My chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa is in charge of table favors for our big state convention on April 28.
I pondered this for awhile, then I suggested to the group that pots of basil plants would make terrific favors. I mean, who doesn't love basil? I know I sure do. If there were a basil perfume, I'd wear it. I love to break leaves off my basil plants in the summer and hold them to my nose, inhaling the wonderful, sweet scent. I also love to add fresh basil into any type of tomato-based recipe.
I'm picturing healthy, robust basil plants in 4-inch pots, wrapped in green tissue and tied with yellow ribbon, in honor of our A∆K official colors. I think these will look quite striking on the luncheon tables when the ladies arrive for the meeting. I can almost hear the ooohs and aaaahs.
Before I knew it, all the other ladies thought the basil-as-table-favors idea was perfect, and I was purchasing a packet of basil seeds and some seed-starter mix.
I planted the seeds, which are about the size of sesame seeds, with a set of tweezers last Friday. Laborious work. I set the seed trays beside the woodstove and let nature take its course.
The tiny basil seedlings sprouted within five days. I felt so proud. My little basil project was becoming reality.
The thing is, though, that before long I'll be transferring the seedlings to 4" pots...forty 4" pots. That's right, 40.
Here's what's giving me nightmares: What if my basil crop fails? What if the seedlings don't get enough sunlight to flourish? What if the dog somehow gets into the basil and destroys it? What if I set the 40 pots of basil on the sunny front porch some warm day, forget they're there, and awake in the night to the realization that I've just succeeded in freezing 40 pots of tender plants?
What if? What if? I'm causing myself so much anxiety over this little project, and it's all my own doing. Why didn't I suggest we fill small plastic bags with mints and let those be our table favors? Why did I think it had to be basil????
I need a back-up plan. Something to fall back on in case of basil crop failure. Something quick and easy, not requiring sunshine and warmth.
Who came up with this crazy basil idea, anyway?
It's a great idea...but could be expensive to buy 40 plants if the worse occurs...check out your local nurseries. Also may want to uncheck your robot id under comments...
ReplyDeleteYep, you've caused yourself unneeded stress. Find out how much it would cost to order 40 basil pots to be ready on the needed date. Then be ready with something else. I know you cay buy one color bags of M&M's ( green and yellow) at Party City. who doesn't love M&M's
ReplyDeleteHi Jean....lol...sorry couldn't help that..and that laugh didn't come easy ..when your coughing and wetting your pants like i am one little laugh can set of quite a series of uncomfortable events..lol!
ReplyDeleteDear me, of all things basil tender little thing seedling they are which I always had a hard time with, and resorted to purchasing mine, so I don't know what advise I could give you at this point!!
The idea sounds great in hindsight, I love basil ; }
I think Linda's idea is a good one everybody likes M&M hahaha!!
As for word robot verification I don't know what the big fuss is..even with my cataracts I haven't gotten one wrong yet!!!
Good luck !!
Grace
Yep, you're a risk taker. When I think of basil I think of basil tomato soup, but I can't seem to get a picture of a can of tomato basil soup as a center piece.
ReplyDeletecheck this out on how to disable robot recognition
ReplyDeletehttp://rickpaulettervjournal.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-how-to-disable-bloggers-word.html
I got a chuckle out of this, but I also had great sympathy for your anxiety over the project that you dreamed up. What stress! I think Linda has a great idea. Is there a greenhouse nearby who could do this project for you for a reasonable (cheap) price? On the other hand, I know I would want to prove it to myself that I could do this.
ReplyDeleteIt sure sounds like a fabulous idea. I would love to have one of those basil plants. I'll bet everybody will go crazy over them.
ReplyDeleteHow about a project with a local daycare/nursery school...the children could learn about growing "stuff" and bet they would be great gardeners.
ReplyDelete