Hello blanket flower!

Well hello little Gaillardia bloom! It's such a nice surprise to see you!

Do you like living on my plant table under my grow lights indoors? Not too bad you say, but you miss the breeze? And the bees? And the sky water? And you say the light doesn't feel right?

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Well, all of those things are to be expected, since I rescued you from the certain death of our cold, cold winters.

Really though, I have to apologize. It's my fault you took so long to grow and mature to the point of being able to flower.

You see, I planted your seed in the spring as I should have, but after you sprouted I left you in your too-small pot for a little bit too long.

Well, much too long really, as I never transplanted you. I moved you outside once it got warm, but left you alone among so many other larger potted plants that you were soon forgotten.

You received no fertilizer for most of the year, and only the occasional watering -- and whatever fell from the sky. Only toward the end of the growing season did I notice you and started fertilizing, and you responded. Just in time to be brought inside, as freezing temperatures were coming.

So I'm glad I gave you the chance to share your bloom with me, but I'm sorry you didn't get to spread out your roots and really show me your potential in the garden.

You may take some comfort from the fact that I've learned a lesson from you, and your kin will get the attention they deserve next year.

In the meantime, just keep blooming and I'll keep enjoying you little blanketflower!

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