Lisianthus, Beginning to Bud
A few weeks ago, every yellowing leaf felt like disaster.
Now, things are settling in.
The lisianthus have started branching out, stretching upward and forming their first buds. Some varieties moving quicker than others. Some still smaller than I’d like. That’s the way it goes with lisi’s though. Group 1, Group 2, Group 3. I still don’t fully understand that part.
We’re learning. Oh, how we are learning.
The caterpillar carnage finally halted after a light application of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Since then, it’s been mostly maintenance. Weekly fish emulsion feedings with an occasional dose of Fox Farm Grow Big. Weeding. Checking soil moisture before watering.
Truthfully, I’ve backed off on watering almost entirely.
I chose a part of the field that is seasonally marshy and sits near a dry creek bed. Similar to where wild lisianthus naturally grow. With the small setbacks a few weeks ago, I had moments of doubt about that decision. Turns out, I just needed to trust the field.
The plants seem happier for it.
The weather has stayed unpredictable as ever but the lisianthus are finally beginning to feel established now.
AROUND THE FIELD
Flowers aside, the rest of the field is buzzing with life again.
Volunteer Orlaya has appeared in places I never planted it. Magnolia’s opening. Foundation beds blooming again. Grass left a little taller between mowing. Letting parts of the field naturalize as they please.
Our resident fox is now a family. What a gift it is to catch glimpses of the kits tumbling through the grass while mama keeps a watchful eye nearby.
I’ve started bringing small flowers into the house again too. Not from anything intentional really. Weeds. Herbs gone to seed. Whatever decided to stay.
The same whimsical, dilly-dally-in-the-yard kind of gathering that started our flower field in the first place.
Weed bouquets, I call them.
For now, things are green and alive and growing at their own pace.
Till next time,
- C