Controlled Chaos

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.

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.

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.

I'll be back to planting next weekend after the cold snap and the forecasted rains pass.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Pre-Game Show

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.

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.

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.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Waiting for Spring....

...it may be awhile

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Holiday Pick-Me-Up

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.

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.

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Flowers in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Pesto Anyone?

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






Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books

Big, Leafy Greens

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

Bookshelf: Container Gardening Books