plant all hardy perennials now. (Though there are no guarantees in gardening…)

Garden log 3/17/25. In my Midwest garden, about 3-4 years after planting a clump of 5 snowdrops, they start to multiply. At that point (when I have 15 or so tightly packed), it’s easy to divide them. The clump on the right (species snowdrop, galanthus nivalis) is one I’ve just dug up as a clump,

Garden log 3/1/25. Setting out my extra seeds for tomorrow’s exchange/giveaway. I’ll have plenty of Ziploc bags and post-its if you only want a partial pack of seeds.

Garden log 3/1/25. This is how I keep track of what to plant when. Check the label, sort by dates (average last frost for Chicago right now is April 21-28; possible to have a frost later, so plan accordingly to your own risk tolerance), label with post-its. Next, I’ll use binder clips for each group,

Garden log 3/1/25. Temps dipped below freezing, but the snowdrops, new-planted TJ hellebores and newly-uncovered hellebores are just fine. Early spring plants are tough. Those new hellebore want some water, though — best get on that!

Garden log 2/28/25. Snowdrops can push through a light layer of leaf litter, but if it’s heavy, you might need to clear it. So consider position carefully before planting (as bulbs in fall). I tried some new varieties next year — I think these might be “Polar Bear” (the ones on the left). I think

Garden log 2/25/25. Planted some hellebores. Some of the soil in the pots is still frozen, but I was determined. I need spring, dammit. In a month or so, I’ll move these into the ground, probably dividing them first and giving some away.

Garden log 2/3/25. Planting ranunculus corms for the first time. Wish me luck!

Garden log 1/16/25. Couldn’t sleep (this happens sometimes, I miss my fall asleep window and then I’m just up all night). It’s okay — mostly been lying in bed reading, I’ll survive. But also, it seemed like a good time to do some plant research and then place my big spring planting order. My judgement