I am a terrible gardener. There. I've said it. Not an easy thing to admit but it is time that I face up to the awful truth. What you see here are the only tomatoes from our 4 tomato plants. I could blame all of the rain that we have had that seemed to do the plants in before they really got going. Or our poor, clay soil (that I have done so little to help along), or that even though the vegies are planted in the sunniest location there is still a good amount of shade. But really, it has more to do with my inattention to the plants in general. Yeah, I've tried growing tomatoes and other vegies in pots and planters on the deck in quality, organic soil and where there is more sun. But just plain ignoring them, wherever they are planted, obviously doesn't produce results. I start out each spring so hopeful, full of good intentions, that I ultimately never follow through with. It is time that I realize it is actually in my best interest not to put these plants through the agony of neglect and never bring them home in the first place. Then I wouldn't have all of this guilt and the plants would have a chance to live productive lives in someone else's garden. I say that now. Please remind me to leave the vegetable plants alone when next spring rolls around, okay?
You had TWO wonderful models for a beautiful sketch!! THAT'S a success!!
ReplyDeleteLovely tomatoes Ann. Such wonderful colours! You may not have many tomatoes but they sure are pretty!!! :-) Well, humm...you certainly know what they need, good soil, lots of sun, maybe it was the unusually heavy rain afterall? I don't usually fuss with my vegetables once they are planted. I do stake up tomato plants and I will water in the first week or so if it is dry but after that they are fending for themselves (perhaps your adventures in container gardening were not successful simply due to the whole watering business, pots dry out very fast). I put down a straw mulch to prevent serious weeds. Only certain veggies can tolerate clay soil though. So if you are not keen on amending the soil then perhaps it is best to wave the white flag. Gardening should be enjoyable afterall! And yikes, you certainly don't need the guilt. :-) Well, it is early days here with regards to harvesting ripe tomatoes so perhaps your four plants shall surprise you! I hope so.
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm, they look plump and juicy. Especially with that lushous highlight on the tomato to the right. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYour tomatoes look wonderful. They are now immortalized. What more can tomatoes ask?
ReplyDeleteI don't do well with plants myself and I blame the rabbits, squirrels and bugs that will eat them down to the soil line here in the desert. And that was AFTER I put chicken wire cages all around them. Sometimes you can't beat mother nature and you have to let it go at that. At least you got your drawing.
Nice fresh colors though, Ann! LOL My latest yen has been burgers with one slice of cheese and a big slice of tomato. You've made my mouth water for another!
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you as far as growing things goes! I have a friend who grows Everything in her garden (she also weaves wool and then makes skirts for herself from it; cans and freezes all her produce; has beautiful flowers, etc.) It's remarkable that we're friends at all! lol But the painting of the tomatoes is wonderful and I'm sure they would be pleased. nancy
ReplyDeleteI bet they tasted nice though!
ReplyDeleteGreat light and colour.
I have a black thumb of death :p seems like any plant i touch dies lol
ReplyDeletewell you might not have gotten much tomatoes, but you have a lovely drawing from them :)
Oh, Ann, how funny! I'm laughing out loud....the other day a new friend stopped by (her home should be in Better Homes and Gardens), she looked at my potted herb garden on the porch and said, "oh, what happened here?"
ReplyDeleteHonestly, Ann, I hadn't even really noticed they had all died and become a spider's playground....I just said, "well, I guess I lost interest." Very easy to lose interest when they are next to your front door and you see them every time you go in and out! :-)
I SO hear you! I can groom a dog and train a horse but growing vegetables eludes me. Fortunately, you are a fine artist and your tomatoes sure look good! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments and it's good to know that I am not the only one that is gardening challenged! I love your story Rose - so like what happens in my yard! Teresa, the white flag has been waved! However my herbs manage to thrive in spite of me so I guess I will stick to just those from here on out :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous looking tomatoes there, and now this really makes me hungry for some that my coworker brought to work for everyone... homegrowns are always awesome!
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