Daisy in a Cup

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

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

A Touch of the Exotic

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

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

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

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books