And so it begins

My inspiration for gardening has grown over the last few years. Time spent in row-houses in D.C. has its advantages, but not much of a connection to the earth. After growing up in a little house in a big woods in central Minnesota, I missed plants in my urban lifestyle.

I did what I could taking over the little "yards" in front of our rented row-house apartments. I planted basics: Pansies in the spring, begonias in the summer and mums in the fall. It was a taste.

I discovered a great farmer's market - The H Street Farmer's Market - that sells organic and local fruits, vegetables, grain-fed meats and cheeses. Although expensive, it fed my desire to take part in a more natural and local food chain.

Armed with the thoughts of Michael Pollen's, Omnivore's Dilemma, and Barbara Kingsolver's, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, I was ready to get serious about the choices I made in buying and eating food. I bought heirloom tomato seeds that I shared with many others and grew seedlings, which turned into jungly potted plants in the backyard of the row-house where we rented. The only trouble was that the plants were three stories below us and accessed by going around the block. Regardless, it was an exciting project - but only moderately successful.

Then came house hunting. I soon realized that a top priority was green space for flowers and for a vegetable garden. I desperately wanted my own slice of nature to cultivate. Luckily my husband agreed and last fall we found a great colonial brick house in a D.C. neighborhood with great big trees - and yards!

And so it begins. I've been planning, researching and gathering the plants and resources I need (and want) to have my first real garden. I have the tools (thanks to my Mother-in-law), I have the seeds and plants on their way, and I have a huge resource (my master gardener Mom).

It's an ambition agenda. I've carefully selected a wide variety of heirloom and organic plants that will feeds us (and others) through the growing season.

Here's the plan:

Lettuces, etc.:
-All American Salad Bowl Lettuce
-Lettuce "flame"
-Romaine lettuce "Paris Island Cos"
-Siberian Kale
-Ruby Swiss Chard

Herbs:
-Italian Parsley
-Basil Lettuce Leaf
-Italian Cameo Basil
-Dark Opal Purple Basil
-Rosemary
-Bouquet Dill
-Chives
-Garlic Chives
-Catnip (for Mica)

Veggies:
-Little Marvel Peas
-Garden Container Beans
-Black Beauty Zucchini
-Red Coved Chantenay Carrot
-Rainbow Carrot
-California White Garlic
-Silver Rose Garlic
-Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
-Purple Passion Asparagus
-Rainbow Tomatoes - Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, White Wonder and Orange Nebraska Wedding.

I know its ambitious. I know its going to be a lot of work. And I know that I'm excited! I'm lucky to have Heath, who is on board and ready for action.

This weekend I started lavender and rosemary seedlings. I'm using 2 two-foot florescent light bulbs - 4 inches above - to feed their growth.

Here we go.