PLANTING AND POTTING

Moms purchased some ranunculus bulbs last year when we visited The Flower Fields. I'd been meaning to plan them since November since they like to start growing in the winter. But I guess I'd been busy (and lazy) and I only finally got around to doing it today.

I decided they would go where some iceplant-like bushes used to grow. They were cleared out by the gardeners so there's an empty space on the plot right at the front of the house. I cultivated the plot first using a long claw. Then I tried to take out as many of the rocks that were in the plot and used a shorter claw to even-out the soil. The soil seemed a little too muddy so I added some potting soil to hopefully allow it to dry-out between waterings.

The instructions said 8" apart, but I read some stuff online that said 4"-6". Since I didn't have much room, I went with the 6" spacing. The instructions also said 1" deep, but I put them down a little bit further, about 2" max. I covered them up and watered them so we'll see what happens in a few months.

Before all this, I also re-potted some plants I had. I never had any potting soil so I just never did it. I finally did and I think some of the plants that I haven't paid attention to are near death. Two succulents that I got from a workshop are really hurting, but hopefully I got to them in time. I don't think succulents really like potting soil, but it sure beats being left out with no water. There was another plant that I got from the workshop that is probably dead because I never watered it.

The pine tree my mom received from plant a tree day is still holding tough. I think it's a pine tree because it's leaves resemble pine leaves. I never watered it either, but I guess there was enough moisture in its container to allow it to live. It should be happy now that it has been re-potted.

Then there's the oldest plant I've ever owned. This baby has been with me since I inherited it from my friend Shirley. It's a tough lady because when I left it outside my brother's place in San Jose, he never watered it. When I returned, she was still clinging on and I took it back and have cared for it since. That was probably 15 years ago. I think it's a Ficus elastica, commonly known as a rubber plant. After I re-potted the thing, she just looks so much better.

I felt energized after all this and was enthusiastic about working out. Unfortunately, while warming-up, I tweaked my right calf again. This time, it was lower on the calf and wasn't as severe as when I was jogging. I'm not sure what is causing this. If it's age, I'd just like to know. I suppose to should stretch more and warm-up more carefully.