A Diary On How To Care For Mums By Inca The Mum (October-March Entries)
If you're reading this, you are snooping around my soil and reading my diary. Didn't you see the “Inca's Diary: Off Limits” on the front cover? You people are sure snoopy, you don't know how to care for mums' feelings. But then again, I can't really make you drop this thing now can I? Oh dear, fine, read along. Just don't go spilling my secrets to anybody, okay?
October:
Mrs. Sanders is preparing me for winter. She's pulling out my dead leaves, while leaving most of the still good ones on me. Whew! I though I'd have to go through winter naked – I bet I'd die of cold! She pulled me carefully out of bed, rinsing my bottom off with water, and planted me in another bed. This time, I believe it's a box filled with compost and she made me stay in the greenhouse.
November:
Still in the greenhouse. Mrs. Sanders comes in once in a while to keep my new bed moist and to clear it of those pesky weeds which contain creepy crawlies that hurt my leaves. I love the temperature inside the greenhouse, it's kind of warm and cozy in here and when it does gets chilly, Mrs. Sanders is kind enough to close the vents.
December:
It's really chilly outside now. But inside, it's still crisp and warm – about 10 degrees centigrade. But still, I wish the sun would come out soon.
January
The soil outside was loosened by the frost. Through the greenhouse window, I can see Mrs. Sanders aerating the soil with a fork. I wonder when I'll be going back outside. It's cozy and warm in my new bed, but it sure is fun out there. I guess I have to wait.
February
Oh no, there are slugs everywhere! Mrs. Sanders calls them “pests”, I call them “monsters.” They've just killed about 5 pom pom chrysanthemums already – those poor things. I'm lucky that Mrs. S always checks up on me inside the greenhouse. We're getting a few sunny days now and then, and she's kinda worried that I'll dry up.
March
I watched Mrs. Sanders all morning as she dug beds and applied organic matter over the soil's upper layer. She was careful also to check the soil's pH level which I know should be 6.8 for it to be perfect. Mrs. Sander does know how to care for mums!
I was taken from the greenhouse into a cold frame which Mrs. S made sure to be warm enough for me. I found myself rooted to a place which was about two-thirds peat and one-third sharp sand which was moistened. My bottom leaves were trimmed – I can say I look cleaner and fresher. I didn't get watered for a few days but it's alright. I'm growing and getting greener anyway.
I'm just waiting to be planted in the beds again and feel the warmth of the sun. It sure helps in keeping me healthy. The winter was a bit harsh but its a good thing the greenhouse was warm and cozy or else I might have frozen to death over the winter. I can't believe the other plants can stand that. I guess its because Mrs. Sanders knows not only how to care for mums but for many kinds of plants. Wow, she sure is super.