Hortifuturism

Hortifuturism. What on earth could that be? Garden Media Group (a company that specializes in lawn and garden public relations) came up with this word. They define it as having a futuristic approach to garden management that blends sustainability, technology, and new ideas with colorful plants to make bright, cool looking gardens. I was reading some gardening things online and ran into the term, having never heard it before. So let's take a look at this new gardening trend.

Lights, water, color, and metal are all a part of using hortifuturism in your garden. Some people include fake plants but they are not real gardeners.

Hortifuturism - 2/24-3/2/2025

Monday, February 24, 2025

Sunrise over the fog today.

Good morning and welcome to another week on the farm. I have not been outside yet. It is 35° and there is some fog out there. I am hoping the fish pond waterfalls are still going.

After I completed yesterday's entry, Matt went back to the pond and cleaned out all of the filters and then the electricity stayed on (hopefully). At least it did while he stayed here for a while.

Then, late last night while we were watching Dallas, a customer called saying that we sent her an empty rainbow tomato pack and she needed us to send her the rainbow tomato seeds immediately. What? There is no way I would have send a thin empty kit to anyone.

The rainbow tomato pack is a thick little package with ten envelopes of seeds and one empty envelope which acts as the label. This empty envelope was the source of her problem. If she read the rainbow tomato listing, there is no rainbow tomato. There are ten different tomato seeds of various colors in the kit and they make up the rainbow. The 11th envelope in there is the label telling what the kit is. David could not make her understand this.

With the Rainbow Tomato Seed Set, you get 10 varieties of tomato seeds that grow pretty colors--a rainbow of tomatoes.

This kit is composed of the following:

Aunt Ruby's German Green Indeterminate - a large fruit that remains green when ripe
Brandywine Black Indeterminate - maroon red, large, indeterminate beefsteak fruit with black shoulders
Brandywine Pink Indeterminate - rosy reddish/pink flesh and popular beefsteak size
Brandywine Red Indeterminate - have a deep pink skin and smooth red flesh
Brandywine Yellow Indeterminate - is an orange old-timer with rich flavor
Cherokee Green Indeterminate - mature from green with a hint of orange to orange with some green striping
Cherokee Purple Indeterminate - medium-large, flattened globe fruits feature a dusky pink color with dark shoulders
Homestead Red Determinate - robust heirloom variety known for its large, juicy, and flavorful fruits
Striped German Orange-Yellow Indeterminate - complex, fruity flavor and smooth texture. Medium-tall vines bear 12 plus ounce fruits
White Indeterminate - fruits are low acid, sweet and meaty but don't produce many seeds

Matt just texted me saying the pond is fine so he fixed it last night. Yay!

I got out there a little after 9am to feed the fish. The pond waterfall was not going. It tripped again. After some work, Matt finally got one of the waterfalls to go again, but not the filter. He determined that the pump was the problem so it has to be replaced. However, the orders will have to be done first.

I swept out the Farm Store because the floor was a mess.

I started filling orders, along with the others and before too long, we had our first morning customers. They left and about 20 minutes later, more. This went on throughout the day. Encino Pest Control came and put some bait boxes out in the rabbit hutch for those king sized rats.

I got to fill a few orders here and there between customers and visitors. Then payroll was delivered and I had to write checks.

We hooked up some new hoses to water the greenhouse plants and another one for the chickens since both hoses were broken. The hose hookup in my plant area is also broken so Matthew will have to fix that, too. Hopefully, we are done with freezes for the rest of the year so pipes will stop breaking.

I watered everything in my greenhouse this evening. Then we went out to see the goats. Still no babies. We put some new water dishes in Norton's pen. I am not so sure that they will work for him. We shall see. The warmth of the day was nice but there was still a bit of a chill in the air. It was too warm for a jacket but my arms were a bit chilly everytime I had to go out to wait on a customer.

After taking care of the animals this evening, apparently Matt went back to the pond and replaced that malfunctioning pump. He texted that it was working now but it is dark so I am not going out there to find out. Anyhow, he went on home.

David made some sort of a thick steak on the stove for us with broccoli. It was good. I got to do dishes and wash the eggs. I have also been washing clothes and such throughout the day.

One of the visitors we had earlier today brought two small children. After shopping, she took the kids and started walking all around the property by herself. The dogs were going ballistic. David called Matt as I was eating lunch in the house. He went out and escorted them back to the parking lot. They didn't leave. They were here for well over an hour, most of the time outside of the store.

Visitors are not allowed to just meander around here unescorted. This means David is going to have to get more stupid signs to put up telling people not to go unescorted past this point, etc. We already have too many signs all over the place, instructing people. It makes the place looks so cluttered.

Hortifuturism

Hortifuturism in your garden makes it seem like you are in a strange science fiction movie but some folks really enjoy that.

Welcome to the fantastic world of Hortifuturism! If you're looking for a way to modernize your garden with a unique twist, you've stumbled upon the perfect trend. Imagine a blend of futuristic design and lush, natural elements — that's Hortifuturism for you. It's like giving your garden its very own sci-fi makeover!

You might wonder what exactly Hortifuturism is. Well, it's a trend that combines futuristic elements with traditional gardening. Think of it as a garden from the future, where nature coexists with technology in harmony. Picture sleek structures, neon colors, and innovative uses of materials creating an out-of-this-world experience right in your backyard.

Now, you might be excited about diving into Hortifuturism, but you're probably wondering how to start. Don't worry, incorporating this trend into your garden is easier than it seems. Whether you've got a vegetable patch or a flower bed, Hortifuturism can work in any garden space with a bit of creativity and planning.

Let's start with a brief history. Hortifuturism has emerged as a response to the growing intersection of technology and everyday life. As people have become more interested in sustainability and innovation, this trend provides a perfect playground for both. It's about looking forward while still appreciating the natural beauty surrounding us.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Out back with deep fog. You can't see anything past the fence.

Out back with deep fog. You can't see much of anything past the fence.

A view of our field next door...all fog.

Good morning. A thick fog is covering us right now. It is supposed to go away by 10am. It looks pretty cool while it is still dark out. It is 49° but it is supposed to get up to 81°.

This photo shows one of our little oak trees and nothing in the field. This was taken at 7:10am so it is light out.

The fog was pretty much gone by 9am. Michelle came to clean the house today. We had a few customers and I closed lots and lots of orders.

Matt got the pond pump working. He opened it up and the propeller??? inside was all clogged up. He cleaned it and got it all together again. So it is doing good and has been running for hours.

The weather was beautiful once the fog burned off and the clouds rolled away. The sky was a gorgeous blue and it got very warm out, up in the low 70s.

David told me I would have to keep the store open past 5pm this evening because a teacher called him and said that he needed to buy some seeds that he needs for Thursday and he could not come here before 5pm. He told David he would call when he got here so David could open the gate for him.

So I kept closing orders, even after 5pm, waiting for this teacher. Then 6pm came and went and I was still working, wasting what little free time I have, just waiting for this man to show up. It is now 8:50pm and he still hasn't even had the courtesy to call and say he changed his mind and wouldn't be coming. Can you believe that?

Of course, we figured that out earlier but it was too late to do what I had planned. It seems we are always trying to be nice to people but it backfires on us.

We watched Kitchen Nightmares. It was about a British pub in Georgetown, Texas tonight.

Still no goat babies...

Hortifuturism

This hortifuturism scene uses solar panels to provide lights.

This journey involves understanding the basic principles of Hortifuturism. You want your garden to feel modern, yet organic. Start by choosing materials that are sustainable yet have a sleek, futuristic appeal. Metals like aluminum or copper are not only durable but can reflect light beautifully, adding a touch of sparkle to your plants.

You might find incorporating neon colors in gardening a novel concept. But fear not! With the right balance, neon splashes can breathe life into your garden space. Consider adding plants with vibrant foliage, or use planters and garden accessories in bright, vivid colors to make your garden pop.

Here is how to incorporate technology into your Hortifuturistic garden. One great method is through the use of lights. Lights in Hortifuturism aren't just for illumination — they are an artistic tool. LED lights can be used to highlight paths or specific features of your garden, creating a soothing or even whimsical atmosphere after dark.

Smart technology also has its place in Hortifuturism. Imagine automated watering systems that not only take care of hydration concerns but also have sensors to determine moisture levels and optimize water usage. This tech-savvy approach keeps your garden thriving with minimal waste.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

No blue skies today, even though it was warm.

Good morning. I am afraid we stayed up way too late again last night watching Dallas. We are going to start watching the final two hour episode tonight and then there are three movies...

It is 59° here and the sky is overcast but there is no fog. It should hit 79° today.

Are you getting hit with those scam tests that say you owe toll road money? I had two yesterday and one today and I stay home on the farm all week most of the time. David got two yesterday. I don't know if he has gotten a good morning toll bill text. There are no toll roads anywhere around here. I guess people must fall for it or the scammers wouldn't waste their time on this.

Another scam I get about five times a day is on my business Facebook and Instagram pages. They say they are Meta and my business pages are not in compliance and are scheduled to be taken down, yet they never are. Every single day, I get them from multiple people. I block them and more come. I guess people fall for this, too.

It was another busy day of orders. We had a few customers today. The weather was beautiful. It got up to 80° but the sky is cloudy so I could not see seven planets aligned this evening. Very disappointing. Matt did some weeding out back as well as other chores out back. I wish I could have done some work outside instead of being stuck inside pulling orders all day long.

Spring is in the air.

I saw this on Facebook today and thought I would share it with all of you. It's pretty good advice.

Not all people you think of as, or call your friends, are in fact your friends.

Some are pretending to be with you just to feed your enemies.

Be careful who you call your friend because one of the scariest enemies on earth are those people who pretend to be your friend.

Hortifuturism

More solar panels and lots of lights as well as a water feature...

Now, let's talk aesthetics. One sentiment often associated with Hortifuturism is the bold use of geometric shapes. Think hexagonal planters or triangular garden beds. These shapes create a distinct, modern feel and can be arranged in interesting patterns to catch the eye. I wonder how many gardeners using this hire decorators to plan the garden space out.

Vertical gardens, too, are a staple of Hortifuturism. They save space and provide an interesting visual. You can attach panels on walls and grow herbs or flowers — it's practical and adds layers to your garden's design. Everything is neat and organized and can be enjoyed when it is dark because of all of the lights.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

How is it already Thursday? I have a live seminar to watch today at 11am to learn more about a specific social media platform. If you come to shop then, Matt will be taking care of you.

My back has been hurting since this morning. Maybe I slept on it wrong; I am not sure but it is annoying.

My seminar was short but I am sure it will help as I begin to use Threads as part of my social media post scheduling.

We have had several customers today. It was quite breezy and overcast the whole day. It is currently 69° at 5pm.

I got a lot done today, despite taking time with customers and for the seminar.

Matt brought a new water dish for Norton. He kept breaking the blue buckets. I bought some water dishes to put on the wall and he kept dumping those and stepping in them, using them to climb up the wall as he does with his food dishes. Hopefully, he will leave this small metal trough on the ground where it belongs so he can drink his water.

The hydroponic tower in the Farm Store has grown a lot of plants over the past five years.

Late this afternoon, I pulled everything out from the hydroponics unit in the Farm Store. The greens went to the chickens. I cleaned up some of the algae but I ran out of wipes. I will have to clean it better tomorrow. Then I found some new rock wool and planted mint. Mint usually comes up pretty quick. I am not sure that the seeds are any good. We did not have any so I ordered some off of Amazon and I just don't know.

We got a few dozen eggs this evening.

We got a lot of eggs today. One of our customers was amazed at how inexpensive my eggs are. That is a first! He said that the eggs at the grocery store are more than $6 a dozen. Then he bought a dozen. I need to get off of this farm so I can see that for myself because no one else has said that. I read a report this morning that said egg prices will rise another 41% this year before they start going back down. That would be another $2.46 a dozen for my eggs or $8.46 a dozen.

Hortifuturism

Hortifuturism uses lots of shiny metal objects.

You're probably excited to know some easy ways to use Hortifuturism in your garden, so let's jump right into it. Why not start simple by adding a few metallic planters or a set of solar-powered garden lights? These are small changes that can make a big impact.

Installing a smart irrigation system is an excellent investment that pays off over time. However, it's essential to choose one that's easy to install and use if you're not a tech enthusiast. Trust me, your future self — and your plants — will thank you for it.

Ever thought about introducing art to your garden? Futuristic sculptures made from sustainable materials like recycled metal can act as a focal point. Plus, they're a great conversation starter for guests.

Let's continue with maintaining a thriving Hortifuturistic garden. Sustainability should be on your mind. Utilize rainwater harvesting stations or composters built with eco-friendly materials to keep your garden and conscience green.

Choosing the right plants is crucial. Opt for species that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also thrive with less maintenance. Succulents, grasses, and even certain herbs can endure different conditions while still looking great. If you are in Texas, choose heat tolerant plants and provide some shade so they don't burn up in the hot Texas sun. Try using colored shadecloth instead of black to add bright colors to your garden.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Good morning. It is 45° and I was a bit too cool all night long with two blankets. That is crazy compared to the warm mornings we have had for most of the week.

I am hoping it will be warm enough next week that we can start our planting for spring. Many of our customers around here have already been planting. Technically, it is still winter and many years ago, when we first moved to San Antonio, David planted his garden in early March and then we got a cold front that killed everything. He had to plant all over again. I guess it is a gamble. March 3 is our final spring frost date according to the almanac. Here is the almanac's first and last frost date calculator.

This year, our first fall frost date is early--November 22.

Collards and other greens in our garden from last fall.

We have had several customers here, most of them looking for vegetable plants which we do not have this year. I think this will be a problem.

We cleaned out the pond, filled orders, and we are working on restocking the store for tomorrow. It is a warm, sunny day. At 3:30pm, it is 77° and would be the perfect day to be working outside, enjoying ourselves. However, we are inside because of the business...

Hortifuturism

This hortifuturism scene is way too sci fi for me. It includes lots of shiny metal and pretend plants for gardener wannabes. Cool for a movie set but not for a real yard.

Don’t forget about pollinator-friendly plants. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds bring vivacity and balance to your futuristic landscape. Achieving a mix of technological and environmental harmony will make your garden more vibrant and alive.

Vegetable gardeners, I've not forgotten you! You might wonder if Hortifuturism can fit into veggie patches. It absolutely can! Vertical planters are ideal for growing a selection of vegetables like kale, strawberries, or even tomatoes, which do well in controlled vertical environments.

Raised beds with sleek, metal finishes can add a modern touch while also improving soil drainage and warmth, which your veggies will love. Just imagine small LED lights illuminating these beds at night — practical for late-night harvests and looks quite striking too! We are going to stick with our wooden raised beds for that country farm look, but if you are into that sci fi look in the garden, I am sure you can really dress your garden area up!

Hortifuturism isn't just for flowers or vegetables; numerous herbs fit right in. Basil, mint, and chives all grow well in a variety of settings, and they give you a fresh, fragrant emphasis on sustainable living.

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Our red bluebonnets are already flowering before the blue ones!

Good morning. It is 67° and almost time to open the Farm Store. I have been doing a lot this morning before opening. Matt came over to work so he took care of the outdoor animals.

I walked out at 9:45am to open the store and set up, stopping at the dumpster to throw some trash in. There were five adults walking around the planters by the driveway. We do not open until 10am. They said they waited for the gate to open and when it did, they all drove in.

I got set up and in walked a different couple than the five that were outside. Then the other five joined in. I was very busy helping all of them find the seeds they wanted. Then the first couple who walked in was ready to check out. I got them finished and helped with finding more seeds. Then I got two more couples checked out. More walked in and then more. For the first 90 minutes, I did not get a break.

Finally, they all left for a bit. I went back to Fulfillment to work. Then a family with children came. The kids were misbehaving so the mother finally took them out.

Then I got a lunch break with no customers so I went in the house and heated up some leftovers for us.

I closed a few orders and then the mailman came. Then after a short while, more customers. It was a very busy day, one I should have anticipated because today is March 1 but I forgot and thought it would be slow. The spring seed rush has begun. Finally the gates closed and I came in the house to clean up the dishes and do some laundry and sweeping. Fun times!

David came in and took a nap and then we hit Tractor Supply for some seed potatoes in different colors. I also picked up a few gooseberry plants to try. Then we did some grocery shopping at Walmart, came home, and unloaded. I picked up sweet potatoes to grow slips for planting so I will have to do that as well as lay out all of my seed potatoes tomorrow afternoon.

I went out to check on the pregnant bunny and no babies. Then I went over to the goats. Still no babies but Trixie is now bigger than a house. I bought their favorite licorice goat treats and Trixie came directly at me for them. She normally shies away but I guess pregnancy made her desperate. She really enjoyed them. Alice came over, too. She is not quite as big as Trixie.

The taco plates were muy bueno!

This evening, I made taco plates with hard shell nacho cheese flavored tacos with all of the fixings, soft tortillas for Matt since he doesn't like the hard shell, Mexican street corn, salsa, chips, guacamole, and grapes. It was super good.

Sue Ellen's pink collar was chewed through, Sue Ellen in her new collar, Trump behind her and then David. Trump never touches Pamela's collar. She would growl at him.

For weeks now, every time we buy Sue Ellen a new collar, Trump eats it off of her. He has chewed through seven collars. Some have lasted less than 24 hours. Today, we bought her a leather one and put it on her tonight. We shall see how long it will last.

Jupiter is to the right of the moon.

The clouds were much less than they have been all week so we got to see Jupiter by the moon, Saturn away from the moon, and a very faint Mars. Matt had to point them out to me tonight.

Hortifuturism

This hortifuturism reminds me of something you would see at Epcot in Florida.

Incorporating Hortifuturism into your existing garden doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul. Start small, perhaps with some neon-colored pots or smart lights, and gradually add new elements as you feel more comfortable.

Remember, it's all about personalization. Take aspects that appeal most to you and cater them to your space, whether that means adding more technology, experimenting with colors, or reshaping your garden layout.

Embrace the adventure of creating a space that's not only unique and modern but also serves the environment and your lifestyle in harmony. With Hortifuturism, the sky's the limit, and your garden is your canvas. So put your creative hat on, and let's get futuristic!

By embracing Hortifuturism, you're not just keeping up with the newest garden trend; you're also expressing yourself and crafting a forward-thinking retreat that beautifully combines nature and technology.

Think of all the fun gatherings you can host in such an inviting space! From evening garden parties to peaceful morning coffee routines amidst your unique installation, the experiences are endless.

I hope this article has you feeling inspired and ready to take the first step towards creating a Hortifuturistic garden that reflects your personality and vision for the future.

The process can seem daunting at first, but with each step and element you add, you'll certainly find it exhilarating and rewarding.

Feel free to re-imagine, reinvent, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey.

After all, gardening is not just about the end result but the love and care you put into growing and nurturing your space.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

The sunrise was colorful and a bit different today.

Good morning. It is already Sunday! Spring is almost here and sales are finally up a bit!

The pond waterfalls are off again. Apparently, the pump needs to be replaced. I finally called Matt and he got one of the falls working again. Tomorrow, he will have to replace the pump.

No babies yet from anyone. They are all fine.

We have asparagus coming up! I will have to pick it later and I need to water plants in the greenhouse. I think I have a new baby banana tree coming up right next to the one Nacho cut down last fall.

We went to church and came back home. Now it is very windy. I hate to try to work in that awful wind outside.

I laid out all of my seed potatoes on towels over in the classroom. A few of the purple ones were spoiled so I pitched them but the rest of the bag was fine. I have six varieties to plant.

Then I came back to the house and chopped my sweet potatoes in half. I then put three toothpicks in each half and put them in water so they grow roots and then vines. Once the vines are grown, I will cut them off and root them. That is what you plant to grow sweet potatoes.

I gave my new honeysuckle plant and what looks like my new banana tree shoot some water.

I took care of all of the animals and collected eggs.

I watered all of the plants and trees in my greenhouse. I filled up two pots and transplanted the red gooseberry plants that I bought yesterday. While I was in there, I noticed that two volunteer African Blue Basil plants decided to grow in two of my other fruit pots. I will need to dig those up tomorrow and transplant them. I had to come in because I was losing daylight.

Our hens are so photogenic.

Hortifuturism

3 different hortifuturism ideas to think about...

Now, what are you waiting for? Go forth and make your garden the envy of your neighborhood with Hortifuturism!

Not only will your garden harness the power of innovation, but you'll also be paving the way for a more sustainable and beautiful future.

The time is now—get creative, explore, and remember that each garden, like each gardener, is unique.

Hortifuturism might just be the secret ingredient to unlock your garden's full potential. Happy gardening!

And remember, there's no right or wrong way to embrace this trend—it's all about finding what works best for you and your garden space.

With each new addition or alteration, you'll discover a little more about what “futuristic” means to you.

Explore different color schemes or structural designs that bring out the best in your garden's layout.

Return from Hortifuturism to Our Sixth Year

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