... solitary goths- people and plants...

“There was something awesome in the thought

of the solitary mortal standing by the open window

and summoning in from the gloom outside

the spirits of the nether world.”

~ Arthur Conan Doyle

I had the kind of weekend that I truly needed! It had just the right mix of solitary time and connection for this introverted girl.

I already mentioned the Historic Garden Week which I’m sure I will mention again but that was such a nice event to see a few familiar faces while meandering the tour alone. That did seem to trouble some folks who continued to ask me which group I belonged. I smiled, "Party of one!" I love taking tours and even traveling alone. I would rather be by myself than be with someone who does not want to be there. My fella often goes along on my little adventures but he's very much an inside-doer who is much more still in his activities. I'm the outdoor *let's walk the entire city* no matter what the temperature or weather conditions.

Even though I was tuckered after the garden tours, I caught a second wind on Saturday night since a good friend happened to be in town. We sat outside sipping wine at the Caboose Wine & Cheese market which now is an actual café so we added some tapas and even a light meal. We walked around Ashland. There are some friends who are just so easy to be with and she's one of them.

On Sunday morning I woke around 6:30 and by 9am I was ready to get my hands in some soil. My fella had play practice most of the day (noon- 7ish) so I went out to Strange’s Garden Center partly to get out of his way and his morning sprint getting ready but mostly I headed there for Dianthus "Heart Attacks", which I found... but ended up with Black Satin petunias, Blue Velvet Verbena, Columbine "William Guiness", "Dragon's Breath" Celosia, Snapdragons Speedy Sonnet Crimson, and gasp! Iris "Superstition!" I also bought a red bromeliad. 

I spent the afternoon locating places I could tuck new friends and planting them. They're all planted and I'm exhausted but very, very happy.

I was pleasantly surprised to find so many plants that folks consider *gothic*. I tend to focus on reds and purples anyway but oh-my-word, these plants are pretty with their dark rich colors! The  Black Satin petunias appear both black and dark-dark purple depending on the light. I cannot wait for the Iris “Superstition” to bloom. I’m going to start my *impatient clock* right now!

The Columbine "William Guiness", of which I bought two, could only be planted in two locations in my garden since they require full shade to partial shade. They're somewhat isolated from today's collection of sun worshippers. 

In my backyard, I planted one Columbine under the Scotch broom which I’m surprised already has its first bloom. The Columbine is tucked in the shadows and will be shaded for most of the day. 

I planted the other one beside our front door. While the front garden is shade throughout the entire year, during June through August the sun moves and BAM the yard becomes full sun. That being said, right up by the house is the only location that remains shaded. I have an Oxalis or Purple Shamrock right beside where the Columbine was planted today. Fingers crossed that everyone is happy in their new locations.

While I was purchasing all the plants, I saw the cutest gardening gloves for kids. Why don’t they make patterns like these for adults?!? Anyone have any leads?