Sitting in the Garden

.

As this year’s garden winds down, it’s nice to have a place to sit and enjoy what’s left.

The weather has been cool and sunny – perfect for a few minutes reflection on what has been done and planning what needs to be done. Add a steaming cup of coffee for a relaxing break.

One of my favorite sitting spots is the sunny bistro table and chairs on the little patio next to the rose bed. There is a great view of most of the garden from there.

.

The bench in the scented garden provides a more secluded spot. A sweet little hideout. It’s a great place to plan next year’s garden.

.

Iris

.
Fall air chills - highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s - over 5 inches of rain last weekend. And it’s time to trim the iris.

I didn’t do much maintenance on the iris this summer. I usually try to keep the dead or dying leaves cleaned up. That didn’t happen this summer. So, it was really messy. I cut all the leaves back to 4 to 6 inches.

The yellow iris is in a sheltered spot on a very slight slope. I have never had a problem with winter heave. I use a very light layer of mulch and that seems to be enough.

Although iris should be divided every 4 years, I have never divided this iris. For some reason, it seems to do OK.

Amy Stewart at Garden Rant in October 2 post “Throw the Bums Out“ says, “The thing with irises is that you're supposed to divide them every four years, and one way to remember that is to divide them during presidential election seasons.”

That seems like a great way to remember to divide, if that’s your plan. The incessant political propaganda on TV should be enough to drive you outdoors.

More iris information from Penn State Solution Source
.

Tagged

I was tagged by DreamerJean in my October 1 post comment.

Here are the rules from Jeannie:

“If you have been tagged, here is what is requested: 1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a post on their blog.”

Here are my 7 fairly boring facts in no particular order.

1. I never participate in chain letter type posts but I’ll make a partial exception in this case. (Jeannie is too nice to ignore.)
2. I worked for many years as a horse trainer and riding instructor.
3. I need a passion in my life.
4. I have all-grown-up and wonderful twin daughters and a wonderful long-time husband.
5. Growing up, I was a tomboy. I could never stay clean once I was let loose outdoors.
6. I am a tall person in s short body – 5’ 2” to be exact.
7. I hate to dust.

Sorry, no tags.

Belgian Mums

.

The mum revolution happened without my notice. Developed around 2001, the Belgian mum may be the perfect fall flowering plant. The cold hardy varieties never need pinching back and bloom profusely in a mounded form.

An October 2001 Mississippi State publication is titled “Belgian mums rock the nursery industry.”

According to Jann Eline of Hickory Grove Greenhouses in North Catasauqua, “Belgian mums are an exciting new type of chrysanthemum with hundreds more blooms per plant than traditional mum varieties. An exceptional feature of the Belgian mum is its durability. Belgians have more flexible stems which mean they’re less susceptible to breakage in windy or exposed areas. They do not need to be pinched back during the growing season to maintain their naturally shorter, fuller shape.”

I don’t have any of these super mums. I usually forget to pinch my traditional mums back up to July 4. Or I don’t pinch them back enough. They need to be propped up by bloom time. I think it's time for a trip to Hickory Grove to get some Belgian mums for my garden.

It sounds like a mum dream come true.

.

Flowers Speak

.

When words escape, flowers speak.- Bruce W. Currie

Fuschia

.

Stock

.

Maximilian Sunflower

.

Cosmos

.

Tuberose

Japanese Anemone

.

One of my favorite recent additions to the garden, the Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida) produces exquisite fall blooms. To me they are as delicate as an orchid, as statuesque as a daisy and as carefree as a cone flower.

The flowers are almost 3 inches in diameter. The plant is about 3 feet tall. They are rabbit and deer resistant.

I received 2 plants in fall of 2006 from my friend Myra. Gardening friends are great, aren’t they? They are planted in part shade near a French lilac.

I’ve been warned that they may spread rapidly and may be hard to keep under control.

.

According to Sonoma County Master Gardeners, “They spread by underground runners and eventually make large clumps that can be divided and transplanted for more plantings.”

In the second year in my garden, they are still well under control. I would like to see them fill the space a bit more. Only time will tell if I regret this planting.

.

Squirrel Food

.

Our dogwood trees (Cornus florida) are full of pretty red fruit. The fruit, called a drupe, is also called stone fruit and is akin to a peach, plum or cherry.

I imagine snowy winter days with the tree’s graceful structure dotted in bright red fruit.

However, it’s not to be. Every evening we hear a faint crack, crack, crack. The squirrels sit in the tree, split open the fruit and eat the seeds.

By the time the last leaf drops, the tree will be stripped clean.

So it goes.

.

Garden Mistake

.

How many times have I heard, “find out the mature height and width before selecting a plant?” How about, “the right plant in the right place.” But, I couldn’t resist free plants when a neighbor offered to give me a couple of tall ornamental grasses. I love the graceful look and the winter interest they provide.

These grass monsters have taken over their space several times during the last 6 years. Each time we’ve had to dig up the huge root ball. We’ve had to hack the root ball in pieces with an ax. Then we’ve planted ¼ of the plant back in the hole.

.
Zebra grass falls over in strong winds & rain. It blocks the garden paths. Cuts fingers if you’re not careful – like a very nasty paper cut. The root ball is now at least 2 feet in diameter.

.
The other grass does the same and the root ball is now at least 3 feet in diameter. There is a rose bush under there somewhere. I cut back and tied up both grasses this week. They are both too large for the space.

.

Spring cleanup is another saga. (see November 6, 2006 and April 2, 2008 posts .)

So, we’ll be digging out the ornamental grass next spring. We will not replant. Anyone who has space for these grasses will be welcome to them. Maybe, I’ll remember this lesson in the future.
.

HGTV

.

There is an interesting blog discussion going on this week at May Dreams Garden, Garden Rant and Doug Green’s blog (see links in sidebar My Favorite Blogs).

Is it valid for HGTV to include the “G” in the title when gardening shows have all but disappeared from the lineup?

Doug asked what blog readers would like to see in gardening programming.

Here’s my list:

Green gardening with practical garden advice
Gardener’s mistakes and how to avoid them
Regional gardening – the why as well as the methods
Real gardens as well as research and trial gardens
Integrated Pest Management
Bio-diversity
Soil management and compost
Gardening practices from around the world

The list is almost endless.

Isn’t that why we read blogs? HGTV would be wise to read a few blogs.

Join in the discussion and comment on Doug’s blog. What would you like to see in garden programming?

.

Confessions of a Coleac

.

I can’t help it. I love Coleus. Ease of propagation, variety of shapes, versatility and wide color range creates a perfect annual for me. When I see a variety that I don’t have, I’m overcome with Coleus Envy.

I like to combine plants. The picture above is ‘Pele’ and ‘Pink Chaos’. Both varieties do well in the sun. Other coleacs plant single specimen plants. Either way, the effect is significant.

.

‘Pele’, ‘Religions Radish’ and ‘Trailing Garnet’ make a nice combination with the Creeping Jenny. I usually use ‘Trailing Garnet’ in a pot where it will cascade over the edge. I think I like that effect better.

.
‘Glennis’ is one of the most spectacular large coleus I have. It can grow 2+ feet tall under the right conditions. Here in a pot in dappled shade under a French lilac, it is about 1½ feet tall.

.

I don’t know the names of all the varieties in my little collection. Here are some lacy leaved coleuses. Merlin’s Magic is on the right. The one on the left is a mystery.

.
Two unnamed Coleus with Dusty Miller are holding their own in the dry shade under the lilac. I think they are trying to prove coleus will grow under any conditions.

Next spring I’ll order a few varieties from Rosy Dawn Gardens http://www.rosydawngardens.com/default.aspx I’ve never ordered from Rosy Dawn but browsing the on-line catalogue almost makes me drool.

.

A Garden Visit

.

I love visiting gardens – what gardener doesn’t? This week I visited Sharon & Ron’s amazing home and garden.

Rocks from around the world as well as local stones, brick and slate are meticulously set by Ron. Paths, borders and patios create a continental feeling. Hundreds of evergreens propagated by Ron fill the property and form the more formal front garden.

The perennial garden, designed and cared for by Sharon, creates a romantic spot. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time in this garden. I’ll have to wangle an invitation to spend more time there.

With so much to see, I couldn’t absorb it all in my several trips around the garden.

The details in this garden are surprising and extraordinary – from fountains and sculptures expertly placed to a sedum garden in a sunny spot.

Years of time, labor and love have created an inspiring garden. Sharon and Ron are so enthusiastic about their gardens that the tour became more exciting with each plant and stone.

What a boost for my gardening enthusiasm! In fact, I came home and immediately hoed my entire front garden. (I have blisters to prove it.)

.

Hydrangea

.

My Hydrangea ‘Venice’ bloomed this year in mixed colors on the same bush.

(see July 28, 2008 post)

“The color this year goes from pink through lilac to purple. I never know what color it will be. Last year it was a bright pink. (see July 25, 2007 post) It is full of blooms. I mean FULL of blooms. The leaves are barely visible.”

The picture above was taken August 29, 2008. The last bloom is a striking deep blue.

According to Hydrangea website, http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/

”. . . hydrangeas often change color on their own when they are planted or transplanted. It is not unusual to see several different colors on one shrub the next year after planting.”

This hydrangea was planted 4 years ago. I guess it’s possible that it is still adjusting.

Has anyone else had different colors on the same bush? I can hardly wait to see what happens next year.

.

Watering the Garden

.

This year I’m trying to get through the summer without watering my garden. I’m trying to conserve water and save money.

Of course, the potted plants need to be watered. I watered some of the annuals when they drooped. New perennials need water until they are established. But, I’m talking about hours of soaker hose watering of the entire perennial garden.

I’m talking about what will live in my climate without extra water.

Fortunately, we’ve had a year with adequate rain, until now. After a few weeks of no rain, heat, and humidity the soil has turned concreteous. Mulch, free from Bethlehem’s Compost Center, is indispensable. I am amazed at what is surviving (make that looking pretty good) without any extra water.

Some of the perennials have slowed blooming but are still very alive. The purple cone flowers look a little tired.

.

Roses are struggling but blooming. The Japanese anemone, asters and mums have set buds.

The ground cover lemon thyme and creeping jenny do not seem to have a problem.

The mum ‘Clara Curtis’ doesn’t seem to mind being dry at all. In fact, ‘Clara Curtis’ continues to bloom and bloom.

As I said, this has been a year with adequate rain. And I woke up this morning to a little less than half an inch of rain in the rain gauge. I’m not saying I will never turn the soakers on but I’ve learned that I can do with a lot less watering than I thought. We’ll see how brave I am during a drought.

I’m thinking about a rain barrel. Raising vegetables is another story.

What’s your strategy for watering?

.

House Plants

.

It’s time to bring in the houseplants for the winter. They seem to adjust better to indoor temperature and humidity if I bring them in when the nights are warm and before the heat is turned on.

The other day I rinsed the Christmas Cacti and the Amaryllis with water then sprayed them with insecticidal soap.

I put the three Christmas cactus in a window in a room that is cool in winter and gets very little artificial light. I probably won’t do anything more, except water. I may give them a weak fish emulsion water once in a while.

The four amaryllis were put in the same cool room but out of the sun under a table. I will let them dry and rest for the winter. I’ll start giving them a little water about 3 months before I want them to bloom. When I see a little green shoot appear in the pot, I’ll move them to a sunny window and water regularly. Then I’ll wait for the spectacular bloom.

I have a few more plants to bring in this week.

.
Here is the picture of the lily I thought was a tuberose. I'll plant the bulbs in the garden next spring.

I plan to buy tuberose from Old House Gardens http://www.oldhousegardens.com/bulb.asp?cat=SP&page=2#doubPearl
I am determined to have a blooming tuberose.

.

.

Tuberose

.

Does this look like a tuberose to you?

.

In 2004, I purchased tuberose bulbs from Meilingers and Van Dyck's on line. This is what I got. This is what I've been nurturing for 4 years.

Doesn't look like a tuberose to me. What do you think?

.

Creating a Flower Garden

.
I’ve always thought a best reward for growing your own flower garden is creating a satisfying design. Creating is the key word here - something truly unique and your own. I think that’s why gardeners stroll through the garden with a cup of coffee, place a bench in a shady spot or stare at plants.

.

I’m not a garden designer but I design my own garden. I’ve visited many gardens and I recognize the uniqueness and beauty in each gardener’s design.

One effect that I like, I stumbled on by accident. Black-eyed Susan is a showy plant that spreads and re-seeds. It takes almost no care. It seems to thrive in any soil. The birds, butterflies, and bees love it. It blooms all summer in a bright, happy yellow.

As I filled in the garden over the years, it was easy to divide and move some of the Black-eyed Susan to bare areas.

I’ve come to love to walk through the garden to be greeted by the flowers around almost every corner – a unifying theme all its own.

What designs have you come to love you your garden?
.

Return on Investment (ROI)

.

Years ago, when I was naive enough to think I could understand business planning and investments, I read a lot about Return on Investment (ROI).

This morning I picked beans from the potted pole bean plants. This is about the 5th or 6th picking. Not bad for the price of 4 bean seeds. (Of course I've not factored in costs of soil, water, fish emulsion fertilizer or labor.)

To me this is a great ROI - especially since the labor is free.

.

Tuberose

.

Well here it is! The first buds on my 4 year old Double Flowering Tuberose (Polianthea tuberosa). (see posts December 29, 2006 and February 2, 2008.)

I’ve been trying to get a bloom for 4 years. Every year I’m tempted to add them to the compost pile. What did I do differently this year?

On advice from Doug Green at http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/ , “the deal with this plant is that is LOVES warmth. If you try to grow it cold (like early in the season) it is not going to be a happy camper. It is Mexican. Think warmth. Think long season of warmth because it is essentially an Agave plant. Think mature bulbs that may take several seasons of growing under great conditions until they reach blooming size (many inexpensive seed companies sell the tiny babies rather than established blooming size).”

The last few years I put the pot out on the deck in the middle of May. This year I didn’t put the pot outside until June. I kept it in the house in my sunniest spot until the nights were warm.

I purchased a 4 fl. oz bottle of Hawaiian Flower Magic (9-18-9) from Roberta's, Inc. at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The woman selling the fertilizer practically guaranteed it would get the tuberose to bloom (8 drops to a quart of water). I watered every time with the fertilizer mix. I filled a spray bottle with the fertilizer mix and sprayed the leaves often. I never let the pot dry completely.

I’m not sure if the bulbs were simply mature enough to bloom this year or if my adjustments in care allowed the buds to form. Whatever the reason, I’m delighted to see buds.

I’ll bring the tuberose into the house towards the end of August when the nights begin to cool. When it finishes blooming, I’ll put it in a cool place and discontinue watering for the winter. I’ll add a little soil in February and begin to water sparingly until I see some growth. They will need to be divided some day. Hopefully, next year there will be more blooms.

I’ll be sure to post a picture when the buds open. If you’ve had success with tuberose, please let me know.

.
More information on tuberose bulbs at Easy to Grow Bulbs http://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=79 and GardenWeb Forum http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bulbs/msg0606505130183.html
.

Watering Container Plants

.
Drip-it Pro Waterer (see May 11, 2008 post) was designed for house plants. I tried it with my vegetable container plants this summer. I have one in a pot of pole beans and one in a pot of cucumbers.

I filled the water containers about once a week. The 8” water bottle holds about 4 cups of water. It is simple to fill and use. The T-shaped “wick” sometimes fell out as I put the pronged cap on. But, they were easy to put back in place.

I still had to water once or twice a day in the summer heat. The water bottle may have helped keep the pots from completely drying out.

I think they will work for my large house plants while I’m on a 2-week vacation this winter.

.
Gardener’s Supply “2-Week Plant Sitters” http://www.gardeners.com/Drip-It%20Waterer/17519,default,pd.html
.

Katydid

.

We had a visitor near our back door the other day. A katydid, most likely Microcentrum rhombifolium according to Karen Bernhard, Entomologist at Lehigh County Extension.

I never saw a katydid and I thought it was rather pretty. The kids thought it looked like a leaf. They were right on. The leaf appearance is a clever camouflage for these insects.

The katydid is a destructive insect with chewing mouth parts. It is also a tasty meal for birds, bats and frogs.

Some interesting katydid facts here http://www.zoo.org/factsheets/katydid/Katydid.html and here http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4TH/KKHP/1INSECTS/katydid.html You can listen to its “song” here http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/031a.htm
.