Is that dirt on your hands?!

I have the exact opposite of a green thumb. It's called a brown thumb and it's for real. I can kill a plant just by looking at it sideways. The most impressive part of me having no gardening skills is that I come from a mother and a grandmother that can resurrect even the deadest of plants. Seriously! You think it's a goner? Nope. Just give them a couple weeks and they will have it back to new. Want more of what you have? They will slice and dice the root ball and make you as many clones as you want. And orchids? Supposedly the hardest flowers to grow? Piece of cake. Unfortunately, I simply did not inherit those skills. I have had to come to terms with this reality over the years.

Fun Fact #1: It is well-known that I kill plants and so people don't bother giving them to me. A coworker even gifted me a plastic flower because she knew better. By all means, you are welcome to give me cut flowers but don't give me anything that is supposed to last. And if you do, don't have hurt feelings if it doesn't.

With that being said, for our wedding, Mark's grandmother gifted us a potted plant that had been hers for YEARS. Mark's late grandfather had built a stand for it (which was part of the gift) and it was this really special thing.

 I promptly told her no thanks.

haha that may sound completely rude (and I certainly explained my reasoning to her) but the idea of taking in this special family heirloom totally freaked me out. It was too much pressure! Grandmother S simply shook her head, informed me I had no choice and assured me I wouldn't kill it. (I love that woman :)) Four years later I am proud to say it is still alive. I will also admit that it is to no credit of my own. Mark keeps it watered and even divided the root ball because it seemed to be getting bound. I'm not convinced it is all that healthy (I am assured otherwise but I still have my doubts) but it is alive and that's all that matters.

Fun fact #2: The first Christmas after we were married, Grandmother S gave me one of those "as seen on TV" glass-blown watering things. You know, the one where you fill it up and just stick it upside down in the plant and it self-waters. I was ever thankful of a) her sense of humor and b) that I really intended on using it!

So needless to say, when I popped up a couple days ago and announced to Mark that I wanted an herb garden, he was a little surprised. We have a rather deep windowsill over our kitchen sink and it is quite perfect for holding such an arrangement. This isn't the first time the idea has been talked about but I always miffed at it because it seemed like a waste. Over the past year, though, our usage of fresh herbs has increased so it's about time I started trying to cultivate my own. Mark is (as always) enthusiastic.

One Lowe's trip later and this is the result:



evidence


We chose parsley, basil and thyme because those are the ones we use most often in fresh form. My intention was to start with baby plants so I didn't have to root seeds but I could only find basil that looked healthy enough. The parsley and thyme plants will have to be started from scratch.

I am sure that if I really took the time to learn how to care for plants I would be fine. I either water too much or not enough and I simply lack the affection for it. I truly believe gardening has to be something you enjoy and not just a chore if you are to be good at it. I can't think of anything I would like to do less than come home after a long day at work and dig in dirt. That is just not my cup of tea.

I'm really excited to see if this works. I've never planted seeds and watched them grow before (haha at least not literally. (yes bad joke I know)). The packet said it will take 14-21 days before we see anything. With the plants being in the kitchen window, and with Mark and I watching them so closely, I think they will have a fighting chance. I will surely keep you updated on 'Sprout Watch 2012'.


Have you had any misadventures of the brown-thumbed? Do you grow your own herbs? Do you find it to be difficult or easy? Do you have any advice for the complete novice?