Wrangler Dani

Adam was off at a “Weekend of Adventure” (aka Men’s Retreat with dudes from church, where hikes were taken, poker was played and Dudes were very Dudely) this weekend, so I got a few days to dabble in my new love: killing plants gardening.

I had a Groupon for Laguna Nursery and a creative friend (Holli) who I know is always ready for a home/garden/craft/DIY-related outing. Sure enough, I was glad she was there – not only did we enjoy about two hours wandering all over the nursery and getting inspired/lost, but she kept me on track and was her usual encouraging, creative self.

I ended up with two tomato plants (one Early Girl and one cherry) two Arugulas (I have visions of salads) one Swiss Chard, one Japanese Cucumber and one beYOOOtiful hanging plant. Behold:

Plus, Holli and I got a yummy outdoor lunch on a patio in Laguna Beach when we’d finished the hard work of picking out plants and asking a million questions of the kind and patient nursery workers,  so it was much more enjoyable than just a trip to Lowe’s. (Speaking of, I think that every home improvement store would be much improved with a food court inside it. After all, watching my dad/Hubs/other male figures make notes on scratch paper and stare at hardware would be much more entertaining if I was seated on the hand-cart enjoying a Diet Coke and a churro. Just saying.)

When I got my beloved greenies home, I spent a few hours toiling away on the deck – pouring out potting soil and watering and babying my new plants to absolute death. It was fabulous. Again, I make no promises for how long they will live, if any of my veggies will successfully produce or if I have officially wasted good money on plants yet again, but hope springs eternal, you know, and I am really hoping to become a real gardener.

After all, I saw this quote in the nursery on Saturday:

Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes.  ~Author Unknown

So true.