urban garden

Since we live in the central city in a studio apartment, a big yard is not our reality. But we want to make the most of what we've got and maintain some green where ever we can. So let me introduce you to our urban garden. it is what it is.
Before we started our garden, we got books from the library about rooftop, deck, and patio gardens which put a lot of inspiring but possibly far fetched ideas in our heads. Months after the great installation, we are still looking like this^.... It turns out beautiful gardens take time.

And yes we have had some set backs. Does anyone out there know anything about magnolias?!? HELP! these guys are truly making us look bad.

For months they were healthy, lush, and green and then, seemingly overnight, all the leaves turned yellow brown, gave up on life, and fell out. I've tried more water, I've tried less water, I've tried more sun, and less sun, I even fed them liquid blood and bone. But no improvement!

Maybe they are haunted....that's the only logical conclusions I can come up with.

Anyway, here are few newbies we just added to our collection. We bought them through trademe from an eccentric older woman who is just crazy for plants. "I buy two, three everyday and now I have too many. so I sell," she explained to us. Note: she planted these in a spare filing cabinet drawer, aces!

We got these from her too, but they have to stay indoors. In case you are wondering, that first one is called chain of hearts which I am told can grow 10 metres long. (bring it!) I'm a bit vague about what the others are called.

I remember my mom having African Violets in our house while we were growing up, so I must admit nostalgia was main reason I purchased this plant. But when we went to pick it up, the woman told me they were 'very temperamental.' great. Any tips (mom)?

Here are some dried flowers for our no natural light kitchen. On the right we have dried lavender and on the left is a little something I like to call blueish purple mystery flower. Feel free to fill in the blanks for me.

Keeping with our theme, I have no idea what kind of plant this is either. (Kelly, do you know?) But I like how it looks against our brick walls.

My parents bought us this indoor weeping fig tree (a type of ficus) for Christmas and its doing quite well.

Okay that is it for the urban garden tour. I plan to do veggies next summer when I am feeling more capable. especially after seeing the bounty of kate's garden, inspiring!

Also, let us not forget
CRAFTWERK,
is this saturday on cross st in the central city. 2-7 pm.

The wet weather lately has been making worried but we are gearing up like usual and hoping for the best.

These new rabbits will be there, will you?

We are taking all the gear from our etsy shop to the markets, so lots of rabbits, dresses, bibs, cards, and bags to choose from.

Lastly I want to say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I wish you all the best non commercial version of this holiday.

-K