A Sudden Change in Garden Plans
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There’s been a sudden change in garden plans since yesterday.
I wondered why the seeds I’d planted at the porch level weren’t coming up. The pots below had many tiny seedlings.
Then I looked out the window yesterday and saw cats snoozing in my pots. So that’s why the seeds aren’t coming up!
I felt defeated there for a bit, because I know it’s doubtful the seeds will now emerge. When I open the front door, they run. But that won’t keep them from sleeping in those pots when I’m inside.
Then I decided I’d just have to buy plants for that area, though that was not my plan. Because the only way those outdoor cats aren’t going to curl up in those big pots is if there are plants stopping them.
As you can see, the perennials are growing nicely down at ground level. So there’s that to celebrate. I should probably just get a few more perennials to put there.
Perennials aren’t as cheap as annuals. They are an investment, because you can enjoy them for many years if you’re lucky. And you won’t have to plant annuals every year.
Hostas & Coral Bells:
Another problem I’m having is figuring out a ground cover for the ground-level containers. Weeds seem to grow while I’m standing there watching them. Neighbors say they’ll get truckloads of free mulch. But I don’t know that mulch is the answer.
I don’t like to walk between the pots because I am afraid of falling. Maybe in the near future, I will get a couple of those large galvanized containers that would take up almost all the space down there. Something like a 4×6-foot container.
Ground-level planting is out because it would be too hard for me to physically tend. Which is why I prefer container plant gardening.
Lamb’s Ear & Allium Plant:
As you can see, my beloved Lamb’s Ear filled out the galvanized container nicely this year. It’s a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, and native to the rocky hills of Turkey.
I dug up some of the Lamb’s Ear to give to the neighbor next door. Next to that pot are alliums. They didn’t bloom last year, and I can’t recall what color the blooms are supposed to be.
Hopefully, I’ll see blooms this year.
The little Japanese Maple tree looks good. I love the feathery, elegant leaves.
The sedum plant, and I can’t recall the name of this one, is growing well. I love the way the plants look against the bright blue pots. Ordering those 16-inch Walmart pots last year was a good buy.
Vinca:
The vinca I planted in pots last year has decided to grow in the ground, which thankfully takes up some of the space in the dirt.
Mix of Perennial Plants:
The purchase of plants was not part of my overall plan. I was going to just go with seeds this year.
But those cats aren’t going to stay out of my pots on the porch level unless I put plants in them. So that’s a decision that was made for me.
In Other News:
In other news, there is pain under the permanent bridge that was installed some months ago. I went to an endodontist, and he said he thinks it’s the last tooth at the back under the bridge causing the pain.
So the bridge, which I paid $ 3,000 for, might have to be removed. I haven’t had much luck with my teeth over the past year and a half.
Now I feel like I’m throwing good money after bad.
I would try some bamboo skewers before giving up and buying plants. A pack used for grilling is not that expensive and would be worth a try. If you think they need more stability try weaving them with twine to make a “fence.” You are very creative. You can do this.
We have 3 aluminum plant boxes at the end of our house that we put in some years back. Originally, we had some nice shrubs there but they didn’t make it very long. Not sure why. The boxes have been empty ever since then and the neighborhood cats seem to think they are litter boxes. I’d like to add some new plants there but since it’s in shade most of the day (North facing) I haven’t decided what I want to put there. Good luck with the cats at your place!
Mercy…thanks for sharing about the tooth issue…we are in a horrid quandry with Hubby too!! Dentists must make more money than most docs for all they charge!! Keep us posted…sure hope that a good solution will be found!!
So sorry about the cats…isn’t there something you could spread near the pots to help them decide on a different place to lay? I know when we had a deer issue one place, I planted mostly plants they did not like and it kept them away. Surely as picky as cats seem to be, there is a way!! Or would it work to plant some catnip say near the roadside or side of the yard…would they go lay in it instead?
I meant comfortable not company
Oh no, I’m so sorry about your teeth. Dental pain is the worst. I hope you can get that fixed soon. Your outside cats are too funny. If you have furniture, I’m surprised they prefer your plant pots over the company furniture. I like the ideas everyone has had about putting something pokey in the pots to deter them and still allow your seeds to grow.
That is frustrating & funny at the same time. I forgot to plant my seeds so they won’t come up either. In spite of having several cats that visit the back yard, I haven’t found any in a pot yet.
Several times I’ve found the small water fountain knocked over. It had little white pebbles and a fish bridge in instead of water. It is sitting on top of a concrete paver with mulch around the bottom. I’m guessing it is one of the cats that comes around that topples it over because it is too heavy for the wind (or I would have other damage).
There is an orange cat that climbs on the roof from the fence. It crosses over the pergola to the other side of the roof. It is funny to watch and drives my cat Sadie Mae crazy if she sees it. On the bright side, the cat keeps the squirrels away.
We have bobcats in the neighborhood but I haven’t seen one in the yard yet. I did see one a while ago on the neighbors roof oh, I forgot about the one in the front yard carrying a rabbit.
Yards and porches are fun to watch.
Well, I haven’t seen any bobcats yet!
Not sure why, but I cannot see your pictures.
I don’t know why. No one else has mentioned this.
Plant your seeds and put alot of garden stakes in the pot, close enough together that a cat can’t get in. The plants should grow around stakes and you’d have the option of removing the stakes if the cat situation changes.
Love the photographs, especially the Mix of Perennial Plants.
I guess I’m going to the nursery sometime next week. I’m having a terrible time with my hands, so I’m not looking forward to digging, but it has to be done. The potting soil isn’t packed down at least.
Cut metal clothes hangers in different lengths. Plant your plants,then arrange the hangers around the inside I de if your tubs. Then they won’t be able to lay in there . I have to do this with hanging baskets to keep birds nests out of them..Good luck!
Kendra is laughing at this: She said, “Out of all those chairs on the porch, they want to sleep in the plant pots?”
That made me laugh also! Since you planned on sowing seeds, I would put a deterrent in the pot. I had read plastic forks work for some people. Maybe plastic spoons? It’s a shame to have to buy more plants if you have the seeds and you really don’t want the work of planting. They have all summer to grow. All your plant pots always look great! Take care and have a good week!
Brenda, so sorry to hear about your dental problems. I’ve had bad luck with my teeth before. It was going well for a long time but I was in that dentist chair on Thursday. I hope they can get you all fixed up and it not cost a small fortune!
I just bought a Japanese Maple this morning. It’s a pretty little thing. Now I’m on the hunt for a nice pot to put it in.
Thanks for the lovely pics of your beautiful plants. Those kitties can be a pain. 😉
Mine is in one of the Walmart 16-inch pots, which is $17.97. Here it is if you want to look at it: https://www.walmart.com/ip/MEADOW-16-PLANTER/16333622873
Thank You!!
It’s perfect.
I quit having potted plants in my front entry way because of the porch cats. I had to adjust to only having plants on my back patio/balcony. I’m on the third floor so unless they grow wings my plants are safe.
I’m sorry about your dental problems.
They never bothered them last year. I guess because I planted plants and not seeds.
Love your garden, you do have a magic touch….hope the storms haven’t affected you too much
No, the big storms hit Enid, OK.