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I am writing in September -- "National Addiction Recovery Month -- and I feel compelled to admit that I have a problem with compulsive gardening......
My name is Jeremy, and I'm a plantaholic.
(You may respond in unison, "Hi, Jeremy!")
I haven't always been addicted to plants and gardening. In fact, it's only been within the past six years that my hobby of occasionally growing a plant turned into an all-consuming preoccupation with things green and growing. I am now powerless over plants and my life has become unmanageable as a result of my obsession with gardening. Prior to purchasing my current home just six short years ago, it was possible for me to garden as an enjoyable way to pass a few hours. In the vigor of my twenties, I restored a turn-of-the-century garden behind the apartment in which I dwelled at 7 Morton Street in New York City. Later, I delved into vegetable gardening when I owned a house in a rural area after moving back to Jacksonville, Florida.
I have had a few gardening jobs in the past -- working for a nursery or two, tending the massive plant collection of a prominent artist in NYC, being available by the hour to help a landscaper friend with paid jobs, or assisting friends that wanted my gardening expertise.
These minor dabbles in gardening were just passing fancies. They were not the core of my being and the focus of all my attention. Gardening today requires nearly all my energy, and involves my complete mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual capacities.
It may be that some of us are genetically predisposed to gardening addiction by having parents or grandparents that were farmers or gardeners (in the same way that those with a history of alcoholism in their families are more likely to be problem drinkers). I was bred to be a farm hand. I was the youngest of six strapping lads born to parents that had grown up on adjacent farms in the back hills of Appalachia in West Virginia. My grandparents had worked the same land, as did their parents before them. My ancestors may have been farmers back through the eons to that time when neo-humans first plopped down, dropped some grain in the dirt, and gave up their hunting and gathering lifestyle to become agrarians. If I did inherit the gene for gardening addiction, it didn't fully express itself until I came to own the half-acre I currently plant and tend.
The addictive behavior started simply enough -- a pot of marigolds bought on a whim and casually situated by the front door stoop. And there was my decision to buy a root balled live Leyland Cypress (X cupressocyparis leylandii ) instead of a cut Christmas tree for my first holiday season in my new home. It wasn't long, however, before my addiction grabbed hold of me and any trip to a store that sold plants would result in a cart-bursting over-indulgence in potted greenery and garden supplies.
Over the past few years, I have become aware that I love to grow things, but hate to mow and rake. To enhance my bliss and avoid the unpleasant tasks, I decided to fill my entire property with flowerbeds with only narrow walkways between the plantings. I left a mere three-foot strip of existing grass along the front curb as my nod to the suburban obligation for a "lawn." I also found that I don't want an orderly, planned landscape. I prefer the relatively uncontrolled chaos of what I call a "sub-tropical cottage botanical garden." I must possess at least one of everything that can possibly grow in my climate. Accepting these choices as life goals may have been the beginning of my undoing -- the turning points where my dalliance with plants nose-dived to disaster and my addictive behavior began to soar at mach speed.
I don't recall how I discovered DavesGarden.com (DG). This website may have just fluttered, innocently enough, across my computer screen while I was seeking information on some particular plant. I do recall that I immediately felt right at home. At last! I could openly discuss my overt fascination with plants with other like-minded folks without being judged as a social pariah or fringe lunatic. No detail of plant trivia seems too insignificant on DG, and that suits me just fine.
I didn't jump right into the forums on DG. No, I lurked for a while, still in the horticultural closet, eagerly poring over posts by others, inhaling every scribble of garden discussion with drunken delight. I sotted my soul with solitary hours of online gardening depravity: measuring the merits of various manures, sounding the depths of how deeply to plant a daylily, or pursuing advice on the proper posture for the pruning of roses. I succumbed to an overwhelming urge to completely immerse myself in the virtues of bog plants. I was, eventually, totally hooked on the phonics of Latin nomenclature (the "jive-talk" ersatz street slang of plant addicts).
I became totally obsessed with how and when I could get my next plant. I became willing to do anything to get it.
My friends could only watch passively as I surrendered my will and my life to the demon daffodils (I managed to persuade a catalog company to send me an order of three hundred Tazetta Narcissus 'Ziva' bulbs at the wholesale price to satisfy my delusions of grandeur that my half-acre would someday rival the scene of horizon-to-horizon daffodils in "Dr. Zhivago".) My loved ones stood helplessly by as my unquenchable thirst for thistles and teasels and other thorny plants consummately consumed me and tore at my soul.
Unfettered and untreated, my plant addiction only got worse -- much worse. I happened to be in a big box store early one evening, ostensibly for some hardware needs. As usual, the irresistible motivation to tour through the garden center overtook me. I found myself reeling my lumber cart down the aisles of plants. Each of the flowers beckoned beguilingly to me. I was, in this era, already several years into my gardening habit. My declining finances (a situation due in large part to my unrestrained credit card purchases of plants and garden accoutrements) and constant craving for more and more plants necessitated that I resort to buying only the rot gut, cheapest bargain plants. That fateful night, I staggered to the dark recesses at the back of the store and stood longingly in front of the distressed plant rack. My eyes blurred and my tongue drooped as drool poured from the corners of my lips. I considered which half-priced pint I might be able to afford. An unusual tawny orange Asiatic Lily caught my eye, but I could not find the final markdown price on it. Reeking as I was, unwashed and filthy from the sweat of the fields, I grabbed the nearest sales associate, supporting my manure-steeped, sun-stressed frame upon him, and slurred out the question, "How much for this Lilium asiaticum 'Tiger Babies'?"
He looked stunned for a moment, perhaps mistaking the cultivar name for a come-on. "All the plants are marked. The discount plants are all on racks outside the front of the store," he said cautiously, with a hint of contempt and disdain. He attempted to cling to his professional demeanor as he wrenched himself free from the clutch of my eternally split and blackened fingernail nubs.
"I didn't see any discount racks. Show me!" I demanded.
He led me to the front of the garden center. Upon arrival there, he pointed to an eight foot tall by six foot wide by two-foot deep rack of plants (the racks that the plant nurseries use to deliver bulk plant shipments). The rack was completely stuffed with plants. Most of the plants were either totally dry or overly soggy and were clinging, as was I, to the last shreds of a stable life. The entire rack was sealed with plastic wrap, indicating it was to be sold as one lot. A computer-printed invoice on the wrap listed all the dozens of varieties of plants and how many of each plant were included within. The amount, "$10.00," was hand-written at the bottom of the long list of annuals and perennials.
I felt I was in some altered state of Gerbera Daisy induced dementia. Surely, the entire rack could not be offered for the one low price of $10. I hazarded a question to ascertain if this, indeed, was reality or if I had died and had been transmigrated to plant bargain heaven:
"How much are they? My breath was heavy. I exhaled with the unsubtle stench of half-rotting foliage that I was now eagerly swilling, savoring the musty and familiar flavor.
The sales associate stepped back from my swaying presence and ripe aroma to find a more pristine air. "They are $10.00," he said flatly.
"$10.00 for all of them? For the entire rack?" I was so overcome with joy from the prospect that I might get such a huge fix to sate my cravings for so little money that I could barely choke out those questions.
"Yes, $10.00 for the entire rack. We have eight racks here to sell as cell packs. You can take your pick." He started to walk away, content that he had managed to deal with my garden-clogged, disorderly presence with minimal show of condescension.
I swiftly surveyed the eight racks containing a multitude of plant species. The pots were shoved one atop the other, packed tightly as pickled herrings in a tin, onto the racks.
I heard the words come unconsciously, uncontrollably from my lips:
"I'll take them all!"
The sales associate stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look back at me. A look of astonishment played across his face, tinted with a twinge of fright as he saw the greed-induced glassy-eyed gaze of mind numbing plant bargain euphoria that was emanating from me.
"You want them ALL?" He asked, incredulously. "You want all eight?"
"YES!" I could barely contain the insane glee I felt, but I did manage not to dance a jig. Yes! Yes! I want them all! I want all eight!"
It took some time for the cashier and the garden manager to figure out how to input the cell pack purchases into the computer cash register. This was a new transaction for them. I began to fear that they would just give up and the deal would be off. After an hour or so, they finally did have me rung up.
Then the reality sat in. How was I going to load all these plants and get them home? I fortunately had my dilapidated, rusty 1978 Chevy van with twelve-foot cargo space that I had bought for $280 on a lark a few months prior to striking this plant bargain mother lode. It seemed to me that Providence had paved the way by making sure I would have the right vehicle when this unprophesized great fortune came my way. The store was headed toward closing time as I began to carefully pack the multitude of nursery flats into the van. In order to fit them in, I had to determine which plants could withstand the most crushing and how I could space the flats so that the least damage would occur to each precious plant. When finally I had the van stuffed floor-to-ceiling with as many plants as I could possibly cram into it, I realized I had only loaded four of the racks and had four more racks to transport. The store lights began to go out and the associates were locking the gates. I ran to the doors and beseeched them through the black metal bars; eyes wide with desperation, calling out with plaintive pleas that rivaled those of Susan Hayward in "I Want to Live!" --
"Please. I've loaded all I can. Let me leave four racks here. I'll be back for them later."
By this time, they had, I'm sure, determined rightly that I was a raving lunatic. With laughing disregard, I got the answer; "Sure. But you've got to have the plants out of the parking lot by morning."
"Oh, I will. Absolutely, I will!" I was dumbfounded that they could possibly think I would abandon the plants and not return for them. I drove out of the parking lot nervously, half expecting that the store security guards would apprehend me for what felt like a felonious theft of a hefty portion of the garden center inventory.
That night was a long one. It had taken about three hours to load all the plants, about forty-five minutes to travel the distance to my house, and another few hours to unload all the plants. Then I had to repeat the process for the remaining racks still at the store. But I did all the grueling work with maniacal delight, astounded by the more than $8,000 in plants that were mine for a mere $80.00!
The next day, I awoke with frenzied excitement after only a few hours sleep. I was eager to see all my new plant acquisitions by daylight. I found it took many hours of very determined care to triage the plants for their various ailments and general condition. I looked over the battalions of many thousands of incoming wounded. Each, I felt, deserved precise care and a thorough evaluation. Those that were beyond hope were given last rites and sent to the soil recycling bins. Those showing even the slightest glimmer of green were placed in a holding ward in my yard where they could receive appropriate attention to speed their recovery and rehabilitation. The plants were free of insect pests, fungi, bacteria or viral rot. Most were suffering from being over-watered or under-watered by store personnel that had minimal training (and less interest) in the moisture needs of so many different species. Through previous distressed plant purchases, I had gained experience in salvaging damaged plants. I knew most of them would benefit by a controlled reduction in water and being placed for a few days in filtered sunlight. I dubbed an area of my yard the "Betty Ford Clinic." There, the soggy bottomed plants had the chance to rest in the shade and dry out. I was surprised at how quickly the plants responded to the slightest palliative care. Within just a few days, I had dozens of flats brimming with beautiful flowering plants.
A normal person might have stopped there, satisfied with possessing far more plants than anyone could ever reasonably hope to tend and plant. But, I am an addict, and by all accounts, abnormal. I began to habituate the store that had provided me this surplus of blessings. Even though the store was far across town, I beleaguered the garden center managers and staff with nearly daily visits to determine if there were any more cell packs to be had. Whenever they said, "Yes," I would immediately snap up all the racks that were available. I would quickly shove the plants into my old van, sometimes securing hanging baskets to the window visors and ripping out the remnants of the ceiling of the van with my bare hands to expose metal ledges where I could attach more baskets. On many occasions, I had to be certain that I stayed in the far right lane for the entire trip home. A swaying forest of exasperated greenery occluded all the windows in the van. I could not use the side mirrors to determine if any traffic was approaching. Pots of plants were stuffed under the seats and lined up along the dashboard. As the months dragged on and the cell pack deals continued, I eventually created in the van some wedding cake tiered shelves. They consisted of plywood sheets and concrete blocks, precariously balanced at different heights so that I could sort the flats and potted plants and give them the best possible ride home.
I hounded the store staff for more cell packs so incessantly that they finally said, "Give us your phone number. We'll call you when we have something." That began a yearlong ritual of me waiting anxiously for the call to come, then heading out right away to go gather up the next horde of disenfranchised plants. The store garden center managers would call just about every week -- sometimes twice a week. They began to realize that I was doing them a service by hauling away the trash that they would otherwise need to drag to the dumpster and toss out.
I also began to sense that the garden center managers shared my sincere respect for the life of the plants. We all realized that, despite some inept care, the plants were, for the most part, completely recoverable and could go on to full, happy lives. With what would probably be diagnosed by my psychiatrist as a hero-ideation complex with more than a touch of megalomania, I justified my compulsion to haul off every available cell pack by believing myself the rescuer of these otherwise doomed plants in the way that Schindler had been the emancipator of Jews during the reign of the Nazis. It became my deific duty to take every available plant (though I must admit that just after December 31, I was less than thrilled to haul off about four hundred pitiful, purloined poinsettias). I was especially overjoyed when the time came each month for the out-of-flower orchid plants to be discarded as cells. The orchids seemed like a special reward for my devoted service. My heart would also leap at some of the exotic shrubs, plumerias and other tropicals, shelves of "Angel Brand" mini-plants, and cultivar roses that came my way. I processed thousands of perennials, tens of thousands of annuals, and filled my garden to overflowing whenever I had a moment to spare from the triaging and tending.
I was also able to act with great largesse, far more than my meager pension income would ever allow, providing plants to whoever wanted them. I had impromptu mini-round ups for DG friends. You can imagine the ecstasy that overcame these fellow plant fanatics when they were allowed, like children in a candy shop where all the candy is free, to load their vehicles to the strapped-down max at "all-you-can-haul-free-for-alls." We sometimes met, like furtive drug smugglers (only with completely legal plants), in dimly lit parking lots at various locations around the state to pass along plants. I was able to fulfill the gardening needs of local schools, nursing homes, senior centers, and other community groups that had no funds for plants. Word spread through the gardening community about the availability of the plants. I made many friends that stopped by often. Some people caught the fervor of the enterprise and would provide me some cash to keep the supply flowing.
But the plants eventually ruled my life, instead of me being in control of my desire to adopt and care for them. I would sometimes get the call to come pick up the plants late in the evening and would summon up whatever remnants of energy I might have to make the trip long after dark to load them. There would often be more plants than I could haul in one load and I had to resurrect my energy from the first haul to make two or more trips back and forth to the store to get all the plants. My half-acre yard became so full of plants in pots and flats that it was reduced to narrow single footfall paths surrounded by teeming oceans of pots. I began to worry that my neighbors might report me for being a public nuisance. (Is there an ordinance for "Excessive Plants?"). I felt somewhat secure, however, in the knowledge that, by now, after my neighbors had coexisted with the dump truck load of twenty-five cubic yards of horse manure that had been "curing" in my driveway for about eight months, and were tolerating my pesky Peking duck that chases the mail lady and other passersby, they may well have decided I was truly insane. It was in their best interests that they not do anything to upset me lest I go on an axe-wielding rampage -- an attitude I have carefully cultivated in all that know me to help ensure my complete personal freedom.
As the gardening addiction further gripped my soul, all my other activities and interests fell to the wayside. I stopped oil painting, let home remodeling projects go stale, and stopped going to the gym. My only activities became not much more than sleeping, eating, and tending to distressed plants. My relationship with my fiancee, Christina, began to suffer. She finally said the words I knew were coming, "You love the plants more than you love me!" I assured her that was not correct, but deep down, I knew it might be true.
About five months ago, I finally was forced to go "cold turkey" with withdrawal from distressed plant rescue. A new regional manager for the big box store came to town, full of innovative ideas. He eliminated the cell pack system. Instead of me paying the store to haul away the "garbage," all the plants that did not sell when marked down to 50% off were required by his new policy to go to the compactor. The store would then pay a hauler to load the compressed plant refuse and take it to the landfill, paying the dump fees while also unnecessarily using up landfill space. There was no logic I could see for the decision. There was also no mercy for me or for the plants.
Without my weekly methadone injection of a few thousand plants, I became severely depressed. I moped, dejected, irritable, and resentful for several weeks. It was months before I could return to the garden center, knowing that I would have to turn a deaf ear to all the plants screaming to me for salvation. They were irretrievably scheduled to be squashed due to corporate curmudgery. I especially wanted to weep when I would see the orchids languishing on the half-price shelf with spent flowers, still healthy, but neglected and no longer floridly festooned, waiting with little hope of reprieve for the day the callous executioner would arrive to crush the life out of them.
My saga of gardening addiction didn't end there. I continued to pursue every available means of satisfying my need for plants. I was accepted at our local Extension Office for Master Gardener training and met other gardening addicts there. My finances were grossly in the red from my garden addiction, so I looked for a part-time job to supplement my income. When I heard that our local zoo was planning a botanical garden, I leapt at the chance to volunteer to do whatever I could to assist in making my long-held dream of a botanical garden in Jacksonville come to fruition. Checking online, I found some part-time job offerings at the zoo: operator for the mini-railroad ride and zoo exhibit guides. Needing quick cash, I decided to apply. During the job interview, I couldn't stop myself, of course, from ranting and raving and rambling incessantly about plants and gardening. It was clear I was not sensible and sane enough to operate a train loaded with children, but the zoo Human Resources Director felt I would fit right in with the horticultural staff. Now, I spend my days gardening for a few dollars as a way to support my habit. The zoo plant collection has provided me a wonderful opportunity to propagate new and unusual plants to add to my home gardens, and there is the especially fine fringe benefit of fecund supplies of elephant manure. My coworkers seem to be politely bemused by my rummaging through the refuse pile for any scrap of viable vegetable matter that I can propagate so that I can have some temporary respite from my aching need for plants. I spend some weekends attending gardening workshops and training courses. When not at work, I am usually tending my gardens at home, still trying to find the right spot for some of the many hundreds of waifs remaining from the cell pack hauls. I spend countless hours on DG researching plants and increasing my information about gardening. I frequently attend DG round ups and come home with yet more plants to try to find space and time to plant. I spend hours in dedicated research to fulfill a commitment to write two gardening articles per month.
There is apparently no hope for my recovery. I have accepted that I will be a plantaholic for this lifetime.
And I am completely content with that diagnosis.
________________________________________________
Ten Warning Signs You May Be A Gardening Addict:
1. You prune your plants more often and with more care than you trim your toenails. You hear yourself often saying, "There's no need for me to bathe. I'll only be dirty again in a few hours."
2. You hide empty plant pots where your friends and family won't see them so that they won't find out how much you are spending on plants and how often you are buying them. You garden alone and don't care what anyone things about your habit. You sneak outside and dig in the dirt every chance you get. You start gardening early in the day and continue gardening through every available hour. You think about quitting your job so that you can stay home and garden.
3. You can't restrain yourself from pulling a weed, no matter where it happens to be.
4. You show up at work or for an important appointment and realize you are wearing your garden clogs. Your knees are dirty from a morning garden task you just had to do before leaving home.
5. You avoid anyone that doesn't share your love of plants and gardening. You remain mostly silent and pout if a friendly discussion doesn't include talk about plants. You seek out other gardening addicts because they are the only people that seem to understand you.
6. You scour the nurseries for exotic plants just so you can brag about growing them, while also grabbing any plant that comes your way, even if you already have plenty of it. When you go to a garden center, you tell yourself that you will buy "just one plant," but then come out of a daze some time later, wondering how all the dozens of potted plants came home with you.
7. You justify pinching and pilfering cuttings from plants that don't belong to you by saying your propagation efforts are in the best interest of the plants.
8. You have masses of plants in nursery pots waiting to be planted, but still bring home more plants that you may not have room in your yard to plant.
9. You can't imagine going on any trip or vacation that doesn't include visiting some gardens. Your vehicle seems to involuntarily turn into the parking lot of plant nurseries and garden centers, regardless of how mightily you resist with white knuckles gripping the steering wheel.
10. When at a garden center with family, realizing there is not enough room in your vehicle for both your plant purchases and the other people or kids, you pat them on the head and tell them you will return for them (someday). You get so involved with tending to your new plants that you may forget to return for the abandoned family members. _______________________________________
You are welcome to share your comments, personal anecdotes, and your own gardening addiction sagas and confessions below.
About Jeremy Wayne Lucas
Jeremy (JaxFlaGardener) is a frequent contributor to the Florida Forum and other forums on Dave's Garden. In an ideal world, he would spend nearly every waking moment gardening, oil painting, and writing. Lacking such a Utopia, he currently works part-time in the Horticulture Department at the Jacksonville (Florida) Zoo and Gardens. His own half-acre garden is a hodgepodge of just about everything that will grow in Zone 8b/9a, with a homemade greenhouse for his orchids. He is a Master Gardener who esteems digging in the dirt more than book learning, but greatly enjoys research about plants and botanical nomenclature. He is pictured here with one of his large paintings, "The Healer's Leaves," based on a wonderful photo by DGer GardenWife of Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant) used by permission.
Posted by gardenbugde (from Smyrna, DE) on February 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM:
Hi Jeremy,
I can't wait to have my DH read this. I thoroughly enjoyed your confession! I come by my addiction honestly, as my Grandfather and Great Grandmother were farmers. I really started becoming interested in gardening about 4 years ago, when we moved to a house, where I could plant anything I wanted. Plants live in the house,taking up every surface that receives light, and even though there's really not much more room for more, I still find myself bringing more of them home! I sneak plants in when DH isn't around, and then wait for him to notice them (sometimes days later). I love to propagate and share. I love to try to grow things from seed, just to see if I can do it. I rescued 2 large Christmas Cactus from my Mom, repotted them, and then turned around and sold them (after taking pieces for myself)! I'd rather be a plant junkie than any other... more power to us!
Kathy
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on February 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM:
Thanks, Kathy! I am always glad to find another person caught up in the joy of plant addiction (it is one habit that we can really say we "suffer" from, because it does seem to bring happiness to so many).
I believe I may wake up some morning to find that my toes have grown roots and my red blood cells have been replaced by chlorophyll. I seem to live and breathe plants most every moment of my life these days.
Happy Gardening!
Jeremy
...
Posted by gardenbugde (from Smyrna, DE) on February 11, 2008 at 7:13 PM:
Hi again,
It's nice of you to respond to the posts that are left. A lot of folks don't. I hate to go away for more than one day, because I don't trust anyone to water my gardens in the summer. Do you have the same problem?
Kathy
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on February 11, 2008 at 9:19 PM:
Hi, Kathy. I finally reached a point where I won't allow anyone to do anything in my garden! I found that no matter what menial task I asked someone to help me with (emptying pots of dirt from the dead annuals from the cull packs, or especially something like mowing), they always ended up harming some wildflower (which most would call a weed) that I was protecting for some reason. I, too, feel tied to my house for all but the briefest trips away because I can't trust anyone to water or otherwise look after my plants, so I guess we are both true plant addicts in that regard!
You might enjoy this AP newspaper article that happened as a result of my plant addiction story. A freelance writer for the Associated Press contacted me for an interview about "extreme gardening." I enjoyed the article, but I wish they could have run some of the zany photos of my duck, Gilbert, and me. He definitely upstaged me for the photo shoot! LOL
[HYPERLINK@www.fosters.com]
Jeremy
...
Posted by gardenbugde (from Smyrna, DE) on February 12, 2008 at 8:13 PM:
Hi!
"Extreme Gardening"...... I LOVE THAT! The news article was great. An idea for a new show--- "Extreme Makeover: Garden Edition".
I find it hard to get good help when it comes to cleaning up/tearing up/cleaning out/weeding out/transplanting, etc... because, inevitably, I'll say....... "You're doing it wrong". SIGH. Although...... one of my daughters is learning, and she'll probably be the one who "gets it" in the long run. Have a great day, and say hello to Gilbert for me!
-Kathy
...
Subject: Closet Addition
Posted by 1mary2 (from Chesterfield, MO) on November 7, 2007 at 1:06 AM:
As I read your article, everything you said is exactly me! I was trying to keep my addiction "in the closet." Unfortunately, my husband doesn't share my passion, and I'm constantly hiding plants I buy (which I pay for),until I can plant them. It was so nice to see what I've been feeling put in writing. Makes me feel like I'm not alone!
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 7, 2007 at 10:23 AM:
Thanks, 1Mary! Glad you were able to find some identification with the plight of my own gardening addiction. At least here on Dave's Garden we can find solace in the company of other persons that have a garden compulsion (and are glad about it!) LOL
Jeremy
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Subject: HELP ME.
Posted by eden100 (from Edinburg, IL) on November 2, 2007 at 8:39 PM:
I buy two of everything, like Noah's ark! Jeremy do you have your own garden diary, data base, detailed info, photos, and dozens of reference books? Do you do some reading or internet research nearly every evening? Do you document your plant's response to the last thing you did to encourage growth and flowering? Do you tingle when your dirt looks healthy? Do you get into garden art, ornamentation, design and water features? Do you walk your garden every day? Can you imagine living in a 4 season climate where your beloved plants die or go dormant? One winter, I turned my breakfast nook into a crowded plant room. I bought several house plants to fill the void. I couldn't bare allowing the frost to kill some annuals so I brought some of those in as well. My cubicle at work has Gerbers that I saved from the recent frost. My cubicle is plastered with garden photos. I have a desk fountain and an awsome garden screen saver slideshow.
I have nearly 8 achres to fill...somebody help me.
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 9:11 PM:
Hi, Eden. Yes, to most of the above! LOL It sounds as though you are truly addicted. The plants have you entangled in their tendrils, and they can't be released without some serious pruning, which I'm never apt to do. Nothing for those like us to do except to completely surrender our will and our lives and maybe go ahead and shoot chlorophyll into our veins and sink our toes into some manure rich soil and take root along with our most beloved plants. That may finally satisfy the desire to never leave my garden!
Jeremy
...
Posted by eden100 (from Edinburg, IL) on November 3, 2007 at 12:19 AM:
Thanks for responding. You are awesome. I never knew I had a disease [addiction] until I read your column. I believe it is the healthiest of addictions. Keep posting your fortunes for all of us to envy. :)
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Subject: That was GREAT!!!
Posted by desertrose13 (from Edgewater, FL) on November 1, 2007 at 9:17 PM:
Jeremy, this was the funniest and most true to life article I have Ever read! I laughed so hard, I had tears. Thanks for sharing your story. I don't feel alone anymore. My friends think I have a problem too (guess I need to get new friends, ha ha). Would love to see your "artwork" at the botanical gardens at the Jacksonville Zoo!
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 9:27 AM:
Thanks greatly for your kind comments, desertrose! I am glad to know that others share my affliction with plants and can find the humor in our common obsession. If you are ever in the Jacksonville area, do let me know and drop by the zoo or my own home hodgepodge of plants. I'm sure we will have lots to discuss and plenty of plants to share!
Jeremy
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Subject: Absolutely Wonderful!
Posted by plantladylin (from East Central, FL) on October 31, 2007 at 8:46 PM:
Jeremy: I just came across the "Articles" area for the first time last week. At that time I didn't have the time to sit and read any of the articles. Well, tonight I decided to peruse a few of them. I just have to say .... You are not only a gardener my friend, but a talented writer too! Very, very enjoyable! You have a way with words. Loved every paragraph and Thank You for the enlargeable photo's too!
Well done!
Oh, and a"Quack" "Quack" to Mr. Gilbert too .... he's a cutie! Many years ago there was a lady here in town who had a tropical fish business kinda out in the country and they had a pet goose named "Goosifer" who was friendly to some and chased other's and would bite!! I've heard of watch dogs, but c'mon a watch goose??!! It got to the point where I was afraid to go on their property because I was afraid of being bitten!
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Posted by planthappiness (from Oklahoma City, OK) on November 1, 2007 at 10:18 AM:
Wow, what a great article! It really made me happy to read and learn that I'm not the only person totally over the edge & loving it. I'm getting more so every day & I can see myself in your writing, but I continue on in my plant euphoric state. What a high!!!- may it never stop. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 9:32 AM:
Thanks, all, for your kind comments. I'm glad you were able to find some affinity with my affliction with plants.
PlantLadyLin -- the "goosifer" story is great! What a wonderful name for a goose from the dark side. I've heard that geese can be vicious and do make good sentries to ward off unwanted visitors. Fortunately, Gilbert is more of a gentle soul that is just hungry for companionship and occasionally mistakes human toes in open soled sandles as juicy worms to be gobbled up. Perhaps he knew the maillady was just bringing more bills and past due notices and he was doing his job in keeping her at bay? LOL
Jeremy
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Posted by plantladylin (from East Central, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 9:44 AM:
LOL. Everyone needs a "Gilbert" if he can keep those bills away from the mailbox!
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Subject: Wonderful !!!
Posted by stormcloud (from Yonkers, NY) on October 31, 2007 at 12:35 PM:
Jeramy ,I am an addict just like you !
I am drooling over your cull paks and would just about die for having only one !!!
What fun that must have been to sort through and rescue all those wonderful little plants !!!!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story !!!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 11:44 AM:
Thanks, Stormcloud, for your kind comments. The big box store I habituated was Lowe's. You might try going to a Lowe's near you and saying the magic words, "cull pack," to the garden center manager (and you can mention that you know some Lowe's stores get rid of distressed plants for $10 per rack). You never know -- they may be glad to have you haul away some plants. It was a thrill every week to see what might show up on the racks.
Just be cautious -- one is never enough for a true addict, and you may get as carried away as I did and find yourself wading through thousands of plants in pots! LOL
Jeremy
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Posted by stormcloud (from Yonkers, NY) on November 6, 2007 at 11:41 PM:
Unfortunatly we do not have a Lowes store nearby but we do have Home Depot. So, I will try your plan with them. If it does not prove to be successful I will just have to follow your lead and drive the 40 minutes to the nearest Lowes store !! I already am an addict so no concern there and it sound like the most wonderful adventure ! I can just picture those flats and flats of wonderful needy little plants filling up my barren side side . Yessssssssss !
Thank you !
Sheila
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 7, 2007 at 10:35 AM:
Thanks, Stormcloud, for your interest in rescuing the persecuted plants! I've generally found that Home Depot has a policy that distressed plants are returned to the growers for credit and are generally not marked down for sale, but that may vary from location to location for the stores. For anyone ready to take the plunge and possibly begin hauling far more plants than any human should ever own (and ready to find the ecstasy that I found in such a surplus!), here is the thread I posted some time ago in the DG Florida Forum with all my suggestions and recommendations for setting up your distressed plant hauling and tending operation:
Good luck to all that may try it -- and I hope you will drop a note here if it turns out to be successful for you.
Happy Gardening!
Jeremy
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Subject: how true, how true
Posted by bobhenrys (from Oregon City, OR) on October 30, 2007 at 3:26 AM:
I love your story, I have an acre and although my addiction is not that bad yet, I can feel it going that way
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 11:49 AM:
Thanks, bobhenrys, for your kind comments. Yep, gardening addiction will sneak up on you. I would like to get a bumper sticker that reads, "I'd rather be gardening." It would certainly be true and accurate most of the time. I have gotten to the point where I resent having to leave my yard for any reason. I am completely content to fulfill all my interests within my 1/2 acre.
Happy Gardening!
Jeremy
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Subject: Thank you, Jeremy!
Posted by MicheleJolie (from Gainesville, FL) on October 29, 2007 at 7:52 PM:
For a great article as well as for your incredible generosity with the Motherlode plants, your own plants, and your own expertise.
I have to question your self-diagnosis, though. Most of the addicts I know don't share their stash with anyone and everyone as you have done. Generosity is, in some ways, the opposite of addiction.
Thanks again!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 11:52 AM:
Thanks, Michele, for your kind comments. One of the nicest aspects of having far more plants than any human should ever own was having the opportunity to spread them around and become friends with some wonderful people, such as yourself, along the way. I think gardening obsession may be one of the few addictions where we find joy in sharing our "stash" with others -- maybe it just provides us reassurance that when we are desperate for another plant, we can call on one of those persons we've given plants and beg for relief with a bit of greenery? LOL
Jeremy
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Subject: Ahhh
Posted by patholden (from Chesapeake, VA) on October 29, 2007 at 12:14 PM:
I didn't know there were other people like me, except for the ones I meet at the close-out shelves, but we don't share the full extent of our addiction as Jeremy did. The worst part is when the emptied plastic pots are discovered, though hidden, and the new "finds' are found, sort of tucked in with the ones that are STILL not planted, but loved. Have crept out more and more into "my husband's" lawn. It is a power struggle! Thanks, Jeremy, for detailing all the "symptoms," of which I have every one...and maybe even more! I think I'll give my husband this article. At least we haven't got the manure pile ripening, though we did once have l8 truckloads of mulch from tree trimmers dumped!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 29, 2007 at 2:27 PM:
Been there, done that, too, with the mulch loads, Path. I only took one truckload though. The tree company was surprised I wanted it because it was mostly ground up palm fronds from the trees in front of the symphony hall where I was working in subscription sales. It turned out to be some of the best mulch ever! Slow to decay and no seeds to sprout!
Thanks for your empathy with my addiction!
Jeremy
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Subject: Wondrful article
Posted by dun1kirk (from Berkeley, CA) on October 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM:
I knew there were others out there who did things like worship worms!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 11:54 AM:
Yes, I almost hate to dig in my dirt with a shovel because I almost cry when I see a healthy, fat earthworm cut in half. I quite often end up scooping out dirt with my hands so as not to disturb the beneficial critters that lurk below the surface of the soil. Great for the plants and for the karma, but definitely hard on the fingernails! LOL
Jeremy
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Subject: Plant Addicts Unite
Posted by growgirl59 (from Saint Louis, MO) on October 29, 2007 at 10:33 AM:
Wow! What a relief to know I'm not alone. I had to show my husband your article so I could justify my little "problem". It was great to be able to say "you should be thanking me, at least I didn't buy 8 racks of plants". Just between us, I would if I could. Lucky dog!
This message was edited Oct 29, 2007 8:37 AM
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 11:59 AM:
Thanks for your empathy, growgirl! The big box store I habituated was Lowe's. If you think you are truly ready to take the plunge into total plant obession, just find your local Lowe's garden center manager and say the magic words, "cull packs." It may be that the store policy will allow you to rescue the distressed plants for as little as $10 per rack. There is a thread in the Florida Forum where I discussed all the details of what is needed/involved in delving into the madness of several thousand plants at a time (I'll look for the thread link when I'm home -- currently at lunch break at the zoo job). It would make my heart glad to know that homeless plants otherwise doomed to the dumpster were being adopted into loving homes!
Jeremy
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Subject: Great article, Jeremy!
Posted by MiniPonyFarmer (from Gilmer, TX) on October 29, 2007 at 8:45 AM:
This was quite an amusing article! Thank you so much for writing this! I laughed!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 1:50 PM:
Thanks, Laura, for your appreciation of the article. It was actually a lot of fun to write and recall just how nuts I got over thousands of distressed plants. The troubling thing is, if I had it all to do over again, I definitely would!! LOL
Jeremy
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Subject: My own addiction...
Posted by Pyewacketcat54 (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 29, 2007 at 7:29 AM:
I too have the plant addiction,and a old house one to boot. I bought an old house(1925)and since, I have put just about every penny and spare moment into either bringing the yard back to it's former beauty,or adminstering some much needed tlc to the house.Between the two,my friends and family now just shake their head,and wonder what it is that drives me to work late into the night,putting in a pond,or ripping out the old wallpaper on the ceilings,and replacing it with tile.I sometimes wonder myself,but as I try to get the dirt out of my nails,or the paint out of my hair, I know I have found my Nirvana.... we should all be so blessed.
I too am only limited by my bank account,and feel the same sadness when I have to leave my world for the workplace,thankfully I do have a job I love,working with animals. Hats off to all who share the addiction,garden hat of course!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 2, 2007 at 1:54 PM:
Thanks, pyewack, for sharing your own saga. It sounds like we are kindred spirits. I'm finding, though, it gets more and more difficult to sustain the drive to renew, restore, and remodel. I'm at the point of just wishing I could walk away for a few months and come back to find it all magically perfect, just as I imagine it, but then I think most of the fun is in the effort. But I'm willing to try the other method if I could be so lucky as to ever win one of those "extreme makeovers."
Jeremy
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Posted by Pyewacketcat54 (from Fort Worth, TX) on November 12, 2007 at 7:43 AM:
I totally agree with you about the fun part, And the walking away for a few months too....it does sink into every fiber of your being doesn't it?Everything you look at, shopping,sleep,LOL.I have taken a hobby up,mosaics,to try to get some relaxation,but now I'm looking to see what I can do to the house with it!
I have an old space heater that is one I've never seen,and it's in an old mantel,I'm redoing that,playing with the idea of using some tile there,took the old wood molding off ,and covered the rest with a new surface of plywood.BTW,I have a new toy,air compressor and nailers...scary stuff to me,but I am learning!:) I have had heat/ac installed,so it's more for looks,but I like it.
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Subject: By request: Enlargeable photo 5
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 8:20 PM:
When a friend asked, "Would you like a load of horse manure brought to your house and dumped for free?," the only possible answer, of course, was "Yes!" He had connections with a horse stable owner south of Jacksonville. The owner of the stables had to find a way each week to clear out the soiled sawdust and was willing to pay the expense to have the manure brought to anyone that would accept it.
I was not quite prepared when I saw a dump truck about the size of the mammoth trucks used in strip mining pause in front of my house, loaded to the hilt with steaming manure. Still, I felt I couldn't pass up this great gift. I had cleared all the potted bargain plants out of the driveway in anticipation of the delivery. The truck driver had to be cautious not to hit the overhead electric lines when he angled the truck bed up and let the poop fall where it may.
For a few days, the odor was definitely noticeable. I had neighbors casually asking, "Do you have a horse?", apparently so unfamiliar with the sight of 25 cubic yards of horse manure that they had no comprehension nor frame of reference for recognizing it as it sat towering about half-way up the height of my 2-story house.
Fortunately, the smell went away much sooner than I expected, or perhaps we all just became inured to the redolent aroma and didn't notice it anymore. I've made several attempts, spending a few hours whenever time allows, to haul it by the wheelbarrow load and spread it around in the garden. But still, most of it continues to sit like a newly formed mountain range in my driveway. I seem to have correctly sensed that this neighborhood, though it is only about 5 miles from downtown Jacksonville, has a "live and let live attitude," or perhaps they all are just very afraid of the crazy plant man on the corner.
Jeremy
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Posted by svplantingfool (from South Venice, FL) on October 27, 2007 at 8:04 AM:
"the crazy plant man on the corner"
Classic!
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Subject: Well done Jeremy
Posted by barksy (from Atlantic Beach, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 8:15 PM:
Hello, my name in Sarah, I am a plant addict. (Hello Sarah).
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Subject: By request: Enlargeable photo 4
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 8:05 PM:
And here is His Royal Highness, God Gilbert (named in honor of Gilbert Godfried - the voice of the AFLAC duck in the TV commercials). Gilbert was named Bob when I brought him home from a DG roundup. Like the bargain plants, he was a reject in need of a home. No one else at the roundup would take him, so he rode home with me, quacking incessantly with complaints like a backseat driver for the several hour journey from Lakeland, Florida, to Jacksonville. He has turned out to be a wonderful garden companion. He follows me around as I garden and loves it when I stir up the dirt. Unfortunately, his only interest in eating garden denizens is to eat the beneficial earthworms while paying the insect plant pests no mind. I at first was letting him be a free range duck, but I did find a hand-scribbled note on an envelope in my mailbox one day, "Duck is attacking mail delivery person." I began to worry that a federal agent may show up at my door with a citation for "fowl acts performed upon a postal employee." Also, our doorbell soon afterwards rang late into the night. When I opened the door, an exasperated woman demanded to know, "Is this your duck?" Before I could nod in the affirmative, she informed me that Gilbert had been following her down the street and all her attempts to shoo him away had failed. She was left with no recourse but to bring him to the door.
I erected a makeshift fence around Gilbert's pond to maintain the neighborhood peace. Since that change, we have all been much happier. I made an amazing discovery about caging ducks (apparently not the brightest of birds). By haphazard accident, the segment of concrete reinforcement grid wire (salvaged, of course, from dumpster diving at a nearby I-95 remodeling site) that I selected to lay lengthwise across the entrance to Gilbert's enclosure, slanted inwards toward the inside of the cage. Even though this part of the enclosure is not more than about 1 foot high, Gilbert can't figure out how to jump over it. He runs up to it and finds himself under the slight angle and becomes totally confused. On the other hand, he is able to walk up and jump over the grid and return to his cage whenever one or the other of us grows weary of our garden walks.
I also found that ducks and pond plants and goldfish don't mix well. Within a few hours of moving into the pre-formed plastic pond, Gilbert had eaten all the plants and killed all the fish. I've managed to get some bamboos and other indestructible plants established around the edges of the pond. I recently had to reduce his pen size, at least temporarily, because he was trampling and eating the first signs of the annual return of my native Southern Grapefern (Botrychium biternatum) that grow within his caged area. He is a pesky critter, but now a definite part of our household.
Jeremy
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Posted by jnana (from South Florida, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 11:02 PM:
Jeremy, what an absolutely adorable face. He's sooo cute, can I keep him -just joking. My queen (doggie) would not be amused if I brought another pet, she's just too jealous.
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 27, 2007 at 1:04 AM:
Gilbert can definitely take care of himself around other animals. Sometimes he manages to run inside the house when I open the door when he is out of his pen. Thereupon, he proceeds to chase the cats around the dining room table and up the stairs. The cats can't quite figure out what the big white monster is, but they definitely want no part of it.
Jeremy
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Subject: By request: Enlargeable photo 3
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 7:39 PM:
It wasn't long until all the space in my half acre yard was filled with potted plants. We had to pick our way through the flats of plants to get to the front door.
Jeremy
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Posted by Pixydish (from Lakewood, WA) on October 26, 2007 at 10:57 PM:
Jeremy, you speak for so many! I laughed, I cried, ...... it's all so true!
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Subject: By request: Enlargeable photo 2
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 7:36 PM:
As the cull pack hauls continued, there was no longer room for the vehicles in the driveway, and the potted bargain plants overflowed into the side yard.
Jeremy
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Subject: By request: Enlargeable photos - 1
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 7:33 PM:
This if the view of the first 8 racks of bargain plants. The photo is an overview of my driveway, taken from atop my garage.
Jeremy
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Posted by pupilpropogtr (from Birmingham, AL) on October 26, 2007 at 8:41 PM:
Can I live in your driveway?
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Subject: Jeremy, what a saga!
Posted by Happy_1 (from Fort Lauderdale, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 9:28 AM:
As usual, I had to read every word and giggle all the way through. You are a master of plants and words and thank you for sharing both.
God Bless.
Hap
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Posted by Dyson (from Moneta, VA) on October 26, 2007 at 10:38 AM:
Man, just when you think you are so far gone as to be beyond any reasonable hope for help ........... someone else shows you that you can, in fact, seep to much deeper depths than you thought were ever possible and here I thought the ladies who are over in seed snatching were slightly deranged, while at the same time being at least slightly amusing.
They do shoot canoes, don't they?
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Posted by Garden4ever (from Plymouth, WI) on October 26, 2007 at 3:26 PM:
OMG, this was the absolute BEST plant story I have ever read and I see so much of myself in there! Especially about the spending on the plants... credit, hiding pots, lol. I would have died and gone to heaven to get the cull packs you are talking of. All I can think of is, what store around here would DO that and where can I get my hands on them? Lol you are a master garden story writer and I enjoyed this so much. Thank you!
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Posted by Horseshoe (from Efland, NC) on October 26, 2007 at 5:05 PM:
Loved it!
Hope to hear more about your derangement! Ya done good, Jeremy!
Shoe
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 7:01 PM:
Thanks all for your kind critiques and empathy with my gardening addiction! It is nice to know I am not alone in my obsession with plants.
Shoe -- if you want to know how VERY deranged I am, you can find my "Dead Piano" story in this thread, along with some other folks' hilarious home and garden misadventures.
Posted by Raggedyann (from Lawrenceville, GA) on October 26, 2007 at 7:08 PM:
Jeremy, you rule! There should be more people like you, (well there are and they are all here at DG) The world would be a much better place! Hope to meet you next time I come to Jax.
Susan
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Posted by roybird (from Santa Fe, NM) on October 26, 2007 at 8:17 PM:
Nice article. thanks.
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Posted by chrissy100 (from Sydney
(Australia)) on October 26, 2007 at 8:46 PM:
After reading what must be the funniest thread I have ever read in the forums ( Dead Piano)......I have to thank you for a sore tummy (all the belly laughs!)
" I could see myself in him in a few more decades, the wild times long behind me"....
that had me falling out of my chair! Oh what a character you must be! What a great sense of humour so many of you have.........remind me to tell you about the "Great Elephant Poo Heist" in the next couple of days ....my tummy can't take any more right now!
chrissy :)
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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 26, 2007 at 11:12 PM:
That dead piano story was yours? ROFL, I read that a long time ago and 'bout died! Yep, I recognize the same writing style (insanity) in this one... LOVE it!
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Posted by sugarweed (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 11:24 PM:
Yep, as a close observer of all of this I can say you covered it very well.
Sidney
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Posted by Dyson (from Moneta, VA) on October 27, 2007 at 9:23 PM:
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 28, 2007 at 11:09 AM:
Very funny, Dyson!! Thanks for the link. Probably the response most of us would have in that situation.
I can see the story continuing --- the wife comes home and finds me crying. "What's wrong?," she asks sympathetically. I begin to choke out the words through my heavy sobs..."I was hiding in the garage, I saw...." Whereupon, before I can finish the sentence, she comes clean and admits all her indiscretions only to have me say, "That's not what I'm crying about! It's my mealy-infested Ficus! (but I do want a divorce)."
Jeremy
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Subject: Plant Addicts Unite!
Posted by chrissy100 (from Sydney
(Australia)) on October 25, 2007 at 10:23 AM:
Oh Jeremy I wish you were not half a world away from us....it would be wonderful to have Plant addict meetings.....we all know the joys of plant addiction here at daves garden......I thought I was a pretty case until your article......I feel so much better now and would love to talk palliative plant care for hours with like minded addicts.....I suspect you are a real treasure! thankyou for a great article.
I am chrissy and I am a plant addict ........ha ha ha
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Posted by Kathleen (from Panama, NY) on October 26, 2007 at 6:52 AM:
Hi Jeremy, I'm Kathleen and I have been a gardening addict for many years. At this point my joints don't allow me to do as much gardening a previously, so I have proceeded to involve my darling, innocent granddaughter in my addiction - I have no shame!
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Posted by DiamondD (from Baton Rouge, LA) on October 26, 2007 at 8:19 AM:
Hi Jeremy, count me in too as a fellow addict. I don't think there is anything you described in your addiction that I couldn't relate to. Oh and the discarded orchids, oh my, I do love to fall on those buys.
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Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on October 26, 2007 at 9:13 AM:
Good Morning, My name is LouC. I am an addict.
Loved the essay. Read every single word. Hope you are able to convince another garden manager the wisdom in saving the disenfranchised.
Christi
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Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on October 26, 2007 at 9:24 AM:
My name is Melody, and I'm a plant addict.....
At least your addiction has not progressed to the point that you're saving seeds from every spent blossom and over-ripe vegetable you run across. My 'seed box' has turned into a 'seed closet....which upon recent inspection, now warrants the title 'Seed Room"
Be afraid....be very afraid...
Seriously, this was a great read...loved every second of it!
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Posted by starlight1153 (from Seale, AL) on October 26, 2007 at 10:42 AM:
Jeremy..... Thanks so much for being brave enough to stand up an admit you are an addict. I sure don't feel so alone now. I too am a garden addict.
At first I thought you were the gentleman who use d to come til the change to the bix box I used to work at. We would load all them racks into the back of his open utility truck. Piling plants as high and in every corner and every which way we could and watch him drive off leaving a trail behind him of the odd pot fallign of f the truck as he went.
You are so right in it being an addiction wors e than anything else out there. The worse parts I think are when ya happen to stumble upon great sales or the one ya never seen before that just has become your newest I gotta have and ther eno money in yoru pocket and you starty digging in and under car seats, ash trays, dumping your purse and wondering if you would get arreste d for standing out front with a cup in your hand askign for donations to get enough money to buy those plants.
Thanks so much for the article, it was enjoyable to read and now as I get ready to go out and play and check on my babies I will do so with that warm fuzzy feeling and bunches of chuckles today as I reflect back on your story.
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Posted by threegardeners (from North Augusta, ON) on October 26, 2007 at 11:14 AM:
Hi,,,my name is Lee Anne, and I am a plant addict too
wonderful article!!!! Was a nice read with my morning coffee, I loved every word of it.
Starlight, I have done that too...dumped out my purse, looked under the car seats, in the ashtrays, even stooped to using my Moms bank card (shhh).....plant addicts unite!!
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Posted by JanLynn (from South Milwaukee, WI) on October 26, 2007 at 11:30 AM:
Hello Everyone...My name is Jan...I am a plantaholic...I am a zone-pusher...my Tropical Garden includes Brugs, Dats, Cannas, EE's, Castor Beans, etc...the gaudier the color of the flower/foliage the more I "LUST" over it... I DO NOT wish to change my ways..."...an addiction to gardening is not all bad when you consider all the other choices in life..."
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Posted by Ticker (from Lisbon, IA) on October 26, 2007 at 11:36 AM:
Oh man. :) Great article. I'm proud to say that I share many of the same addictions as you. We're moving into November in my Zone 5a garden and I still have things in pots to get into the ground.... LOL
This is why I love Dave's, people understand and don't judge. :) LOL
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Posted by happy_macomb (from Chevy Chase, MD) on October 26, 2007 at 11:40 AM:
Wonderful article -- and can I ever relate!
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Posted by susancva on October 26, 2007 at 1:42 PM:
This was hillarious and a fun read!
Susan
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Posted by boojum (from Shelburne Falls, MA) on October 26, 2007 at 2:55 PM:
I laughed till I cried when you bought all 8!! And saw your horse manure pile! Thank goodness we all have each other!
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Posted by broncbuster (from Waxahachie, TX) on October 26, 2007 at 3:33 PM:
Jeremy, that has to be one of the BEST articles I've read to date! I'm copying it and sending it to my friends and family. They will say something along the lines of "You've found your long lost brother!" or " He sounds just like you". I'm coming to Jupiter, FL this coming Tuesday and staying til Sunday. Wanna have a PA meeting?
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Posted by rjuddharrison (from Houston, TX) on October 26, 2007 at 4:31 PM:
ROTLOL!!!!
I think you can see many of us have traveled the same path! I can recommend something to enable, I mean support you.!
I had a local area Daves Garden Plant swap this summer, and while litteraly a thousand plants were swapped, the left overs were as many- since people didn't want to haul them back home!
And if you haven't read about "Dumpster Diving"! Then your in for a treat on this thread...
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
LOL..I'm still chuckling as my friends eyes roll in their heads when I arrive home with the suv stuffed full of plants and garden art.
do you have photos we can look at. The article doesn't allow for us to enlarge the photos!
Rj
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Posted by pupilpropogtr (from Birmingham, AL) on October 26, 2007 at 4:39 PM:
As a newbie, it is scary to read your article, because I have already reached many of these lows in a short three months. I immediately look for the destressed plant rack and scour the internet for sales too good to pass up. I have rescued plants from fire losses I too, have not taken a shower for many hours after gardening in the morning, as I know I will be back outside. I...I...I shamelessly hide pots for DH. Now I know what I am in for and must sadly accept the fact there is nothing I can do about it. . Thank you for showing that I am not alone nor insane, at least in DGers' eyes.
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Posted by figaro52 (from Oak Lawn, IL) on October 26, 2007 at 5:24 PM:
I am a "recovering" plant addict. I am learning that I must plant all of my purchases before going back to the nursery for more.
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Posted by rjuddharrison (from Houston, TX) on October 26, 2007 at 6:25 PM:
My neighbors think I'm crazy..when I'm ready to change things up in the front garden, I simply wheel out these giant full grown plants I have waiting and ready, my own mini nursery..see..that's the secret guys...start seeds and cuttings all the time and you'll have an endless supply of your own plants. I've gotten great plants from trading!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 6:47 PM:
Thanks all for your kind comments and empathy with my obsession with plants and gardening. I had a feeling I was not alone in my addiction.
Broncbuster -- you will probably turn off toward Jupiter before getting to the end of I-10 at I-95. If not, stop by for a visit (same goes to anyone traveling on I-95 through Jacksonville -- I'm only about 2 miles off the interstate about 5 miles due north of downtown Jacksonville). You'll know you have found my house when you see the jungle growth spreading out over the curb and a plant covering every square inch of soil.
**edited to add: I'll start new individual threads to post the photos so you can view the plant bargain mother lode in close up. This forum allows photos only in the first post. You are welcome to share your own photos providing evidence of your addiction in a new thread, too!
Jeremy
This message was edited Oct 26, 2007 6:50 PM
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Posted by chrissy100 (from Sydney
(Australia)) on October 26, 2007 at 7:02 PM:
Oh yes please Jeremy where will you be posting? what forum I mean?
I am sure we fellow addicts want to follow and see!
I recognise some of the folk in here .....I am afraid we have all just "outed "ourselves........oh but we are all in such good company....thanks again Jeremy!
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Posted by rjuddharrison (from Houston, TX) on October 26, 2007 at 7:10 PM:
Oh LOL>.I didn't realize this was YOU Jeremy...from Florida!
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 8:23 PM:
Yes, rj, the very same person that lurks in the Florida Forum hoping someone will send me some smidgen of any new plant that is mentioned.
I've created the posts at the bottom of this article with the expanded photos.
Jeremy
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Posted by Grow_Jo (from Calgary, AB) on October 26, 2007 at 9:00 PM:
OMG, that's the best gardening story I've ever read! Hilarious!
I wonder how many of us see ourselves in your tale...(grin).
Joanne
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Posted by Murmur (from Whidbey Island, WA) on October 26, 2007 at 9:50 PM:
What a delight - I should print it out and show it to my DH so he could see that I'm really not in such bad shape after all!!! (Darn good thing I don't have more property, though!!!)
Great story - and your threads show what a marvelous writer you are!
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Posted by jnana (from South Florida, FL) on October 26, 2007 at 10:57 PM:
Jeremy, as always your stories are wonderful and so entertaining. Of course, I'm an addict too and have found myself in a heap of trouble with the amount of plants that I currently have. My yard (wish I had your half acre) is only 65' by 105' with a house in the middle. I have managed to cram and squeeze over 500 different species of plants, and that's not counting my 130 + orchids or how many plants I have of each. It's a jungle in there, can't even tell which plant is what, they all merge into one huge mass. With all of that I just can't stop from falling in love with new plants and adding them to my collection.
Yep, I'm definitely sick with Obsessive Plant Disorder. ☺☺☺
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Posted by Grow_Jo (from Calgary, AB) on October 26, 2007 at 11:03 PM:
OPD, I love it!
Okay, this summer, I had so many winter sown seedlings (400 - 500) potted up to give away, that I was able to hide new plant purchases among them, and nobody was the wiser....I am so ashamed. NOT.
;p
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Posted by Wvdaisy (from Buffalo, WV) on October 27, 2007 at 2:02 AM:
Hi, Jeremy, loved the article and I really should be confessing myself as an addict. Have tons of potted plants that are getting ready to go thru their second winter in pots. We get all the plants planted and I trade for and buy more. Dh now knows it's the kind of situation he never gets ahead of ROFL. Good thing he likes the gardens! Thankfully we live rural so don't have to worry about the neighbors. The couple I have know I am but they are too!
We've spoke before, Jeremy, if you remember. It has been awhile. You're from Lincoln Co right? So is DH.
Please keep writing, really enjoyed the read.
Lana
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 27, 2007 at 10:35 AM:
Hey, Lana. Yep, we did discuss that your DH and I were from the same neck of the woods -- between Huntington and Charleston in WVa, nearest small town was Branchland, but my families' adjacent farms on the hill and in the holler were at Two Mile (two miles from Four Mile and one mile from One Mile). One of my few claims to fame is that Gen. Chuck Yeager is a distant cousin (our grandmothers were sisters). My parents knew him well. He used to buzz low over our corn fields for fun in his jet test pilot days. Apparently, his side of the family got all the "right stuff," and the rest of us got all the wrong. LOL
Jeremy
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Posted by Wvdaisy (from Buffalo, WV) on October 27, 2007 at 10:51 AM:
LOL, I remember talking about him with you!
Lana
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Posted by bivbiv (from Central FL, FL) on October 27, 2007 at 11:57 AM:
Bravo! As always, I love everything you write. Thanks!!!
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Posted by Ticker (from Lisbon, IA) on October 27, 2007 at 12:18 PM:
Jeremy, please don't forget to put a link to your new post that has pictures of your garden, ok? :)
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Posted by cocoajuno (from Marysville, WA) on October 27, 2007 at 12:25 PM:
Jeremy,
Not only are you a master gardener, you are a master writer too! You have put on paper the secrets so many of us share. It is written in a way that makes all us feel sane...lol
Thanks for sharing, I will definately print this out for all my friends and family to read.
Happy gardening,
Carla
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 27, 2007 at 1:05 PM:
Thanks again, all, for the kind comments.
Ticker -- Thanks for your interest in viewing photos of my garden. I added some threads below with photos that can be enlarged on the screen of my plant mania garden. Also, you can view the photos I've added to the DG Plant Files of plants I've grown (alas, reviewing the list, I see some that are no longer here):
I love all the newer organizational features of Dave's Garden that can be found by clicking on the "My Info" link at the top of each page, or by going to any member's DG home page. I've especially found the "search the forums" feature very useful for finding what others have had to say about whatever arcane gardening subject catches my fancy on any given day. The quest d'jour is to find out if my hort supervisors at my zoo job are correct in saying that the orange/yellow, light pink, and lemon yellow varieties of Caesalpinia pulcherrima are all the same species. So far, it looks as though they may be correct. In any case, I MUST HAVE one of each color and will be gathering the seed pods from the zoo with gusto so that I can see what I get from the various tree seeds. LOL
Posted by Joyous (from Himrod, NY) on October 27, 2007 at 7:00 PM:
Hi Jeremy, my name is Joy and I too am a plant addict!
I have been following your adventures/misadventures for a long time. I still laugh/shudder at your tree trimming tale. We are soon to have our first frost here in cold NYS but the tropicals I have are still alive and well with the addition of some much needed rain. But soon they will be stored in basement and upstairs till warmth arrives again.
I feel like like a spy following your threads and others in the Tropical and FL gardening forums. I left my heart in FL in 1971 and reading your articles gives me a breath of fresh air. Please continue!
Joy
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Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on October 28, 2007 at 11:01 AM:
Thanks, Joy! Feel free to follow my meanderings of mind, and reports of gardening mishaps --- just don't blame me if you find yourself totally lost in a thicket of briers with no reasonable hope of escape! (a frequent calamity in my personal experience -- LOL).
If only Bill Gates or some other philanthropist would send me about $150,000 - (dream on!) -- I could get totally out of debt, not have to work, and stay home and complete the novel I'm well into writing but seldom find time to work on due to the constraints of daily survival; and crank out some more oil paintings, while fluttering in ecstatic delight with the large population of butterflies I've enticed to my garden. The eternal allure of the "starving artist" leaves much to be desired. I have suffered enough. My soul is completely ripe. I am now ready to respond to life with a deep from my gut, great gaseous art. (pun intended - tee hee)
Jeremy
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Posted by Lastelf (from Baltimore, MD) on October 28, 2007 at 8:57 PM:
My name is Elf. I am a plataholic.
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Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on October 28, 2007 at 9:19 PM:
my driveway for about eight months, and were tolerating my pesky Peking duck that chases the mail lady and other passersby, they may well have decided I was truly insane. It was in their best interests that they not do anything to upset me lest I go on an axe-wielding rampage -- an attitude I have carefully cultivated in all that know me to help ensure my complete personal fr
eedom.
