Greetings, human. I am the spirit of the common yarrow, *Achillea millefolium*. You wish to invite one of my kin to reside with you on a sunny windowsill? This is an acceptable proposition, for we are sun-worshippers at heart. To thrive in such a confined space, my kind requires a specific set of conditions. Listen closely, and I shall guide you from my perspective.
My very essence is woven from sunlight. A south-facing windowsill is my preferred throne, where I may bask in a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, glorious sun each day. Without this, my stems will become weak and stretch toward the light in a desperate, leggy manner, and my flowering will be poor. I tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but I cherish the warmth. The comfortable room temperature of your dwelling (18-24°C or 65-75°F) is perfectly suitable for me. I am hardy, but please keep me away from cold drafts in winter, as a sudden frost from a poorly sealed window is an unpleasant shock.
Do not suffocate my roots in heavy, waterlogged earth. I demand a well-draining home. A cactus or succulent potting mix is an excellent choice, or you can create a blend for me by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. This ensures my roots breathe and never sit in moisture, which leads to rot. My dwelling pot must have drainage holes—this is non-negotiable. A pot made of terracotta is ideal, as its porous nature helps wick away excess moisture from my soil. Do not place me in a pot that is too large; a snug fit is better, as it prevents the soil from staying wet for too long.
I am drought-tolerant. My deep, fibrous roots are designed to seek out water. Your watering ritual should mimic a natural downpour followed by a period of dryness. Push your finger into my soil. If the top inch feels completely dry, it is time. Then, water me thoroughly until you see water flow freely from the drainage holes. Ensure all excess water is discarded from the saucer beneath my pot. Then, leave me be. Do not water me again until the soil has dried out once more. Overwatering is the quickest way to end our partnership.
I am not a heavy feeder. In fact, too much rich food will make me lush but weak and can inhibit my flowering. A light feeding once at the beginning of the growing season with a balanced, diluted fertilizer is sufficient. My true need is for grooming. As my flowers fade, you must deadhead them. This means snipping off the spent flower heads. This tells me to redirect my energy into producing more blooms rather than setting seed. It keeps me looking tidy and encourages a longer display of my flat-topped, cheerful flowers.
Understand that I am a perennial plant of open meadows and well-drained slopes. I crave sun and air. While I will adapt to life in a container on your windowsill, you must provide these core elements of my being. If you do, I will reward you with my feathery, aromatic foliage and clusters of flowers throughout the summer, and I may even grace your home for several seasons.
