I bought gladiolus bulbs, strawberry plant roots, begonia bulbs and a hydrangea plant from the BX in early April. I planted all but the gladiolus around that time and none of them did anything. The hydrangea actually had green spots like the beginning of leaves and then they turned brown. Thanks, BX.

However, I noticed this yesterday:

I think that’s hydrangea and not a weed. This exciting development led me to plant the ten gladiolus bulbs that I had assumed were duds. When I took them out of their perforated plastic bag some of them had even begun to sprout. So when you see this next picture of my first ever flower bed, look past the six Asiatic lilies to envision the sword-like foliage of the ten gladiolus that will be there next year. You should also be picturing about 11-13 tulip plants, because yesterday Robert, Alex and I looted some from a location that will remain unspecified. And also, in the far left corner, picture five garlic plants, which I transplanted from the glasses on my kitchen windowsill. And feel free to imagine the evil bush about half its current size.

I still have some rock arranging to do when the rain stops.

Are you picturing about thirty blooming plants and the subtle smell of garlic wafting here and there? I am. :)