Neighbours talking over the garden gate has long been a tradition. They share gardening tips, complain about the weather and pests yet are ever eager to discuss their gardens. That is what I had in mind when creating this blog. So stop by my garden gate to find out the latest happenings in my garden.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child." ~ Madame Marie Curie"
Gardenia
(Gardenia augusta)
December 16, 2010
Continuing on with sharing a few pictures of our visiting Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida here is a picture of a gorgeous Gardenia with the information tag. I mentioned that many of the plant species within the park had information tags. Each tag gives the common and scientific name as well as a few details about the plant. The
Gardenia (
Gardenia augusta) is an evergreen shrub that presents masses of fragrant white flowers in April and May. It is a member of the coffee family. Gardenia is somewhat drought and cold trolerant. It prefers full sun to part shade. This shrub would be an ideal addition to our vacation home garden! Hiding behind the trunk of the Gardenia is one of the many birds that frequent the gardens hoping to be fed by visitors.
Visiting these types of parks can be very informative for the home gardener. It is difficult to picture what a mature plant, shrub or tree will look like from a picture in a book or online. More importantly is is difficult to gauge the mature size. Quite often a home gardener will plant a tree or shrub only to find out it is too big for the intended location when it reaches maturity.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Plumbago auriculata
September 30, 2010
Plumbago auriculata is a very popular garden plant in Zone 9B where our vacation home is. This is an evergreen bush with showy blue flowers that remind me of phlox. I think it is quite pretty so will be planting a few bushes at our vacation home. Propagation is by semiripe tip cuttings in the spring or by seed. However, the nurseries in the area sell potted bushes for planting. Isn't it a pretty bush?
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
Tipi
July 28, 2010
Home gardeners know that gardening is not just the bare basics. Garden decorations enter the picture at some point. Some aren't even intended garden decorations but meant rather to serve practical purposes likes pest deterrents or critter protectors like toad home. The organic farm has a wonderful tipi constructed on a bit of open space. Despite adding character, the tipi could serve as a spot to harden young plants in the spring. The canvas would shield from sunburn and wind while proving a bit of warmth. I'm not sure if they are using it for this purpose so will be sure to ask the next time we visit.
Behind the row of evergreens which is a common windbreak in rural areas there is a larger traditional row garden (picture tomorrow) and a lovely pond that is just still in progress. It will be gorgeous when finished. They are planning on adding sitting areas for visitors to rest and ponder awhile. They also have horses and while they no longer offer riding lessons they may will offer a trail ride. They have free range chickens as well so I now have another source for buying eggs until I get chickens of my own.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
Midsummer is the ideal time to prune evergreens because they are semi-dormant. Evergreens that can be pruned midsummer include those with random-branching growth patterns like yews, arborvitae, hemlocks, cedars and junipers. Arborvitae can be lowered by 20 percent to a lower branch crotch. The branch tips should be lightly pruned to balance the overall shape. Junipers can be pruned to remove wayward branches without pruning into the dead zone at the plant's center. Yews and hemlocks should be sheared to keep the shape throughout the summer. Stop pruning before the fall to prevent a flush of new growth that won't have time to harden before cold temperatures arrive.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
