Starting from Seed

There’s a quiet satisfaction in starting a garden from seed. It requires patience, observation, and a bit of faith. This year, I experimented with a few new varieties—some were a success, others not as much—but the process itself was worthwhile. Feverfew stood out right away. It germinated well, grew steadily, and now fills the garden with clusters of white blooms that seem to glow in the morning light. It’s a plant I’ll definitely grow again—reliable, sturdy, and beautiful in its simplicity. 

Marigolds and gomphrena also proved to be solid choices. Both are dependable, cheerful plants that held up through our summer heat and added long-lasting color to the garden. These will be part of my regular lineup going forward.  

Strawflower and stock, on the other hand, didn’t take as well. Whether it was timing, conditions, or something in my approach, they didn’t thrive. I may revisit them again in a future season, or I may decide they’re not quite the right fit for this space. Still, even the less successful trials had value.

Starting from seed teaches you to notice the small stages—how seedlings lean toward the light, how they respond to water and warmth. It brings you closer to the rhythm of the garden.I’ll carry what I learned this season into the next. And I’ll keep sowing—because each year offers a chance to try again, a little better informed than the last. Just like life.