The Joy of Gardening

[Kätzchen]

This past week, I had the honor of taking care of my friend's home and their garden while they took a vacation on the Pacific ocean. I used to have a small garden, years ago and raised sunflowers, tomatoes, lupine, calla and tiger lillies, pumpkins, and several kinds of summer squash (acorn, banana, spaghetti, to name a few).

My friend's garden grew like crazy this past week because even though she wanted me to do early morning sets of watering (15 min sets), I ended up watering late in the evening or early morning and usually it took about 2 hours each time I went about watering the garden, removing weeds and snacking on strawberries or cucumbers, but it's early yet for the tomatoes.

She's got lovely beds of flowers, too: Roses, poppies, daisies, hiacynth, calla lillies and all kinds of magical garden fairies and colorful glass sculpture, through out the entire garden. It was heaven to work in her garden and take care of it while she and her husband were gone for the past week.

My favorite items to tend in her garden were the roses, the poppies and her herb garden (spearmint, thyme, rosemary and sage) and this gigantic tree-like bush of huge flowering ... Hydrangea! The picture below is not from her garden but is near perfect to the flowering hydrangea that's in her garden -- which flowers in beautiful violets, blues and in a beautiful shade of lightest green that I've ever seen.

I trimmed a few blue, violet and green ones and put them in a crystal heart vase to take to work. :stillheart:

http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/85320-bigthumbnail.jpg



If you have a garden (or even if you don't, like me) and want to share what's in your garden that brings you joy, please feel free to post and share and let's hear about what's growing in your garden this year!


ps/ their pets (Simon - their Jack-Russel, and Petunia - their cat) loved hanging out with me in the garden. Petunia loved hiding out in the rows of corn and Simon, bless his heart, followed me all around while I watered the garden areas. :)

[JustBeingMe]

I love gardening and glad you made a thread for this. I take care of my neighbors garden in front of me. She's an elderly woman in her late 80's and can't do it herself. She has all rose bushes across the front of her apt and down one side towards my apt in the back. I live in a 4 plex. I have elephant ears growing this year, but I didn't take time to plant anything for myself in my own garden to make it look more full. I was too busy helping my aunt out of town this Spring. Her son in law helped me spread new sandy loam on the ground in front and back of the house so I could lay new sod grass and build flower beds for her. It was a job and then some. Me with a bad back got it done with a little bit of help from a couple of cousins with everything. It was very time consuming trying to figure out exactly where and how much and what but it's done and she loves it and that's all that matters. I'm proud of the work we did. And her labor fee was free. I didn't charge her a penny to help her.
I enjoyed doing it but I hated getting sick while I was there. UGH that was the worst part of it all. LOL
We can't post our personal pics here, I wish we could(takes up too much in the server I think), but we can talk about gardening.
Great thread Idea.

[Chad]

Bumping this for a friend.

[Chad]

I love to garden and I plan to start a greenhouse this year.

[Chad]

I have some wildflower seeds that I need to throw out on my land so that they can go through the winter process and bloom in the spring.

[Chad]

Does anyone know how long I need to keep wildflower seeds in the freezer before I can plant them?

[Bèsame*]

Has anyone ever done this? It looks easy..

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uZh-b6w%2BL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[Chad]

Texas has had a warm winter so far and I am getting very excited to start planting gardens. I worry that we may have a late freeze but I am so excited. Like a kid on Christmas morning!


:cowboy:

[Chad]

I planted 4 O'clocks and more cilantro today. My Morning Glory's have sprouted and look good. I lost 2 Lantana to a freeze so they have to be replaced. The Rosemary is ready to be transplanted. The peach tree looks good and I hope to have peaches this year.

This is just the beginning of spring and I have a lot of work to do to get the rest of the herbs in place.

Yay spring!

[homoe]

I planted 4 O'clocks and more cilantro today. My Morning Glory's have sprouted and look good. I lost 2 Lantana to a freeze so they have to be replaced. The Rosemary is ready to be transplanted. The peach tree looks good and I hope to have peaches this year.

This is just the beginning of spring and I have a lot of work to do to get the rest of the herbs in place.

Yay spring!

I'll be expecting some tasty peach cobbler this year Chad :hangloose:

[Chad]

I'll be expecting some tasty peach cobbler this year Chad :hangloose:

Haha! I don't know how to bake. One of us needs to bring a baker into the picture. Mom will not bake anymore.

Maybe barter with a baker. :)

[Soft*Silver]

I live in NE Ohio and love to garden. My gardens have always reflected how well I am doing in life. If I am scattered and falling apart, so are my gardens. If I am not succeeding in general, nor is my garden. If I am flourishing and happy my garden is colorful and productive. If I am really busy in one aspect of my life, my garden is put on hold. And when I have time to concentrate on it, I do a helluva job...

so for the past five years, I have been very busy in other aspects of my life until this year. This year I hope to put in herbs, and some perennials, a few roses, and a small vegetable garden, mostly gourds and melons, a few beans and two tomato plants. I have to redo all the plants around my house for they have gotten overgrown and I want to do more of a cottage garden in those spaces.

I use to have an ENORMOUS herb garden at a different house, and hope to get that back, at this house. My problem is that the greenhouse I bought the herbs from, closed. They had 20 varieties of scented geraniums and I use to have all of them! I had at least 5 varieties of sage, mint, basils, thyme, etc. Does anyone have an herb shop they frequent that sells via catalog? Let me know!

[Soft*Silver]

Maybe barter with a baker. :)

If homoe and Chad done mind a grandmotherly type woman to bake for them, i would barter with them for some baking! I use to be quite famous for the incredible baked goods I would make during holidays!

[Kätzchen]

On a lark, several years ago, I posted about how e joy able my day was spent helping my friend with her garden. It's so nice to see other's enjoy gardening, too. :)

Does anyone know how long I need to keep wildflower seeds in the freezer before I can plant them? Chad??? I know you asked about this over a year ago, but I've never heard of keeping sunflower seeds in a freezer. Like, ever. So I don't know if you ever found a reasonable answer, but I save back some of the seeds from healthy plants and store them in air tight glass jars. Season to season. If I don't use the seeds during the next planting season, I just leave them out for birds to feed on.

Has anyone ever done this? It looks easy..

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uZh-b6w%2BL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

I've never heard of these type of garden planters, Besame*. The only planters I have are clay pots and planters that I sculpted years ago, when I participated in a ceramics class in college. If you've learned about them and liked this type of planter, I hope you'll come back to share about it.

I planted 4 O'clocks and more cilantro today. My Morning Glory's have sprouted and look good. I lost 2 Lantana to a freeze so they have to be replaced. The Rosemary is ready to be transplanted. The peach tree looks good and I hope to have peaches this year.

This is just the beginning of spring and I have a lot of work to do to get the rest of the herbs in place.

Yay spring!

It sounds like you're going to enjoy your garden this year!

I live in NE Ohio and love to garden. My gardens have always reflected how well I am doing in life. If I am scattered and falling apart, so are my gardens. If I am not succeeding in general, nor is my garden. If I am flourishing and happy my garden is colorful and productive. If I am really busy in one aspect of my life, my garden is put on hold. And when I have time to concentrate on it, I do a helluva job...

so for the past five years, I have been very busy in other aspects of my life until this year. This year I hope to put in herbs, and some perennials, a few roses, and a small vegetable garden, mostly gourds and melons, a few beans and two tomato plants. I have to redo all the plants around my house for they have gotten overgrown and I want to do more of a cottage garden in those spaces.

I use to have an ENORMOUS herb garden at a different house, and hope to get that back, at this house. My problem is that the greenhouse I bought the herbs from, closed. They had 20 varieties of scented geraniums and I use to have all of them! I had at least 5 varieties of sage, mint, basils, thyme, etc. Does anyone have an herb shop they frequent that sells via catalog? Let me know!

I love growing flowers and certain types of herbs. Your gardens sound absolutely beautiful! I hope you have time to cultivate all the many things you enjoy growing in your garden!

Chad and homoe's banter about baking pies reminded me that it's been awhile since I've baked a pie for my sweetheart. I didn't get around to it this week at all, due to my partner coming home after chemo and needing bedrest. This last week was a tough week on both of us. I love to make apple pies and berry pies. Once in a blue moon, I like to make Cherry pie. Good stuff, for sure.

[Chad]

If homoe and Chad done mind a grandmotherly type woman to bake for them, i would barter with them for some baking! I use to be quite famous for the incredible baked goods I would make during holidays!

Hi, yes please join into the fun. What were you famous for baking? Pie? Cake? Bread? Cookies?

I love bartering. I once repaired a femmes car for a homemade apple pie. :)

[Chad]

On a lark, several years ago, I posted about how e joy able my day was spent helping my friend with her garden. It's so nice to see other's enjoy gardening, too. :)

Chad??? I know you asked about this over a year ago, but I've never heard of keeping sunflower seeds in a freezer. Like, ever. So I don't know if you ever found a reasonable answer, but I save back some of the seeds from healthy plants and store them in air tight glass jars. Season to season. If I don't use the seeds during the next planting season, I just leave them out for birds to feed on.



I've never heard of these type of garden planters, Besame*. The only planters I have are clay pots and planters that I sculpted years ago, when I participated in a ceramics class in college. If you've learned about them and liked this type of planter, I hope you'll come back to share about it.



It sounds like you're going to enjoy your garden this year!



I love growing flowers and certain types of herbs. Your gardens sound absolutely beautiful! I hope you have time to cultivate all the many things you enjoy growing in your garden!

Chad and homoe's banter about baking pies reminded me that it's been awhile since I've baked a pie for my sweetheart. I didn't get around to it this week at all, due to my partner coming home after chemo and needing bedrest. This last week was a tough week on both of us. I love to make apple pies and berry pies. Once in a blue moon, I like to make Cherry pie. Good stuff, for sure.

Hi friend,

Thank you for the tip on seeds. I love gardening, my parents and grandparents were avid gardeners. I grow food, herbs, and flowers.

Thank you,
Chad

[MsTinkerbelly]

My mother and sister were/are avid gardeners, and my sister married someone with magical gardening skills. I however have a major black thumb, and struggle to remember to water the trees and small number of plants we have.

My sister and her husband moved to Idaho this past January, and since there is such a small growing season, they started most of their plants in the house and are waiting for the thaw to plant. They have a large bank of floor to ceiling windows that are acting like a green house, and the pictures show that they are going to have a great bounty eventually.

The biggest problem for the garden will be the dear living on the property, as they live in the Forest on a mountain, but my b-in-law thinks he can build a fence that will keep them out. We will see..........

[Soft*Silver]

Hi, yes please join into the fun. What were you famous for baking? Pie? Cake? Bread? Cookies?

I love bartering. I once repaired a femmes car for a homemade apple pie. :)

I make THE best chocolate toffee nut cookies in the world! And apple pie? Yes yes! Cherry pie, blackberry pie, strawberry pie...you name it. I am just getting into baking breads now. By hand, no machine.

I am not really a cake baker..tho I can and do make cakes. I just dont favor doing them. Not like I do cookies and pies!

I have won over many with my baking skills...it is a joy for me!

[Soft*Silver]

The biggest problem for the garden will be the dear living on the property, as they live in the Forest on a mountain, but my b-in-law thinks he can build a fence that will keep them out. We will see..........


good luck on that..the fence line needs to be at least 9 foot high and even then if hungry, they will attempt to leap it. The best thing to do is to buy some mountain cat urine and keep it placed around the parameters of the garden. They stay away from their predators. The other thing they can do is to plant a hedge of boxwood around the fence line. They do not eat boxwood and its scent is strong to them and thus, they might not bother whats inside.

I too live in a short season area..range 5. NE Ohio. I cannot start anything inside because we have 4 cats and they tear up my starts. We are considering putting grow lights in a room in the basement, for a seed starting area. It would keep the cats away. Maybe next year once I get this garden started.

I freeze my seeds over from one year to the next. Most seeds that actually need a cold dormancy should be frozen for a few months, if not over the actual winter period.

I had a pup that use to climb into my raised beds and pull up all my plants. Lord he was a terror! LOL. He was so happy with himself for "helping" I couldnt hold it against him! He has passed on (long story short, a neighbor shot him. The neighbor is now in jail) but I will never forget him wagging his tail, smiling at me with my huge sage plant in his mouth!LOL

[Chad]

I make THE best chocolate toffee nut cookies in the world! And apple pie? Yes yes! Cherry pie, blackberry pie, strawberry pie...you name it. I am just getting into baking breads now. By hand, no machine.

I am not really a cake baker..tho I can and do make cakes. I just dont favor doing them. Not like I do cookies and pies!

I have won over many with my baking skills...it is a joy for me!

Yummy!

I love fruit pies.

[Kätzchen]

Hi friend,

Thank you for the tip on seeds. I love gardening, my parents and grandparents were avid gardeners. I grow food, herbs, and flowers.

Thank you,
Chad

You're welcome Chad.... But, after reading soft*silver's post on seed dormancy, I am now reminded about something: I keep my jars of seeds outside on the patio. We get four distinct seasons here (albeit each season comes with rain), so I'm guessing the seeds wintered properly on the patio. But you live in Texas, so maybe that's why you freeze your seeds (???).

My mother and sister were/are avid gardeners, and my sister married someone with magical gardening skills. I however have a major black thumb, and struggle to remember to water the trees and small number of plants we have.

My sister and her husband moved to Idaho this past January, and since there is such a small growing season, they started most of their plants in the house and are waiting for the thaw to plant. They have a large bank of floor to ceiling windows that are acting like a green house, and the pictures show that they are going to have a great bounty eventually.

The biggest problem for the garden will be the dear living on the property, as they live in the Forest on a mountain, but my b-in-law thinks he can build a fence that will keep them out. We will see..........

My sister lives in northern Idaho. It's very beautiful in her part of the panhandle ....(LoLo pass, area). Elk, deer, bobcats, cougars, bear, and moose, are sometimes spotted on her mountain. My sister's husband died suddenly two Christmases ago, but her husband's hobby was fly-fishing. He taught her how to fish....so she catches salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout during late springs runs until late summer, early fall. It sounds like your sister and her husband will enjoy living in northern Idaho. :)

I make THE best chocolate toffee nut cookies in the world! And apple pie? Yes yes! Cherry pie, blackberry pie, strawberry pie...you name it. I am just getting into baking breads now. By hand, no machine.

I am not really a cake baker..tho I can and do make cakes. I just dont favor doing them. Not like I do cookies and pies!

I have won over many with my baking skills...it is a joy for me!

That's so sweet! :)

good luck on that..the fence line needs to be at least 9 foot high and even then if hungry, they will attempt to leap it. The best thing to do is to buy some mountain cat urine and keep it placed around the parameters of the garden. They stay away from their predators. The other thing they can do is to plant a hedge of boxwood around the fence line. They do not eat boxwood and its scent is strong to them and thus, they might not bother whats inside.

I too live in a short season area..range 5. NE Ohio. I cannot start anything inside because we have 4 cats and they tear up my starts. We are considering putting grow lights in a room in the basement, for a seed starting area. It would keep the cats away. Maybe next year once I get this garden started.

I freeze my seeds over from one year to the next. Most seeds that actually need a cold dormancy should be frozen for a few months, if not over the actual winter period.

I had a pup that use to climb into my raised beds and pull up all my plants. Lord he was a terror! LOL. He was so happy with himself for "helping" I couldnt hold it against him! He has passed on (long story short, a neighbor shot him. The neighbor is now in jail) but I will never forget him wagging his tail, smiling at me with my huge sage plant in his mouth!LOL

I can tell you've got some awesome pointers on how to manage deer. Thanks for your helpful ideas! :)

I might add that deer love to eat roses. It's their "chocolate." They tend to do that often in late fall as they forage for food.

That's just awful what happened to your dog. My sincere condolences. :rrose:

And .....Good Morning to all. Have a joyful day!

[Truly Scrumptious]

I too live in a short season area..range 5. NE Ohio. I cannot start anything inside because we have 4 cats and they tear up my starts. We are considering putting grow lights in a room in the basement, for a seed starting area. It would keep the cats away. Maybe next year once I get this garden started.





You can actually make mini greenhouses with the bottoms of plastic soda bottles. They fit pretty tightly around the pots so unless your cats were really determined, the starts would likely be safe. A 2 L bottle bottom fits snugly around a 4 inch pot, and the 750 ml bottle bottom fits around a 2.5 inch pot. I have some lemon and grapefruit seeds starting this way right now so here's a pic of what I mean.

https://s22.postimg.org/sfp8sfx9p/P3190010.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sfp8sfx9p/)

[Soft*Silver]

I actually use these when I plant seedlings outside. Inside, my cats are prone to use any dirt for litter boxes. I have tried for a few years, and they have won each year. LOL. So I am resigned to starting things outside. I DO want to get a greenhouse going eventually. However, I tend to do things in a big way when in reality, my age and my physical limitations might prevent things from happening. I need to bear all this in mind. I dont believe I am limited until I go to do something. LOL.

What I have going for me, is that I did an internship in horticulture therapy, and specialized in creating gardens for those who had limitations. So, I am designing everything this time, to accomodate me as I continue aging. I have raised beds, and am putting in a few more this year. I grow things vertically when I can...like berries and grapes, peas and beans, gourds and melons.

You can actually make mini greenhouses with the bottoms of plastic soda bottles. They fit pretty tightly around the pots so unless your cats were really determined, the starts would likely be safe. A 2 L bottle bottom fits snugly around a 4 inch pot, and the 750 ml bottle bottom fits around a 2.5 inch pot. I have some lemon and grapefruit seeds starting this way right now so here's a pic of what I mean.

https://s22.postimg.org/sfp8sfx9p/P3190010.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sfp8sfx9p/)

[Cin]

Inside, my cats are prone to use any dirt for litter boxes.

Wow. That is impressive. These pots are about 3 inches around and the covers are pretty tight. I have trouble getting them off. Your cats must be quite dexterous, not to mention they gotta have some tiny little bums. LOL.

[Soft*Silver]

Wow. That is impressive. These pots are about 3 inches around and the covers are pretty tight. I have trouble getting them off. Your cats must be quite dexterous, not to mention they gotta have some tiny little bums. LOL.


My one boy would spend his time trying to get the lids off. Jet Kitty destroyed the terrariums I had started last year, using pop bottles. They were much like these, but I included a tiny fairy and some whimsical items like itty bitty tiny tools and flower pots. I had to give them away to save them.

My tabby female is the one who scratches in the dirt and her momma, Tiny Teena is the main culprit who act as tho the pots are tiny litter boxes. The cats dont actually make it IN the dirt...the "fall out" drops to the side, but they scratch in the dirt... so i have poo and soil to clean up..and dead plants.

I had hoped to screen in my mud room/enclosed front porch and put some starts in there, but not this year. Thats a project that has gotten delayed.

the only plants I can have in my house right now are hanging plants...

[Kätzchen]

You can actually make mini greenhouses with the bottoms of plastic soda bottles. They fit pretty tightly around the pots so unless your cats were really determined, the starts would likely be safe. A 2 L bottle bottom fits snugly around a 4 inch pot, and the 750 ml bottle bottom fits around a 2.5 inch pot. I have some lemon and grapefruit seeds starting this way right now so here's a pic of what I mean.

https://s22.postimg.org/sfp8sfx9p/P3190010.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sfp8sfx9p/)

That's such a great idea, Truly. :)

I live in a densely populated urban setting, so I think I can use your helpful idea to grow starter plants at home. We have community gardens in various locales across the greater metro area, but I don't live close enough to any of them, to make use of this kind of program. So I'm going to make use of your idea. Thank you !

-------------------------------.

I'm not an avid gardener, but I do like to garden in small ways. Especially if I can use small foot print ideas and try not to support anything to do with Monsanto. But that's getting harder and harder to do lately. I read somewhere recently that plastic is now found in the human food chain, so that's a scary thought.

I did a tiny bit of looking online for resources that might come in handy (for anyone who wants to do their own research, etc).

Here are two resources that might help:

http://www.almanac.com/content/garden-seed-catalogs-and-plant-mail-order-sources


https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/where-to-buy-non-gmo-seeds

Happy Gardening. :)
:bouquet:

[Medusa]

I just potted some rosemary and a bell pepper plant. I do believe I'm heading back out for more because I need some basil, romas, and jalapeños :)

[Chad]

My morning glorys look great and are blooming. The cilantro is about an inch tall and looks great. The 4'o'clocks are not productive yet.

The peach tree has started blooming. Yay!

Lastly, the Dewberry vines have new berries growing. Yay!


:wateringgarden:

[MsTinkerbelly]

My morning glorys look great and are blooming. The cilantro is about an inch tall and looks great. The 4'o'clocks are not productive yet.

The peach tree has started blooming. Yay!

Lastly, the Dewberry vines have new berries growing. Yay!


:wateringgarden:

I can't get my peach trees to fruit...any suggestions?

[MsTinkerbelly]

The weather has been so different in California this year, that my citrus and peach trees are already flowering, and my Japanese Empress tree is already growing leafs instead of blooms!

The Japanese empress loses all leafs in the late fall, grows beautiful flowers at the tip of all the branches in spring, and then grows large elephant sized leafs in summer/fall. Right now I have large green leafs, and a few of the branches have flowers.

Because of the early blooms, the bees are barely buzzing, and I haven't seen the big carpenter bees around the empress tree at all. :( I am seriously worried about the lack of bees...I have maybe 10 honey bees buzzing my fruit trees! Last year there were so many I would have to close my door to get some quiet.

Our food supply is in serious jeopardy without bees!

[Chad]

I can't get my peach trees to fruit...any suggestions?

How old is your peach tree? Has it every produced peaches?

[MsTinkerbelly]

How old is your peach tree? Has it every produced peaches?

I'm not sure, they were here when we bought the house 2 years ago. If I had to guess, they look like older trees.

[MsTinkerbelly]

The weather has been so different in California this year, that my citrus and peach trees are already flowering, and my Japanese Empress tree is already growing leafs instead of blooms!

The Japanese empress loses all leafs in the late fall, grows beautiful flowers at the tip of all the branches in spring, and then grows large elephant sized leafs in summer/fall. Right now I have large green leafs, and a few of the branches have flowers.

Because of the early blooms, the bees are barely buzzing, and I haven't seen the big carpenter bees around the empress tree at all. :( I am seriously worried about the lack of bees...I have maybe 10 honey bees buzzing my fruit trees! Last year there were so many I would have to close my door to get some quiet.

Our food supply is in serious jeopardy without bees!

Sorry I kept writing leafs and not leaves...after a while nothing looked right!

[Chad]

I'm not sure, they were here when we bought the house 2 years ago. If I had to guess, they look like older trees.

Hmm...sounds like a research project. Fun!

[Chad]

I bought two Lantana plants to replace the ones I lost to a freeze. I showed great restraint in the garden department today.

[Chad]

Does anyone else inherit plants? I am wondering if this is normal or if my family is a little odd.

It seems that my grandmother's plants are a prized possession.


:wateringgarden:

Today I will plant Irises and salvia.

[Soft*Silver]

when I lost my family farm, I lost all my grandmother's plants. She had roses, perrennials like poppies, solomons seal, etc. and seeding hollyhocks and four o clocks. We had acquired many of them and had them robustly growing on the farm. I had to leave it all behind. It made my heart sorrow even more so.

Does anyone else inherit plants? I am wondering if this is normal or if my family is a little odd.

It seems that my grandmother's plants are a prized possession.


:wateringgarden:

Today I will plant Irises and salvia.

[Soft*Silver]

yesterday I was able to gnab a load of wood chips from the city workers! They were on our street cutting trees. I asked if I could have the wood chips so they delivered them to me. I asked first if any of the trees had been diseased and they said no. So I have my young man coming over today to start spreading them out in my garden beds. Perfect for mulch! And to think I was going to order a truck of mulch for next weekend! SCORE!

Next weekend the ts garden gets tilled! Then off to the nursery to buy some plants!

Oh! I live in the suburbs off the city. I got special permission recently to house my mini pony on my property! AND the city just gifted me the empty lot next door! Its HUGE! We are going to fence it in this summer then bring the little guy home in the fall! I am so excited! Who would have thought I would have a pony in my yard again? I am so lucky! And now free manure!

[Chad]

when I lost my family farm, I lost all my grandmother's plants. She had roses, perrennials like poppies, solomons seal, etc. and seeding hollyhocks and four o clocks. We had acquired many of them and had them robustly growing on the farm. I had to leave it all behind. It made my heart sorrow even more so.

I am sorry that you lost your grandmother's plants. That must have been heart breaking.

[Soft*Silver]

I finally got my berry garden in! Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries!

Veggie garden coming soon! My grand daughter is going to do this garden with me. I want her to grow up knowing where food comes from, that it isnt just found in stores!

At an auction, I bought a weather vane (with a horse of course!) on a pole, for my garden. I love it so much!

Sometime this week, I have to tackle my shade garden. It has become overgrown and I really need to get in there and pull out all the weeds!

I went to Lowes for soil today and god help me...it took everything in me not to buy out the store! There was so much I wanted to get! So many new ideas!

[Soft*Silver]

ok, I need suggestions. I have a troop of groundhogs living under my garage. Damn things eat my fresh plants! I am going to fence in my veggie garden, but I need a way of getting rid of these pests!

Has anyone successfully gotten rid of ground hogs? How did you do it?

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-RzLk3HhWfy7rfV3EF5y5A5yjCFfLq9anSc9WZxDFLYzDa0xj

A suggestion to keep an eye out for unique wooden boxes with either art or writing on them.

Nothing can brighten up even a small space more a colorful flower box!

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKWGYdj0V7ukAxyovi92wsf2QSi6iA9 ZFdjhiqczEoe0DE2eYv-g


Nice especially when your yard space is limited!

[homoe]

http://www.thehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/1001-Gardens.jpg

[homoe]

http://i2.wp.com/www.fleamarketgardening.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Catherine-Ainsworth.jpg?fit=600%2C450

[homoe]

https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/t972b795tbl2q0nq74aw51732258b629c.jpg?size=634x922&nocrop=1

[homoe]

https://www.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/creative-flower-beds-garden-design-ideas-21.jpg

[homoe]

http://www.ridedolomites.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/balcone-fiorito_1402075261CORSO-4.jpg

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCro3B0_i8U2k0U_CBTnG_yDA-mGhlEWdjnld4jk--7A0fogro

[homoe]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZPj_ypDUJSE/maxresdefault.jpg

[homoe]

http://reusero.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Repurposed-garden-decoration-ideas-7.jpg

[homoe]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_KgzRhZ6auk/hqdefault.jpg

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNSKnhm53Coj4iJLiVLXrty1ZnYqXDL RVJgTYLjvQK7jM2GCTo

[homoe]

https://www.thesimsresource.com/scaled/2646/w-800h-600-2646257.jpg

[homoe]

https://images.lowes.ca/images/articles/wk31e_fallgarden_main.jpg

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBoCe4HA83fQvMz9LqVTcklho2lWFkU 5hNhKbJSilrAZ-6KItG

[homoe]

https://www.coolcrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/27-mommyskitchen.jpg

[Kätzchen]

This past week, I had the honor of taking care of my friend's home and their garden while they took a vacation on the Pacific ocean. I used to have a small garden, years ago and raised sunflowers, tomatoes, lupine, calla and tiger lillies, pumpkins, and several kinds of summer squash (acorn, banana, spaghetti, to name a few).

My friend's garden grew like crazy this past week because even though she wanted me to do early morning sets of watering (15 min sets), I ended up watering late in the evening or early morning and usually it took about 2 hours each time I went about watering the garden, removing weeds and snacking on strawberries or cucumbers, but it's early yet for the tomatoes.


She's got lovely beds of flowers, too: Roses, poppies, daisies, hiacynth, calla lillies and all kinds of magical garden fairies and colorful glass sculpture, through out the entire garden. It was heaven to work in her garden and take care of it while she and her husband were gone for the past week.

My favorite items to tend in her garden were the roses, the poppies and her herb garden (spearmint, thyme, rosemary and sage) and this gigantic tree-like bush of huge flowering ... Hydrangea! The picture below is not from her garden but is near perfect to the flowering hydrangea that's in her garden -- which flowers in beautiful violets, blues and in a beautiful shade of lightest green that I've ever seen. I trimmed a few blue, violet and green ones and put them in a crystal heart vase to take to work. :stillheart:

If you have a garden (or even if you don't, like me) and want to share what's in your garden that brings you joy, please feel free to post and share and let's hear about what's growing in your garden this year!

ps/ their pets (Simon - their JackRussel, and Petunia - the cat) loved hanging out with me in the garden. Petunia loved hiding out in the rows of corn and Simon, bless his heart, followed me all around while I watered the garden areas. :)


Five years ago, I created my original post about how gardening can bring joy to our lives. I talked about my sister-in-law's garden and how I seem to be able to find joy in watering it or weeding it or making it otherwise look like it's an thriving garden.

I like to reboot my thread with an post about my gardening activities today. :)

I'm not a very good gardener at all. I spent this afternoon, repotting my Kong Empire Plant: I broke it up into three separate plants and I've since renamed my indoor garden, the Living Cemetery Garden, LOL (or not).

From here on out, I will not be watering them until they actually need it. I repotted them in two other beautiful clay pots my mother gave to me, recently, when I went to see her prior to the holiday.

I also put the dying Brian's Gold bush out on my patio deck, so it can freeze and go through its own natural metamorphosis, as far as regenerating back into the once beautiful bush it was, before I got ahold of it. Hopefully, putting it outside, will help in some small measure.

I'd also like this forum thread I've created to be about sharing about joys Gardening has brought to your life. And a place to help problem solve planting issues.... A place where we can ask for advice, like at one time, before my garden thread died a solemn death of being a place where pictures are just posted (and I'd like to see that stop, from here on out).

So … Anyhoooo!.... my gardening activities brought me joy today and I hope what I've accomplished today will actually help my plants to remain alive, rather than end up dead. If they live, I, of course, will be overjoyed. If not, I'll just go back out and buy another beautiful Kong Empire Mix plant and start all over again.


Happy Gardening and Joy to all! :bunchflowers:

[Vincent]

I have moved to the Tweed Coast,about 4 mths ago,so sloly learning where to plant,I love flowers,sadly so do snails.
Im lucky here coz it is one of the rare ares in Aust that is NEVER in drought,so I can have lawn and palm trees,and I have a patch near my bedroom widows,that will be perfect for a tiny rainforest.

Ive just turfed the backyard,which feels like I have had a baby,with watering every so many hours,although I can seee all the TLC,has paid off it is becoming lush.

I like to sit back and just look at a place,sometimes mths,before deciding to plant,i do that with art too,just stare at the empty wall,the it comes what should go there.:)

[homoe]

https://visitorinvictoria.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Butchart5-HDR.jpeg


Most people grace only ceilings, walls or Christmas tree with lights. Why not put lights on each of the pine trees or shrubs in your garden? Even on a statue or around the pond or on garden accessories.

[homoe]

http://nelsasgardenhut.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dec18-elf-plants500x500.jpg

[homoe]

https://visitorinvictoria.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Butchart5-HDR.jpeg


Most people grace only ceilings, walls or Christmas tree with lights. Why not put lights on each of the pine trees or shrubs in your garden? Even on a statue or around the pond or on garden accessories.


What a difference a few lights make!

[homoe]

http://uk-gardens.co.uk/WebRoot/Namesco/Shops/950002407/561D/5B4A/3511/D636/A76E/C0A8/1910/E911/P1050387_ml.jpg

[homoe]

http://oi64.tinypic.com/mi1g5t.jpg

[RockOn]

Hey homoe,

Awww, I am thinking these are yours. Nice, very nice!

I put a multicolor string on a little ugly wild tree last year in my front yard. I think it brought that tree much cheer.

:)

[homoe]

Hey homoe,

Awww, I am thinking these are yours. Nice, very nice!

I put a multicolor string on a little ugly wild tree last year in my front yard. I think it brought that tree much cheer.

:)

Well actually our's the poinsettia in the hanging basket!

I cannot take credit for it tho, Mary did all of it..

[homoe]

https://www.gardenexperiments.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/trellis-lights-lit.jpg

[homoe]

http://creativeinteriorplantscapes.com/wp-content/uploads/ChristmasCactus.jpg

[homoe]

http://www.laboutiquevintage.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/vintage-christmas-outdoor-decoration-wheelbarrow-1.jpg

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/29/41/85/294185f4808b9319f613fca65feda02b.jpg

[homoe]

https://diy-enthusiasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/garden-decorations-winter-christmas-greenery-kissing-ball.jpg

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/69/3f/c0/693fc00ff492e3078235cebc88f0c768.jpg

[homoe]

https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smartschoolhouse.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F05%2FGlowing-Watering-Can-with-Fairy-Lights.jpg&f=1

[homoe]

By mounting staghorn ferns you can create a piece of the jungle you can hang on your wall.

Choose a specimen in a 4-inch pot. Give it some water and carefully remove most of the soil from its root. Next wrap the fern's exposed roots in a moist sphagnum moss, and cover with a pouch of breathable plastic mesh. Using a staple gun secure the bundle to a cedar board. Staple or use copper nails to cover the plastic-mesh pouch with burlap.

Hang your living art with a simple picture hook and a wire loop.

[homoe]

As an alternative to Poinsettias try Christmas Cactus. Grow this long-living winter bloomer in bright indirect sunlight. While it's flowering, water and feed weekly with liquid cactus and succulent food.

[Lyte]

Oh... cool thread! I love gardening tho it's so much harder here in Texas than California. But... I'm determined to figure something out for my yards! :koolaid:

[homoe]

https://www.sunset.com/wp-content/uploads/skyscraper-senecio-wgc-60965-1218-900x500-800x0-c-default.jpg



Senecio ficoides skyscraper; a crowd pleasing succulent that's happy indoors or out. In a container this tall upright grower with blue-green foliage reaches 2 to 3 feet without any staking. As a houseplant, it needs bright indirect light or place it in a sunny spot in your garden/yard once the danger of frost has passed. :veggie:

[Lyte]

I just made a quick trip to Tractor Supply. If you've never been... it's pretty neat! It's like … a much smaller Home Depot but for farmers and cattle ranchers. There's stuff there you didn't know you needed till you saw it! :koolaid:

I needed some T-BARS (tall metal stakes) to secure this three year old Bur Oak I bought a couple years ago. It's GROWING and now LEANING in a way that makes me nervous. I'll post a picture or two later this week.

[homoe]

As an alternative to Poinsettias try Christmas Cactus. Grow this long-living winter bloomer in bright indirect sunlight. While it's flowering, water and feed weekly with liquid cactus and succulent food.


However if you do have a poinsettia, to keep it thriving after the holidays, place it in a spot that gets bright morning daylight and avoid hot afternoon sun. Keep them slightly moist and away from drafts of hot or cold air

[homoe]

Enjoy the fresh scent of an herb garden by snipping stems of bay, culinary sage, lavender, mint, and rosemary.

Add these plus seed heads of fennel, sweet cicely and yarrow to flowers arrangements, garlands, swags, or wreaths.

[homoe]

....
Slather pine-cones with peanut butter, roll them in birdseed, and hang them in shrubs and trees or from hooks on a patio/terrace to provide wildlife with a tasty winter treat!

[homoe]

Enjoy the fresh scent of an herb garden by snipping stems of bay, culinary sage, lavender, mint, and rosemary.

Add these plus seed heads of fennel, sweet cicely and yarrow to flowers arrangements, garlands, swags, or wreaths.


Go wild and use your imagination!

[homoe]

However if you do have a poinsettia, to keep it thriving after the holidays, place it in a spot that gets bright morning daylight and avoid hot afternoon sun. Keep them slightly moist and away from drafts of hot or cold air

It depends on all how well you follow the helpful hints mentioned above. A quality plant in the right location that is well-cared for can stay in bloom for up to six months. But that is unusual. Most poinsettias will last for 4 to 6 weeks before the flowers begin to fall off.

[homoe]

https://www.gardenexperiments.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/trellis-lights-lit.jpg




If you don't have a garden space for this, I think it would look nice hanging on from your balcony/porch.

[homoe]

Colin McCrate Pacific Northwest Magazine....

It is a long standing tradition among serious gardeners to sit around the kitchen table during the dark days of winter dreaming of the season to arrive.

Order early; taking action now will ensure that your favorite varieties don't sell out. The procrastinating gardener will find that by February or March many companies have extinguished the stock of popular varieties.

[homoe]

Show your houseplants some TLC by rinising dust off the foliage in a lukewarm shower. After leaves dry, check for insects and treat if necessay.

[homoe]

A garden full of dazzling color in spring takes planning or so we are learning.

In late fall we picked up an assortment of bulbs. These are for spring-flowering plants that we were told required the cool season to put down roots.These have now been planted.

So far so good..........:wateringgarden:

Some of the best advice we've received so far........"If you are new to gardening, don't be too ambitious".

[homoe]

Colin McCrate Pacific Northwest Magazine....

It is a long standing tradition among serious gardeners to sit around the kitchen table during the dark days of winter dreaming of the season to arrive.

Order early; taking action now will ensure that your favorite varieties don't sell out. The procrastinating gardener will find that by February or March many companies have extinguished the stock of popular varieties.

We were informed about seed storage viability and how seeds differ greatly by species, but because this will be such a small garden patch we'll only be purchasing a limited amount to begin with.

If anyone else out there is attempting a garden, hopefully by sharing these tips they will benefit you as well!

[homoe]

http://www.communitecture.net/uploads/2/4/5/4/24544463/pistils-nursery-25-storefront_orig.jpg

Pistils Nursery 3811 N. Mississippi Ave Portland, Oregon

I have not been here personally, but they came highly recommended by our next door neighbor who has the most beautiful garden imaginable!
She spoke highly of their knowledgeable staff and having spoken to several of them I concur.

We have two areas, one to the right and the other to the left, off our patio where we hope to plant flowers on one and a small vegetable patch on the other come spring.

I had originally posted this in another thread but hopefully it'll be useful here too!

[homoe]

Some vegetables, like tomatoes , eggplants and peppers , require a long growing season so most gardeners start seeds indoors in spring or purchase seedlings (transplants). Starting your own seeds is not only less expensive, it's also a fun, rewarding and a great way to get a jump start.

You can use recycled pots — yogurt containers, for example, but be sure to poke holes in the bottom. Plastic six-packs and flats are good choices and can be reused year after year. Biodegradable pots are fine, too. After sowing, set the containers in a warm location. On top of the refrigerator or near a radiator are usually good spots. Check pots every day.

As soon as seedlings emerge, place pots in a bright location.
A sunny window will do but supplemental fluorescent lights will give you the best results.

[homoe]

Some vegetables, like tomatoes , eggplants and peppers , require a long growing season so most gardeners start seeds indoors in spring or purchase seedlings (transplants). Starting your own seeds is not only less expensive, it's also a fun, rewarding and a great way to get a jump start.

You can use recycled pots — yogurt containers, for example, but be sure to poke holes in the bottom. Plastic six-packs and flats are good choices and can be reused year after year. Biodegradable pots are fine, too. After sowing, set the containers in a warm location. On top of the refrigerator or near a radiator are usually good spots. Check pots every day.

As soon as seedlings emerge, place pots in a bright location.
A sunny window will do but supplemental fluorescent lights will give you the best results.

No doubt most seasoned gardeners know these tips, my tips are for novice like myself just starting out!

[homoe]

http://www.communitecture.net/uploads/2/4/5/4/24544463/pistils-nursery-25-storefront_orig.jpg

Pistils Nursery 3811 N. Mississippi Ave Portland, Oregon

I have not been here personally, but they came highly recommended by our next door neighbor who has the most beautiful garden imaginable!
She spoke highly of their knowledgeable staff and having spoken to several of them I concur.

We have two areas, one to the right and the other to the left, off our patio where we hope to plant flowers on one and a small vegetable patch on the other come spring.

I had originally posted this in another thread but hopefully it'll be useful here too!

I failed to mention they had a wonderful website!

[homoe]

...
The Pacific Northwest has a unique climate. The long cool growing season here makes many seed varieties unsuitable for this region.

I'll have to do some research to see what crops are best in this region.

[homoe]

One of the Pacific Northwest pervasive issues here is powdery mildew I've learned. This fungus loves the conditions of summer weather here and wreaks havoc on squash, peas, cucumbers and a number of other crops so I'll have to keep that in mind when making the final selections for the garden patch.

Many seed companies however will list crops with powdery-mildew with the acronym PM.

[kittygrrl]

http://baby-find.com/s/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/04/Renees-Garden-Seeds-Vegetables-Butternut-Squash-Honey-Nut-4.jpghttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzKkK3esFemkd4VIvKlKGSu_FIybkxU ZdKlmK4msYhffRKCuTFoAhttps://static-communitytable.parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/carrot-harlequin-72dpi-01.jpgthe besthttps://www.farmercoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/renees-garden-seed-packet.jpg

[homoe]

Ask gardeners you trust to find out what companies they like and have had success with. A good source is your county extension office. Ask to speak with a Master Garden.

When we decided to try our hand at gardening we chatted up our next door neighbor who has quite the green thumb! She's given us so much information that being novice we wouldn't have a clue about.

If you're just starting out, may we suggest you do the same.

[homoe]

....
Slather pine-cones with peanut butter, roll them in birdseed, and hang them in shrubs and trees or from hooks on a patio/terrace to provide wildlife with a tasty winter treat!


We tried this and the results were amazing! We hung the pine-cones near our carport and garage.

[homoe]

....
Slather pine-cones with peanut butter, roll them in birdseed, and hang them in shrubs and trees or from hooks on a patio/terrace to provide wildlife with a tasty winter treat!



You will want to hang these up high enough that they don't attract rodents!

[homoe]

Dig Holes First -- Your plants will thank you if you have their new home set up and ready to go before you pull them out of their containers. This allows for minimal transplant shock because the roots aren't over exposed to elements like the sun or wind.

Get 'Em Ready -- A few days before the big event give a boost of energy with some organic liquid fertilizer to help with any shock during transplanting. Give them a drink of water several hours before planting them into their permanent home.

Perfect Weather -- Perfect transplanting weather may not look like that you think it should; drizzly or overcast weather is the idea situation. If you don't see any in the forecast, plant them in the early morning when there's the least amount of sun for them to contend with.

Again, most veteran gardeners no doubt know all this, but for a novice like me they will come in very handy!

[homoe]

Has anyone ever done this? It looks easy..

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uZh-b6w%2BL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

I know it's been a while since you asked about this, but if I come across any information while doing research I'll be happy to share.......:hangloose:

[kittygrrl]

Plant in the rain. Plants & seeds love it..:hangloose:

[homoe]

Plant in the rain. Plants & seeds love it..:hangloose:




Living in the Pacific Northwest, that won't be a problem......:giggle:

[kittygrrl]

Living in the Pacific Northwest, that won't be a problem......:giggle:

Lucky h.....you really are:tea:

[homoe]

Pre-warm soil for heat-loving plants. Transplants that relish warm weather, including peppers and eggplants, are best planted into warm soil. In areas with long growing seasons, waiting to transplant until the soil warms up works just fine. If you want to get an early start, or if your growing season is short, you can give the soil a heat boost to help ease the transition to the garden. Two weeks or more before transplant time, prepare the soil and rake the site smooth. Water if soil is very dry. Spread black plastic over the site, stretching it tight and burying all the edges. Let the sun’s rays warm the soil for 2 weeks before transplanting. Plant directly into the plastic by cutting holes through it with a trowel or gardening knife. The plastic holds heat during the nighttime hours, which also benefits heat-loving crops.

[homoe]

-gqR81-hMPY

[homoe]

Some plants are shade plants, others need sun, and yet even more plants are partial shade or sun! Don't overlook that part of your plant's description!

Hometalk member The Micro Gardener has a universal solution: Place your container garden on wheels or a trolley, so you can move it around in the event your selected spot doesn't get as much sunlight as you originally thought.

After reading this tip, I'm considering picking up a used wheelbarrow at a yard sale come spring!

[homoe]

https://www.coolcrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/27-mommyskitchen.jpg



Thinking this may also help with location location location issues......:wateringgarden:

It would be lightweight, so easy enough to move from area to area, and has excellent drainage!

[homoe]

Some plants are shade plants, others need sun, and yet even more plants are partial shade or sun! Don't overlook that part of your plant's description!

Hometalk member The Micro Gardener has a universal solution: Place your container garden on wheels or a trolley, so you can move it around in the event your selected spot doesn't get as much sunlight as you originally thought.

After reading this tip, I'm considering picking up a used wheelbarrow at a yard sale come spring!

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/c6/a4/7d/c6a47d99c06ae5096f0b5540a01dc4db--wheelbarrow-garden-two-men.jpg
This idea could also solve a limited space problem which we will have. I'm thinking herbs such as chives, parsley, etc might work well in this instance.

[homoe]

Don't let limited outdoor space prevent you from trying out your green thumb. From tasty fruits and veggies to flowering plants, trees and shrubs, container gardening is the trick to growing it all in less space than you may think.



For many years, when we lived in Seattle, we had a balcony but always thought it was to small of a area for gardening. Wish I would of gotten this advice years earlier...:wateringgarden:

[homoe]

https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/tips-for-easier-gardening-05-plant-portfolio-sl-380x254.jpg



Build a gardener’s portfolio.

Keep tabs on your garden. Create a scrapbook using an inexpensive photo album and add your plant tags and sticks to it each season. Then, make it as detailed as you’d like by adding information as to where the plants were purchased and where the plant was located in your garden. Add your own artistic flair with sketches of your garden or photographs.

[Lyte]

There's a fun and informative series on Netflix called Big Dreams Small Spaces on that very topic … making the most of a small gardening area. It's set in the UK but most of what's in the show is applicable regardless of location.


x4sZkEIxHCg





Don't let limited outdoor space prevent you from trying out your green thumb. From tasty fruits and veggies to flowering plants, trees and shrubs, container gardening is the trick to growing it all in less space than you may think.

For many years, when we lived in Seattle, we had a balcony but always thought it was to small of a area for gardening. Wish I would of gotten this advice years earlier...:wateringgarden:

[homoe]

There's a fun and informative series on Netflix called Big Dreams Small Spaces on that very topic … making the most of a small gardening area. It's set in the UK but most of what's in the show is applicable regardless of location.


x4sZkEIxHCg

thanks .....

[homoe]

https://www.coolcrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/27-mommyskitchen.jpg


If you can find a bigger one, say about 16 inches, try a nice mix of senecio, kalanchoe, lampranthus, portulace, aeonium, and crassula.

[homoe]

Give Your Space A Plant-Over...:wateringgarden:


Plants add instant life to any room but they are more than just a design secret-they can actually change the science of a space. Greenery can absorb toxins, purify the air, and even reduce noise levels.

Pothos, Succulent, Calathes Medallion Dracaena are some excellent choices for the bathroom. They not only thrive in humidity but they help rid the air of chemicals left behind by cleaning & beauty products.

[homoe]

:kissy:



Plants are a mood booster-and no room can benefit more than a bedroom!

[homoe]

House Beautiful mentioned this website https://www.thesill.com/



All this talk of an early spring has me pumped!

[homoe]

Seeds vs Seedlings


In the depth of winter looking through a seed catalog is the gardener's equivalent of planning a summer vacation-a chance to fantasize about warmer days ahead.

Growing from seed allows one to try a wide variety than you'll typically find as seedlings the the garden center. :wateringgarden:

[kittygrrl]

Seeds vs Seedlings


In the depth of winter looking through a seed catalog is the gardener's equivalent of planning a summer vacation-a chance to fantasize about warmer days ahead.

so true homoe....i live for autumn, hibernate in winter and bloom in spring

[homoe]

so true homoe....i live for autumn, hibernate in winter and bloom in spring



Exactly.............:smelling-flower:

[homoe]

In today's Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Section Forkner offers tips on plotting for spring but what really grabbed my attention was his reference to a 2015 book by Ken Druse.The New Shade Garden: Creating A Lush Oasis In The Age of Climate Change.

Forkner agrees that the garden of the future will be shade ones. Last year was one of the hottest summers on records in the Pacific Northwest and agrees Climate Charge will play an important factor in future gardening endeavours.

[kittygrrl]

In today's Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Section Forkner offers tips on plotting for spring but what really grabbed my attention was his reference to a 2015 book by Ken Druse.The New Shade Garden: Creating A Lush Oasis In The Age of Climate Change.

Forkner agrees that the garden of the future will be shade ones. Last year was one of the hottest summers on records in the Pacific Northwest and agrees Climate Charge will play an important factor in future gardening endeavours.

it should be snowing here, with at least 6" on the ground this time of year. However to date only a sprinkling here and there but mostly rain. I am enjoying it but quite worried this means a searing hot spring & summer......so perhaps i will only grow tomatoes this year..i am a little worried about my fruit trees now...:praying:

[homoe]

:wateringgarden:

If you're new to gardening like myself, a recent article in the January issue suggests tips on sowing timelines, but mostly importantly they indicate if one has no clue to their area's average frost date they visit garden.com

The article also lists several seed companies and a bit of info on each.....

[homoe]

The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, established in 1986, collects, preserves, and distributes historic plant varieties and strives to promote greater appreciation for the origins and evolution of garden plants.

The program centers on Thomas Jefferson's horticultural interests and the plants he grew at Monticello, and covers the broad history of plants cultivated in America by including varieties documented through the nineteenth century, and choice North American plants, a group of special interest to Jefferson himself.

According to a recent article in Better Homes & Gardens one can buy seeds of plants he tended in his garden at Monticello.

[homoe]

Pay Attention to Temperature
Most plants, like people, are comfortable in daytime temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees F. and nighttime temps above 50 degrees F. To provide that for your plants, keep them away from both cold drafts and sources of heat, like radiators, ovens, fireplaces and electronic devices. Fluctuations in temperature can be just as damaging as prolonged periods of heat or cold.

Low Humidity
Low humidity is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome during winter. The humidity level in heated homes can drop to 10 - 20% in winter and plants prefer a level closer to 50%. If you have a humidifier in your home, move your plants to a spot where they will enjoy its benefits. If you do not have a humidifier, you're going to need to raise the humidity level by other means.Start by clustering your plants in groups. Plants naturally release water through their leaves by transpiring and grouping them together will put that moisture to good use. If you have room in the bathroom or kitchen, these are the best rooms to congregate your plants, other than the one with the humidifier in it, because they accumulate the most moisture from showers and boiling water.:wateringgarden:

[homoe]

Winter is probably the easiest time of year to kill a houseplant. Grueling growing conditions like lower light levels, dry air, shorter days and chilly temperatures put houseplants through the paces.

The most common problem houseplants suffer from in winter is over watering. About 95% of houseplants need soil to dry out almost completely before watering. :smelling-flower:

[homoe]

Give them ample sunlight

:smelling-flower:

Keep in mind that plants get the nourishment they need to grow from the sun. Do your best to give your potted plants as much light as you can during the winter months. Plants left directly under windows get the most light, but if you need to put it elsewhere in the room, leave it by the back wall of the room. If you leave your plants in places of the room that get enough sunlight, you won’t have to worry about looking into artificial sources of light during the winter. During the winter, your southern-facing windows will get the most sunlight. In order to effectively follow the previous tip, it’s best to keep your plants directly under sunlight from the southern-facing windows.

[homoe]

Don’t Repot until spring, if possible.


Repotting is very tough on plants, and they will need all their strength in the winter. So hold off on repotting window plants until spring...:bouquet:

[homoe]

Fertilize.


This is a time for garden plants to go dormant and rest. Forcing them to start new growth before the ground warms in the spring not only interrupts this period when they are rejuvenating but ice storms and temperatures below freezing or even hard frosts will kill tender new growth.

[homoe]

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/29/5c/c9/coffee-cakes.jpg


Think outside the box when it comes to containers..:wateringgarden:

[Lyte]

If you like color … if you like bulbs … all different kinds of bulbs... I can't recommend these guys enough. I ordered from them a couple of times when I lived in NY. :koolaid:

COLOR BLENDS (https://www.colorblends.com/) <-- linky

Then sell bulbs in bulk … so they're pretty economical vs what you'd pay at the Home Depot or Lowes or wherever else... and they're of much better quality. They sell single colors or in some pretty spectacular color combinations. Even if you're in a part of the country that doesn't really get proper "winters" … such as California… they can provide you with insight on how to get bulbs to work in your area. Ohh... they offer a free catalog too!

[homoe]

If you like color … if you like bulbs … all different kinds of bulbs... I can't recommend these guys enough. I ordered from them a couple of times when I lived in NY. :koolaid:

COLOR BLENDS (https://www.colorblends.com/) <-- linky

Then sell bulbs in bulk … so they're pretty economical vs what you'd pay at the Home Depot or Lowes or wherever else... and they're of much better quality. They sell single colors or in some pretty spectacular color combinations. Even if you're in a part of the country that doesn't really get proper "winters" … such as California… they can provide you with insight on how to get bulbs to work in your area. Ohh... they offer a free catalog too!

WOW, thanks! I have already spent WAY too much time on their site....

[homoe]

Lucky Bamboo

Did you get some "Lucky Bamboo" over the holidays? Although these pretty plants do look like it, they're not a bamboo of any kind. They're a tropical plant called Dracaena that breaks all the houseplant rules. Most plants need lots of light; but direct sun will kill Lucky Bamboo. The ambient light in the average room is all it needs.
And while most plants would rot if their roots sat in water all the time, Lucky Bamboo requires that amount of constant moisture. But it is finicky about the water itself. The chlorine and fluoride in city tap water will turn the leaves yellow at first and then eventually kill the plant. Use spring water or distilled or purified water instead. Think of the bad karma if you killed your Lucky Bamboo :wateringgarden:

[Lyte]

Great!! So glad you like them! I felt like I'd discovered a lil treasure when I found them. :)

WOW, thanks! I have already spent WAY too much time on their site....

[homoe]

Preping for a new garden

Planning a new garden bed for next summer in an area where grass or weeds are currently growing? Make it easy on yourself by starting the project right now. First, place a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard over the area, then pile on alternating layers of organic material like compost, leaves, pine needles, untreated grass clippings, and straw. In the spring, the grass and weeds underneath the pile will be dead, and your new garden bed will be ready to plant!

[homoe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEzGuJPzRtY-eNQWvzrGeFXkaIS3EiXRnCLi8w-Pf0irYzOxxR
Asrai Garden 1935 W North Ave, Chicago

Asrai Garden was founded by Elizabeth Cronin in 1999. It's a retail outpost known for stunning floral arrangements, luxurious fine jewelry, and magical curiosities. Besides floral they also carry hand-painted tarot cards and incense-bundles. Their new online shop highlights many of their offerings ......:bouquet:

https://www.asraigarden.com/#

[homoe]

This time of year may still be cold and gray, but there's a quick way to conjure some green indoors. Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, parsnips, rutabagas, and celery root all sport edible greens when planted and set on a sunny windowsill. Just don't use potatoes-their sprouts are toxic....:wateringgarden:

[homoe]

Cloches are removable glass or plastic covers that protect plants from cold. Sometimes called bells or bell jars, most fit over individual plants, but some are large enough to cover a row. Like other covers, cloches should be placed over plants before the sun goes down and removed in the morning after the frost has thawed.

Glass cloches are highly ornamental. When you're not using them outside for frost protection, you can use them indoors over humidity-loving houseplants like violets. You can also use plastic cloches, which are generally less expensive than glass ones. But because they are lightweight, they must be staked into the ground to prevent them from blowing away in high winds.

Note: Since cloches used for cold protection are temporary measures, you may opt to create your own makeshift versions. Flower pots, Mason jars, baskets, and milk jugs with the bottoms removed can all be placed over plants to shield them from freeze and frost. :wateringgarden:

[homoe]

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show which takes place at Navy Pier March 20 - 24th. This event has been going since 1847 when the Chicago Horticultural Society hosted its first exhibition of Fruits and Flowers. It boasts a total of 170,000 square footage filled with vendors, landscapers, etc etc

There are also events such as a photography class showing how to use your smartphone to take and share flower pics and a "potting party" class where you can create your own container garden filled with colorful blooms.

Weather permitting, I'll be in Chicago around this time and can't wait to attend this..:wateringgarden:

[Canela]

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show which takes place at Navy Pier March 20 - 24th. This event has been going since 1847 when the Chicago Horticultural Society hosted its first exhibition of Fruits and Flowers. It boasts a total of 170,000 square footage filled with vendors, landscapers, etc etc

There are also events such as a photography class showing how to use your smartphone to take and share flower pics and a "potting party" class where you can create your own container garden filled with colorful blooms.

Weather permitting, I'll be in Chicago around this time and can't wait to attend this..:wateringgarden:


I so miss Chicago and Navy Pier and the Miracle Mile...my nephews both graduated in one of the giant auditoriums at Navy Pier...one from Loyola and one from Du Paul...that place is beautiful, fun and amazing!

I hope you have a great time out there homoe!
Please post pics so I can live vicariously through you...

[homoe]

I so miss Chicago and Navy Pier and the Miracle Mile...my nephews both graduated in one of the giant auditoriums at Navy Pier...one from Loyola and one from Du Paul...that place is beautiful, fun and amazing!

I hope you have a great time out there homoe!
Please post pics so I can live vicariously through you...

I would LOVE to post pics however I don't own a phone with a camera......LOL I keep life simple and use those Kodak disposal camera...

I am curious, did you live in Chicago at one time?

[homoe]

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show which takes place at Navy Pier March 20 - 24th. This event has been going since 1847 when the Chicago Horticultural Society hosted its first exhibition of Fruits and Flowers. It boasts a total of 170,000 square footage filled with vendors, landscapers, etc etc

There are also events such as a photography class showing how to use your smartphone to take and share flower pics and a "potting party" class where you can create your own container garden filled with colorful blooms.

Weather permitting, I'll be in Chicago around this time and can't wait to attend this..:wateringgarden:

Someone informs me also that Macy's has a flower show around this time in March! I'll post when I either research this or obtain more info~

[homoe]

...
Yippie it's finally spring! So excited I wet my plants.......

[homoe]

..

:wateringgarden:

When plotting vegetable bed group plants with similar irrigation needs:you'll save water and keep crops healthy.

Basil, cucumbers, and tomatoes all need consistent water. Herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme need only occasional water once they're established.

[homoe]

spring.....:wateringgarden:

bring May :smelling-flower:

[homoe]

Clean out the garden.

It's time to clean your garden and remove all the debris (leaves, leftover snow, etc.) Get rid of weeds, making sure that you get the roots so they won't grow back.

Revitalize the soil.

Because your soil is likely dried out and packed after winter, it's time to add moisture. Add organic material like compost or manure.

Trim old plants.

Plants that survived the winter will need to be pruned so they'll grow anew in the spring. Make sure to wait until mid-April or May in case there's an unexpected freeze. Blooming plants should be pruned right after they bloom to avoid cutting off future flowers.

Add mulch.

In addition to fertilizers and organic materials, you should think about adding mulch to your flower beds and garden. One to three inches of mulch helps to prevent weeds and diseases. It also keeps the moisture in the garden and maintains the temperature.

Plant new flowers and shrubs.

Once you've gotten the garden in shape and handled all of the old plants, it's time to turn your attention to new plants. Some recommendations for good spring plants include:

Pansies
Snapdragons
Vegetables like lettuce, peas and arugula
Redbuds
Transplanting tomato plants from indoor pots to outside
Lilacs
Tulips
You should lean towards planting more perennials rather than annuals, because annuals have to be replaced every year. This means you're making an investment in plants that will die every year and require replacement. Perennials, on the other hand, last for two to three years.:wateringgarden:

[homoe]

..:wateringgarden:

Several items we planted are growing like weeds, others not so much.....:smelling-flower:

[Lyte]

I still have some Sunset mags my mom saved from the 60's and 70's. They're a hoot... the ladies... wives no doubt... are dressed to the nines... to garden! :p lol





..

:wateringgarden:

When plotting vegetable bed group plants with similar irrigation needs:you'll save water and keep crops healthy.

Basil, cucumbers, and tomatoes all need consistent water. Herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme need only occasional water once they're established.

[Lyte]

Ditto here. :(



I just added a bunch of mulch to the front flower bed. I went with the traditional red much and then saw a house with black mulch! Damn! It looks so cooler... more striking! Any pluses or minuses to black mulch?





..:wateringgarden:

Several items we planted are growing like weeds, others not so much.....:smelling-flower:

[Amulette]

https://www.ibelieveinmothernature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Magical-Moon-Garden-1-660x330.jpg

A lot of people don’t realize you can grow plants and flowers that bloom at night. Cultivating a magical moon garden is a great way to get in touch with nature, and it provides a beautiful and fragrant backdrop for your moonlight rituals in the summer. If you plant these lovelies close to your house, you can open the windows and take advantage of their aromas as you sleep.

Many night-blooming plants are white and give a luminous appearance in the moonlight.

If you plant them in a circle or a crescent shape, when they bloom, you’ll have the moon herself right there “as above, so below.”

NIGHT BLOOMING PLANTS

Moonflower: Yes, it should be painfully obvious, but the Moonflower does bloom at night. It releases a slightly lemony scent when it opens up, and during the day the white flowers are tightly shut. Some species of this climbing plant, a cousin of the Morning Glory, can get up to eight feet long*. The flowers, when open, are around 5 – 6″ in diameter.

Evening Primrose: This perennial spreads rapidly, and can cover a lot of ground for you. The pale pinkish-white flowers open at dusk and release a sweet aroma.

Night Phlox: these pretties open up at dusk, and have a fragrance reminiscent of honey or vanilla.

Evening Stock: the tiny purple and pink flowers aren’t very fancy, but they smell divine when they open at night.

Angel’s Trumpet: Another vine, this annual spreads like crazy. It is trumpet-shaped, white flowers have a bell-like appearance when open.
Night Gladiolus: this plant isn’t nocturnal, but that’s when the creamy yellow flowers smell the strongest — it’s a very spicy scent that’s a glorious addition to any night garden.

Moonflowers only bloom at night, and the bloom is wilted by morning. They have a really sweet, heavenly smell…


by Patti Wigington of www.thoughtco.com

[homoe]

:wateringgarden:

Compost teas help! Companies such as Malibu Compost sell packets that make up to 20 gallons.:bouquet:


We had success using Bu's Brew Biodynamic last year during our unusally hot summer.

[homoe]

Sat July 20th Sky Nursey 18528 Aurora Ave N Shoreline WA Free



Wondering what to plant for your fall and winter food harvest :thanksgiving:

Come enjoy the day receiving tips and advice from the experts...


Sidebar: If you can't make it there perhaps check in your local area..

[homoe]

:wateringgarden:

Sat Jul 27th 10 a.m. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center 1625 118th Ave S.E. Bellevue WA


See the difference between blackberry plants, intro to plants that can be eaten.

For more info phone : 1-206-443-2925

[Esme nha Maire]

Ditto here. :(



I just added a bunch of mulch to the front flower bed. I went with the traditional red much and then saw a house with black mulch! Damn! It looks so cooler... more striking! Any pluses or minuses to black mulch?

Lyte, my knowledge is theoretical from the degree I'm taking rather than from experience, but yes. Apparently darker mulches will help absorb heat and warm the ground (so good in cooler climates), whilst lighter ones will cool the ground (better in warmer climates; some plants' roots do not like too much warmth) - and reflect light back up to plants helping their photosynthesis. At night, black mulches will allow heat to escape faster, whilst lighter mulches will retain heat better. Its horses for courses as to what is best for your particular situation.

[Lyte]

Thank you! Well, it's hot as hell in Texas during the summer time, the time one usually refreshes the layer of mulch. Fortunately, I've got nothing but ornamental grasses growing in that bed so they can stand the heat. Next year... black mulch it is!! :koolaid:

Lyte, my knowledge is theoretical from the degree I'm taking rather than from experience, but yes. Apparently darker mulches will help absorb heat and warm the ground (so good in cooler climates), whilst lighter ones will cool the ground (better in warmer climates; some plants' roots do not like too much warmth) - and reflect light back up to plants helping their photosynthesis. At night, black mulches will allow heat to escape faster, whilst lighter mulches will retain heat better. Its horses for courses as to what is best for your particular situation.

[Chad]

I had a late bloomer show up this week. A beautiful red rose, so pretty and fragrant. I wish that I knew how to post the photo.

Definitely made my day.

:rrose:

[homoe]

If you're not wanting to go through all the work of putting up a tree why not consider investing in something that can double as a tree and then afterwards a plant. I found this idea in the Dec issue of Chicago Magazine and stores there where to purchase them but no doubt they'd be nurseries in your area that carried them as well.

Norfolk Island Pine..This is basically a Christmas tree masquerading as a plant. The fronds are not very strong but if you place ornaments (light in weight) closer to the trunk they should hold.

Autograph Tree...Scratch messages into the waxy leaves. Guests can leave wishes of their New Year's goals.

Umbrella Tree...This is a shrubby so if you want more of a tree-like look prune the leaves at the bottom.

Peruvian Apple Cactus...Wrap it in LED lights, which don't produce a lot of heat. You can cover the plant all the way, it's dormant during winter.

[homoe]

If you're not wanting to go through all the work of putting up a tree why not consider investing in something that can double as a tree and then afterwards a plant. I found this idea in the Dec issue of Chicago Magazine and stores there where to purchase them but no doubt they'd be nurseries in your area that carried them as well.

Norfolk Island Pine..This is basically a Christmas tree masquerading as a plant. The fronds are not very strong but if you place ornaments (light in weight) closer to the trunk they should hold.

Autograph Tree...Scratch messages into the waxy leaves. Guests can leave wishes of their New Year's goals.

Umbrella Tree...This is a shrubby so if you want more of a tree-like look prune the leaves at the bottom.

Peruvian Apple Cactus...Wrap it in LED lights, which don't produce a lot of heat. You can cover the plant all the way, it's dormant during winter.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/61/ba/d461ba835cdd59c58508a577a332f5df.jpg

Norfolk Island Pine

[homoe]

https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/autograph-tree-victoria-lamp.jpg


Autograph tree

[homoe]

https://img.papyrusonline.com/media/catalog/product/LCI/YW/Rk/NzdlMDBlNWUzNGVhYzc3Y2UxZmYyMjIyMDE4MjhlNjBlNzdmNG NmNmU4MjY1ZDMwNzk1NjJmZTFjNmNjODp7ImRzIjoiaW1hZ2Ui LCJmIjoiXC84XC8wXC84MDc5NzZfZC5qcGciLCJmYSI6dHJ1ZS wiZnEiOjE2LCJmdCI6dHJ1ZSwiZnciOjcyMH0~.jpg



Umbrella tree........

[homoe]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/2f5743d18e3812f4bee2338fecb9db3b/tumblr_nos9c48r281rrqq7no1_640.jpg






Peruvian Apple Cactus..

[Chad]

When I retire you can find me in the gardens.
My plants are stressed from the waves of cold fronts hitting Texas. Winter in Texas is different than up north, it is a series of cold fronts not a full on winter.

My peach tree got confused and started flowering.

:wateringgarden: