Boots to gravel
Happy up the walk
Slide in, key in, in drive
At ten and two, it’s ten to twelve
Noticing and not noticing
The sky is blue, the weather is a question mark
Month: February 2014
Retail shop Epona & Oak closes
I first wrote about Epona & Oak in my third post ever on Downtown Dame, back in 2010 when I struck out on my own with a blog. You can read all of my posts that include Epona & Oak here. And, take a look back at that first post here. It was then that I jumped into blogging with both feet with this series: A tourist in my own city.
Epona & Oak means so much to me, as it does to countless others. When I stopped in today, folks from around town were popping in to say hello and show their appreciation. Leeann, Cheryl, and Katie Hynes did so much to create a place that invited and pleased customers. Today, Leeann told me they designed the floorplan to welcome mothers with strollers, groups on First Friday, and present their goods, sold mostly on consignment, in an open and honest kind-of-way. And, it has been felt.
I don’t remember my first visit to the shop, but it feels long ago, before so much.
I buy gifts for the most special people in my life there — for weddings, baby showers, holidays, birthdays, and pour moi-même. I usually talk business and goods with Leeann. Now, when I look around the shop, I see people not things sitting on shelves and resting from dainty hooks. And, my many conversations with Cheryl on any-old-day hummed along like we’d been dear friends forever. It is true that my heart leaps with every one of her boundless laughs.
Given these ladies’ care of the world around them, given their great talent and success, I know I speak for many when I express immense gratitude at the opportunity to get to know them and thanks for the local goods they provided us. Epona & Oak has not only been my go-to shop, it’s been a place in my heart.
Dates to know
3/7: March First Friday celebration
3/13: Judah Ross Trunk Show (5 – 8pm)
3/15: Closing Day
After 3/15: Call or email to make an appointment with Cheryl for massage therapy at her new location:
♥ 620 W Lane Street #202 ♥ 919-518-5537 ♥ [email protected].
Goodies on sale today
Growing an indoor garden
Did the groundhog see his shadow in your town? Sir Walter Wally of Raleigh saw his, but I’m not fazed. Neither were the kids in my neighborhood yesterday who were still brimming with boisterous laughter until dark after a day of playing in the sun. I suspected they are playing one last game of Capture the Flag before their parents called them in to turn on the Superbowl.
(The Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, played for NC State’s Wolfpack for a short stint.)
In honor of life, and of warmer weather to come, today I’m sharing my indoor garden with you. If you have any tips to share, please do!
In memory of John Seabrooke
GENERAL PLANTKEEPING TIPS
♣ Winter months: fertilize and water less
♣ Spring/summer months: fertilize and water more
♣ Tap water has chlorine in it, allow to dissipate
♣ Or collect rain water / use distilled water
MY CURRENT INDOOR PLANTS
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Purchased: Kroger in January 2014
Natural habitat: Tropical rainforest
At my house: After research, moved orchid to desk area, added nearby lamp. Lives in a plastic pot with no drain.
Weekly care
» Water once a week, when top of soil feels dry
» Give air / space
» Temperature between 70-85
» Moderate to full light but don’t burn
Yearly care
» Will bloom for 3 months
» Once blooms die, cut right below first node, then repot into pot 1 inch bigger
» Put outside for 10 cumulative days of 50 degree weather in fall
» Will bloom again in spring
Peace Lilies (2)
From: Mom in January 2012
Natural habitat: Tropical rainforest
At my house: After research, moved to very indirect light. Both live in large, plastic pots with drain.
Weekly care
» Water once a week; plant will droop, don’t over water in winter, spritz in spring/summer
» Yellow or brown leaves indicate too much sun
» Don’t place near drafty/cold areas of the house, likes 65-80 degrees
» Indirect to no sunlight, fluorescent light is good
Goldon Pothos / Devil’s Ivy
From: Don’t recall, have had for a long time!
Natural habitat: Solomon Islands
At my house: On top of a tall bookcase, near a window. Lives in a clay and ceramic pot with no drainage.
Weekly care
» Low light, low water (once every 2 weeks or so)
» To keep bushy, trim right above a leaf node
Lucky Bamboo
(not really bamboo, is Dracaena sanderiana)
Purchased: (If I recall correctly…) Logan’s, 3-4 years ago
Natural habitat: Africa
At my house: I had potted Dracaena with an aloe plant. After research removed aloe and moved back to top of small table in kitchen. Lives in a tall, glass vase.
Weekly care
» Indirect sunlight only, clear vase and pebbles to encourage algae growth
» Cut back to encourage a more bushy plant, can get top heavy (3+ feet)
» Shoots will root in water
» Doesn’t like chlorine / tap water
» Repot / clean out vase every now and then
Aloe
Purchased: (If I recall correctly…) Logan’s, 3-4 years ago
Natural habitat: Arabian Peninsula
At my house: I had potted the aloe plant with Dracaena. After research, removed the aloe plant and moved to indirect but moderate sunlight. Repotted to a large, plastic pot with drain.
Weekly care
» Frequent water and fertilizer from April – October; allow soil to dry 1-2 inches from top
» Full, indirect sun and drainage; potting soil and pebbles like for succulents
Pixie Dixie Ivy
Purchased: Kroger in January 2014
Natural habitat: Northern Africa
At my house: Doing well on window sill at sink in kitchen. Lives in small plastic pot with drain.
Weekly care
» Medium, indirect light
» Water every 2-7 days
Mint
Purchased: Raleigh Farmer’s Market in January 2014
Natural habitat: Europe, Asia, Africa
At my house: Doing well on table at window (west facing). Lives in large clay pot with drain.
Weekly care
» Indoors, place near a window
» Plant in big pot with drainage
» Needs lots of water, once a day or so
» Cut sprigs and biggest leaves (use in tea or food) to encourage growth
Yearly care
» Repot every year, divide to encourage big leaf growth
Cactus and succulents
Purchased: (If I recall correctly…) Logan’s in spring 2013
Natural habitat: Arid climates all over the world
At my house: After research, moved to a table by window (north facing). Lives in a glass container with drain.
Weekly care
» Growth period: spring to fall = Water once a week! Allow to soak and drain.
» Dormant period: fall to spring = Water sparingly, let soil dry out.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
From: Mom, 1-2 years ago
Natural habitat: Southern US to South America
At my house: After research, moved under lamp and repotted into a small, ceramic pot with drain.
Weekly care
» Likes 60-75 degrees and humidity
» Water frequently, every 2-4 days
» During growth period: Spitz with water, fertilize weekly
MY WISHLIST INDOOR PLANTS
Thai Basil / Lemon Basil
Sage / Thyme
More succulents
A friend is giving me a rubber plant / tree
Tomatoes?