One of the children asked me last week what the phrase 'artistic licence' means. I explained, and pointed out that I sometimes use it on the blog. I might even have used a little yesterday. After all, I was only thinking about what I could do. Just as I didn't want to wear an enormous wedding dress (but, given the frock-horror I did wear, you'd never have guessed), I don't actually want a huge new bottom and wardrobe. But I do think it's amusing to imagine myself as an older version of the young Monica Geller in Friends, and those chocolates are good.
However, the reality is that I am gardening to balance the knitting. It was bulbs at breakfast (or shortly afterwards) today. I think I may even have woken up in the night panicking about getting my bulbs in the ground before it gets too cold (or is that another touch of artistic licence?). Anyway, I decided over toast and Marmite that all the hyacinths and at least a few dozen daffodils had to be in pots before my next cup of tea and the start of work.
It was cold and bright and perfect bulb-planting weather. I even potted up some white amaryllis hoping that it's about time to do so, but being too mucky and wellie-booted to come into the house to check when I did them last year.
Never mind, I'm happy to take some artistic licence with planting times, too.
Bulbs! They have to be my favourite sort of plant - like a gift from your past self when they pop up. We've just redone our garden, and I'm itching to find a couple of hours to prepare the ground and put in this year's bulbs.
Posted by: Lean Ni Chuilleanain (@leannich) | November 04, 2009 at 10:46
I've had a similar panic about getting the bulbs planted in our garden. I'm glad I'm not the only one. :0)
Weather permitting, it will happen this weekend! x
Posted by: PinkCat | November 04, 2009 at 11:22
oh my, you are so organised, and in six months time, you will be showing off pretty flowers and I will be wishing I had been bothered!
Posted by: lucy | November 04, 2009 at 11:48
Think you should be ok! :o) I seem to remember traditionally you and I tend to sync up bulb planting wise and mine are due this weekend.
Posted by: Gemma | November 04, 2009 at 14:08
Those will be such a treat when the time comes that they are blooming into beautiful flowers. Planting them sounds like a perfect way to spend a morning in between cups of tea.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 04, 2009 at 14:10
I too planted bulbs yesterday. 300! and mostly in the rain, but i too needed the exercise and I felt very virtuous indeed when I'd done.
Now all I need to do is flog myself to do some serious cleaning and I can really polish my halo!
Posted by: Susan Hall | November 04, 2009 at 14:51
I think that, given the arrival of the Bewick Swans at Slimbridge this week and the promise of arctic winds to follow, your panicky dreams were very timely, Jane. I'll look forward to seeing your photos of gorgeous hyacinths in the spring but am finding the colours and sheens on your unplanted bulbs delectable as well!
Posted by: mindfulbeader | November 04, 2009 at 15:19
I must order some amaryllis this year. I forgot last year and missed them in January. Hope you are well and your hands aren't frozen. I always wait to plant my daffodils (no tulips here - deer and sheep eat them) until it is so cold I can barely stand it.
Posted by: Kristin Nicholas | November 04, 2009 at 16:31
Have just mown the mushroom lawn so I too feel it's time for bulbs. Except it's always dark by the time I remember. Oh well, tea and chocolate instead...
Posted by: Dawn/LittleGreenFingers | November 04, 2009 at 17:24
I'm so happy you are planting bulbs! (I'm the one that lost you and found you again) I was hoping that you were still planting bulbs! I think of you every time I see bulbs in the shops. It's early summer/late spring here, so no bulbs to go in the ground. That's for March.
Posted by: deb | November 04, 2009 at 17:50
Usually all I decide over toast and Marmite is to have another slice . Which would be why you have more Spring flowers than me .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | November 04, 2009 at 18:25
"too mucky and wellie booted" Love this line! :) Gorgeous photo!
Posted by: Amy | November 05, 2009 at 02:10
Hello Jane,
I am going to follow you on the planting field. I really love bulb plants, but although I follow the times given, I don't seem to hav emuch success, so this year I'm goin gto follow you.
I bought "High Wages" from Persephone. It arrived safely, smelled perfectly (I love sniffing books!) AND you many want to know, I loook forward to going to bed in the evening and cosy up with.
Your preface is very helpful.
Thanks for everything.
Posted by: Irene | November 05, 2009 at 09:03
Ah can't wait to see them in the spring -very organised of you! And I like your thinking! :) xxx
Posted by: catofcuriosity | November 05, 2009 at 14:24
Your photo of the bulbs look so beautiful!! We planted tubs and tubs and tubs of spring bulbs a few week ago it was so relaxing i cant wait to see them poke though in the spring!!!
Posted by: Jacky | November 05, 2009 at 15:31
The first photo is a treat. The bulbs look like plush Christmas baubles.
Posted by: Gary King | November 06, 2009 at 12:30