“Watching something grow is good for morale. It helps us believe in life.”
– Myron S. Kaufman
5/16/17:
The GrowIt! app company contacted me by email a few weeks ago, asking if I wanted to participate in a sample program and receive free plants. “Sure,” I said, figuring I'd get a small packet of bulbs or seeds in the mail at some point. So it was a delightful surprise to find a large box on my doorstep last Friday evening. It contained nine Megawatt begonias! The pots were wrapped in stiff brown paper, which caused some of the leaves and stems to break off, but all were at least partly intact.
The next day, I planted four of them in medium-sized pots with well-draining soil, and two among existing plantings, by the petunias and under a rosebush. The remaining three begonias will go in hanging planters or other currently empty pots, once I've decided on appropriate containers in shade or partial sun areas.
The next day, I planted four of them in medium-sized pots with well-draining soil, and two among existing plantings, by the petunias and under a rosebush. The remaining three begonias will go in hanging planters or other currently empty pots, once I've decided on appropriate containers in shade or partial sun areas.
Clicking on the small images below will bring up a larger version.
Surprise begonia package.
Considering where to plant.
One's now near Grumpy Rock.
I've been experimenting with drying flowers since last fall. So far, I have found that camellias and nasturtiums will shrivel up and turn brown, but most daisies, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, violets, yellow rose petals and sweet pea bush flowers can be nicely preserved. I added some of these to a recent batch of potpourri.
One of the most striking roses in my garden is the new Heirloom Hybrid Tea bush. It has a rich scent and petals of a velvety deep red. The orange Sundowner Grandiflora rose, purchased at the same time, hasn't formed any buds yet. But the leaves are plentiful and healthy, so I expect to see it bloom eventually.
I am still trying to determine what a few of my plants are; some of the mysteries have been a part of the landscape for years, while others have appeared in the past few months. I like the little flowers on the odd rubbery plant that I'm guessing could be a weed. A Google image search didn't help with identifying this one. (Typing “Purple flower weed California” had rather amusing results!)
One of the most striking roses in my garden is the new Heirloom Hybrid Tea bush. It has a rich scent and petals of a velvety deep red. The orange Sundowner Grandiflora rose, purchased at the same time, hasn't formed any buds yet. But the leaves are plentiful and healthy, so I expect to see it bloom eventually.
I am still trying to determine what a few of my plants are; some of the mysteries have been a part of the landscape for years, while others have appeared in the past few months. I like the little flowers on the odd rubbery plant that I'm guessing could be a weed. A Google image search didn't help with identifying this one. (Typing “Purple flower weed California” had rather amusing results!)
Clicking on the small images below will bring up a larger version.
Striking new rose.
Dried violets.
This mystery plant is blooming.