For the Love of Plants

Ready For Spring Emergence...

2011-01-20T09:50:00.006-05:00

.... now I just need Spring.

Last post June 2010!? Wow, I've been neglectful. Not only to my blog, but to my GARDEN! I think that's the last time I was out there! (Though I did work in other peoples' gardens.) Last summer was entirely dedicated to my wedding. I had no idea that even if you start planning and are "on top of things" as early as I was, that it would still take SO much of your time even up to the weeks, days, before the wedding. Haha... in fact, I don't know if "on top of things" can even really be applied to weddings. Lol.

In the end it was absolutely wonderful and worth every moment of missed garden time, but I'll be making up for it this year! Can't wait to get out there! :D

Ok, now THESE are my FAVORITE!!!....

2010-06-03T13:49:00.012-04:00

....until my next trip to the greenhouse.

Stopped by Bogie Lake Greenhouse last night to pick up a couple more Liatris and came across these stunning flowers. I have never seen them before, but then, I always find something at Bogie Lake that I've never seen before!

They were simply labeled 'Double Poppy' and had some basic care info listed. Unfortunately, the usual perennial lady wasn't working, and the girl working didn't know much about them. Didn't matter - I HAD to have them, three of them. My wonderful fiance liked them as well and bought them for me (love him).

Lol.. the funniest part is thinking back on our conversation as we drove to the greenhouse:

Me: "No, really. I just need two more Liatris, one more Salvia, and maybe one Beardtongue to replace that one that's not doing well. Then that's it, I'm DONE."
Ten minutes later, at the greenhouse: "OOOOhhh! What are THOSE! I think I would need THREE of them to make it look right!! Don't ya think!!??"

My fiance: "I think you really have a problem."

So does the fact that he bought them for me make him an enabler? ;)

Anyway, back to these amazing flowers. Peony Poppies (Papaver somniferum Paeoniflorum). I couldn't find much on them online, but from what I can gather they are not in fact perennials, but do reseed themselves prolifically. The seeds can be collected and sewn in spring or fall, or they can be left to scatter themselves in the garden. They need a well-drained soil and full sun. They grow 2 to 3 feet tall -though mine seem closer to 4 feet. The blooms are about 4" to 5" across and the foliage is a lovely dusky blue.

The Latest Bloomers and Recent Additions

2010-06-01T12:01:00.001-04:00

So much color. I could just stand there staring at my garden for hours. Aren't flowers amazing?

I am in awe of these irises given to me by a friend last year. I didn't know what color any of them would be. Many of the blooms were the traditional purple with hints of yellow. One was a very pretty antique peach with orange accents. But my absolute favorite were these gorgeous, nearly black bloom.

It does pick up quite a bit of color when the sun hits it, otherwise it looks quite dark, and dramatic. I love it. Even the inside is gorgeous!
Alright, I'll stop gushing about my iris now... I have more things to gush about. :)

My 'Arctic Fire' Dianthus came around in full force this year. So many blooms on each plant - even after I moved them around. The blooms are so small and delicate, yet they still add a bit of "pop" in the garden.

I'm also loving my Coral Bell I got at the farmer's market last year. Coral Bells are always great - such pretty and delicate flowers and so many foliage variations. I could have a garden full of these.

My painted daisies from my mom are blooming too. The foliage looks a bit scraggly, moreso than mom's, but it's seemingly doing okay and it's still blooming.

Okay, I'll start wrapping this up. A couple new additions:

A cute little Dahlia I got over the weekend
And a couple of Iceland Poppies; the brightest happiest little flowers. I think this year I have become a "poppy" person. I haven't grown poppies before, and I don't know why I never cared for them in the past. I'm realizing now just how pretty they are. :)

Mouse Ears!

2010-05-22T11:37:00.000-04:00

Found the most adorable little guy to put in my garden - a 'Blue Mouse Ears' Hosta. It is so small and cute, and just makes me smile. Typical hosta as far as care goes - mostly sunny to mostly shady. It's a dwarf and gets 8" tall (12" with flower), and blooms in mid summer. The buds on mine should be opening before long. One site I found says it's supposed to be slug resistant. Time will tell.
These were voted Hosta of the Year in 2008 by the American Hosta Growers Society. I purchased three of them at a local greenhouse, but they can also be found online at places like Bluestone Perennials: 'Blue Mouse Ears' Hosta

I knew exactly where in my garden I wanted to put them. Now I'm just waiting to see if it may be too much sun. So far they seem perfectly happy. :)

Incredible Luck

2010-05-10T13:10:00.005-04:00

We had an incredibly lucky find at our house this year.... or rather, my fiance had an incredibly lucky find. Morels! LOTS of morels, all over our yard!

I'm just lucky in that he doesn't eat mushrooms. They're mine! All mine!! Hehehe....

Actually, there were so many (28 of them) that I was able to share with just about everyone who wanted some. Parents, coworkers, friends... all got a taste of the delicious delicate flavor. Mmmmm.
And they were so big that just a couple could be considered a whole meal! This was only my second time ever eating morels. They are so delicious, just a little butter and viola!! Even got my anti-mushroom fiance to try them and he said they were "okay". That's saying a lot for him to think a mushroom tastes okay!! Of course my parents and I just moaned with contentment as we sat around devouring the tasty morsels.

We did collect most of them, but we were sure to leave a few to spread spores. Hopefully we'll be this lucky again next year! :)

Getting Things Started.... Finally

2010-05-09T10:17:00.008-04:00

A little bit of a late start this year. Work and school have been keeping me busy - just finished up the semester with Hardscape Construction and Landscape Planning. Now I can get into my garden!

Things are really waking up! Already so many beautiful blooms out there. This is the first season my garden has woken in it's own bed! I can't wait to see what the plants all do with a full season in the ground.

Some of my first additions for the year are...

Black Snakeroot
(Cimicifuga racemosa)
I love these unique plants and have wanted one for some time. Can't wait for it to do its thing!! It should do very well in my shady woodland garden.

Beardtongue (Penstomen)
I love my 'Red Riding Hood' Beardtongue that I got last year - so much so that I bought two more this year for a grouping of three. I saw this Beardtongue at the greenhouse near my house and, though the color is quite similar to my 'Red Riding Hood', I had to get it as well.

Perhaps the most exciting buy for me so far, is my Alstroemeria. I LOVE these - I have for quite some time. They are one of my absolute favorite cut flowers - looking like somewhat of a cross between a lily and an orchid (my other FAV). I had tried to read about growing them in my area, but hadn't found much info. I came across these at the local greenhouse with my mom and we each had to buy two - one of each color. They drooped a little in the beginning, but I have repotted them and they have since flourished. I hope I overwinter the tubers correctly and can keep them for a while! This will be my first attempt at overwintering any tubers.

Know and Grow 2010

2010-03-01T10:17:00.008-05:00

I went to the annual Know and Grow seminar this year and had such a wonderful time. It's held at Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan. It was fantastic! Such wonderful speakers and great topics, and lots of vendors with goodies!

The highlight though, was speaker Michael Dirr. He is an icon in the industry and it was such a pleasure to hear him speak. He spoke twice - once on Hydrangeas and Viburnums, and again on the newest and best of shade and flowering trees. It was so inspiring to listen to someone with such endless passion for what they do.

(Me with Michael Dirr and his wife Bonnie)
The other speaker was Jeff Epping from Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. He covered the topic of container gardening and showed some incredible pictures of different techinques and ideas.

Both speakers were incredibly knowledgable, friendly and entertaining, as was the staff of Dow Gardens. Everyone had a smile on their face the whole day. Can't wait for next year!!

Mantis

2009-08-25T14:24:00.021-04:00

My boss had a hitchhiker on his back when he returned to the office from lunch yesterday. I decided to bring the little guy home and release him in my garden (the mantis, not my boss).
He sat right on top of my passenger seat all the way home, tilting his head and looking around, cleaning his antennae. When we arrived home I scooped him into my hand and let him go in my flowers. He posed for several pics before he flew off somewhere to the other side of the yard.

He may not stick around in our yard, but at least he's in a much more rural area than where I work. Plus, I'm sure there are more pesky bugs here to eat. I mean, I sure as heck wouldn't mind living in my garden if I were a bug!

An Updated View of My Garden

2009-08-24T13:17:00.011-04:00

The mornings have been cold lately, and one can feel fall just around the corner. It's been a busy summer and I haven't had as much time in the garden as I'd planned, but it has certainly been a season of learning! I love watching the changes in the garden as the season progresses.

I have encountered minor problems here and there that have each been opportunities to do some research and experiment with trial and error. Here is what is nearly the final result of my summer, though one of the greatest lessons I've learned is that a garden is never complete. :)I think the beautiful birdbath I got for my birthday is a perfect finishing touch. I look forward to seeing all the changes between this year and next!

Volunteer Days - Invasive Shrubs

2009-08-10T09:31:00.047-04:00

I spent some time Saturday and Sunday doing more volunteer time with the DNR. ON Saturday we gathered burn piles of invasive shrubs that had already been cut by the DNR. They do this to maintain the prairie and the native plant life in that environment. It poured on us the whole time, but we kept at it for a couple of hours until the lightning began to strike. There were about 30 volunteers and we accomplished quite a bit in a short time, despite the weather.

On Sunday the rain was gone - just 90 degree weather, sunny skies, and heavy steamy air. We hiked through the woods cutting down invasive Common Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, and Autumn Olive. Each shrub we could find was cut and herbacide was applied to the stump to prevent it from growing again. We also found and removed a few small patches of an invasive species of Parsley.

(Photo by Bill Brandon)

The day was also a great opportunity to learn MANY of the native plants!

Maindenhair Fern
(Adiantum pedatum)
I think this is
Tickseed-Sunflower
(Bidens coronatus),
but it is possibly
Western Sunflower
(Helianthus occidentalis)

White Baneberry
(Actaea pachypoda),
also called Doll's Eyes
TOXIC

Red Baneberry
(Actaea rubra)
Also TOXIC

I'm going to be tagging along on some individual projects for the DNR as well. I'm going to be learning Photo Monitoring, Insect Monitoring, and hopefully Seed Collecting. I get together with one of the current Photo Monitoring volunteers at the end of the month to see how it's done. I'm very much looking forward to it!

"Picture This" Photo Contest: Down on Your Knees

2009-08-07T12:39:00.010-04:00

The subject for this month's Picture This Photo Contest at Gardening Gone Wild is "Down on Your Knees". The purpose is to encourage everyone to view the world from a new vantage point. Get down on your knees, or even your belly, and see the world from a whole new angle!!

Here's my submission:

Best of luck to everyone participating!

A Special Treat: Hummingbird Moths

2009-08-06T14:15:00.016-04:00

It was such a delight last night to see a special visitor hovering around the Butterfly Bush. I have only ever seen one before, years ago, and had been amazed by this fascinating creature. On your first encounter it can be a bit confusing! Many people have the same response I had: Is that a hummingbird? But it has antennae! Is it a bug!? What IS that thing!?

Hummingbird Moths are actually a type of Sphinx Moth of the genus Hemaris. The one pictured here in my garden is a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe). They have a wingspan of roughly 1.5 to 4 inches and display the rapid wingbeats of a hummingbird as they zip to and fro, usually in the evening, sipping nectar from the flowers. I do hope you have an opportunity to encounter one of these enchanting creatures!

"One-of-Each-itis" - That's it!

2009-07-16T15:04:00.012-04:00

I have identified my affliction: "One-of-Each-itis".
(as defined by Billy Goodnick here)

The purpose of me creating a garden, even though we are only temporarily renting our home and money is not exactly pouring from our pockets right now, is to gain first-hand experience and "personal history" in the gardening world. I am a student in a field that I have no experience in thus far and am trying to gain said experience.

In this new venture I am becoming increasingly aware that my new garden - filled with lovely plants of many colors and shapes - doesn't have any order to it. I went into the project knowing in my head the general direction in which I wanted to go, but had no plan of execution. This is mainly because it's had to be a work in progress that began as "I'll just put a few plants in so I can at least have a garden", but developed into "I'll just add one of these - last plant! Except for this one.. and this one too." Now I have this odd conglomeration that just doesn't make much sense.

I'm not entirely disappointed though. The purpose of this project was to learn, and that is being accomplished. A lot of these plants are still small and I think will have more effect next year when they actually begin the season in the garden and will fill out the space more. However, I think I would still like to attempt some rearranging this year to create a bit more flow to the area. I really liked the article by Billy Goodnick referenced above, and will look to it for inspiration. I want to balance my "collector" tendencies with some "arranger" tendencies!

Volunteer Day - Mustard Pull

2009-07-15T12:10:00.002-04:00

The volunteer day I participated in with the DNR at the end of June went great! We pulled seven garbage bags worth of invasive garlic mustard. I hadn't known what garlic mustard was before the volunteer day. Now that I am able to identify it, I see it ALL OVER!

Here's a video on garlic mustard from the Stewardship Network:

A Weekend of Woods and Wildflowers

2009-07-06T12:40:00.026-04:00

I went for a hike this weekend at a nearby state park.
So many flowers in bloom!I haven't identified these two yet: I have found one of my new favorite wildflowers!
It's a Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). It's not native, but is naturalized. So delicate and vibrant! (See below)Mother nature is the best gardener! :)

Somebunny Has Been Eating My Garden

2009-07-01T09:07:00.026-04:00

I was furious last evening when I stepped out to take a look at my garden and found that the bunnies, which I love to see hopping along in the yard, have eaten nearly ALL of my beautiful Asters that were doing so well. They have also eaten my Liriope that were finally starting to take off. Grrr!

I have heard that Marigolds repel rabbits. I don't know if this works, but it was late and I was desparate to protect what little was left so I ran up to the garden center and grabbed some Marigolds to plant along that section of bed.

I have also heard of using pepper spray, which I found at the garden center for nearly $20 a bottle. I found a recipe for homemade pepper spray that I may try:

Pepper Spray
(Found at The Natural Gardener)

1 Tbs Tabasco or habañero juice
1 Garlic bulb
2 Tsp Dishsoap
1 Gallon water
Optional: 1 Tbs cayenne pepper

I'll see if the Marigolds work first and go from there. One night down and no additional damage. I hope it doesn't come down to trapping and relocating these little guys, because I really do enjoy seeing them in the yard!

**UPDATE** 7/31/09
I would like to report that no further damage has occured to my Liriope or Asters. I know there are conflicting opinions as to weather or not Marigolds actually keep rabbits away, but so far it seems to be working in my garden!

Now to go after the little guy making lunch of my hostas!

Summer Color

2009-06-28T09:22:00.001-04:00

Hosta-munching Slugs

2009-06-23T14:11:00.001-04:00

I am beginning to notice the signs of slimy invaders munching around my garden at night. I've looked up some organic methods of slug control to try. The most common method seems to be to bury a jar or bottle with about an inch of beer in the bottom. The slugs are attracted to the fermenting beer and climb in for a taste, drowning in the brew.

While this must be at least somewhat effective due to the number of sources that recommend it, I found another method that is a little more appealing to me than removing jars of slimy drowned slugs - that is, if it works. Supposedly, caffeinated coffee grounds applied to the earth surrounding the plant will also kill the slugs. A caffeine spray may work as well. I'll give the ol' coffee method a go, and if need be I'll try the beer method.

Click here for more organic methods to control slugs.

Have any ideas of your own to add?

A Pretty Pest In The Garden

2009-06-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I found a couple pretty green and black bugs on my Fall Chrysanthemum. There were black spots covering the leaves on which they stood. I took a picture to use for identification and came across an article on them from the Michigan State University IPM News page.

Apparently these little buggers can be quite a nuisance. They use their piercing mouthparts to suck juices out of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and essentially killing the plant.

Some mothods of control are manual removal, and controlling weedy hosts. Applications of pesticides can also be used. Here are some that may be used:

Pesticides: Acephate, Pyrethroids, Chlorpyrifos, Cyfluthrin, Fluvalinate, Malathion
Organic pesticides: Horticultural Oil, Insecticidal Soap, Pyrethrum
Biocontrols (microscopic): Beauveria
Timing: Apply sprays in late spring or early summer, monitor in mid to late spring.

Volunteer Opportunities!

2009-06-09T14:15:00.013-04:00

I have recently come across a volunteer opportunity that I am really excited to take part in. The local Michigan State Parks are, with the help of volunteers, removing invasive species and replenishiing native species. For more information on volunteer workdays in Michigan, check out the volunteer schedule on the DNR website.

My first volunteer day is going to be June 27th, as I help remove invasive garlic mustard from a nearby State Park. I'll be sure to report back on how it goes and what else I learn about the volunteer program!

For those with busy schedules, such as myself, there is training available to help people set up individual volunteer projects that can be done on your own, such as native seed collecting, monitoring bug population numbers, invasive plant mapping, or setting up and promoting volunteer workdays. To learn more, check out the Core Volunteer Steward Program.

To find volunteer opportunities in another state, try checking the volunteer page on The Nature Conservancy's website.

This is a great way to help preserve and protect the natural areas that I hope you are all getting a chance to get to out and enjoy!

Blooms, blooms, blooms!

2009-06-09T13:17:00.024-04:00

Well, with two catalog orders now in the ground, and one additional purchase from a local plant seller, the garden is really starting to kick things off with some beautiful flowers! There is still a lot of filling out for my little plants to do, but all in good time. I am so pleased with the plants I have acquired!

The Allium show has just about come to an end. The final blooms are just begininng to wane. Now that the garden area around them has more plant life, I plan on relocating these so they are no longer lining the fence. It just looks wierd with the more relaxed layout of the rest of the bed.
The flower bed now contains Purple Coneflower, Painted Daisies, Shasta Daisies, some beautiful and dainty Arctic Fire Dianthus that I absolutely LOVE (left), Russian Sage, Red Creeping Sedum, Japanese Blood Grass, two colors of Coreopsis - one red one yellow (yellow pictured below).... I found a couple of plants that I hadn't heard of that I have completely fallen in love with. One of these is Gaura, (Gaura lindheimeri). The variegated leaves are beautiful on its irregular upright shape, and each stalk is topped with the most elegant flowers in shades of pink and white. It is now one of my favorites!

The Orchid Frost Lamium is beginning to take off around the pond. I love the foam green leaves and pretty pink flowers. I've also added Korean Feather Reed Grass, Bleeding Hearts, Ajuga, and Liriope to help fill in around the pond. I think I may also transplant some Vinca from other parts of the yard to help fill it in. It is just so shady and weedy back there, but I don't dare pull all the weeds yet or it will really look bare! As well as new additions, I have also done some rearranging around the pond. My Caladium seemed to be getting scorched, so I moved it back and put the little autumn-toned Geranium in its place. Both seem to be happy so far in their new locations.
I had ordered a beautiful Monet Coralbell that I put back there, but it completely withered. I'm wondering if it was due to lack of sun, so I have moved it forward to an area where another coral bell of mine is thriving. I hope it comes back! It was one of the plants I was most looking forward to!

Progress

2009-05-12T09:28:00.020-04:00

Slowly but surely, more and more plants are being acquired. I still have my second order yet to come. It looks so bare. At the farmer's market over the weekend I found a nice Coral Bell Dolce Mocha Mint that works nicely in front of the pond. While at English Gardens I picked up a wonderful little Geranium with beautiful fall-colored hues (pictured above). I love it.

The Alliums are just about to burst open with their beautiful purple puffs. I always love seeing the giant pom-poms float over the garden.
The Lamium are also in bloom, adding tiny pink accents upon the foam green foliage along the back edge of the pond.
I was also excited to find the Sorbet Orange Duet Violas I wanted to be sure to add. The combination of colors is beautiful to me on the happy little flower faces.

I have just a bit more filling in to do around the pond, but I have added a lot of ground cover plants, so hopefully they will do their thing and create a lush covering over the ground.

I added a white Caladium as an accent at the pond, which contrasted nicely with some Blue Salvia. Now I'm just anxious to get my next order so I can fill in the bare sunny section to the right of the pond. Hurry up Mr. Postman!

Finally Getting My Hands Dirty!

2009-05-05T13:39:00.024-04:00

I've been clearing, raking, and tilling! Today I picked up my fertilizer, sulphur, and potash to incorporate into the soil. I need to get busy because my first plant order has come today from Bluestone Perennials!

I've applied the potash and sulfur over the area, and begun applying the water soluble fertilizer. The slope on the area around the pond is causing the water to run off into the pond, so I'm trying to water in intervals, allowing it to soak in each time. Luckily, our fish aren't out there yet. Our project this weekend will be to drain the cement pond and clean it out so we can get the fish out in the next week or two.

I've gotten the plants from my Bluestone order into the ground. It seemed like so much on the order slip, but now that I've gotten it all out there I've decided I need more plants!! :)

I have an order coming next week from Michigan Bulb Co. that is larger than this order. Hopefully that will help fill things in. I also have all my seedlings to get out there still, and some Marigold seeds to start outdoors(I found seeds for some beautiful Snowball Marigolds that I am very excited about. I'm also hoping to pick up some Purple Coneflower this weekend at the Detroit Farmers Market. That will be the backdrop along the fence, along with Russian Sage, Shasta Daisy, and Painted Daisy.

Soil Test

2009-04-27T10:33:00.002-04:00

In order to properly prepare my planting area for my upcoming garden, I have sent in a soil sample to the MSU extension office to find out exactly what I need to do for the soil.

I sampled the area I'm going to be planting by using a plastic spade, taking about 8 to 10 samples from various spots within that area and mixing them in a plastic bowl. I sent off the sample to be tested for the standard criteria: all macro nutrients, pH, and CEC. After the expected three weeks, I was emailed my results.

The results show that I need to increase my Phosphorus and Potassium levels. I'm going to be adding 4 lbs of Potash over my 600 square foot garden area (a rate of 6 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) to increase the Potassium levels. I'm also going to apply 6 lbs. of a water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer over the area (a rate of 10 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.), to increase Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels.

To lower the pH (ideally around 6 or 6.5) I am going to be adding 9 lbs of Sulfur over the 600 square feet (a rate of 15 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) I'm not going to be adding any organic matter to the soil, so as not to interfere with the reduction of the pH levels.

Getting things started!

2009-03-23T10:24:00.024-04:00

I finally got some seedlings started for the season. I am going to be doing a garden around our pond area, and am incredibly excited to get started. I planted the following seeds:

- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Love-in-the-Mist (Nigella damascena)
- Johnny Jump-ups (Viola tricolor)
- Snapdragons (Anntirhinum majus)
- Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
- Mint
- Painted Daisies (Pyrethrum)
- Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)

The painted daisies were the first to emerge just several days after planting, followed closely by the snapdragons and lobelia. The butterfly weed and Nigella have just begun to pop up.

Each protruding seedling raises my anticipation for moving everything outdoors just that much more.
I also have seeds for Marigolds, Snowball Marigolds, and Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), which I will sow outdoors once the weather is consistently warm enough, as well as some plant orders from a couple of catalogs.

Willow and Rose

2009-02-16T12:00:00.008-05:00

My sweety got me something I love for Valentine's Day this year - PLANTS!

I received an adorable miniature rose plant, and a whimsical Weeping Pussy Willow (Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock'). I am going to keep the willow as an outdoor bonsai. I simply love them both!

The weeping pussy willow is actually just one of a list of trees I would like to acquire to bonsai. I also plan on getting a Bristlecone Pine, a Catalpa, and maybe a Sweeetgum.

Hurry up Spring!

2009-02-05T16:11:00.004-05:00

I am a few weeks into this semester's horticulture classes - Soil and Soil Fertility, Annual and Perennial ID, and History of Landscape Architecture. I am truly enjoying each and every class, and am getting that strong itch to get outdoors.

My plant interest has always been mostly in indoor tropicals. As I began the landscape program my interest has spread to trees, annuals and perennials. I grew my first veggie garden last year in containers. It did relatively well, despite our yard not being a full sun location. The experience, however, gives me a base point from which to make changes and learn.

This is a photo from a couple years ago in my apartment balcony garden. My little guys had run out of feed, and were anxiously awaiting my return with their sweet sugar-water! I will always have fond memories of my little balcony garden.

This year, I have plans to landscape the area around the small pond in our yard and a small section adjacent to that. I am already planning in my head and making plant lists. There will be plenty of plants for the butterlies and hummingbirds, and for our little busy bees. Oh, snow, please melt from my little earth canvas so I may play with a pallet of blooms! I am positively aching to begin!

Winter Blooms

2009-01-21T08:49:00.010-05:00

While the outdoor world is dormant, things are stirring indoors. My tropicals are huddled together under their strip lights waiting for the snow to retreat.
However, they seem not to be as disheartened by thier lengthy hibernation as I am. They have chosen to display beautiful blooms to amuse themselves until they may again flourish in the outdoor sun.(Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender')

(Adenium obesum)

Winding Up The Season

2008-09-28T11:22:00.007-04:00

Time to start bringing things indoors. It's been fun watching my tropicals flourish and grow while enjoying the summer sun. Now they'll have to make due with strip lights and a crowded plant table for the winter months. I am already looking forward to spring.

(Left - Plumeria)

(Below - Madagascar Palm, Pachypodium lamerei)

Monotropa uniflora - Indian Pipe

2008-09-22T08:39:00.020-04:00

What a cool find! While on a mountain biking ride in the woods, I came across this "fungus flower". I thought it was so interesting. It is a Monotropa uniflora, also known as Indian Pipe or Ghost Plant.

I was even more excited when I learned that it is a relatively rare occurrence. It is an herbaceous perennial, recently grouped in the same family as azaleas and rhododendrons. There's a short article about it on Wikipedia. What a wonderful little flower!

Plant Identification - ??

2008-09-12T09:34:00.009-04:00

Does anyone know what this plant is?

I can't seem to find an identification on it anywhere. I LOVE this plant! It was at a relative's house in Lansing, MI. It is potted outdoors.
She has no clue what it is either.

Any ideas?

Billbergia

2008-09-11T09:18:00.019-04:00

I bought this years ago as a very small plant from a catalog. It was sold to me as a Billbergia nutans, but I think this is an incorrect identification. The flowers are not the same as photos I have seen of
B. nutans (Queen's Tears).

I will try to find out what this plant actually is, but regardless - it is beautiful and impressive and I love it!

**UPDATE**
I think I have narrowed this down to a Billbergia kuhlmanii, or perhaps Billbergia zebrina. If anyone knows for sure, please advise.

Veggie Garden

2008-08-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

I grew my first veggie garden this year. It's a small container garden on the deck of the master bedroom. I started seeds in April and most of them germinated and made it outdoors. My lavendar seeds did not fare so well - two of nine sprouted, one immediately withered, and the other soon after. My three types of peppers have all done wonderfully!

My tomatoes from seed survived, but never thrived. I eventually went out and bought tomato plants. I also bought dill, catnip, chives, and chamomile.

Other seedlings of mine that have done well include blue fescue and Johnny Jump-ups, just for ornamental value.

The biggest problem in my little garden is that our lot has quite a few mature trees. Even though all the plants get light at some time, none of them really get a large amount of light. Yet, I have still gotten a bit of produce.
It's fun and exciting to be enjoying the tasty "fruits" of my labor. I am looking forward to trying again next year with a bit more experience!

Bristlecone Pine

2008-07-11T13:55:00.007-04:00

I absolutely fell IN LOVE with this tree in Yosemite National Park, California. For as aged and long-lived as it looks (and probably is), it was relatively small - maybe 13 feet? The tree fascinates me. I did not know what it was at the time, but learned later that it is a Bristlecone Pine. Most likely the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine - Pinus longaeva.

These trees are one of, if not THE, longest lived organisms on Earth, reaching an age of nearly 5,000 years! The oldest known living organism is "Methuselah", a Bristlecone Pine in a park in California. The exact location is undisclosed to protect the tree. A tree like this certainly demands respect and admiration!

California Trees

2008-07-11T12:41:00.022-04:00

There were several trees in California that stood out to me and really caught my attention.
First, was one that I saw at the San Diego Zoo. I later found it to be a Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). I loved the colorful, spiky berries. I would love to grown one of these, but they're only hardy to zone 8.
Another tree I really enjoyed was the unusual-looking Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia). I had never seen anything like these and was really intrigued.

I had a chance to see the Giant Sequoias as well (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Unbelievable!
It is impossible to explain, or to even portray in a picture, how increbly HUGE these trees are. I mean, look at it in comparison to me!

One final tree was a favorite of mine. It was in Napa Valley at the winery where we did some wine tasting. I suppose it is not as unusual as the others I've posted, but I thought it was really neat and kept saying how beautiful I thought it was.
But then, I love EVERYTHING after a few glasses of wine.

Calypso bulbosa

2008-06-28T10:07:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite finds when I go out west. This was my second encounter with the beautiful Calypso bulbosa (Calypso orchid). I simply love these guys! I am always thrilled to see this relatively rare flower scattering the trails in the Rocky Mountains. What a wonderful flower!
I saw these at the Michigan Orchid Show a couple years ago. I would love to try to grow a few. They make me smile. I've heard they can be a bit tricky indoors, though not impossible. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Another orchid I encountered on the trail in the Rockies is the Spotted Coralroot - Corallorhiza maculata. Not extremely showy, but that's usually my favorite type of flower - one that is the unobvious beauty; nature's intricate little gems.
One final note - I saw this in the same area as the other two flowers. Does anyone know what this is? Perhaps a coralroot emerging? I know there are yellow ones, but I didn't see any other yellows in bloom anywhere around.
(Click photo to enlarge)

Denver Botanic Gardens

2008-06-27T11:39:00.001-04:00

When in Denver...

...be sure to check out the gardens!

This is surely one of my favorite botanic gardens I have ever been to. It is HUGE! There are so many different "zones" of plants. One could spend an entire day there, or at least I could.

Even after hours there, I left having not seen it all. I guess that just means I'll have to be sure to go back!

Ferns

2008-06-03T12:29:00.001-04:00

Just had a little fun taking pictures of the ferns on a quick trip up North to Glennie, Michigan.

I also found this while traipsing through the woods. It reminded me of a small orchid, but I learned that it is not. I had looked it up at one point and found what it was, but I forgot and will have to look it up again.