More on Garden Gnomes in the Garden

Stella de Oro Daylily

Spring is just around the corner even though it does not feel that way today. It is cold with freezing rain and snow flurries. Everything was coated with ice this morning thanks to the Colorado Clipper as it made its way northeast. I'm itching to be in the garden again! This week I will be starting a few seeds indoors

Gardens can be so much more than just plants and while that's what most of us aim for, a touch of whimsy is always nice. For years I have used used decorations like turtles, frogs, racoons, miniature scarecrows and of course a garden gnome. One reader emailed me to ask if the garden gnome picture in my profile was a real statue. It is. I've had him for a few years. He is made of resin to withstand the weather. I think he is somewhere around 9 to 12 inches, just guess as he is put away for the winter. My decorations have tended to be whimsical with no real theme. During an online search I discovered PhenomeGnome.com a wonderful website dedicated to gnome lovers. There is a lot of information as well as a forum. What intrigued me was setting up garden decorations to follow one theme and in this particular case it is called gnomegardening. They like to show gnomes in their natural environment and use gnome accessories such as doors, tree stumps and other natural elements for a realistic gnome based environment. These items are referred to as gnomescaping. While the goal of my vegetable garden is production, I am going to try gnomescaping this year. The idea of more earth elements blessing my garden is appealing!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2007

Marigold

The marigolds were wonderful last summer so I have several close-ups. I'm playing with Adobe Photoshop today. Can you tell I'm bored and itching to get into the garden? I'm learning lots of neat tricks and thought this photo would lend itseld to the technique I wanted to use.

It is getting time to start seeds indoors for us. Some of the seed packs say to start 8 to 12 weeks before transplanting so it won't be long now. I bought rock cress, scarlet runner and lobelia seeds the other day at a dollar store, 3 for $1. Normally I don't do this but I figured even if the germination rate was low, I'd still end up with something. One of my biggest problems is I do not have a lot of indoor space so am hoping the weather starts warming enough to open the greenhouse. Otherwise we will be tripping over seed trays for a couple of weeks. That's ok though because it just means the gardening season is close by!

Happy Gardening
© 2007

Cactus Seedlings Update

Cactus Seedlings

The cactus seedlings continue to grow. There are now twenty seedlings but they are too small to determine what kind of cactus yet. I think they fairly close to being the same yet some have a tinge of pinkish red while the rest are green. They should be developing tiny spines shortly.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Garden Under Snow

The garden is under snow thanks to the recent snow storm. While it has been blowing quite a bit creating drifts the garden is surviving. The greenhouse is not opened at the moment but if we dig a bit we can get a few fresh herbs. Still the blanket of snow looks rather nice even though there is little growing at the moment.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Wild Violets

I thought I would share this picture taken last spring. I used it for an animation project on one of my Yahoo groups. It is animated but for some reason the animation gets stripped when uploaded to my blog. Aside of the animation, this picture was a bit more challenging as I played with the filters in Photoshop and used several layers.

I find wild violets (family - Viola) delightful! We are blessed to have an abundance of purple wild violets and Johnny Jump-ups (Viola cornuta) so I was surprised when searching for the scientific name to write this entry to find wild violets classified as weeds. I don't see them as weeds and they are welcomed in my garden. They bring back fond childhood memories, brighten my day, brighten shady areas in the garden and attract beneficial insects. Besides since they are wildflowers, they cost nothing and are suited to our area. The best thing is I don't have to nothing more than enjoy them! If violets appear in your dreams it is said that a fortune is in your future. I'm not sure if that holds true but then I don't recall ever dreaming of violets.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Cactus Kit Update

Cactus Seedlings

It took a bit longer but there are now eight cactus seedlings. They are about a quarter of an inch tall. There are a few seeds that haven't germinated yet so perhaps they will before the dome lid needs to be removed. Now the soil needs to be kept just moist to prevent the seedlings from rotting but to give enough moisture to allow the seedlings to survive until the first spines appear. At that time the dome lid is removed and watering will be decreased to about once a month. I'll post another update once the spines form.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Early Spring

An early spring has been predicted by Wiarton Willy who did not see his shadow this morning. His prediction doesn't quite match The Old Farmer's Almanac (2007) for this area. They predicted the "groundhog peeks, freaks! Six more weeks!". February is predicted to be -11ºC (3º below avg). A snow storm is predicted for February 5 to 8 and more snow throughout the month. March is prediced to be 0ºC (3º above avg) with rain and snow showers. Despite their prediction, The Old Farmer's Almanac (2007) hints at an early spring in the calendar section. Time will tell.

Happy Gardening,

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Cactus Seedlings

Cactus Seedlings

I brought home a cute cactus starting kit from Las Vegas on our recent trip. This was an ideal solution since I thought trying to transport cactus plants on the plane or through Canadian customs would be problematic. The kit came with the soil, a seed packet that could contain upto ten varieties of cactus (including saguaro, prickly pear, cholla, fire barrel, fishhook barrel and hedgehog), a small plastic pot, a clear plastic dome lid and instructions. I followed the instructions but planted only about a quarter of the seed packet on the 25^th of January. Today I noticed two small sprouts. It has taken longer than the low estimate of 3 days but that's ok. Once the seedlings develop tiny spines the dome top can be removed. I'll report back as they grow.

Happy Gardening

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Garden Gnomes

Gnomes
Montelago Village, Lake Las Vegas, Nevada

The number one question I get online is "Why the nickname Garden Gnome?". The nickname originated from a smart alec comment from my youngest referring me to a Gnome because of my short stature. The Garden part came because ove my ever expanding garden and desire to spend more time there. Gnomes have always been interesting to me likely because of their mystical qualities so I didn't mind the nickname. I just had to take a picture of the gnomes in a little shop in Motelago Village on Lake Las Vegas.

Statues of gnomes have been popular garden decorations for since the 1800's. The traditional depiction of the male gnome is short, elf-like beings with wrinkled and gnarled human-like features and a head slightly too big for its body. It is dressed in bright, solid colour clothing. They wear a conical hat usually red and have a long, white beard. Quite often they are hunchbacked or misshapen. According to Wikipedia the first garden gnomes were made in Gräfenroda in Thuringia, Germany based on local legend that gnomes helped in the garden at night. They are usually depicted doing some type of activity like holding a lamp as in the picture or holding a rake like mine. While originally made in terracotta, garden gnomes are now available in other materials including resin that tolerates the weather well.

Gnomes are legendary creatures associated with the classical element of earth because of their subterranian habitat. In lengends they protected secret treasures concealed in vast caverns underground. While the origin of the garden gnome indicated that gnomes helped humans in their gardens at night, older legends indicate that gnomes were not naturally inclined to help humans. But they could be valuable allies if a human were to gain their trust. In gardens, gnomes are seen as good luck charms for aiding in the growth and protecting that which is planted. Not everyone views garden gnomes as beneficial garden inhabitants. J.K. Rowling referred to garden gnomes as "potatoes with legs" in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. In the wizarding community, garden gnomes were pests much like moles so wizzards had to routinely de-gnome their gardens. The de-gnoming method was rather simple. Grab the gnome by the legs and swinging it around to make it dizzy then toss it from the garden.

Garden gnomes are often depicted globe trotting since they became popular items to snitch. One garden gnome gained his moment of fame when he was uprooted from his garden and sent on a trip around the world. Pictures came from each destination assuring his owners that he was having a wonderful time. He finally made it back to his home garden safe and sound. While this sounds rather humorous, no one should remove a garden gnome from his own garden! It disorients the gnome and brings bad luck to the garden and it will bring bad luck to those who remove a gnome. Remember a gnome is not naturally inclined to help humans and have magical powers that can cause humans to feel sad. So to those so inclined, please don't remove a garden gnome from his garden.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Technorati Profile

Vegetation & Gardening in Las Vegas

Our winter vacation was spent in Las Vegas, Nevada. We stayed at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street in the downtown core area. While the main attractions in Las Vegas are entertainment and gambling, the area offers so much more. As always we rented a vehicle for sight seeing.

Las Vegas lies in the northern region of the Mojave Desert, a desert that is hot and dry with little precipitation, influenced by the Great Basin Desert to the north and the Sonoran Desert to the south. Although my husband insisted on wearing his famous Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sandle combination the week was really jacket weather. It was warmer than here in Zone 6A more like our later March weather but blissfully dry. The vegetation in the area always amazes me. The primary natural vegetation include: creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) and yucca (Yucca spp.) however at higher elevations like Mount Charleston there are pine and alpine forests. Cooler winter temperatures limit cold intolerant species like cactus. We have seen a surprising number of cactus on our travels through the area. Their size can be very impressive!

Joshua Trees

The drive to Montelago Village on Lake Las Vegas takes you through desert scattered with Joshua trees. While many wildlife species use Joshua trees, we were not fortunate to see any. Lake Las Vegas lies just east and bordering on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Turning onto Lake Mead Drive takes you past the Tuscany Golf Club then turn up towards Montelago Village, The Falls Golf Club lies to the east just before the village. While it boasts a setting of natural beauty, there is nothing desert-like about the golf course. At night the lights of the Las Vegas strip provide a vivid backdrop for the course. The lush green of the course belies the fact this resort is in the desert, an impressive example of how much man can change his environment. Ecologically, this this is not a good thing! Of course, there is nothing ecologically friendly about Las Vegas either. Satellite images of the environmental change can be seen at USGS Earthshots.

Gardening in the Las Vegas area presents quite a few problems but mainly soil and heat. Some of the larger casinos and businesses still use grass but others are using artificial turf or xeriscapes that are water efficient with a natural desert look. However, water features still remain quite popular with the casinos. Palm trees appear to be the tree of choice for the area. This trip I noticed that many places had ice pansys (Viola heimalis) planted. Many of the homes are also using xeriscapes but we did see a few with artificial turf. Some homes had natural grass but that is discouraged due to water conservation. I noticed two things while driving through various residential areas. The first was the lack of vegetable gardens or hobby greenhouses. Given the growing conditions and urban demands perhaps this is not surprising. However, the University of Nevada Extension Service indicates that asparagus, cucumbers, onions, garlic, green peppers, squashes, table grapes, plums and some variety of tomatoes grow well with some type of protection. Potatoes and cantaloupe grow well in Northern Nevada. Vegetable gardens are possible in Las Vegas and it is more likely on this trip they were winterized. I would think raised garden beds would do nicely in Las Vegas with adequate watering and perhaps shade cloth during the summer months.

I also noticed a lack of solar panels or anything indicating solar power. This area would be perfect for solar and I'm sure it is in wide use. It just isn't an obvious thing. I can't recall seeing any CF lighting in the casinos however there were signs of other energey efficient lighting such as: fluorescent, rope, halogen and LED. Mirrors, mirrors and more mirrors amplify the lighting. In the city of lights that never sleeps even that is changing. Older signs are being replaced by newer and more energy efficient lighting and in some ways the flavour of old Las Vegas is being lost. What I've notice in our past couple of trips is an increased awareness of energy conservation especially water. The city is growing at a rate of 6,000 people per month so energy conservation is going to be a paramount concern.

Cactus Kit

I wanted to bring back a few cactus from Nevada but thought I would have problems with transporting them on the plane as well as going through customs. This cactus kit was just the answer as seeds are easily transported and seldom is the problems with bringing seeds back into Canada. The kit came with the pot, soil, dome lid and a packet of seeds containing up to ten varieties of cactus seed. The varieties include: saguaro, preckly pear, cholla, firebarrel, fishhook barrel and hedgehog. I set up the pot yesterday using about a quarter of the seeds. Germination should occur in 3 to 15 days at 68º to 80º F. I'll pick up more cactus soil this weekend and sow the rest of the seeds. Once the seeds sprout, the watering becomes crucial as too much water will cause the young cactus to rot. When the seedlings develop tiny spines, watering is decreased and the dome lid is removed. After that it is recommended to water the cactus once a month. This should be rather interesting! I report back with pictures of the cactus as they sprout and develop.

Happy Gardening

Garden Gnome
© 2007

January 16 - 25, 2006
See You Soon!

Garden Gnome
©2007

Garden Water Features

Water Irises

Garden water features need not be elabourate or expensive. They are a fun way to add interesting aquatic plants to your garden. A previous entry showed water hyacinth growing in a large potting tub this past year. Anything that will hold water can be converted to a water feature so get creative. Containers can be camoflauged by using other potted plants if you wish. Be sure to locate your container where it will get plenty of sun in an area you wish before filling. It will be too heavy to move later.

Just after the greenhouse was installed, I put in a tote pond inside the greenhouse. The main purpose was to provide a heat sink along with increase humidity levels in the greenhouse. I simply used a tote filled with water then added inverted pots to create a shelf for the water irises. The water lily was set directly on the floor of the tote. Duck weed and marsh reed completed the mini pond. A small submersible pump created just enough movement to keep the water from becoming stagnet. Fresh water was added as needed. In both water features, I used a couple of rosey red minnows to control mosquito larvae.

Mosquitoes like water features or any other standing water. Unfortunately mosquitos are vectors for the West Nile Virus so measures must be taken to prevent them from breeding. Any standing water should be emptied. Mosquitoes can be prevented from laying their eggs in water features by adding small submersible pumps to keep the water moving and for good measure add a couple of rosey red minnows or feeder goldfish. Both fish like to feed on mosquito larvae. They are small enough to be transferred to winter in an aquarium if necessary. Never release fish into a natural water source!

In cold climates treat the container aquatic plants as annuals. Some may overwinter indoors and of course it is always worth a try if you have the space. Most water plants require a great deal of sunlight. I have never had any luck overwintering water hyacinth so mine ends up in the compost bin. An alternative to overwintering indoors is find someone with a deeper in ground pond. They will gladly take aquatic plants off your hands. Never discard of your aquatic plants into a natural water source!

You will note I ended the two previous paragraphs with a "Never" statement. This bears repeating. This practice is simply not good stewardship. There are reasons for not releasing fish or discarding your aquatic plants into natural water sources. It disrupts the natural balance, can introduce disease and in some cases can become very problematic.

Have fun incorporating aquatic plants into your gardens and landscaping!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

When to plant?

This question comes up over and over and with our changing climate it is still a hard question to answer. When I was younger everyone aimed to have their gardens planted on the Victoria Day Weekend (May 24). However, things have changed as far as when to plant. I follow the Average Day of Last Frost (ADLF) for our location and plant according to that. Last year the ADLF was May 9. One month before the ADLF I planted lettuces, onions, peas, radishes and spinach. Two weeks before the ADLF I planted beets, carrots, swiss chard and potatoes. On the ADLF beans, tomatoes, ground cherries and sunflowers were planted. Two weeks after the ADLF I planted cucumbers, melons, zucchini and peppers. Ok, so this likely sounds a little complicated however it really isn't.

The whole concept of staggered planting and continuous plantings makes common sense for managing square foot gardening. The square are contantly being harvested and replanted as the method calls for and that is because you are only working with a square foot at a time. Staggered planting allows you to get an early start on those vegetables that tolerate the cold well which can be achieved in any garden but with raised beds, you can get an even earlier start since the soil warms faster. But one thing I like about staggered and continuous plantings is the work is not done all at once. It helps to keep your interest without the gardening feeling like work.

Happy Gardening

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Guinea Hen Revisited

Charlie on Greenhouse

He's back and he brought his buddies! We now have three of the guinea hens frequenting the neighbourhood. They make enough noise that I can tell they are in the yard even with a well sealed house. One neighbour built a little shelter for him and now his buddies. One is feeding them. I'm getting some pretty neat pictures as seen above with Charlie sitting on the greenhouse. Yep, I named him. Today they were squawking unbelievably so thinking there was a problem I went out to investigate. Sure enough another neighbour was chasing them away. Well I would squawk too at that! Then later this afternoon I heard them squawking again to find some young lad taking aim at them with a pellet gun. Why it is people have to try destroying what they don't understand?

The guinea hens are harmless, maybe a little loud at times but entirely harmless. Now the owner is being irresponsible by letting them roam. There is no doubt that something will happen to them given the young lad, other critters and vehicles. But some of us are enjoying them in our gardens and they are beneficial too. As critters go these guys are pretty enjoyable.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Secret Fortunes

One of my kids gave me this cute joke gift for Christmas. The can does say it is a real plant so that is a relief! Apparently a magic message that tells my forture is supposed to magically appear on a bean. Now this I have got to see! I don't know what others think but I'm very skeptical and you can be sure I won't be eating any of these beans.

The can is about 4 oz pop can size. On the bottom end there is the pull tab to let excess water into a plastic snap on protector. The entire top lid pulls off to reveal gorgeous vermiculite. The instructions said to water, drain and sit in a sunny winter to be rewarded with a plant in about 5 days. Well, I followed the instructions on Dec 27 but so far no plant or even sign of growth. The container does indicate the plant is a friend and is a male in need of love and care. Well all righty then. This year I might just as well be bad to see if Santa can bring me something a little more useful like a garden trowel!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Wild Turkey Update

The what I thought wild turkey has been hanging out a lot in my garden and two neighbouring yards. But he or she is not a wild turkey. According to my neighbour it is a guinea hen! I had to go online and google that one and sure enough it does look like the picture of a guniea hen. Well it sure looked like a turkey to me. At any rate this beneficial and congenial critter is welcomed in my garden. I do hope it patrols my garden during growing season! It should may for perfect natural insect control.

I'm assuming it is a male because of the brighter colours. The theory proposed by my neighbour is this is an escapee from a farmer over the next concession and somehow this bird makes its way back and forth. For whatever reason this bird just likes hanging out in my garden. So I've been thinking that it might be a bad idea to get a few of the guinea hens myself.

Garden Gnome
© 2006

Christmas Miracle

Our new grandbaby made her debute Dec. 23, 2006 at 8:03 pm. She weighed in at 8 lb 6 oz and is absolutely the most perfect little sweetheart you have ever seen!

Garden Gnome
© 2006

Garden Gnome
© 2006