At the beginning of the week I went to the plant market to get some potted herbs, strawberries and a chili plant. I’ve decided to make a little garden in the corner of my kitchen because it gets lots of sunlight, it’s kinda like a greenhouse…
Upon purchase of the chili plant the seller kept saying (in Dutch) “outside in the sun! outside in the sun!” I did my usual “ja ja” (yes yes) but inside I was saying to this man “you don’t fool me, there is NO sun outside in this country! If I plant this little guy outside, he will die within days!” And I’m so glad I didn’t listen to him because if I had planted it outside, it would have drowned since we’ve had 4 days of non-stop rain and very, very little sunshine. Today, the chili plant is standing tall and strong on my window sill. I’m not sure how well it will grow but you know, this gardening thing is all about observing and learning, and even more so when in different climates with different soil.
Anyway, what are growing gangbusters are my orchids! Look at all those beautiful flowers, and there are still plenty more to come. It’s all with thanks to Zoë & her fab instructions, remember this post?
So what do you think of my kitchen garden so far? I’m rather fond of it, myself. If you’re interested, I’ll let you know how my garden grows over the coming months.
xx
it’s looking lovely so far, pia.
we have been so busy concentrating on our vegetable garden, we have neglected thinking about plants for our house and, at the moment, we have seed trays on nearly all of our windowsills, so haven’t got much room. hopefully soon, we’ll be able to plant out all of our seedlings and then get some lovely plants for indoors.
May 14th, 2010 | #
I’d love to see photos of your garden as it develops – in any case, your orchids are stunners!
May 14th, 2010 | #
It’s just gorgeous. You have inspired me to do the same. Thanks Pia!
May 14th, 2010 | #
I keep meaning to attempt an indoors garden myself, but somehow I am doing good just to keep up with the needs of my indoor plants. I admire your orchid – what a beauty!
May 14th, 2010 | #
this is a beautiful glimpse into your sweet kitchen garden. Thanks for sharing it with us! I too garden in every available sunlit space i have. In Portland, OR we have an overwhelming lack of sunlight, so I often resort to putting grow bulbs in pretty lamps positioned near my green things.
I look forward to more sneak peaks into what you are cultivating this spring.
best,
svr
May 14th, 2010 | #
Your kitchen is pretty pretty! I must read that orchid article because although I am a green thumb, orchids are the only plant I cannot keep alive. I’ve mastered ferns. Love the chile plant. Have a great weekend! xo
May 14th, 2010 | #
Ahh yeah they are going well. I just bought a lemon thyme and thyme plant to try and have a crack at growing some of my herbs myself…i have a brown thumb not a green one so shall see how this goes. It is certainly good to see others having a crack at bringing the outdoors in.
May 14th, 2010 | #
I love your blog / work Pia. Always inspiring, very pretty … i always have a smile when scrolling down the page 🙂
May 14th, 2010 | #
Herbs are fab for their smell as well as anything to eat, which makes them great indoors. Am addicted to the scents of lavender & lemon verbena. I keep “pruning” the former so I can add bits to my hand-made (& rather wonky) lavender pillow. And pick bits from other peoples’ gardens on my walks, keep them in my zip thingy for the day & add to the pillow before bed. My supermarket-brought orchid (cymbidium) actually bloomed this year – all glowing yellow tiger-faces.
May 15th, 2010 | #
i love that you used the word ‘gangbusters’! the kitchen garden sounds very exciting!
May 15th, 2010 | #
Love your garden! I’ve always wanted an orchid too. Yours is quite lovely. Happy weekend to you! ; )
May 15th, 2010 | #
I think its wonderful! I live in an inner city apartment with a chilly little balcony. I love plants but often have to choose only the hardiest ones that can survive indoors and my absentmindedness with watering them. I’m going to pay more attention to where the sun falls around the house so I can do the same thing you’ve done and group my plants in the section. Now I’m so intrigued by how you got your orchids like that! I’ll have to investigate the link 🙂
May 15th, 2010 | #
Wonderful!
The one thing I don’t have in my apartment is sunlight, so my possibilites when it comes to an indoor garden are a little limited. Your orchid looks amazing though!
And good luck with the chili!
May 16th, 2010 | #
Thought of you as I wistfully watched Alys with her winter veg! I want to watch the whole series in one fell swoop but we dont have Sky so I shall make do with her book! You are quite right about your chili, outdoors really wont do at all!
Sarah x
May 16th, 2010 | #
Looking great! I tend to have a very darwinian approach to house plants. Only those plants that can survive under the care that I am able to provide it last in my house. 🙂
May 17th, 2010 | #