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My daughter, Corina, joined me in the garden today and we planted some Oriental Poppy (mixed colors) and Lupine (Russell’s Hybrids Mixed Colors) along the back of the flowerbed.

These two were among five seed packets we bought at Wal-Mart today for 20 cents each. We also bought orange California Poppy, Bachelor Button (Cyanus double mixed colors), and Cut Flower (wildflower mix). All of these packets are manufactured by American Seed.

My package of seed from ParkSeed did not come today, it likely will come tomorrow or Monday. No matter, since we’re expecting a cold front tomorrow which will last through Sunday. I won’t be planting the majority of this seed until Monday, after work.

We spent the rest of our time getting the containers that will house the seedlings ready. Not much fun, but it beats doing it later when I’d rather be sowing seed.

I looked at last year’s garden photos, and I guess it was around April 8 when I planted my first seeds. I started transplanting about a month later into my newly built flower bed, on May 10. So, I’m about three weeks ahead this year, with a whole different variety of seed. Here’s some photos from last year.

Today was all about the grass. I got 15 more squares of grass from Houston Garden Center today (Kim got 20 yesterday) and I spread them around the front and backyard. I had to dig up some dead grass before placing them down; and I murdered some grubs who have been enjoying a feast on my grass’ roots for way too long.

Since I was at Houston Garden Center, I couldn’t resist buying a 24 pack of color ($5.77); I chose Bronze Leaf Red Begonia. I then went to Lowe’s to get some MiracleGro Seed Starter Potting Mix, there I found a six pack of African Marigolds that I could not resist ($1). I also bought a packet of portulaca seed ($1.29), I wanted them because I discovered some volunteers from last year in my flower bed, and they need company.

Tomorrow will be all about the seeds, as I expect my shipment from Park Seed to be in. Check out what I ordered this year from ParkSeed below.

The wedding‘s over. Winter’s finally over, too. And I’m so excited about the upcoming gardening season, that I have started blogging again.

Today I finished cleaning out my flower bed in the backyard. Last year, when I started it, I put in four rose bushes that I bought from the Rosery in Needville, during their final sale. Now, I’m down to three rose bushes. One died at the end of summer last year, if I remember correctly. One of the ones that made it is the Carefree Beauty, and I’m looking forward to seeing it bloom in its second year.

This past weekend, Corina and I hit RCW Nursery over at Beltway 8 and SH 249. We got my friend Ben a pink hibiscus for his housewarming party. But that was just the excuse we needed to do some Spring garden shopping. Corina helped me pick out two tomato plants (they were $1 each). One of the tomatoes is called “Top Gun” and the other is called a “Beef Maestro” (see below). We also picked out three strawberry plants, one of which is a “Sequoia” and the other two are “Quinaults.” I hope these take off. I also got three different type of mint for Kim (she’s been talking about growing some, but couldn’t find any around Rosenberg). I got her a peppermint, a ginger mint and a chocolate mint. They should compliment the herb garden she’s starting nicely.

But more than anything else, I’m excited about the seeds that ParkSeed is sending me. The order shipped today! And it’s only a mere 10 days after I ordered them online, lured by a free shipping offer. I wish it stated “free, but awfully slow” shipping. The waiting is the hardest part. Anyways, a lot of seed is heading my way. I’ll detail it all and provide links in my next post.