Forcing Bulbs

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I potted some bulbs in November. Watered and stored them in a box in the garage. My biggest concern was about water. Too much might rot the bulbs. But nothing rotted so I guess I did OK. I brought them into the house and put them in a sunny window on January 13.

Narcissus Grand Soleil d’Or is labeled as “Indoor Narcissus.” The package suggests, “Spread some pebbles or marbles over the (potting) mix for a nice appearance and to prevent the Narcissus from falling over when in full bloom.” I haven’t done that (yet). The growth actually started within a few days.

The hyacinth was labeled “Pink”. I used the same method as the narcissus. You can just see the bloom in the center of the leaves in the picture.

It was a simple project and fills some of my need to garden in these cold, snowy months. I’ll post a picture when they bloom.

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(More information on forcing bulbs from Penn State Cooperative Extension - Berks County.)

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Onion Snow

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Or wishful thinking.

The definition of onion snow from Answer’s dot com –

n. Chiefly Pennsylvania.
A light snow in late spring, after onions have been planted.

The onion snow is usually a non-event. A light, short-lived snow that disappears in a day or sometimes in an hour.

I call every snow the onion snow. I’m bound to be right sooner or later.

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Croton

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I reduced my houseplants by 50% last year.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have plenty of house plants. But, I had too many plants and was running out of space and time to care for them. I decided to simplify my gardening life – not as many plants to water, feed, repot, carry in and out. So, I gave half of them away.

What have I been doing lately? You guessed it. I’m lusting after new house plants.

One of the beauties is Croton (Codiaeum variegatum).

Croton’s bright pink, red, yellow and green leathery foliage would cheer up any room. They are tough tropical plants. They need warmth, humidity and high light. The leaves are poisonous if eaten. They may sometimes be bothered by mealy bugs, spider mites or scale. More information from Virginia Cooperative Extension.

I’m not sure they are right for my house. But, wouldn’t it be fun to try?

I’ve managed to control myself so far. I haven’t bought a plant. Hopefully, spring will be early this year and the busy time will take my mind off buying house plants. I hope I can hold out that long.

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Vegetable Garden

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Planning a vegetable garden this year?

Lehigh and Northampton County Extension Spring Garden Series - March 18, March 25, April 1 and April 8 - will cover many aspects of vegetable gardening – from planning through harvest.

If you would like some help with your vegetable garden contact Lehigh County 610-391-9840 or Northampton County 610-746-1970 extension Office.

You can also pick up a brochure at the Master Gardener booth at the Eastern Pennsylvania Spring Home Show at the fair grounds Ag Hall February 27-March 1.

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Paradise

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I’ve returned from Hawaii and I’m fighting desperately to catch up (specially with my favorite blogs). In the mean time, I thought I’d post some more pictures from the Road to Hana in Maui.

And, I hope someone can identify the two plants at the end.

North Maui Coastline

Black Sand Beach

Hana Ranch.

Pools of 'Ohe'o

Spectacular Falls

Please let me know if you recognize these plants. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

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Garden Blogers Bloom Day - January 2009

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Nothing blooming in my house. My garden is mostly brown among the evergreens and snow.

Since nothing is blooming in my garden I thought I’d post some pictures of plants I saw on my vacation – sort of borrowed gardens. Anyway, here are some pretty colors.

I need help with plant identification. If you recognize any of these plants please let me know.

Can you guess where I was?

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