tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80056688636497398442012-02-16T22:44:59.078-05:00The pursuit of a garden, one pot at a time.Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-55752069267457287902012-01-15T11:15:00.000-05:002012-01-15T11:15:38.911-05:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgpJsPc7kf8/TxL6wuH6ouI/AAAAAAAAAw8/j81-TbsCDZ4/s1600/Copy+of+Amaryllis+blog+pic+Jan2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgpJsPc7kf8/TxL6wuH6ouI/AAAAAAAAAw8/j81-TbsCDZ4/s400/Copy+of+Amaryllis+blog+pic+Jan2012.JPG" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amaryllis in bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">A slightly belated Happy New Year!&nbsp; I normally don't post in the dead of winter but this is something worth sharing.&nbsp; My amaryllis have bloomed and they look terrific.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I did not keep the tags for these bulbs so I can't provide their exact names.&nbsp; I bought them at my not-so-local nursery.&nbsp; They&nbsp;sell lots of varieties--some more exotic than others.&nbsp; But if you want just basic white or&nbsp;bright red blooms, you can usually find them at your local big box stores beginning late October.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Amaryllis take a little longer to get to the blooming stage than paperwhites.&nbsp; Usually you can count 3 weeks from the time you plant a paperwhite to the time it blooms.&nbsp; With amaryllis, it's more like 5 or 6 weeks.&nbsp; Which explains why I never&nbsp;have blooms before Christmas because I never remember to plant the amaryllis that far in advance.&nbsp; But I'll try to be more on the ball this year and I'll put together a little photo tutorial.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I'll return to weekly (or more) posts beginning in March when I start making&nbsp;preparations and placing orders&nbsp;for this season's garden.&nbsp; Meanwhile, if you're in a cold place, keep warm this winter.&nbsp; And if you're in a warm place, all I can say is, lucky you.</span></div><br /><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25EWeWhlsRc/TxL602XszEI/AAAAAAAAAxE/WNdXptfqgsY/s1600/Blog+pic+15JAN12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25EWeWhlsRc/TxL602XszEI/AAAAAAAAAxE/WNdXptfqgsY/s400/Blog+pic+15JAN12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amaryllis in bloom and paperwhites sprouting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5575206926745728790?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-61815842315458536562011-12-11T10:50:00.000-05:002011-12-11T10:50:10.791-05:00<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3OVMXH76-g/TuTO8kKrIrI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5c7AI8NGxQ4/s1600/Copy+of+Paperwhites+on+washstand+11DEC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3OVMXH76-g/TuTO8kKrIrI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5c7AI8NGxQ4/s400/Copy+of+Paperwhites+on+washstand+11DEC11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming Paperwhite Narcissus</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8F6RU4DyAA/TuTPJyyFAtI/AAAAAAAAAwU/aBDx1jIbMbU/s1600/Paperwhite+bulbs+11DEC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8F6RU4DyAA/TuTPJyyFAtI/AAAAAAAAAwU/aBDx1jIbMbU/s320/Paperwhite+bulbs+11DEC11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loose Paperwhite bulbs</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">There may be a chill outside but that doesn't mean you can't plant some flowers indoors.&nbsp; The solution:&nbsp; Paperwhites.&nbsp; I have posted on this topic a few times in winters past.&nbsp; This is so easy that I can't think of any reason on earth why you <em>wouldn't </em>want to do it.&nbsp; I'm going to recap the main steps here, but for more pictures, you can go to my previous posts:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/12/winter-blooms.html">Winter Blooms</a> and <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/flowers-in-winter.html">Flowers in Winter</a>.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">1)&nbsp; In many of the discount chain stores, you'll see paperwhites in kits.&nbsp; You can buy those, but I like using my own containers so I buy my bulbs loose at my local big box store or nursery.&nbsp; You decide what you prefer.&nbsp; More than likely, the label will&nbsp;say something like Paperwhite "Ziva".&nbsp; </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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdfpjyVs-fQ/TuTPO2MnHDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/uBGLnXcdIqM/s1600/Paperwhites+in+water+11DEC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdfpjyVs-fQ/TuTPO2MnHDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/uBGLnXcdIqM/s320/Paperwhites+in+water+11DEC11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paperwhites planted in rocks and water</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">2)&nbsp; Put soil or rocks in a container.&nbsp; For once, you will not need (or want) drainage holes in your container.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">3)&nbsp; If using soil, dampen it a bit but don't soak it.&nbsp; If using rocks, bring the water level up to the top level of the rocks.</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">4)&nbsp; Place bulbs root-side down on damp soil or, if using rocks, on the surface of the rocks so that a little water comes in contact with the roots.</span><br /> <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taMttD6EZCg/TuTPTFDR6BI/AAAAAAAAAwk/AIZ7xv3HN9Q/s1600/Copy+of+Paperwhite+sprouts+11DEC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taMttD6EZCg/TuTPTFDR6BI/AAAAAAAAAwk/AIZ7xv3HN9Q/s320/Copy+of+Paperwhite+sprouts+11DEC11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paperwhites sprouting in soil</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">5)&nbsp; Put container indoors in any place where it will get at least medium light.</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">6)&nbsp; Keep soil damp (not wet) or water level of rocks in contact with bulb roots.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">7) Wait about 3 weeks for stems to start growing and blooms to appear.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Be aware that most paperwhites will have a scent.&nbsp; Some people love it (me), some people hate it (the husband of the lady who I encountered at the nursery a couple of years ago).&nbsp; My local nursery started stocking individual bulbs that produce unscented blooms.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I have more to say about bulbs in winter, but I'll talk about that in future posts.</span><br /><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chj7QyCpyBg/TuTPXMLMyuI/AAAAAAAAAws/sU_zFi4lP4E/s1600/Copy+of+Paperwhite+blooms2+11DEC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chj7QyCpyBg/TuTPXMLMyuI/AAAAAAAAAws/sU_zFi4lP4E/s400/Copy+of+Paperwhite+blooms2+11DEC11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Paperwhite blooms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6181584231545853656?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-17512315471219246522011-11-20T10:19:00.000-05:002011-11-20T10:19:27.330-05:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXDm1zwGRJY/TskZ49beYMI/AAAAAAAAAv8/VQ0nCCKzO64/s1600/Mandevilla+20NOV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="345" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXDm1zwGRJY/TskZ49beYMI/AAAAAAAAAv8/VQ0nCCKzO64/s400/Mandevilla+20NOV11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandevilla</td></tr></tbody></table>It's great to still have new blooms (and buds) on this plant so late in the year.&nbsp; This is Mandevilla and it's a tropical (and subtropical) flowering vine that is native to Central and South America.&nbsp; In my zone, it's an annual.&nbsp; I plant it every year because it adds vertical interest to a container garden.&nbsp; You do have to grow it on some type of structure--mine is on a wire trellis that's about 5 feet high.&nbsp; I plant mandevilla every spring once the night time temperatures are consistently above 55F.<br /><br />You'll typically find mandevilla&nbsp;with white blooms, red blooms, or pink blooms.&nbsp; It requires full sun and plenty of water.&nbsp; It grows super fast and does not require any maintenance on my part.&nbsp; <br /><br />I know that people successfully overwinter mandevilla by putting it in a garage or a laundry room that gets some light.&nbsp; I have a friend in Pennsylvania whose mandevilla is on its 7th year.&nbsp;But my&nbsp;garage has no window and I don't have a laundry room to speak of.&nbsp; Plus I don't have a lot of extra space to be storing plants indoors so I buy a new plant every year.&nbsp; <br /><br />Check out one of my earlier <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/planting-technique-mandevilla.html">mandevilla posts</a> (from 2008) to read about my planting technique and be sure to add this plant to your shopping list in the spring.<br /><br />Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1751231547121924652?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-39832211871570507952011-11-12T11:53:00.000-05:002011-11-12T11:53:39.276-05:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlTjchjKItk/Tr6jF7YeiVI/AAAAAAAAAsk/pwaESzSJPGY/s1600/Copy+of+Sage+5NOV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlTjchjKItk/Tr6jF7YeiVI/AAAAAAAAAsk/pwaESzSJPGY/s400/Copy+of+Sage+5NOV11.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Sage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It's November and many of my herbs still look fantastic.&nbsp; I always grow lots of herbs.&nbsp; I do a decent amount of cooking and there's nothing like going right out onto the deck and clipping a few herbs&nbsp;for a marinade or a pasta sauce.&nbsp; Also, I like how&nbsp;they make such great companions in a mixed container planting (oregano notwithstanding--it's terribly invasive).&nbsp; So here are three that are still going strong.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><strong>Sage:</strong>&nbsp; This is an old standby for me.&nbsp; It's perennial in my zone so it returns every year.&nbsp; I'm partial to purple sage because it plays well with bright colors in a container.&nbsp; Also, the texture of the leaves adds interest to a mixed planting.&nbsp; It likes full sun.&nbsp; For cooking, it's a great addition to pork, turkey, and even cheese&nbsp;dishes.&nbsp; I always put a few leaves under the skin of my Thanksgiving turkey before I roast it.&nbsp; But be careful not to use too much as it can be overpowering.</span><br /><br /> <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BTI0IIpbho/Tr6jKS-KloI/AAAAAAAAAss/PDcnVxDTOU4/s1600/Copy+of+Parsley+6NOV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BTI0IIpbho/Tr6jKS-KloI/AAAAAAAAAss/PDcnVxDTOU4/s400/Copy+of+Parsley+6NOV11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Parsley</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><strong>Parsley:</strong>&nbsp; I grow flat leaf (Italian) parsley.&nbsp; What's the difference between that and curly parsley?&nbsp; Well, I think the flat leaf just looks better, more elegant,&nbsp;in the garden.&nbsp; Also, most cooks prefer&nbsp;flat because it's more pungent.&nbsp; Typically you would only see curly parsley as a garnish.&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsley is a prolific grower and likes full sun.&nbsp; Although I've read about gardeners in colder zones than mine having luck with their parsley returning, mine has never survived my zone 7 winter.&nbsp; I have to buy new every year.&nbsp; Because there's even more flavor in the stems than in the leaves, I just chop up an entire bunch, stems and all,&nbsp;into my marinades and pasta sauces.&nbsp; Also, consider adding parsley to your salad.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><strong>Thyme:</strong>&nbsp; This&nbsp;herb is super easy&nbsp;to grow.&nbsp; You can start it from cuttings with almost no effort.&nbsp; It is very hardy (zone 4) and likes full sun.&nbsp; Because its leaves are so tiny, it is a great addition to a mixed planting and it tends to have&nbsp;a spillover effect.&nbsp; For cooking, try it in your marinades, meat dishes, soups, and stuffing.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb1kTxvkbvY/Tr6jO0SNa2I/AAAAAAAAAs0/aFzELCrmaTY/s1600/Copy+of+Thyme+5NOV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb1kTxvkbvY/Tr6jO0SNa2I/AAAAAAAAAs0/aFzELCrmaTY/s400/Copy+of+Thyme+5NOV11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">My most favorite herb, <strong>Rosemary</strong>, is missing from this writeup.&nbsp; For whatever reason, it did not perform well for me this year, and I had three plants!&nbsp; I usually have great success with it but this year, I think I'll barely have enough for my Turkey Day preparations.&nbsp; Oh well, better luck next year!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3983221187157050795?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-4650972998760639322011-11-05T17:51:00.000-04:002011-11-05T17:51:57.651-04:00 <table align="center" 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e98u9lcb6H0/TrWug3-I5AI/AAAAAAAAAr8/iad759ghSEk/s1600/Copy+of+Cuphea+Tiny+Mice3+5NOVV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e98u9lcb6H0/TrWug3-I5AI/AAAAAAAAAr8/iad759ghSEk/s400/Copy+of+Cuphea+Tiny+Mice3+5NOVV11.JPG" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuphea "Tiny Mice" or "Bat Face"</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">...you'll be able to see why this plant is nicknamed "Tiny Mice" and "Bat Face".&nbsp; Its official name is Cuphea (phonetically:&nbsp; kew-FAY-uh).&nbsp; Click to enlarge the picture&nbsp;to the left&nbsp;and maybe, if you sort of squint, and look a little sideways, you can see that it somewhat resembles the face of a bat (although I've never been nose to nose with a real bat, and don't hope to be, so I can't say for sure).&nbsp; Or you might view the little red petals on each side as the ears of mouse and the purple part, the face.&nbsp; </span><br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9v4QRGpZy4/TrWvGbY4PnI/AAAAAAAAAsc/vNz1e8HCaO8/s1600/Copy+of+Cuphea+Tiny+Mice2+5NOV11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9v4QRGpZy4/TrWvGbY4PnI/AAAAAAAAAsc/vNz1e8HCaO8/s320/Copy+of+Cuphea+Tiny+Mice2+5NOV11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuphea "Tiny Mice/Bat Face"</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">All likenesses aside, I think this is a nice plant to have in the garden because its tubular shape is so different than most flowers you might already have.&nbsp; Also, it attracts hummingbirds.&nbsp; I've only seen a hummingbird a few times this season, but that doesn't mean it doesn't visit with more frequency when I'm not looking.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Cuphea likes part to full sun, is heat tolerant, grows to a height of about 10 inches, and it's only hardy to zone 8.&nbsp; So I will have to buy another one if I want it in my garden next year.&nbsp; It blooms from&nbsp;spring to frost so even though you'll only have it for one season, you will definitely get your money's worth.&nbsp; I have mine planted in a small terracotta pot along with only one other plant:&nbsp; a creeping wire vine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-465097299876063932?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-43026484199986836772011-10-30T17:34:00.000-04:002011-10-30T17:34:01.667-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHEg0MOvH0c/Tq3B0TY8vpI/AAAAAAAAArs/s_x9m9u5sos/s1600/Copy+of+Euphorbia2+20OCT11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHEg0MOvH0c/Tq3B0TY8vpI/AAAAAAAAArs/s_x9m9u5sos/s400/Copy+of+Euphorbia2+20OCT11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blush Euphorbia close up</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is the first year I've grown this plant.&nbsp; It's called Blush Euphorbia.&nbsp; It's a dainty little plant with all of these delicate blooms all over it.&nbsp; And it blooms like crazy all summer long.&nbsp; It has dark green leaves with tones of burgundy and red.&nbsp; I have found it to be a fantastic "filler" plant for a container.&nbsp; Unfortunately, it is not perennial in my zone but that's okay, it's going right back on my shopping list for next spring.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Blush Euphorbia likes full sun, is heat tolerant, and grows to about 12 inches high.&nbsp; I think it would be a great filler in almost any mixed container planting.&nbsp; Maybe next year I'll put it&nbsp;with a plant that only produces foliage, like heuchera.&nbsp; </span> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pwbc-0My5HI/Tq3B4lVX_hI/AAAAAAAAAr0/-A6KCCu9by4/s1600/Copy+of+Euphorbia+Blush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pwbc-0My5HI/Tq3B4lVX_hI/AAAAAAAAAr0/-A6KCCu9by4/s400/Copy+of+Euphorbia+Blush.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blush Euphorbia</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">&nbsp;I read that Blush Euphorbia was recognized for Excellent Container Performance in 2010 at the University of Colorado.&nbsp; I wholeheartedly agree with that honor.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4302648419998683677?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-19055496756606995732011-10-26T20:26:00.000-04:002011-10-26T20:26:44.395-04:00 <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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-PNgSPlWKw/TqikrIJ-hzI/AAAAAAAAArk/zLIHMNP3xkQ/s1600/Strawberries+in+Oct_25OCT11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-PNgSPlWKw/TqikrIJ-hzI/AAAAAAAAArk/zLIHMNP3xkQ/s400/Strawberries+in+Oct_25OCT11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries in October</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It was quite a surprise to see these yesterday.&nbsp; I'm not sure we'll have enough warm days left for these guys to ripen, but it sure would be nice to have strawberries this late in the year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1905549675660699573?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-61587343457307114262011-10-16T21:58:00.000-04:002011-10-16T21:58:00.221-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYfVGyc2geQ/TpuLEVjlsPI/AAAAAAAAArU/XxEHva97Phc/s1600/Copy+of+Oakleaf+Hydrangea2+15OCT11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYfVGyc2geQ/TpuLEVjlsPI/AAAAAAAAArU/XxEHva97Phc/s640/Copy+of+Oakleaf+Hydrangea2+15OCT11.JPG" width="440" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pee Wee" Oakleaf Hydrangea foliage in October</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUiSQKIs6tE/TpuLKcHSX3I/AAAAAAAAArc/2v858ylWL-I/s1600/Copy+of+Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUiSQKIs6tE/TpuLKcHSX3I/AAAAAAAAArc/2v858ylWL-I/s400/Copy+of+Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23JUL10.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pee Wee" Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom in July</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I have a couple of plants in my container garden that put on their own little show this time of year.&nbsp; One is my "Pee Wee" Oakleaf hydrangea.&nbsp; The blooms start out a creamy white in spring and summer.&nbsp; By mid-summer, the blooms&nbsp;begin to turn a beautiful shade of burgundy and by the end of September, the leaves follow suit.&nbsp; This plant has been one of my best investments.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It's worth mentioning that even with a name like "Pee Wee", it's not so wee.&nbsp; I have it in a huge, lightweight composite pot and the shrub is now pretty huge.&nbsp; It's about 5 feet high and has a spread about equal that amount.&nbsp; It comes back bigger and better every year.&nbsp; It loves full morning sun and is extremely low maintenance.&nbsp;&nbsp; So if you have the space and the proper conditions, I highly recommend it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6158734345730711426?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-51011688741133428682011-10-10T09:53:00.000-04:002011-10-10T09:53:26.513-04:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1affMGGg2OM/TpL3_zpXHII/AAAAAAAAAqU/-U3JYumA3vo/s1600/Copy+of+Geranium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1affMGGg2OM/TpL3_zpXHII/AAAAAAAAAqU/-U3JYumA3vo/s640/Copy+of+Geranium.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium (Annual)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Even though I add more perennials to my garden each year, I always leave plenty of space for annuals.&nbsp; Here's why:&nbsp; Annuals provide a constant burst of color all season long.&nbsp; They bloom and bloom again--they give it their all until the end of the season&nbsp;when they expire from sheer exhaustion.&nbsp; They don't come back the following year (at least not in my zone) so if I want the same show, I have to go out and buy new the next season.&nbsp; When you combine annuals and perennials in the same container, you are virtually guaranteed that something interesting will be going on the entire season.&nbsp; You can count on the perennials returning next year (make sure they are hardy in your zone) and you can&nbsp;change things up by&nbsp;filling the space left by the previous year's annual with a different type of annual.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Here's one of my favorite types of annuals, the geranium.&nbsp; I tend to avoid the traditional geranium colors like white and red.&nbsp; Although those, planted in quantity, can make quite a statement.&nbsp; I lean towards colors like this one and I especially like the variegation.&nbsp; I don't know the name of this geranium because it didn't come with a plant tag.&nbsp; I have it planted in a container with herbs--sage and thyme--both of which are perennial.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5101168874113342868?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-57269800365773292452011-10-02T21:53:00.000-04:002011-10-02T21:53:18.781-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFyW9SlI2S4/TokU7-EQZkI/AAAAAAAAAqM/CnKKtJgpFrk/s1600/Copy+of+Hakenachloa2+11JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFyW9SlI2S4/TokU7-EQZkI/AAAAAAAAAqM/CnKKtJgpFrk/s640/Copy+of+Hakenachloa2+11JUN11.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvO6uoio4FQ/TokU_TW-rXI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mgYw1iiPc1Q/s1600/Copy+of+Hakenachloa+13AUG11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvO6uoio4FQ/TokU_TW-rXI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mgYw1iiPc1Q/s400/Copy+of+Hakenachloa+13AUG11.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Variety is what makes a garden interesting.&nbsp; I love having different types of grasses in my container garden.&nbsp; I have one container with Purple Fountain Grass, another with Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, and an iron urn planted with this--Hakonechloa.&nbsp; I've had this plant in the same urn for about 4 years.&nbsp; It's&nbsp;a native of Japan and is perennial to zone 5 so I've been able to rely on its return every year.&nbsp; It gets full morning sun in my garden which brings out the golden color of the blades.&nbsp; It grows to about 18" tall&nbsp;and has a cascading habit that is wonderful, but it gets even better when a breeze comes through.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Who says you need to have flowers in a container garden?&nbsp; I could see getting a few different grasses (or even several of the same type), planting them in fantastic containers, strategically positioning them on your deck or having them flank your front entry, and then calling it a day.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5726980036577329245?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-10607205724500613202011-09-25T13:10:00.000-04:002011-09-25T13:10:51.286-04:00 <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45bCn4Eip0U/Tn9fX3M1q0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/c_AZtH9nnLI/s1600/Blackberry+Lily3+24SEP11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="342" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45bCn4Eip0U/Tn9fX3M1q0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/c_AZtH9nnLI/s400/Blackberry+Lily3+24SEP11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belamcanda "Blackberry Lily" seed pod</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLdGFkgRuOo/Tn9fkE6tbXI/AAAAAAAAAqE/ufroDrluNbs/s1600/Belamcanda+JUL2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLdGFkgRuOo/Tn9fkE6tbXI/AAAAAAAAAqE/ufroDrluNbs/s320/Belamcanda+JUL2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belamcanda "Blackberry Lily" bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKmJBcsIQUg/Tn9ffFSSPmI/AAAAAAAAAqA/0KuMhiNkcjs/s1600/Copy+of+Blackberry+Lily4+24SEP11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKmJBcsIQUg/Tn9ffFSSPmI/AAAAAAAAAqA/0KuMhiNkcjs/s320/Copy+of+Blackberry+Lily4+24SEP11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belamcanda seed pods</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>In mid-July, I wrote a <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2011/07/but-it-doesnt-look-like-fruit.html">post</a> featuring Belamcanda, or "Blackberry Lily".&nbsp; I talked about how after the bloom fades, a seed pod forms and then it later breaks open revealing something that looks very much like a blackberry.&nbsp; Well, here it is.&nbsp; Cool, huh?<br /><br />Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1060720572450061320?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-46767296842897643362011-09-11T13:59:00.001-04:002011-09-11T14:03:57.850-04:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvcCLWIMyFc/Tmz2LzVk8EI/AAAAAAAAAp4/uxlG2lfvlKg/s1600/Copy+of+Geranium+and+Sweet+potato+vine+13AUG11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvcCLWIMyFc/Tmz2LzVk8EI/AAAAAAAAAp4/uxlG2lfvlKg/s640/Copy+of+Geranium+and+Sweet+potato+vine+13AUG11.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rozanne and Margarita</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is the color combination that I tend to repeat most often:&nbsp; purple and lime green.&nbsp; Here I did it with </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/05/who-knew.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Geranium "Rozanne",</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"> a perennial that is hardy to zone 5, likes partial to full sun, and blooms all season long.&nbsp; For the lime green I used Sweet Potato Vine "Margarita", an annual that is well worth buying every year because of its fantastic trailing habit.&nbsp; (For more evidence, check out my <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/08/spillover.html">link</a> from last August.)&nbsp; To the right of the picture, you'll see a bronze colored leaf as well.&nbsp; That's from Sweet Potato Vine "Sweet Caroline".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Feel free to comment with color combinations that you like to put together.&nbsp; I'm always looking for new ideas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4676729684289764336?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-66934169813044777212011-09-05T11:11:00.000-04:002011-09-05T11:11:37.728-04:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPzcZC7uxX4/TmTmC-M0AkI/AAAAAAAAAp0/r0i5sWaWcsc/s1600/Copy+of+Summer+heat+4SEP11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPzcZC7uxX4/TmTmC-M0AkI/AAAAAAAAAp0/r0i5sWaWcsc/s640/Copy+of+Summer+heat+4SEP11.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little summer heat</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">As if summer all over the country has not been hot enough, here's something to add&nbsp;a little extra&nbsp;spice to that heat.&nbsp; Although this pepper plant did not come with a tag, I'm 99% sure it's a Serrano pepper.&nbsp; Serranos are pretty hot, in fact, they are 5 times hotter than a Jalapeno.&nbsp; The heat of chili peppers is measured in </span><a href="http://ushotstuff.com/Heat.Scale.htm"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Scoville heat units</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"> (named after a chemist by the name of Wilber L. Scoville).&nbsp; A sweet bell pepper comes in at 0 on the scale; a Serrano is anywhere from 8,000 to 22,000; a Red Savina Habanero registers up to 575,000; and the grand daddy of them all, the Trinidad Scorpion,&nbsp;can reach&nbsp;a whopping 1.4 million.&nbsp; Someone call the fire department!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The degree of heat of a particular pepper depends on the growing conditions, the soil, and the weather.&nbsp; So the range for the Serrano can be explained by those factors.&nbsp; Also, Serranos will change color on the stalk depending on how long you leave them there.&nbsp; Mine turn red but others might turn brown, orange, or yellow.&nbsp; I use mine mostly to make salsa, along with tomatillos that I also grow.&nbsp; If you need to turn down the heat a little, you can always remove more of the seeds and the membrane from inside the pepper--that's where most of the heat is.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">If you've gotten in over your head, heatwise, there are a few </span><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Cool-Burns-from-Chili-Peppers"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">ways to get immediate relief</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">.&nbsp; Some proven remedies are:&nbsp; drink milk; drink sugar water; drink alcohol.&nbsp; Some folk remedies are: eat cucumber slices; eat a raw carrot; and, get this, eat more of the same pepper (really??).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Hot peppers are annual in my zone so I'll have to replant if I want more next year.&nbsp; Also, they like full sun and you can easily grow them as a companion plant in a mixed container.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6693416981304477721?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-90637278848847407202011-08-27T17:36:00.000-04:002011-08-27T17:36:58.443-04:00 <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQe0XzMwDrw/TllhVP2OYuI/AAAAAAAAApw/zCDgWj9q8Qo/s1600/Hydrangea+endless+summer+13AUG11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQe0XzMwDrw/TllhVP2OYuI/AAAAAAAAApw/zCDgWj9q8Qo/s400/Hydrangea+endless+summer+13AUG11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing Hydrangea</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Try saying&nbsp;<em>that </em>3 times fast!&nbsp; This is one of the Endless Summer hydrangeas that I bought about 3 years ago.&nbsp; It bloomed so well this season and I even cut a bunch of blooms earlier in the summer to put in the house.&nbsp; At that time of year, <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2011/05/endless-summer-one-can-hope.html">they were pink</a>.&nbsp; But as summer wanes, the blooms start to change.&nbsp; They take on&nbsp;a sort of dried look&nbsp;and I think it adds some interest to a late season garden.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">As I mentioned, the blooms&nbsp;were pink.&nbsp; I&nbsp;tried to change the color to blue by acidifying the soil using a garden sulfur product by Espoma (it can be found in any big box store or garden center).&nbsp; I think I did not apply enough or with enough frequency.&nbsp; I think maybe the latter because I water every day so anything in the soil washes out fairly quickly.&nbsp; I'll try again next year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">On to&nbsp;the subject of pruning.&nbsp; Here's what I do:&nbsp; Nothing.&nbsp; Endless Summer blooms on old wood and on new wood.&nbsp; Old wood&nbsp;refers to&nbsp;the stems that have been on the plant since last summer.&nbsp; New wood refers to the stems that developed this season and that continue to produce buds through the fall.&nbsp; If you cut back those, you know what happens.&nbsp; No buds this year&nbsp;equals no flowers next year.&nbsp; So why cut back any of it?&nbsp; The only&nbsp;stems you really&nbsp;need&nbsp;to trim are any dead ones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Finally, fertilizers.&nbsp; I&nbsp;only use a slow release fertilizer&nbsp;at the beginning of the season.&nbsp; If you&nbsp;fertilize too much, you'll get lots of pretty&nbsp;foliage but few blooms.&nbsp; So as far as fertilizers go, less is more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Hydrangeas make a great container plant.&nbsp; You just need to make sure you have a&nbsp;large enough pot because it will definitely multiply in size every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books&nbsp;</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-9063727884884740720?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-75938052868090538552011-08-21T13:31:00.000-04:002011-08-21T13:31:13.648-04:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnn8d__GWsQ/TlFAlTn0gjI/AAAAAAAAAps/J0m4S7X8PDY/s1600/Copy+of+Minirose+19JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnn8d__GWsQ/TlFAlTn0gjI/AAAAAAAAAps/J0m4S7X8PDY/s640/Copy+of+Minirose+19JUN11.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini rose</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Actually, I wish I did know this rose's name, but&nbsp;I don't.&nbsp; I bought it last year at our local big box store.&nbsp; As is sometimes the case, it had a plant tag with very sketchy information.&nbsp; I didn't keep the tag but if I remember correctly, it read something like, "Mini-rose, plant in full sun."&nbsp; It overwintered just fine and has bloomed sporadically all season long.&nbsp; It also seems to get along well with others because I have it in a container with Gaura and Ajuga.&nbsp; It's been a nice addition to my garden, but it will remain nameless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7593805286809053855?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-28176864686370671342011-08-13T09:21:00.000-04:002011-08-13T09:21:18.301-04:00 <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYNVsET5gaQ/TkZ5fiVFcdI/AAAAAAAAApY/yosUvsvyKxw/s1600/Copy+of+Black+eyed+Susan4+23JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYNVsET5gaQ/TkZ5fiVFcdI/AAAAAAAAApY/yosUvsvyKxw/s640/Copy+of+Black+eyed+Susan4+23JUL11.JPG" width="521" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-eyed Susan</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oE9p4L89tR4/TkZ5rV3KLAI/AAAAAAAAApc/WZFE88yOlO8/s1600/Copy+of+Black+eyed+Susan+close+up+23JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oE9p4L89tR4/TkZ5rV3KLAI/AAAAAAAAApc/WZFE88yOlO8/s400/Copy+of+Black+eyed+Susan+close+up+23JUL11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">All that remains of&nbsp;my beautiful Black-eyed Susan plant is a bunch of stems topped with petal-less seed heads.&nbsp; I can't even bear to show you.&nbsp; This is what happened:&nbsp; The <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-visitors.html">finches</a> arrived.&nbsp; They're pretty and fun to watch but they totally destroyed my flowers.&nbsp; They arrived at the buffet and did not leave until they had littered my deck with the yellow petals from my flowers and plucked out all of the seeds from the center of the bloom.&nbsp; But Susan is a survivor, so she'll return next year, and I'm sure the cycle will start all over again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2817686468637067134?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-32857736207867015302011-08-07T13:02:00.000-04:002011-08-07T13:02:34.636-04:00<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JV1vRwo9-A/Tj7Ee2S0lII/AAAAAAAAApA/gHHTEbnlYtw/s1600/Sophie%2527s+Astilbe+FBF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JV1vRwo9-A/Tj7Ee2S0lII/AAAAAAAAApA/gHHTEbnlYtw/s640/Sophie%2527s+Astilbe+FBF.JPG" t$="true" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astilbe</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I like having plants with interesting blooms in my container garden.&nbsp; Here's one:&nbsp; Astilbe.&nbsp; It has feathery plume-like flowers and they bloom on an upright growing plant.&nbsp; There are different varieties so you can find some that grow only a foot high and others that grow as tall as 4 or 5 feet.&nbsp; I don't know the name of this particular astible because it was given to me by another gardener who was dividing her perennials a couple of years ago.&nbsp; This plant adapted quickly to&nbsp;its container&nbsp;and bloomed the first season that I had it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Astilbe is a perennial that is hardy to zone 4.&nbsp; It can tolerate full sun, but it's best to give it a little shade, otherwise you risk scorching the leaves.&nbsp; This plant bloomed for me in June.&nbsp; I bring it to your attention now because soon, the garden centers and big box stores&nbsp;put their perennials on sale.&nbsp; That's a good time to buy some new plants.&nbsp; Don't be afraid of the ones that look a little unloved.&nbsp; They often bounce back in time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">You can go ahead and&nbsp;plant perennials&nbsp;in your containers and they should survive the winter if they are suitable for your hardiness zone.&nbsp; But remember, my rule of thumb is that for containers, subtract 2 from your region's planting zone.&nbsp; This is because when a plant is in a container, it is more exposed to the elements than when it is in the ground.&nbsp; Where I am in Northern Virginia, my hardiness zone is 7.&nbsp; So I look for perennials with a hardiness&nbsp;zone of 5 (or lower).&nbsp; Also,&nbsp;make sure you don't plant in too small a container.&nbsp;&nbsp;The more insulated a plant is&nbsp;by soil, the better chance it will have of surviving.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3285773620786701530?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-25846168207646310332011-07-30T09:09:00.000-04:002011-07-30T09:09:32.606-04:00 <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mpPF1e7Iqo/TjQBHVQ6NrI/AAAAAAAAAog/ra-8c94Timo/s1600/Copy+of+Rose+on+trellis2+23JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mpPF1e7Iqo/TjQBHVQ6NrI/AAAAAAAAAog/ra-8c94Timo/s640/Copy+of+Rose+on+trellis2+23JUL11.JPG" t$="true" width="417" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Thomas growth spurt</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /> <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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojZUvlzkp5k/TjQBmW33jiI/AAAAAAAAAow/gR9R4phpULs/s1600/Copy+of+Graham+Thomas2+23JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojZUvlzkp5k/TjQBmW33jiI/AAAAAAAAAow/gR9R4phpULs/s400/Copy+of+Graham+Thomas2+23JUL11.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Thomas blooms</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">My Graham Thomas rose is three years old and it's been growing pretty much at a snail's pace.&nbsp; It has produced more blooms every year, mostly in the late May/early June timeframe.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that,&nbsp;it blooms sporadically throughout the rest of the season.&nbsp; But a couple of weeks ago, it had a tremendous growth spurt--well, one stem did anyway.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This particular rose is supposed to grow up to 8 feet high.&nbsp; It loves the sun and is hardy to zone 5.&nbsp; I do absolutely nothing to it all year long other than add some time release fertilizer at the beginning of the season.&nbsp; Maybe if I fussed a bit more, I'd have more uniform growth but that's not the kind of gardener I am.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">When I ordered Graham Thomas, I was told I could train it as a climber.&nbsp; I'm having some difficulty doing that since it has such an upright growth habit, but I'm not giving up yet.&nbsp; Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy these little surprises when they happen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2584616820764631033?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-18231482284831532832011-07-24T20:35:00.000-04:002011-07-24T20:35:30.907-04:00<span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I've had frequent visitors to my garden lately.&nbsp; Look closely or click on each picture to get a larger view.&nbsp; These finches have been snacking on my Black-eyed Susans and my Agastache Golden Jubilee.&nbsp; </span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EIHDBt7kDY/Tiy5qYBVANI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/hWMbbC1MpP0/s1600/Finch3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EIHDBt7kDY/Tiy5qYBVANI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/hWMbbC1MpP0/s400/Finch3.JPG" t$="true" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1DHE_Yr_BE/Tiy5ugqXv9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/z2YRC7x-D4U/s1600/Finch4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1DHE_Yr_BE/Tiy5ugqXv9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/z2YRC7x-D4U/s400/Finch4.JPG" t$="true" width="317" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjLLtIeVbGI/Tiy5nBgZLpI/AAAAAAAAAoM/AcoogyiNGeY/s1600/Finch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjLLtIeVbGI/Tiy5nBgZLpI/AAAAAAAAAoM/AcoogyiNGeY/s400/Finch2.JPG" t$="true" width="316" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1823148228483153283?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-6723413152103125262011-07-16T20:13:00.000-04:002011-07-16T20:13:07.344-04:00<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g_DRzMsPP0/TiIoasNVQCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/ZNOSjtZ0bLw/s1600/Belamcanda2+fbf+25JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g_DRzMsPP0/TiIoasNVQCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/ZNOSjtZ0bLw/s400/Belamcanda2+fbf+25JUN11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belamcanda "Blackberry Lily" </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ph_ZorWat8/TiIofAdzB3I/AAAAAAAAAoI/BnceHubbBZU/s1600/Belamcanda+JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ph_ZorWat8/TiIofAdzB3I/AAAAAAAAAoI/BnceHubbBZU/s400/Belamcanda+JUL11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belamcanda "Blackberry Lily" Bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The common name for this plant is Blackberry Lily.&nbsp; It's official name is Belamcanda Chinensis and it is native to China and Japan.&nbsp; It's called Blackberry Lily because in late summer, the seed pod dries and breaks open, revealing a blackberry-like seed cluster.&nbsp; It's pretty cool and can be used in dried flower arrangements.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Even though it has the name lily, it's really part of the iris family.&nbsp; You can tell by the fan-shaped leaves.&nbsp; Belamcanda grows to about 3 feet and is hardy to zone 5.&nbsp; It blooms mid-summer and requires no special treatment.&nbsp; I think it is useful as a focal point of a mixed container so you could plant some shorter, fuller plants around it, some sort of Heuchera would be good.&nbsp; I'd also plant something that spills over the edge of the pot--maybe something like Calibrachoa with a bloom color that complements the bloom of the Belamcanda.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I think Belamcanda is an interesting plant with an unusual bloom so it will definitely remain a permanent part of my container garden.&nbsp; I also like the fact that the blackberry looking&nbsp;seed pods add interest to a winter garden.&nbsp; Just don't eat them!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-672341315210312526?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-20954766522010322542011-07-03T22:50:00.000-04:002011-07-03T22:50:29.493-04:00<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lRQNGqOQrc/ThEpjCxzhfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/TuJalrIhyxE/s1600/Sage+Wild+Thing+fbf+11JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lRQNGqOQrc/ThEpjCxzhfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/TuJalrIhyxE/s640/Sage+Wild+Thing+fbf+11JUN11.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia "Wild Thing"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDGVEGPITw/ThEp59H8FJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/-NAu0GqDXNE/s1600/Salvia+Wild+Thing+fbf+3JUL11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDGVEGPITw/ThEp59H8FJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/-NAu0GqDXNE/s400/Salvia+Wild+Thing+fbf+3JUL11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia "Wild Thing"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is a new perennial for me this year.&nbsp; I've grown different types of salvia before, but this year, I discovered Salvia "Wild Thing".&nbsp; The bloom is very unusual and the color is a wonderful, bold pink.&nbsp; It likes part to full sun and is supposed to bloom from June until September.&nbsp; That's a pretty long season for a perennial.&nbsp; It's hardy to zone 6 so I am crossing my fingers that it returns next year.&nbsp; Apparently, hummingbirds like it and, if you enlarge this picture and examine the shape of the bloom, you&nbsp;will see why.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I'm glad I came across this plant at the garden center.&nbsp; It's a great addition to my garden.&nbsp; As the song goes, "It makes everything groovy."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2095476652201032254?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-44260224918667290602011-06-25T09:59:00.000-04:002011-06-25T09:59:50.528-04:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdlQscLMvhQ/TgXopE3ecQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/X5PQ-Tb8z-4/s1600/Calibrachoafbf+11JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdlQscLMvhQ/TgXopE3ecQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/X5PQ-Tb8z-4/s640/Calibrachoafbf+11JUN11.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KI8jssb83_g/TgXn1OMBVGI/AAAAAAAAAm8/3gnMipSdOT8/s1600/Blue+Zephyr+Brachyscome+25JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KI8jssb83_g/TgXn1OMBVGI/AAAAAAAAAm8/3gnMipSdOT8/s320/Blue+Zephyr+Brachyscome+25JUN11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brachyscome "Blue Zephyr"</td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F85s3gGrgZs/TgXo0qnBYII/AAAAAAAAAnI/mcw2Tz7lLw0/s1600/Calibrachoa+Terra+Cotta+Can-Can+fbf+25JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F85s3gGrgZs/TgXo0qnBYII/AAAAAAAAAnI/mcw2Tz7lLw0/s320/Calibrachoa+Terra+Cotta+Can-Can+fbf+25JUN11.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calibrachoa "Terra Cotta Can-Can"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Today's post features two flowers:&nbsp; Calibrachoa "Terra&nbsp;Cotta Can-Can" and Brachyscome "Blue Zephyr".&nbsp; Both are annuals and are fantastic performers in a garden.&nbsp; Although about 60% of my container garden is comprised of perennials, I think it's important to plant a selection of annuals every season.&nbsp; Yes, it means shelling out some cash but, in my opinion, the trade-off is worthwhile because I am rewarded with plants that bloom like gangbusters until the first big frost.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I planted these two together because I loved the bold color combination.&nbsp; They need full sun and since I have them combined in a relatively small container, I water them every day.&nbsp; My experience with Calibrachoa is that&nbsp;it can stand pretty intense heat and even if it starts to wilt in the July late-day&nbsp;heat, it will bounce back quickly if given an additional drink.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Calibrachoa is really a mini petunia.&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll also see it referred to&nbsp;as Million Bells.&nbsp; Brachyscome is of the daisy family.&nbsp; You can shear back this plant as the blooms fade to encourage more blooming.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Can you grow these?&nbsp; Of course you can-can.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4426022491866729060?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-72486547054764514772011-06-19T21:37:00.000-04:002011-06-19T21:37:35.904-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7OU-U-MBo/Tf6j7KLB6gI/AAAAAAAAAm0/2CtFaAUWMoQ/s1600/Pestemon+Red+Husker+fbf+11JUN11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7OU-U-MBo/Tf6j7KLB6gI/AAAAAAAAAm0/2CtFaAUWMoQ/s640/Pestemon+Red+Husker+fbf+11JUN11.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The common name for Penstemon is Beardtongue.&nbsp; This is Penstemon "Husker Red" and from what I can gather, the University of Nebraska played a big part in developing the plant and, as such, named it after its own football team.&nbsp; Well, I'm not much of a football fan, but I thank those Huskers because this plant&nbsp;has been a great performer in my container garden.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">First of all, the foliage is amazing--it's a deep burgundy.&nbsp; So when the flowers fade, there's still something fantastic to admire.&nbsp; The beautiful white blooms are produced on strong, upright stems which means no staking is&nbsp;necessary.&nbsp; It's hardy to zone 5 although I've seen some accounts that its hardiness zone is 3.&nbsp; It blooms from early to mid-summer and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.&nbsp; It requires full sun for optimal performance.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This Husker is definitely a winner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7248654705476451477?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-90053835437882491972011-06-12T11:30:00.000-04:002011-06-12T11:30:45.154-04:00<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KbJaFpaw-8/TfTa2QXWGzI/AAAAAAAAAms/OlziVFSm6Tw/s1600/Heucheras.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KbJaFpaw-8/TfTa2QXWGzI/AAAAAAAAAms/OlziVFSm6Tw/s640/Heucheras.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is Heuchera and it is a workhorse in my container garden.&nbsp; Here's why:&nbsp; Its foliage can be found in lots of different colors so it's extremely versatile; it's an ideal height for a container--18 inches--which means it offers a lot of flexibility when designing arrangements; it's not demanding and is not bothered by pests; and its blooms are nice, but its leaves are what's worth writing home about.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This picture shows the blooms of a heuchera that I have in one pot and the chartreuse leaves of another heuchera in a container I have positioned behind it.&nbsp; You can find heuchera in all different colors:&nbsp; various shades of green, peach, rose, gold, purple, and almost black.&nbsp; They all have wonderful names like creme brulee, tiramisu, obsidian, peach flambe, plum pudding, and solar power.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Heuchera&nbsp;is perennial and hardy to zone 4.&nbsp; It also likes part sun/part shade.&nbsp; It can tolerate full sun but you might end up with some slight scorching on the leaves.&nbsp;&nbsp;It blooms in the spring and early summer, but really,&nbsp;it's grown for its foliage.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">When desigining a container, you can play up the color of nearby blooming flowers.&nbsp; For example, you could plant a heuchera with lime green foliage near a purple blooming plant.&nbsp; Or you can put several different heuchera in one container for an interesting foliage-only container.&nbsp; The possibilities are endless.&nbsp; This is a garden must.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-9005383543788249197?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-21276421062690305732011-05-29T22:03:00.000-04:002011-05-29T22:03:15.976-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp3Gs1jUGDs/TeL6ThXznyI/AAAAAAAAAmo/T5vjY3k1mXQ/s1600/Hydrangea+Endless+Summer+Blog_29MAY11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp3Gs1jUGDs/TeL6ThXznyI/AAAAAAAAAmo/T5vjY3k1mXQ/s400/Hydrangea+Endless+Summer+Blog_29MAY11.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea "Endless Summer"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is Hydrangea "Endless Summer"--it's a mophead hydrangea.&nbsp; I already have a hydrangea but it's an <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/08/oakleaf-in-transition.html">Oakleaf</a> and its shape and bloom is much different.&nbsp; I planted Endless Summer last year and was disappointed because it didn't come anywhere close to living up to its name.&nbsp; Well, this year may be the start of something really good.&nbsp; It's already blooming like crazy and it's three times the size it was last year.&nbsp; My patience (and a huge container) seem to be paying off.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I did some basic research on hydrangeas--I'll get into more of that in a later post.&nbsp; Most of it has to do with how and when&nbsp;to prune them so that's not so much a concern this early in the season.&nbsp; I will also report back on a little experiment I'm doing to try to change the color of the blooms.&nbsp; Stay tuned for that.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">For now, just know that Endless Summer is supposed to bloom reliably from June to September.&nbsp; It's hardy to zone 4 and grows 3 to 5 feet high.&nbsp; It likes part to full sun.&nbsp; The farther north you are, the more sun exposure you can allow.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer--if only it could be endless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2127642106269030573?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-71466087434660795502011-05-22T22:41:00.000-04:002011-05-22T22:41:30.651-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98ZSHiBOVy4/TdnJEC9oApI/AAAAAAAAAmc/T-aJE2mZwX0/s1600/Graham+Thomas+climbing+rose_15MAY11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98ZSHiBOVy4/TdnJEC9oApI/AAAAAAAAAmc/T-aJE2mZwX0/s400/Graham+Thomas+climbing+rose_15MAY11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Thomas</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">You may remember <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/06/graham-thomas-debut.html">Graham Thomas</a>, a climbing rose that I bought three years ago from the <a href="http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/index.html">Antique Rose Emporium</a>.&nbsp; I was uncertain at the time whether it would survive winters in a container.&nbsp; But it's hardy to zone 5 (I'm in zone 7) and I planted it in quite a large pot.&nbsp; My worries were unfounded--it bounces back every year.&nbsp; I hardly do anything to it.&nbsp; This spring, I just cut back any branch that was brown.&nbsp; I also added more potting soil, some time-release fertilizer, and some <a href="http://www.gardeners.com/Container-Soil-Booster-Mix/31-571,default,pd.html">Vermont Container Booster</a>.&nbsp; That's about all the effort I'm willing to expend.&nbsp; The rest is up to the plant.&nbsp; I'd say Graham Thomas is faring quite well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7146608743466079550?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-48671134029431897282011-05-13T22:42:00.000-04:002011-05-13T22:42:53.594-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6zZaobOdro/Tc3r3VwfL7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/fiFGusD7MU8/s1600/Clematis+Cezanne+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6zZaobOdro/Tc3r3VwfL7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/fiFGusD7MU8/s400/Clematis+Cezanne+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis "Cezanne"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The great thing about climbing plants is they can add vertical interest to help you make maximum use of a small space.&nbsp; I plant a mandevilla every year.&nbsp; Three years ago, I planted a climbing rose.&nbsp; This year, I added to my climbing plant collection:&nbsp; this is Clematis "Cezanne".&nbsp; I bought it online from White Flower Farm.&nbsp; I planted it in the same container as my climbing rose which is yellow.&nbsp; I think the yellow of the rose and the purple of the clematis will look great together.&nbsp; The clematis is just getting started so I don't know what I can expect this first season.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This&nbsp;plant is hardy to zone 4 and it is bred for containers and small spaces.&nbsp; Its maximum height will be about 5 feet and it is supposed to bloom in May and June, and then again in September.&nbsp; I'll be sure to report back on its progress.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4867113402943189728?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-27398727476953488772011-05-06T22:15:00.000-04:002011-05-06T22:15:23.077-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9O42oJCsjI/TcSq2lebCcI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/gnIiiEpSYw8/s1600/Pot+scrubbing+30APR11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9O42oJCsjI/TcSq2lebCcI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/gnIiiEpSYw8/s320/Pot+scrubbing+30APR11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot Scrubbing</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Spring is here and it's time to get started.&nbsp; This isn't the prettiest part of gardening but it is necessary.&nbsp; I had lots of perennials return this year, but I also had more than a few pots in which I had planted annuals last year that I never got around to cleaning out.&nbsp; So I emptied them last weekend and started scrubbing.&nbsp; I don't use anything special, just a sponge, some antibacterial dishwashing liquid, and plenty of elbow grease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Now that my pots are clean, I'm ready to start shopping and planting.&nbsp; Stay tuned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books&nbsp; </a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2739872747695348877?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-70045939902269831422010-11-21T15:06:00.000-05:002010-11-21T15:06:59.155-05:00 <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TOl7nfqIBiI/AAAAAAAAAmE/d2RmVptk744/s1600/Sage+arrangement4+9OCT10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TOl7nfqIBiI/AAAAAAAAAmE/d2RmVptk744/s400/Sage+arrangement4+9OCT10.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sage and Eucalyptus Bouquet</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I wanted to make an arrangement to put in the house on a small side table.&nbsp; I am amazed that this late in November I have a lot of things that still look pretty good in the garden.&nbsp; For this arrangement, I decided to just use foliage:&nbsp; purple sage and eucalyptus.&nbsp; I snipped a few stems of each and put them in a silver pitcher.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Sage is hardy to zone 5 and I keep it in my garden for two reasons:&nbsp; it's great to use for cooking and its foliage complements so many other types of plants.&nbsp; This one has a purple hue and its leaves are textured.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I like the fragrance and leaf structure of eucalyptus.&nbsp; Unfortunately, it is not hardy in my zone so I replant it every year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">A nice little arrangement done in only 90 seconds.&nbsp; No flowers required.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7004593990226983142?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-6261132412800740012010-10-10T18:08:00.000-04:002010-10-10T18:08:13.654-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TLI4uP96kRI/AAAAAAAAAl4/bSKWM46QUfQ/s1600/Minifamous+vampire3+9OCT10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TLI4uP96kRI/AAAAAAAAAl4/bSKWM46QUfQ/s320/Minifamous+vampire3+9OCT10.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mini-Famous Vampire"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">You know it's a big trend when&nbsp;the gardening world has to&nbsp;get in on it.&nbsp; This is "Mini-Famous Vampire" Calibrachoa.&nbsp; It is a blood red bloom that can be relied upon to perform from May until October.&nbsp; Mine is still blooming--and I hacked it way back a couple of months ago when it was getting a little out of hand.&nbsp; It trails beautifully and isn't picky about soil--and it also seems to do especially well in hot weather.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">So there it is--a vampire in my garden.&nbsp; But a pretty one that's not at all scary.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-626113241280074001?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-74116263766694314072010-09-12T16:43:00.000-04:002010-09-12T16:43:42.435-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TI06pngAuUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/38txM2dn7-U/s1600/Society+Garlic3+7SEP10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TI06pngAuUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/38txM2dn7-U/s400/Society+Garlic3+7SEP10.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Society Garlic</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is Society Garlic.&nbsp; It's known by other names:&nbsp; Pink Agapanthus or, for the academic types, Tulbaghia violacea.&nbsp; It's of the amaryllis family and is native to South Africa.&nbsp; It supposedly got its name because it was believed that&nbsp;it could be eaten without producing "garlic breath" and so it was acceptable for use in polite society.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Society garlic likes full sun to light shade, it grows to about 12 inches high, and is hardy to zone 7.&nbsp; I don't expect mine to return next year because I have it in such a small pot and it won't have much protection from winter elements.&nbsp; However, I may try to keep it alive inside.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The leaves do have a garlic-like aroma but it's not overwhelming.&nbsp; However,&nbsp;I cook with a lot of garlic so my nose may be desensitized.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, I love it for its grasslike leaves and elegant bloom.&nbsp; High class indeed.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7411626376669431407?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-13713609985543834052010-09-06T16:20:00.000-04:002010-09-06T16:20:14.319-04:00<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TIVMW5FMPdI/AAAAAAAAAlg/1KhGBCm940E/s1600/Toadflax+returns+9MAY1-.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TIVMW5FMPdI/AAAAAAAAAlg/1KhGBCm940E/s400/Toadflax+returns+9MAY1-.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Toadflax</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">You'd think with a name like Toadflax, it could not possibly be anything you'd want to put in&nbsp;your garden.&nbsp; But you'd be wrong.&nbsp; This is such a nice addition to several of my containers.&nbsp; It's called Purple Toadflax.&nbsp; It doesn't take up a whole lot of room and it grows upright on feathery-like stems about 24" high.&nbsp; It's hardy to zone 5 and it reseeds very easily.&nbsp; So it's not only attractive, it's economical too.&nbsp; It likes lots of sun and grows well in pretty much any kind of soil.&nbsp; Best of all, it grows all summer long.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1371360998554383405?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-11821493433755924392010-08-29T10:22:00.000-04:002010-08-29T10:22:45.540-04:00<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THprn2gqH3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/gIFNtn5f8Y4/s1600/Tomatillo+22AUG10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THprn2gqH3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/gIFNtn5f8Y4/s400/Tomatillo+22AUG10.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatillo growing on plant</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Forget salsa out of a jar, there's nothing like making it yourself from fresh ingredients.&nbsp; One of the key ingredients in the salsa I make is the tomatillo.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I can't always rely on my local grocery to have them.&nbsp; So this year, I decided to try my hand at growing my own.&nbsp; I bought a tomatillo plant in the spring from White Flower Farm.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">A tomatillo plant looks a lot like a tomato plant and requires the same conditions, primarily lots of sun and good drainage.&nbsp; The fruit is small, round, and green and it grows in a papery husk.&nbsp; You know when it's time to harvest when the fruit has filled out the husk and the husk is straw colored.&nbsp; When you peel the husk off, the tomatillo skin will feel sticky--just give it a good rinse and you're ready to start chopping.</span><br /><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THprvOfvYjI/AAAAAAAAAlA/auD8THR4VKk/s1600/Tomatillo5+22AUG10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THprvOfvYjI/AAAAAAAAAlA/auD8THR4VKk/s400/Tomatillo5+22AUG10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripe Tomatillo </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THpr02CnYJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/n3OXPy90Tdw/s1600/Salsa2+22AUG10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/THpr02CnYJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/n3OXPy90Tdw/s400/Salsa2+22AUG10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final, tasty product</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1182149343375592439?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-67088111438640932102010-08-21T10:15:00.000-04:002010-08-21T10:15:22.532-04:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TG_eX7QYujI/AAAAAAAAAko/ArTuvgkJBGE/s1600/Oakleaf+Hydrangea3+6JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TG_eX7QYujI/AAAAAAAAAko/ArTuvgkJBGE/s400/Oakleaf+Hydrangea3+6JUN10.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TG_eldpsfoI/AAAAAAAAAkw/kWyXERz-_WM/s1600/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TG_eldpsfoI/AAAAAAAAAkw/kWyXERz-_WM/s400/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23JUL10.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is a follow-up to my <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/bud-to-bloom.html">June 27th post</a> in which I showed the bloom progression of my "Pee Wee" oakleaf hydrangea.&nbsp; I mentioned then that as the summer progresses, the leaves begin to turn a wonderful shade of burgundy.&nbsp; I didn't mention that the blooms change as well.&nbsp; Here are two pictures, the first is the bloom at the beginning of summer, the second is how it looks now.&nbsp; Either way would look terrific in a flower arrangement--that's if you have the fortitude to actually cut it.&nbsp; I don't.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6708811143864093210?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-2822808783114914122010-08-07T11:01:00.000-04:002010-08-07T11:01:24.082-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TF103HDi1II/AAAAAAAAAkg/Szq7-yWCNFM/s1600/Sweet+potato+vine2+23JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TF103HDi1II/AAAAAAAAAkg/Szq7-yWCNFM/s320/Sweet+potato+vine2+23JUL10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is my sweet potato vine, after I had already cut it back.&nbsp; It was taking over the deck.&nbsp; You can find sweet potato vine in different colors, from this bright chartreuse to almost a purple black.&nbsp; It loves the sun and even if you forget to water it and the leaves start wilting, it will bounce back quickly after a good soaking.&nbsp; Sweet potato vine is an annual so I plant it new every year.&nbsp; After the season is over and you do your garden clean up, you'll find the actual sweet potato (probably more than one) under the soil.&nbsp; I still haven't tried eating them, I've always thought these were ornamental as opposed to edible.&nbsp; Here's my </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-gonna-eat-that.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">post on that topic</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"> a couple of years ago.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-282280878311491412?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-73592920242445612812010-07-24T11:20:00.000-04:002010-07-24T11:20:23.987-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEsD3sXQjgI/AAAAAAAAAkY/oOw9kf401C0/s1600/Cumberland+Black+Raspberry+14JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEsD3sXQjgI/AAAAAAAAAkY/oOw9kf401C0/s320/Cumberland+Black+Raspberry+14JUN10.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">The plant featured in my </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/third-years-charm.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">June 6th post</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"> was the Cumberland Black Raspberry.&nbsp; After its third year in my garden, it finally produced fruit.&nbsp; Let me just say, it was a very small harvest but this is what the berries looked like when they were ripe for the picking.&nbsp;&nbsp;They were definitely tasty.&nbsp; There were just too few of them.&nbsp; Now I fully understand why berries are so expensive in the grocery store.&nbsp; Of course, those prices are nothing compared to what it has cost me to produce my tiny little crop.&nbsp; Obviously, I don't have the economies of scale that a farmer&nbsp;has but knowing what I know now, I won't suffer nearly the degree of sticker shock when I see the berry prices at my local grocery or farmer's market.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7359292024244561281?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-33792450874156392712010-07-18T21:40:00.000-04:002010-07-18T21:40:55.731-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEOsvH39HAI/AAAAAAAAAkI/NO2cajMWkAE/s1600/Sophies+coneflower+21JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEOsvH39HAI/AAAAAAAAAkI/NO2cajMWkAE/s320/Sophies+coneflower+21JUN10.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEOs3Zz-xQI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vi5UnFnV5G4/s1600/Sophie%27s+coneflower+1JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TEOs3Zz-xQI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vi5UnFnV5G4/s320/Sophie%27s+coneflower+1JUL10.JPG" /></a></div>This purple coneflower is a "volunteer" from a fellow gardener's landscape garden.&nbsp; This particular plant was the result of hers reseeding last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lucky&nbsp;me,&nbsp;I was the beneficiary.&nbsp; I replanted it in one of my containers and this was the progression of the first bloom I got this season.<br /><br />The "official" name is Echinacea.&nbsp; A bit of trivia: &nbsp;the word comes from the Greek "echinos" which means hedgehog and refers to the spiny center cone.&nbsp; Anyway, it's hardy to zone 3, if you can believe that.&nbsp; Reason enough to put it in your garden.&nbsp; It likes full sun to partial shade, is drought resistant, and blooms from June to October.&nbsp; You may have also seen the name in the vitamin supplement or tea section of your local grocery.&nbsp; Echinacea is well known for its immune boosting properties.<br /><br />Finally, this flower is a big draw for butterflies and goldfinches.&nbsp; <br /><br />Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3379245087415639271?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-83331191694707334742010-07-11T21:59:00.000-04:002010-07-11T21:59:07.212-04:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDp2GAacB7I/AAAAAAAAAj4/oYESrzRavjg/s1600/View+from+above2+9MAY10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDp2GAacB7I/AAAAAAAAAj4/oYESrzRavjg/s320/View+from+above2+9MAY10.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It's time for a "before" and "after" post.&nbsp; You may recall the chaos on my deck in early May.&nbsp; Right now, everything looks pretty good.&nbsp; It's been pretty warm in northern Virginia lately so I give my plants a good soaking very early in the morning.&nbsp; And then in the evening, I give the smaller pots a second drink.&nbsp; I have only had one casualty since my initial planting, some new kind of fern that was supposed to be able to tolerate full sun--I really should have known better.&nbsp; Overall though, I'm very pleased with how it has all turned out.&nbsp; See below.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDp2SibeVjI/AAAAAAAAAkA/hFvyzj7v828/s1600/Top+view5+21JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDp2SibeVjI/AAAAAAAAAkA/hFvyzj7v828/s320/Top+view5+21JUN10.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8333119169470733474?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-54952488889385437292010-07-05T08:48:00.000-04:002010-07-05T08:48:34.604-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHSo-U18DI/AAAAAAAAAjY/7r8II_Mc89k/s1600/Belamcanda7+1JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHSo-U18DI/AAAAAAAAAjY/7r8II_Mc89k/s320/Belamcanda7+1JUL10.JPG" width="221" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">This is a new plant for me this year.&nbsp; It's called Belamcanda Chinensis--the more common name is Blackberry Lily.&nbsp; It's supposed to bloom for several weeks in the summer.&nbsp; Plant height is 18-24", it likes full sun, is perennial to zone 5, and its leaves are fan shaped--very similar to gladiolus.&nbsp; I have noticed that the blooms open in the middle of the day but by evening have closed up.&nbsp; Belamcanda doesn't just come in this very mellow color, it can also be found in shades of orange and some of the&nbsp;blooms are spotted.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Belamcanda grows from rhizomes, however, I found mine when they were already in the early foliage stage.&nbsp; I planted them in mid-May&nbsp;and the first bud appeared&nbsp;mid-June.&nbsp; </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHS9Mo-giI/AAAAAAAAAjg/JSBWaBllpLg/s1600/Belamcanda+bud2+19JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHS9Mo-giI/AAAAAAAAAjg/JSBWaBllpLg/s320/Belamcanda+bud2+19JUN10.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHTKsWVxYI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Kn7otEu1iWE/s1600/Belamcanda3+26JUN10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHTKsWVxYI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Kn7otEu1iWE/s320/Belamcanda3+26JUN10.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">In my Google search, I&nbsp;came across an acupunture website&nbsp;that said the rhizome, when boiled in water to make a sort of tea,&nbsp;was effective in treating throat-related ailments such as general pain and swelling and laryngitis.&nbsp; I think I'll stick with the over-the-counter Chloraseptic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHTkS3zXCI/AAAAAAAAAjw/5kkdrgEaSCU/s1600/Belamcanda4+1JUL10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TDHTkS3zXCI/AAAAAAAAAjw/5kkdrgEaSCU/s320/Belamcanda4+1JUL10.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Bookshelf:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Container Gardening Books</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5495248888938543729?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-67308052058121115512010-06-27T17:58:00.011-04:002010-06-27T18:25:15.024-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is "Pee Wee" Oakleaf Hydrangea in March of this year. It's pee wee because it doesn't grow nearly as large as traditional <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfMyrTLGAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2sTG5QfK13M/s1600/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+27MAR10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487579841962907650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfMyrTLGAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2sTG5QfK13M/s320/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+27MAR10.JPG" border="0" /></a>oakleaf hydrangeas but it gets plenty big to make a statement in a container. My container is pretty large--maybe 24 inches in diameter. The information on the plant tag said this shrub (hardy to zone 5) will grow to about 3 feet by 3 feet. Mine might be a little larger than that. It likes morning sun and will bloom through July. In the fall, the enormous leaves will turn a burgundy color so at least it will still look sort of interesting after all of the blooms are gone. I have it planted with a perennial geranium (see the last picture) which winds its way up through the gaps of the hydrangea in a most appealing way. <strong>Scroll for more pictures.</strong></span><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfM8aTxerI/AAAAAAAAAi4/i-7AFsoS_5E/s1600/Oakleaf+hydrangea+6MAY10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580009200712370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfM8aTxerI/AAAAAAAAAi4/i-7AFsoS_5E/s320/Oakleaf+hydrangea+6MAY10.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNNPs2ZtI/AAAAAAAAAjA/PaAi9nXQJPs/s1600/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23MAY10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580298410878674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNNPs2ZtI/AAAAAAAAAjA/PaAi9nXQJPs/s320/Oakleaf+hydrangea2+23MAY10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNWNO7WDI/AAAAAAAAAjI/aEV-yAH6N9E/s1600/Oakleaf+hydrangea+6JUN10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580452367325234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNWNO7WDI/AAAAAAAAAjI/aEV-yAH6N9E/s320/Oakleaf+hydrangea+6JUN10.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNeAbxwhI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/P-3wOGbh9ss/s1600/Oakleaf+Hydrangea3+13JUN10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580586370515474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TCfNeAbxwhI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/P-3wOGbh9ss/s320/Oakleaf+Hydrangea3+13JUN10.JPG" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6730805205812111551?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-55481479611976585932010-06-20T17:35:00.005-04:002010-06-20T18:29:57.648-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TB6L0GW3I0I/AAAAAAAAAio/hy2bkdNZKR0/s1600/Canna+Tropical+Salmon2+19JUN10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484975123359802178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TB6L0GW3I0I/AAAAAAAAAio/hy2bkdNZKR0/s320/Canna+Tropical+Salmon2+19JUN10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is Canna "Tropical Salmon" and it's ideally suited for containers. Here's why: it's only 24 inches high. So you can easily use it as the "thriller" in your arrangement, and have plenty of room for fillers and spillers without throwing off the proportions of your entire combination. I've planted cannas in the past and, while they are certainly beautiful, I always had a difficult time coming up with ideas of what to plant with them because they are usually between 4 and 6 feet high. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Canna is a tropical plant, so if you want one every year, you're probably going to have to buy one every year. Unless of course you already live in the tropics or you want to dig up the bulb (technically, a rhizome) and store it indoors over the winter. I typically opt for the former.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Need a refresher on the thriller, filler, spiller technique of planting containers? Visit my </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/06/tickled-pink.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Tickled Pink" </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">post from two years ago.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5548147961197658593?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-61749640148538441002010-06-06T19:13:00.005-04:002010-06-06T19:26:44.244-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TAwuW6lyRjI/AAAAAAAAAig/1UhD6_xAuRY/s1600/Cumberland+Raspberry+6JUN10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479805817822791218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/TAwuW6lyRjI/AAAAAAAAAig/1UhD6_xAuRY/s320/Cumberland+Raspberry+6JUN10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is the Cumberland Black Raspberry plant. It's the third year I've had it and this is the first time I've seen any evidence of fruit. I usually don't have that much patience with plants because the real estate on my deck is valuable and I don't want to fool around with anything that doesn't fulfill its promise. However, this plant has looked healthy every season so I decided to give it one more year. The fruit is supposed to ripen in July and August. I'll report back to let you know if it was worth waiting for. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For those who have more patience than I do, here's some additional information: this plant is hardy to zone 5 and likes full sun. I've kept it elevated, of course, for good drainage and I've done nothing to it in the way of maintenance. Also, I have not used any special fertilizer, just a small handful of the time-release fertilizer every year.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6174964014853844100?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-37203782501625576022010-05-23T19:12:00.004-04:002010-05-23T19:31:15.316-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S_m6WoUKiJI/AAAAAAAAAiY/XwuSZNaiB7A/s1600/Geranium+Rozanne2+23MAY10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474611719987431570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S_m6WoUKiJI/AAAAAAAAAiY/XwuSZNaiB7A/s320/Geranium+Rozanne2+23MAY10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is Geranium "Rozanne". I bought and planted it last year--talk about a garden workhorse. This is its first bloom of the season. Little did I know that it was awarded the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year by the <a href="http://www.perennialplant.org/">Perennial Plant Association</a>. I did not even know such a group existed but I'm glad they do. You see, the organization gives its highest award to the perennial that successfully meets the sort of criteria that I'm always looking for. That is, a plant that survives in a wide range of climatic conditions, is low maintenance, is pest and disease resistant, and has multiple season ornamental interest. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Rozanne is a hardy (to zone 5), repeat blooming geranium. The violet-blue bloom is about 2 inches across. It likes full sun to part shade. Mine gets part shade because it's planted underneath a huge oakleaf hydrangea and butterfly bush. It grows to about 20 inches high and is exceptionally heat tolerant. It blooms all summer and shearing it mid-summer will encourage repeat blooms.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As soon as I finish this post, I'm going to the Perennial Plant Association's website to see other award winners. I love that they've done all the hard work for me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Container Gardening Books</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3720378250162557602?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-67313085870625563102010-05-16T19:36:00.004-04:002010-05-16T19:50:23.925-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S_CEKJ1LYQI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/ycJaR1cvFRs/s1600/Jean+Mermoz+year+2+16MAY10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472018857227673858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S_CEKJ1LYQI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/ycJaR1cvFRs/s320/Jean+Mermoz+year+2+16MAY10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Things are moving along in the garden. I was able to make some progress today. It was a very volatile week, temperature-wise. I hauled a bunch of things in the house because we had a few nights last week when the mercury dipped below 45F.<br /><br />Meanwhile, many of my perennials have come back quite nicely. Here is Jean Mermoz, a delightful little shrub rose that grows to between 2 and 3 feet high. It's hardy to zone 5 and the bloom is but just 1" (maybe a tad more) across. I ordered it by mail last year from Antique Rose Emporium. Don't look for it this year, it's sold out. The early bird definitely catches the worm where this shop is concerned. They ship from September to mid-May and they sell out fast so you have to be one of those plan-ahead types. Mark your calendar now.<br /><br />Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6731308587062556310?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-28598266973250795032010-05-09T16:11:00.003-04:002010-05-09T16:27:45.638-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S-cZxQxoxMI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Wor8AL9Ywlw/s1600/View+from+above5+9MAY10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469368606572201154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S-cZxQxoxMI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Wor8AL9Ywlw/s320/View+from+above5+9MAY10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Actually, it looked worse about a week ago. But I'm making progress. Unfortunately, we're going to have a bit of a cold snap tonight (39F) so that means the container that I planted yesterday with the mandevilla and other plants will have to come inside. I'll have to wrestle it indoors with the trellis attached and everything. I'll also have to bring inside all of the little nursery pots of annuals that I have not yet gotten into containers. I hope that after this week, we'll be in the clear, temperature-wise.<br /><br />Almost all of my plant shopping is done, with the exception of a few fillers here and there. I had many perennials return from last year but there are some gaping holes in certain arrangements where I had used annuals as companion plants.<br /><br />I'm pleased to report that, as of last weekend, my local Lowe's had a fantastic selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. I was so impressed. The big box stores are getting better and better every year.<br /><br />I'll be back to planting next weekend after the cold snap and the forecasted rains pass.<br /><br />Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</div></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2859826697325079503?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-62004345923722627632010-04-25T15:49:00.004-04:002010-04-25T16:13:28.299-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S9Shr9eB6uI/AAAAAAAAAiA/YVkVPQDnJwQ/s1600/Planning6+18APR10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464170024514218722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S9Shr9eB6uI/AAAAAAAAAiA/YVkVPQDnJwQ/s320/Planning6+18APR10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you've read any of my posts in the past, you know that I've had to learn the hard way about planting too early in the season. I try to resist all temptation until Mother's Day, lest an unexpected overnight cold snap arrive, threatening the lives of my newly planted friends and leaving me crying in my empty wallet.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And so I satisfy myself in the meantime with planning. I've studied and worked in the financial field for many years and so I have a penchant for spreadsheets--as you see in this picture. Not only does it help me monitor my gardening expenses, but it also reminds me of what I've bought every year, where I got it, when I bought it, and when it was delivered. I can also see how prices of certain plants change from year to year. And while the price of Xanthosoma "Lime Ginger" seems to creep up annually, still I buy--because I love it. But one day, I may have to put a ceiling on what I'm willing to spend on that particular plant. Number nerd that I am, I find keeping a gardening spreadsheet helpful and fun.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So stay tuned, now that I have a plan in place and a shopping list together, I'll be ready to hit the nursery on Mother's Day weekend. Rain or shine.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6200434592372262763?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-80410100486418502972010-02-08T10:46:00.005-05:002010-02-08T10:54:26.908-05:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S3AzMhJQ0OI/AAAAAAAAAh4/ERao5ed4iME/s1600-h/Waiting+for+Spring4+8JAN10.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435901040384856290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S3AzMhJQ0OI/AAAAAAAAAh4/ERao5ed4iME/s320/Waiting+for+Spring4+8JAN10.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> ...it may be awhile</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S3AynK854GI/AAAAAAAAAhw/D4K0WeJAQ_c/s1600-h/Waiting+for+Spring4+8JAN10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435900398772281442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S3AynK854GI/AAAAAAAAAhw/D4K0WeJAQ_c/s320/Waiting+for+Spring4+8JAN10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/S3AyUJbus5I/AAAAAAAAAho/V5Z-r0mudEI/s1600-h/Waiting+for+Spring2+8JAN10.JPG"></a>Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening </a><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Books </a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8041010048641850297?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-81187487482001300822009-12-13T19:52:00.007-05:002009-12-13T20:08:50.586-05:00<div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SyWOk-vgLYI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/A1Bfkfk7fmk/s1600-h/Closeup+cluster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414890892951563650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SyWOk-vgLYI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/A1Bfkfk7fmk/s320/Closeup+cluster.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's three weeks later and here are the paperwhites from my last post. They are now in full bloom. Actually, the first blooms appeared about eight days ago. So you can see that if you plant groups of bulbs in succession, say every week, you can have something blooming in your house well into the new year. </span><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">By the way, I went to the nursery today and they still had paperwhite bulbs available. Since you're out there doing all of your holiday shopping anyway, make a quick stop by your nursery or big box store and get a little something for yourself.</span></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SyWP5thPU1I/AAAAAAAAAhg/q5TosY_7yJc/s1600-h/Full+bloom+paperwhites+12DEC09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414892348617216850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SyWP5thPU1I/AAAAAAAAAhg/q5TosY_7yJc/s320/Full+bloom+paperwhites+12DEC09.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8118748748200130082?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-75789061438985412912009-11-22T12:13:00.007-05:002009-11-22T12:35:55.052-05:00<div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl0jtlsxAI/AAAAAAAAAgw/woSyJs_LJLQ/s1600/Bulb+group2+21NOV09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406980984516953090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl0jtlsxAI/AAAAAAAAAgw/woSyJs_LJLQ/s320/Bulb+group2+21NOV09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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 <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/12/winter-blooms.html">forcing paperwhite narcissus indoors</a>. Here's a repeat of that lesson, only this time, I'll show you how to grow them in rocks and water.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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".</span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl0uHUlHHI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xrGEMlIhIXw/s1600/Paperwhite+bulb+root+21NOV09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406981163223161970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl0uHUlHHI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xrGEMlIhIXw/s320/Paperwhite+bulb+root+21NOV09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Then fill the container with enough water so that the water level is even with the base of the bulb roots. </span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl1B99U7jI/AAAAAAAAAhA/PPR-1In5BrU/s1600/Water+at+root+level+21NOV09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406981504307097138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl1B99U7jI/AAAAAAAAAhA/PPR-1In5BrU/s320/Water+at+root+level+21NOV09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl1OEiWGTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7S7oYMH0cNg/s1600/Paperwhites2+21NOV09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406981712231405874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Swl1OEiWGTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7S7oYMH0cNg/s320/Paperwhites2+21NOV09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7578906143898541291?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-25497496057385204862009-10-18T21:14:00.005-04:002009-10-18T21:27:42.783-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Stu_-32mTUI/AAAAAAAAAgg/f2bu-N1Jilg/s1600-h/Basil+plant2+23MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394116065572048194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Stu_-32mTUI/AAAAAAAAAgg/f2bu-N1Jilg/s320/Basil+plant2+23MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Stu__YUWYaI/AAAAAAAAAgo/2_vx5zPWlRE/s1600-h/Pesto+Perpetuo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394116074286768546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Stu__YUWYaI/AAAAAAAAAgo/2_vx5zPWlRE/s320/Pesto+Perpetuo.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: </span><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Container Gardening Books</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2549749605738520486?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-85366678453799926192009-09-06T09:26:00.006-04:002009-09-06T09:43:38.982-04:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SqO71BNzA2I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/b8k68XJkCgQ/s1600-h/Xanthasoma+plant+23AUG09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378348899544269666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SqO71BNzA2I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/b8k68XJkCgQ/s320/Xanthasoma+plant+23AUG09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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. </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SqO78Qj4JqI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Tk1fK7ASLZk/s1600-h/Xanthasoma+closeup+23AUG09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349023922497186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SqO78Qj4JqI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Tk1fK7ASLZk/s320/Xanthasoma+closeup+23AUG09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8536667845379992619?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-10987508951206299252009-08-23T21:16:00.006-04:002009-08-23T21:36:12.150-04:00<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SpHtf9XlxnI/AAAAAAAAAgA/NsehOQV-skY/s1600-h/Daisy+in+a+cup2+23AUG09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373336963734947442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SpHtf9XlxnI/AAAAAAAAAgA/NsehOQV-skY/s320/Daisy+in+a+cup2+23AUG09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SpHtnYin0WI/AAAAAAAAAgI/PYheRwfHdKo/s1600-h/Daisy+transplant+23AUG09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373337091288060258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SpHtnYin0WI/AAAAAAAAAgI/PYheRwfHdKo/s320/Daisy+transplant+23AUG09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1098750895120629925?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-74962382752735176322009-08-09T17:33:00.004-04:002009-08-09T17:49:19.664-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sn9DmPd4y4I/AAAAAAAAAf4/-AF2snV6bao/s1600-h/Crocosmia3+22JUL09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368083605114899330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sn9DmPd4y4I/AAAAAAAAAf4/-AF2snV6bao/s320/Crocosmia3+22JUL09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Apparently hummingbirds love crocosmia but I have yet to see one come calling. I'll continue to keep watch though.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7496238275273517632?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-55768426570631757322009-07-25T20:34:00.004-04:002009-09-06T09:57:37.399-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Smumevk8CLI/AAAAAAAAAfw/As15cGqbmjU/s1600-h/Finch2+25JUL09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362562828412389554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Smumevk8CLI/AAAAAAAAAfw/As15cGqbmjU/s320/Finch2+25JUL09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Note to self: more zinnias next year.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5576842657063175732?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-62889107037134381972009-07-19T17:29:00.004-04:002009-07-19T17:38:02.742-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SmORs80rrvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_Fp7mgmmwhA/s1600-h/Million+Bells+10JUL09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360288182928387826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SmORs80rrvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_Fp7mgmmwhA/s320/Million+Bells+10JUL09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is a <em>great</em> 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.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6288910703713438197?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-82925220776519344572009-07-05T21:14:00.004-04:002009-07-05T22:16:54.485-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SlFdxmpn9gI/AAAAAAAAAfg/3naTR5sJmFQ/s1600-h/Scaevola+and+angelonia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355164538690336258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SlFdxmpn9gI/AAAAAAAAAfg/3naTR5sJmFQ/s320/Scaevola+and+angelonia.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Themes have never been my thing when planting my container garden. I don't try very hard to coordinate colors because I figure, if it's found in nature, it <em>must</em> go together. Besides, why complicate something that's really supposed to be simple? But I do seem to naturally gravitate towards certain things. Like lime green foliage (Creeping Jenny). And things that climb (Mandevilla). And purple blooms. Shown here are two of my favorite annuals: Angelonia and Scaevola. Sure they come in different colors--pretty ones too. But I always end up with some variation of purple. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The scaevola tends to sprawl and spill over. The angelonia grows upright to about 9 inches or so. Both plants bloom like crazy all summer long and require no, I repeat, no maintenance. You can't ask for much more than that.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8292522077651934457?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-67462751033342294532009-06-28T19:33:00.005-04:002009-06-28T19:46:45.418-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SkgAHeKGSUI/AAAAAAAAAfY/foUPgTzUxcw/s1600-h/Penstemon+16JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352528285484337474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SkgAHeKGSUI/AAAAAAAAAfY/foUPgTzUxcw/s320/Penstemon+16JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">According to my husband, this plant has a bit of an alien look about it. It's called Penstemon, or Beardtongue. I get where the beardtongue name comes from and if you zoom in on the bloom, you'll see too. It <em>is</em> kind of peculiar looking but it sure adds interest to my containers. Multiple flowers bloom on each stem and it attracts bees (which I've seen plenty of) and hummingbirds (yet to appear--but I'm hopeful). Penstemon is supposed to be hardy to zone 5 but I planted it last year and it did not return. Maybe I'll have better luck this time around. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Oh, and one more thing: I read that Native Americans used Penstemon root to relieve toothaches. Well, toothaches are rare for me but it's still nice to know that I am growing a plant that is not only attractive, but that might tide me over if it's a while before I can get a dental appointment.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6746275103334229453?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-31569230735379402232009-06-21T22:05:00.004-04:002009-06-21T22:17:12.587-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sj7pDt3OGmI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/mj8NsRaVmxE/s1600-h/Perle+dOr+16JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349969657422813794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sj7pDt3OGmI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/mj8NsRaVmxE/s320/Perle+dOr+16JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Perle d'Or (or Pearl of Gold) is one of the two new roses that I bought this year from Antique Rose Emporium. Shown here is its first bloom of the season. According to my research, this rose was bred and introduced in France in 1884. The bloom's size and shape look a lot like the Cecile Brunner that I bought last year, which, by the way, seems to be struggling a bit right now. My fingers are crossed for her recovery. I'm chalking it up to the torrential rains we've had for the past couple weeks.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, back to Perle d'Or. Its maximum height and width is supposedly 4 feet which is why I thought it would be ideal for a container. It's hardy to zone 6 so with a little luck, it will return next year. Perle has a lot going for it: size, beauty, fragrance and, perhaps, the biggest selling point (especially since I rarely wear gardening gloves): nearly thornless branches. No Band-Aids required.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3156923073537940223?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-64491521977775820312009-06-13T16:15:00.011-04:002009-06-13T16:46:37.492-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQPP--STQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/LkCvTqGZKCQ/s1600-h/Foliage+only+FBF2+13JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346915424872320258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQPP--STQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/LkCvTqGZKCQ/s320/Foliage+only+FBF2+13JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The display at Crate and Barrel had a wire- framed basket on a dining table filled with decorative fruit. What got my attention was the markdown sign: 70% off. Of the basket that is. I'm always on the hunt for great containers and, bargain lover that I am, there was no way I was going to pass this one up. The sales associate suggested various ways of displaying it in the house. I told him, "No way, I'm planting flowers in it and putting it in my garden!"</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Since I had not yet planted my annual foliage-only arrangement, I decided this would be the container I'd use. I first put in a large round coconut liner and filled it with potting soil and a scoop of Osmocote time-release fertilizer. Here are the plants I chose:</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Heuchera sanguinea "Bressingham Hybrids', zone 3</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Heuchera 'Plum Pudding', zone 3</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Juncus 'Unicorn', zone 4</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip', zone 4, (two plants)</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Origanum 'Kent Beauty', zone 5</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Stonecrop sedum, zone 5</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Green santolina, zone 7</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Purple sage, annual (two plants)</span></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQOmRVhbVI/AAAAAAAAAew/okEaqqFJcy8/s1600-h/Wireframe2+13JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346914708247113042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQOmRVhbVI/AAAAAAAAAew/okEaqqFJcy8/s200/Wireframe2+13JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQO6SY4PdI/AAAAAAAAAfA/bnDXc3MxJYA/s1600-h/Foliage+FBF1+13JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346915052127010258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SjQO6SY4PdI/AAAAAAAAAfA/bnDXc3MxJYA/s200/Foliage+FBF1+13JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6449152197777582031?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-23748919962023253292009-06-07T22:34:00.013-04:002009-06-07T23:04:42.366-04:00<div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six7XOeDWiI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Aipk2RwgnzM/s1600-h/Mandevilla+before+tying+30MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344782496733288994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six7XOeDWiI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Aipk2RwgnzM/s200/Mandevilla+before+tying+30MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six8LEm-E_I/AAAAAAAAAdo/S_M9AYUVApE/s1600-h/Tape+and+scissors2+30MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344783387439535090" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six8LEm-E_I/AAAAAAAAAdo/S_M9AYUVApE/s200/Tape+and+scissors2+30MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six8RbBSExI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Mvb2g0I6HHE/s1600-h/Closeup+ties+30MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344783496534692626" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six8RbBSExI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Mvb2g0I6HHE/s200/Closeup+ties+30MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mandevilla is on my shopping list every year. I usually opt for white. I try not to buy it too early in the season because it can only be left outside after nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 55F.</span><br /><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I always repot my mandevilla so that it can climb up the trellis that I already have. It requires some unwinding from the support that is provided in the nursery pot and sometimes that takes a while so a little patience is required. Often times, you can buy the mandevilla in a good-sized pot with its own small wooden trellis and there's nothing at all wrong with leaving it just like that. I saw a whole bunch at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago--healthy plants at a price that was well below that of the area nurseries.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I unwound this white mandevilla and planted it in my pot with my green wire trellis. The plant was sort of drooping forward and I thought it might need some immediate help locating its support. So I got some garden tape and loosely tied several of the plant stems to the trellis to give it a helping hand. Now there's no stopping it.</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six_fZT6fiI/AAAAAAAAAeg/3PuFvKMnHMA/s1600-h/Mandevilla+after+tying+7JUN09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344787035129019938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six_fZT6fiI/AAAAAAAAAeg/3PuFvKMnHMA/s320/Mandevilla+after+tying+7JUN09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Six_J94bsaI/AAAAAAAAAeY/yGkQ7xK5GsU/s1600-h/Mandevilla+after+tying+7JUN09.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2374891996202325329?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-46821170586023543612009-05-31T08:02:00.005-04:002009-05-31T10:59:38.967-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SiJ1BkSczmI/AAAAAAAAAdA/DpddMPOumoM/s1600-h/Strawberry+trio+30MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341960777796210274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SiJ1BkSczmI/AAAAAAAAAdA/DpddMPOumoM/s320/Strawberry+trio+30MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's year number three for this plant and it's finally producing fruit, albeit in small quantities. But boy, is it tasty. This strawberry plant is called "Mara des Bois" and I bought it from White Flower Farm a few years ago foolishly thinking it would produce a bumper crop of strawberries the first year. It didn't. In fact, I don't think I got a single one. I figured it was just one of my gardening experiments that didn't work out. But in March of last year, I saw foliage emerging and was surprised to see it return. I did get some berries--maybe about 7 over the course of the entire summer. This year it's back again and so far I've gotten about 8 or 9 and I hope that's a promise of many more to come. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My Internet research taught me that "Mara des Bois" is quite well known in French circles which would explain why I know nothing about it. What I do know is that it is a beautiful strawberry in every way: size, shape, color and, most importantly, taste. Whatever my plant yields this year, I'll be thankful for it. In my opinion, this is what a strawberry is supposed to be.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4682117058602354361?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-87372839923913946512009-05-24T13:11:00.004-04:002009-05-24T13:35:41.990-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/ShmE9DOg41I/AAAAAAAAAc4/sni_nXzY5N4/s1600-h/Coleus+closeup+23MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339445017597502290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/ShmE9DOg41I/AAAAAAAAAc4/sni_nXzY5N4/s320/Coleus+closeup+23MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was back at the nursery yesterday, in pursuit of a plant that I loved last year but had been unable to find so far this year: Coleus "Fishnet Stockings". I mentioned it in a <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/whats-not-to-like.html">post</a> last year. I've seen it written about twice already this year. The first article I saw appeared in Fine Gardening magazine and, at that point, I wasn't worried because that's not a magazine that reaches the gardening masses. But then the plant was featured in the Sunday Washington Post a couple of weeks ago. Oh boy. Good luck finding it now.</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Off to Merrifield Gardening Center I went yesterday. They had rows upon rows of every kind of coleus imaginable. There were hundreds. You can bet I looked at every single one. And you know how it is when your desire for something increases exponentially in relation to the dimishing probability that you'll ever find it. Desperate, I finally did what I rarely do at nurseries--I asked for help. The people that work at this nursery are so friendly and know what service is all about. The sales assistant offered to check the back stock. Given the tens of thousands of plants on display at this place, I found it hard to believe there even was a back stock. Anyway, she trotted off, leaving me to cool my heels for a while. I told her if she found any, I'd take three. Originally, I only went looking for two but that whole scarcity thing took over.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After about 10 minutes she returned--plants in hand. She said she had almost given up hope but she managed to find four of them mixed in with some other types. Keeping my word, I only took three. I wanted to leave one for the next person who might come in all wild-eyed, looking for Fishnet Stockings.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8737283992391394651?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-16501745012437140782009-05-16T16:02:00.009-04:002009-05-16T16:33:21.424-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sg8ilTJIUQI/AAAAAAAAAcg/1oLVj2n2wRo/s1600-h/Needs+more+plants+10MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336522107646398722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sg8ilTJIUQI/AAAAAAAAAcg/1oLVj2n2wRo/s320/Needs+more+plants+10MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sg8iyTr03BI/AAAAAAAAAco/2C9bvBuEJwI/s1600-h/Positioning+plants3+10MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336522331130223634" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sg8iyTr03BI/AAAAAAAAAco/2C9bvBuEJwI/s320/Positioning+plants3+10MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When I do mixed plantings, I often combine perennials and annuals in one container. The following year, I'm faced with gaps where the annuals were and I have to decide how to fill them. I've shown an example here. In this galvanized tub, I have three perennials: a heuchera and, barely seen, a chocolate eupatorium and a swedish ivy. A lot of empty space remains where I had annuals planted last year. I found a few more plants at the nursery and to see what the arrangement might look like before I commit any further, I place them in the pot before I remove them from their original containers. Once I'm satisfied, I can go ahead and plant. It's always a good idea to sprinkle in some time-release fertilizer like Osmocote in the planting holes before adding the new members of the container.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In this container, I added coleus "Dipt in Wine" (yes, I bought it just for the name), creeping wire vine, sedum "Vera Jameson", and origanum "Kent Beauty". </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1650174501243714078?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-54049844665913770642009-05-10T18:14:00.006-04:002009-05-10T18:38:07.394-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SgdWLbML6yI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aaWvoldOb4g/s1600-h/Empty+Cart+10MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334327037921061666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SgdWLbML6yI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aaWvoldOb4g/s320/Empty+Cart+10MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SgdWVshkAUI/AAAAAAAAAcA/hIxv-MuE4Ns/s1600-h/Full+cart2+10MAY09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334327214372815170" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SgdWVshkAUI/AAAAAAAAAcA/hIxv-MuE4Ns/s320/Full+cart2+10MAY09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I usually plan my first big shopping trip right around this time because I'm fairly certain that the cooler evenings are behind us. When I first started gardening, I'd make a beeline for the nursery on the first warm spring day (usually early April) because my hands were itching to plant something. And I was never alone. As with most important lessons though, I had to learn the hard way. Invariably, we'd get hit with a blast or two of cold air in the following weeks, leaving me with a bunch of dead plants and fewer dollars in my bank account.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">No more. I now wait until Mother's Day. It's worked so far.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I went shopping today. Here's the cart before and after. This is a little more than half of what I'll need to complete my garden this season. Many plants returned this year. I also ordered some things via the Internet. Still on my shopping list: mandevilla, red Abyssinian banana plant, lots of herbs, and some miscellaneous fillers. That will be next weekend's shopping trip.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Stay tuned for more frequent postings and some review material on planting technique. Meanwhile, get those pots cleaned out--it's time to start planting!</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5404984466591377064?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-48897946042582916592009-04-26T17:26:00.015-04:002009-04-26T17:48:41.355-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SfTUhFYa2GI/AAAAAAAAAbo/gPZ0Y0DMvIk/s1600-h/Savaging+Jenny4+18APR09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329117923931510882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SfTUhFYa2GI/AAAAAAAAAbo/gPZ0Y0DMvIk/s320/Savaging+Jenny4+18APR09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I just read on a </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">website that Creeping Jenny (a.k.a. Lysimachia for you Latin fans) has one of the most extensive root systems on Earth. In fact, many people have written in asking how to permanently rid their gardens and landscapes of it. And here I am, trying to save it. Go figure. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As I've said before, it's one of my all-time favorites for trailers in containers. It has come back every year for me. This year, it returned in a pot that was also previously planted with annuals. Of course the annuals died but I wanted to keep the Creeping Jenny. It seemed like it returned in sufficient quantity as to allow for division and distribution which is exactly what I did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I used this great <a href="http://www.felcostore.com/order1.jsp?code=F600">Felco saw </a>that my brother gave me for Christmas. I don't know how I've survived this long without it. I cut the Creeping Jenny into several pieces and I've planted it into a couple of other pots. Now let's see if it lives up to its reputation.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SfTUtwDRcQI/AAAAAAAAAbw/OXnoUskVmA4/s1600-h/Felco+Saw+18APR09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329118141543969026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SfTUtwDRcQI/AAAAAAAAAbw/OXnoUskVmA4/s320/Felco+Saw+18APR09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4889794604258291659?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-49963226071279545542009-04-19T13:16:00.005-04:002009-04-19T13:30:29.672-04:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SetfSW5W4mI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-PvP-2XfL3E/s1600-h/Graham+Thomas3+19APR09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326455753284182626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SetfSW5W4mI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-PvP-2XfL3E/s320/Graham+Thomas3+19APR09.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had my fingers crossed all winter and it worked. Graham Thomas has returned. I bought this rose online from Antique Rose Emporium. It promised to be hardy to Zone 5 but planting in containers is different than planting in the ground what with the increased exposure to the elements. I vowed to do nothing special during the cold spells--no wrapping in blankets or any of that other inconvenient nonsense.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm happy to report that it looks pretty good so far. That's not to say that I didn't have to cut back some branches that didn't make it (see picture below). Of course, time will tell whether it demonstrates the same vigor and bloom that it did last year. I'll keep you posted.</span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SetfccJq8iI/AAAAAAAAAbg/6eQ1_FOdbEM/s1600-h/Pruning+Graham+Thomas+15MAR09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326455926493475362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SetfccJq8iI/AAAAAAAAAbg/6eQ1_FOdbEM/s320/Pruning+Graham+Thomas+15MAR09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">While yesterday was a glorious day here, I did not succumb to the siren song of the garden center. Well, that's not altogether true. I did buy potting soil and a couple of perennials. But I saw lots and lots of people buying plants that probably are not yet ready to go in the ground. I anticipate a few more chilly nights in the coming weeks and I've been burned before. I'll be making most of my purchases in the second week of May. That's when I have schedule the arrival of my mail order plants as well. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4996322607127954554?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-46453158286196311932009-03-15T14:37:00.005-04:002009-03-15T14:53:52.153-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sb1NoDZ1pXI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gR0McRDUk8k/s1600-h/Gardening+catalogs+14MAR09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313488485870839154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/Sb1NoDZ1pXI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gR0McRDUk8k/s320/Gardening+catalogs+14MAR09.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's my collection of garden catalogs that I've been poring over the past several weeks. I rarely get paper catalogs anymore since I do most of my shopping over the Internet but there are a few that make for good reference material throughout the growing season.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course, my all-time favorite is <a href="http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/">White Flower Farm</a>. In fact, I recently received a gift certificate and I've narrowed my selection. I usually try to pick something fairly unique, something that I don't normally find at my local nursery. The other catalog that I really like is <a href="http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/">Antique Rose Emporium</a>. I ordered from them for the first time last year on the recommendation of my friend Barbara. This year will tell the tale as to whether I made good choices and whether or not I took proper care of them (which is to say, I did absolutely nothing at all) over the winter. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's been rainy and dreary here for the past couple of days and there are no immediate signs of it letting up. So I'll continue to peruse my catalogs and start formulating some plans for the upcoming season. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4645315828619631193?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-32601907126688716242008-12-28T17:54:00.006-05:002008-12-28T18:12:16.092-05:00<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgGdgMBh0I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/IF79l_ve3bo/s1600-h/Label+reminder+122708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284981266645616450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgGdgMBh0I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/IF79l_ve3bo/s320/Label+reminder+122708.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am <em><strong>way</strong></em> late planting my outdoor bulbs. Travel and holidays sort of threw me off my intended schedule. However, it's been my experience that bulbs are very forgiving. I'll have to wait until late March/early April to find out if that's true with the bulb choices I made this year.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, I planted two types of bulbs in one pot. I did my usual filling of the pot with styrofoam popcorn for drainage and then adding a few inches of soil. Typically, bulbs need to be planted at a depth that is 3x their size. So first, I put in about a dozen Tazetta Narcissus Geranium (the large bulb shown in the photo below). Then I added more soil, and planted about ten Tulip Turkestanica (see second photo below). The nice thing about bulbs is you can plant in layers like that. It's a great way of creating a mixed planting.</span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgG0FNaV5I/AAAAAAAAAaA/U7_c_VTGyRs/s1600-h/Preparing+for+outdoor+bulbs+122708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284981654540670866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgG0FNaV5I/AAAAAAAAAaA/U7_c_VTGyRs/s320/Preparing+for+outdoor+bulbs+122708.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgHDvsx_wI/AAAAAAAAAaI/iNo6tiCHpUs/s1600-h/Tulip+Turkestanica+122708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284981923644571394" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SVgHDvsx_wI/AAAAAAAAAaI/iNo6tiCHpUs/s320/Tulip+Turkestanica+122708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I topped it all off with more soil and I will just make sure the soil remains damp throughout the winter. Bulbs really are the ultimate in low maintenance. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3260190712668871624?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-57899948900468055702008-12-06T13:54:00.012-05:002008-12-11T21:03:06.559-05:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrOlRsNhkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/oIfI0KE0vU8/s1600-h/Paperwhite+in+bloom3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276757053217277506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrOlRsNhkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/oIfI0KE0vU8/s320/Paperwhite+in+bloom3.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After a bit of a hiatus, I am back to talk about planting paperwhite narcissus so that you can have some blooms indoors during the holiday season. </span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This time of year can be kind of a bummer because there's not much going on in the garden. There's certainly nothing blooming unless you are one of the fortunate few living in a warmer zone. But I like to force bulbs in containers so that I can have blooms indoors. Mostly, I do paperwhites because they are the least fussy. Just about any spring blooming bulb can be forced indoors to bloom, but many require weeks and weeks of cold, dark storage which means planning ahead of time. I've done it before with tulips and hyacinth but, frankly, you get more instant gratification from paperwhites. Plus, they are very easy to find this time of year.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I like paperwhites because they are easier than pie to get to bloom and are relatively inexpensive. You can find them for about a dollar a bulb at the high end nurseries and often much less at big box stores and supermarkets. Often times, you will see prepackaged kits that give you the little pot, soil and bulbs along with directions. Those are fine but I tend to pitch the container in favor of using my own and I also think my potting soil is better. But that's just me.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, all you need is a few bulbs, a container (drainage holes not necessary--for once!!), soil or rocks, and water. I say "or rocks" because you really don't even need any dirt. Here we go--<strong>Step one</strong>: put soil or rocks in container. <strong>Step two</strong>: If using soil, dampen it but don't soak it. If using rocks, bring water level up to top level of rocks. <strong>Step three</strong>: place bulbs root side down on damp soil or, if using rocks, on surface of rocks so that a little water comes in contact with roots. <strong>Step four</strong>: put container indoors in any place where it will get at least medium light. <strong>Step five:</strong> keep soil damp (not wet) or water level in contact with bulb roots. <strong>Step six</strong>: wait about 3 weeks for stems to start growing and blooms to appear.</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrPBkPUzLI/AAAAAAAAAZg/D8H5hnAY5Q0/s1600-h/Preparing+paperwhites+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276757539232730290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrPBkPUzLI/AAAAAAAAAZg/D8H5hnAY5Q0/s200/Preparing+paperwhites+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276757680476476658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrPJyadVPI/AAAAAAAAAZo/HMgRqap1wRo/s200/Damp+soil+for+paperwhites.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrPRRCit2I/AAAAAAAAAZw/lp28KjAdV9w/s1600-h/Adding+paperwhite+bulbs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276757808956749666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/STrPRRCit2I/AAAAAAAAAZw/lp28KjAdV9w/s200/Adding+paperwhite+bulbs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Paperwhites are aromatic. I love them but I was eavesdropping on a conversation at the nursery and a truly unfortunate woman had a husband who hated the scent so she had to come up with another solution. I'm guessing she kept the husband and chose a different bulb to grow.</span> Maybe.<br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5789994890046805570?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-44897060675476749812008-11-03T09:44:00.007-05:002008-11-03T10:08:55.110-05:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8TSBwXk2I/AAAAAAAAAVw/W3PNrHxd54w/s1600-h/Pruners.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264447689849279330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8TSBwXk2I/AAAAAAAAAVw/W3PNrHxd54w/s320/Pruners.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Time to break out the pruners! I've spent several afternoons cutting back my perennials and shrubs. Now I'm no expert on pruning although I've seen encyclopedic volumes on the subject. I don't have the time or patience to read them. I can only speak from my own experience. Last year, I didn't cut back anything in the fall. Instead, I waited until spring to see where the new growth would emerge and then cut back all the old, dead stuff from the previous year. Nothing at all scientific about that and it seemed to have worked just fine.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This year, I've decided to cut back all of my perennials in the fall (but, of course, not my Japanese Maple tree) just to see if I end up with a different result when next season comes around. I had no choice but to cut back my Lespedeza because this is the year I am forced to divide it which I expect will not be an easy task given how long it's been in the same pot.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've included pictures of one of my butterfly bushes. In the first picture, you can barely make out the blade of my pruners cutting one of the stems. The second picture shows what the plant looked like after I finished the job. It just so happens I did more research on cutting back butterfly bushes (after I had already cut mine, naturally) and I think I may have been a bit too aggressive. I guess I'll find out.</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8TaPdg1II/AAAAAAAAAV4/TwdJE-hkzjc/s1600-h/Cutting+back+24OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264447830967243906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8TaPdg1II/AAAAAAAAAV4/TwdJE-hkzjc/s320/Cutting+back+24OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8Tiy6vRXI/AAAAAAAAAWA/T06OQFUy8aw/s1600-h/Trimmed+Butterfly+bush+24OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264447977924019570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQ8Tiy6vRXI/AAAAAAAAAWA/T06OQFUy8aw/s320/Trimmed+Butterfly+bush+24OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm going to be away for a little while. At the end of this month, I will be posting more information about planting bulbs because that's when I'll be ready to plant mine. You can still find a nice selection in the nurseries and online at sites such as </span><a href="http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">www.whiteflowerfarm.com</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> but they're going fast!</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4489706067547674981?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-22059186285929031852008-10-29T15:37:00.003-04:002008-10-29T15:49:01.172-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQi9yXK9a5I/AAAAAAAAAVo/1ha_Bx0uJZo/s1600-h/October+surprise2+29OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262664837493517202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQi9yXK9a5I/AAAAAAAAAVo/1ha_Bx0uJZo/s320/October+surprise2+29OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The fall cleanup continues. The winds have been fierce these past couple of days, so much so that yesterday it toppled my very sturdy iron trellis. In my attempt to upright it, the scarf that was wrapped around my neck got tangled up in the thorny branches of my climbing rose. It took awhile to disengage myself and I am sure I was a hilarious sight for anyone passing by.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But check out what I came across: strawberries! Just a couple mind you, so nowhere near a harvest but their appearance is quite unexpected and I will appreciate them even more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2205918628592903185?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-83514555350303409112008-10-24T15:54:00.007-04:002008-10-24T16:15:18.555-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQIsRa9GiMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/pMv4w9PS5FY/s1600-h/Sweet+potato+from+vine+24OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260815992527161538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQIsRa9GiMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/pMv4w9PS5FY/s320/Sweet+potato+from+vine+24OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm in clean up mode now. There is much cutting back and dividing to do as well. Most of my annuals have bit the dust so it's time to pull those out and dispose of them which is what I spent a couple hours doing this afternoon. But here's a surprise I thought I'd share. When I pulled up one of my expired sweet potato vines (see picture of actual vine below), which I buy strictly for ornamental foliage, I discovered this very good looking pair of potatoes. I did some Internet research and according to some sources, these potatoes are every bit as edible as the ones produced by the non-ornamental variety. But no one stated that they had, in fact, tried them. I decided to toss these but I have a couple more plants to pull up so if I encounter another potato, I may just give it a good scrub and pop it in the oven. If I do, I'll let you know.</span> <div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQIsCTChRSI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vUgRL8K8Pl8/s1600-h/Sweet+potato+vine+24JUN08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260815732704363810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SQIsCTChRSI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vUgRL8K8Pl8/s320/Sweet+potato+vine+24JUN08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8351455535030340911?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-16802537464503140292008-10-21T16:23:00.008-04:002008-10-21T16:46:51.815-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-A5npujI/AAAAAAAAAU4/woCuku_m2sY/s1600-h/Bulb+collection+21OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259709600003373618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-A5npujI/AAAAAAAAAU4/woCuku_m2sY/s320/Bulb+collection+21OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here in Northern Virginia, we are definitely feeling fall in the air. It came on pretty quick and caught me a little off guard. The lower temperatures mean one thing for me: planning for spring. And so on Sunday, I found myself on the Fairfax County Parkway (where the changing leaves are beautiful, by the way) heading to Merrifield Garden Center to buy bulbs. I was delirious with the selection they offered. While most people were buying in mass quantities for their landscape gardens, I was buying for my containers.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've noticed that the selection of bulbs at nurseries and the big box stores is very plentiful now and there is a wide variety to choose from so if you would like to have some tulips or daffodils or hyacinth ready to greet you in the early days of spring, I would suggest buying now. But depending on where you live, you still have lots of time to plant. I don't think I'm going to plant mine until the end of November. If you have containers that are in a spot easily accessible to squirrels, I would suggest waiting as well--especially if you plan to grow tulips. Otherwise you may come outside to find your pots dug up and the bulbs missing. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I will post more on this topic of bulbs later on but for now, just know that you can plant them in your outside containers. Larger pots are always better and if you tend to get really cold temperatures, you can always cover the top of the soil with mulch and wrap the pot in bubble wrap (or something similar) to provide a little more insulation.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Shown at the beginning of this post is a handful of daffodil bulbs. Merrifield had about fifty different daffodils to choose from. Who knew? The other two pictures I'm providing show a healthy bulb. When you buy them, make sure they are plump and firm. Toss back any bulbs that are dried up, or are mushy or moldy. Then stash them away in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant. Stay tuned....</span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-m0aoUiI/AAAAAAAAAVA/X3Uztircpbg/s1600-h/Bulb+roots+21OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259710251441607202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-m0aoUiI/AAAAAAAAAVA/X3Uztircpbg/s320/Bulb+roots+21OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-vUzLwtI/AAAAAAAAAVI/V5H7FNzweO4/s1600-h/Healthy+bulb+21OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259710397573481170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SP4-vUzLwtI/AAAAAAAAAVI/V5H7FNzweO4/s320/Healthy+bulb+21OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1680253746450314029?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-79412310138251466242008-10-14T16:24:00.013-04:002008-10-14T17:06:05.243-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SPUHEaVFgeI/AAAAAAAAAUg/5lpr10tPyEU/s1600-h/Rosemary+14OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257115912393556450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SPUHEaVFgeI/AAAAAAAAAUg/5lpr10tPyEU/s320/Rosemary+14OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When my friend Maureen came to visit last month, she suggested I do a post to summarize all of the things I do to help make my garden thrive. A good idea, I thought, but that would be too wordy for a single post so I've decided to make it a brief series, revisiting it over the next several months. I'll plan to provide a summary of all the points in advance of next year's growing season so you'll have them condensed in one place. </span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Of course, one could go on and on talking about what each plant requires to succeed in a garden but there are some fundamental things that, if you don't do them, you are likely to be in for some heartache and disappointment (not to mention an emptier wallet).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So first on my list is elevation and drainage. I cannot stress this enough because if there is one thing that thoroughly demoralizes the beginning gardener it's a plant's failure to thrive due to lack of drainage and airflow beneath the container. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The solutions are simple and quite inexpensive (relative to the cost of your plants). First, get some pot feet (see above photo). They'll cost you about a buck apiece. For a round pot, you only really need three but for a square or rectangular, of course, buy four. You can find them at nearly every nursery or garden center. Oh sure, you can get all fancy and buy the ones that look like tiger paws or frogs or snails or whatever (they cost more, by the way) that's up to you. What these provide is elevation so that air can flow beneath the pot. Alternatively, you could buy a plant stand (as long as the surface allows the water from the pot to drain through). Whatever you do, don't waste your time with the matching saucer for the pot, that's not going to do the trick, get pot feet instead.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Which leads me to drainage. Be sure all pots or containers have drainage holes. If they don't drill some if the structure of the pot can withstand it. (See <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/04/lets-talk-about-pots.html">my post </a>from the beginning of the season) If it can't, don't plant in it or else you are setting yourself up for disappointment--don't say I didn't warn you. Also, you'll want to put some sort of material in the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage prior to adding the soil. I use styrofoam peanuts but you can use gravel from your driveway or broken pot shards. The point is, you don't want soil packed down at the base of your container preventing the water from draining through. That road leads directly to root rot. Best to avoid it.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So there you have it. Tip Number One.</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7941231013825146624?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-69876879359962025202008-10-09T21:02:00.004-04:002008-10-09T21:25:09.796-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SO6uSvYgUKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/tsd0khuMhPE/s1600-h/Shades+of+Green2+8OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255329452168073378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SO6uSvYgUKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/tsd0khuMhPE/s320/Shades+of+Green2+8OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of my favorite gardening books is Sydney Eddison's "The Gardener's Palette" because it taught me to look at color in a whole new way. I used to think every container needed to be a riot of color. It wasn't until after a couple of years of gardening that I realized when viewing a garden, one's eyes need a place to rest. In her book, there is one section in which she asks the reader just to appreciate all the types of green in nature. Green in a garden is not only calming, but provides an effective transition between colors. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was doing some cleaning up of dead leaves and such yesterday and came across this wonderful cluster of greens. The main attraction of this pot is a Japanese Maple but I have lots of things planted underneath it including Lamium, Heuchera, Creeping Jenny and Geranium. This photo is a closeup of some of that green foliage. Though there is no bloom to be found, I think it has a beauty all its own.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6987687935996202520?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-75645400418291810292008-10-05T12:01:00.011-04:002008-10-05T12:33:18.827-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjoMZQS-RI/AAAAAAAAAUA/CPiLOMe5ixI/s1600-h/Mandevilla+closeup+3OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253704264962996498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjoMZQS-RI/AAAAAAAAAUA/CPiLOMe5ixI/s320/Mandevilla+closeup+3OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When space is at a premium, think about gardening vertically. Even if you have plenty of room, using this technique offers depth and dimension to a container garden. Here's a climber that I love: <strong>Mandevilla</strong>. I grow it every year without fail--I've talked about it before in an <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/planting-technique-mandevilla.html">earlier post</a>. This spring, I bought a new trellis (shown below) from <a href="http://www.smithandhawken.com/">Smith and Hawken</a>. It is extremely sturdy and even the strong winds that we got from a couple of the tropical storms this summer didn't blow it over. It provides great support for all types of climbers. I've seen some people plant mandevilla at the base of their mailbox and let it climb up and around it and I have a neighbor that has let one climb up her front stair rail.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mandevilla is a tropical but it appears in garden centers here around mid-May. If you work this into your gardening plan next year, don't get all in a hurry to plant it too early because overnight temperatures need to consistently be at or above 55F otherwise it may never have a chance. So if you do buy early, keep it indoors for a while.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For whatever reason, my mandevilla was slow to climb this year. Although it was producing plenty of blooms, it didn't really start to take off until mid-August. That was not the case for my friend Chris who lives in Pennsylvania so I have no idea what to attribute it to. Nevertheless, it is looking great and I fully expect it to last until frost.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mandevilla can be overwintered inside, which I have never done because I have nowhere to put it. But if you try it, be sure to spray it thoroughly with insecticidal soap so that you get to all the bugs living in the nooks and crannies. Then keep it in a room that has a window so there is light exposure. Chris uses her laundry room. As sad is it will start to look throughout the winter, I have it on good authority that it will bounce back when spring returns.</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So if you're short on space, my suggestion would be to try growing up. </span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjoVq0lfjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/9KEM2gn4YMQ/s1600-h/Mandevilla+bud+3OCT)8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253704424297430578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjoVq0lfjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/9KEM2gn4YMQ/s320/Mandevilla+bud+3OCT)8.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjodOtgugI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/6_k0CH-QE1c/s1600-h/Mandevilla8+30SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253704554190518786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOjodOtgugI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/6_k0CH-QE1c/s320/Mandevilla8+30SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7564540041829181029?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-48614141626098288152008-10-01T13:26:00.004-04:002008-10-01T13:38:16.852-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOO0yUf_07I/AAAAAAAAAT4/tzpgr-WJTls/s1600-h/Chocolate+Eupatorium2+1OCT08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252240367033504690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SOO0yUf_07I/AAAAAAAAAT4/tzpgr-WJTls/s320/Chocolate+Eupatorium2+1OCT08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just when I thought things were starting to come to a close in the garden, this plant starts to bloom. I actually had forgotten all about it because I have it in a container that has, among other things, a very mature gaura and heuchera. The latin name is Eupatorium rugosum. This specific version is Chocolate Eupatorium. It is commonly known as White Snakeroot. Again with the unattractive names. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, this doesn't smell like chocolate, at least, not that I can tell. The foliage is more purple and green than chocolate so really, I'm not sure where the chocolate part comes from. But, as you may have guessed, that's the reason I bought it. The blooms just started to appear in the last few days and they are really small (you can see more detail if you click on the photo to enlarge it). To tell you the truth, I'm not sure I'm all that wild about it. The one thing I can say is I do like having a plant that starts to bloom so late in the season.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Eupatorium grows to be about 3 feet high and likes sun/part shade. It is hardy to zone 4 so if I decide I don't want it next year, I'm going to have to dig it up and give it away to someone who has a better appreciation for it. Any takers?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4861414162609828815?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-3175615480859410412008-09-26T05:33:00.007-04:002008-09-26T05:52:18.791-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyuwb3mu1I/AAAAAAAAATg/d-aMFbKLz_I/s1600-h/Artemisia+21AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250263412745091922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyuwb3mu1I/AAAAAAAAATg/d-aMFbKLz_I/s320/Artemisia+21AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I almost didn't buy this plant because I didn't like its name: Wormwood. But its fancier name is Artemisia so that's how I always refer to it because it is so much easier on the ear. Plus, the common name does it no justice. I never would have associated it with a plant that has this beautiful silvery foliage that is sort of velvety in texture. And what I didn't realize until just a few minutes ago (because I didn't read the label as I should have) is that it is perennial to zone 5. This is both a good thing and a bad thing for me. The good thing is that it will come back next year but the bad thing is that just after one growing season, I'm going to have to divide it because it has gotten quite large. I wasn't really prepared for that so now I'll have to plan what I will do with the divisions.</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have this Artemisia planted in a huge pot with butterfly bush, rose 'Cecile Brunner', zinnia, coleus and a few other things. It is in a spot on my deck that gets full sun and it has not been bothered by pests of any kind. I also have it on good authority that this plant thrives in the desert southwest so for my friends in New Mexico, take note.</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyu89jhGNI/AAAAAAAAATo/UuZ50c92M1Y/s1600-h/Cecile+Brunner+rose2+17MAY08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250263627946072274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyu89jhGNI/AAAAAAAAATo/UuZ50c92M1Y/s320/Cecile+Brunner+rose2+17MAY08.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyvhRIm5OI/AAAAAAAAATw/KPSl2aQPU5w/s1600-h/Artemisia5+24SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250264251677205730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNyvhRIm5OI/AAAAAAAAATw/KPSl2aQPU5w/s320/Artemisia5+24SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-317561548085941041?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-53702626230713902072008-09-21T11:49:00.007-04:002008-09-21T12:33:23.752-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNZvsOuHtJI/AAAAAAAAATY/KwpSn5ZpqAw/s1600-h/Grass+in+urn+17SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248505221403358354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNZvsOuHtJI/AAAAAAAAATY/KwpSn5ZpqAw/s320/Grass+in+urn+17SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">By now you've noticed that I enjoy getting big pots and loading each of them with a variety of different plants. And I'll admit that it can get complicated when trying to make sure each plant in the combination has similar needs. Not only that, there's more room for error (and wasted money) when one (or more) of the plants doesn't work out and you have to make replacements. I usually factor all of that into the equation but I also know that some people can't be bothered. That's why I wanted to post this picture--to demonstrate that something can be exceedingly simple yet astonishingly beautiful at the same time. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The real work of art here is the cast iron urn. It is one of my all-time favorite pieces and with it, there's not much chance I'm going to go wrong, no matter what I plant in it. Still, one has to keep in mind color and proportion so that's why I chose this <strong>Carex </strong>grass. First, the shade of green is a nice complement to the bluish hues of the urn. And second, the height and growth habit of the foliage make the whole thing work.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Carex is perennial to zone 5 and appreciates partial sun. It's a slow but steady grower and, like almost all plants, requires excellent drainage. So there you have it. Life is complicated enough, but your garden doesn't have to be.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5370262623071390207?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-31970375002166789302008-09-18T15:32:00.005-04:002008-09-18T15:42:30.932-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNKuOTzQLEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/f4WfmuTd0Dk/s1600-h/Back+view.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247448076696693826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SNKuOTzQLEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/f4WfmuTd0Dk/s320/Back+view.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">From time to time I'll be out watering my plants and a neighbor will walk by and offer nice words about my garden. I never really see it from their point of view so I thought maybe I should walk around to the back of the house and have a look (click photo to enlarge). While the only way to get the full sense of it is to actually be standing on my deck, the rear view is pretty decent--particularly when you consider that there is many a bare deck in our development. So if I can make someone's view a little nicer while they walk from their car to their townhome after a long day's work and commute, then I'm pretty happy about that.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3197037500216678930?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-64788591947980091522008-09-15T08:22:00.003-04:002008-09-15T08:31:20.839-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SM5VRixjpyI/AAAAAAAAATI/mFuW2l_FqX8/s1600-h/Geranium+3SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246224375814006562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SM5VRixjpyI/AAAAAAAAATI/mFuW2l_FqX8/s320/Geranium+3SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When I bought this geranium earlier this year, it was in a sad, pitiful state. I found it at the closeout sale of the little garden tent that comes every year to the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. At the end of June, they get ready to close up shop and mark down all of their plants to clear them out. This was in a most unappealing white plastic hanging basket so I brought it home, pulled it out of the basket and put it in a pot. It looked bad for a really long time but mid-August came around and suddenly it erupted in a riot of color and hasn't stopped blooming since. We're still having some pretty warm days here (a humid 97 degrees yesterday) so I'm glad I'll get to enjoy this and the rest of my garden for a while longer.</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-6478859194798009152?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-37150635447051484782008-09-10T10:06:00.007-04:002008-09-10T10:28:59.377-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfYhB8ykrI/AAAAAAAAASo/Tw7l8PmxvMU/s1600-h/Cuphea+3SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244398353066922674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="319" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfYhB8ykrI/AAAAAAAAASo/Tw7l8PmxvMU/s320/Cuphea+3SEP08.JPG" width="240" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Shown here is Cuphea which is also known as 'cigar plant', 'tobacco plant', or 'firecracker plant'. I've never grown this annual before and I'm not sure why. It has just the sort of interesting bloom that adds variety to an arrangement. Plus, I'm forever trying to attract hummingbirds to my garden (without being so obvious as to put out an actual hummingbird feeder) and the design of this plant seems perfectly suited for that purpose. I have had one visit but he's been somewhat elusive.</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As I mentioned, this is an annual so it won't survive past frost. It loves the sun and blooms repeatedly although it really starts to show its stuff in August. I think next year, I might actually be more thoughtful about how I plant it and maybe design a mixed container around it. I can see it now, a small pot with this firecracker plant, some Zinnia 'Profusion Orange', purple Angelonia, Creeping Wire Vine or Creeping Jenny. That would be a smokin' arrangement.</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfYsYLLj2I/AAAAAAAAASw/GeF8_UaBIK4/s1600-h/Cuphea3+1SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244398548011421538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfYsYLLj2I/AAAAAAAAASw/GeF8_UaBIK4/s320/Cuphea3+1SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfZCISiyHI/AAAAAAAAAS4/kFdasrRIArg/s1600-h/Cuphea+1SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244398921704458354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMfZCISiyHI/AAAAAAAAAS4/kFdasrRIArg/s320/Cuphea+1SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3715063544705148478?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-30783859919204651532008-09-07T12:25:00.010-04:002008-09-07T12:44:06.340-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMQEEOBuSiI/AAAAAAAAASg/tiuCS6vM2to/s1600-h/Gaura+1SEP08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243320336697412130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMQEEOBuSiI/AAAAAAAAASg/tiuCS6vM2to/s200/Gaura+1SEP08.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMQD8qZP5yI/AAAAAAAAASY/Trex8ssxL4k/s1600-h/Gaura+27AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243320206873323298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SMQD8qZP5yI/AAAAAAAAASY/Trex8ssxL4k/s200/Gaura+27AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In this post, I am showing you side by side pictures of my two gauras. There are a bunch of reasons I like gaura, not the least of which is it can be relied upon to return every year in my containers. When it gets too large, I just divide it and replant the divisions in different pots and it continues unfazed.</span><br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Gaura is a spring to late fall bloomer that requires mostly sun and the blooms appear all along each thin but resilient stem. When the breeze catches it, it's just so pretty.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After blooming (late fall/early winter), I hack it back aggressively using no particular technique. </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">While this plant grows nicely here in our warm and humid Virginia climate, it is also quite drought tolerant. So for my friends and readers in the Southwest who are accustomed to only growing desert-loving succulents, you might give gaura a try.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3078385991920465153?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-24485612290860141252008-09-02T19:08:00.007-04:002008-09-02T19:27:22.211-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SL3JVVyWvaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/nAFCcNuRBmI/s1600-h/Lee4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241566909791911330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SL3JVVyWvaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/nAFCcNuRBmI/s320/Lee4.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My friend Lee gets all the credit for this post. I went to visit her last week and this is what awaited me on her front steps. You'll immediately recognize one of my all time favorite plants: Red Abyssinian Banana and although you can't really see much of the pot in this photo, I can tell you that it is gargantuan. You have to go really big when you plant this tropical because it grows so large so fast. Lee intends to overwinter it in her garage so she can have it again next year. I have never done that only because I don't have the space so we'll use Lee as our test case and I'll report back. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As far as the other plants in the pot, she has done an expert job of incorporating a nice selection, including some coleus for fillers and calibrachoa as a trailer. Lee and I got together last summer to plant some containers and I had shared with her the tip I got from Fine Gardening magazine about <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/06/tickled-pink.html">Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers.</a> I think her arrangement is a terrific example of this technique. Way to go Lee!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-2448561229086014125?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-43994208740296903422008-08-30T07:31:00.011-04:002008-09-22T10:03:59.863-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLkz8F7BmUI/AAAAAAAAARg/ne-2tFl7bc8/s1600-h/Lespedeza+closeup2+29AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240276748897196354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLkz8F7BmUI/AAAAAAAAARg/ne-2tFl7bc8/s320/Lespedeza+closeup2+29AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Once again, let's revisit a plant. This is <strong>Lespedeza</strong>. You may recall from an <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/07/objects-are-larger-than-they-appear.html">earlier post </a>that I had some worries about it because it has spent four years in the same pot, it is enormous and I fear it has become terribly root bound. I thought these factors might inhibit its blooming this year...guess I was wrong. It is blooming out of control. Still, I have a big job ahead of me because there is no doubt that this is the year it will have to be divided. Be prepared to see some pictures of me with a hacksaw.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I love this plant because it really makes a statement out on the deck and it blooms late in the year. But it has its detractors. Because it is so invasive, it's probably best to keep it contained in a pot rather than plant it in a landscape. I can definitely see that with such a survival instinct, it would choke anything that dares cross its path. Another thing you may not like is that when the blooms start falling, they fall en masse leaving your deck or patio strewn with these pink blossoms. That doesn't bother me in the least because I have a hose with powerful sprayer nozzle and I just spray everything off the deck floor and into our tiny fenced-in back yard that no one ever sees or spends any time in anyway. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">This lespedeza has thrived in the same partly sunny spot on my deck and other than having put time released fertilizer pellets in the soil when I first planted it, it has only received a water soluble fertilizer maybe five times in four years. If that's not low maintenance, I don't know what is. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For me, the plusses far outweigh the minuses. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think.</span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLk0KsV2QuI/AAAAAAAAARo/ntRRe86PcEY/s1600-h/Lespedeza2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240276999728415458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLk0KsV2QuI/AAAAAAAAARo/ntRRe86PcEY/s320/Lespedeza2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLk0VNDOqvI/AAAAAAAAARw/reyrwyYQHUk/s1600-h/Lespedeza7+29AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240277180307385074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLk0VNDOqvI/AAAAAAAAARw/reyrwyYQHUk/s320/Lespedeza7+29AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4399420874029690342?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-35175712620204857232008-08-27T12:47:00.008-04:002008-08-27T15:13:53.375-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLWJGbRxQPI/AAAAAAAAARI/CWiKM4OVHgc/s1600-h/Origanum2+27AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239244485009948914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLWJGbRxQPI/AAAAAAAAARI/CWiKM4OVHgc/s320/Origanum2+27AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In my August 17th post, I promised I would talk about this plant. I discovered it when I was at the nursery a couple of weeks ago on the hunt for some replacements for an arrangement that was a casualty of our deck project. In my search for a trailing-type plant, I stumbled across this <strong>Ornamental Oregano "Kent Beauty".</strong> I never knew there was such a thing but upon finding it I wondered where it had been all of my gardening life. I mean to tell you this is unlike any oregano I have ever seen. Upon closer inspection of the label, I learned that it truly is ornamental in that it is typically not used for culinary purposes. That's okay because I have a pot of regular oregano for that. </span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Kent Beauty" is hardy to zone 5 and like all herbs, appreciates full sun and good drainage. There are shades of purple in the leaves and it produces the tiniest of blooms (see below). I'm actually glad this oregano is for decorative purposes only because to tell you the truth, I wouldn't have the heart to cut it. </span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLWJ9HvFM7I/AAAAAAAAARY/Id0vzxvXLtA/s1600-h/Ornamental+oregano+close+up+17AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239245424656987058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLWJ9HvFM7I/AAAAAAAAARY/Id0vzxvXLtA/s320/Ornamental+oregano+close+up+17AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-3517571262020485723?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-54210370616656425872008-08-25T09:33:00.015-04:002008-08-25T12:19:09.887-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5AIuVO8I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/29ZweI5VMiI/s1600-h/Cecile+Brunner+26AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238452728578259906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5AIuVO8I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/29ZweI5VMiI/s320/Cecile+Brunner+26AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Cecile Brunner arrived at my house on the second day of May. She was one of two purchases I made from the <a href="http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/">Antique Rose Emporium </a>which specializes in old roses, that is to say, roses that have been around for so long almost no amount of neglect can deter them from being the beautiful flowers that they are. So thanks again to my friend Barbara for recommending this company to me.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In that <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/arrival-of-cecile-brunner.html">May 2nd post</a>, I showed you how carefully Cecile was packaged so as to ease any apprehension you might have about buying plants via mail order. I planted the rose in a very large pot made of composite material in hopes of leaving it out all winter. I am reassured because Cecile is hardy to zone 5 but I will still do some crossing of fingers and toes, just in case. Because the pot is so big, I added a multitude of plants as companions including a butterfly bush which I am certain will return as well as various annuals that I will have to replace next year. I probably won't have to add as many annuals because when the rose and butterfly bush return, they will take up more space in the pot.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As you can see from the images below, Cecile is not a huge, in-your-face sort of rose. Rather than come on too strong, she makes her presence known in an understated way. So while it's not the first thing to get noticed, once seen, it is sure to be greatly appreciated.</span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5Pq72eoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/opehbrCbtIA/s1600-h/Bud+Comparison2+15JUN08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238452995459807874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5Pq72eoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/opehbrCbtIA/s200/Bud+Comparison2+15JUN08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5eOp3m2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/szUQ9Zs37uM/s1600-h/Cecile+Brunner+bud+15JUN08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238453245566229346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK5eOp3m2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/szUQ9Zs37uM/s200/Cecile+Brunner+bud+15JUN08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK6XPQ6QmI/AAAAAAAAARA/Cww4PRR-g3A/s1600-h/Cecile+Brunner+in+bloom+15JUN08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238454224982524514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLK6XPQ6QmI/AAAAAAAAARA/Cww4PRR-g3A/s200/Cecile+Brunner+in+bloom+15JUN08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5421037061665642587?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-89433751585873204652008-08-23T13:17:00.014-04:002008-08-23T14:52:06.219-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBNf6V_HyI/AAAAAAAAAPg/92xMfirurpQ/s1600-h/Butterfly+21AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237771577264643874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBNf6V_HyI/AAAAAAAAAPg/92xMfirurpQ/s200/Butterfly+21AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm a sucker for a good before and after story. Although, I'm always curious about the "after" part because I wonder how long it really takes before there is considerable backsliding. Perhaps you've thought the same when you've seen a personal makeover show or a decluttering/redecorating episode. So I'd like to offer an example of an "after" that only gets better with time.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Below left is a photo I took when I first bought my butterfly bush in May. By all appearances, it didn't look too promising. But such is the case with most perennials in general and the butterfly bush in particular--which is why I have it in the garden every year (I now have a total of three). To the right of the "before" picture is how the same plant looks today. This is <strong>Butterfly Bush "Peacock",</strong> a compact version that is hardy to zone 5 which means it will return for me next year. It blooms midsummer to fall and will grow to about 4 feet in height. It loves the sun and plenty of water. And you know my modus operandi: I hardly ever fertilize so when I say this is a high performing, low maintenance plant, you can believe it.</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBNtlLiXsI/AAAAAAAAAPo/X5gCNjfdD_g/s1600-h/Butterfly+Bush+2MAY08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237771812101840578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBNtlLiXsI/AAAAAAAAAPo/X5gCNjfdD_g/s200/Butterfly+Bush+2MAY08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBPd0l3MVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/61Z_YlOHMQ0/s1600-h/Butterfly+Bush3+16AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237773740384137554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SLBPd0l3MVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/61Z_YlOHMQ0/s200/Butterfly+Bush3+16AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And the best part of all is this plant is true to its name. It attracts all kinds of butterflies. All day long. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-8943375158587320465?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-17135019101712771212008-08-20T08:37:00.015-04:002008-08-21T19:32:15.923-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwSabxzihI/AAAAAAAAAOo/edL8zc8dXME/s1600-h/Top+view+17+17AUG08v2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236580712067598866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwSabxzihI/AAAAAAAAAOo/edL8zc8dXME/s320/Top+view+17+17AUG08v2.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I won't say a lot here, other than to remind you that in mid-May, my deck was complete chaos (see below). Now it is a most pleasant place to have a snack, read a book or just enjoy the bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds. (Enlarge picture above by clicking on it). Feel free to tell me what you think by commenting below.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwSqq2WzlI/AAAAAAAAAOw/HI1N8YAPHXI/s1600-h/Chaos2+17MAY08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236580990991126098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwSqq2WzlI/AAAAAAAAAOw/HI1N8YAPHXI/s200/Chaos2+17MAY08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236582991489543202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwUfHSWLCI/AAAAAAAAAPY/RrnVJ8-gCQw/s200/Top+view4+17AUG08.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwTEEbScQI/AAAAAAAAAPA/SrgC1H2OPPQ/s1600-h/Top+view5+17AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236581427353645314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKwTEEbScQI/AAAAAAAAAPA/SrgC1H2OPPQ/s200/Top+view5+17AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1713501910171277121?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-49120926077935550712008-08-17T12:19:00.010-04:002008-08-23T14:52:39.248-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKhXL1d1jFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/-0Xdr3O6eNs/s1600-h/Coleus+16AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235530427660602450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKhXL1d1jFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/-0Xdr3O6eNs/s200/Coleus+16AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There are things in life that only become palatable or aesthetically pleasing after one has had sufficient exposure to them. Such was the case for me with Guinness Stout, asparagus and the color orange. But a person has to decide for herself if the appreciation will develop over time or if that thing that is initially unpleasant will be ever thus. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Which brings me to <strong>Coleus Midnight Train</strong>. When I first saw it at the nursery I kind of thought "Eeeww". Something about it brought to mind scary things that go bump in the night. But what kind of gardener would I be if I didn't make a commitment to trying new things? For only $4.99, I figured it was worth the risk. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I potted it with a penstemon whose blooms echo the bright pink in the veins of the coleus foliage, some chartreuse sweet potato vine which is in sharp contrast to the deep purple (nearly black) of the leaves and an ornamental oregano (more on that delightful plant in a later post). </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKhXV90uGHI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AKRVpjkQG2I/s1600-h/Coleus+mixed+container+17AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235530601702758514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKhXV90uGHI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AKRVpjkQG2I/s200/Coleus+mixed+container+17AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Of course, it could have ended up being a disappointment in which case I would not have hesitated to replace the coleus with something else. Instead, what I got was a plant that was at first strange and is now a contributor to one of my favorite arrangements this season. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4912092607793555071?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-41766836611867060702008-08-14T08:27:00.007-04:002008-08-23T14:53:39.703-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKQmpu3N9qI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ZGsGXgmtIBY/s1600-h/Feathergrass3+13AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234351165307483810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKQmpu3N9qI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ZGsGXgmtIBY/s200/Feathergrass3+13AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Back in June, I posted a segment on <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/06/star-attraction.html">"Thrillers", </a>those plants that are meant to take center stage in your mixed container or overall garden arrangement. One of the plants I mentioned was <strong>Pennisetum Rubrum</strong> or <strong>Purple Fountain Grass</strong> (shown here). At the nursery, you are likely to find all different kinds of grasses and they are very useful in adding variety to your containers but my hands-down favorite is this one. It's a plant-it-and-forget-it type of plant and earns a spot in my garden every year.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Purple Fountain Grass is hardy to zone 7 which would mean if planted in the ground, it would likely come back the next year for zone 7 residents. But since I plant in pots, I have to consider that my containers are more exposed to the elements. As such, I have found that only perennials that are hardy to zone 5 will reliably return for me every year. That's okay, I'm willing to spend the money on this plant (sometimes two or three of them) every year because it's that spectacular. It requires full sun to partial shade and blooms until frost. I love seeing the plumes when the breeze catches them.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Write this one down as a plant you can always rely on to be stunning even if the rest of your container fails miserably. Believe me, the feathergrass is the only thing anyone's going to notice.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4176683661186706070?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-11490700799171441902008-08-12T16:13:00.008-04:002008-08-23T14:52:57.102-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKHwyl-vj3I/AAAAAAAAANw/qbih51IJtps/s1600-h/Variegated+Ground+Ivy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233728993960628082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SKHwyl-vj3I/AAAAAAAAANw/qbih51IJtps/s200/Variegated+Ground+Ivy.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It all depends on your point of view. Most gardeners will tell you that a weed is something that is growing where it is not wanted. Judging from what I've read about the invasive qualities of this plant, I can see why it is the bane of a gardener's existence. But I think in most cases, those voicing such strong objections to it are landscape gardeners. For a container gardener, it is a most excellent trailing plant (or spiller). It's called <strong>Variegated Ground Ivy</strong>, or <strong>Glechoma Hederacea 'Variegata'</strong> if you want to get all fancy and Latin about it.</span><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This ivy is of the sage and mint family and is considered invasive which is what makes it more suitable for containers. I bought it strictly for foliage interest but I've heard it blooms in mid-summer. I looked up what it looks like in bloom and the flowers are so tiny as to be nearly invisible. Maybe mine bloomed after all and I never noticed.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, it's hardy to Zone 6 and likes full sun but will tolerate part shade. As always, allow for good drainage. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is no weed as far as I'm concerned and it will be making a regular appearance in my garden.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-1149070079917144190?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-7996712769726724962008-08-09T11:14:00.006-04:002008-08-09T11:30:39.304-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJ226d8kcJI/AAAAAAAAANo/a64iAQNaD9g/s1600-h/Pat"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232539457661726866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJ226d8kcJI/AAAAAAAAANo/a64iAQNaD9g/s200/Pat%27s+B%27day+and+gift+2008+v1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm a little late with my posts because I was in Colorado celebrating this girl's (my Mom) 70th birthday. Not bad, huh? Anyway, here she is posing with a nifty gift she received from her friend, Elaine. It is a telescopic shovel. When I first saw it, I thought, hmmm, this is cute, but I'm not sure how practical. And then with a quick turn of the handle, it became long enough to also use while standing. Since my mom does more gardening in the ground than in containers, it would be handy for her to use in tight spaces.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Meanwhile, back in Virginia, my plants survived well in my absence, thanks to my backup gardener's (read: husband) help. My fear is that my <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/07/objects-are-larger-than-they-appear.html">Lespedeza</a> has become so rootbound that it will inhibit blooming this season so fingers crossed on that. The butterfly bushes are really starting bloom and I have more herbs than I know what to do with. Time to start researching how to preserve them for later use. I have one small pot of zinnias that bit the dust so I may do an easy and quick arrangement in that now empty container. It's no great tragedy because they had barely survived the time they spent in the garage when we were having the deck refinished. I'll post the new arrangement next time.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-799671276972672496?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-51127122971822189392008-08-04T11:44:00.008-04:002008-08-23T14:54:11.731-04:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJcnwKWZ80I/AAAAAAAAANg/sndJ_COwuuQ/s1600-h/Cleome+4AUG08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230693200579654466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJcnwKWZ80I/AAAAAAAAANg/sndJ_COwuuQ/s200/Cleome+4AUG08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I went to the nursery on Saturday to replace some of the casualties that I sustained from the deck refinishing project. (Before and after pictures will be in a later post). Since it's the beginning of August and really hot, I expected there to be slim pickings but, boy, was I wrong. Sure, it wasn't like the first week in May but I was surprised at how easy it was to find some replacements for the plants that sacrificed themselves so that I could have a beautiful deck.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here's a flower that I've not grown before. It's <strong>Cleome "Linde Armstrong"</strong>. I'm dying to know who Linde Armstrong is but my Internet research yielded zip. What I do know is that this is a very interesting looking annual. The bronze colored stem is sort of on the woody side so it does lend some upright structure to a mixed planting. The bloom is teeny tiny though. According to the tag, it loves the sun, is rather compact (maximum height is 18" which is considerably shorter than the typical cleome), it blooms until Fall and pruning is not necessary. Well, I'll be reporting back to let readers know if this tag overpromised or if I will be adding it to my annual rotation.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5112712297182218939?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-79362674487720262242008-07-31T15:02:00.007-04:002008-08-30T07:56:26.378-04:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJIOh0rbiAI/AAAAAAAAANY/Mr2tcnCRbow/s1600-h/Greg+moving+plant3+23JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229258091569842178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SJIOh0rbiAI/AAAAAAAAANY/Mr2tcnCRbow/s200/Greg+moving+plant3+23JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's a long story but we had to have our deck powerwashed and restained. It was a job that needed to be done...badly, but it was incredibly ill-timed. However, circumstances were such that we decided to have it done last week which necessitated moving all 27 of my pots into the house, down our fifteen front steps and into the garage. It also meant that when the deck was finished, they would all have to be brought out from the garage, up the aforementioned fifteen steps, into the house and back out onto the deck. I was crossing my fingers that the contractors doing the job were of the punctual sort.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Shown here is my wonderful hulk of a husband (face obscured by foliage) wrestling with just one of my plants. This is <strong>Lespedeza</strong>, a shrub that is perennial to zone 4. I've had it in the same pot for 4 years which I'm thinking now is a mistake because it is huge. I didn't realize it was such a behemoth until it was brought out of the open air and into the house. But I love this plant although it has been said that it is horribly aggressive and invasive. I can certainly see why it would be a challenge to contain it if it was part of a landscape. But that's the beauty of gardening in pots because plants are, by definition, contained. This one will have to be divided prior to next year's growing season. That's going to be a job.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's not in bloom now, but will be later in August so stay tuned for those pictures. That's another reason I like it so much. It starts showing off right about the time that many of my other plants have nearly called it quits.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-7936267448772026224?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-47847204652698136732008-07-28T18:02:00.012-04:002008-08-23T14:55:21.582-04:00<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228198015391514450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SI5KZRLQP1I/AAAAAAAAANA/I9_B4wrjY4E/s200/Xanthasoma+9JUL08.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had serious doubts when this plant first showed up. I ordered it from <a href="http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/">White Flower Farm </a>via the Internet. When it arrived, it looked completely stressed out from the journey (see below). It took a little time for it to get adjusted and now I am loving it.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is <strong>Xanthasoma Aurea "Lime Ginger".</strong> It is in the elephant ear family, a group of tropicals that come in a variety of colors. I'm partial to this chartreuse. It thrives in part shade and loves rich soil but there's only so much effort I'm willing to put into that. I don't like divas so if it can't live in the same conditions as my other plants then it won't earn a return engagement in my garden.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've heard it performs well in a water garden if you're into that sort of thing. I avoid any accumulation of water because in our Virginia climate it will breed a vicious swarm of mosquitoes in five seconds flat. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So if you need some ideas for a bold, dramatic foliage plant that likes a shadier spot, definitely add this to your list. Now that I know how spectacular it is, I might just make room for two next year.</span></div><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SI5Kl90zhvI/AAAAAAAAANI/Ypp-EMAcx0s/s1600-h/Xanthosoma+2MAY08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228198233535383282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SI5Kl90zhvI/AAAAAAAAANI/Ypp-EMAcx0s/s200/Xanthosoma+2MAY08.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228198376040606834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SI5KuQssrHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/JRPapi37xTk/s200/Xanthasoma+11JUL08.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4784720465269813673?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-51096733532156284812008-07-25T09:34:00.011-04:002008-07-25T13:34:54.700-04:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SInYH8zijKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/wynHSCV3vY8/s1600-h/Busy+bee+20JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226946473633156258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SInYH8zijKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/wynHSCV3vY8/s200/Busy+bee+20JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The bumblebees are out in droves (or should I say drones) in my garden. It's pretty much the height of bee season and these guys have been working nonstop. It is my understanding that certain species are in decline for a variety of reasons including habitat destruction, climate change and pesticide damage. I do everything I can to welcome them to my little space by planting a variety of flowers that might be of interest to them. My most popular plantings appear to be the penstemon (shown above) and agastache. I also see several hovering daily around the zinnia (photos below) and gaura.</span><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SInYTAawwxI/AAAAAAAAAMw/RYxLLr01W6Y/s1600-h/Worker+bee+23JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226946663581532946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SInYTAawwxI/AAAAAAAAAMw/RYxLLr01W6Y/s200/Worker+bee+23JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226946835522330002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SInYdA8pHZI/AAAAAAAAAM4/inedfcgUHyc/s200/Worker+bee2+23JUL08.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The most astonishing thing to me about bumblebees is that they can fly at all. It's clear that they are not the most aerodynamically constructed creatures in nature but I guess they don't know that and they just buzz along, minding their own business and collecting pollen. Which leads me to my next point, they do mind their own business--they are not out to attack you, in fact, they are not, by nature, aggressive. They will not go on the defensive unless threatened so if you have one hovering around you, best not to start flailing your arms around. Instead, allow them the chance to smell that you are not a flower and they will go along their merry way. I'm out in my garden watering every day and my bumblebees fly all around me and I've not yet had an incident. I just let them be. (I can never resist a pun).</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-5109673353215628481?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-40371099163085174592008-07-22T12:39:00.008-04:002008-08-23T14:55:32.338-04:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIYPWuZdUEI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2FiXZ96PehY/s1600-h/Osteospermum+22JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225881300696387650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIYPWuZdUEI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2FiXZ96PehY/s200/Osteospermum+22JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I rediscovered this flower after several years of not growing it. It's called <strong>Osteospermum</strong> but is also known as African Daisy, Cape Daisy or sometimes the very fitting Blue-eyed Daisy. It comes in many different colors: creams, pinks, yellows, oranges and purples. They are mostly sold as annuals at the nursery. Easy to care for, they like a warm, sunny spot and it's important that the soil in the container not be allowed to dry out completely so be sure to water steadily and consistently. Also, they do like regular fertilizer but by now you know my position on that issue so mine are lucky to get a dose of fertilizer twice in a season. Another reason to use a time-release fertilizer when you first plant.</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">My osteospermum is planted in a container with dracena, scaevola, cuphea and zinnias. All seem to be living in harmony.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4037109916308517459?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-46408530627378843382008-07-19T17:58:00.006-04:002008-07-19T18:11:27.872-04:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIJlZzQDdRI/AAAAAAAAAMI/IJz8WgGAApQ/s1600-h/Foliage+only2+19JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224850011631875346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIJlZzQDdRI/AAAAAAAAAMI/IJz8WgGAApQ/s200/Foliage+only2+19JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today, I'll be brief: here's another Before and After installment (see below for "Before"). You may recall the foliage only container that I planted which included Coleus "Fishnet Stockings". The sweet potato vine in this container continues to grow out of control so I trim it from time to time. The thyme that I planted never got much bigger but I think that's because I positioned it in such a way that it was overshadowed by the other plants and never got much light. But all in all, I'm pretty happy with the way this arrangement turned out. I think it's fun to plant a foliage only container every year because it presents the challenge of coming up with creative ideas without using flowers. Let me know what you think by commenting below.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIJlwnazLiI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/2qfZV-EPRWQ/s1600-h/Foliage+only4+25MAY08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224850403592711714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SIJlwnazLiI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/2qfZV-EPRWQ/s200/Foliage+only4+25MAY08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-4640853062737884338?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005668863649739844.post-9998446061165156622008-07-16T22:10:00.010-04:002008-08-04T17:56:03.320-04:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SH6tAvJP0yI/AAAAAAAAAMA/2YdV7tosY0E/s1600-h/Fertilizer+16JUL08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223802845963211554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AYhMb8UyhdM/SH6tAvJP0yI/AAAAAAAAAMA/2YdV7tosY0E/s200/Fertilizer+16JUL08.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With each watering of a container, nutrients in the soil get washed away so it's important to add fertilizer. One way to save yourself a lot of trouble is to use time-release fertilizer pellets when you first pot the plants. There are different types but the one I use is Osomocote. I mix it into the upper layer of potting soil and then plant my flowers. Some brands of potting soil already contain it but I still add extra for good measure. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">However, even greater benefits await if, from time to time, a water soluble fertilizer is applied. Even though I know I should fertilize several times during the growing season (some say every two weeks), I actually only get around to it a couple of times in the summer.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you go to the nursery or gardening section of your local big box store, you'll see all kinds of specialty fertilizers. The reason is because the percentages of the basic components, nitrogen, phosphate and potash are specific to the intended plant. Well, I can't buy one for my roses, one for my Japanese maple, one for my bell pepper plants, etc. What I need and what is most economical is a one-size-fits most product. So I buy the basic all purpose Miracle Gro water soluble fertilizer. I use one tablespoon per gallon of water and mix it into my watering can. It can be a lengthy process since I have about 30 pots which explains why I don't do it very often. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A few things to remember:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1) It's best not to fertilize during the hottest part of the day. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2) Don't apply to dry soil. Moisten the soil a bit first, then apply.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3) Keep fertilizer away from leaves. The salt in the granules will draw the water out from the leaves making them look burnt.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4) If you don't want to fuss with the granules, it also comes in a liquid version that can be added to the water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5) Your plants will appreciate your efforts and will reward you accordingly.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bookshelf: <a href="http://flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookshelf.html">Container Gardening Books</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8005668863649739844-999844606116515662?l=flatbottomflowers.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Miriamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09734061620948475190noreply@blogger.com0