Mid spring temperatures hovered daily in the low to mid 90s and the rain failed to quench the thirsty ground surrounding my drooping and withered plants. I am so glad I followed the desires of my heart in planting an early garden as it appears those that planted later will do without. The Roma II green beans have supplied our table with meal after meal of delicious beans with a few gallons for the freezer. The zucchini has laughed at the lack of water and continues to burst forth with blooms and fruit. It is has been a joy to share the abundance with friends and neighbors who are no longer able to garden or just don't have time.
We have enjoyed radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, red potatoes and okra to date and are looking forward to the late planted cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumbers to grace our table soon. Hubby has watered every other day for the last few weeks to keep the plants alive and this weeks rain was a blessing.
It isn't even summer yet and the sweltering temperatures have kept me in the pool on a regular basis. Even though I have had to fight the wasp with every trip, I have thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon cool offs. The plants and grass don't have enough water in them to sustain the wasps and even though I really don't feel like sharing, the little devils insist on getting a drink the minute I splash the surface. Wasp stings don't bother me so much, but the little ones are not happy about the fearsome stings. Last week granddaughter number two told me it was time to get out of the water because I looked like a raisin. Little does she realize that has absolutely nothing to do with the water - it has a lot to do with my age, but I wasn't telling her that!
Speaking of which - I really got a lift when the same granddaughter ask me on Thursday what I had done. I ask what she meant and she says "Yesterday you looked old, but today you look young and beautiful!" A perfect lift to my day! Yes, I am perfectly aware that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but I can gloat for just a little while.
As most of you know I am a seamstress. I have been sewing since I was eight or nine years old. I started learning at my grandmother's knee on a quilt top and it has progressed over the years to one thing and then another. The five years I worked "taking in sewing" has probably been the most fulfilling and joyful of my entire working life. It is so fulfilling to take a flat piece of material and turn it into something useful and beautiful. I have made my own clothes for many years and clothed my children until they learned about "labels" and refused to wear the garments I made for them. This came to mind as a result of a most pleasant visit this week from a friend of 15 to 20 years. I was showing her my sun bonnets and aprons which I have turned out in droves and she had the most puzzling look on her face. I ask what was wrong and she admitted that she didn't know that I sewed. Well, there you go! I thought this friend know all about me and here I surprised her with a very important part of what makes me - me! She told me I could make good money sewing for people. I had to laugh as I had one dress hanging behind her that was in process for a neighbor and another two boxes of material waiting to be cut and sewed. Yes, taking in sewing is a lucrative business and one I thoroughly enjoy.
In all honesty, sewing is so intricately a part of me that I guess I take it for granted. I have gone years without picking up a needle and thread, then I start a project and another and another like I am possessed.
It is the one job that I have undertaking that was a labor of love and joy.
A piece of advice for all you mothers of daughters - teach them to sew! If you don't know how, make sure they take a class in sewing either at school or at you local community recreation department.
Closing for now so until until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Plants
Finally, last week we had our first frost here in middle Georgia. Summer just kept hanging on and frankly, for a change, I was very tired of it. This week has brought another round of warm temperatures but after the weekend we should be back to the mild seasonal temperatures this area is known for.
The temperatures changed quickly and I was "caught with my pants down" in that I had not prepared any of my plants for their transition to the inside. Before bringing my pretties in, I like to clean the top of the dirt, add more soil if needed (we all know soil settles as it sits and when it is watered) and trim dead or damaged leaves from the plants. Cleaning the outside of the pots always makes me feel better, too. Well, I didn't have time for any of that to happen. They are in, though in a cluttered fashion, and thriving well.
I have several cuttings in process of putting on roots which will have to be potted soon. I harvested the babies from my chandelier cactus and probably have over a hundred little ones now growing fast. I put a layer of small gravel, followed by a layer of potting sand and topped with potting soil in a fish bowl (the 10 inch size) to start my cactus. The little florets can be sprinkled over the top of the soil and evened out with a wooden skewer. These thin little skewers have many uses in my indoor garden and have become my favorite tool.
I have collected many candle jars for growing my little plants. The glass allows better viewing of the moisture content of the soil and also holds the moisture to aid in the growing process. It means transplanting again after a month or so, but I have lost less starters with these little jars. Once the plants get big enough for transplanting, they are much hardier and have a better chance of survival. I have already separated some of the cacti and will get to the rest this weekend.
Another trick I have learned is to transplant into peat cups and place in an inverted plastic tray. I have two - one is a meat tray container from a get together. Placing the peat cups in the top of the tray and covering provides a greenhouse effect and keeps the cups, soil, and plants from drying out in the arid climate of the house. I can lift the whole container and place outside on the warm and sunny days for a treat for these small plants. This has worked well for me over the years and I carry more plants to spring.
These little plant filled jars are also great for gifting. For plant lovers, they make the perfect hostess gift and are a great thank you gift also. An unusual plant and one that is hard to find the chandelier cactus is perfect for someone who has everything. I know I sound like a salesperson, but I have developed an interest in these cactus. Each plant grows differently. Some grow tall and slender, tall with a thick stem, some drape over the side of the container and then swoop upward, some just hang over the side - they are all unique.
I have 7 or 8 slips from the banana trees that are thriving since coming inside. These little beauties don't like the cold. I thought I had lost three, but on bringing them in, they have greened right up and seem sturdy. i hope in a month I am not writing that I lost them all. I still have to get my Sago palms in, but they can withstand short term cold. They will come in over the weekend also, but it may mean we have to move out, as the plants are really starting to take up space.
Thank for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The temperatures changed quickly and I was "caught with my pants down" in that I had not prepared any of my plants for their transition to the inside. Before bringing my pretties in, I like to clean the top of the dirt, add more soil if needed (we all know soil settles as it sits and when it is watered) and trim dead or damaged leaves from the plants. Cleaning the outside of the pots always makes me feel better, too. Well, I didn't have time for any of that to happen. They are in, though in a cluttered fashion, and thriving well.
I have several cuttings in process of putting on roots which will have to be potted soon. I harvested the babies from my chandelier cactus and probably have over a hundred little ones now growing fast. I put a layer of small gravel, followed by a layer of potting sand and topped with potting soil in a fish bowl (the 10 inch size) to start my cactus. The little florets can be sprinkled over the top of the soil and evened out with a wooden skewer. These thin little skewers have many uses in my indoor garden and have become my favorite tool.
I have collected many candle jars for growing my little plants. The glass allows better viewing of the moisture content of the soil and also holds the moisture to aid in the growing process. It means transplanting again after a month or so, but I have lost less starters with these little jars. Once the plants get big enough for transplanting, they are much hardier and have a better chance of survival. I have already separated some of the cacti and will get to the rest this weekend.
Another trick I have learned is to transplant into peat cups and place in an inverted plastic tray. I have two - one is a meat tray container from a get together. Placing the peat cups in the top of the tray and covering provides a greenhouse effect and keeps the cups, soil, and plants from drying out in the arid climate of the house. I can lift the whole container and place outside on the warm and sunny days for a treat for these small plants. This has worked well for me over the years and I carry more plants to spring.
These little plant filled jars are also great for gifting. For plant lovers, they make the perfect hostess gift and are a great thank you gift also. An unusual plant and one that is hard to find the chandelier cactus is perfect for someone who has everything. I know I sound like a salesperson, but I have developed an interest in these cactus. Each plant grows differently. Some grow tall and slender, tall with a thick stem, some drape over the side of the container and then swoop upward, some just hang over the side - they are all unique.
I have 7 or 8 slips from the banana trees that are thriving since coming inside. These little beauties don't like the cold. I thought I had lost three, but on bringing them in, they have greened right up and seem sturdy. i hope in a month I am not writing that I lost them all. I still have to get my Sago palms in, but they can withstand short term cold. They will come in over the weekend also, but it may mean we have to move out, as the plants are really starting to take up space.
Thank for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Dangerous Plants
My little chihuahuas are very important to me even if they do get on my guest's nerves with their barking. They are with me day in and day out and when they came to live with me, they became part of my family. They live here - my guests don't.
Last week I was researching sago palms. Mine are dried and brown after a very harsh winter and I needed to determine if I should give them some time or dig them up and replace them with something more hardy. In the process I found that Sagos are poison to animals, especially the seeds. Thankfully my little ones don't eat plants, but I was glad to find this information so I could be more vigilant.
After finding this tidbit of information, I proceeded for research other poisonous plants and foods and found an interesting site from Squido with much information on poisons, symptoms and treatment. The Humane Society also has a good site for dangerous plants and foods as does The Earth Clinic. My chihuahuas will eat most any food dropped on the floor, so now I have to be more careful of the tidbits they consume. I once had a horse, Smokey, that love to share a cup of coffe with me every weekend morning. I didn't realize that coffee could be detrimental to his health, but that danged old horse is still alive and kicking (just not so high). The best we can figure, Smokey is close to 25 years old.
What animals like to eat, is not always what they need to eat. I know a few humans with the same problems. For those of you who treasure your animal friends, please check out these sites.
Happy reading!
Belle
Last week I was researching sago palms. Mine are dried and brown after a very harsh winter and I needed to determine if I should give them some time or dig them up and replace them with something more hardy. In the process I found that Sagos are poison to animals, especially the seeds. Thankfully my little ones don't eat plants, but I was glad to find this information so I could be more vigilant.
After finding this tidbit of information, I proceeded for research other poisonous plants and foods and found an interesting site from Squido with much information on poisons, symptoms and treatment. The Humane Society also has a good site for dangerous plants and foods as does The Earth Clinic. My chihuahuas will eat most any food dropped on the floor, so now I have to be more careful of the tidbits they consume. I once had a horse, Smokey, that love to share a cup of coffe with me every weekend morning. I didn't realize that coffee could be detrimental to his health, but that danged old horse is still alive and kicking (just not so high). The best we can figure, Smokey is close to 25 years old.
What animals like to eat, is not always what they need to eat. I know a few humans with the same problems. For those of you who treasure your animal friends, please check out these sites.
Happy reading!
Belle
Friday, May 14, 2010
My week at a glance
I will start with an update on my chicks - growing fast and trying to settle into their "pecking order". Some days I have gathered a half dozen eggs, most days I gather 4 which keeps us full of eggs. My son's duck was beheaded by some creature from the depths of his lake, so I am now incubating 4 duck eggs. Wish me luck!
The garden is beautiful! I had a wonderful salad from the lettuce out of the garden and yesterday I fixed up some beets. Hubby and I do like beets. The green beans are blooming which means beans are not far behind. Same with the tomoatoes and yellow neck squash. Haven't had a problem with insects so far, but I am well aware that they will soon be flocking into my paradise. The broccoli, bell peppers and egg plant look very healthy, now if they produce I will be extremely happy. I wish I had some onions planted as their price has sky rocketed over the last few weeks. Never thought I would see yellow onions reach $4.00 for a 3 pound bag! My asparagus bed is shaping up nicely and I am pleased with all the new shoots. All ten crowns of asparagus survived my ignorance so I am blessed!
My rosa ragosa is spreading and blooming and looking lovely. Roses are at their prine this year and the beautiful pink bloom was a little over 6 inches in diameter and smelled divine! I received two rubber trees for Mother's Day and they are coming right along. I have to do some research on these babies as I know absolutely nothing about them. They have made a lovely addition to my garden, however and seem to fit right in to the landscaping I already had going!
I have encountered a few more little black snakes than usual this year. I don't know if the chickens are luring them into the yard or the lushness of the plants. With all the rain we were blessed with this year, the foliage on shrubs and plants alike are thick and beautiful. The little snakes are driving my chihuahuas crazy and we are experiencing a lot more barking and whining than usual. The two little redneck dogs just can't understand a snake.
I have enjoyed the search for fellow classmates this week. I am trying to locate some hard to finds from our graduating class as hopefully we will have a class reunion this summer. We have lost so many from our class and we really need to get together soon. It has been exciting to find these people and talk to them. Most I have not seen or talked to for 40 years. It is strange to be so close to someone during school and then lose all contact. I look forward to seeing these friends and re-establishing contact.
Haven't done much writing for the past several weeks, but plan to get back to it soon. My quiet time has been short and interruptions frequent, but things will settle down again soon.
I would like to thank those of you who have offered up prayers for my cousin injured in Afghanistan. He is stateside for now, but it looked pretty serious for a few days. It looks like some surgery will be needed before he returns to his unit, but for now he is safe and healing nicely and spending some time with his wife, kids and dad. Keep praying that his recovery will be complete.
The lettuce must be picked (mine isn't on the recall list), so I will leave you for now. Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The garden is beautiful! I had a wonderful salad from the lettuce out of the garden and yesterday I fixed up some beets. Hubby and I do like beets. The green beans are blooming which means beans are not far behind. Same with the tomoatoes and yellow neck squash. Haven't had a problem with insects so far, but I am well aware that they will soon be flocking into my paradise. The broccoli, bell peppers and egg plant look very healthy, now if they produce I will be extremely happy. I wish I had some onions planted as their price has sky rocketed over the last few weeks. Never thought I would see yellow onions reach $4.00 for a 3 pound bag! My asparagus bed is shaping up nicely and I am pleased with all the new shoots. All ten crowns of asparagus survived my ignorance so I am blessed!
My rosa ragosa is spreading and blooming and looking lovely. Roses are at their prine this year and the beautiful pink bloom was a little over 6 inches in diameter and smelled divine! I received two rubber trees for Mother's Day and they are coming right along. I have to do some research on these babies as I know absolutely nothing about them. They have made a lovely addition to my garden, however and seem to fit right in to the landscaping I already had going!
I have encountered a few more little black snakes than usual this year. I don't know if the chickens are luring them into the yard or the lushness of the plants. With all the rain we were blessed with this year, the foliage on shrubs and plants alike are thick and beautiful. The little snakes are driving my chihuahuas crazy and we are experiencing a lot more barking and whining than usual. The two little redneck dogs just can't understand a snake.
I have enjoyed the search for fellow classmates this week. I am trying to locate some hard to finds from our graduating class as hopefully we will have a class reunion this summer. We have lost so many from our class and we really need to get together soon. It has been exciting to find these people and talk to them. Most I have not seen or talked to for 40 years. It is strange to be so close to someone during school and then lose all contact. I look forward to seeing these friends and re-establishing contact.
Haven't done much writing for the past several weeks, but plan to get back to it soon. My quiet time has been short and interruptions frequent, but things will settle down again soon.
I would like to thank those of you who have offered up prayers for my cousin injured in Afghanistan. He is stateside for now, but it looked pretty serious for a few days. It looks like some surgery will be needed before he returns to his unit, but for now he is safe and healing nicely and spending some time with his wife, kids and dad. Keep praying that his recovery will be complete.
The lettuce must be picked (mine isn't on the recall list), so I will leave you for now. Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Around the Corner
Time is speeding by, whether this is due to my age and me moving somewhat slower or whether everyone else has sped up, but regardless the days are not marching but racing toward . . . something! Goodness, it seems only yesterday we were celebrating the beginning of a new year and now we are in the middle of the month.
We are just a couple of weeks away from starting our indoor seed beds for those plants yearning to be given a chance to flourish and produce. As I have stated before February is my month of depression. Not yet the end of the cold, wet and windy weather that keeps me inside and not yet the beginning of the warm spring temperatures that so heal my mind.
I have tried in the last few years to save some of my more interesting projects for the month of February to keep me busy and my mind stimulated. Planning my garden is probably foremost on my mind. I actually have two gardens - one for vegetables and one for herbs.
As I have aged, I have searched and researched methods to reduce the physical labor needed for a productive garden. As much as I enjoy neat and clean rows, mulching reduces much of the labor and results in happier and healthier plants and saves my back from much bending and pulling.
March is my month of renewal. The later part of the month always brings the first warm days as we start our turn toward the sun. I watch the temperatures change as we slowly make our turn back to the sun and the warmth motivates me once again. I probably should just hibernate from December through March! Spring cleaning come early here as the outside starts calling to me around the end of March when everything must be prepared for the spring days. My anticipation grows as I wait for my hummingbirds to return so I can watch their antics. I scour the garden for the first peek of green shoots hoping that I haven't lost too many plants over the harsh winter that has been so rough on humans and animals alike.
April arrives awakening all living things and I smile from inside. The month of showers doesn't bother me as I know God is watering his plants and bringing joy to my heart. The ground has warmed and the air is refreshing.
And then right around the corner . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
We are just a couple of weeks away from starting our indoor seed beds for those plants yearning to be given a chance to flourish and produce. As I have stated before February is my month of depression. Not yet the end of the cold, wet and windy weather that keeps me inside and not yet the beginning of the warm spring temperatures that so heal my mind.
I have tried in the last few years to save some of my more interesting projects for the month of February to keep me busy and my mind stimulated. Planning my garden is probably foremost on my mind. I actually have two gardens - one for vegetables and one for herbs.
As I have aged, I have searched and researched methods to reduce the physical labor needed for a productive garden. As much as I enjoy neat and clean rows, mulching reduces much of the labor and results in happier and healthier plants and saves my back from much bending and pulling.
March is my month of renewal. The later part of the month always brings the first warm days as we start our turn toward the sun. I watch the temperatures change as we slowly make our turn back to the sun and the warmth motivates me once again. I probably should just hibernate from December through March! Spring cleaning come early here as the outside starts calling to me around the end of March when everything must be prepared for the spring days. My anticipation grows as I wait for my hummingbirds to return so I can watch their antics. I scour the garden for the first peek of green shoots hoping that I haven't lost too many plants over the harsh winter that has been so rough on humans and animals alike.
April arrives awakening all living things and I smile from inside. The month of showers doesn't bother me as I know God is watering his plants and bringing joy to my heart. The ground has warmed and the air is refreshing.
And then right around the corner . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Put A Rock Down
I don't have much luck rooting cuttings from plants, but I can "put a rock down."
I was talking to a friend recently about azaleas. She loves them and has many varieties. She can name them all and give you all the properties of each one. I have a small lavender frilly leaf azalea and wanted to try to root one. Hoping she wouldn't say take a cutting (I had have tried that many times), I asked if she knew the best way to root azaleas. Her reply was to "put a rock down." When she asked why, I describe the azalea and her reply was "put me a rock down too."
This has been my method for years and the only way I can get a healthy plant. I know rooting hormone is suppose to work and keeping the moisture and humidity high, but I still don't have the knack. I have tried old growth and new growth, with and without the rooting hormone. I have been told the gel is better than the powder.
Right now I have 2 shoots from a Smoke Bush, 6 cuttings from a Hydrangea, 4 cuttings from an Althea, and 3 cuttings from a Snow Ball in process. I must admit, they all look better than any I have tried before. The soil is moist, but not soggy, they are covered with plastic tents with good humidity , and they all still have their color (except the Snow Ball which is turning). They have been in process for a week, so I am getting hopeful.
I have tried for years to root camellias and the little darlings just shrivel up and die right in the pot. They surely need a lot of help! Since I don't have a camellia in my menagerie, I can't "put a rock down" on that one.
I would love some input on rooting an dwarf oriental maple with the split leaf. I have one I would like to move. It is about six years old and very full. I am afraid if the move may kill it. I want to root some cuttings before trying the move.
I am off for now. If anyone has any suggestions, please give it up. Until next time,
Belle
I was talking to a friend recently about azaleas. She loves them and has many varieties. She can name them all and give you all the properties of each one. I have a small lavender frilly leaf azalea and wanted to try to root one. Hoping she wouldn't say take a cutting (I had have tried that many times), I asked if she knew the best way to root azaleas. Her reply was to "put a rock down." When she asked why, I describe the azalea and her reply was "put me a rock down too."
This has been my method for years and the only way I can get a healthy plant. I know rooting hormone is suppose to work and keeping the moisture and humidity high, but I still don't have the knack. I have tried old growth and new growth, with and without the rooting hormone. I have been told the gel is better than the powder.
Right now I have 2 shoots from a Smoke Bush, 6 cuttings from a Hydrangea, 4 cuttings from an Althea, and 3 cuttings from a Snow Ball in process. I must admit, they all look better than any I have tried before. The soil is moist, but not soggy, they are covered with plastic tents with good humidity , and they all still have their color (except the Snow Ball which is turning). They have been in process for a week, so I am getting hopeful.
I have tried for years to root camellias and the little darlings just shrivel up and die right in the pot. They surely need a lot of help! Since I don't have a camellia in my menagerie, I can't "put a rock down" on that one.
I would love some input on rooting an dwarf oriental maple with the split leaf. I have one I would like to move. It is about six years old and very full. I am afraid if the move may kill it. I want to root some cuttings before trying the move.
I am off for now. If anyone has any suggestions, please give it up. Until next time,
Belle
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