tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80056688636497398442024-03-19T05:08:43.374-04:00Flat Bottom FlowersThe pursuit of a garden--one pot at a time.Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-18482718931477041522015-08-16T13:22:00.000-04:002015-08-16T13:22:46.952-04:00Remember That Pot?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkRllJXg4eoy-LDSHEujHOiETaMY8ZpTDmHHcCeoIo9o40olK9hLlPbatWfWOmOpg2UAynptfImTncgxDPYXaSQKfR1C83LwT9HQpKMTkGo_hyvOv7wOdDX0XHoXi4vUMwymMYYuul56W/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkRllJXg4eoy-LDSHEujHOiETaMY8ZpTDmHHcCeoIo9o40olK9hLlPbatWfWOmOpg2UAynptfImTncgxDPYXaSQKfR1C83LwT9HQpKMTkGo_hyvOv7wOdDX0XHoXi4vUMwymMYYuul56W/s400/IMG_3322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In my <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2015/05/lets-review-pots.html" target="_blank">May 17th post</a>, I had a picture of a beautiful, square, Italian terracotta pot. Here's what I planted in it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ivy Geranium ("Contessa Burgundy Bicolor" and "Precision Blue")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Purple Sage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">English Thyme</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salvia ("Wild Thing")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hypericum Calycinum ("Brigadoon")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heuchera Coral Bells ("Obsidian")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alpine Geranium</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've listed these to point out that you can put more plants than you think in one container as long as they all have similar sun and water requirements. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's how the pot looked soon after I planted it. I'll do my best to remember to take a picture at the end of the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank"> Container Gardening Books</a></span><br />
<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-45701164025788959222015-06-28T21:41:00.000-04:002015-06-28T21:41:08.271-04:00My Lucky Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEez-kehyphenhyphen9AWJgSpwFcZuvODJo6mF7-QIEriuq5tx0ROLAEe6don79WVuxCEfwJMAP6bwaAOk48EaDy7_aF0OwDEEQBErfffck3JOyYOGPjiVGauWuPgfdHMP1or1JinMIdL0V0x2F01y/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEez-kehyphenhyphen9AWJgSpwFcZuvODJo6mF7-QIEriuq5tx0ROLAEe6don79WVuxCEfwJMAP6bwaAOk48EaDy7_aF0OwDEEQBErfffck3JOyYOGPjiVGauWuPgfdHMP1or1JinMIdL0V0x2F01y/s400/IMG_2381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know that saying: "The best camera is the one you have with you." It was definitely true today. My little <a href="https://instagram.com/p/4engsvnhXG/" target="_blank">hummingbird friend</a> showed up today and I happened to have had my cell phone in hand. I quickly clicked the Instagram video button and started shooting. I thought I had missed him but then a split second later, he flew right up to the glass door and started rooting around in the Belamcanda (Blackberry Lily).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Belamcanda is easy to grow. It's in the Iris family and produces star-shaped flowers with six petals. The blooms close at night by twisting. It requires sun to light shade and is hardy to zone 5. I'm going on my third year with these in the same pot. I like them and apparently my hummingbird does too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-56598674682004903502015-06-05T21:04:00.000-04:002015-06-05T21:04:42.142-04:00Rain, Rain, and More Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4_v0Q1fKj56s3DqP4hjvl2eNLTUW6QMgPFyzgYHvKLRamw9Fbg-IHyX8zMzqAzJomZI8S3ylHlK811Amzc4intGWJC0tHbU1qmraAuIFHR5rP-ldHDzTlNlDUh6z6EnVvwSKaNGjpPve/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4_v0Q1fKj56s3DqP4hjvl2eNLTUW6QMgPFyzgYHvKLRamw9Fbg-IHyX8zMzqAzJomZI8S3ylHlK811Amzc4intGWJC0tHbU1qmraAuIFHR5rP-ldHDzTlNlDUh6z6EnVvwSKaNGjpPve/s400/IMG_3337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been raining for nearly a week straight. I had hoped to get the last of my planting done but that was not the weather's plan for me. Things started to clear up late this evening so I decided rather than plant the last few things, my time would be better spent arranging the pots on the deck. I had too much stuff everywhere and I was tripping over everything. So I spent an hour and half finding a place for (almost) everything. This little guy hung on for dear life as I moved from one corner to another the huge (and heavy) hydrangea that he apparently has made home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank"> Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-36243037481256664992015-05-26T21:18:00.000-04:002015-05-26T21:18:06.092-04:00Let's Review: Read the Label<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwHD2fFKCeeJO17UXzr3-m3r5eGmt6VLX-Qw1k4ADY18VjW6PZF1W5FBWet7kmwVwfWf9zcdaVXOVv7PzvifSt9DwR6z2q7vgJ8RN3hrguBx4Vln0ol0vzAfF_hyoabL_znZ_JmabScK-/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwHD2fFKCeeJO17UXzr3-m3r5eGmt6VLX-Qw1k4ADY18VjW6PZF1W5FBWet7kmwVwfWf9zcdaVXOVv7PzvifSt9DwR6z2q7vgJ8RN3hrguBx4Vln0ol0vzAfF_hyoabL_znZ_JmabScK-/s400/IMG_3323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read the label.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wherever you buy your plant, it will likely have a plant tag or a label stuck in the soil. This is not for decoration. It's important to pay attention to the information on it. It can be the difference between your delight or your disappointment. I'll tell you why. That tag lets you know under what conditions your plant will thrive such as full sun (6 or more hours of sun) or full shade. This is probably the most important fact on the label because if you put a shade plant (such as a fern) in the full sun, it will die a miserable death. And if you put a tomato plant in full shade, you'll go all summer without a single piece of fruit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The label will also tell you the dimensions of the plant when it reaches full size, which can guide you in selecting the proper size pot. It will also tell you the plant's <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/" target="_blank">hardiness zone</a>. If it's a perennial and you have hopes of it surviving the winter, be sure it's hardy to your zone. I usually subtract two zones because plants in pots are more exposed to the elements. Here in Virginia, it's zone 7 so if I have any hopes for a plant to return the following year, I look for those that have a zone of 5. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC8DBJz0ZrLYuJ2JDtYzpn_g6psexdjnr-K69-DzqWqKuq6fGqOTc2ynNzAcQkL4JWv1G8WY1Lurfi3aLzfXHqcAqOv_BGw3i7wq0ohL7I8ptbdwKsau6Eiyz0MIrs2a5Ug-ZDU02j9bd/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC8DBJz0ZrLYuJ2JDtYzpn_g6psexdjnr-K69-DzqWqKuq6fGqOTc2ynNzAcQkL4JWv1G8WY1Lurfi3aLzfXHqcAqOv_BGw3i7wq0ohL7I8ptbdwKsau6Eiyz0MIrs2a5Ug-ZDU02j9bd/s400/IMG_3328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's good information here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, if it's a flowering plant you're looking at, the tag will tell you its bloom season. With annuals, you can rely on blooms the entire season. But with perennials, you'll want to read the label closely. Most (not all) perennials will only bloom for a couple months--it might be spring, early summer, mid summer, late summer, or fall. You can plan accordingly and buy different types of flowering perennials so that you can have staggered blooms. I often mix flowering perennials with annuals so that I'll always have something in bloom. But keep in mind, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">flowers aren't everything. I've learned to appreciate interesting foliage, which can often be beautiful all on its own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So read that label and give your plant the best possible chance to thrive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-4151249247231471802015-05-17T11:29:00.001-04:002015-05-17T11:29:33.359-04:00Let's Review: Pots<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpGrrEtwDYMyE2ARkPJtV_R2tecw5JGEIIZ33-9BXUzLGXIpJaT75h5OXbd-IeTEHAmGzgdMWTEgRh656eoHUPKBtSjYKXGZ_2ywiHa5qUeum5DvZ5hwkryPZWI4WnqoD8Rx4qYMg6Lbx/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpGrrEtwDYMyE2ARkPJtV_R2tecw5JGEIIZ33-9BXUzLGXIpJaT75h5OXbd-IeTEHAmGzgdMWTEgRh656eoHUPKBtSjYKXGZ_2ywiHa5qUeum5DvZ5hwkryPZWI4WnqoD8Rx4qYMg6Lbx/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terracotta pots are beautiful but require more frequent watering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've always said that you can grow almost anything in a pot. At various times over the years I've grown trees (a Japanese maple that I've had for eight years--maybe longer), shrubs, vegetables, perennials flowers, annuals, and herbs. The pot you choose has to be large enough to accommodate its contents. For example, my Japanese maple is in a huge container, which is only problematic when I need to move it, or should I say, when my husband needs to move it for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My garden has an array of containers--from terracotta pots (see photo) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to wine crates to pots made of lightweight composite materials. You should consider several things including aesthetics, weight, and size. I prefer an eclectic mix of pots, which is why you'll see such a variety in my pictures. It's part aesthetic preference and part experiment. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CtmUfdOeqhXEcnh1kP6Gxq9U-dtIg-5plNMLoM7jdAaAe_9wCMaWXO9S1583A0SieJKSLLzG32eS_Zqx2o39pVHMsWqW4ksi5CAGNmHEZh3rW-hIoTjfYc-vtAAlTZ2qy9Rn2qo4631y/s1600/Pot+feet_17MAY15+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CtmUfdOeqhXEcnh1kP6Gxq9U-dtIg-5plNMLoM7jdAaAe_9wCMaWXO9S1583A0SieJKSLLzG32eS_Zqx2o39pVHMsWqW4ksi5CAGNmHEZh3rW-hIoTjfYc-vtAAlTZ2qy9Rn2qo4631y/s400/Pot+feet_17MAY15+post.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot feet allow for drainage and air circulation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But if you remember nothing else, remember this: no matter what container you use, you must have good drainage. You accomplish this three ways. First, be sure that your container has holes at the bottom. If it doesn't, don't buy it, or be prepared to drill the holes yourself. Depending on the type of material, you may not want to risk it. At the very least, use an appropriate drill bit. Second, use potting mix not garden soil. Potting mix is formulated to facilitate drainage and allow for root growth. Garden soil is too heavy to use in containers and your roots will suffocate. Finally, elevate your pots. I use pot feet (see photo). On a round pot, you can get by with three; on a square pot, use four. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The right pot and proper drainage are the foundations of successful container gardening. There are other considerations of course, which I've talked about in the past and will review in future posts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br />
<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-14071743578399789612015-05-10T21:24:00.000-04:002015-05-10T21:24:28.098-04:00In the beginning...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3LTv0hKAOx8JhvwcWqtJqwCBDxOKIkopdRnra09rCm3efip89qJlXUpWyndKIj92CCrFNTwQnobFijMCPdXC8lkfFFxULf8NyBrxsyp_UoIn5qhbNcXadtewz9uSfD75QA3P2SG6HhPW/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3LTv0hKAOx8JhvwcWqtJqwCBDxOKIkopdRnra09rCm3efip89qJlXUpWyndKIj92CCrFNTwQnobFijMCPdXC8lkfFFxULf8NyBrxsyp_UoIn5qhbNcXadtewz9uSfD75QA3P2SG6HhPW/s400/IMG_3302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One carton of many filled with plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the weekend that I typically do my big shopping for the garden. I bought more than I have in past years because we had a bitter winter, which killed some of the plants that typically survive the season. Well, that's how it goes. I just scrubbed out those pots and readied them for something new and interesting.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWY-w8YPfqOxfaHm_CiKFGCv3q9Sf9DeGLooYLi_97RBQvoKf44yBjYMs1RPOujaCy3gaQzKWG2Bk7PM5ZlCx-zZGUn05KYnz14U9skoMUTiuRLSVVlgw4hMqkx-a45holJc7pLzuXj-X/s1600/IMG_3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWY-w8YPfqOxfaHm_CiKFGCv3q9Sf9DeGLooYLi_97RBQvoKf44yBjYMs1RPOujaCy3gaQzKWG2Bk7PM5ZlCx-zZGUn05KYnz14U9skoMUTiuRLSVVlgw4hMqkx-a45holJc7pLzuXj-X/s400/IMG_3294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the beginning it's chaos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here's what things look like in the beginning. It's sort of chaotic. I have plants everywhere, dirt everywhere, water everywhere, everything everywhere. And don't even ask me how many times I tripped over the water hose today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay tuned. I'll continue to post on the weekends as I document my progress. Meanwhile, go buy some plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div>
Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-69060024074905816432015-04-25T10:53:00.000-04:002015-04-25T10:53:52.814-04:00A Huge Thank You!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No pictures for this post--just a huge thank you to The Washington Post for featuring my garden and two other beautiful DC gardens in <a href="http://wapo.st/1GmKkeK" target="_blank">today's issue</a> of The Washington Post magazine. Thanks to <a href="http://www.jennbarger.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Barger</a>, whose skill with words I very much appreciate, and to <a href="http://aprilgreer.com/" target="_blank">April Greer</a>, who clearly knows how to capture a beautiful photograph.</span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-84930425592930244642015-04-24T21:42:00.000-04:002015-04-24T21:42:21.031-04:00Starting Lineup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUcFXHmWfCGYos0x_2sPpDRDT68lKclJELsSLV7-qwIHmTgUZI8a6C6WfU722xNCX2OsttKDVkt_JIZMw1zOSdHGxYBa2WdhyWAIaRzOIHA04oO6WgPk1OIG91Sfu1z6OKwgPI0KqXLk3/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUcFXHmWfCGYos0x_2sPpDRDT68lKclJELsSLV7-qwIHmTgUZI8a6C6WfU722xNCX2OsttKDVkt_JIZMw1zOSdHGxYBa2WdhyWAIaRzOIHA04oO6WgPk1OIG91Sfu1z6OKwgPI0KqXLk3/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting Lineup</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back to container planting season! I spent last weekend scrubbing out pots and I'm not quite finished yet. Unfortunately, I lost a couple of perennials over the unusually bitter Virginia winter. That's all the more reason to pay attention to the <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/" target="_blank">hardiness zone</a> information on plant tags. When I plant perennials, my rule of thumb is to plant those with a hardiness zone that is two zones lower than the official zone I live in. For example, in my area of Virginia, the hardiness zone is 7. Remember that plants in containers are more exposed than plants in the ground. So to be safe, I choose perennials that have a hardiness zone of 5, that is, if I want a fighting chance that they'll return the following year. I planted a beautiful Butterfly Bush last year. I took a risk knowing that the hardiness zone was 6. It did not end well. Of course, I can always look at the bright side and remember how much I enjoyed having it in the garden last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So get ready to start planting your containers. I usually wait until Mothers' Day weekend. By that time, most of the cold nights are behind us so I don't have to worry about bringing plants inside--that's a lot of trouble and I really don't have the space for them anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that the season is underway, I'll be posting on weekends (occasionally more often). I'll show you what I'm planting and offer helpful hints and lessons learned. It's time to get dirty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br />
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<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-77043410331180276222014-10-13T20:46:00.000-04:002014-10-13T20:46:07.999-04:00October Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr8euP7O7LaQhx3BQ6vQKyMgwTFlApP8iCAKtcaWGwrWVF1-ImXtBe5sN8qnwI5liQNIkdgP0r67KTO9FoCPftDgDW4mte-NGJiXcAYF6oxqzgcPxuUNx5F8LLSs7v5pAwYpsZG2FZXb5/s1600/Butterfly_October+Surprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr8euP7O7LaQhx3BQ6vQKyMgwTFlApP8iCAKtcaWGwrWVF1-ImXtBe5sN8qnwI5liQNIkdgP0r67KTO9FoCPftDgDW4mte-NGJiXcAYF6oxqzgcPxuUNx5F8LLSs7v5pAwYpsZG2FZXb5/s1600/Butterfly_October+Surprise.jpg" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's mid-October and things are looking better than I thought they would. I still see a few bees here and there and the occasional butterfly. This one really seemed to like the purple coneflower. It stayed long enough for me to take about a dozen or more pictures at fairly close range. I did a little reading and apparently purple coneflower is one of the top butterfly-attracting flowers. Others are phlox, verbena, and the aptly named butterfly bush. Purple coneflower is perennial and likes full sun. You can get it in a dwarf size, like this one, that's best suited for containers. It's not too late to plant perennials here in zone 7, in fact, you might still find some good deals at your nursery or local big box store. Just make sure your container is large enough because perennials multiply in their second and third years. You don't want to have to repot too soon. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTN8Jx4G0cpAvkldNU7NGnBMishr1K1DVyZjkoNJMDxYtjlnGNssm9V0ibxpE88m5ntMECw0qWOe-Bkt-KaL00hYtSp95-iy8nym0k1BqArRT8ESLyRIaIO39t01SQiVed_KrF7ZBZaBc/s1600/Blog+post_13OCT14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTN8Jx4G0cpAvkldNU7NGnBMishr1K1DVyZjkoNJMDxYtjlnGNssm9V0ibxpE88m5ntMECw0qWOe-Bkt-KaL00hYtSp95-iy8nym0k1BqArRT8ESLyRIaIO39t01SQiVed_KrF7ZBZaBc/s1600/Blog+post_13OCT14.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br />
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<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-9671156089064341312014-09-28T15:16:00.000-04:002014-09-28T15:16:52.786-04:00Little Lime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6OkMQlr1VYD41fWB5uU9042-m6Zq6G4dA-fj5Lz2VK7PSYB3SJxkztGhasc-GsPtkMRrt0AfGJI9HJxNISayU9yax02Yiwx2eLBEdIoTyDouLcEyWPu_mKyxhavK-sczxmgoNoRwq2zk/s1600/Little+lime+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6OkMQlr1VYD41fWB5uU9042-m6Zq6G4dA-fj5Lz2VK7PSYB3SJxkztGhasc-GsPtkMRrt0AfGJI9HJxNISayU9yax02Yiwx2eLBEdIoTyDouLcEyWPu_mKyxhavK-sczxmgoNoRwq2zk/s1600/Little+lime+blog.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea "Little Lime"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1416584232"></span><span id="goog_1416584233"></span>Little Lime is the name of my newest hydrangea. I've always been a hydrangea fan; their blooms make fantastic focal points for flower arrangements. And there are all different types, including those well suited for containers. Little Lime is one of them. It's a dwarf version of a plant the produces lime green colored blooms that gradually turn pinkish as the cooler temperatures of fall arrive. It's hardy to zone 4, grows 3 to 5 feet tall, blooms from July through September, and flowers on current year's growth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I bought this hydrangea at my local nursery. I also know it's available by mail order through <a href="http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/63199-product.html" target="_blank">White Flower Farm</a> (and probably plenty of other online plant retailers). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs0XixX9zywX0PDo-gXI4gOL9ZfCxBHr-G_5NPSEvEPtgovOv-KeGWdLcgs3r256CuaE1fNqalpSanmrZ-fm3CHovDgXnD6ohIyziQ38hmt-fsWBXADWbNEMdXi8tRFJneswX7JZOCf4G/s1600/Little+lime+blog+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs0XixX9zywX0PDo-gXI4gOL9ZfCxBHr-G_5NPSEvEPtgovOv-KeGWdLcgs3r256CuaE1fNqalpSanmrZ-fm3CHovDgXnD6ohIyziQ38hmt-fsWBXADWbNEMdXi8tRFJneswX7JZOCf4G/s1600/Little+lime+blog+2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Lime with Xanthosoma in back</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm going the conservative route and won't prune it until the spring when new growth starts to sprout so I can really see what survived the winter and what didn't. With hydrangeas, if you get too aggressive with the pruners, you may prune yourself right out of blooms the next year. That would be a shame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-39436917938046562142014-09-14T22:02:00.001-04:002014-09-14T22:11:38.163-04:00More Visitors<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mFeBiB8UAQ4LzzzK5bhI_vqFSQ2kT85B-bHrmMJ4AFCbbShXUuau4XA7K9Hx_ey16qXJU5F3dBaoz8YSo2ja577Q1vuAKRXJPftQN8vxktbjffvLjHQ_wj3XgJxOY68oeKRLyPgokTf4/s1600/Finch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mFeBiB8UAQ4LzzzK5bhI_vqFSQ2kT85B-bHrmMJ4AFCbbShXUuau4XA7K9Hx_ey16qXJU5F3dBaoz8YSo2ja577Q1vuAKRXJPftQN8vxktbjffvLjHQ_wj3XgJxOY68oeKRLyPgokTf4/s1600/Finch+2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Finch</td></tr>
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It's been a great summer so far and a good season for Flat Bottom Flowers. The bees were in abundance this year, which is always a good sign. I had a couple of other frequent visitors as well including hummingbirds and finches. The finch shown here took a liking to my basil. I had to shoot it through the glass door because I knew if I opened the door, it would fly away.<br />
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I had another visitor as well though finding himself in my garden was probably never part of his plan. I went to the garden center last weekend and bought some onions, lettuce, and a few cool weather annuals. I also bought a couple of pots (like I need more--but there are worse habits; that's what I tell myself anyway). I got home and put everything out on the deck. A while later I went to sort everything out and found this guy in one of my newly purchased pots; he must have hitched a ride back with me. I keep calling him a frog but I guess he's really a toad because he has a dry appearance. The difference is that frogs have a wet, slimy appearance. Whatever. Welcome to your new home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02h4yoVeN3prB7zVKm9LHhB6Av81B-Q_10QCbXR25rZ0hkPVRWOmWqrFeHTb7UdJsjPi6RDz3Qd71eVcqJb77eqwKv75gYRKL9mQqCVwhIB4wGEU5_z8TRKKf-FXSxsoCtYPnUjAhD020/s1600/Hitchhiking+Frog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02h4yoVeN3prB7zVKm9LHhB6Av81B-Q_10QCbXR25rZ0hkPVRWOmWqrFeHTb7UdJsjPi6RDz3Qd71eVcqJb77eqwKv75gYRKL9mQqCVwhIB4wGEU5_z8TRKKf-FXSxsoCtYPnUjAhD020/s1600/Hitchhiking+Frog.JPG" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitchhiking Toad</td></tr>
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Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books </a>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-3155818857806215622014-09-07T21:35:00.001-04:002014-09-07T21:35:59.311-04:00The Big Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra2Tkr9oYz4m1SB2BqrBc6eQivmtkrz3kbonlw_qkJ8ZGJB1cgPPifKGCID4Jgst5iKdp_oPZ-wVbxYQIEMLhFx1DwbGxdTkFy5AtD_uXnqKPbNZYd7_cc5ChZo0JACZMca7s4UrijrIv/s1600/Blog+2+7SEP14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra2Tkr9oYz4m1SB2BqrBc6eQivmtkrz3kbonlw_qkJ8ZGJB1cgPPifKGCID4Jgst5iKdp_oPZ-wVbxYQIEMLhFx1DwbGxdTkFy5AtD_uXnqKPbNZYd7_cc5ChZo0JACZMca7s4UrijrIv/s1600/Blog+2+7SEP14.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These pictures don't show my entire container garden, but about two-thirds of it is captured here. It's difficult to get everything in the frame and I didn't want to lug heavy pots from one end of the deck to the other just to get it all in one picture. What's missing here is a huge Japanese Maple and a rose bush that gets bigger every year. Also one of my most prolific cherry tomato plants is not shown--neither are various mixed plantings. But you get the idea. It's been a good season so far and I'm not finished yet. I just planted some onions today as well as lettuce and annuals that grow well after the dog days of summer are behind us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9dtsu5c8pzRvk5uzLrCj0WrZ6IMA0t7JW5aY3MmWSMLsbaqxw44kVL0KNUa00J1rUOZF4_0_IAXV0q55VBZ8-wqDwrod74ExXZXjNs56-K9NITgbP9lQcwCoVuxBeLGO3TUh3L18oYRc/s1600/Blog+7SEP14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9dtsu5c8pzRvk5uzLrCj0WrZ6IMA0t7JW5aY3MmWSMLsbaqxw44kVL0KNUa00J1rUOZF4_0_IAXV0q55VBZ8-wqDwrod74ExXZXjNs56-K9NITgbP9lQcwCoVuxBeLGO3TUh3L18oYRc/s1600/Blog+7SEP14.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now is a good time to be on the lookout for perennials that might go on sale at your local nursery or big box store. You can get them potted well before frost and while they may not look like much now, you'll be rewarded next season. Just be sure you know what hardiness zone you're in and choose accordingly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Still lots of planting days ahead if you live in a milder climate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-74290880076305373542014-08-17T11:11:00.000-04:002014-08-17T11:11:00.235-04:00A Delightful Little Rose<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNvaVI-82e0lcuwVdwY70kIWmZgyA0sjbabvGPY1K9HYzFuF-hSH97VmLEX8ou9c2QMF_cGVMV11MnHGwWVffKc_dB8jQvl0CZPryD5pVn9g44zM3HaHA66aDHHjaaK_Vd-6tzx6iKtPy/s1600/Jean+Mermoz2_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNvaVI-82e0lcuwVdwY70kIWmZgyA0sjbabvGPY1K9HYzFuF-hSH97VmLEX8ou9c2QMF_cGVMV11MnHGwWVffKc_dB8jQvl0CZPryD5pVn9g44zM3HaHA66aDHHjaaK_Vd-6tzx6iKtPy/s1600/Jean+Mermoz2_Blog.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Mermoz</td></tr>
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I lost two roses over the winter and decided not to replace them. Roses in general are just too high maintenance for me; I'm a carefree type of gardener. I don't like all of the attention roses demand especially when, in the end, they often disappoint you. But this little rose has not been a disappointment at all this year, in fact, it's been just the opposite. I bought <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/05/return-of-jean-mermoz.html" target="_blank">Jean Mermoz</a> 5 years ago from <a href="http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/search?name=jean+mermoz&sku=&submit=" target="_blank">Antique Rose Emporium</a> and I think this has been its best year yet. It's been in the same pot the entire time and I dig a couple of annuals into the soil surrounding it just fill out the space. Jean started blooming in May and has not stopped. In fact, today, I counted at least 25 buds ready to open up at any minute. <br />
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Jean Mermoz has a low-growing, compact habit and likes full sun. The bloom is less than 2 inches across and the plant is hardy to zone 5. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-mrmHmpOvdDSCSvblPNrfsXklfjrd-V06knA488Xgx7uY6mpT73jm2Xju4Q21UoZtg7ycSQ-flHEg2oeGAvRNF7pjGvOjRmqZ_dlyVtwodBvMdWwhvyHLkDYcos1uH3JZP0NzNHhti3D/s1600/Jean+Mermoz_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-mrmHmpOvdDSCSvblPNrfsXklfjrd-V06knA488Xgx7uY6mpT73jm2Xju4Q21UoZtg7ycSQ-flHEg2oeGAvRNF7pjGvOjRmqZ_dlyVtwodBvMdWwhvyHLkDYcos1uH3JZP0NzNHhti3D/s1600/Jean+Mermoz_blog.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Mermoz</td></tr>
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<br />I'd say that if you want to take a chance on a rose, this one is probably worth the risk.<br />
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Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a><br />
<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-43964932451069245462014-08-03T17:12:00.001-04:002014-08-03T17:12:56.547-04:00Thanks for Stopping By<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRziU3o5UDKMGWPH-lxW3Ar3c0QdRYNESwUL1bkq26ab1k7bKQNvLhLHCrLhk_NvlGilxkYHMkebLa4QanCgYBfvlEYW-06ocjzMZa0YPDTgpOrKLSrwSn9r8C_Y63n0cu1CCMSihToBw/s1600/Hummingbird_Agastache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRziU3o5UDKMGWPH-lxW3Ar3c0QdRYNESwUL1bkq26ab1k7bKQNvLhLHCrLhk_NvlGilxkYHMkebLa4QanCgYBfvlEYW-06ocjzMZa0YPDTgpOrKLSrwSn9r8C_Y63n0cu1CCMSihToBw/s1600/Hummingbird_Agastache.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird and Agastache "Bolero"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My garden gets great visitors of the nonhuman kind. Butterflies, bees, ladybugs, praying mantis, and on rare and special occasions, a hummingbird. I think this one lives nearby. Actually, his (or her) visits might not be so rare, it's just that they likely occur mostly when we're not home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyone who's ever tried to take pictures of hummingbirds knows they can be elusive. This one is no exception. Plus, you've got to be fast with a camera at the ready. With wings that flap an average of 50 times per second (and up to 200 times) and flight speed that can top 34 mph (forward, backward, and upside down, by the way), the hummingbird is not going to hang around for some slowpoke photographer. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TA9CCr6IiBtO3I8NbVXZHVvyZLhMfptH4o3uPkfbHVJOIrkrCJeqJog58yQLlMgxpgIZ-t91gWWe4AmFh2fUeJdULIWEwekMhfPGP1ml7FAXwzg0cYdBKc1NfoeKqh9bto4yE8qzR6xE/s1600/Hummingbird_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TA9CCr6IiBtO3I8NbVXZHVvyZLhMfptH4o3uPkfbHVJOIrkrCJeqJog58yQLlMgxpgIZ-t91gWWe4AmFh2fUeJdULIWEwekMhfPGP1ml7FAXwzg0cYdBKc1NfoeKqh9bto4yE8qzR6xE/s1600/Hummingbird_Blog.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer visitor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I tried to plant a few things that hummingbirds like but it seems that this one is especially attracted to Agastache "Bolero." I've planted Agastache before, but not this particular one so we'll see how it does over the winter. It grows to about 16" high, likes full sun, blooms July-October and is supposed to be hardy to zone 6. Because I have it in a pot, that might not be good enough--usually I'm safe with zone 5. But we'll see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meanwhile, this hummer is enjoying what Bolero has to offer right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-55834147692706361632014-07-21T21:16:00.000-04:002014-07-21T21:16:36.980-04:00Summer Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKQ4IxVDQcj0N5t-Zx_pImw0CyFQOJanLOFycXR18uqTJMB0jd1u_p013AsQIB2lJbgMon9HEZX3J2U-F1MfOm-vPUf3xiuuRt0lL09dvPLSBpoLPOvcQRL_8EjVccLXb9him7GHq26Mb/s1600/Tomatoes+blog_20JUL14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKQ4IxVDQcj0N5t-Zx_pImw0CyFQOJanLOFycXR18uqTJMB0jd1u_p013AsQIB2lJbgMon9HEZX3J2U-F1MfOm-vPUf3xiuuRt0lL09dvPLSBpoLPOvcQRL_8EjVccLXb9him7GHq26Mb/s1600/Tomatoes+blog_20JUL14.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get a load of these. They're Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes and they're ripening (almost) faster than we can eat them. Once you try one of these, you'll never go back to those insipid looking tomatoes at the supermarket that taste like cardboard. The Sweet 100s are like a taste explosion--you won't even want to take the time that's required to make a salad. You'll just pop them in your mouth one after another like I do. And I only share with people who are really (and I mean really) nice to me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe44bJ2115YG2PhHW6dxv-bAkGP4LCcLj28VLkrwWVFap6xVuIKtxl4HhiH3cQInX_wZiUgc5yAVdwBMwuZamJioz2smZO0WF0TyluKgzCXhRP8cd43MiL8ErfnFpmGyqAlpjD6YJIHD8G/s1600/Lots+o%27+tomatoes_blog_20JUL14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe44bJ2115YG2PhHW6dxv-bAkGP4LCcLj28VLkrwWVFap6xVuIKtxl4HhiH3cQInX_wZiUgc5yAVdwBMwuZamJioz2smZO0WF0TyluKgzCXhRP8cd43MiL8ErfnFpmGyqAlpjD6YJIHD8G/s1600/Lots+o'+tomatoes_blog_20JUL14.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I bought these as tiny little plants online at <a href="http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/" target="_blank">White Flower Farm</a>; however, I also saw them at the local nursery. I ordered them because my mom gave me a White Flower Farm gift certificate for Christmas--this has been a gift that keeps on giving. I have three plants in total--two red and one yellow (though more like gold). They're in rather large pots with tomato cages. They grow FAST and need lots of support. We even had to lash the cages to the deck railing when a couple of windstorms came through. Mine are now 5 feet tall and the fruit is about 1-inch around. They require full sun and are disease resistant. Some of the leaves are turning a bit yellow though I don't see signs of pests or fungus. They also get plenty of water. I think that because they are in pots, the nutrients in the soil get washed away with practically every watering. So even though I don't usually use much fertilizer, these plants demand it. So I use <a href="http://www.espoma.com/p_consumer/tones_tomato.html#.U822W0AsuHs" target="_blank">Espoma Tomato-tone.</a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg09kutqnPNEKfpWRXJ-C6Nl_aHygTNw3EssFhr-pyjdVoGJL7LeDopcqRRLFwJ4fodPWSKO-chfgH3iAZsbirxlqc8K0ypZEWLLYUl8x0ANttrXmSRk_JESolGKZ6MKF_mXAgqntzBWj/s1600/Tomatoes+on+vine_blog_20JUL14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg09kutqnPNEKfpWRXJ-C6Nl_aHygTNw3EssFhr-pyjdVoGJL7LeDopcqRRLFwJ4fodPWSKO-chfgH3iAZsbirxlqc8K0ypZEWLLYUl8x0ANttrXmSRk_JESolGKZ6MKF_mXAgqntzBWj/s1600/Tomatoes+on+vine_blog_20JUL14.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Put Sweet 100s on your list for next year--and put people on notice that they better be nice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-91642265477443028592014-07-13T21:46:00.000-04:002014-07-13T21:46:33.154-04:00Bug Repellent Imposter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rsujdUqXWi5dMDvbvQa1iVrnt_tYrBak4CvKU36ajlggyY92EB2_de0o-6V6341hKQk9bkB0EwDRu-RIA4viSE3QjDz5vDYFKon-OHvXOJBokISuI-Ff1LiRqLOy8v5wxDuLJ8VO9Z-l/s1600/Cintronella+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rsujdUqXWi5dMDvbvQa1iVrnt_tYrBak4CvKU36ajlggyY92EB2_de0o-6V6341hKQk9bkB0EwDRu-RIA4viSE3QjDz5vDYFKon-OHvXOJBokISuI-Ff1LiRqLOy8v5wxDuLJ8VO9Z-l/s1600/Cintronella+1.jpg" height="400" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bug repeller or nice smelling plant?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I've been duped. I bought this plant thinking it was the real deal mosquito repelling citronella plant. What made me think that? Only the tag that said "Citronella Plant" with a picture of a mosquito that had a big ol' red "x" through it. However, I've come to find out that its botanical name is "Pelargonium 'Citrosa,'" which clearly puts it in the geranium family. Say what? The real plant that produces the citronella oil commonly thought to repel mosquitoes looks more like a lemongrass shrub. Well you can see that's not what this looks like. Repellent or not, I like how it looks and I like how it smells even better. It's actually a lemon scent that is further enhanced when you brush by it or crush the leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This plant needs at least six hours of sunlight and will grow 24-36" tall. It is a tender perennial so that means it won't survive winter in Virginia. But if you're in zone 9-11, you're in luck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books </a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-10203919760660544212014-07-06T20:25:00.001-04:002014-07-06T20:25:46.835-04:00Rootbound Rosemary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDq9Ub0NzMHZwowmiimf2XMnOXlfZJ2C-bmyq-4k9L-mEEAcbucaz2ipSaxDdVtJF9jmp_5kbNKaySdh1cofUC-HpX4J4_VP7alga56CIzE0MPHlw6BsC3Ugz0Zi5UTRpe_Ribnzm_B5j/s1600/Rootbound+Rosemary+blog+post.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDq9Ub0NzMHZwowmiimf2XMnOXlfZJ2C-bmyq-4k9L-mEEAcbucaz2ipSaxDdVtJF9jmp_5kbNKaySdh1cofUC-HpX4J4_VP7alga56CIzE0MPHlw6BsC3Ugz0Zi5UTRpe_Ribnzm_B5j/s1600/Rootbound+Rosemary+blog+post.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rootbound Rosemary</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're just getting around to buying some plants--and you wouldn't be the only one judging from the shoppers at Home Depot yesterday--you might want to look out for plants that are rootbound. It happens when plants have been on the shelves for a while; they start outgrowing their little nursery pots and the roots start twisting all around and getting matted up. One way to avoid this is to buy your plants earlier in the season, but sometimes that's not possible. Another thing you can do is while you're at the nursery or local big box store, just dump the plant into your hand and examine the roots. If it's rootbound, go on to the next one. However, if you really want that one plant and all the ones like it are in the same condition, don't worry. It's been my experience that it will end up doing just fine. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTS3GRHT_saCCguwev4w508Q8Ol_XN9lJd3I1WCBxQSowcfqJfd82N_GMv9cvdsPN79sRmXfqKAWZVGnvFGfwOKXgEHdBn1_XnKhXHVbx9fUFiYwHJEfS-nq3CVdeZv58178cd2F_MdFi/s1600/Recovered+Rosemary+blog+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTS3GRHT_saCCguwev4w508Q8Ol_XN9lJd3I1WCBxQSowcfqJfd82N_GMv9cvdsPN79sRmXfqKAWZVGnvFGfwOKXgEHdBn1_XnKhXHVbx9fUFiYwHJEfS-nq3CVdeZv58178cd2F_MdFi/s1600/Recovered+Rosemary+blog+post.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovered Rosemary</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Take this rosemary for example. I actually bought it about six weeks ago so there's no excuse for it having been so rootbound. And, as sometimes happens, I didn't take my own advice--I didn't dump it out to check the roots. So I got all the way home and was ready to plant only to discover this tangled mess. Most gardening books will tell you to "shake out the excess soil and tease the roots apart." These roots were in knots so "teasing" was not an option. But I didn't just want to stick it in the pot as it was because there's no chance for the roots to spread into the surrounding soil. So, I just cut into it vertically from the base with gardening scissors and ripped it apart so I could spread out the root base and plant it in the soil. It was an aggressive approach, but take a look. My rosemary has not only recovered, it's thriving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-89974798820145841382014-06-29T22:04:00.000-04:002014-06-29T22:04:00.891-04:00It's About Thyme<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oszhF2Ft7G2b0GhUOTu1wPBYhIR_CSPhHi27ggBv9VzjSTqgRho2tPArrxIA-mqdCFCVpVpaiOkTUVPehU4XUmwbz9p8RnbSYGTVarqWFADZ73lfg_2oORA0p8uQxHeVNFJ6rwez-NS0/s1600/It's+about+thyme+pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oszhF2Ft7G2b0GhUOTu1wPBYhIR_CSPhHi27ggBv9VzjSTqgRho2tPArrxIA-mqdCFCVpVpaiOkTUVPehU4XUmwbz9p8RnbSYGTVarqWFADZ73lfg_2oORA0p8uQxHeVNFJ6rwez-NS0/s1600/It's+about+thyme+pic2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme in a mixed herb planting</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We cook a lot. And we use a whole bunch of herbs. It gets super expensive. Those of you who buy herbs know what I mean. So that's why I try to grow as many as I can. I'll have future posts about the other herbs I grow, but today it's about thyme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So thyme is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to bring courage. Well, it's 2014 and I say, who among us today couldn't do with an extra dose of that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are all sorts of thyme so read your plant tag carefully. If you plan to cook with it, be sure to get "Thymus Vulgaris." The name "vulgaris" would indicate otherwise, but it really is the kind you put in your food. It's not to be confused with other types of thyme that you probably shouldn't eat like "woolly thyme" (a great ground cover) and "creeping thyme" (a great ornamental).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have found that thyme likes full sun, heat, and excellent drainage. It's perennial in most regions so mine often returns year after year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I use thyme in my chilis and sauces as well as chicken marinades. If you're a pork and beef eater, it's a great seasoning for those. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So grow some thyme. It's so easy and you'll save yourself some bucks (and add to your courage). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EjIcYb6KePTlXOEPykqmdC-AKc_XbOxmZJzZ5DPNV6hXkb0ic1rt83UxWbVfIJcni7DBvC_0unWnCmNbGmlKWYZ1F4QAZjyXlKyOomTLiJYpYmTf4en5diMnXJcMmoy893hjvjWhxRFA/s1600/It's+about+thyme+pic1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EjIcYb6KePTlXOEPykqmdC-AKc_XbOxmZJzZ5DPNV6hXkb0ic1rt83UxWbVfIJcni7DBvC_0unWnCmNbGmlKWYZ1F4QAZjyXlKyOomTLiJYpYmTf4en5diMnXJcMmoy893hjvjWhxRFA/s1600/It's+about+thyme+pic1.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme for cooking ("culinary" thyme)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank"> Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-10672151076568266932014-06-22T22:06:00.000-04:002014-06-22T22:06:39.625-04:00Playing Catch Up<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhwcl1-G8OupQ87_plPjcMFuvy0bU5l2nwa2QPUCBvN7guE3KD4UOLIXf4UvDGsAL4-LjOvE3o_8eO-Np1Ap6UoRqMpVDENVMmzD5B15NYyF6o8Ndlj17AJohUN46kb0OXhJB2X8rMX0G/s1600/It's+Just+Dirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhwcl1-G8OupQ87_plPjcMFuvy0bU5l2nwa2QPUCBvN7guE3KD4UOLIXf4UvDGsAL4-LjOvE3o_8eO-Np1Ap6UoRqMpVDENVMmzD5B15NYyF6o8Ndlj17AJohUN46kb0OXhJB2X8rMX0G/s1600/It's+Just+Dirt.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's just dirt</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I spent two straight weekends planning, buying, organizing, and planting. I first had to get the basic supplies: potting mix, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wiggle-Worm-Earthworm-Castings-4-5/dp/B006ISB89K" target="_blank">earthworm poo</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Osmocote-273160-Outdoor-Fertilizers-1-25-Pound/dp/B00ARDELDW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1403488295&sr=8-4&keywords=osmocote+fertilizer" target="_blank">Osmocote time-release fertilizer</a>, a few pots to replace the ones that were cracked beyond repair from the winter, and a new watering hose. Oh, and another pair of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MUD-GLOVES-020AG-Original-Gloves/dp/B006RAS86A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403487799&sr=8-1&keywords=mud+glove" target="_blank">gloves</a>. The ones shown here keep my palms dry when things start to get messy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm often astonished at how much I pay for dirt. It's just dirt. But be sure not to use soil from your garden when you plant. First, it's way too heavy and drainage will be a problem. Second, it might harbor bacteria and fungus that will damage your new plants.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRDABF6MMHCH5ZQ2gF3HMGf0QjAKkO6dOOJbNlpW3GgBjntG73sEvocN2QC5C2SHqnydRYYtW-lyVmuS04JLzMPoYwr2nDI9WcoBBpGiOr-czcbt3zw_0VjyeSonCUNWMZjzu9222EAf/s1600/Start+scooping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRDABF6MMHCH5ZQ2gF3HMGf0QjAKkO6dOOJbNlpW3GgBjntG73sEvocN2QC5C2SHqnydRYYtW-lyVmuS04JLzMPoYwr2nDI9WcoBBpGiOr-czcbt3zw_0VjyeSonCUNWMZjzu9222EAf/s1600/Start+scooping.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start scooping</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you haven't started planting your containers, it's really not too late. Just be sure not to buy anything that would have already bloomed in the spring. Unless, of course, it's a perennial and you don't mind waiting until next spring. In that case, make sure it will survive the winter in your pot by checking the hardiness zone. You can get all of that information by reading the plant tag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now get digging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-37524964560811429262014-06-08T22:29:00.000-04:002014-06-08T22:29:03.421-04:00Chaos Now. Order Later.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxIvZLl137p6EphND_MX3VpKe9k1o-tq_KK5FQecsZCx05vjeGT1j5C04OUmIn5_zZEW_CZEEfcg2ZZCrurbYNK0Zjk8iN7e2i2drTsw_GnLytI7W5sis7xwuTi-03gAXf8mMOC8kyMLs/s1600/Chaos_Order+blog+post+8JUN14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxIvZLl137p6EphND_MX3VpKe9k1o-tq_KK5FQecsZCx05vjeGT1j5C04OUmIn5_zZEW_CZEEfcg2ZZCrurbYNK0Zjk8iN7e2i2drTsw_GnLytI7W5sis7xwuTi-03gAXf8mMOC8kyMLs/s1600/Chaos_Order+blog+post+8JUN14.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary chaos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Off to a slow start this year. The deck was looking pretty shabby by the end of last season. And parts of the railing were on the wobbly side. I wouldn't let anyone within three feet of the edge of the deck, which meant they could step to the center of the deck, and then not move one inch in any direction. So we had some repairs done--and some sprucing up. I'm still working on getting things in shape. It's only the beginning of June so there's a long season ahead. So stay tuned. I have some things to show you that are new this year.</span><br />
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Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a><br />
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<br />Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-74123795218398037002013-11-03T21:53:00.000-05:002013-11-03T21:53:41.164-05:00Well I Wasn't Expecting This (emphasis on "This")<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAQQGSuxGumgb44ZgVDS6-3C8iAN_a31Dx8ovJGphwjOzKLWBlQ-xmYHh7VOAL2hUGRsGrJMybN7AVpNNR3mahHMDBGwY0In5mFebXtJwB53Si1x4Odj0uWFyAYsRt5N8u72FNkzK7OxO/s1600/Roses+3NOV13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAQQGSuxGumgb44ZgVDS6-3C8iAN_a31Dx8ovJGphwjOzKLWBlQ-xmYHh7VOAL2hUGRsGrJMybN7AVpNNR3mahHMDBGwY0In5mFebXtJwB53Si1x4Odj0uWFyAYsRt5N8u72FNkzK7OxO/s400/Roses+3NOV13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrzL48ehk8ToDUZpb8V9ReUUVWMbY8ArrBuvAySWxskm3beQYIsnbKg4uWpfjcTIT_s1ZLzcl7xeHQThwEOx7opI5wEvpUkTcFMDgmhqtuC_cui85BQqa27Z42Unw902f9d4UPJaE4O7J/s1600/November+rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrzL48ehk8ToDUZpb8V9ReUUVWMbY8ArrBuvAySWxskm3beQYIsnbKg4uWpfjcTIT_s1ZLzcl7xeHQThwEOx7opI5wEvpUkTcFMDgmhqtuC_cui85BQqa27Z42Unw902f9d4UPJaE4O7J/s320/November+rose.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My roses are going out in grand style. This planting season has definitely ended on a high note as you can see from these pictures. The "real" November arrives tomorrow. It will be colder and windier--sort of what one expects this time of year. But I'm a happy camper, make that gardener. My growing season was great and all is not lost; I still have some cooler weather plants that I can enjoy: lettuce, broccoli, thyme, and onions. Not to mention the indoor planting that I will start next weekend. Yes, it's paperwhite and amaryllis time. It's my strategy for making the blooming season last all year long. It can be yours too. Stay tuned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-36623116928371413402013-09-15T21:57:00.000-04:002013-09-15T21:57:18.774-04:00Praying (Preying) Mantis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKsUx9VuzZsLQARvGbE7Np4IFDUQLoXawLetlX7jXiumoCbxA3k7G1bFZwifXBgFEVa-BZjk0IUloft_dqTlS2yRgCAEN4KcDJ1B2SbJUSrLBQyYUROCc69jF36AjNgg0hN7bVfNHTKA/s1600/Copy+of+Praying+mantis+blog+15SEP13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKsUx9VuzZsLQARvGbE7Np4IFDUQLoXawLetlX7jXiumoCbxA3k7G1bFZwifXBgFEVa-BZjk0IUloft_dqTlS2yRgCAEN4KcDJ1B2SbJUSrLBQyYUROCc69jF36AjNgg0hN7bVfNHTKA/s400/Copy+of+Praying+mantis+blog+15SEP13.JPG" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying (Preying) Mantis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I almost missed this guy. I was trimming back some out-of-control foliage and when I got to one of my roses, my keen eyes (with the help of a mighty powerful prescription) landed on him. It's been a while since I've seen a praying mantis in my garden. But today, he (maybe she?) was definitely a "preying" mantis. I'm not sure what it had in its grips, some sort of moth-like insect, but it was going to town. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've always heard that mantises (mantes? manti?) are good for the garden. And it's true, they are an organic solution to certain bothersome pest problems. But absent pests, they'll eat beneficial insects too. And absent those, I'm given to understand they'll eat each other. Ewww.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So let's not end on that grim note. Let me offer you a picture of a really pretty flower: Zinnia "Orange Profusion." Happy thoughts.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhD33Qj9AHkSF_zLS3vnf1vOOJfLUPrmMS2u7t5BgqkD1lCZpOdrz3YNRqGCXlig0bsygDuHbNutk_341bRVVIlwNYPGIdozolmTLqWFTw23Mi-Hn-aNSHiJ5nIgqArfg7wxC4XU_IyIB/s1600/Zinnia3_25AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhD33Qj9AHkSF_zLS3vnf1vOOJfLUPrmMS2u7t5BgqkD1lCZpOdrz3YNRqGCXlig0bsygDuHbNutk_341bRVVIlwNYPGIdozolmTLqWFTw23Mi-Hn-aNSHiJ5nIgqArfg7wxC4XU_IyIB/s400/Zinnia3_25AUG13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinnia "Orange Profusion"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2012/04/read-any-good-gardening-books-lately.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-87875413968413602222013-08-25T22:08:00.001-04:002013-08-25T22:08:46.795-04:00Hemingway, Bond (James Bond), and Me<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDDDkjeVLbWb-baq-QRnQvNP2AGEyrUOAMKbpcWio5JPDebjspxP6vCydKOQ7hPY-FQP6i0AqVTjkabW8mDsNDmdEwYW68Z65JksaCJ7gAcD96nmvD3mG61xsZ3wrn7G8x6EEM4v88i1C/s1600/Mojito2_25AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDDDkjeVLbWb-baq-QRnQvNP2AGEyrUOAMKbpcWio5JPDebjspxP6vCydKOQ7hPY-FQP6i0AqVTjkabW8mDsNDmdEwYW68Z65JksaCJ7gAcD96nmvD3mG61xsZ3wrn7G8x6EEM4v88i1C/s400/Mojito2_25AUG13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mojito</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let's talk about that tasty little Cuban cocktail known as the mojito. I like it on a hot summer evening; the fictitious Mr. Bond drank it in <i>Die Another Day</i>; and the very real Hemingway enjoyed it at the place where it was invented: La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can find lots of recipes for it on the Internet. Most generically call for mint, others are more specific and use spearmint. But you don't want just any mojito, do you? You want the real deal and that means using Mojito Mint. This is the first year I've seen it at my local nursery so of course I snapped it up. Aside from being a great cocktail ingredient, it's also a pretty great plant, provided you plant it alone in a pot because, like all mints, it has a very invasive growth habit. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j69Wslh3dTMLdyhVUZbicOK0maA965xWx5XlFmNhGcWL8eHxpUC4Crzru4CKTyB2YOsJgs-YaQ5zVqs6x-L0MsHX2ChwOxC3J7WKIWcMD8rtyTty-H6NOeck8aZmtL4k6qQOUJTPKBRl/s1600/Mojito+mint+plant5_25AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j69Wslh3dTMLdyhVUZbicOK0maA965xWx5XlFmNhGcWL8eHxpUC4Crzru4CKTyB2YOsJgs-YaQ5zVqs6x-L0MsHX2ChwOxC3J7WKIWcMD8rtyTty-H6NOeck8aZmtL4k6qQOUJTPKBRl/s400/Mojito+mint+plant5_25AUG13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mojito Mint</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mojito Mint is not demanding; it likes full to part sun. Keep it watered and it will grow up to 36" although mine is closer to about 18" probably because the small pot I have it in has limited its growth. It's hardy to zone 5 and lives happily surrounded by all sorts of other plants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Salud! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-11069440883043563102013-08-18T21:13:00.000-04:002013-08-18T21:13:44.210-04:00Old Faithful<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FzKFgpj-ARLLn571DMHFCBPrCj2dQNmkD6chuFxWsfTHjZGcZt3Df1HegKDdZCtJLdGXU0eqDajnWmKd5TKZl9uJfOdBUd4Hc0K_ZjeNWhOyOeCgT0T7Gb1QuOBXHGQD2_k8yqj1Wg8h/s1600/Heuchera_18AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FzKFgpj-ARLLn571DMHFCBPrCj2dQNmkD6chuFxWsfTHjZGcZt3Df1HegKDdZCtJLdGXU0eqDajnWmKd5TKZl9uJfOdBUd4Hc0K_ZjeNWhOyOeCgT0T7Gb1QuOBXHGQD2_k8yqj1Wg8h/s400/Heuchera_18AUG13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera "Obsidian"</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are some plants that you know you can rely on. Heuchera is one of them. It has never failed me, not once. Oh sure, I've exposed a couple of them to more sun than they would like. And they've protested a bit, but they've stuck with me. These are the types of plants with which I am more generous with my real estate. Altogether I probably have about ten varieties of heuchera scattered about in mixed containers. They like part sun and most are hardy to zone 4. In the spring, they shoot up some nice little delicate blooms, but when those fade, you still have the glory of its foliage. One I particularly like is "Obsidian." It has glossy purple, almost black leaves. Fabulous if paired with a vibrant green or chartreuse plant. Heuchera comes back strong every year, in fact, you'll have to divide it after about three years or so. Fine by me. More is better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Book</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-46049129375686711672013-08-04T22:07:00.000-04:002013-08-04T22:07:27.414-04:00The Makings for a Great Salad<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape tomato harvest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow bell pepper</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's not much more to say in this post other than "Yum!" Here are some pictures of the edible things I have growing in containers. The particular lettuce in the picture has made it through the summer without bolting (going to seed). That's rare in a lettuce as it much prefers cool weather so I'll definitely be growing it again. My grape tomatoes are super sweet; you can just pop these straight into your mouth. It's a huge plant, by the way--I'm glad I got a tall support for it. I'm also growing yellow pear tomatoes. I didn't fertilize the tomatoes at all this year other than when I first planted them and I've had more than enough. Also, I grew red and yellow bell peppers. They start off green (see the smaller one above the yellow pepper shown here). You just have to leave them on the plant to wait for them to turn color. You don't have to wait though; you can eat them green. But I like a yellow or a red pepper because it's sweeter. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TSEqAFIJnToq4lXifZb0EBqQCRWdjBkYaeNtf1GUqz6zTC4T6BsXGqy7UDNVrV1xPWtw8qMuMRI4GuKip-Nw5i0giNFv8v3MgeNiJkDHBRkIx62ToVMx22oXzg78vOFCUwLKX6psacad/s1600/Copy+of+Lettuce_4AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TSEqAFIJnToq4lXifZb0EBqQCRWdjBkYaeNtf1GUqz6zTC4T6BsXGqy7UDNVrV1xPWtw8qMuMRI4GuKip-Nw5i0giNFv8v3MgeNiJkDHBRkIx62ToVMx22oXzg78vOFCUwLKX6psacad/s320/Copy+of+Lettuce_4AUG13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce (from seed)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So there you have it: Delicious salad; comin' right up!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TUOrUsbPL1TEquR-sHZ8ggbHHVP9JwWuHGD47KzvWgaDLN-d6wxmM2RZ5lCwN5p0udWUEeT6mH7kxATm9pvZO0JcwDcYUZoz_XMXJzdS8TUsHpLj6WEHuCjQXnXz-FOv2PggRULBPcwN/s1600/Tomatoes+4AUG13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TUOrUsbPL1TEquR-sHZ8ggbHHVP9JwWuHGD47KzvWgaDLN-d6wxmM2RZ5lCwN5p0udWUEeT6mH7kxATm9pvZO0JcwDcYUZoz_XMXJzdS8TUsHpLj6WEHuCjQXnXz-FOv2PggRULBPcwN/s320/Tomatoes+4AUG13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow pear tomatoes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening Books</a></span>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com9