Plants to "Tie You Over"

In the South, our days revolve around meals. At breakfast, we debate what lunch may be and and lunch we debate our dinner selections. It's easy to say, that down here we are always looking ahead. Yet, for the in between times, when hunger strikes, every southern mother, grandmother, or head cook can be heard saying, "just eat a little bite to tie ya over." (In some areas the saying goes "to tide you over", yet as an Auburn graduate, I avoid the word tide whenever possible). Where this phrase originated is a myth, but the saying has made it onto the pages of Urban Dictionary. Here it is defined as a verb, meaning (tr) to help to get through (a period of difficulty, distress, etc.). A saying with serious implications if you ask me.

Well this time of year, we are all seriously getting tired of the gray, cold, damp weather that seems to move into the Delta and even more sick of the teasing 70 degree days that hide on the calendar.  During these days, we get a brief glimpse of spring temperatures, just to be bombarded with sleet the next day...all part of living in the Southeast. So what can be done to "tie us over" until Spring really arrives? The answer is quite simple, bring some plants inside; small potted ones that can adorn your table, desk, or bookshelves. This way, little glimmers of what to come are visible throughout these winter days. 

We've all received containers, pots, pottery, and other objects whose sole purpose is to hold something. They've appeared as Christmas gifts, wedding gifts, or "had to have it" gifts to ourselves. Now, instead of sitting empty, they can hold a glimpse of spring a get you through the distressing winter days that are here for another 2 months.

For my office and around the house, we visited Ms. Morgan's flower stand at the local Kroger, where you can find a great selection of bulbs. We also checked out the selection at other local nurseries and garden centers and came up with a great mix of green plants, and spring bulbs. Don't be afraid to try color and texture combinations when it comes to green house plant selection.
 

So, as we do in the South, start looking ahead to those vibrant spring colors, but until then find a little something to "tie ya over."

Don't forget to check and make sure your plants will have adequate drainage and to remember to water!