fresh flowers

Bloomin' Flowers Everywhere . . .

2010-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

At last my gardens are just popping with life and color. Finally! I have to wait
a little longer up here since it's a bit higher and we're surrounded by huge fir
trees. I'm usually a couple of weeks behind Catherine of so I have to enjoy hers while chomping at the bit!!!
There is so much blooming that I will have to show the rest of them on my next post. I can probably do that tomorrow since our weather is so hot I have to stay in the house now.
My gorgeous Poppy is definitely the star of the show today. I wait
all year to see this one bloom. It reseeded and I even got a few more than last
year.

A closer shot of this delicate beauty!

The Lilies are in full bloom - what the deer didn't chew off that is. We sprayed
repellent and it worked great but then we had record breaking rain and as good
as it is something had to give. Just in time for a second course for the deer.
It was pretty strange though because they didn't eat everything and I even found
some blooms on the ground they didn't eat.

I'm thinking they're showing these cute little babies how it's done and got sloppy.
That or something spooked them. Is this little guy adorable or what? A pain in
the backside as far as eating my flowers but still cute. How mad can I be when I
see this fawn walking around in my yard just daring me to hate him. It's
definitely a love/hate relationship I have with all of the critters around here.
Another Lily - I thought this was where my Stargazer was but it has no speckles. Hmmm, I
must have planted another one here. Wonder where my Stargazer went.

These are some new Lilies I bought last year and the tag didn't say anything about
them. They look like an Oriental Lily to me (but what do I know about Lilies)
and they are really short. My neighbor said they are just called border lilies.
Who cares, they're pretty and just a beautiful rich color.

Would you believe I still have a Columbine blooming? Cardinal Song.My new from last year Dicentra Burning Hearts. It's suppose to bloom up to fall.

The Bleeding Hearts are still blooming. The purple Jacobs Ladder in the
background sure looks great with this pink.

Jacobs Ladder
I am so excited that I have Delphiniums. I've tried for almost
20 years to grow them and couldn't. But last year I had one show up from a
packet of seeds and it came back this year. Then I bought 2 this year and they
are still blooming so we'll see. If all goes well maybe I can work up to the
'Pacific Giants' that I'm dying to have!Look at this Astrantia. I just got it this year and am I ever impressed. It's
blooming it's heart out and it is sooooo different looking. I love it!!!

And last but certainly not least is Veilchenblau putting on it's own show. Another
one the deer usually gobble down. It isn't the most beautiful rose but it has so
many blooms in this purplish color that it's really impressive.
It's definitely my color.

More Bloomin' Flowers

2010-07-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

I have so many flowers blooming right now I decided I'd best do
it in 2 posts. I can't believe I'm posting 2 days in a row! I explained a while
back how I've been so busy working outside I haven't had time to blog or hardly
visit anyone. I really miss it! How am I going to continue to learn if I can't
run around visiting your posts? I've also had some Doctors appointments in the
city (1 1/2 hours drive) and decided while I'm there I should do some shopping
to find something to wear for the class reunion I have coming up. Ug - a shopper I aint!

I'm not even doing Fertilizer Friday today because it wouldn't be fair to join in and then not go visit the whole list. Now that it's too hot for me to go outside I've got to do some work in the house before Bob trades me in on a new model. One that does something besides work out in the flowers all day long (weather permitting).

Purple Spiderwort

Pinkish purple SpiderwortVeronica Giles Van Hees

Salvia May Night

White Campanula, that I got from Doris' place and is it ever tall.
Purple Campanula

Campanula Blue Waterfall

Campanula Cherry Bells

This is the Yarrow that Sweet Bay sent me and it's just a beautiful bright pinkish
purple color. It's already making new plants so I'll be able to put it
everywhere to enjoy next year. I know Sweet Bay is taking a much needed break
from blogging right now but I still wanted to put a link to her blog. But when I
did for some reason I lost this whole post and had to start over again. Not
going there again . . .

Barberry Rosy Glow

Dianthus

Clematis Jackmanii

Lychnis Rose Campion

I got 2 primitive benches from Doris so I decided to set one out in the
'monster' garden with some of my more primitive containers on and around it. I
think it looks kind of cute. Now to find a home for the other one. They are
surrounded by Liatris, Siberian Irises and Soapwort which tries to take over the
whole bed and that's how it got the name 'monster' garden.

Addicted To Buying Flowers Or Just Filling In The Spaces

2010-06-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

I hit a couple more nurseries the other day and I still haven't planted all of
the flowers I bought a while back. The owner of one of my favorite nurseries had
said last year she'd try to find some pink Campanulas but when I was there a
week ago she didn't have any luck. But whenI went back what did I find?
Campanula Cherry Bells. It's a start.
Here was another purple one I didn't have. It wasn't labeled but looks similar
to Campanula Pulla from what I could see in a search.
Here's one I'm not familiar with but looked interesting and the right color. Astrantia
Masterwort Abbey Road
After leaving one nursery I was driving into town and passed another one I had seen
but never been to. The reason I hadn't is because it's in her home and not open
all year. She has many plants that are rare and oddites. This Columbine was
growing everywhere on the place but she didn't have any potted up so she dug one
up for me. It's as tall as my big purple one so they'll look beautiful together.
She said it's an old fashioned one. I love that bright pink.

Another Heuchera, Midnight Rose with pink splotches in the foliage.

And look at this tiny little Hosta. It's smaller than the small one I got the other
day. The leaves are about 4 inches and it's called Blue Mouse.

I've seen this Iris before and just love the light green varigated foliage. Iris
Pallida Albo Variegata.

Another Lungwort, Mrs. Moon.

Lamium Maculatum Chequers.

Veronica Spicata Spiked Speedwell RedFox

Back at the oddity nursery she talked me into a Jack In The Pulpit.

Now I picked up some annuals since I haven't even started on my planters yet. This
one is new and apparently from Australia. So far cute as can be called Ptilotus
Joey Pink Mulla Mulla. It sort of looks like Celosia maybe bigger.

And this . . . oh my goodness . . . the most beautiful Cosmos I've ever seen. It's
open in the middle of each petal. Hmmm how unusual. Oh it's Pied Piper
Red.

Heliotrope, 2 different Sweet Potato Vines, Fuchsia, Diascia and one other I can't find the
name of.

And last some purple and pink Petunias.

Well that's it until I hit the nurseries again. Sheesh I have to get what I
already have in the ground before I go. Think of all the great spaces these are
going to fill.

Clematis Josephine Blooming For Fertilizer Friday

2010-06-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

It's Fertilizer Friday and everyone is flaunting their flowers so when ya get
done here be sure to link over to Tootsies place from the bottom of my page and
see what she and everyone else is up to.
Today the star of my show is Clematis Josephine. First, because she is so beautiful with her huge pom pom in the center and second, because last year we thought we lost her after her move
the year before. Now I'm thinking maybe she's going to be happy here after
all.
I showed one of the Peony blooms but now more have opened so I'm showing it
again. The pink ones haven't opened yet.
Red Valerian is getting ready for it's all summer show. It just keeps giving and
giving.

I think my new Lilac, the dwarf Miss Kim is opened completely up now. She looks
pretty with the lavendar Siberian Irises behind her.

Heuchera Snow Angel is getting ready to bloom. I discovered this one in Tina's garden.

The Bleeding Hearts are barely blooming and later than everyone elses as usual, even
my neighbors. It will be moved in the fall to a happier home.

Columbine Cardinal Song.

Not sure who this Columbine is but it's frilly and dainty.

Hardy Geranium

Snow In Summer with some Dianthus behind it.

One of the Verbascums.

A pink Lupine this week is on the way.

My Columbine that blooms 2 different colors.

The clumps of little wild Irises pop up all over my woodland garden and some along
the edges of the yard.

I've seen black Lithodora all over our county. That cold week we had tried to kill it
off for everyone but black or not it still bloomed and is turning green now.

Up Close & Personal With an Evening Grosbeak

2010-05-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

Today is our '27th' wedding anniversary so we're going to run away for a couple
of days. But before we go I thought I'd leave you with these great pictures that
Bob took of an Evening Grosbeak that came up on the deck and had a conversation
with him.
I was gone and this little guy came up on the deck. Bob talked
to him for a minute and he even waited while Bob went and got the old camera. He
said this guy was only about a foot or less away from him.

WOW! How come this never happens to me!!!

They continued talking.
Still listening . . .

These are some I had taken in the last couple of days. More Evening Grosbeaks -
getting as many as they can on the feeder for a bite.

The happy little couple.

She poses for me.

A little kiss? Must be their anniversary too - that or they're still dating.

More show up for a bite.

And even more . . . how cute is the one on top peeking down?

See ya when we get back!!!

The Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridge . . .

2010-05-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

he other day I was in town taking pictures of the lake and surrounding areas
because it really is a beautiful town. I’ll have to do the post on it later
because while doing that I decided I HAD to show the Nutty Narrows Squirrel
Bridge since all of the gardening bloggers love critters too.
I knew the basic facts about the bridge but thought I’d google it and see what else I could
find out. I found the story to be very touching and
interesting.
Apparently people working downtown would leave nuts and
treats for the squirrels and they would have to cross busy streets to get to
their buffet. It seems that while sitting in his office contractor Amos Peters
saw one too many squirrels get killed and decided to build a bridge for
them.
The bridge was designed by architects Robert Newhall and LeRoy Dahl, engineered by
Donald Kramer, and built by Amos Peters and Bill Hutch in 1963. It is designed
to look like a tiny suspension bridge and has a deck wide enough for squirrel
traffic only. It was hoisted over the road between two huge oak trees. It was 60
feet wide and fashioned from aluminum and a length of retired fire hose. Total
cost of construction was $1,000.
It has the title of the "World's Narrowest Bridge" and also the "World's Narrowest Animal Crossing." The Nutty
Narrows obtained its name by a local councilwoman who named it after the Tacoma
Narrows Bridge.
The squirrels immediately took to the bridge and were later seen teaching their
young how to use it.
The bridge became widely known and had write-ups in
newspapers around the world. People sent Peters fan mail and bags of nuts. One
man wrote, "Little men take time to cater to big people who might do them good.
Only big men pause to aid little creatures" (City of Longview
website).
In 1983 Peters took down the bridge and made repairs,
crosspieces were replaced, and the sign was repainted. The bridge was
re-dedicated with special guests Chip 'n' Dale and Mickey Mouse from Disneyland,
as well as 300 children, and various Longview dignitaries.
After Peters died, a large wooden squirrel was placed near the spot of the original bridge to
commemorate his vision and concern for the small creatures of the earth. In 2005
the bridge had to be moved about 100 yards east, since its anchorages (the oak
trees) were infested with mites and dying.

New Sedum Garden . . . New Flowers . . .

2010-05-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

We've had the most perfect weather the last 2 days. It could have been a bit
more sunny but it was overcast and comfortable - for me that is. The kind of
days I can work outside off and on all day long and not worry about getting sick
from the heat. A little later when the heat comes I'll have to go out very early
in the morning and then again in the evening. Through the rest of the day I just
sit inside and complain about how horribly hot it is.
I've been going to do a sedum garden for a couple of years now and haven't gotten around to it.
I've just planted them everywhere on the property. So yesterday I was weeding
the bed along the greenhouse and got to the end where I've wanted to put it.
Right now it's just a bunch of containers all next to each other that connects
the greenhouse garden to the next one over - you don't even want to know the
name Bob dubbed it! It's a small narrow bed between 2 big fir trees.
But yesterday I started digging in that hard soil around the tree and getting
some of the weeds out of the way. I did get them arranged a little nicer.

And brought over a few more in containers to join the group.

Got a couple sedums planted in my new green pot and sunk into the ground. I really
wanted it over in the next flower bed because it's by the road where it could be
seen but I didn't know how well these new sedums would handle the competition in
that soil from the trees. So it will be here for a while.
Here's a long shot of how the little sedum garden will connect the other 2.

Bob thinks I'm nuts but I've been saving things for when I start on that garden.
After raising it I thought pieces of this old chair would look great as dividers
for different levels. I got it at a garage sale years ago for fifty cents and
had a container sitting on it for a few years until it fell apart. Now I want to
recycle it again.

A cute little bowl with green patina will look good I think . . .

I got more new flowers the other day and put some of them up along the greenhouse
trying to get that garden as full as I can. I'm not very good at this but I'm
working at getting them stuffed so like all of you say I don't see any soil . .
. I have a long ways to go around here to get that effect!

I went to The Friends Of The Library sale the other day and there was a
Pussywillow just waiting for me to take it home. I've wanted one so I can use
them in bouquets.

Later while in town I found a present for Bob. He's snipped pieces of the
neighbors Passion Flower a couple of times now and just can't seem to make it
grow. When I saw this big one for sale I thought I'd surprise him with it.
Another one I've been wanting is this Monarda Petite Delight.
But this one just blew me away . . . ya'll know how much I love Campanulas.
They're easy, sun, shade, both, whatever . . . they have long blooming periods
and they're beautiful! But this one has a pink tint to the edges. OMG I think
I've died and gone to heaven . . . I've wanted a pink one and can't seem to find
any without ordering them. I do need to check out my new favorite nursery though
because she was going to try and get some pink ones.
And this is a bigger one too. I'm soooooooooo happy!

Lot's Of Color Showing For Fertilizer Friday

2010-05-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's Fertilizer Friday and everyone is flaunting their flowers
so when ya get done here be sure to link over to Tootsies place at the bottom
and see what she and everyone else is up to.
I was really surprised to
see as much color as I did when walking around getting pictures. Lots is getting
ready to bloom.
This is the Knautia that gave
me.

Johnny Jump Up.
Columbine Clementine Rose.

London Pride is just starting to open with it's cute little bloom.
London Pride's cute little bloom. Told ya it was cute!
I finally got my Weigela My Monet which is a dwarf.

And while I was at it these were half price - I'm going to lay it on it's side with
flowers spilling out of it.

The strawberry plant is getting flowers on it.
My first Alliums.
Opening up.
The Yarrow that Sweet Bay sent me is already making babies!

I hink this is my Red Valerian.

Heuchera Plum Pudding.

Not sure about this, could be a weed.

Crabapple Tree

The Peony Poppies are growing.

The Rhodies are starting to show color.

Irises are ready to burst open.

Snow In Summer and Serbian Bellflower Blue Waterfall or Campanula
poscharskyana.

Tulips.

Meadow Rue.

A little Weigela I have in the greenhouse is already blooming.

Crimson King Maple.

Lily Of The Valley.

The Birds Are Finally Here . . .

2010-05-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

The birds have finally showed up at our place but the weather hasn't been that
agreeable for taking pictures. I'm still struggling with this new camera. I
don't get it - I know it's a good camera but I'm ready to go back to my old one
because I'm not happy with my pictures at all. I've gotten some good close ones
but anything small or farther away I'm just not liking. How hard can
auto be?
I don't know all of the birds so I'm
mostly just showing pictures today. We've had a lot of new ones the last few
days. I do know that this is a Robin. ;-)
Stellar's Jay. I always seem to take more than one of these guys - they can be a pain in
the bumper because they hog all of the food but they are so animated in
pictures.

Hummingbird

Junco

I don't know what this little guy is.

Towhee

This fat little guy is new here.

2 different kinds of Hummingbirds.

I'm not sure that I like the numbers of pigeons that showed up the last few
days.

I think this is an Evening Grosbeak.

Finch?

New Flowers . . .

2010-05-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

I went shopping the other day and somehow ended up looking at flowers and
amazingly enough buying new flowers. Hmmmm wonder how
that happened. Well, I'll tell ya . . . I was just going to take a little look
and see what they had and what they had was . . . a clearance section with a few
flowers I love and ridiculous prices. Usually the clearance shelves are full of
dried up ready to choke flowers that I really have to work at for that price to
make them live. But these looked pretty great!

Look at these beautiful pinks and purples - it's like the shelf
was hollaring my name. Somehow I didn't get the individual picture of the
Erysimum Bowles Mauve Wallflower but it's in this group in the front row. At
$1.50 I had to get 4 of them because they are soooooo gorgeous and will fill up
some big empty spaces in my flower beds.

And of course every year I fall for these Mums. It says annual but I thought the
ones I got last year were perennials. I think I'm seeing new growth on them too.
Doesn't matter - these will give me some color for now and I love them! For
$1.25 what could I say. I needed 4 of these too.

After 20 years of living on this property and trying to get Delphiniums to grow I
finally have one that is 3 years old this year. I use
to joke that I bought them only to see if I could break the record of the year
before on how fast I could kill them. So now that I have one plant that survived
a package of seeds I think I can grow more? And these weren't even on sale. Just
fat and bushy and tempting - oh and purple to go with the pinks. They weren't on
sale but a pretty good price and big enough to fill in some empty spaces so I
have to have 2 of them.

Then there was Silene Rolley's Favorite sitting somewhere that I couldn't walk
past. I've seen other people's Silene too many times to let this one slip by me.
Like the Delphinium it wasn't on sale but a really good price and will fill up
empty spaces in the gardens so there's my excuse for 2 of them.

Speaking of new things . . . I took pictures and never did show ya the mugs Mom
brought back for us from her Arizona trip. Here's Bobs and it's all about
retirement.

Flaunt Those Flowers Fertilizer Friday

2010-05-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

Today is Tootsies Flaunt Those Flowers Fertilizer Friday. So head over to Tootsie Time and see who's showing off their flowers today.

Looks like a Peony doesn't it?

It's an Armeria like this.

This Dianthus Floral Lace Violet has one bloom on it - it's just starting and will
bloom all summer I believe.

A Pink Hardy Geranium just starting to bloom.
Pretty isn't it - the purple one is starting too but I didn't get a picture yet.

Here's another Columbine blooming and I don't know it's name.

The Phlox are doing good - in spite of a kazillion fir needles.

My pink and white Lupine is opening - can't wait to see it - to see if it's the
right color for starters!

This one was new last year and apparently doesn't grow very fast. It's Rock
Jasmine Androsace Sarmentosa. Anyone familiar with it? It's pretty and in my
color so I had to have it.

My Spiderwort is starting to bloom. One of my favorites - in the fuchsia color is
my real favorite but I love the 2 colors together even better.

One of my Weigelas is opening and I don't know the name of this one. It's just
getting started.

Jacobs Ladder is finally blooming and I can smell the grape scent. It took long
enough.

I thought it was kind of interesting that this cone fell from clear up in a fir
tree and landed right in the middle of the Crocus looking like it was a big
bloom. I guess this is a Crocus - I thought it was the one that bloomed early
then layed around on the ground all summer looking like crap and then bloomed
again in the fall. Maybe not.

The Birds Are Finally Here . . .

2010-05-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

The birds have finally showed up at our place but the weather hasn't been that
agreeable for taking pictures. I'm still struggling with this new camera. I
don't get it - I know it's a good camera but I'm ready to go back to my old one
because I'm not happy with my pictures at all. I've gotten some good close ones
but anything small or farther away I'm just not liking. How hard can
auto be?
I don't know all of the birds so I'm mostly just showing pictures today. We've had a lot of new ones the last few days. I do know that this is a Robin. ;-)
Stellar's Jay. I always seem to take more than one of these guys - they can be a pain in
the bumper because they hog all of the food but they are so animated in
pictures.

Hummingbird

Junco

I don't know what this little guy is.

Towhee

This fat little guy is new here.

2 different kinds of Hummingbirds.

I'm not sure that I like the numbers of pigeons that showed up the last few
days.

I think this is an Evening Grosbeak.

Finch?

What's Blooming Fertilizer Friday

2010-05-01T17:50:00.001-07:00

I only have a couple of things blooming indoors as I don't have many plants in
my house. I've tried but they just don't do that well here.

I didn't want the more common red poinsettia so picked a pink
one. I also have an Amaryllis getting started but no sense in showing it
doing nothing.

My Christmas Cactus is blooming.
It's not a very big plant but the blooms are doing great this year.

It is soooooooo pretty.

Love that color!

Amaryllis Blooming For Fertilizer Friday

2010-05-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

I purchased my Amaryllis a little later than everyone else I guess. Consequently
I got to enjoy all of your shows early and now mine later.
It says it's Appleblossom and shows that it is a cream color with a pinky peachy
stripe.

Like someone else said when their Appleblossom opened up - NOT!!! It's almost a
reddish orange. The back is streaked but the front is pretty bright and
solid.

What can I say - it's huge with 4 big blooms and a 5th on on the way. I guess I can't
complain since I have a big flower blooming in my living room in January.

It's Fertilizer Friday so be sure to go over and visit our
hostess Tootsie after you leave
here and see what's blooming in everyone's gardens! And while you’re there why
not join in on the fun.

Beautiful Eureka, California

2010-04-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

It slowed down on the rain in Redding the morning we were leaving to head over
the mountain to the coastal town of Eureka. So at least we didn't have a rainy
trip that day. But look at the dark threatening sky - still REALLY wanting to
make us feel at home with more rain!
The snow wasn't too far away either. Fortunately that held off and the sky even
started getting a tiny bit brighter.
We always enjoy following the Trinity River over. Since we were earlier this
year I think it was still a little murky colored. Seems like I always comment on
the beautiful clear green water in this river.
A little farther along when it's way below us - look at the different colors of
the trees and the gorgeous Redbuds adding even more variety.
In one of the little mountain towns I saw these flowers. Anyone know what they
are?

It really looks like my Self Heal but it's so much taller.

I didn't realize I was seeing wild Pampas Grass until it was too late and all of
the good pictures were far behind me. Should I ask Bob to turn around? Hmmm I
don't think so since we're almost at the bottom of the hill.

And wild Lupines were everywhere too.

Eureka is situated near extensive preserves of the world's tallest trees - the Coast
Redwoods.

I was reading a little about Eureka after coming home and found that approximately
16% of the city contains important historical structures. 13 distinct districts
have been identified which meet the criteria for the National Register of
Historic Places. In all, some 1,500 buildings have been recognized as qualifying
for the National Register.

I love this mural and the trompe l'oeil is amazing.

Even when they aren't the most ornate they still have wonderful color
combinations.

We made our way down to the waterfront in Old Towne.

Eureka, a major player in the historic west coast lumber trade, is the site of hundreds
of Victorian homes.

A small house but I love the work around the top of the porch.

The "Pink Lady" a Queen Anne style Victorian, completed in 1889.

The magnificent Carson Mansion is perhaps the most spectacular Victorian in the
nation. The home was built between 1884-1886 by renowned 19th Century architects
Newsom and Newsom for lumber baron William M. Carson. This project was designed
to keep mill workers and expert craftsman busy during a slow period in the
industry.

The Carson Mansion is a private club for men now but my Mother In Law who retired
from the Eureka Police Department was able to go through it while working one
time. Be sure and click the picture to see all of the beautiful architectural
work closer.

I love this town with all of the old buildings and am already anxious to make a
trip down again.

Wonderful Parking Strips - Sunday Favorites

2010-04-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Chari came up with a great idea for reviving some of our old
posts that have been buried in the archives - posts that someone new hasn't had
a chance to read or one you may have missed - she calls it Sunday
Favorites.
This was first posted on Monday, June 15,
2009
Beautiful
Parking Strips
This is probably the prettiest parking strip I've
ever seen. It is divided into 3 sections each trimmed with stones. The focus of
the first one is a big tropical looking plant.

The 2nd section has a tree and I love how she sunk a large pot into the ground
with flowers spilling out of it. The Delphiniums are to die for. What I'd
really like to do is go behind that fence and see what treasures she
has planted there. Maybe I'll go ask her how she grows such beautiful
Delphiniums and about if that tropical looking plant is just for the summer or
if it's hardy. Ya think she might give me a tour of the rest of the gardens?

A different shot of the first and second sections.
The third section also has a pot with flowers spilling out of it and another
tree.
Here are all three sections from the opposite end.

3 pictures of another very nice strip that is just stuffed with plants, shrubs
and trees.

I took this picture because this is the widest parking strip I've ever seen - but
then I haven't been noticing them for that long. There's a big section of town
that has this size strip but there don't seem to be any planted with flowers. I
only really started noticing these parking strips a few months ago after seeing
Karen at Greenwalks posts on
them. To see lots of great ones click on her blog name and head over
there.

"Pardon Me"

2010-02-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

I just bloomed this morning and my name is
"Pardon Me"

(Red Day Lily)

My tiny cactus is also showing off with this
cute bloom.

Patio Plants

2010-02-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

If you have full sun here is a great patio
plant: Alamandas

with it's vivid color of Yellow and beautiful
trumphet blooms.

__________________________________

Another great Patio vine the Mandevillas
constantly blooms

all summer long.

_______________________________________

Euphorbia-Diamond Frost

_________________________________

Baby Sun Rose

__________________________

Cape Honeysuckle-These plants can easily be
maintained
indoors during the winter season.

Pearly Bells

2010-02-10T23:44:00.001-08:00

A semi-new variety of Kalanchoes called Pearl
Bells, this one that I have

is a miniature, and finally has bloomed.

Some varieties have pink flowers with purple
edges, this one has a raspberry

color with green edges and as they mature in
size the flowers tends to hang down

like bells. They like the same conditions as the
other variety of Kalanchoes,

as is in the succulent family.

This photo was taken when the buds started to
form.

Pesky Varments

2010-02-10T23:44:00.000-08:00

About 2 years ago someone told me how to get rid
of those pesky squirrels in my yard. We have too many
of them in our area, At this point I was willing to try anything
because nothing else worked. I have tried replellants,
Hot pepper powder etc...
So she told me use Orange oil, the kind you use for baking.
Well, I did and it does work! when I sprinkle it around my
flowers, and dip my bulbs before I plant them I noticed they
stopped coming into my yard all together! And another tip she
told me if you want Skunks from coming around they hate the
smell of Juicy fruit gum. My neighbor and I put the gum outside in
front of our house to see if it actually works, of course it sounds a
bit funny to do this but why not? our dogs were getting sprayed
by skunks way to often, so we did put the gum out there and I
have not seen anymore skunks! by the way do you know what
gets the smell of skunk off of your dogs? Woolite does! believe it
or not.

Photo Shots

2010-02-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am not much of a
photographer,

But my husband loves to photograph just about
everything including a

grasshopper that jumped onto his plate of food
while eating outdoors at a

barbeque. Anyway he took these photos of the
"Jungle room" as he calls it.

I think when you use a better camera the quality
of photos says it all.
_______________________________________

Clivia

_________________________________

"The Poor Man's Orchid" Schizanthus

______________________________________

"The Jungle Room"

_______________________________________

The wise man says "It's a freaking Jungle in
here"

___________________________________

The Anthrium is being rained on by the Old man's
Beard!

_____________________________________

And Hydrangeas has the winter
Blues............

__________________________________

While the Cyclamens are adoring the
Clivias...

___________________________________

dling in the garden

2010-02-10T23:42:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day it is today, about 71
degrees and I got to piddle

in the garden today. I planted a Chintz Thyme
ground cover, it's fragrant

and really cute. It takes full sun, hardy to
zone 4-9 and only reaches about

3" in height.

It's really tiny and dainty.

Then I planted a Basket of Gold, cute little
yellow flowers

The Violas I planted last year is in bloom, I
also moved a golden privet bush

today it was getting to big and was located in
front of my pergula.

It was a fun day piddling in the garden, Now I
think we are expecting rain and

rain on and off all day on Sunday.

I
was excited to see buds forming on my flowering plum tree.

Tamarix

2010-02-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

I planted this shrub about 2 years ago, I had
never seen a shrub

quite like this, it is very striking and
unusual. "Pink Cascade Tamarix",

grows in full sun, 10-15 feet tall and 10 feet
wide in 10 years.

_________________________________

It's foliage is scale-like but soft and
feathery. Masses of

flower panicles create an ostrich plume
effect.

Wild growing, very loose, upright shrub.

The branches should be pruned down to ground
during the

winter season this keeps it from growing too
large.

Blooms in the early summer.

Plant Collection

2010-02-10T23:40:00.001-08:00

I have been doing a segment on a tour of my
whole plant

collection on my wordpress blog from a request
of a few

fellow bloggers. I have been posting 3 plants a
day from my

whole collection of indoor plants, incase you
are interested in

seeing this segment just click "Outdoors In"
from the top menu

bar of my blog to view my collection.

_____________________

Plant Collection

2010-02-10T23:40:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a segment on a tour of my
whole plant

collection on my wordpress blog from a request
of a few

fellow bloggers. I have been posting 3 plants a
day from my

whole collection of indoor plants, incase you
are interested in

seeing this segment just click "Outdoors In"
from the top menu

bar of my blog to view my collection.

_____________________

Plant Ideas

2010-02-10T01:17:00.000-08:00

Placing Herbs in nice Ceramic Containers will
most

certainly bring life into your kitchen. Herbs
are not only

great for seasoning food, Herbs also brings
interest and color.

________________________________________________________

Topiaries and Draping Foliage plants in vivid
color pots

placed on a windowsill.

__________________________________________________

Small pots of Hydrangeas for centerpieces

______________________________________________________

Add Blooming plants, and Green plants to a
windowsill

and table in the kitchen.

______________________________________________________

Herbs on the Coffee Table

Plant Quiz

2010-02-10T01:16:00.001-08:00

Today is such a nice day, It reached 64
degrees!

Anyway, There are 3 photos of Plants
below:

Who can name all three? Hint: All the Plants
are

in the same family and is Tropical.

______________________________________

_______________________________________

_____________________________________

Or can you name the plant family?

Plant Shock

2010-02-10T01:16:00.000-08:00

When summer time is over and it's time to start bringing in plants,
they'll tend to drop their leaves. This is actually normal.
As long as you water them as needed, and provide good lighting
the leaves will grow back and the plant will start to come alive
again. Plants can also go into shock when you first purchase and
bring home a new plant.This does not mean it's dieing,
just give it some time. Plants that tend to drop most of it's
leaves are Ficus, and dwarf trees. Dwarf Trees or Shrubs needs
to be kept moist and never dry between watering, don't soak them
to death either.

Planter Box

2010-02-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

Please Click on The Post Title To leave a
Comment.

_________________________________________

Today I pulled out the strawberries from the
planter box and

threw them away, if you don't build a chicken
wire frame around

it the birds will eat all the strawberries. So
I did not want to deal

with the frame instead, I took all the potted
annuals and planted them

all in the large planter box.

Now I don't have to deal with pots and watering
will be a sinch. Finally today

I think Summer has started it's in the mid 70's
and next week will be in the 80's.

Have a fun day!

Planting Time!

2010-02-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

Finally no rain! Yeh! I got the chance to do
some planting today,

I know it is a little early but perennials
survive just fine.

I planted a creeping Phlox and the Carmel Coral
Bells behind it.

I always thought Coral Bells where for shaded
area, but good ol' mom

says they can be planted in the sun, Yeh!

Also planted a Candytuft-Purity

and
last but not least the Speedwell ground cover, love the tiny little
flowers.
I guess I can say I did my part on Earth Day.

Plants are Popping up

2010-02-10T01:11:00.001-08:00

Finally I am starting to see life emerging from
my

garden after all the rain we've been having for
the

last 2 days.

______________________________

Garlic Chives

_________________________

Grape Hyacinths

_____________________________

Delphiniums

_________________________

Yellow Loostrife

________________________________

Sedum

________________________

Moneywort Lysimachia

________________________

and Strawberries

Ponytail Palms

2010-02-10T01:11:00.000-08:00

I find the name of this plant to be kind of
funny because

they are actually Succulents. Ponytail Palms
stores

water in their trucks and do not need to be
watered very

often at all. During the winter months I water
them only

every 3 weeks and provide them with bright
lighting.

Portraits of Homes

2010-02-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

These are portraits of homes I did in the past
using colored

pencil, Markers and pen & ink.

Portrait of the house I grew up in, an American
four square style home

built in 1930's.

Portrait of the Victorian Two-Flat 1895, My
sister and I restored

about 7 years ago, it took us 6 years to
complete.

A Portrait of my neighbors house

Portrait of a Victorian House.

(Colored Markers)

Pen
& Ink

Strings of Pearls

2010-02-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

I started a new plant with the strings of pearl
succulent,

a few weeks ago I cut off some strands and
placed it

succulent soil.

_______________________

This little pot is 2" size

_____________________

After a few weeks I transplanted it into a 4"
pot.

________________________

A closer look, they do grow very well and once
they

grow a certain length it will bloom little fuzzy
lavender

flowers. This plant is what I call the 9th
generation from

the orginal plant which I received about 5 years
ago.

The 9th generation means the amount of times I
propagated

the plant to keep it going, Strings of Pearls
tends not to

age very well on an original plant.

Proper Indoor Lighting

2010-02-09T07:46:00.001-08:00

I've had a few people ask me about artificial
lighting

for indoor plants . There are two methods that I
recommend :
The Sunblaster T5 Florescent lighting Tubes ( link
on sidebar) or
shoplights ( Ott grow light florescent tubes ) hung from
chains.
Lights should be placed about 6" above the
plants.

It is a common misconception that the winter sun
is strong

enough for plants indoors .

_____________________________________

Here's a photo showing my grow
lights.

_____________________________________
If you have only a few plants on a table then you can

get a desk lamp that produces day light

______________________________________

The lamp in the background is a simple desk
lamp
with daylight bulbs
I purchased from Home Depot.
Or you can buy an Ott daylight lamp which will work

the same. I use these lamps for the lower plants
because

they don't receive as much light. I layer plants
from low
to high levels.

______________________________________

I placed Herb Seeds under my Aero garden lights
and

within 1 day the sprouts emerged.

________________________________

Years ago when I first learned about grow lights
I

couldn't keep a Gardenia alive indoors.
Now

you can see in this photo that blooms are
emerging

___________________________________

Here the Buds are forming. I've had this
Gardenia

for about 6 months now and that is the
longest

period ever.
You can replace the bulbs once a year,
even if they still light up they lose their strength after
10,000 hours of usage.
I also keep lights on every
day for 14 hours, except for succulents which
need 7 hours.

Proper Potting Soil

2010-02-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Most people use the standard potting soil for their indoor
house plants, that is the first mistake. Most house plants
don't like slow draining soil, I've learned from the past years
that the seed starter soil mixed with the potting soil and perlite
all mixed together is the best choice for most house plants.
Seed starter soil is a fast draining soil, and perlite keeps the
soil from being compact, a little bit of sand is also great for
fast draining. Also it's important to moisten the soil before using
not after you re-pot your plant it will never be moist. For some
plants adding peat moss to the soil mix is essential, especially
for the acid loving plants like Gardenias, Jasmines and ferns.
The type of water used for plants is just as important, tap water should
sit for 24 hours before using, or use distilled water and never cold
water, water for indoor plants should be room temperature otherwise
plants can go into shock.

Purple Loostrife

2010-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

My mother gave me this purple loostrife about 3
years ago,

not only does it bloom all summer long and it is
not invasive

if you don't plant it near any pond or lakes.
It's a butterfly

and Hummingbird moth magnet, I love it because
of it's

height it reaches about 5 to 6 feet tall and
does not fall over.

_______________________

It looks almost like giant
veronica's.

_______________

In case you don't know what a Clear Winged
Hummingbird

Moth is, here is a photo of one, I know they
are native to

Illinois and they do resemble hummingbirds. I
love photographing

these little guys.

Purple Mania

2010-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

"Purple Waffle" Tropical, prefers high
humidity, bright light and

evenly moist soil.

_____________________________________

"Purple Pefection" Tropical, prefers humidity,
evenly moist soil

and bright light.

______________________________________

"Purple Passion" Tropical, prefers bright light
and slightly

dry soil between watering.

____________________________________

"Purple Swedish Ivy" Plectranthus, perennial,
prefers medium to

bright light and slightly dry between watering.

Rain Drops...

2010-02-07T02:16:00.000-08:00

Rain drops on the Flowering Plum blooms, it has
been raining non-

stop for two days now. I went out this morning
to take raindrop

photos in the rain...

More drops of rain

More dops on foliage

The blooms are pretty too.

Rain
drops on the miniature rose foliage looks pretty neat.

Candytuft

Purples and Blues

2010-02-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

Another flower collage, can anyone guess what
their names are?

and yes Blossom if you are reading this I am
copying you!

I am really starting to like doing collages it's
a lot of fun...

and after seeing your beautiful collages I will
join in too.

Rain...Rain..

2010-02-07T02:14:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a rainy day today, good time for
indoor stuff. I made

a ..I can't call it a terrarium since it's not
enclosed, so I'll call it

an open terrarium with no live plants, hows
that?

I think it came out okay, I think I will add a
few small cactuses.

I did add some little jars, rocks, tiny clay
pots.

A different angle of the bowl.

Rare Gardenia

2010-02-07T02:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, So my favorite blooming plant in the world
is Gardenias,

It's about the only Shrub that I cannot grow
indoors they are so

fussy, too much water and it dies too little
water and it's dead.

So, I did some research and found this Rare
variety of Gardenias.

"Kopsia Fruticosa" Shrub Vinca Pink Gardenias
and it is easier to grow, they

are water lovers and the only down fall about
this Shrub is they

are slow growers and their fragrance comes out
when the temperatures

are hot.

This Rare variety can be found at Top
Tropicals.com

Reblooming Iris

2010-02-07T02:12:00.001-08:00

About 2 years ago I purchase a reblooming Iris
from Home Depot.

I did not realize until they started to fully
open they have a sweet

fragrance, and in the fall time they bloomed
again. Even though spring

is not officially here quite yet, I am seeing
new growth all over

my garden, especially the weeds how fortunate?
Spring is in the air! Tomarrow is suppose to reach

60 degrees due to the warm air coming from
Texas, thanks Texas!

__________________________

For about $5.00 this Reblooming Iris was a
deal! it already

double the spread within 2 years. The fragrance
is oh so sweet.

Reblooming Iris

2010-02-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

My reblooming German Bearded Irises are coming
up again,

this variety has such a sweet fragrance and
blooms twice.

Reblooming Lilac Bushes

2010-02-07T02:11:00.001-08:00

Finally they came out with a Lilac Bush,
"Boomerang" that blooms

from May till frost! I was just thinking of
replacing my old Lilacs.

This variety only grows 4 to 5 feet tall and
comes in purple-pink

flowers. Zone 4-7, and here is a link for this
shrub:

http://www.farmhomecollection.com/sybllibu.html

(specify MMo67561) Order early they say
quantities

are limited.

White Flower Farm sells this shrub for $19.95 in
a 5" pot.

This article I found in Better Homes and
Gardens.

I think I will wait for the garden centers to start carrying
it, $19.95 is a bit much for a 5" pot size.

Red Collage

2010-02-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

Today's collage is Red flowers

Red Yarrow

2010-02-07T02:10:00.000-08:00

The red yarrow bloomed today, well it sure
seems like summer time

has finally arrived. Yesterday was about 87
degrees, and today is

81 degrees with 56% humidity.

Red is my favorite color amoung the
yarrows.

Repotting Plants

2010-02-07T02:09:00.001-08:00

When you first purchase a plant, never re pot it
immediately.

A plant needs to become a custom to a new
environment.

After about 3 days, check the bottom of the pot
to see if

any roots have grow out the bottom.

Or gently pull the pot off the plant and see if
the roots

are bond up.

You will need a bag of moisture control potting
soil, Perlite,

and sand. Mix 2 parts of perlite, and sand into
the potting soil.

Then add water to the soil, don't drown the
soil, just add

enough water to moisten the soil.

Pot size is very important, if it is too large
there will be

root rot. Pots should be one size up from the
original pot

size. This goes for all indoor plants accept for
Minature Roses.

Miniature Roses should have a pot 3 times the
size of the root ball.

Some plants that blooms requires a tight pot,
the more root bond

they are the more they bloom like african
Violets.

Robin's Eggs

2010-02-07T02:09:00.000-08:00

I was trimming the tree and found this Robin's
Nest. Cute tiny

blue eggs.

Root Pruning

2010-02-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Most house plants and Patio plant's roots can grow quite large,
to maintain them in the same pot take the plant out of pot and
shake off some of the loose dirt. I usually use a sharp knife and
start to shave off some of the sides and the bottom of the roots
about an inch off of the bottom and sides.
Place about a inch of semi-moist soil at the bottom of the pot.
Its always a good idea to use seed starter soil because of
the fast drainage. Place the plant back into the pot and fill
the sides up with soil. Repotting plants should never be more
than an inch larger all around than the root ball. Pots that are too
deep can have excessive dryness. After all the soil is packed in,
water well. There are a few plants that most likely cannot have
their roots pruned due to the trunks such as a Ponytail Palm, and Clivias.
Now it's time to reduce the stress of repotting your plant now that you have
pruned the roots it's time to prune some of the branches off. Too
many heavy leaves and branches will be overwhelming to a newly
pruned plant. Cut about an inch to 2 inches off of the tops or some
of branches. For about a week make sure your plant is kept moist to
keep it from going into shock. In general like the outdoor plants, it's
always a good idea to prune all house plants, this makes them grow
thicker, and healthier.

Roses are Red...

2010-02-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

Roses are Red

____________

And.....

_________________________
Violets are
Blue,

Don't ya wish you can work with this too!

_______________________

I love my job, I get to see this at the office
every time I go

to work.

____________________________

Here is a photo of a flower that lots of florist
uses, I took a real

close up of it. Can anyone reconize the
flower?

________________________

Sedum Photos

2010-02-06T08:47:00.001-08:00

Click on image to enlarge

I am fascinated with Macro and close up
photography, This sedum's foliage

is so small that my eye lashes are longer. It's
amazing how photos can make

them appear larger.

Senecio Species

2010-02-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Senecio Mandrealiscae-Blue Fingers USDA zone
10-12,

avoid frost. Suitable for indoors, afternoon
shade, Origin :South Africa.

Moderate watering during the hot season.
Family: Asteraceae

Senecio Crassissimus-Vertical leaf has purple
edging on the

foliage. Family : Crassissmus

Senecio Himayaya

Senecio Medley Woodii-bloom time: late summer
early fall.

Serissa "Snow Rose"

2010-02-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Bonsais is the Snow Rose
an

everblooming Dwarf Shrub. As long as the
lighting

is bright enough they bloom during the winter
season

indoors. Soil should be evenly moist and feed
once

a month and high humidity.

Shaded Garden

2010-02-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

In my front yard I have many trees that are over
30 feet tall

which is providing lots of shade. Some of my
favorite plants

for the shaded areas :

__________________________________

Japanese Anemones

___________________________________

Astilbes

_______________________________

Dead Nettle Groundcover

________________________________

Crains Bill Geraniums

____________________________

Forget-Me-Nots

___________________________________

Goat's Beard
____________________________

Japanese Painted Ferns

____________________________________

Japanese Knotweed-Blooms white fringy
flowers

in the fall season.

_________________________________

Hydrangeas

_____________________________________

Shamrock Shots

2010-02-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Feeling the Luck of the Irish?

_________________________________

____________________________________

___________________________________

My favorite of the Shamrocks is this variety,
looks like small

clovers.

____________________________________

Comes in a deep purple color too.

_____________________________________

Well there is my 4 Shamrocks for St. Patty's
Day!

Sheffleras

2010-02-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

______________________________

When I bought this Shefflera a few years ago it
was in a

4" pot I keep the bottom of their stems clear of
leaves and

prune some of the top sides off. I like the
shape of almost being

a topiary style. Pruning Sheffleras makes their
bottom stems grow

thicker. After a few more years I'll slow
remove some of the side

branches to produce more of a tree.

_________________________________

A closer look at the bottom of the stems, when
Sheffleras

becomes more mature they start to go from green
stems

to woody branches. At the near end of summer I
will start

to cut some of it off.

______________________________________

Took a look outside in the back yard, here is
my arbor where

I have planted a Honeysuckle vine. This will be
the 3rd year since

I planted it so hopefully it will grow longer
this year.

On the other side is a Wisteria Vine that I
planted 2 years ago, and

my mother suggested that I should start pruning
it to become a tree

instead of a vine. She had planted one about 14
years ago and trained

it into a tree by pruning the bottom branches.
After the 7th year it sure

became an impressive sweet smelling tree.

Siberian Bugloss

2010-02-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

I just planted a Siberian Bugloss, love the
tiny blue flowers

it reminds me of the Forget me nots accept for
the size and foliage.

I also planted a Primula Auricula- Alpine
Primula, Home depot has

them for $1.49 each but of course they already
bloomed it would be

interesting to see it bloom next year, I never
knew there was an alpine

variety of primulas until I looked it up on the
internet and Matt from

Growing with plants has a post on it too. The
foliage is very different
I thought at first it was a succulent but the tag
said Primula Auricula.

Snowbush Bonsai

2010-02-05T08:16:00.001-08:00

Another Great Bonsai is the Snowbush
Dwarf

Tree. Requires bright light, don't allow the
soil dry

between watering, and prefers some
humidity.

Some Blues for You

2010-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

(click on image to enlarge)

Blue color flowers from my garden this
summer.

Harmony Blue Anemones, Hyacinths, Bearded Iris,
Flax,

Double Bloom Campanula, Sweet William Phlox,
Delphinums,

Hydrangea and Spiderwort.

Ardisia: Spear Flower

2010-02-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Origin: China, Mayala

Spear Flower is suitable for growing indoors
during the

winter season, they prefer bright light, medium
humidity,

keep soil evenly moist, Perlite, peat moss with
potting mix

for retaining moisture and non-compacting
soil.

Feed from spring to summer with a water soluable
fertilizer.

They produce a pinkish white color flowers in
the spring

and berries comes during the fall season. Spear
Flower needs

bright light to bloom. Mist them once a day,
prune them before

flowering but avoid pruning any new buds.

Succulent Collage

2010-02-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

Succulent Collection

Blue Fingers

2010-02-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

I found the tags for this succulent, Common
name : Blue Fingers,

Senecio Mandraliscae.

This succulent blooms during the day and closes
at night.

I think this succulent is a Sedum:

Does anyone know what this variety of sedum is?
it has white hairs

and green with pink foliage color, If you know
the name please let
me know, thanks!

Summer Garden Photos

2010-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

I was going through some of my summer photos of
my

front yard I have a lot of Evergreen trees that
are 30 feet

tall and the way it shades the front area of my
house makes

photos turn out pretty.

________________________________________

Northside view of my house

_______________________________________

Front View of my House

_____________________________________________

You can see some of the Evergreen Trees in the
background

________________________________________________

My Pergula in the Backyard

Sweet William Phlox

2010-02-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Sweet William Phlox is finally bloomed,
love the bluish color and

they are early bloomers.

Dead Nettle is in bloom too.

I love how the Flowering Plum photographs so
well.

Very elegant flowers

I found a neat looking drift wood in my garden,
has neat holes in it.

Talinum Limon

2010-02-05T08:07:00.002-08:00

During the summer time, I
stumbled across this annual plant

"Talinum Limon", I have
never seen this plant before. As it started to

grow, and the blooms
became full, I cut off some of them and threw

it on the grass area.
After a few days I noticed something growing in

the grass, surely enough
it was the cutting I had threw down a few day

back. That plant is a
vigorous grower and takes rooting so easily. I decided

to bring a cutting indoor
and placed it in a pot, so far so good. It does not

bloom, but the foliage is
almost like a neon green in color. I've had this plant

for 2 years now and it
still growing strong.

My Talium Limon

2010-02-05T08:07:00.001-08:00

Well, it must be getting closer to Spring
time,

My Talium Limon plant is starting to
Bloom.

_______________________________________

Can you see the little stems coming out of the
top center

of the foliage? Their blooms looks like little
pink dots

once the blooms mature. This is definately a
good sign

that spring is getting close.

My Talium Limon

2010-02-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it must be getting closer to Spring
time,

My Talium Limon plant is starting to
Bloom.

_______________________________________

Can you see the little stems coming out of the
top center

of the foliage? Their blooms looks like little
pink dots

once the blooms mature. This is definately a
good sign

that spring is getting close.

Tansy Pansy and Polka Dot...

2010-02-05T08:03:00.001-08:00

Now that it's officially spring, every garden
centers has

the Pansies! and looky what followed me
home.

______________________________

Pansy, Cyclamen, Polka Dot and Creeping
Pilea

all from Lowe's.

Tasmanian Violet

2010-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

My Tasmanian Violet is in bloom again, they do
resemble

little violas but the Tasmanian are smaller
about the size of

a pea.

The top photo was taken outdoors, this one
indoors where you can see

the true colors.

This
is a photo of the whole plant, it is a trailing violet but unlike
the
African Violets the Tasmanians don't have fuzz on their leaves and
have
no sensitivity to water on their foliage. I do feed it violet food and
keep it
in semi shade area. It is a vigorous grower, within 3 weeks it grew
about
4 feet in length and I keep on giving it a hair cut. Overall I like
this variety
of violets.

Persian
Violets also known as Execums are not for the outdoors,
I had 3 of them
already this year, kept it under a large evergreen bush
to shield it from
the sun and it died. They are sensitive to the weather
constantly changing.
Persian violets must be kept moist at all times, not
soggy but never let it
dry out. They like filtered light not direct in the summer.
They don't care
for the heat or the
cold, once their blooms are spent prune it down about 2
inches and let it
rebloom. When grow appears feed it violet food. This type
of violet
is fragrant.

Terrarium

2010-02-05T08:02:00.002-08:00

Just got this terrarium yesterday, it's made of
wood and holds

my Primroses nicely I think.

__________________________________

I found this at Ikea for about $14.95 and you
have to assemble

it yourself.

Teeny Bopper

2010-02-05T08:02:00.001-08:00

I also found this variety of Trailing African
Violet:

The smallest-leaved of all violets! Tiny,
single, dark purple bells
on the very tiniest, glossy, dark green foliage
imaginable.
This is an extremely tiny grower with an upright, branching
habit.
A mature plant, with a hundred or more leaves, can fit in a 2" pot.

Not a difficult plant but, nevertheless, not recommended for the
true
novice because of its very small nature.

___________________________________

Terrarium Craze

2010-02-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been getting into the terrarium
craze thanks

to Fern & Mossery ;) , she is always
showing such nice

moss terrariums and I have been seeing them
everywhere.

Well here is some more that I have condured up.
I made them for the natural look and a little
different.\___________________________

I had one of these candle lantern in the garage
from

last year, I never used it yet so I placed some
natural

dried pods and some moss at the bottom.
_____________________________

Since this hanging candle holder has a small
opening on

it I just placed some moss into it.

_________________________

In this little jar I have a small cutting of a
Creeping Pilea

plant inside with small rocks and a little
moss.

________________________

I used this little jar and placed some small
rocks on the

bottom with moss, looks great on the small
shelf.

__________________________

and would you believe what jumped into my cart
while I was

at Pier One today? a cute terrarium..

______________________________

I took this small bottle and put small pebbles
in the bottom

and moss on top.

__________________________

The baby tear plants sure likes it inside this
large

jar, I don't cover the top completely. I still
am going

to get some of the hanging glass vases for the
real moss

terrariums, that project will take a little
more time.

Testing my Collage

2010-02-05T08:01:00.001-08:00

I never tried this feature before so I am just
testing it from Picasa.

The Devil's Tongue

2010-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Devil's tongue (Amorphophallus knojac) is
a member of the

philodendron (arum) family. The plant, from
southeast Asia, produces

a large tuber which can weigh 22 pounds and be
as much as a foot across.

From mature tubers, a single flower stalk arises
which can reach

at least 5 feet high.The largest flower in the
world belongs to an

Indonesian relative the Titan Arum.
which produces a bloom as much as 12 feet tall.
In nature, the plants

have evolved to be pollinated by flies, so, to
attract the pollinators,

it mimics the scent of dead water
buffalo.Devil's tongue is not hardy

out of doors and must be treated as a
houseplant, and don't worry

for this plant when grown indoors does not
produce the bad odor.

The Winter Sun

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

In the winter time, When growing plants indoors,
The winter season day light is

short and the Sun is at half the strength than
in the summer season.

That is why I use grow lights. Grow lights not
only makes the plants thrive,

but also makes everyone's mood better and more
uplifting believe it or not.

When using Grow Lights during the winter time,
leave it on about 12 to 14 hours per day.

Using a timer will help to maintain the same
time every day.

Things that Jumps...

2010-02-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Things that jumps right into your cart when
you're at the garden center,

today was way to hot to be in the garden. Even
some of my succulents were

just not use to the sudden heat and a few of
them died. So, I have to replace some

of them of course, what better therapy is
there?

Crassula, looks like something that grows in
the ocean.

Another variety of Crassula.

I bought this pretty yellow flowering
cactus

I thought this cactus has an unusual
color.

Moonstones, all of the new succulents and
cactus I got are in 2" pots.

Photos can make it seem larger, only the
moonstones were in a 4" pot.

I will keep them in the shade for a week to get
use to the outdoors.

Three different species

2010-02-03T23:33:00.001-08:00

Today I went to Platt Hill Nursery on the
way

home and I saw a Peperomia Plant called
"Ferrerae"

It sure looked like a Succulent so I spoke to
the

Horticulturist there and asked about
Peperomias,

I read that Peperomias are listed as Tropicals
he said

they are tropical varieties, perennial varieties
and succulent

varieties. Not too many succulents varieties of
Peperomias are

often available due to the diseases that they
are susceptable too.

________________________________________

This variety sure does look like a succulent. It
is amazing

that Peperomias have 3 different species.

Tickseed Coreopsis

2010-02-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

I notice an interesting bug on the Tickseed
Coreopsis, after all this rain

you would think most of the flowers are blooming
but not quite yet.

My red yarrow is almost there.....

Tips for African Violets

2010-02-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

I recent spoke with someone who's a bit of an
expert on

African Violets. The best pots to use for
Violets is either

plastic or ceramic not clay pots, reason is they
collect to much

salt on the outside of the pot which I have
noticed on 2 of my

violets. Also it is important on the water we
use for violets, tap

water must sit for 24 hours before using, and
any water that goes

through a softner should never be used and in my
case I have well

water which does go through a softner. So I use
distill water now.

If your violets are not blooming you need to
provide more light. Violets

also likes being pot bound, and don't touch
water on their leaves or crown.

Always water violets from the bottom by letting
them sit in a dish of water

for a few minutes and let it drain well. Feed
them African Violet food

about once a month.

After making some changes look how much this
violet has

bloomed, I love just about all varieties of
violets.

Two more new plants

2010-02-03T23:31:00.001-08:00

I could not resist buying 2 Oxalis- one in the
purple tone

and one in the lime green tone. I really like
the Oxalis but

they can be fussy, I like the way the leaves
folds in at night.

They require bright light, not too much
watering in the winter

time indoors because they are bulbs it's easy
for their roots

to rot. They bloom little yellow flowers.

Unique Foliage Plants

2010-02-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Kalanchoe "Tomemtosa"

Succulent
___________________________________________

Kalanchoe "Jaws of Life"

Succulent

________________________________________

Alocasia "Micholitziana"

Tropical

___________________________________

Alocasia "Cuprea"

Tropical
_______________________________

Calathea "Zebrina Leaves"

Tropical

____________________________________

Chirita "Hasako"

Tropical

_____________________________________

Lacy Fern

NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA SUZI WONG
Dwarf lacy
--unlike most extremely delicate types, if adaquate

moving air is available, the fronds do not
discolor & brown easily,

even though layer after layer of froth develops
on each frond.

Avoid excessive humidity; best with good air
movement.

______________________________________

"Laquered Pepper"

Tropical

____________________________________

Mimosa "Sensitive Plant"

Tropical

Touch their leaves and it Clasps

__________________________________

Callisia "Inch Plant"
___________________________________________

"Zebra Plant"

______________________________________

"Persian Shield"
______________________________________

"Flame Violets"

The Wonderful Jades

2010-02-03T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Hobbit Jade

_________________________________________

"Silver Dollar Jades"

___________________________________________

"Ovata"

__________________________________________

"Ovata Variegated"

_________________________________________

"Portulacea Rubra" "Crosby's Compact Jade"
________________________________________

"Ovata-Rubriflora" Pink Flowering Jade

_________________________________

"Marginalis"

______________________________________

"Nudicaulis"

________________________________

There are many wonderful varieties of Jades and
some of

them are really cool.

The Varieties of Peperomias

2010-02-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Peperomia
"Columvella"
______________________________________________________

Peperomia
"Fraserii"

________________________________________________________

Peperomia
"Graveolens"
______________________________________________________

Peperomia
"Prostrata"
_______________________________________________

Peperomia
"Puteolata"
_______________________________________________

Peperomia
"Watermelon"
__________________________________________________

Peperomia
"Polybotrya"
______________________________________________

Peperomia
"Ripple"

___________________________________________________

I never realize how many varieties of Peperomias
there is, I recently

visited the Glass House Works website and came
across the

(Tropical section) and saw all these varieties
of Peperomias. They

make great house plants, easy to grow and don't
require much

attention. I counted all the plants that I have
in my sunroom and

I think I have about 170 different species of
plants and about 6

of them are Peperomias.

Virginia Creeper

2010-02-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

The Virginia Creeper, a trailing foliage plant
easy to grow

indoors. Let soil dry between watering and
bright light.

______________________________________

Here is Joker, he is a plant inspector...

_________________________________

Here is a photo of my Calathea Zebrina, I really
like the

stripe markings.

____________________________________

Prayer plants also have interesting markings on
the leaves.

Volcano Phlox

2010-02-03T23:24:00.001-08:00

The Valcano Phlox is one of the thickest stemed
phlox I've yet to grow,

they don't fall over and the blooms are
beautiful.

I have the Purples and Pinks, I do pinch the
tips so when they bloom,

the blooms are much larger. They tend to clump
very easily and I have

divided them 3 times already within 2
years.

I just planted this Montauk Daisies,
(Nipponanthemum nipponicum) they kind of

resemble Shastas, but the foliage is almost
succulent like, kind of a smooth

waxy texture. The Montauk Daisies blooms in late
September till frost, but if you prune

them in the spring they will bush out quiet
nicely otherwise they tend to grow

tall and leggy. Even when not in bloom their
foliage is very attractive. They

attrack Butterflies and Bees.

Vote For my Dog Lance

2010-02-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

Please
vote for my dog Lance, I entered him in a Photo Contest on Humane Society
to
raise money for the Charity of Spaying dogs here in Illinois. As little
as $5.00 will go a long
way for the Charity. Also, if you like to see my
other Collie too visit my Collie Blog at :
Needlenosers.blogspot.com
http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=25066&contestId=1
Thanks
In Advance !

Wall Decorations

2010-02-03T23:23:00.001-08:00

I put these narrow wall shelvings up last year
to hold my

small mini topiaries, pots, and bottles it gives
my sunroom

a gardeny feel.

________________________________

Last month I added some small square shelves to
hold some

of my pots. Just the other day I counted all
the pots that I have

just in this room I was shocked that I have
around 183 different

sizes! and that does not include the pots I have
in my shed.

Maybe I should have a pot sale on ebay?

Water Fountain

2010-02-03T23:23:00.000-08:00

Just placed my water fountain outside today, I
bought a water lettuce and

a water hyacinth.

I was happy to find this variety of hens and
chicks called cobweb. It

really looks like a spider's web on the foliage
but it's part of this plant.

Oh, and I found a Metallica Echeveria and I just
love it.

My Succulent and Cactus Rack I just finished
putting away

most of my pots to make room for the Cactuses
and Succulents.

Now that I bought a Cobweb hens and chicks I
don't have a place

to plant it, so maybe I'll bring it indoors for
the winter as a house

plant. I did take a few cuttings to root,
hopefully I'll be able to find

a spot for it. It is a gorgeous day today, and
hope everyone is having

a great time in their gardens this
weekend!

Weeping Hibiscus

2010-02-03T23:22:00.001-08:00

"Schizopetalus" Also known as Chinese
Lantern

or Coral Hibiscus.

Can become a Weeping Tree

Hibiscus, Rapid Growers and Fragrant,

Blooms Freely with parachute like blooms.

This is a Rare Variety that can be found
on
http://www.fancyhibiscus.com/

Water Gel Packs for Cuttings

2010-02-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

This water gel cups for cuttings seems to work
well for propigations,

just poke a hole at the top and insert a stem
cutting into it.

Stems should be about half an inch to an inch
long, and pull most

of the foliage off accept for 2 to 3 leaves.
Wait about a week or two

for root growth. I found this water gel pack of
2 at Menard's for about

$3.49.

What's Blooming Now

2010-02-03T23:20:00.001-08:00

The reblooming irises are finally in bloom,
this variety has such a

sweet fragrance to them.

The Japanese Knotweed is growing nicely, I
planted this one in the morning

sun so it will grow larger and have more color
than grown in the shade.

I also planted a Flax, this year I am planting
more blue flowers to give

the garden more color.

I just love daisies especially the yellows and
oranges.

Gazenias are one of my favorite annuals, it's
pretty neat how they

close their blooms at night.

One of my cactuses bloom has opened it's so cute
and very tiny, about

the size of my pinky finger nail. Things that
make ya go hmmm.....and

...a bloom here....a bloom
there....everywhere...I must have too much

time on my hands! but gardening is a wonderful
thing!

Wisteria and Bittersweet

2010-02-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

I was glad to see my Wisteria vine had survived
the harsh winter, this is the

2nd year since I planted this vine and now it's
showing signs of life.

This Japanese Bittersweet female was a seedling
about 2

summers ago, when my mom gave it to me it was
about 2 inches

tall and now only 2 summers later it has already
reached the middle

top of my pergola. The female bittersweets
produce flowers where the

males do not, the males have only foliage.
This vine has just started to

bud up.

You can see the little buds, their little
flowers are white.

In this photo you can see how thick the stems
are already and

tend to grow very curvy.

This is the top of the pergola.

Wisteria Blooms

2010-02-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

This is the second year since I planted the
Wisteria and so far I

have 3 blooms on it.

My Black Irises has bloomed and I was surprised
that this

variety is fragrant.

I did manage to find a Ruby Heart Hens and
Chicks.

The Wonderful Jades

2010-02-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

The Hobbit Jade

_________________________________________

"Silver Dollar Jades"

___________________________________________

"Ovata"

__________________________________________

"Ovata Variegated"

_________________________________________

"Portulacea Rubra" "Crosby's Compact Jade"

________________________________________

"Ovata-Rubriflora" Pink Flowering Jade

___________________________________

"Marginalis"

______________________________________

"Nudicaulis"

__________________________________

There are many wonderful varieties of Jades and some of

them are really cool.

World's Smallest Flower

2010-02-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

Sinnigia-Micro mini Cape Primroses, the blooms only measures
about an inch wide. This variety has to be kept in a terrarium for
they dry out to easily. I thought I had a small variety of the violets,
this one beats them all.
This variety is a micro mini version of the Streptocarpellas.
They require the same care as the African Violets accept for
these little guys has to be kept in a tiny terrarium.

Fertilizer Friday, 10th

2010-02-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Campanula
Celosia
Dahlias

Chenielle Plant
Purple Cone Flowers

White Cone Flowers
Day Lilies
"Pardon Me" Day Lilies

A Cold Morning

2010-02-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful winter morning of a -6 degrees, wow that is unusually low

for Chicago! despite the cold I have a beautiful Palace Rose blooming indoors

and it sure can brighten up a cold winter day.

My great and thoughtful neighbor Carol gave it to me, she said

it reminded her of me. The Palace Rose is bigger than the

miniature roses and what a great statement it makes.

How cold is it where you live?

Can you smell it?

2010-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like the fragrance of a Jasmine plant, so sweet,
I picked this Star Jasmine plant at Traders Joe Store for only
$8.99 in a 6" pot size.
Reasonable price- "Great"
Sweet fragrance in the middle of winter time-
"Priceless"

Care Free Plants

2010-02-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

My Cactuses are still doing great, I love plants that are care

free...

Haworthia

Virginia Creeper does not like to be watered much but
does love humidity.

and the Crown of Thorns.