Flowers in Winter

The calendar may say November but that doesn't mean that you can't still have flowers. I'm always looking for ways to stretch the gardening season. Last year, I posted a lesson on forcing paperwhite narcissus indoors. Here's a repeat of that lesson, only this time, I'll show you how to grow them in rocks and water.

First, you have to pick healthy-looking bulbs. Your best bet is your local nursery but you can also check the big-box stores. Look for a plump bulb--you don't want anything squishy or dried up. Don't be afraid if it's already sprouting a little though--that's actually a good sign.

Turn the bulb over to the root side. This is the side that will come in contact with the water. They will look dried and shriveled but will plump up when "planted".

Use a water tight container. I like clear ones because I like seeing the roots growing. Fill the container with a shallow layer of rocks, stones, or gravel. Then place the bulbs in the container--they don't mind a tight squeeze.

Then fill the container with enough water so that the water level is even with the base of the bulb roots.

In a few days, you'll see the roots beginning to grow. Be sure to maintain the water level so that it is still even with the base of the bulbs. Keep your container in a spot that gets at least medium light. Near a window would be good.

In a few weeks, you'll have blooms (stay tuned for that posting). I buy a whole bunch of bulbs and then plant some every week over the course of about five weeks so that I can have blooms through February.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Pesto Anyone?

This is "Pesto Perpetuo" and it's just what you'd expect it to be: a basil plant that never stops producing. Even in these early chilly days of fall, it still looks good. It thrives in full sun and requires no maintenance whatsoever. It grows up to 4 feet high and has a creamy green and white variegated foliage. From what I've read, it can be overwintered indoors in a sunny spot. If I do that, I'll have to be careful to dig it out of the pot that it's in without damaging the other plants. But it might just be worth a try. Just looking at it makes me want to start a pot of pasta boiling.






Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Big, Leafy Greens

This is Xanthosoma--a great, statement-making foliage plant. The xanthosoma shown here is "Lime Ginger", a most spectacular shade of charteuse which serves as great contrast to purples, oranges, really just about anything. This is a tropical plant, so forget about trying to keep it alive through the winter unless you live in Hawaii or some other similar paradise. Also, it is not an inexpensive plant. I bought it at the beginning of the season as a 4" plant for $20. Yikes. But if you ask me, it's worth it. It grows fast, needs no attention as long as it's placed in part sun/part shade, and only requires water. Oh sure, it would probably be even more amazing if I fertilized a few times during the season but it's September already and I haven't done that once. So if you have similar tendencies, I'd recommend using a slow-release fertilizer when you first plant it. That should get you pretty good results.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Daisy in a Cup

This post is for anyone out there who still thinks they have a black thumb and that having a beautiful garden, even a small one, remains impossibly beyond their reach. This is a shasta daisy, growing in a plastic cup. It was given to me by someone who was dividing flowers in her garden and asked me if I wanted any. Well, I never turn down free flowers, and daisies are just about the most smile-inducing flowers around. How can looking at one not make you happy? Anyway, it was put in a plastic cup when there was only foliage--there was not a bud in sight. This temporary container was for transit purposes only. My intent was to get it home and replant right away. That was 6 weeks ago. As of yesterday, it was still in the cup. And much to my surprise, it was blooming. Quite nicely, in fact. All I did was water it. Now it will join some of my other plants in a larger container. So if you think you still can't grow a little garden in a pot, this daisy in a cup says that you can.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

A Touch of the Exotic

This looks like something you'd see in a place that has warm, sandy beaches and rum-filled drinks. It's called Crocosmia but is commonly known as Coppertip or Falling Stars (or Monbretia, in Britain). Crocosmia are actually grown from corms. Corms are sort of like bulbs in that you basically plant them the same way but they really aren't bulbs exactly. The discussion of the difference is, frankly, beyond the scope of this blog. Which is to say, I am not nearly expert enough on the topic and so I would suggest a Google search if you are so inclined to learn more about this particular subject.

I just think it is a beautiful flower. This is a close up so don't let the image fool you, the bloom is really only a few inches in diameter but it sure packs a wallop. It requires full sun (preferably a.m.), the foliage is swordlike, it grows to about 24 inches high and is only half hardy. So for those living in climates where the winter temperatures dip below zero degrees, you'll want to dig them up and bring them inside to a cool, dry place for the winter.

Apparently hummingbirds love crocosmia but I have yet to see one come calling. I'll continue to keep watch though.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Is it Lunch Yet?

I had a visitor today that hung around long enough for me to run to get the camera and take a picture through the glass door. Look closely, it's perched on the chair back. Try clicking to enlarge so you can get a better look. This finch visits often but usually only in the morning. And it always seems to know when I'm going for the camera because it flies off right when I've clicked the shutter so I end up with nothing but a frustrating yellow blur. This might be the best picture I ever get.

I had to do some sleuthing to see what it liked so much about my garden. Then I saw that it had clearly been going to town on my zinnias. It evidently really likes the seeds. This finch has a little friend that often tags along for a visit to the buffet but it didn't stay very long this afternoon.

Note to self: more zinnias next year.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

A Million Bells

This is a great flower for containers. It's called Calibrachoa but is also known as Trailing Petunia or Million Bells. The blooms are petunia-like in shape, just a whole lot smaller. You know how petunias are sticky? I hate that. Well, these aren't. And you know how you have to pinch back the spent blooms on petunias? I hate that too. Well, you don't have to pinch back or deadhead these. They keep blooming and blooming and ask for nothing in return but plenty of sun and water. Calibrachoa is an annual and it loves good drainage which is why it's ideally suited for containers. Million Bells looks like a million bucks all summer long.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books