Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dilhemma Update

I know you've all been waiting anxiously to find out the result of the gardenia/basement issue.
Look below. Aren't they gorgeous?
How many blooms do you see so far? There are four, but I don't know if they're all in the picture.
And this gem is probably the most perfect flower I've ever seen. It's perfectly symmetrical and beautiful.

Now to reality.
The basement still looks the same, so why take a pic?
And the rain hasn't been kind.
But . . . Brad seems to think that we may be able to save the gardenias.
A few people suggested transplanting them. Ah, how easy that sounds. But in the sun-scorched soil that we call home, that is virtually impossible. Gardenias have to have the exactly perfect spot to grow at all, let alone bloom.
First, the perfect spot must be selected. In AZ, that means mostly shade, with a bit of sun. Brad actually placed ours under a custom arbor/pergola. That might be a tad bit overkill, but I'm not complaining!
Next, the AZ soil has to be completely removed.
Mix compost, potting soil, and peat moss in a precise formula (which I don't really remember).
Gently add plants, water, Miracid and a touch of sun kissing their leaves.
Don't water them too much, don't forget to water them every day, and don't forget to fertilize and use iron chelate occasionally.
With all the planets in line and with a prayer in your heart, all this effort might produce one flower.
I have been blessed with a few.
Now do you see why they can't really be transplanted? It's the only place in the entire yard, on the entire 3/4 acre, maybe on the whole street, that they have a 50 percent chance of growing.
Hopefully, they get to stay.

As for the basement.
Well, I'm not counting on having carpet anytime soon. Let's put it that way.
But my babies are safe for now!
Epiphany #38--Never give up hope. You may be surprised.

1 comment:

  1. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for your gardenias. They are truly my favorite flower. When I was a child, my mom used to have a huge, healthy bush of them when we lived near the temple on La Cienega Blvd. in Santa Monica. It must have just been the perfect spot for them, because I've never been able to grow them since!

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