tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57830005859973648032024-02-06T22:30:16.426-08:00Confessions of a Lazy GardenerMy thoughts on garden style, plants, tools, and garden tasks.GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-29418037050921420652014-07-29T11:26:00.000-07:002014-07-29T11:26:52.318-07:00More NeighborsThese neighbors have been very quiet. They are only at home part of the year. They were so quiet I didn't even know they were there until last week. I went to pick some limes for a party and saw this home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWGMmAUcStG6MjW3dXl2VmDrEYzmEKlVvxKx5pO4TsiFz2rasRGOE9uf8xcU5RW0xQIj8rkEojr6ykvpNVw8JM6jn-D0zrJf-kdBIDfdWhgxLgHZSUzaiyorwlB5MM-qJmsaq8NND7GJT/s1600/Hummer+Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWGMmAUcStG6MjW3dXl2VmDrEYzmEKlVvxKx5pO4TsiFz2rasRGOE9uf8xcU5RW0xQIj8rkEojr6ykvpNVw8JM6jn-D0zrJf-kdBIDfdWhgxLgHZSUzaiyorwlB5MM-qJmsaq8NND7GJT/s1600/Hummer+Nest.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a>You may have to look closely. It's a tiny little hummingbird nest. I had no clue it was there! I understand hummingbirds sometimes come back and use the same nests. I need to avoid trimming this part of the tree. Perhaps next spring we'll get to see these neighbors move back in.<br />
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I got to thinking that if there's one nest, maybe there are more. I didn't see another hummingbird nest. I know they can be territorial, so I wasn't surprised. But I did find this nest in the orange tree that's next to the lime. This nest is much larger and I have no clue what kind of bird build it.<br />
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I can't wait until next spring!<br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-29001894727532248412014-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:002014-07-29T11:27:29.859-07:00New FenceI have now confirmed that I'm a lazy gardener. Months have passed since my last update. Let me catch you up. When last I posted, we'd just had the tree trimmed. It is finally filling out again. I have definitely resolved to tend to the trees on our side of the fence and let our neighbors tend to the trees on their sides.<br />
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I mentioned needing to watch our pennies until we started getting Allen's retirement, as at least one of his former co-workers had suffered the worst-case scenario the government warned of. They received around 1/2 the money for nearly a year. We were extremely happy that the full checks started right away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg5zC6t76HygvYv9PlAZbIM5n9wKgf0YU3aabFMP6dZrVzTOclvx0q8V_4gQQaxS2eQhdclDCfZ77wUnkdOLw-cLQX8D1ahUt-11yVDNZEvuMMs8gtKhEzo0cG6M1dXKBQdLvApL3po7v/s1600/Old+Fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg5zC6t76HygvYv9PlAZbIM5n9wKgf0YU3aabFMP6dZrVzTOclvx0q8V_4gQQaxS2eQhdclDCfZ77wUnkdOLw-cLQX8D1ahUt-11yVDNZEvuMMs8gtKhEzo0cG6M1dXKBQdLvApL3po7v/s1600/Old+Fence.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>So that allowed us to tackle the next big project of the fence. Our neighbors (with the tree trimming) wanted a block wall or perhaps a vinyl fence. I convinced them that the ficus tree roots would rip apart a wall. Then I started getting estimates for vinyl, wood, and even composite fencing. Several of the salesmen said we should remove the vines from the fence, so I spent about a month clipping the ivy and climbing ficus. Wow. This side of the fence was worse than I thought! Yes, you can see right through the fence. In fact, the fence started falling down as we removed the ivy which really was all that was holding it up! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjFsPPX5-ba4jQTHDRy-SL_PEJo8vRPlklFo5i_CvaoNIWmqNUnJBA12sburUN71k3T0KQTkj9qXLRnSOWalcSbzPewzUam1lexCtzYv1w9l30MbBX1UVAZHPLOZxzXvSwcJUM5wY2Moh/s1600/New+fence+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjFsPPX5-ba4jQTHDRy-SL_PEJo8vRPlklFo5i_CvaoNIWmqNUnJBA12sburUN71k3T0KQTkj9qXLRnSOWalcSbzPewzUam1lexCtzYv1w9l30MbBX1UVAZHPLOZxzXvSwcJUM5wY2Moh/s1600/New+fence+2014.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>We decided on this fence. Even some of the vinyl fence installers suggested that a wood fence would be better for our yard. So I convince the one neighbor to go with this fence. The neighbor on the other side was willing to pay for half of the cost of the standard redwood fence. The landlord of the house behind us declined to help with the costs at all. Oh well.<br />
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Anyway, I do love this fence. It's nice and sturdy with steel posts guaranteed for 25 years and treated wood on the bottom where it touches the ground. It looks the same on both sides. Now to get it (or side) painted with a clear protective coat.<br />
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<span id="goog_522582334"></span><span id="goog_522582335"></span>GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-69474571320720848762014-03-06T17:49:00.001-08:002014-03-06T17:50:41.181-08:00Fences, Trees, and Neighbors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVyytzF2sZYlKfg2YVkUXLL1sBh34wC13AKAaZyfzBf-PnQKD6hSgDkTDOfahFvBc0QqU336I8eDDNWaY7b4YUUjPH1T_z9iQ0K962YyiLT8EzfBPxnfh-ycEpGr7kka6kYZiXNdDaDoc/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVyytzF2sZYlKfg2YVkUXLL1sBh34wC13AKAaZyfzBf-PnQKD6hSgDkTDOfahFvBc0QqU336I8eDDNWaY7b4YUUjPH1T_z9iQ0K962YyiLT8EzfBPxnfh-ycEpGr7kka6kYZiXNdDaDoc/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Our huge ficus tree needed pruning. We had it done a couple of years ago, but it was time again. But frankly I was surprised when our neighbor told us she wanted it cut back so it didn't hang over her side at all. She brought a tree trimmer with her and suggested we might want more of the tree trimmed. It took me a while to realize she wanted us to pay for the tree to be cut back from her side.<br />
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That's not my understanding of the city rules regarding trees. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think we are responsible for trimming any trees over our yards no matter where the trunk is. If I'm right, she has a right to cut the tree as much as she wants on her side. But I believe that is both her choice and her responsibility.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NMxU_ynkIr3nTOv3TMcqJNSHOKwaQ2Oqhyamk7VI4KIJ2nfjkrcjwJQy7IJ55AUYGO7GxNHVVj7JHuZN26HyhFGHBTb04bc1qrdhyphenhyphenpuE4CcM0vyiH-rSJTMBH-bmLnhT38l2puKhbMAl/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NMxU_ynkIr3nTOv3TMcqJNSHOKwaQ2Oqhyamk7VI4KIJ2nfjkrcjwJQy7IJ55AUYGO7GxNHVVj7JHuZN26HyhFGHBTb04bc1qrdhyphenhyphenpuE4CcM0vyiH-rSJTMBH-bmLnhT38l2puKhbMAl/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>The timing was all wrong for us to pay anyone to do any major work since we were quite unsure about when Allen's annuity would begin and how much it would be. But in order to keep peace in the neighborhood, we paid for the tree to be trimmed... this time.<br />
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It looks so empty! I hope it fills in before summer. This tree will be as good about blocking the sun's glare on our bedroom window.<br />
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But it will grow back.<br />
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Good news for us. Not so good for our neighbor.<br />
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Here's the way it looks from the front of the house. It looks like half a tree. I guess that's what it really is. <br />
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Next, the fence.<br />
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Same neighbor wants to replace the fence. The whole fence is in dire need of replacing. We were not at all impressed with the way it was replaced before and we were not at all able to help pay for it at the time. The termite infested fence was left in place and a new fence was attached on top of it. We were able to remove some of the old fence boards, but it's all supported by the old posts. We need to be part of the planning and paying this time!<br />
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She wanted to put in a wall. A wall might be nice, but that tree's roots would tear down a wall. I think I've convinced her that a wall would not be a good idea.<br />
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I hope the fence negotiations go better all around. Can you tell I'm not a good negotiator?<br />
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-87599618159452327362014-02-05T15:22:00.001-08:002014-02-05T15:22:37.165-08:00It's February!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been having such crazy weather this year! I brought my Plumeria into the garage in October to protect them from the night-time frost. Then it got hot, dry, and windy at Christmas time. We finally got a few drops of real rain the other day. It is now February. The tomatoes have not stopped producing fruit. I figured the tomatoes would never ripen, but here they are! Can you believe it?<br />
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When we lived in Alaska, my mother-in-law would send me letters this time of year telling me she was planning her garden and then shortly after that telling me about her tomato plants. At the time, we had been dealing with feet of snow since October and driving on ice since that. This time of year is Fur Rendezvous with ice sculptures, snowshoe softball, and downhill canoe races on the snowy hillsides. The <a href="http://iditarod.com/" target="_blank">Iditarod</a> will begin on March 1st this year (later than I remember) for the 1,000+ mile dog sled races from Anchorage (really Palmer) to Nome. Spring doesn't arrive there until May and planting time is Memorial Day weekend. We never did get a tomato to ripen there, even in the summer. We had plenty of light, but not enough heat. I think I would have cried to think of picking fresh tomatoes from last summers garden at this time of year. GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-34160402993728012062013-12-05T13:33:00.002-08:002013-12-05T13:33:50.104-08:00Christmas Wreaths<br />
I just returned from making wreaths with the Pleasant Valley Garden Club. Every wreath is decorated with natural items collected from gardens and parks... seed pods, leaves, cones, etc. Some items are sprayed gold or silver, but many were left natural. It was inspiring to walk around the room and see each wreath, all different, but all gorgeous. Here's the one I decorated.<br />
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The picture may not be the best, but I liked the gold magnolia leaves and the blush of white on the cypress.<br />
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When I got home I noticed the wreath we always have hanging on the side of the garage. I made this huge wreath years ago. It's about 4 feet across and it's just made from the very long branches from the Banks Rose. I just wrapped the soft green branches around and around. If I've pruned all the branches and it's not full enough, I just wait a month or so until more branches need pruning. Eventually it becomes a sturdy wreath. <br />
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In the past I've wrapped fake evergreen garland around it and stick in some fake holly. I looked at my shrubs that needed pruning and was inspired to stick the shrub cuttings into my bare wreath. I was already in my grubby clothes and had my garden clippers in my hand. I got to work pruning.<br />
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I think it turned out quite lovely. It's mostly Indian Hawthorn with their dark blue berries. I tucked in the few dry Hydrangea blossoms I missed when I was cutting them back last week. I added white and yellow tipped <span dir="auto">Pittosporum, a few with seed pods. And then to finish it off, I added some red tipped leaves from Nandina with the clumps of bright red berries. </span></div>
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<span dir="auto">We'll see if it holds up over the holidays. If not, at least I got some pruning done.</span></div>
GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-60430566485726503772013-04-28T16:23:00.000-07:002013-04-28T16:24:24.987-07:00It's Cheaper to Move the PlantsThe title of today's blog post is a quote from Jose Calderone, a guy who came to fix our sprinkler system. We had one water spout and one flooded area. I also thought we needed to adjust the timing, but I didn't know how to go about it. So I remembered a little flyer dropped in our yard a few months back. This flyer was more than the usual business card or ad with a name and contact information. This one had Sprinkler System Tips such as the best lawn watering time (3am-6am) and the months to adjust watering time (Early March, Early June, and Late September).<br />
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So I called the number and Jose came out. He was prompt, friendly, and really seemed to know what he was talking about. As it turned out, both the water spout and the flooded area were easy fixes. He adjusted several sprinkler heads. (I didn't even know they could be turned down!)<br />
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I would recommend Jose if you need a help in your garden. He does landscape maintenance as well as care for sprinklers. He said I could share his number, but I didn't tell him I had a garden blog. I hope Jose doesn't mind me sharing his phone number here.<br />
Jose Calderone<br />
Evergreen Landscape<br />
805 276-8630 <br />
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And as we looked at the front area where I've planted the Coral Bells and replanted some ornamental strawberries, I pointed out the edge that doesn't get watered. You can see the line where I've put in the arrows.<br />
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Two of the Coral Bells were on the wrong side of that line. I said I should move the two plants, and Jose agreed, saying "It's cheaper to move the plants than to more the sprinklers." Yep.<br />
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And when I was at B and B Hardware I saw the 4" Coral Bells displayed in the front of the store. Two different varieties! And since they were smaller, they were also about 1/2 the price. Though I really had enough plants, I couldn't pass these up.<br />
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So the big picture shows the new configuration. I moved the Lemon Chiffon to the back. Since its yellow color shows up better, it can bring the eye to the back. I moved the Ruby Veil up to the front, and planted the new plants, Amber Waves and Cinnabar Silver, on either side of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJ520UMszZBkvU5S7ZfvikAT25QMd6G0izEbLgHzBUuhAKt1LKe6NMYgHirBH6E8ww0z2HMJq6ZTvLK1dCxIastv1LL8jxNh88wmC2VgIpNMSWuU_NYvQxewOXqeO2oryMruNFpdYt9GJ/s1600/Maries+Blue+Salvia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJ520UMszZBkvU5S7ZfvikAT25QMd6G0izEbLgHzBUuhAKt1LKe6NMYgHirBH6E8ww0z2HMJq6ZTvLK1dCxIastv1LL8jxNh88wmC2VgIpNMSWuU_NYvQxewOXqeO2oryMruNFpdYt9GJ/s320/Maries+Blue+Salvia.JPG" width="320" /></a>By the way, thanks to my friend, Marie, I think we have the name of that mystery flower in the front. She thinks it's Blue Salvia. I've planted other salvias that do not stay neat and tidy like mine and hers look much larger.<br />
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What do you think? Same plant?<br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-7376119287489496312013-04-27T20:03:00.000-07:002013-04-27T20:03:06.589-07:00The New Member of our (Gardening Tools) Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet the Green Machine. He arrived this morning and I am so grateful to Allen for assembling it! And then, to make things even better, he put it to work today too!<br />
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You see, normally my work load in the garden is limited by the yard waste barrel. I can clip until it's full and then I'm done for the week until the city comes to empty it. I can make more room in the barrel by clipping each branch into much smaller pieces so they can snuggle down, filling the nooks and crannies. But that means a lot more clipping. My poor hand gets so tired! By the time the barrel is full, I need the rest of the week for my clipping arm to recover. <br />
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Did I mention the garden club is coming in a couple of weeks? I had lots of clipping to do! Allen said, "If only you had a chipper." Good idea! I went off to Home Depot to get one. They don't sell them at the store, only online.<br />
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As I compared them online, I found that Amazon had a bigger selection and sold them much cheaper. And since we have Amazon Prime, the shipping is free. For only $8.99 they delivered overnight! Within 24 hours, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/GreenWorks-24052-Corded-Shredder-Chipper/dp/B0030BG1JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1367117096&sr=1-2&keywords=chipper" target="_blank">Green Machine</a> moved in. <br />
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After I ordered the chipper, I got to work on the creeping fig on the back fence. And the Pittosporum was in the way so I clipped that too. While I was at it, I cut it a little shorter. Then I cut another Pittosporum back too. I ran out of room in my folding barrel, then filled up the middle sized tub. I tossed the bigger branches into a huge pile and just left it there. <br />
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The Green Machine arrived this morning. Allen put it together and started chipping those branches. I felt lazy watching him work, so I went to the front yard and started cutting the branches sticking out from the Indian Hawthorne hedge. When Allen finished the branches in the back, I took the Green Machine to the front and started in on that pile. All those chips went into our compost bins. Instead of tossing those branches, and buying mulch, I will turn the branches into mulch. Score!<br />
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I started in on the leaves with the Leaf Hog. The Leaf Hog doesn't pick up sticks. The Green Machine doesn't do piles of leaves. So Allen started in again on the little branches left behind by the Leaf Hog. The Leaf Hog cleaned up the remaining debris from the Green Machine.<br />
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Dump the last bits. Roll up the cords. Park the garden power tools in the garage. It's time to sit with a glass of wine and enjoy our accomplishments!<br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-88191820983520838952013-04-20T19:11:00.000-07:002013-04-20T19:11:00.090-07:00Planting under the Birch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GujLrJX6CHMTiHOAAiWdsh0NRNQssaCub-t5rTbQU5t385t2bOckI6_4v6PfZIElMckWymRBBb2G-TzCUN3w59nTiQcEP1ugrkDcBjblZrd31NYyl2iMJKpg7jb75MAWsYTSnw0ctzfo/s1600/100_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GujLrJX6CHMTiHOAAiWdsh0NRNQssaCub-t5rTbQU5t385t2bOckI6_4v6PfZIElMckWymRBBb2G-TzCUN3w59nTiQcEP1ugrkDcBjblZrd31NYyl2iMJKpg7jb75MAWsYTSnw0ctzfo/s320/100_3296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Every year I replant this area under the birch tree in our front yard. I have a swirling informal hedge of Indian Hawthorne in the back from this view and in the front I have a border of ornamental strawberries. There is a tree in the center. There was a huge Ash tree there when we first moved here. We took it out and planted a smaller, more polite birch tree that was donated to us by a neighbor. This year's planting doesn't look colorful yet, but I have high hopes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFp2sWtMTL7L5FcfZC6Lyk4_cpj13iiJMF0vaSAruQueStYxX1P8odIrBPOEtTdTNWpBPGmKHoUhQLXafy9pihZZkcLS42gXKTAJ4gHyQDnn84eTWef3NqRv4phoMsGcgk1ihCJzMAbYW/s1600/100_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFp2sWtMTL7L5FcfZC6Lyk4_cpj13iiJMF0vaSAruQueStYxX1P8odIrBPOEtTdTNWpBPGmKHoUhQLXafy9pihZZkcLS42gXKTAJ4gHyQDnn84eTWef3NqRv4phoMsGcgk1ihCJzMAbYW/s320/100_2575.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is the way it looked last year. I planted pansies, johnny jump-ups, and snapdragons. I also tried a few Ranunculus. It looked great for a month or so, but then the flowers dropped. I hoped they would come back this year, but it's been looking pretty empty except for the <i>allysum. </i>Ogren rated the allysum as a 6, so I really shouldn't let it live here, but it's so pretty and it comes back every year. I don't have the heart to kill it. <i> </i> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeHWHNTWPA6b4cMqKtaMCX6ayWaQCEYROJ9c7HCn1fqswqJPFQi2YZKFKdustFC3mMnl0ZmsczoAImvXm7gP6f9c-Jpikk6N3ttkQzG-CW2Q2IAqjpOrC8isFv4NuWrsERQXqbpvh8cuh/s1600/100_3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeHWHNTWPA6b4cMqKtaMCX6ayWaQCEYROJ9c7HCn1fqswqJPFQi2YZKFKdustFC3mMnl0ZmsczoAImvXm7gP6f9c-Jpikk6N3ttkQzG-CW2Q2IAqjpOrC8isFv4NuWrsERQXqbpvh8cuh/s320/100_3297.JPG" width="240" /></a>I usually plant annuals here for their showy flowers, but they need to be replanted each year.
I've tried some perennials before and some have hung in. There is a
dahlia my friend gave me. It has appeared again this year, but it never
seems to make it to the flowering stage. A few snapdragons show up each year, but not enough to make much of a showing. <br />
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There are 3-4 of this mystery plant with the square stems and purple flowers. I just tried to look it up and came up with Calamint. I don't remember that name, so it may have been called something else when I bought it. The search validated my thought that the square stems mean it's related to the mint family. I really would like to find it again at a nursery. I would happily buy more!<br />
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This year I decided to put in more perennials. That's kind of the theme of my garden. The perennials, as a rule, are not very showy with lots of big, bright flowers, but there is always something to look at all year. I do want flowers here to greet my guests. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3s7zZDOcfGjQ5xV2gQsa4A6ICW6QyOWhY6B-Z7DeEP-fxmJ-RBjEyBSarWVzcA1CPNmgl-QvSBJtazYy9PjF7bHU_4zUu4rLW12VOfkZQ2NfMtNZpzkxs3IJ0lQ6l6Vh_A_HJ1zr1OlC/s1600/100_3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3s7zZDOcfGjQ5xV2gQsa4A6ICW6QyOWhY6B-Z7DeEP-fxmJ-RBjEyBSarWVzcA1CPNmgl-QvSBJtazYy9PjF7bHU_4zUu4rLW12VOfkZQ2NfMtNZpzkxs3IJ0lQ6l6Vh_A_HJ1zr1OlC/s320/100_3298.JPG" width="320" /></a>This year I'm trying a border of <a href="http://www.outsidepride.com/seed/ground-cover-seed/moss-rose/moss-rose-red.html" target="_blank"><i>Portulaca</i></a>, Moss Rose. I bought them at the suggestion of another shopper at the nursery. She says you can't kill them. They are a succulent, so I may kill them with too much water. If they survive, they may try to take over. I like their sweet showing flowers that come in many colors including this bright pink, as well as yellow, orange, and white. It's got a 2 on Ogren's scale, so that works for me. We'll see how they do.<br />
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I won this plant at the garden club meeting. It's called Nemesia. It's also a 2 on Ogren's scale and it has light lavender flowers. Very pretty! I'll buy more of these if I see them at a nursery. They are an annual though, so if they don't reseed themselves I'll have to replace them again next year.<br />
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<br />I also planted <i>Delphiniums</i> and <i>Aquilegia,</i> Columbine. I really love both of these flowers. The Delphiniums should grow nice and tall, about 36." They're supposed to bloom in early summer and fall. I bought 3 large ones that are all dark blue, called Magic Fountains. I also bought 3 eight-packs of "Magic Fountains" that should have a mixture of pinks and light blue flowers. I bought 3 eight-packs of Columbines called "McKana's Giant." The tag says they should grow to 30" with flowers in white, yellow, red, and purple. They should bloom April to May. It's the middle of April now and there are no flowers yet. Both Delphiniums and Columbine are poisonous, so I wouldn't put them in the back yard, but our dogs are never out in the front yard unsupervised. They should be OK here.<br />
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If these new perennials do well in the conditions I'll give them, they may fill in this area with blooms through the summer. I'm getting quite a variety. Perhaps as I try various plants, a few of each will reappear. After all, I have titled this blog <i><b>Confessions of a Lazy Gardener</b></i>. Lazy gardeners do not replant every year!<br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-89976438534308631302013-04-19T21:50:00.000-07:002013-04-19T21:50:35.628-07:00Planting Under the Oak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What to plant? The ornamental strawberries haven't been doing well under our neighbor's big tree. I believe it's a California Oak, but I'm really not sure. I do know that the moths that invaded it last year were identified as California Oak Moths, so that's what I'm going with here. The gardeners planted begonias which didn't do much better. <br />
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So I took my trusty <a href="http://www.allergyfree-gardening.com/" target="_blank">Allergy Free Gardening</a> to the nursery to try something new. I went to Green Thumb in Ventura, When I asked for suggestions I was directed to Richard (I <i>think</i> that was his name.) who lives in Ojai and has been successful planting under oak trees there. He said the trees make the soil acidic and they really shouldn't get too much water. There is morning sun, but it is usually shady in the afternoon. Richard made a suggestion or two, but when I looked them up they were fairly high on the Ogren allergy scale. (<a href="http://mygarden-camarillo.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-personal-planting-guidelines.html" target="_blank">From Allergy Free Gardening. See my discussion of this book here.</a>) Then Richard suggested <i><a href="http://gardening.about.com/od/choosingperennialplants/p/Heuchera.htm" target="_blank">Heuchera</a></i>, AKA Coral Bells. It's a 1 on Ogren's scale meaning low allergens. It grows in full to partial sun. The size is right. Score!<br />
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I really like the look of these plants! There is quite a variety of foliage color and even some variety in leaf shape. I told Richard that obviously they're grown for their leaf color, but Richard said they're also grown for their flowers.<br />
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I especially like the one on the lower left of this photo, <i>Stoplight Foamy Bells</i> with the lemon yellow leaves with the red veining. The <i>Midnight Rose</i>, in the back in this photo, which is described as "fabulous burnished black leaves are spotted hot pink in the spring, lightening in summer to cream and pink spots." Of course, these two varieties cost a bit more. I got as much variety as I could with the cheaper varieties and put these two up front.<br />
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I really hope they do well under the tree! It sounds like they will put on quite a show. They're supposed to grow about 10" tall, 16" wide. <br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-1038359797416349772013-04-11T17:52:00.000-07:002013-04-11T17:57:24.150-07:00Building a Mountain out of a Molehill, part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think most of the heavy lifting is over for this project. The parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are all in, as well as oregano, mint, basil, and lettuce. I also sowed some cilantro seeds.<br />
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I was so happy when I was planning this herb garden that there is a watering system available! When my friend Daniel installed the sprinklers I was surprised to see a drip line back there. It didn't make much sense to me. But the drip line head is just to the left of the mini-mountain. That made it very easy to run three lines up there. Hopefully that will be enough to get everything watered properly. There are still a few lines available to add later. Perhaps I should run the cycle when I can watch it and maybe even put something out there to serve as a rain gauge. Remember, I define myself as a lazy gardener. I know I'm not likely to stay on top of things if I have to water by hand regularly.<br />
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I plan to post another photo when I've filled in more of the crevices with soil, the friendly weeds that are serving as the ground cover fill back in, and the lettuce and herbs are larger. For now, it's filling its purpose. . . to give me something to look at out the living room windows.GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-57299060768357396412013-04-09T16:20:00.000-07:002013-04-09T16:22:48.615-07:00Building a Mountain out of a Molehill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDIyvvJc6thm6qyxnm30eP_ERhzH88V_Lfv4U89-8G-EJhhJzuL-gqIW7esg0blqw3z_OEV05eRpHpAYmu2xPxk4pvbS0DBJsh_5d4Kybdwb4yx5cNtjAM3dhCgjBB3KbZyqE8aiUVUVF/s1600/100_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDIyvvJc6thm6qyxnm30eP_ERhzH88V_Lfv4U89-8G-EJhhJzuL-gqIW7esg0blqw3z_OEV05eRpHpAYmu2xPxk4pvbS0DBJsh_5d4Kybdwb4yx5cNtjAM3dhCgjBB3KbZyqE8aiUVUVF/s320/100_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a>Way back on April 21, 2012 I wrote about some of my favorite views and one not-so-favorite one. This is the not-so-favorite one. It was a tiny bit better when viewed in real life, since you can focus on the view instead of the door frames. But still, there a rather large area with not much to see. I had run out of ideas when I originally re-landscaped the yard, leaving the three citrus trees and a few weedy Salvias. Then a couple of years ago I took out the lemon tree that I'd grown to hate. So behind the door frame, there really was nothing to see at all! And this is the view from our living room. Since then, I've tried to focus on the bird feeder just to the left of this view and when my thoughts drifted to the right, I tried to figure out what I wanted to put in there. </div>
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I've looked at plants that might be interesting enough to be a statement. I've wondered about adding on to the water feature. I searched Pinterest, and I started noticing some rather beautiful raised beds. Then a few weeks ago I did a rather foolish thing. I volunteered to have the local garden club add my garden to a tour of 5-6 of our members' homes. Yikes! Now I feel I need to get in there and really make my garden look its best... and finally do something about that area that has felt like a gaping hole.</div>
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So here's my idea. I plan to build a raised herb garden that echoes the waterfall. And of course, I want to do it for next to nothing. So I froze my gym membership to give me both more time and money and I'm doing my weight lifting at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mubSBuoOfIzIwzeqNkWfPqf1OuiopBK5eKcCo1QamV52WKNizRBI7tsXHEUqDkf-N3m-wKbYzDQk-uuBUhpKfTamGBqPLofD-GIxvs4cuoaG1O3yhW7TKG3g2I7rhzOTcXu5r-cDd-0D/s1600/100_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mubSBuoOfIzIwzeqNkWfPqf1OuiopBK5eKcCo1QamV52WKNizRBI7tsXHEUqDkf-N3m-wKbYzDQk-uuBUhpKfTamGBqPLofD-GIxvs4cuoaG1O3yhW7TKG3g2I7rhzOTcXu5r-cDd-0D/s320/100_3237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I started off with retaining wall blocks from Home Depot. I've found that my car and my back can move six 60 pound blocks in a day. I want to keep the hill from actually contacting the fence. Like the waterfall, with tall plants in the back blending in with the ivy on the fence, it really shouldn't look too strange. I've got I made 4 runs there. That's 24 blocks... 1,440 pounds, if you care to know! Plus 8 cubic yards of store-bought soil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eBTyvn3wXBZqo8KhoeNckqfz6jsI9GDnpxMLCtY2jgmL7ZLaM0rUE4SHeo3WejtgjYMWgsxVlwTUrMDSEMgaWXYo3nasIf031A6m0_EHOdq17UukH8vUnkl6qQUUn6EzU4d4YtButay0/s1600/100_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eBTyvn3wXBZqo8KhoeNckqfz6jsI9GDnpxMLCtY2jgmL7ZLaM0rUE4SHeo3WejtgjYMWgsxVlwTUrMDSEMgaWXYo3nasIf031A6m0_EHOdq17UukH8vUnkl6qQUUn6EzU4d4YtButay0/s320/100_3280.JPG" width="320" /></a>I went out to Peach Hill Soils to get some rocks. Peach Hill would deliver to my house, but they would dump them onto my driveway and couldn't promise they wouldn't damage it. The owner thought he might be able to find someone with a truck and time they wanted to fill with a small job, but I guess it sounded like too much work for not enough pay.<br />
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So my Camry is now the rock hauling "truck" and I am the manual laborer. It is a lot of work, but the money is right! Plus, I did say I would be doing my weight lifting in my garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1r0ZJQ2dlJy_3fLbfcIolT0kSJd0DnzgS94PTtolOwGqXaGwi1b-QtA6h_ivXHukBTt0HgAvgy2_9Ou0lqXvDHa3b4XfPfTldPjebHTEFtU5vBt9WVkv0RovdRaL9PxWlLn6V68LZ0oT/s1600/100_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1r0ZJQ2dlJy_3fLbfcIolT0kSJd0DnzgS94PTtolOwGqXaGwi1b-QtA6h_ivXHukBTt0HgAvgy2_9Ou0lqXvDHa3b4XfPfTldPjebHTEFtU5vBt9WVkv0RovdRaL9PxWlLn6V68LZ0oT/s320/100_3281.JPG" width="320" /></a> This picture represents two "Camry/truck" loads of rocks. It's getting there! maybe one more load of big rocks and I can start filling in with smaller rocks. It's not a mountain yet, or even a molehill, but at least it hints at something to look at.</div>
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-85538927648469483672013-03-10T17:21:00.002-07:002013-03-10T17:22:21.694-07:00Finding the FenceI haven't posted in a while because what I've been working on is not very photogenic. Not only that, there's no beautiful "After" picture to show here.<br />
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It's really pretty hard to tell, but this is our ivy covered fence. And no, that's not your imagination. It is not straight and upright! The ivy has been neglected for a <b><u>very</u></b> long time. I let it go unchecked way back when. When the gardeners took over, they would shave it every now and then to even up the surface. It looked nice. But underneath, those vines were growing thicker and higher and digging their way between the fence boards. </div>
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I tried to take a picture of what the ivy is doing as it grows above the fence. The ivy that I think of with its delicate green vines grow thick like a tree trunk. In fact, we thought it <u><b>was </b></u>a tree on our neighbor's side. It turns out they thought it was a tree on our side! The "vines" are about 4-5 inches in diameter in some places! </div>
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As I cut away the old dead vines on our side, I found old dead leaves that had collected inside, turning to compost. Judging from the odor and scraps of plastic I found, I believe it was literally a rats' nest. Let me tell you, between the ivy growing between the fence boards, the compost and moisture rotting the wood, and the termites' damage, there's not much holding up the fence other than the remaining ivy. </div>
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So I clipped and sawed and pulled and raked. I filled our yard waste barrel and our large trash barrel that serves as an overflow yard waste bin. I kept working and made a huge pile out of sight behind the waterfall. I came in filthy each day, with scrapes on my arms, sticks in my hair, and praying I haven't been exposed to Hanta Virus or something equally nasty.<br />
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It looks pretty ugly right now. I still hope to get a few more old vines off the fence. Soon there will be fresh green (and soft!) vines covering the fence and it will look a little better.<br />
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The fence really should have been replaced long ago. When we were renters, over 15 years ago, the fence was threatening to fall down. The landlord had metal posts put in to keep it up a bit longer. The thought of dealing with the ivy was overwhelming then. I will have to find a way to broach the subject of a new fence with our neighbors soon. When we do replace it, at least cutting back the ivy (on our side) will be manageable. I vow right now, to keep the ivy in check from now on!<br />
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I have to admit, as gross as it was to do, and as ugly as it looks right now, I feel better having done it. <br />
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-3559177369877518842013-01-21T20:36:00.002-08:002013-01-21T20:36:23.843-08:00Harvest in January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oranges and limes. Oh my! I remember our time in Alaska, spring and anything colorful outside was still about 4 months away. <b>I love living in Camarillo!</b>GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-43969538511822237632013-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:002013-01-08T13:00:41.028-08:00Springtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Christmas wreath from the Camarillo Garden Club is still hanging by the front door, but the Hyacinths say it's spring.GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-6801984302392336242013-01-03T18:01:00.000-08:002013-01-03T18:01:57.818-08:00Happy New Year! It's time for new beginnings. In my yard, it's time to prune back
the rose bushes. <br />
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When we had gardeners, I was home on Christmas break
when I saw them getting ready to cut back the roses. I begged them to
wait until after Christmas. How lucky we are here in southern California to have roses. I mean, we even have a parade all about flowers, especially roses, on New Year's Day. <a href="http://www.tournamentofroses.com/TheRoseParade.aspx" target="_blank">The Rose Parade</a> is viewed from all over and people marvel at the floats covered in plant material and billions of blossoms. After our 8 years in Anchorage, Alaska, I understand how precious that is.<br />
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So I have roses for Christmas.<br />
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But after Christmas, it is time to cut them back. The plants really benefit from a winter break. <br />
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Rose bushes are actually composed of 2 plants; root stalk and the specially grown flowering plant. The root stalk is from a hardy plant. The tops are grown for their various special attributes. Some roses are grown more for their coloring, others for their shape, and still others for their scent. I recently learned that the flowers grown for florists are grown to be long lasting, but rarely have much of a scent.<br />
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But those root stalks are, by definition, hardy. They will do their best to grow. They send out branches usually called "suckers." These suckers may grow flowers, but they won't be the glorious blossoms you bought the plant for. <br />
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When we lived in Alaska I saw <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=wild+rose&start=10&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=xrH&sa=N&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&source=univ&ei=xizmULm8LcGuigLr1YHABg&ved=0CDgQsAQ4Cg&biw=1138&bih=497" target="_blank">wild roses</a> for the first time. They only have about 5 petals and you might not even recognize them as a rose. After they bloom, a rose hip is left. Roses and rose hips are<a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm" target="_blank"> edible</a>. In fact, rose hips are sold as a <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-839-ROSE%20HIP.aspx?activeIngredientId=839&activeIngredientName=ROSE%20HIP" target="_blank">vitamin C supplement</a>.<br />
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But I digress. Back to the top part of the plant. Rose hips are the seed portion of the plant, but the roses we buy are not grown from seed. They are more like cloned. If one plant grows different looking flowers that the grower likes, branches are cut off and stuck to a cut branch on the root stalk to make a new plant. The cut portions are held together until the desired branch can get its nourishment and grow from the root stalk. This is called grafting. That new type of flower is patented and it works like a copyright. It's illegal for you to copy this process to make more roses from someone's plant. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbCQyHVjnTA8Uj5t8w6nDHoUunWJimZeRyYx6Z0M0G0JXWcVWHNhspIWi0ik37EP73juH97ho8-rYxMS32aqFFuNJ9k0Y0yQOZK19SX76GFKk7LK0PUOkCGp5-0ylnD6v490Wh8HG2GTb/s1600/100_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbCQyHVjnTA8Uj5t8w6nDHoUunWJimZeRyYx6Z0M0G0JXWcVWHNhspIWi0ik37EP73juH97ho8-rYxMS32aqFFuNJ9k0Y0yQOZK19SX76GFKk7LK0PUOkCGp5-0ylnD6v490Wh8HG2GTb/s320/100_3156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You can see the tag still attached to this bush. It gives the name of this variety, Memorial Day and then in (WEXBLUNEZ) I'm not sure what that is. It may be the grower. But after that, the print might be small, but the meaning is quite clear. Asexual reproduction of this patented plant without license is prohibited. In other words, do not make a copy of this plant by doing your own graft. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UrWLaorAKoI7PD7FLds7NsI3Wtce7KfXEinIuGUNe1t5o1dHuWTBguVwPaWZjMu0I32i3uS4IOLwRlX_0AqL9o4hI2OUjgsgoMM8ghkrXkT62JxtHUshJaAMrX4COrfgOo7V8TklHqOz/s1600/100_3151.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UrWLaorAKoI7PD7FLds7NsI3Wtce7KfXEinIuGUNe1t5o1dHuWTBguVwPaWZjMu0I32i3uS4IOLwRlX_0AqL9o4hI2OUjgsgoMM8ghkrXkT62JxtHUshJaAMrX4COrfgOo7V8TklHqOz/s320/100_3151.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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If you really want those fancy flowers you spent good money for, you will cut off those suckers! You can see a lot of suckers coming off the base of this plant. I took my pruning saw to these branches to cut them as close to the base as I could.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Y-0EUrSY0LAJAFp4tUH9AcXyxtAl1E4oVmtDdRWZdF8MKndjIE8pokbxeFbgq6m5xw1W0VJnyCtMz1Y5SvlzLP6iyL5aFa7dcXPt7O87AFLhyczE8mK6cwfTgKvFi90SugJid2Vm0K-/s1600/100_3150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Y-0EUrSY0LAJAFp4tUH9AcXyxtAl1E4oVmtDdRWZdF8MKndjIE8pokbxeFbgq6m5xw1W0VJnyCtMz1Y5SvlzLP6iyL5aFa7dcXPt7O87AFLhyczE8mK6cwfTgKvFi90SugJid2Vm0K-/s320/100_3150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
You can probably see the brown older branches on this bush as well as the green branches. The older branches are that part of the plant that was grafted onto the base. The green branches are last year's growth. So I cut back the green. You could leave a little of the green on. It will be easier if you cut back the top branches to get them out of the way. Then you can see what you're doing easier and there will be fewer thorns reaching out to snag you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFLNlMDIrDDkZLziOgLlEzSOWCs40sXILTT6d3C-2GgWDy_VCipDV9fL5D9ZR-Wd255X0DuzAdq1wT2SSC2Bg5m4xWgBSanZqqtCiDHTc1sk2fBbB7Iar8cGuGgh2n0qpPSlNX3XrQ5rH/s1600/100_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFLNlMDIrDDkZLziOgLlEzSOWCs40sXILTT6d3C-2GgWDy_VCipDV9fL5D9ZR-Wd255X0DuzAdq1wT2SSC2Bg5m4xWgBSanZqqtCiDHTc1sk2fBbB7Iar8cGuGgh2n0qpPSlNX3XrQ5rH/s320/100_3153.JPG" width="240" /></a>This bush is done. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fvuC1XutP27MRRmnwsK8jv5ZIIk6wNakBo8vF_Wf4lBQh8LdXDlVhhgmCIIvYlpfwuJLFSVlr5KYsOiTJ8XvYiSRW88gdoihVhJZFkTplSro4xoj-LP19ay_9w139Q-NhY1tSh8wEaN2/s1600/100_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fvuC1XutP27MRRmnwsK8jv5ZIIk6wNakBo8vF_Wf4lBQh8LdXDlVhhgmCIIvYlpfwuJLFSVlr5KYsOiTJ8XvYiSRW88gdoihVhJZFkTplSro4xoj-LP19ay_9w139Q-NhY1tSh8wEaN2/s320/100_3157.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqYm1c_gafhC_PvfO5kLYUrcg1UEgwx5IOtkFF1OYRbnfX5UXbP5z1Y5DvLC85eVbEeIximNhk63CR6NV_NWKdNbMx1LC3JKeb3e4vCTevj1nNGOqazpax9Kfr4w1vF9u25bEDG3O6-p9/s1600/100_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
This rose bed is done. With the rose bushes cut back, it was easy to clean up the dead branches from the <a href="http://mygarden-camarillo.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-blooming-in-april-mexican-evening.html" target="_blank">Mexican Evening Primrose</a>. <br />
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This is our bedroom window. I cut that center Nandina so it doesn't block my view quite as much. <br />
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The bed looks kind of bare now. I would have paid good money for <u>anything</u> green and growing in Anchorage at this time of year! I am very happy to have a garden with something green and even colorful all year round. The tall Nandina with its red berries and the shorter Nana Nandina with its red tinged leaves are filling the bill for this area of my garden right now. <br />
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Our bird feeder had been chewed so that the seeds just poured out of one of the holes. when I filled it. So this is my new bird feeder. Hopefully the birds won't be too unhappy with all of the changes! I appreciate their yellow and red feathers and their happy songs. Maybe they'll be back outside my window tomorrow morning.<br />
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Spring comes early here, so it won't be long before the roses are growing with refreshed vigor. <br />
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-78125684979572042202012-12-15T12:22:00.000-08:002012-12-15T12:22:14.800-08:00Picture Perfect Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXYeXYUFZwevqUt6bE3TosV8jkJ257YcxzDrou4CA_86MWm1JgnK5q0J9XuXqV5zGNO6zkZYP0UV264RFvIA62fmV2_9ilgGbPGnYiOwwJ7kbC6mDRFqHhKvTZU6tt-gwPwsF9PnFvkfL/s1600/Roses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXYeXYUFZwevqUt6bE3TosV8jkJ257YcxzDrou4CA_86MWm1JgnK5q0J9XuXqV5zGNO6zkZYP0UV264RFvIA62fmV2_9ilgGbPGnYiOwwJ7kbC6mDRFqHhKvTZU6tt-gwPwsF9PnFvkfL/s640/Roses.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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When we opened the curtains in our bedroom this morning, I was greeted by these perfect roses. I commented that they were picture perfect and my sweet husband went out to capture the image. I wish you could see the dewdrops that were on them. </div>
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-63438373232274381842012-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:002012-10-27T17:48:10.044-07:00What's blooming in October? Yuletide Camellia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7PDsiK2S0Te_9_WWNV12uh2-uFZmxrmGu8n6O3GHWj_ont2eTeaF4C-npLfNIy2Ap8W14UK-crQlMNEFXdWFi8YgFSQxV7wOjdcaUli_TmxEDQfnCxKjgp-P2DMoy96TNe3qqEKf1ro5/s1600/100_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7PDsiK2S0Te_9_WWNV12uh2-uFZmxrmGu8n6O3GHWj_ont2eTeaF4C-npLfNIy2Ap8W14UK-crQlMNEFXdWFi8YgFSQxV7wOjdcaUli_TmxEDQfnCxKjgp-P2DMoy96TNe3qqEKf1ro5/s320/100_3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yuletide Camellia, <i>Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This flower is supposed to bloom <span style="font-size: small;">at Ch<span style="font-size: small;">ristmas<span style="font-size: small;">. It's <span style="font-size: small;">early! H<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">opefully</span> it will continue to bloom through winter like it's supposed to. It likes <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">filtered</span> sun, which it gets in the corner of our front yard, under the <span style="font-size: small;">neighbor's tree. I just love the b<span style="font-size: small;">right red flowers, the puff of bright yellow c<span style="font-size: small;">enter<span style="font-size: small;">s,<span style="font-size: small;"> a<span style="font-size: small;">nd the dark green glossy leaves.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <i><br /></i></span></div>
GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-83352367223082034872012-09-26T12:37:00.000-07:002012-09-26T12:37:26.333-07:00What's Blooming in September? Mexican Evening Primrose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQx2y6JTOIqWtOx4UacLdSCWHFM_30hhwvcVGI-MCDgCAhUZPoNLFIloRwcoEsytCWs85yD8wZOBzboOrJJahd4JbQGkIVLp2M4CPxUDK-mNRyQHcaJasJM7hE3J1v9jBE4HK1dSJWcsd/s1600/100_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQx2y6JTOIqWtOx4UacLdSCWHFM_30hhwvcVGI-MCDgCAhUZPoNLFIloRwcoEsytCWs85yD8wZOBzboOrJJahd4JbQGkIVLp2M4CPxUDK-mNRyQHcaJasJM7hE3J1v9jBE4HK1dSJWcsd/s320/100_2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mexican Evening Primrose, <i>Oenothera berlandieri.</i> My brother-in-law gave us some of these. We drove them down from the bay area and they have done great. They really can be a weed, taking over, but I cut them back freely and they have behaved themselves. I love their pale pink flowers! They fill in around under the rose bushes.<br />
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They do die back during the winter, but their appearance is always a pleasure!GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-63059523706814672382012-09-22T10:56:00.001-07:002012-09-22T12:08:11.900-07:00She's Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXJ4mggZj_aT_BfypVPg-WsIYFu39Y0W8lyK3NNSWXnkbxZ9U7tiGJVk0eRF31GMARJ_e70NunDtOA0e34ZYjTHNUGoVGWBHCLFfHdw6r6q9ZEaNDABqX4LXPC_2B-3F3oUjqKIWhJzq8/s1600/100_2937+edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXJ4mggZj_aT_BfypVPg-WsIYFu39Y0W8lyK3NNSWXnkbxZ9U7tiGJVk0eRF31GMARJ_e70NunDtOA0e34ZYjTHNUGoVGWBHCLFfHdw6r6q9ZEaNDABqX4LXPC_2B-3F3oUjqKIWhJzq8/s400/100_2937+edited.JPG" width="361" /> </a></div>
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The UPS man delivered yesterday. Charlotte was very patient with him when he came through, destroying her home. I didn't hear either of them yelling. She may have cursed silently, and perhaps the UPS man did as well. </div>
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Charlotte stayed up all night rebuilding. This time she rebuilt just a bit lower, but did not include a line to the pilasters. I climbed up on a chair to take this photo. I was perched precariously, trying to focus on the spider, but the camera kept focusing on the tree way behind the web. As I leaned closer, trying to find her in the shot, I realized the breeze was blowing her and her web toward me! Time to rethink this shot! So I climbed on our big rock so the sky was behind the web. The camera could focus on Charlotte, and her web was no longer aiming right at me.</div>
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I would really like to see how she manages to run a line from one tree to the other. Does she climb down, crossing the sidewalk, laying line behind her and somehow managing not to get it tangled along the way? Does she take a flying leap when the breeze is just right? Does she shoot the web with her tiny fly-fishing pole? Does she enlist the help of some trusting flying being? I thought I'd see if I could find out, so I headed over to YouTube. I found this delightful video. I didn't learn how the initial line is strung from tree to tree, but I did learn a lot!
Spiders are fine, but I've got to admit this guy is more accepting than I am! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OBG8CGpbgLo" width="480"></iframe>
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Here's another video. You can almost see how this spider makes her stitches!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kn83aC7NjSc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Charlotte still has lines going to the two trees, so if you come visit me you will be walking under
her handiwork. Today you can walk up our sidewalk without disturbing
her web. But if I were in your shoes, I'd watch my step... looking up!
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Update: My sister sent me <a href="http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/Spiders/Info/Construction_of_a_web.html">this helpful site</a>. Apparently they do like to fly fish, but without the fishing rod. I guess that makes sense since it is indeed flies she's fishing for.
GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-69848323710251216182012-09-21T08:29:00.001-07:002012-09-21T08:29:23.390-07:00Giant Spider Time!At this time of the year I walk through my yard carefully. Usually I'm looking down (we have dogs) and around to check what garden chores I should put on my To Do list. But in the fall I need to look up. It's time for giant spiders and their giant webs. Allen spotted this one from the front door this morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC3cM3wu_x_L1t0k0lbzoLuInFFP8L4kYkcP4by-HPgaFZogGQtEcRo6oO0_zT22B2f8aWauUVnbuthxLdSPWDoidJsh9cfDnj5c1SREGd8o7GG1rMTGULKEMjQjQjXYpaReOHsz1OYAr/s1600/100_2929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC3cM3wu_x_L1t0k0lbzoLuInFFP8L4kYkcP4by-HPgaFZogGQtEcRo6oO0_zT22B2f8aWauUVnbuthxLdSPWDoidJsh9cfDnj5c1SREGd8o7GG1rMTGULKEMjQjQjXYpaReOHsz1OYAr/s640/100_2929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The "tie downs" for this web are from tree to tree, about 15 feet apart. I took the photo from back about 6 feet and the spider is about 8 feet up. I did use the telephoto feature on my camera. It's not the largest spider I have ever seen, but I sure wouldn't want to walk into this web! <br />
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I remember one year there was a HUGE spider that had made a web looming over the gate to the trash cans. I'm really not very afraid of spiders, but this one had me fearful of taking out the garbage! If I remember correctly, she was about an inch or more... maybe six inches!<br />
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I believe these are <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-24_spider_blackandyellow_argiope.htm" target="_blank">Garden Spiders</a> and they really aren't aggressive. They are actually considered a beneficial insect in the garden. They eat insects and anything that goes after the flying pests is a friend of mine! If you take down the web, they are likely to just rebuild it in the same place and it is pretty amazing how quickly they can construct these enormous structures. When they have built a web lower down, I actually like to look at the beautiful patterns on their bodies. <br />
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So I let them be. But I walk in the garden with my eyes open, and sometimes I carry my garden tools at arm's length in front of my face. I really don't want to disturb any of these friends and then have them looking for a place to hide on me! <br />
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-57036457360132005612012-09-19T17:34:00.000-07:002012-09-19T17:34:00.448-07:00What's Blooming in September? Ginger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwcW3XJ6gCDsjd3LhyphenhyphenslbFJ18lERCvZSDcXu9Gx8WnGwoKCP_IUBw-XMd9q1Kd9ltckKvqHTkt0dIhGIxS81rds4j7lJDoYjFPX53qs_nkX5RIwkT4wpNDGXPOfmHMQwooY4bWgb9oOD1/s1600/100_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwcW3XJ6gCDsjd3LhyphenhyphenslbFJ18lERCvZSDcXu9Gx8WnGwoKCP_IUBw-XMd9q1Kd9ltckKvqHTkt0dIhGIxS81rds4j7lJDoYjFPX53qs_nkX5RIwkT4wpNDGXPOfmHMQwooY4bWgb9oOD1/s640/100_2919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Ginger plant Hedychium, grows next to the waterfall. The flowers smell heavenly! The plant never really looks fabulous though. They tend to lean over like they're trying to get out of the shade of the neighbor's Ficus tree. </div>
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I was reading up on it in the Sunset book. It says the foliage of White Ginger is usually unattractive because if it's hot enough for the flowers to bloom well, the leaves burn. Well, it's been hot and the flowers are blooming. You can see some of the edges of the leaves are burned. </div>
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I don't know if I have the White Ginger, <i>Hedychium coronarium</i>, or the Cream Ginger, <i>Hedychium flavum</i>. The root was given to me by a friend. The flowers do look kind of creamy to me, so maybe I have the flavum. It's supposed to be more fragrant that then White Ginger and the Kahili Ginger. </div>
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The plant looks OK to me and the scent is wonderful! </div>
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-48928721291570448222012-09-17T16:03:00.001-07:002012-09-17T16:04:18.087-07:00What's Blooming in September? Plumeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't this gorgeous? I understand the common name is Frangipani, but I have always known it as the botanical name, Plumeria. The flowers can be white, yellow, pink, or dark rose.</div>
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These tropical plants look like a thick stick when you plant it. It is definitely a tropical plant, but it really does well in our area. They don't need much water. In fact, over-watering can make the root system rot fairly easily. I should use fertilizer more often. I keep my Plumeria in pots in an area that is watered with the sprinkler system. </div>
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In the winter, the leaves fall off and it looks like the stick I started with. In the spring, the stick will grow a new branch so a mature plant will look like a tree with many branches. </div>
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They can be put in the ground, but they cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing. My friend Kristen has a lot of mature plants grown in the ground. She goes out each winter and puts a styrofoam cup stuffed with cotton on each and every branch tip. I think she also wraps the plants. I used to keep a plant in the ground and I would toss a sheet over the plant. It must not have been enough because the plant died. I'm not as dedicated to caring for any plant, not even these beauties. Kristen gives her plants tender loving care and they are so big she has to cut them back in the spring. She gave me some of the "sticks" and now I have my plants in pots. </div>
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If you have such a generous and kind friend, the stick needs to be given a chance to dry out a little and heal over at the base. These new cuttings are most likely to rot </div>
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In the winter I tote the pots into the garage. They do not need any care whatsoever during their stay in the garage. Do not water! When the leaves start growing again in the spring, haul the pots back out and start watering lightly.</div>
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-65225088844258628982012-09-17T15:29:00.003-07:002012-09-17T15:29:33.302-07:00Procrastination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been walking past the overgrown Agapanthus for quite a while. The plant has grown away from the original center plant leaving huge thick roots around a bare middle.<br />
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These roots looked like concrete. I have been putting it off. I didn't think I wanted to rent a jack hammer or swing a sledge. Ugh!<br />
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So I've been thinking maybe I could start at one side and over time, work my way through this eyesore.<br />
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So I grabbed my work gloves, my heavy duty work sandals, and the shovel.<br />
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It turned out most those concrete "logs" were actually just a thin covering over rotted centers. I was able to pull out a lot of these with my hands. <br />
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Sure, some of the root stalks were still viable, but all of the plants in this area had the long overgrown look. Out they go! <br />
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I was able to pull all of the Agapanthus in just a few hours. Whoopie!<br />
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I replaced the old plants with some that had planted themselves in the wrong place... in other words, they had become weeds.<br />
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I covered the area with home-grown mulch. Much better!<br />
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I won't wait so long to thin the Agapanthus. It was work, but not nearly as bad as I thought.<br />
<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-69535263812634687772012-09-16T17:19:00.001-07:002012-09-16T17:20:22.585-07:00Cut Us Back, Please!!!The Hydrangeas have been begging me to cut them back! I really don't mind the look of the spent flowers. They keep a pale version of their color. I've even cut them and kept them in vases inside like that. But the plants will really do better if I cut them back. <br />
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You can just barely see the dried flower at the top of this picture. Below that you can see the back of a large leaf covering the stem. Then below that you might be able to see some n3ew buds right at the base of the two leaves.</div>
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I think you can see the new buds better in this photo. If I cut just above these buds, they should both branch out. As I wrote in my last post, this will make the whole plant healthier and more full. The plant won't spend any more energy trying to maintain the old dying portion and can spend its energy on the new growth.<br />
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So I cut it back right above the leaf nodes. Any lower and I might damage the new buds. Any higher and I'd leave a branch to rot. This should be just right to dry up and heal over. <br />
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783000585997364803.post-91616283060903119972012-09-09T18:27:00.001-07:002012-09-09T18:27:20.184-07:00Cutting BackI remember when my dad would cut back our huge Chinese Elm tree in our front yard. It would look so bare and dead. But of course, it always grew back again, healthier than ever. It's actually good for most plants to be cut back. I recently bought a little Basil plant from the grocery store. I have not gotten around to planting it in the ground yet, and I may decide not to. It's doing fine where it is and I really see it as a temporary visitor to my garden.<br />
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But like most herbs, it needs to be cut back. This is really a win/win situation! As I cut a few bunches of basil, it encourages the plant to grow back stronger.<br />
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In the middle of this photo, you may be able to see a place where there are two sets of new growth with small leaves. Look closely between them and you may see a whitish place where I have pinched off the branch. I made a great salad with garbanzo beans and fresh tomatoes and I also added some fresh basil. That was a couple of weeks ago. It's fairly typical for two branches to start where ever one is snipped, so the plant grows back fuller. </div>
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You can just pinch back the ends of the new growth, like those 2 sets of tiny leaves above. Or you can clip lower on the branch. But whenever you cut back, try to cut just above where there leaves growing. You don't want to cut very far between branches or leaves. A short section of branch will just heal over. More than that leaves the plant vulnerable to disease and insect damage. Not only that, it won't look nice having all those sticks poking out.</div>
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I think I'll go out right now and pinch back that basil some more. Shall I make pasta with chicken and marinara with fresh basil for dinner tonight?</div>
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<br />GDA Puppyraiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717472589436672617noreply@blogger.com0