Oh man. This week is a BIG week in my life. First of all it’s spring on Tuesday & my heart could swell with excitement with that news. I don’t know what it was about this winter.. but I was over it right when it started. The snow was cute for a minute, but the gloomy days had my seasonal depression running wild. I have been craving spring & they are calling for sun and semi-warmer weather this week which is perfect because…. the other part of my big week? It’s the week of my 30th birthday. It’s actually next Sunday, but this is a big one. This one has been weighing on me for many reasons that I will explain later, but there is something about turning thirty that makes you want to try new things, do new things, get better at some things, & celebrate all the things. It basically has made me reevaluate my whole life & really try to be better in all of the areas of my life from the big to the small. One of the big things I’ve tackled & promised myself to better myself at? Plants…
In the past few months we have brought so many greens into our farmhouse. Mainly topiaries & little house potted plants, but we have also been prepping garden stuff as well. We started some seeds inside our house that we will transfer to our garden when spring finally comes. How amazing is that? Some may think that it’s small, but it’s a big step towards one of my goals. Become a natural gardener.. & what I mean by that is become that lady who knows facts about plants, who knows naturally how to care for them, & who isn’t scared to do all things plants & gardens. I’m learning slowly, but as I approach 30 this week the passion for all things green has really blossomed & I’m pretty proud of that. I’ve finally decided to embrace that passion I’ve always wanted to dive into thanks to some encouraging from many in my life [including so many of you!]. I’ve gardened, I’ve had plants, I’ve talked plants, I’ve done the plant thing… but now I want to have it become a passion of mine & my heart finally desires that. So here I am.. becoming a plant lady.
A few weeks ago I asked to join a garden club with some other ladies I knew that also had gardens & were sharing seeds. It’s been so fun to learn from them, laugh with them, & dream with them… oh, & sometimes we even talk about gardening! haha. But really I’ve learned so much from them. Last week we went to a local greenhouse to get some topiaries for our homes & it was so much fun packing the car filled with topiaries to the ceiling. The ride home smelled amazing as we literally packed every crevice with lavender & rosemary plants. Garden club has been one big step I have taken to becoming a better plant lady & it really has worked wonders already to surround myself with other plant lovers! Oh, & how do I care for our topiaries? I shared tips on how to keep those alive & well [HERE].
This weekend Jose and I also started some seeds in the house. We had a garden here on the farm last year & it was great, but this year we wanted to start taking it more seriously & actually plan ahead. I guess he is becoming a plant guy too. Here are some tips to start seeds in your house for your garden that we have used:
-Buy a kit like [this one] for your seeds to live in.
-Get really good dirt [like this] which is specifically for seed starting.
– Use a heat pad or put by a heat vent.
-Water, water, water. Every few days it will need water [check often] The kit has a lid on it to keep moisture in, but it will need water.
-Pick your seeds: the packages will usually tell you how many weeks in advance to start your seeds.
-watch your little babies sprout & when the time is appropriate and it warms up, transfer those babies outside & watch them grow even more.
I can’t wait to share our garden adventures with you this year, what we learn, our progress, & the fun designs & DIY’s we have in store for our garden as well… Stay tuned for that. So, this is the beginning of my 30th birthday week.. growing into the woman I want to be still while growing my green thumb along the way. I think through all of this the two most important reasons I want to be a better plant lady is 1. I want to provide for my family from something I grow from a tiny little seed. 2. I want that rewarding feeling you get when you are able to harvest your bounty that you worked so hard for. 3. Therapy. Being a plant lady isn’t always easy, but there is something about watering, trimming, & looking at the beauty of the plants that is so therapeutic & my soul longs for that. 4. There is something about caring for plants in your home & getting dirty in the garden that make me feel closer to God. That is it… I’m turning 30 this week, I’m thinking deep thoughts, & I’m becoming a plant lady. I hope you guys enjoyed this little glimpse into something we did this weekend & something I’ve been trying to become better at lately. Now, I NEED to hear from you!!! What tips would you give someone becoming a plant person? Maybe we can all teach each other something here? If you are becoming a plant person maybe the comments will help you as well! Leave a comment below, find me on Facebook, & leave you tips on Instagram. Thank you guys SO MUCH for stopping by the blog today & everyday to see what we are up to! xx
How to care for your plants [HERE]
So exciting you are getting more into plants! They are amazing and actually clean the air. I love plants! Flowers, vegetable gardens, whatever! One thing you might want to check out is your radio stations. We have a couple Gardenening programs on Saturday mornings where experts share tips and advice and people can call in with questions. So while I’m doing housework I listen and learn :). God is so amazing….a little seed grows and becomes something beautiful or edible! AND, we also have a plant swap once or twice a year downtown where people can bring plant starts or grown plants, anything related to plants and trade! One year I got a beautiful white lilac. This is all FREE! Have fun on your journey. It is so therapeutic for me. I LOVE it!
You were my inspiration to add plants back into my home, Liz. And, you’re so right; there is something so therapeutic about caring for them. Come on, Spring!
I became a Master Gardener in 1995 through Purdue University, and was a Crazy Plant Lady since I was 12. Obsessed I am! We had our 150 year old farmhouse on the town Garden Walk a few times. Go for it Liz…..there’s peace, joy, wisdom and healing in the soil. ?
I’m so excited that you want to learn about plants! My number one suggestion is to focus on native gardening. I think you will be hooked! Check out -https://www.wildones.org/connect/chapters/michigan-chapters/
I’m not from Michigan, but am a member in my state. I think you can still participate in some activities without joining right away. Good luck and have fun!
That photos of all the topiaries in the back of the truck and in the greenhouse are just eye candy! Can’t wait to see more! Here’s how I look at gardening – it’s all just an experiment! Good luck!
Hi Liz! Do you mind sharing which greenhouse you went to? I am local as well and it’s my birthday this week too! Happy early birthday to you! That looks like the perfect place to visit and get excited for Spring in Michigan! Thanks so much!
~Kristin
Where are your favorite places to get pots for both indoors and outdoors? I find it a constant challenge to find simple pots, seems like so many are painted or busy, I want the plants to stand out, not the pots!
Where did you purchase your plant markers.
meredithcarlberg@gmail.com
What greenhouse did you go to? I am local as well and Love the topiaries you’ve choose… Excited for spring as well ?
First let me say Happy birthday to you. My birthday is Saturday?. second , I think you and Jose are one of the most talented couples on ig. I love your posts. And lastly I’m already a plant lady .i know your busy rith business and etc, I also own a vintage shop , but If you get a hot second you can see that I post photos of my plants quite a bit. My husband and I live in an antique 1700’s barn. Plants are inside and out. Can’t wait to get dirt under my Nails from gardening .so happy you are loving growing your own too . It’s such a rewarding hobby. Thanks again for all of your inspiration . ❤️-Debra xxx
Thank you for inspiring me. I’ve been wanting to become a “plant lady” also! This winter almost killed me also. Lol
I turned 41 in Dec and I’m feeling like a new start is a must. Everyone is at different stages of life and I love to see that we are all alike.
I don’t know where to begin in my plant journey…I have a sunroom and absolutely love plants and flowers but I don’t feel like I know much and usually end up killing my plants. The outside flowers I can usually keep alive, except for the hydrangeas….they are so picky. Ok well I love all your posts and stories. Good luck in this new adventure of yours!
I have been a plant lady for most of my life My mom taught me how to collect and plant flower seeds When i was about four years old. I watched her garden grow and studied her methods.
You will find peace and contentment as you learn to co-exist with nature. I have been blessed with a green thumb and the ability to find joy in every aspect of gardening. My best advice to you is take your time and “stop and smell the roses.” I know that seems like an overused cliche. But it is very important to enjoy the process as well as the fruits of your labor. Long ago, my husband told me that I was like a rose, “stunningly beautiful but very prickly and high maintenance.” I now define my self as a hardy perennial, resilient, tough and a dependable bloomer. Thankfully, I love the spot where I grow best. My husband and I have been married fifty years (I was 16 and he was 18). I used to refer to him at times as “crabgrass” very annoying and tough to get rid of”. But after 50 years, he now does most of the backbreaking chores of gardening for me and also enjoys the beauty of OUR garden. My final tip, get your husband involved. I used to garden while he watched every sport known to man on tv. I slowly coerced him into gardening and it has helped us grow closer together.
Funny….”sometimes we talk about gardening.” ????
Yes! Please share ?
I’m local and would love to know as well!!
I adored this post! Happy Birthday Week! As an early thirty something myself, I have become a plant lady over the past few years and love the lessons it’s taught me. I’ve been focusing mainly on growing veggies in my garden, but I am intrigued by all of your beautiful topiaries! Off to the nursery I go to get some for myself — thank you for the inspiration!
I love those rosaries so love them! Girl you are going to love being thirty”?Older and wiser! With age comes wisdom. So embrace it ! I can’t believe these local girls aren’t in your store getting to know you. I live in Illinois and want to come get to know you! I’m an introvet too. Don’t think I’m a crazy lady I just think you’d be so fun . Love all your ideas.
You are my inspiration to add few plants for my home office. And I added two sage green plants which is rejuvenating when you look at it. Works magically 🙂 Thank you, Liz!
Lovely passion you are having, no doubt in this, it will keep all of us happy and joyful. Thanks for sharing this post.