[January]

In light of today's news, my problem is minimal, but I recieved notice today that our apartment building will be pressure cleaned and that we have to remove all our belongings from our decks for the duration of three - four months. First of all, I have no place in this tiny apartment to put my gardening things. It also means I won't be able to plant my flower garden this year. I've already bought my seeds. I'm so glad I haven't already purchased plants.

I love my little garden. It was so healing to my heart and soul last year. The neighbors loved my flowers and plants, too. My apartment does not get direct sunlight so I can't plant flowers inside.

I have to help Cher get her stuff inside and I don't know where we'll put that. We can't throw away her extra wheelchair. If the one she has now breaks, she must have a backup. I've got to get my stuff inside and I don't know where I'll put that.

I'm going to call the director tomorrow and see if I can get some further details. Cher doesn't want me to call. She's afraid I'll say what I really think because of the brain injury.

I know this must seem like something really small to pray over and to send good thoughts about it, but I really would appreciate it if you have the time. I need the earth and plants to feel peace within me.

Hugs,

Jan

No flowers, just cement.

[(JD)]

Nothing is too small to pray about! Talking with God is the best thing to do. But I would also talk with the director, and if you can, wait to clear the deck... when you see the workers in the area, ask THEM when they will get to your building, and share why ...maybe they could coordinate their pressure cleaning a bit better, eh?

[EJ711]

Jan,

I can understand your feeling that way!

Three to four months is a long time!

It sounds like you are gifted with growing things, and found meaning and joy in having a garden on your porch. I'm sorry for this temporary loss.

That's almost funny that Cher doesn't want you to call, b/c of the possibility of your saying what's on your mind.

I'm very sensitive about my space, and can understand your feeling the way you do.

Hugs,

EJ

Hi January,
I know how important my garden is to me in this sea of cement. I hope you're able to have a garden this year. I'm sending out prayers.

[Raynaadi]

(((( Stepford ))))

Any living thing we raise ourselves is in a sense, like a child....I understand your pain in this! I do hope they can work something out.

[Gemstone]

((( Jan ))))

I'm sorry about the loss of space.

Maybe you could get some grow lamps to grow inside with? I was in an apartment with very little windows and no porch awhile back, and I turned a little corner into my garden with some grow lamps. I didn't want to be without flowers and my other plants.

[January]

((((((((((( Dearest Friends )))))))))))

Thank you so much for your comfort and suggestions. It really, really helps.

Hugs and love to all,

Jan

[AlteredState01]

January,

I understand what you mean about how a little garden can bring such comfort. There is something about nature that DOES heal the heart and soul - have experienced the same.

Who knows? Maybe the work won't take so long...

Altered State

[Wants2Fly]

Hello January --

It can be so disorienting when things such as this happen. I had to evacuate my apartment two days for a termite tenting.

Four months is a long time. Are there many buildings? As someone else suggested, can they coordinate this a bit better, so that residents have a narrower time frame?

I'm also wondering if management might rent a storage unit, such as a PODs unit, where residents could keep things.

Wishing you all the best for a satisfactory solution.

[drunksunflower]

Friends of mine were also put in this situation (where they lost the use of their balcony).

They ended up having a reduction in their rent for that duration which could then be used to pay for storage.

I know that doesn't help with a garden, but is there any communal space that might be negotiated ...?

[January]

(((((((( Altered & Wants )))))))))

Thank you both so very much. The corporation that owns this bldg is not about to provide extra storage here. It was a good idea though.

I will try to get some more information from the manager. I've been thinking about hanging baskets. If I had a couple, I could carry them inside and set them on a trash bag on the floor. Stores have stands that have multiple places to hang baskets. Perhaps I could try that and get a grow light to use when they have to be indoors.

I'm so glad you all understand how soothing flowers are to me.

Cher also reminded me that we won't be able to keep our sliding doors open to help keep our apartments cool. I just recently managed to purchase some furniture. I sure don't want someone shooting pressure washing water right through my screen door! Can you just imagine!

Hugs,

Jan

[sabby]

So sorry about this upheavel....it really stinks

I do have an idea about storage of Cher's extra wheelchair though. How about calling your local Red Cross to see if they could store it for her, or even a local church would probably even be a better idea.

Good luck!

Hugsssss
J

[January]

((((((((((( J ))))))))))))))

What a wonderful idea! I'll tell Cher.

Hugs,

Jan

[EJ711]

DSF,

That is such a good idea, about receiving a reduction in rent, so you can rent storage space!!!

EJ

[Christina86]

((((((((Jan)))))))))))

I can understand, I live in residence and sometimes my "babies" are so nice to have. (Mine all grow on the windowsill though... different flowers)

It's something valid to complain about I think.

[bipolar_bear]

Gardens can be peaceful and soul healing. I hope you are able to find peace in yours this year. I will be thinking about you and your challenge of having one. Hopefully my thoughts will help you to be able to enjoy a garden this year.

BB

[silver_queen]

((((((((((((((( Jan ))))))))))))))))

It's typical of businesses to make demands which are very inconvenient! Perhaps you could grow your seeds on somewhere else in the apartment - on a windowsill? You mentioned moving things - how will your chest injury stand up to it?

[January]

Unfortunately I have only one window sill, and I have to keep plastic over the window nad it to keep out the air from outside. I do have the sliding glass door. Direct sunlight does not ever reach my apartment. I'm wondering if I can maybe put a grow light near the glass door and grow something there.

I asked the woman in the admin office today if I could have hanging baskets I could carry in and out as needed and was told no. I am wondering if I can possibly grow morning glories inside. I love morning glories!

The chest is sore but so far so good. I'm really doing much better, but I can't lift or pull on anything really heavy.

Hugs,

Jan

[muse]

So sorry to hear about this, Jan. It must be such a huge disappointment; you were looking forward to your flowers so much, I know.

I do have an idea as to getting in your gardening time, though... might not be feasible, but does your building have a roof that's safe to be up on? You could start a garden up there, maybe, if the super intendant will let you. Or perhaps you could volunteer at a local park or something--that way you could garden (if less often than you're used to) and everybody could enjoy the benefits of your green thumb.

I really can't think of anything for your storage issues, except for maybe asking another tenant to help out. And really, how long does it take to power wash an apartment building?? Three to four months seems a bit much. :P Who knows, maybe they'll finish early!

Good luck,
~muse

[January]

((((((((((( Muse ))))))))))

Thank you for your wonderful idea. We are not allowed on the roof. We are not even allowed to sit outside. They took the benches away from us...

My Mom is staying with me until we can get the furnace at her house fixed. She looked over at me and told me she had solved my problem. She explained I could carry all my planters over to her house, put them on her porch railing, (you know, the thingie that goes around a porch..) and plant my flowers there!

She was so darn cute trying to get some flowers that I'll probably do it but I'll put her in charge of watering.

I am still going to plant some morning glories in a pot here in the apartment. I'm also going to try to get at least one basket and try to put light on it. I can go to the local greenery and ask what will grow best in no sunlight. Absolutely no sunshine comes into my apartment. I can see it, but the weird way this bldg is built does not allow any sunshine inside my living room.

Thank you again.

Hugs,

Jan