I work in a cube farm now, which I've tried to internalize and become one with. This is how most of the information workers work, so I should be able to master the art of cubefarming, right? The most unavoidable and annoying feature of this particular plot of cubes is the Know It All Secretary who stands watch at the entrance. On my first day, I was introduced to everyone but her (due to her absence at the time) and I've never bothered to talk to her since. We make eye contact some times, but no words. Over the months, I've grown to realize that she has an "expert" opinion on everything (she's always right, regardless of reality) and will literally talk anyones ear off if they let her. And they let her. Right next to my cube. Honestly, I don't know if she does any work. Granted, this is .gov, so I'm not sure that's a legitmate question to ask.
Today, though, in response to someone's question - "How was your weekend?" - she spent
46 minutes talking about gardening. Gardening is one of KIA Secty's favorite subjects. So that I don't go mad, I wrote down some of the points and topics she went off on:
- In response to a follow up question about what bushes to plant that would require minimal watering she said:
- hydrangia
- coldflower - very little water, orangy flowers
- redrocks
- butterfly milk - blue flowers, blooms like crazy, not tall
- golden rod
- poppies
- choriopsis
- she keeps a garden journal with the year she planted which flower, etc.
- squirrels will eat your bulbs, so plant deep, 16“ deep if possible
- daffodils
- tulips -2 types, darwin apple darts
- lillies - grow tall
- dahlias
- chicken grid + soil + bulb food = excellent drainage
- WalMart & Home Depot - plants for “bare roots“ techinique (an advanced technique)
- In response to another follow up: how to get rid of mosquitos
- mosquito plants
- citronella - for evenings
- plant during the day, they don't like the heat of day
- worms!
- making compost - 32 gal. trash cans, chopped up leaves, peat, manure
- formulas for compost in a book she claims that allow her to grow things in this environment that people say that can't be grown
- divides her garden into mini-gardens
- bleeding heart bushes - two types
- big ears - does not self-seed, beautiful flowers, expensive plant
- her intention is to become a Master Gardener with a specialty in lillies
- this weekend, she started on her miniature roses and planted tulips