From My Garden

The Breadbox poppy in her red dress and wearing a jacket of delphinium with the white bee. I think delphs are from the King Arthur series.

Top Pick for Seed Supplier: Pinetree Seeds

Oh my, without hesitation people ask where I order my seeds for annuals, vegetables, and bulbs and I say Pinetree Seeds...and it's a Maine company! Their seeds are packaged in small quantities and it allows them to keep their prices down, ranging from $.95 to $2.00 or more. Though the catalog does not invest in glossy National Geo quality photos, it's a lot of fun to browse and you find gads of heirloom seeds and well tested seeds in the catalog. I love trying out new herbs and they offer some fabulous choices. I've never been disappointed with their seeds; here are a few on my classic seed purchases from Pinetree: seashell cosmos, a basil collection, straight eight cukes, canteloupe, morning glory, pole beans, and monet's palette sunflowers. I have provided the link on the blog site. So order your free copy today and start ordering now.

The Breadbox Poppy

The Breadbox poppy is an annual bloom which may present in a red or a purple and the blossom is as big as your hand. I would sorely miss them in the gardens and though I sow them randomly early in the winter, these plants have a mind of their own...or the birds decide. You can order these from many catalogs but they do need to freeze, via the GE freezer or Mother Nature. I have sown my seeds in February on open soil; between now and April I know the freeze and thaw movement of the ground will settle these tiny black seeds at a perfect level. Tip: Don't disturb the soil where you have planted these seeds until mid June...they are late germinators in the garden. The pale green seedlings will distinguish themselves from weed seeds... you'll see. Enjoy a blue green foliage and the amazing flowers atop them. This is a deeply satisfying annual with a long lasting life in the summer garden. Harvest seed in September and repeat the process.