Fall Planting and Preparation for Winter

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Kitty

Before fall began, I found some plants that I had to have in my yard. My first thought was it was too late for anything to get a head start before winter. However, that thinking was completely wrong. After speaking with some experts at my local nursery, I discovered that it’s all right to plant any perennial about a month before the first frost of the season. I even found more evidence on the internet to back up that claim. So, hopefully, the new garden phlox and echinacea will survive and be prolific in the spring.

New Perennials Planted in Fall

Even though I absolutely love echinacea, I never tried growing it before now. I can’t wait to see how many butterflies and bees it will attract. Last year, my husband and I planted pink-colored phlox, and we couldn’t get enough. So this year, some blue (Blue Boy) and red (Peacock Cherry Red) colors were added. Garden phlox are easy to care for and provide bright colors and strong fragrance. While new hybrids claim to be mostly mildew resistant, it is still best to keep good air flow around them.

After flower and bulb planting, I weeded and tidied up the gardens for winterizing. It is important to weed everything one last time before cold temperatures arrive in order to keep spring-cleaning easier. Fall is perfect for mulching and finishing any big garden project. Cooler weather and fewer bugs make this time ideal for really getting things done. I dug deep to get Bermuda grass from in and around the edges of all my beds. While it is not a fun job, I know it will keep the grass at bay when spring comes. I put mulch around my plants to protect them from weeds and the winter cold. Every plant should be ready for showtime when warmer weather returns.

Fall Blooms

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate Fall Blooms

Fall Blooms

Fall Blooms Carolina Jessamine

Fall Blooms

Bulbs Planted in the Fall Should Bloom in Spring

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Kitty

Bulbs make gardening easy, especially with beginners. They require nothing more than good drainage and water. If you want to get fancy, putting some bone meal and compost with the garden soil helps make bigger blooms. But, neither are required unless the soil you are working with is very poor. Clay soil is a good example for needing extra care.

Last year, I made a small garden to plant some irises. This year, I decided to extend that garden so I could have more flowers. Most of the work involved digging up grass and loosening dirt. Once that was done, I measured the length to determine how many stones I needed. My husband helped me keep the stones straight as I put them in place and helped carry them.

Garden Extension for Bulbs

Bulbs Used in New Garden

I chose three different colors of tulip and one kind of purple allium (purple sensation) for the new space. The tulip varieties are Apricot Impression, Purple Prince, and Parade. When I was looking at bulbs at my local nursery, I couldn’t resist getting some crocuses. They look wonderful in any yard and are super easy to grow. For my walkway area, I bought ten bulbs of crocus Jeanne d’Arc.

Crocus Bulbs Bulbs

After all the hard work of cultivating and placing stones, the fun part begins: placing bulbs in colorful arrangements! Well, there’s still some digging involved, but it’s worth every sore muscle. Because in spring, there should be a beautiful, natural bouquet.

Bulbs for Fall Planting

I can’t wait until springtime when these bulbs will pop up and produce gorgeous blooms. This whole project took me two days, working a couple hours each day, to get finished. Luckily, my yard received a good dose of rain before I started, making it easier to dig up grass. A liner could be used to better keep out Bermuda grass, but I prefer to just keep a close trim around the stones. I am very happy with the new garden and will enjoy it for years to come.

Transplanted Lilies Make Room for Fire Pit

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Kitty

Transplanted lilies have made space for a backyard fire pit. Two seasons ago, I planted lilies in an area that I thought would be undisturbed. This year, my husband suggested putting a fire pit there. I thought that was an excellent idea, so I told him we would have to wait until fall. Experts recommend transplanting lilies in late September or early October, depending on the zone. Although the lilies did not need dividing, they still needed to be saved.

Transplanted Lilies Lily Transplanting

Above shows just how much the lily bulb changed in a year and a half. All of those came from a singular bulb! When I started digging them up, I had to be very careful not to damage the tender surface. Some were nicked, unfortunately, because it was difficult to see where everything began and ended. It is always smart to start digging far away from the stem. One of the most important things to remember when moving lilies is to do it quickly so that the flesh doesn’t dry. So, I preemptively dug a couple holes in the new area before exposing them to the air.

New Lily Home

After gathering all of the lily bulbs that I could find, I separated the different varieties. I put pineapple lilies on one side of the gladiolus garden and the white ones on the opposite side. When planting, be careful to deposit large bulbs 5 to 6 inches below the surface and small bulbs 3 to 4 inches below the surface. Also, keep them 8 to 12 inches apart. It is important to put mulch or compost over them to protect them from extreme temperatures. That doesn’t need to be done until just before the first frost though.

Transplanted Lilies

Transplanted Lilies Transplanted Pineapple Lilies

There isn’t much to see of the transplanted lilies, but they should come up next year. I kept the green attached to the bulb so that it could absorb more nourishment for the winter. Very soon, I will purchase some mulch to cover the whole garden since both gladiolus and lilies need protection.

Blackberries from My Garden Make Crepes Super Delicious

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Kitty

Blackberries are plentiful this time of year, and I am grateful for it. They are easy to grow and make delicious fruit that is slightly tart. There are many different species of blackberry plants to choose from to fit any space. Last year, my husband and I purchased two different thornless blackberry plants for our garden. The two kinds are Chester and Black Satin. Both have been very fruitful this year and taste incredible. Over the last couple days, I have been picking them to accumulate enough to make a compote for crepes.

Blackberries Fresh Blackberries Freshly Picked Blackberries

In the summer, there is nothing quite as sweet as fresh fruit, especially when it’s from your garden. It’s even sweeter when added to crepes. One of the best ways to server fruit with crepes is by making it into a compote. The tartness in blackberries makes them perfect for it since sugar is added to make a syrup. There are many ways to make a compote, but I like to keep it fairly simple.

Compote Made of Blackberries

8 oz. Fresh or Frozen Blackberries
2 Tbsp. Sugar
Squeeze of Lemon Juice (optional)
1/2 Cup Water

Put the blackberries and sugar in a saucepan and stir well, sort of smashing the berries a bit. This allows the fruit to sweat its juices. After five minutes, add the water and bring the mixture to a hard simmer. Stir it every so often, checking the thickness. A compote is ready when the liquid has reduced and has become slightly gooey. At this point, the lemon can be added. For a smoother, non-seedy mix, blend the compote then strain it.

Blackberry Compote

Crepes

1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon (optional)

Whisk the eggs and incorporate the flour with them in a large bowl. Gradually add the milk and water, making sure that the mixture is thoroughly combined. Add the salt, then slowly add the butter as you stir. This allows the butter to mix better. Finally, add vanilla and cinnamon and stir. Heat a large skillet that has been greased over medium heat. Once the pan is hot enough, add 1/4 cup batter. Quickly tilt the pan so that the batter can spread evenly across the surface. This takes some practice. Keep in mind, the first crepe always takes the longest because the pan isn’t super heated. I like my crepes nice and golden brown, but some prefer them white. It will take 2 minutes on the first side. Carefully loosen the bottom and flip to cook the other side. The rest of the batter should go quicker once the first crepe is done. Be careful to watch them so they don’t burn. This recipe makes approximately 8 crepes.

Crepe Crepe Flipped

Crepe Batter Stack of Crepes

Crepes with Blackberry Compote

Flowers Continue Blooming in My Yard

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Kitty

Flowers brighten any spot, whether they’re planted or arranged in a vase. Not only do they provide beauty, but they also provide nourishment. I have witnessed several insects and hummingbirds enjoying nectar. Flowers also add property value! Perennials planted around a house can make a difference in appearance for the better. So, flowers aren’t just some kind of frivolous hobby. Mine continue to bloom prettily.

Plum Gladiolus Flowers

My plum-colored gladiolus did very well this year. Some of them put up two spikes of blooms! It’s a little strange since I only fertilized them twice, but I think they are liking the soil and their positioning.

Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers

Perhaps I got a bit carried away picture-taking, but I do love capturing blooms. Something about the colors and the shapes just make me happy. So, I hope that feeling transfers to viewers. Also, the plum gladiolus is one of my favorite varieties, so I couldn’t resist. Here are a few more colors to enjoy.

Flowers

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Flowers Flowers

Flowers

Gladiolus are definitely show-stoppers when it comes to beauty. Sadly, they only bloom once in the year. However, planting them every few weeks in the beginning of summer should give blooms all season long. I can’t wait to see the true color of the mystery glad. It looks like it’s going to be purple!

There are other beauties still blooming and some about to bloom. One that is pretty neat is pineapple lily. Last year, I purchased the bulbs because they looked exotic. They didn’t bloom at all. Finally, one of them is sending a bloom shoot up into the air. A garden lily also bloomed nicely for me, sprouting two buds instead of one.

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Another bright spot contains bee balm. It’s still going strong after blooming for two weeks! Many bees and hummingbirds have frequented the trumpet-like flowers for nectar. It’s always fun to see hummers perched above the bee balm on the fence. Sadly, it’s difficult to catch them with my camera. Maybe some time it will work.

Bee Balm Flowers

Here are some more pictures just for pure enjoyment. The alyssum will keep blooming throughout the summer until the first frost. All five of my zinnias are alive, but four are extremely healthy. As you can see, they are bursting with buds. Snapdragons brighten my front porch with their adorable flowers. The last two pictures are of Garden Phlox. While there are many phlox varieties to choose from, Garden Phlox is my favorite because of its scent and its tendency to naturalize.

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Flowers Flowers

Beautiful Budding and Blooming Gladiolus

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Kitty

Last year, I planted around 40 gladiolus corms. About 28 sprouted the first time. This year, most of them came back, and they are starting to look spectacular. I purchased a 20-count multi-color package, but the most common color seems to be red. The ones in the wall area are all plum-colored. Some hardy gladiolus are a new addition that will hopefully do well this year. Most of them have sprung up from the ground. Fertilizing is extremely important for vibrant and full blooms. I can’t wait until all of them are in full showy-mode.

Gladiolus Plum-Colored Gladiolus Gladiola Budding

Budding Gladiola Red Gladiola Pretty Gladiola

While gladiolus are one of my favorite flowers, I do have others growing. The passion flower that I started from seed was transplanted around a two weeks ago. A junebug got into the bottom of the pot, and I thought it was a goner. Doubtful, I planted it anyway. It has started showing signs of life again.

Passion Vine

Alyssum that I planted last year seeded for this year’s crop. It is a cute, little ground cover that smells heavenly. Not only is it easy to grow, but it also attracts honeybees.

Alyssum

Bee balm or monarda is another plant that attracts honeybees. There are several perennial varieties and colors to choose from as well. Hummingbirds especially love the plants because of their bright colors and sweet nectar. Red is a favorite of theirs. I found a bushy type of perennial bee balm last year in a magenta color. One of the zinnias that I started from seed has bloomed! It’s a garden-lovers dream to see a plant you started from seed grow up and bloom. The bushy ball of blue next to the zinnia is blue fescue. It’s a perennial ornamental grass.

Bee Balm Zinnia Blue Fescue

My lily has been budding for about a week now, so it should bloom soon. The salvia I got the other day transplanted well and is blooming nicely. This particular salvia is called “Rocket.” It’s a perennial that will get to be about two feet wide.

Lily Rocket Salvia

Prune Knockout Roses for More Blooms and Airflow

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Kitty

It’s time to prune my Knockout roses. There are several different how-to sources out there, so it can be a little confusing deciding which guide to follow. But I won’t be timid because roses easily bounce back from mistakes. After reading several articles, I’ve decided to go with one that focuses specifically on Knockouts. Technically, re-flowering bushes should be pruned in late winter or early spring, but the main guide I’m using says it’s fine to do after the first bloom.

Before Prune Before Prune 2

Before Prune 3

Tools Used for the Job

Hand Pruners
Leather Gloves
Rubbing Alcohol
Paper Towels
Trash Bag
Wood Glue (optional)

When pruning anything, it is important to have sharp tools. Clean cuts are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the plant. Wood glue can be used to seal the cuts to help keep away pests. Rubbing alcohol is used to prevent any spread of disease and should be applied with a paper towel after each cut. It is important when finishing, to gather all the limbs and put them in a trash bag so no mold or fungus growth occurs.

How to Prune

Look at the overall plant and decide on the shape desired, knowing to maximize airflow.
Remove any dead, damaged, or spindly growth to the base of the plant.
Remove any inward-growing canes or ones that cross each other.
Now, concentrate on what’s left and leave 4-5 of the best blooming canes.
Deadhead any spent blooms remaining.
Take wood glue and seal any big openings. (optional)

It’s also a good idea to make sure all suckers are taken out to the base. Fertilizer will encourage more blooms, so I will use the blooming formula I have. Knockouts are hardy and prolific, so I don’t think they need the special rose food. But, I’m sure that rose food would be perfect for less hardy species. If the canes that remain are too tall, cut to the desired height making sure to do it about 1/4″ beyond an outward pointing bud. Angle the cut at 45° to shed water away from the bud.

The key to healthy, beautiful plants is knowing how to prune/train them. Although the before pictures above look drastically different from now, the roses will be fine. Pruning them back has allowed air to flow through and given the remaining canes more nourishment. Below are pictures of the results after pruning in the same order.

After Prune

Update on Seeds Planted and Other Gardening Adventures

Posted on April 24, 2017May 19, 2017 by Kitty

Well, it’s been a little over a month since I planted lots of different seeds. Unfortunately, some never germinated, but the ones that did are doing well. The zinnias and two of the herbs are ready to transplant outdoors, since there is no more chance of frost. These plants have also acclimated to the outside environment for a couple of days, so they should be fine. Where they need to be planted must be weeded first. This is the not-so-fun part of gardening.

Seedlings Ready for Transplant

Today, I will also plant some hardy gladiolus corms I found a couple of weeks ago. These kind of gladiolus are safe to leave in the ground all winter in my zone. Luckily, most of my non-hardy gladiolus came up from last year. It’s because I planted them strategically on the south side of my house and by a wall. I also mulched them in the fall and winter. Hopefully, they will keep coming back this way.

Hardy Gladiolus

When I found the hardy gladiolus, I also found a lonely, little amaryllis bulb. A lady at the plant nursery told me I could take it for free because it didn’t have a price and looked poorly. After doing some research online, I found that the orange spots on the bulb were fungus. I took the outer layers off and cut out the rest of the affected parts. Then I thoroughly sprayed the bulb with copper fungicide. I even used the fungicide to water the bulb into its pot. It is looking quite nice now compared to what it did. Hopefully, it will bloom beautifully for me soon.

Amaryllis First Potted New Growth

My cilantro and dill managed to come up nicely. Those plants will be transplanted into my berry bed. After the parsley gets a little bigger, I will acclimate and transplant it to the same bed. Only one Danish Flag Poppy and one passion flower germinated. They need more time indoors to get bigger and stronger. All of the zinnias and lemon mint came up for me. None of the Feverfew or Ipomoea lobata seeds decided to grow. Kiss me over the garden gate remains to be planted, so it could possibly do well. I’m happy with the way things turned out, but I do wish that some of everything germinated. Next time, I will have to try different pots and methods for better results. It is possible that some of the seeds expired after a year because they were so moist. All in all, it was fun to do and gave me nice plants to enjoy.

Lemon Mint, Passion Flower, Poppy, and Parsley

Zinnias Transplanted More Zinnias

Dill Transplanted Cilantro Transplanted

Adventures!

A cute, little side note: When reaching for my shovel, I found this little critter. I let it sleep.

Tree Frog

I also found a baby snake by the water faucet. It got wet and angry with me, but it didn’t bite.

Beautiful Blooms in My Yard Merit Labor Involved

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Kitty

Last year, my husband and I decided to make our yard pretty by planting various flowers. We both really enjoy roses, so we went a little nuts and planted six plants in the front yard. These roses are special though because they are the Knock Out variety. All Knock Out Roses bloom from early spring to the first frost in zones 5-11 with little care. While the company states the roses do not need dead-heading, I still cut off the spent blooms to encourage more. After the roses are finished blooming their first time, I will prune and fertilize them.

Rose Blooms

While the roses look very nice, there are other flowers vying for attention. I planted four irises last spring, and only two survived. Luckily, the two that survived are different colors. Irises do very well if they like where they’re planted. Last year, the blue iris had only one flower while the pink had none at all. It’s amazing what a year can do! Look at all those blooms!

Blooms of Irises

My love of bulbs compelled me to plant tulips and daffodils in the fall. These early-blooming variety of tulips are gorgeous. Both daffodil varieties here are very fragrant, and their blooms last for about a week.

Tulip Blooms
Daffodil Bloom Pink Tulip Blooms of Big Daffodil

There are yet more blooms in the backyard with more to come in the summer. The lilac bush was planted last spring, and it has a bit of a flourish. It will take a couple more years before it truly shines. Fragrant buds have opened from the Dianthus plants, giving off a wonderful scent. A Salvia survived the winter to produce many flower heads this spring. All these blooms encourage hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to come into the yard.

First Lilac Bloom Dianthus Blooms Blooming Salvia

Even my little crape myrtle survived after enduring quite a lot. My husband surprised me one day. He brought it home, dug a hole, and planted it. It was doing just fine until he mowed over it. That happened just before the weather turned cold. The little plant managed to grow some leaves only to have them chewed off and be pooped on by some animal. I thought it didn’t stand a chance through the winter. This picture is proof of how hardy the crape myrtle is.

Hardy Crape Myrtle

Last, but not least, are the blooming berries. My husband and I made an above-ground planter for them last spring. We planted two thornless blackberries, two raspberries, and two blueberries. They all survived the winter fairly well except for one raspberry plant. It is very tiny compared to its companion. Time and good pruning are needed to get a bountiful crop. In another year or so, they should greatly increase fruit yield.

Blooms of Blackberries Blooms of Raspberry Buds of Chandler Blueberry

Hummingbirds Are Back for More Nectar

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Kitty

It’s that time of year when hummingbirds should be arriving from their migration. There are plenty of flowers and insects for them to find, but I like putting some homemade nectar out so I can watch them. Watching hummingbirds hovering over nectar is really rewarding. They make lots of chirping noises and fly quickly through the air. Truly they are one of the most fascinating creatures of this world.

Making nectar is not difficult. All it takes is one part sugar and four parts water. Filtered water is best to use. The hummingbird feeder I have holds two cups, so I use one-half cup of sugar for the right ratio. To make the nectar, take the water and pour it in a small saucepan. Heat on medium temperature until it starts simmering. At this point, add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved. After the water is clear, close the lid, keeping the temperature set to medium heat. Once the liquid starts simmering again, continue for five minutes. When the time is up, take the nectar off of the heat and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the feeder. This process kills any bacteria, making sure that the hummingbirds don’t get sick. No food coloring is needed to attract them.

Hummingbird Nectar Setup Simmering Water Sugar Added Hummingbird Sugar Dissolved

There are several choices of hummingbird feeders available. Whatever feeder is chosen, it must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before adding any nectar. This keeps bacteria and mold at bay. Mold will accumulate eventually no matter what is done to impede it. Sugar naturally feeds it, and warm weather encourages growth. So, it is imperative that all hummingbird feeders should be cleaned often. It is even more important in the summer months because that is when it gets hottest.

My backyard has fresh nectar waiting for visitors now. Hopefully it won’t be long until I find hummingbirds flitting around and drinking. Fairly soon, my salvia and bee balm will start blooming. These plants really attract hummingbirds, especially the red variety. So one way or another, I am certain to have some tiny, winged friends come visit.