Bloom Where You Are Planted

I love to have flowers on my porch during the Spring/Summer time. Why, you ask, not planted in the ground? We have 2 huge dogs, Bailey and Hayes, that both weigh over 100 pounds and love to dig anything and everything. I have wasted TONS of $$ supporting their "habit."

So, a few weeks ago, Toby and I planted some annuals in individual pots. While we were doing so, Andrew was putting up a new basketball hoop and found 2 Black Widow spiders on the underside of the hoop, one of which was pregnant. Not really relevant to the flower scenario but seriously, I live where the craziest animals and wildlife reside!

Since living in the South, I have tried to keep annuals alive on my porch. They look beautiful for a short time, then look PITIFUL. Have I over watered, under watered...or do I live in HOTlanta where it is hard to keep anything alive? Probably alittle of all of those, but it hit me this year what my green thumb issue is.

For those of you who know my mom, she has the most amazing flowers that last for practically three seasons on her porch in Virginia. GORGEOUS! Here's the secret according to her: Plant only 1 or 2 individual plants per planter and water them alittle everyday. They look very scarce in the beginning but if you give them room to grow, they will thrive unbelievably!

So, I found these cheap hanging baskets at a store called Roses and decided to test her theory. Toby "helped" me separate the flowers and plant them like my mom does. MY MOM WAS RIGHT! (Yeah, I said it mom :)) My flowers already look great this year and I am excited to see how well they do as time goes on.

So, my friends, give yourselves enough personal space, time and effort for growth and you will be amazed at your blooms which will certainly emerge! HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!