To Buffa10 Or Not To Buffa10?

I've been on the fence about attending Garden Bloggers Buffa10. It runs from July 8 through July 11. It would be so easy to leave the garden now, but I did a search of 2009 to remind me what the garden I would be leaving for four days in July looks like. It's right in the middle of poppy season. Last year Ed started his garlic harvest on the eleventh.There's a lot going on here. Then there is the other thing, this blog has been my garden journal. Granted I have opened it up for the world to read, but only through a window whose view I control. Am I ready to take myself, and my "Not So Secret Garden" out of cyberspace and into the real world?




I've spent some great time in Buffalo in the past. Amy went to college there. Stefan, the Dracaena marginata is from Buffalo. I used to stop in the city at a big garden center to buy plants and pots that I could not find near home. I still have sweet woodruff and Blue Parrot tulips that came from there more than ten years ago. The Buffalo Botanical Gardens is an old friend that I would love to see again. I can't help wondering if the incredible wax native wildflower display is still in the science museum. It all sounds like so much fun! Deep down I know this is my chance. It's close enough to drive to Buffalo. I think I even remember the way. It's time to get off the fence and make those reservations. Becky from Plants and Stones is going to Buffa10!

Wow! What A comeback For Stefan!

Back in January when Stefan had his surgery we were not too hopeful. He really looked like he was dead. Now he's growing again, looking very healthy, if a bit strange.




Son of Stefan is looking pretty great too although he is not quite as green and gorgeous as Dad. A second cutting now lives with Amy. The remaining two have been stuck in the top of an aged compost pile. Ed just didn't have the heart to toss them just yet.

We started the day outside in the garden. Ed was working on the shade garden. I harvested the spinach and pulled a few weeds before the rain started again. Now we are inside watching the birds look for lunch in the garden. The bluebirds love a short lawn and a rainy day!

It Ain't Over Till ...

It's been almost 4 months since Stefan had his surgery. That's a long time to be in the plant ICU. I have to say he was looking dead. I thought it was the compost for Stefan. I should have had more faith! Check out those promising bumps!




Obviously Stefan not dead at all. He's making a comeback. I guess it's silly to become attached to a dracaena marginata that can be replaced anywhere for a few dollars, but after almost 20 years, I've gotten used to having him around. Now what to do with the stem cuttings that are also sprouting? Pot them up of course, but do I have room for a big dracaena family?

Stefan Lives!

I had pretty much given up Stefan for dead. His trunk is down in the basement plant infirmary. I water there occasionally, but keep my distance.Those plants seem to do better that way. The stems that I put in water were hidden among the plants in the living room. Stefan's surgery was the end of January.For awhile I checked on him every day. This is now the end of March.I had given up hope, but the other day when I was working with my other plants, I knocked over the glass with Stefan's trunk pieces.It was then that I noticed. Look! We have roots!All of the pieces are showing some signs of life.



More than that, check out the top. New growth is pushing through the bark in several places. There will be a "Welcome Back Stefan" potting party very soon.

Curious I went down to check his trunk. It has a couple of new cracks in the bark. Maybe, just maybe it's not dead either!