Day 964 Plant Rescue

 

Back in September, as the days grew shorter and the weather began to chill, it was a frantic race to bring in whatever outdoor plants I could try to save throughout the winter. With the looming cold, I wasn’t about to let my beautiful plants succumb to frost. Among the plants I brought inside were three large hibiscus shrubs and a giant planter filled with greens. They were absolutely stunning and, quite frankly, worthy of any effort it took to save them.

My indoor space was quickly rearranged to make room for the massive greenery, and seeing my dedication, my friend Melissa decided to add to my rescue collection. She gifted me another large hibiscus, making it five large plants in total. With the extra addition, I knew winter would be a challenge—caring for these giants indoors was no small feat—but I remained determined. I kept my eye on the prize: knowing that spring was just around the corner and the payoff would be worth it.

Throughout the winter, I wrestled with finding space for these plants and staying on top of watering and maintenance. But every time I watered them, I imagined the glorious spring blooms and the joy of seeing them thrive outside again. The prospect of instant potted success kept me going.

And then, finally, the warm spring temperatures arrived. It was time to drag all four plants outside for a much-needed, thorough watering and some direct sunshine. I was beyond excited, watching my plants soak up the warmth they’d been deprived of for months. One of the hibiscus shrubs is even starting to bloom, a clear sign that all my efforts weren’t in vain. While one plant may not have made it through the winter, all but one seem to have survived and are on track to thrive once more. Although, I still haven't given up on the one that is struggling, hoping it will make a comeback once it's outside. 

Now, of course, I know this will become an annual routine—if this year works out as I hope. But that’s a problem for another day. For now, I’ll continue to watch the weather closely, eagerly waiting for temperatures to warm enough to let my plants stay outside full-time. I can't wait to regain some of my indoor space and give them all the room they need to grow. 

Speaking of springtime success, the warmer weather hasn’t been lost on my chickens. With longer days and brighter skies, my girls are ramping up egg production in full swing. Just yesterday, I gathered 14 eggs, setting a new daily record for this year. And with egg production on the rise, I can’t help but wonder when I’ll see that record broken again.

My chickens have certainly been productive lately. They’ve been laying so many eggs that I can barely keep up! After giving some away to my son, daughter, and mom, I decided to post on Facebook that I had eggs for sale. In just one day, I sold 7 dozen eggs at $5 per dozen! It looks like my chickens are well on their way to earning their keep—and covering the cost of their feed. 

Until the beach weather arrives, I’m thinking of dedicating Saturday mornings to egg sales and house cleaning. My house certainly has been in need of spring cleaning, so before beach weather hits, it would be a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

As spring unfolds and the warmth continues, I’m excited for all the growth, both in my potted garden and with my feathered friends. Here's to the joys of seasonal changes, the rewards of effort, and the satisfaction of a productive, thriving homestead.