Rhubarb and Sunflowers
Posted by episode81 on March 17, 2009
Most decent companies encourage their employees to keep a sensible life/work balance. This is a good philosophy! I have taken it to heart and have recently rediscovered an old hobby – gardening.
When I lived in the UK, I went to the Royal Horticultural Society show aka the Chelsea Flower Show every year. What fun! There was me and a huge crowd of retirees … and nowhere to sit. I got wise to this after several years of aching feet and heat headaches – the final straw came when I ended up in the first aid tent with heatstroke. I invested in a rather grand folding seat. Not the clunky type you take on a camping trip, but a very light weight walking stick that unfurls into a chair with a back and arm rests and weighs less than 2lbs.
I triumphantly took it to the show following the heatstroke debacle feeling very pleased with myself. I sat down by the bandstand to eat my lunch and rest in the shade. There were many retirees circling, looking for a place to sit. I smiled sweetly – yes, I can smile sweetly, believe it or not. Eager to get back to the show, I stood up to pack my bag only to be knocked out of the way by an over-zealous retiree who was after my seat!
OZ Retiree: “Are you leaving?”
Me: “Yes”
OZ Retiree: “Great! I have been looking for a seat” <gloating, looks over at the other circling retirees>
Me: “You don’t understand, it is my seat” <quickly folds seat>
OZ Retiree: “Well, now it’s my seat!” <looks mystified> “What happened to my seat?”
I scuttled off to the bulb tent without looking back!
Anywho, I digress …
On Sunday, I planted four rhubarb crowns. Well, technically, I supervised the planting. I have a bad back – digging is not good for it. The next day the first shoot was visible and today it is over an inch tall – see image above. Only 3 of the four have sprouted so far, but that’s not too shabby after 48 hours!
The news of my sunflowers is not so inspiring. After 10 days I have nothing – no sprouts, no promising lumps in the soil. Nothing. My rhubarb only took 24 hours! After years of growing Peonies in the UK, you would think I would have a little patience.
I have no great life lesson here. Just wanted to let you know about my rhubarb success. And after all, rhubarb is just a great word isn’t it?
Lisa.
Anywho, I digress ... 
HMP said
Dex’s sunflower seeds have sprouted. I don’t think he’d notice if I reallocated some to you. Let me know. 😉
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