Isn't it amazing how a warm and sunny day can give you life and make you feel brand new? Well that's how I feel after today's lovely day that we had. It's been a long, cold, snowy and dreary winter, so sunshine and warmth are certainly welcome. The snow is almost fully melted and with tomorrow forecasted to be even warmer than today, I am hopeful all of the snow will be gone by end of day tomorrow. Let's see!
I had a brief look in the gardens today and I'll tell ya, it sure is mucky back there and with 2 dogs it feels like a mudpit lolol Thankfully I'm growing mostly in raised beds with excellent drainage, so it doesn't matter how mucky it is. There are definitely tulips poking through, which is a sight for sore eyes. I would expect to see more at this point in the season, but this year, seems like everything will be late with our long Winter. Before the end of the month, I will be sure to write a Monday Musings on what's going on outside in the gardens and include some photos and also hope for the future!
In the meantime, for this week's Monday Musings, let's take a look at what's growing in the grow room. There are lots of new friends that have showed up since the last grow room update I did, so let me fill you in!
Ranunculus and Anemone
They are both growing well and are nice and lush and green. They are just about ready to be planted out, but before they are, I need to acclimate them and keep them in a cooler place for about 10 days. Next destination for them will be the sunroom and or greenhouse. Then they will be planted outside in a temporary bed that I need to fill with soil and get covered to prep for planting! They will be planted out within the next 2 weeks!
Eucalyptus
These slow growing beauties are doing well and if you can believe it, already have a strong eucalyptus scent. These gems will remain inside until at least for another month. They like it to be warm so no need to rush them outside until all risk of frost is gone! I'm so excited to use these greens in some late season weddings we have planned.
Ageratum
One of the most popular flowers at the market from last season, so I just had to grow it myself. Typically you see it in this periwinkle purple colour, which I am growing, but I am also growing this purple red variety that I hadn't seem before. I love ageratum because it adds a nice pop of colour and helps to fill in spaces. These little beauties will stay inside until the risk of frost has passed. I will likely have to pot them up once before planting them outside.
China Asters
I absolutely love these flowers and after having a failed crop of them in 2023, I skipped them for last year. But now we're back and I am ready to make sure the plants are thriving so that we get lots of blooms. These beauties are a bit on the slower growing side, so I wanted to start them early to give them a head start. They will stay inside until the risk of frost has passed, and I will likely have to pot them up before they are planted out.
Scabiosa
This season I am growing the black knight variety with some late season weddings in mind. They are a tall and dainty addition to a bouquet and in this dark shade, they really make an impact in a bouquet or arrangement. I haven't grown these before, so not totally sure if I'll need to pot them up before planting them out, but they like a long cool start, so I'd like to get them planted out asap!
Snapdragons
They are coming back this season in a big way. The seeds are tiny, but they are plentiful and easy to save. They also germinate pretty easily and just go about their business and don't really fuss as a seedling. I'm all in on potomac lavender, which many of you know me for. They are just such a reliable and productive variety, it is hard not to grow them. And the beautiful lavender colour pairs well with so much. They are slow growing, but like a long cool start outside. They are also cold tolerant so I will plant them outside in early April. In addition to potomac lavender, I am also growing some chantilly varieties, which aren't as prolific, but rather more dainty and special so better for event work. 
Strawflower
Last, but certainly not least, there are also some strawflowers growing. The germination on them hasn't been great, but I am working them hard and more are popping up each day. Like snapdragons, strawflowers can tolerate frost and enjoy a long cool start and will also be planted out sometime in April. After hardening them off, I'll be able to plant them out in their current soil block. 
Thank you so much for tuning in and following along. There is so much beauty to come and I am so excited to share it with you!
Have a great week!
Laura