A number of years ago I got more than a little cocky about my abilities as a balcony gardener. I have two large balconies that overlook a river, and for one glorious summer three or so years ago, I cultivated a thriving garden of everything that’s not supposed to grow on a windy hunk of waterless concrete, from herbs and pansies, hibiscus trees and roses, to succulents and ferns, daisies and – in my greatest feat of green thumbing EVER – a fruit-producing raspberry cane. BOO-YEAH! All right, so it would appear I haven’t quite abandoned the cocky thing just yet, but come on, that’s kind of impressive, right? I’m still impressed! Just look at this little raspberry! I made him!
Although perhaps I should not be quite so down with me, because that one glorious summer of thriving bounty? Never to be repeated again. Subsequent summers have netted naught but a wasp infestation in my gerbera daisies, one tiny bulb of garlic that grew into a slightly larger bulb of garlic and a flowering magnolia that steadfastly refused to flower. It should also be noted that that one perfect year I harassed the power of nature, my blueberry bush REFUSED to do, well, anything. It sent off a few promising green shoots and then just sort of sat there for the season while I periodically cursed it out.
But there was no swearing at these cute blueberry nails, which were not only easy (detail brush for the leaves, dotting tool for the berries) but also didn’t require me to go outside, which is terrifically attractive when it’s as cold and rainy as it is today. Not that I’d be gardening today anyways, but the analogy stands! I think. The one thing I can be absolutely sure of, though – these little lacquered blueberry bushes are a lot prettier than the real deal, and definitely more bountiful!
Finger Candy 