I have learned something new about myself recently that I have probably known for quite awhile but did not want to admit until it was staring me straight in the face. I must confess, I think I am a plantaholic. My friends and family probably already know this, and may just roll their eyes if they ever read this, but for me this is something I have yet to face up to.
It all began to reveal itself to me a little over a week ago when I decided it would be fun to post a page on this blog devoted to a list of what I have growing in my garden. It would just a simple alphabetized list that also includes links to posts I might have written about the various plants residing in my Oregon garden. I never imagined the list would turn out so large! I really have this many things growing- right now?! No wonder the garden is vying for so much of my time and attention at this very moment.
To think I even entertain the notion of acquiring yet another plant with a list this long is almost embarrassing. Do I really need another plant? If I am honest with myself I suppose that answer would be no but I just recently read about Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and how it has been cultivated for centuries. According to my Seeds of Change catalog the seeds are great in rye bread and some were even found in Tutankhamen’s tomb! To top it all the off the flowers are just like Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena), a flower I love to let self-sow in the garden. I’m sure I could find some room in the garden to tuck in a few seeds of this interesting sounding herb.
And so it begins, my garden multiplies and multiplies without me even really taking note of it. It is so easy to become a plantaholic. There are so many types of beautiful plants out there not to mention all the edibles that make it so hard to have restraint. Plus being a plantaholic can be justified so easily when you tell yourself, “Oh, it’s just one plant. And it only costs three dollars.” Before you know it one plant has turned into 30. Now I really do not want to think about what those dollar signs might be so let’s just not go there.
I am so very thankful of my family understanding my addiction to growing anything that produces chlorophyll. They are incredibly supportive and unbelievable helpful. My sons and husband have done so much work for my garden this year already. The least I can do is reward them with tons of fresh from the garden goodies. (My boys are anxiously awaiting the zucchini so they can devour some of my chocolate zucchini bread.)
Without further ado, here is the link to the list. It is not complete as of today. I still need to add all the various flowers I grow as well. I think I might also put a link to this list in the sidebar as I have already found this list to be handy.
To my readers out there, I ask: Are you a confirmed plantaholic? My bet is if you are reading this blog then you just might be!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Love it!!! I had such a good laugh about being a plantaholic!
Today… I almost went to “Karen for Plants” it’s just down the road from the grocery store… then I thought… hmmm… what do I need???
I decided that I would wait just a bit… as I still need to fill 2 4×8 boxes with Mel’s Mix.
Black Cumin sounds really interesting! We love cumin! Sounds interesting! Did you buy some black cumin plants or seeds?
Yes, I am becoming… happily… a plantaholic!
I know I am a plant-a-holic! I think it drives the wife crazy.
Regards,
Mike the Gardener
I think I am because I read your post from A to Z. Every summer I tell myself: Enough plants, take care of those which you already have. I break my promise as soon as I see something pretty even if I have no idea where to plant it. Well, I need to go to see your list. Although, it might be not a good idea before going to bed…
Cynthia~~ At some point, it might have been when my garden buddy Carol and I became friends, I was able to admit my “problem.” I suppose I could see my addiction through her addiction, if that makes sense. It was comforting to witness a person just as gaga for plants as I was. Thankfully I’ve got several inexpensive sources for acquiring plants and I’ve long since given up the notion of being “finished.” There is ALWAYS a new plant to be found and purchased and planted and enjoyed. BTW, my plant list is 12 pages with a size 10 font.
The way Carol and I both see it, an addiction to plants might just be the healthiest of addictions–constructive rather than destructive. Anyway, welcome to the club. 
Hi, my name is Karen, and I am a plantaholic. But unlike you, I am not good at keeping track of everyone’s names so having a list like yours (asonishing! wonderful! good for you!) would be a good exercise.
I’m in the group too! Even when I look at my full gardens and I think they can’t hold one more plant I still come back with more from the nursery.
I feel like my garden is a failure this year due to circumstances out of my control. But when I stop and think, I really do have a lot of things growing. It’s not all I hoped for, but it is better than nothing! I have become a plantaholic. And it’s fun!!!!!!!!!!!
After writing this post yesterday I am almost embarrassed to admit that I stopped in at my favorite local nursery today while I was in the area and picked up yet some more plants. I made the mistake of walking past their display of sweet potato starts. The sign by the sweet potatoes stated they were well suited for Northern climates. They looked so healthy and at only $2.50 I could not pass up getting just one. This ought to be interesting as I have never attempted growing sweet potatoes before! I’m sure this is a blog post in the making….
I belong to the same group, same obsession….I have no desire to be cured either!!! Kim
Hi my name is LeeAnn, aka Lanny, and even though I cannot rationally all tend the garden beds I have already carved out of my husband’s lawn (he is attending another group across the hall LMA, lawn mow-ers annon.) I continue to buy plants at nearly every venture into town. I will buy plants in the most unexpected places, I don’t even need to visit a nursery to feed my obsession. I have been known to take necessary items out of my grocery cart in order to buy the plant(s) I picked up on the way in the door and the one I spied in the produce section.
When my plants become huge and need dividing I don’t throw out what I don’t have room for, I pot them up, I have a “nursery” area but I am not a nursery. I’m sorry, I now must leave the group for the day, sans cure or even a remission, and go water and weed for a few hours. (oh and plant those ones I picked up yesterday.)
Cute post! Great therapy session, it helps to know I’m not alone.