Container Gardening Blog

Full Sun Plants: 15 Container Flowers-- Some Will Surprise You!

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:31:18 GMT

Daylily - Eleonore Think about plants with three different gardening pot growth habits: upright (such as the climbing vines pictured below), mounded (several annual flowers fit this category), and trailing plants (both sun flowers and foliage plants occur here). You can find great examples of these types of flowers growing in full sun. I've suggested some good old standbys via the link below (such as trailing petunias), as well as some sun flowers you might not normally associate with gardening in pots (such as irises and Loosestrife). And here's the great thing about full sun plants. There are so many to chose from! Click the link below for longer discussion of full sun plants.

Blooming Friday: Can You Identify this Bonsai?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:53:35 GMT

I love this asymmetrical bonsai. But I don't know what the flowering plant is--do you? It may be a cherry, but I'm not sure. It does appear (in terms of form) to be a"Semi-Cascade" style, where the root emerges from the soil at an angle, and the bonsai falls below the lip of the container pot. For more information and bonsai photos, click below.

Gardening Is A Theraputic and Healing Art

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:51:31 GMT

Meet Stevie, an artistic gardener recovering from illness through her gardening, food and art. She writes a blog called Garden Therapy about her urban potager garden & community veggie plot in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She was kind enough to share her reflections about how gardening has been a healing presence in her life. Here's a sample of our conversation (for more click the link at the bottom): My Question: You've spoken about how gardening has been healing for you. Can you help us understand that a little more? What exactly do you think the act of gardening brings to you--physically, emotionally, "psychically"?

Stevie's Answer:This past weekend it was beautifully warm and sunny just like a spring day even though its still mid-January. I popped out of bed and got on my grubby clothes and scrub boots and headed out to clean up the garden a bit. I dug through the brown foliage from last years beauties and found new growth peeking out from below all over the garden beds. As I worked, my neighbors waved and teased me for doing a spring clean up in January while people stopped by with their dogs to tell me how they loved to walk past my garden month after month. Not a flower was blooming, and most of what I was working on was mucky and dead, but for me the therapy from gardening is the activity, not the results.

Shade Plants That Work: Color and Visual Interest Even in the Shadiest Spots

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:10:04 GMT

You may have a small garden, but whether its all or mostly a filled with shade plants, your can make it glow with color, form, and visual interest.

There are lots of great choices, including those that flower and those that don't. But even foliage plants, like coleus for instance, have lots of color and provide wonderful visual interest for your shade garden.

There are also low-growing foliage plants such as spurge that can nearly be a lime-green color. You can add a surprising amount of brightness to low-light gardens.

See how colorful as well as graceful the ferns and caladium pictured here are? You can grow both in containers. For more information about shade plants (and link to a list of great ones for containers), click below.

Container Gardening8 Big Benefits

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:54:44 GMT

Whats so great about container gardening anyway? Gardening in containers has big benefits. Maybe that's why it's one of the fastest-growing areas of gardening. Why? Because the benefits of container gardening far outweigh its challenges. Yes, you have to think about weight on a roof or balcony garden. Yes, you need to think about pot drainage on your deck. And yeslets be franksome of you will need to secure that big, expensive urn out in front of your urban brownstone. But these are simple problems to solvereally! Soilless potting mix on the balcony, self-watering containers or catch plates on the deck. And slip a chain through your urns drain hole, padlock it to your wrought iron fence, and youre good to go. (Pluswho can lift a concrete urn anyway?) Want specifics? It's versatile, nearly foolproof, and cost effective. For more about the eight great benefits, click below.

Patio Gardening, Balconies and Window Boxes: Spruce Up Your Home

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:30:18 GMT

On the deck, along garden paths . . . Patio gardening, flowers gracing your balcony. Wherever theres a need for small garden design, pots add visual value to your home. And that means increased home value for you. For information about * small space gardening in flat spaces * window boxes * hanging planters and flower pouches * plantings along garden paths and in the garden Click below.

Blooming Friday! Red and Yellow Day Lilies

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:25:34 GMT

Aren't they striking? Bright red with that glowing yellow throat. These would be great as an accent in your summer container garden. And day lilies (among loads of other flowers) are edible. You can stuff and cook them in the same way you use squash blossoms. For more about full sun plants, click below.

Vegetable Container Gardening: Companion Plants

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:56:07 GMT

Vegetable gardening is made so much easier when you plant the right crops together. Sometimes this means in the same garden bed. Sometimes this means in the same pot if you're growing vegetables in containers. Basically, companion planting is an attempt to create a balanced ecosystem, one that promotes the best growing conditions for your tomatoes and vegetables. And just what are the benefits of companion planting? Some plant combinations, when sited together (or even in the same pot) repel garden pests and some plantings attract beneficial insects. For over 90 companion planting ideas, click below.

Small Space Gardening: Top Ten Steps for Success

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:48:19 GMT

Whatever your small space gardening is defined by--whether youre an urban gardener with a small plot of land, gardening on your patio, balcony, apartment or condo and have only a few square feet of cement, or have window boxes to fillyou'll be really pleased with how much beauty you'll create even in the smallest spaces. You'll see how easy it is to plant lovely, inviting, beautiful small gardens that fit you and your lifestyle.

Tips for Beginner Gardening

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:08:31 GMT

We've all got to start somewhere! If you're just beginning to garden, there are some really simple tips that will help you succeed right from the start. For instance, be sure to start your container garden in a season where there are lots of flowers to choose from, and ones that are easy to grow. For most of us, thats spring and summer annuals (You'll find specific suggestions on the website). And--get the basics. Dont go hog wild and buy every hand tool you see, just get the ones you need. (Again, the link below will tell you what they are) Start out with commercially made potting soil. Don't get fancy and try to mix your own right away--commercially made planting soil will work just fine until you get the hang of things. For loads more really specific tips, click below.

Self-Watering Containers: Good and Bad News

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:42:14 GMT

Self-watering containers offer those of us who are gardening in pots (and may be confined to small space design) a large range of plant possibilities. Maybe youre very busy and fear your clay flower pots might dry out due to neglect. Perhaps youve been afraid to try growing tomatoes in pots because you know they need a lot of water and you know you just cant get to it. These garden planters may be your solution. They allow you to grow full sun plants, a lush container herb garden, and bountiful vegetable and tomato crops youd never be able to water enough. But there is good and bad news to consider. For more info about self-watering pots (and a link to find out how to make your own), click below.

Create Beautiful Pots with Personality

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:52:48 GMT

Need some great container gardening ideas? Begin by realizing this fact--gardens have a personality whether we consciously design it or not. Learning even a few easy design principles will help your flower garden convey the look and feel you want, not just the opposite. This is vitally true when you're gardening in small spaces. For great container gardening design tips, click below.

Blooming Friday! Peonies are Lush Perennials Anyone Can Grow.

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:44:59 GMT

Who doesn't love peonies? They're my favorite flower, by far. I've grown them in long hedges, as accent plants, and even in pots. Hope you enjoy this sun lover. For more about growing peony plants, click below.

Garden Pests? Good and Bad Bugs Plus How to Get Rid of Them.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:47:00 GMT

Here's another question I recently fielded. Though you might find the answer helpful: Question: I know there are "beneficial" insects, but what kind don't you want in the garden?

My Answer: Here are some small insects you def. don't want: Aphids The Problem: These are pretty common, but very hard to see. 3 millimeters and green, they love the undersides of leaves where they suck until the leaf becomes rolled and sticky. The Solution: You can spray the plant leaves to knock off the offenders and use a spray of water and soap (best to use insecticidal soap from the nursery). Repeat every few days until theyre gone. Spider Mites The Problem: Too little to see with the human eye, these guys also hang out on the underside of leaves. Youll know theyre there if your leaves turn yellow and wither. At the worst, theres a white web on the leaves. The Solution: Rinse the leaves as with aphids and spray. You can also move the plants to a cool spot as you do this. Spider mites like it hot. Whiteflies The Problem: Little white flies. Usually a whole lot of them, and they fly up disgustingly when you touch a leaf (they like the underside) or water. The leaves wither. The Solution: Use an insecticidal soap on them, and theyll bite the dust pretty quickly. Mealybugs The Problem: 3 millimeter yellow-brown nasties that hold onto the stems and leaves. They leave behind little white fluffs and the leaves get sticky. The Solution: You can squish the bugs between your fingers if youre not like me and have a bug phobia. Otherwise, clean off the critters with a hose or hard spray with insecticidal soap and treat with horticultural oil you can buy online or at the nursery. Check out the link below for natural pest control information.

Vertical Gardening: A Great Concept for Small Space Gardening

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:57:33 GMT

I know I've made some comment about vertical gardens before--but the other day on the New York Times front page, I noticed a profile on vertical gardening, so I thought this post might be of interest (especially in view of how many new visitors the website has had recently)

If you have a balcony garden, a small patio, deck, or rooftop, think about growing flowers and plants vertically.

You can literally grow a lush wall of all types of flowers, vegetables, and foliage plants with a minimal footprint.

See lots more about this great gardening solution below (including a very cool video about Patrick Blanc--mega vertical gardener!)

Fences, trellises, and wall plantings have been with us a long time, but you can get much more inventive than that!

Starting Seeds? Find out How Here

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:53:02 GMT

Container gardening lends itself so well to starting seeds. Whether youre urban gardening or have established flower beds, when your outdoor planters, clay flower pots, and containers are full of herbs, flowers, or vegetables you propagate yourself, it just makes you feel good.

Plus, starting seeds is easy, fun, and best of allyou can experiment.

It's also a wonderful activity to do with kids. Let them pick out their own seeds to start, and enjoy a family activity that rewards you beautifully.

If you take your time, you can really find unusual seeds to startnew colors in some old favorite garden flowers or heirloom seeds with a rich tradition. Every year I find a brand new flower or herb to start from seed.

Dont like it? Dont grow it next season.

Plusstarting seeds is perfect for gardening in containers because you dont need much roomyoull only germinate a relatively small amount of herb, flower, or vegetable seeds.

Find out more below.

Top Five Supplies

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:06:57 GMT

Well, ok, you know me. There are more than 5 . . . :) Knowing just the right tools and hand garden supplies makes otherwise difficult tasks simple, pleasant, and helps you get the jobs done in short order.

FELCO: Pruning Shears for Small Hands No. 6 From trowels to pruners for small hands (that's the one pictured here), to tear-proof garden bags . . . there are never enough good garden tools. You'll get loads of ideas (and few cute ones, too), from the link below! As for my favorite? It has to be the Felco pruners. I've had mine for years. Even if abused (yes, I've been known to leave them out in the rain), a little brillo pad and WD oil at the end of the season, and they're ready to go come spring. What's your "I can't live without" tool?

Booming Friday!

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:22:55 GMT

Ann Chowing Louisiana Iris This is a great choice for any of you gardening in beds that are wet and boggy. And for you who have garden areas that need a burst of color. This bright iris has red standards with dark red falls and yellow centers. It's really pretty in flower arrangements, too! (You can click the photo for a larger image.) For lots of information about how to use color in your garden--containers or garden beds, click below.

Gardener's Worldwide--Meet the Experts

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:55:58 GMT

You know how interested I am in gardeners from around the world. Meet Nan Ondra, from Hayfield House. She's the first "expert" in what I hope will be a series of new and interesting posts from gardeners from around the world. Nan is an expert on unusual plants, and in this post she shares her ideas about "Corralling Creepers with Containers." If you know a gardener (professional or amateur) who might have something interesting to share, please let me know. To read Nan's great information, click below.

Roses Hardy in Zone 2! Yes that's -35 centigrade!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:46:11 GMT

Hank, from Whitehorse, Yukon, recently contributed his "Garden Story". . . And what a great bit of information it is! Here's an excerpt: "Since the 1960's Agriculture and AgriFood Canada have developed hardy roses at its experimental farms in Ottawa, Ontario and Morden, Manitoba. There are now a wide range of roses in the Explorer and Parkland series that are hardy to USDA growing zone 2! This means they can withstand winter temperatures of -35 C. with little more than normal snow cover for protection." See Hank's whole post by clicking the link below for "Roses in Canada's Yukon Territory? Why Not?" He includes specific tips about how to help roses survive Canadian winters. (Good advice for all of us in colder climates).

Growing Lavender Plants in Containers

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:51:10 GMT

I was first introduced to lavender plants many years ago by a woman who had only a tiny plot of ground in her condo courtyard. She loved growing herbs, and was devoted to growing lavender. She patiently taught me how to select and grow this elegant and fragrantly flowering plant. And to this day, there's not a place I've lived where I didn't grow at least one variety and usually more!

Lavender - Ellagance Sky Isn't this beautiful? Lavandula angustifolia 'Ellagance Sky', won the Fleuroselect Gold Medal award in 2006. I love its mounds of bushy silver-green foliage, and the blooms are a lovely light violet blue which occur from midsummer through early fall. A fragrant flower, 'Ellagance Sky' may also be used for cut flower arrangements or dried for many decorative uses, including sachets and potpourri.

To find out more about lavender plants, click below.

Roses in Canada's Yukon Territory?
Why Not?

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:41:29 GMT

I've always been fond of roses. Not just because of their form, colors, scent - all of which are wonderful - but there's this whole social and

Plant White for Spring!

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:47:46 GMT

Rose plants in bloom delight the eye and provide a perfume unparalleled by any other flower.

But of the 150 rose species, only a certain number are suitable for container gardening.

The beautiful one below (which is planted in the Vatican's private gardens), is only one of many!

Pope John Paul II Hybrid Tea 36-inch Patio Tree Rose This elegant rose, perfectly suited for your container garden, is called Pope John Paul II.

From Jackson & Perkins, this rose plant certainly ranks among the finest white roses.

It produces pure, luminous white blossoms with a fresh citrus fragrance.

Click here to order.

For lots more about all types of roses suitable for container gardening, click below.

Blooming Friday!

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:33:43 GMT

I participate in Katrina's Blooming Friday posts. Katrina is a very interesting Swedish blogger and her Roses and Stuff http://rosorochris.blogspot.com/ is certainly worth a look. Every Friday, people from around the world post photos of flowers. Then everyone visits everyone else! It's a lot of fun! Last Friday I had a pretty rose to post, but this week, I have two weird ones! I've been playing around with manipulating photos, and thought I'd add two "flower" photos.

This is actually a flower center (believe it or not). And below is one of my favorites--I call her "Green and Yellow Flower Face" . . . for obvious reasons . . . :)

Hope you enjoy them. If you'd like to see more of my photos, click the link below.

Want Your Own Web Page? Be Featured on My Website!

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:49:12 GMT

I've shared loads of gardening ideas on this site, and some of my best (and worst!) moments. Now I'd like to turn the tables on you!

If you'd like your own web page on my site, click below and fill out the form (and don't forget to send in a photo!). It's very simple! I'm hoping that this new feature on my website will help us share the wealth of our knowledge--the more, the merrier. And . . . the more we all learn! Happy Gardening, Virginia

Perennial Flowering Vines.

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:52:03 GMT

Perennial flowering vines add sophistication and elegance to your container garden. As seen above, climbing vines are great for front yard landscaping, but they also work on the patio, deck, or for balcony gardening.

Four perennial flowering vines perfect for containers include clematis, roses, wisteria, and hydrangea.

For more information, click below.

Garden Trends For the New Year

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:12:49 GMT

In my quest to expand our horizons and, once in a while, post interesting blog "finds"--here's one from Jane (veggies gardener, inveterate blogger) I thought you might enjoy.

In addition to the 8 hot trends, there are links to more eco-friendly gardening tips at the end of the article. Here's a snippet: "Tropical foliage plants in the landscape. Giant elephant ears [as in my photo here] might be to blame for this trend, but I was excited to see landscapers using large-leaved tropical plants to create big impact in flowerbeds last year. When picking out flowers this spring, take a look around the houseplant section of the garden center for new ideas. Just remember that tropical plants cannot survive harsh winters outdoors."

Blooming Friday

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:31:52 GMT

Anyone know what this pretty flower is (Ian, my friend at Florenz Nursery in Australia took it)? It's a globe artichoke--both beautiful and edible, don't you think? Artichokes have been cultivated since the 9th century. Their popularity spread from the Mediterranean (Naples and Venice) to Spain and then to the U.S. For lots of information about growing container vegetables, click below.

2 Book Tips: Container Gardening for California (and the rest of us!)

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:48:16 GMT

One of the nicest things to do when it's cold outside (this is the "rest of us" part), is look at great photos of container gardens. I don't know about you, but the sight of a lush peony in bloom, or rose buds just about to burst open makes me feel like spring is just around the corner. (I guess that's why Helebores are so great--I've had them bloom in the snow! A sure sign that even though things look frozen, there's spring out there somewhere.) Here are two great book picks--the first is for you lucky folks in CA who don't go through these "wintering over" blues, and can tend great flowers year round. And for those of us shivering as we read (or write) this, how about Easy Container Gardening (below right)? It's a paperback, has lovely photos, and isn't expensive at all. But you know, now that I think about it, the news is tropicals are going to be "in" this summer for all of us. You'll see great big elephant ears, brilliantly-colored hibiscus, even delicate camelias in even the coldest zones come the growing season . . . so maybe both these books are of interest. If you want to find more suggestions, or search for your favorite gardening books, click below.

Caladium: One of the Best Shade Plants for Container Gardening

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:24:54 GMT

Caladium - Complete Collection Caladiums are foliage plants grown from corms, and tropical in origination. This means if you live in Florida, or other zone 10 locations, these shade plants are hardy. But that shouldnt stop you no matter where you live! Because they come from tropical conditions, they grow best in a humid environment with rich soil. Often, in their original site, they grow in the shade beneath a canopy of taller leaves to shade them. So the closer you come to creating these conditions, the better your caladium likes it. If it dries out and wilts, that can spell the end of your showy beauty. They dont handle water deprivation easily. Andthey like a soil on the acid side, around 5.5 to 6.5 is best. For lots more information about colors and how to grow caladiums, click below.

Growing Herb: Are Herb Kits the Way To Go?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:03:21 GMT

I thought this might be a good time to share one of the questions I recently fielded. This one is about herb kits. Question: Are herb garden kits a good way to start my new herb garden hobby?

My Answer: Herb kits are a convenient way to introduce yourself to growing herbs. The only thing is--in terms of kits--you can't really select your own herbs since you pretty much have to go with what's in the kit. It's a fine way to start, but herbs are SO easy to grow, I wonder if you'd find it more fun deciding what you want to grow and go from there. This might help you get started. . . Do you want to grow culinary herbs? Are you a cook? If so, you can find either seeds or little plants locally or via online sources. So let's say you begin with basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley. Four really easy plants to grow, and they all require much the same cultivation and care. I grow all my herbs in pots, so they can be right outside my kitchen door. I have so much basil at the end of the summer, I'm always making pesto and freezing it. Really, herbs are among the easiest plants to grow, so think about really getting exatly what you want to grow and going from there. Maybe start them in pots--it's so simple to do. Layer the bottom of the pot (use ones with holes) with pebbles, gravel, whatever will let the soil drain and keep it in the pot. Put in some good potting soil from your local nursery, pop in the plants (after you tease open the root system), water well, and set them in a sunny location. You can add some time-released fertilizer to the soil if you want (Osmacote is a reliable one). When your finger up over the first knuckle is dry, water well so that the water drains out the bottom. That's it. Plus, you can grow herbs that flower and use the edible flowers as well as the leaves. For more info. about what herbs to grow and how to grow over 20 different culinary herbs, check out the link below. Have fun, Virginia

Don't Forget About Your Container Water Garden.

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:43:59 GMT

As you can tell, part of how I sustain myself through winter is . . . thinking about spring! Container water gardening has exploded in popularity in the last few years--partly because it's now so easy to do. Weight is an issue, yes. But if you have a deck, garden path, walkway . . . or if you're patio gardening--there are loads of places you can successfully grow lovely lilies, grasses, and many other bog and water plants.

Water is elemental. It shifts, reflects the sun, and provides a calming presence. I think water gardens add an unique refinement to container gardens. Click below to find out * What container to use and how to seal it. * What plants and fish to buy and how to introduce fish to your water garden. * How to make the water safe. * What sort of shade/sun requirements to consider. * What oxygenating plants adjust the nitrogen levels in your water feature. * Lots more!

Winter Meditation--Have Patience

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:22:19 GMT

Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart" said Rilke in his Letters to a Young Poet. Good advice for those of us huddling through winter.

But there is beauty while we wait. Even in emptiness. If we look for it. That's the trick with patience, I think. It waits, but it also rests. Come spring . . .

. . . I know this empty white urn will overflow with blooms. So today, I'm thinking about abundance--how it's right around the corner.

"Where Flowers Bloom . . .

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:48:17 GMT

. . . so does hope" said Lady Bird Johnson. She might have been thinking about roses. Here's a hint for container roses: be sure you chose one that doesn't grow above four feet tall. Larger roses develope a root system too large for container gardening. If you'd like to learn how to plant container roses (and learn more about the lovely one pictured here), click below.

Deep Freeze

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:50:09 GMT

"Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." (Rilke) I don't know about you, but I need some perking up--these gray days . . . so I'm thinking about Rilke and his beautiful poetry. And spring. It's so cold, and yet my daffodils are sticking their little green necks out of the dirt. I hope they have sense enough to stay put and not venture any further!

I'm going to look forward--out of this gray, cold, misty morning (6 inches of snow predicted later), to the lush colors of spring and summer.

I'll end with the promise buds bring, and hope these photos will perk up your spirits, too. Virginia PS--Look for more from Rilke on Friday. And if you want to think about spring with me, and need some tips on small space gardening design, click below.

In the Gardens of Rodin

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:10:14 GMT

"There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it." (Aumonier)

I took this photo in the Musee Rodin gardens last March. Seems the epitome of Aumonier's quote. Here's another (Rodin's famous "Thinker") in the same gardens . . . seems to me, gardens are for contemplating--Rodin understood that.

I have a great story about Rodin. One of my favorite poets--Rainer Maria Rilke--was his secretary for a time. . . he wrote sentimental schlock at the time. Rodin told him "Go out and see the world" and Rilke did. He became one of the most famous and beloved of poets. Tomorrow maybe a Rilke quote . . . who knows! Virginia P.S. Click below for winter gardening tips.

If You Truly Love Nature

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:09:48 GMT

I love how atmospheric this simple view through the tree trunks is. The winter light, the strength of these straight trunks--and to think that they've been here over a century . . . . I strive to be quiet enough and open enough to see these small moments of beauty. It's not easy for me, so I work at it. It helps to keep in touch with others who try to see this way. Like Saint Bernard who said "Trees and stones will teach that which you can never learn from masters." Here's another quote I keep close-- "If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere." Here's one of my favorite "beauties"--

And here, too--you can find beauty in things as simple as the repetition of curves.

Oh, and that quote about truly loving nature? It's from Vincent Van Gogh who certainly saw nature with a fierce eye and gave us those vivid, startling paintings. Want to share your favorite quote or photo about nature? Send me an email or post them here. Virginia PS--Speaking of beauty--some of the loveliest flowers grow in water gardens. Click below to find out more.

Green Flowers Anyone?

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:34:29 GMT

MARTHA STEWART PURE SENTIMENT BOUQUET My friend Diane from Picket Fence Greenhouse posted a very pretty green flower and we got to talking. I LOVE green flowers--we mentioned a really cool zinnia called 'Envy' and I remembered one of my very favorites--Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis). It's used in lots of flower arrangements, such as this one.

I grow it as an annual. It has really cool green bracket-type flowers on arching and straight stems. It's wonderful to grow for flower arrangements because it frames so many colors (see how great it is with white?) well. If you'd like to find out more about growing this plant, click the link below. And if you think the Martha Stewart-designed flower arrangement is cool, you can click the pic, or see my updated "Send Fresh Flowers" page on the website. Stay warm out there! Virginia

Ornamental Grass--Great for the New Year

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:42:24 GMT

Happy New Year! Just woke up to a bright, sunny day and can't wait to get out in it. But before I do, here's some photos of how stately ornamental grasses can be--and it's a great idea for the New Year b/c its visually interesting ALL year. I took these shots when it was so cold, I had to wear long underwear, several wool sweaters, and a down coat. But the grasses are pretty enough to be worth it, I think. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Here's a low-growing, but still very pretty, ornamental grass.

And here's how lovely grass can look set against a winter sky.

If you'd like to see more photos, click the link below and view the "Winter" album on my Flickr page.

Hong Kong Table-Top Garden

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:33:55 GMT

This is my last post for this year, and I wanted to end with a new beginning! Lately I've been visiting blogs around the world and have found some really lovely ones. I'd like to share them with you from time to time. Here's the first--it's called Gardening on Cloud Nine and Sandy (blogger)lives in Hong Kong. Isn't this table-top garden a lovely idea?--and so simple. Sandy calls it "Ocean Breeze" (which sounds really good about now to me!). She shares just how to make it in the page I've listed in the link below. If you know a cool garden blogger, or if you have a great photo to share, send it along. I'm hoping we'll all "share the wealth" in the new year! Happy gardening, Virginia

Swans in Snow (and other fowl photos)

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:15:46 GMT

It's snowing this morning and the pond is gorgeous. I have one interesting thing to say, then I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Ducks (evidently) have an interesting circulatory system which allows warm blood to move through their legs and feet continually so that that's why they're always warm even in the coldest water. (I wondered how they could possible stand it!). Enjoy.

Below is my favorite bridge. I love the tree best of all.

Ok--only room for one more! This little guy is a new addition to our pond. (He came with his mate, but who knows where she went--possibly camera shy . . .) I did know the type of duck this is at one time, but have forgotten. He's very young yet, but if anyone can identify him, please let me know.

Happy New Year pretty soon, Virginia PS--I've completely updated my "Top Five Garden Supplies, so if you need anything, you might click below.

Patio Gardening, Balconies and Window Boxes: Spruce Up Your Home

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:16:12 GMT

Planter: Box Large PVC On the deck, along garden paths . . . Patio gardening, flowers gracing your balcony. Wherever theres a need for small garden design, pots add visual value to your home. And that means increased home value for you. To find out more about window boxes, hanging planters and flower pouches, gardening along paths and more, click the link below.

Who needs winter flowers--Even bark is beautiful.

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:13:49 GMT

Pretty arched branches, aren't they? Lots of people are huddling inside these days due to the cold, but I think winter is beautiful. Take the bark pictured below, for instance. I think this is a Shag Bark Maple (turned sideways). But it looks like a painting to me.

Ted Kooser, once our nation's poet laureate, has a wonderful collection of poems he wrote during the time he had cancer. Each morning, he'd take a winter walk where he lives in Nebraska and make a beautiful poem about it. Here's one from him called "Screech Owl." All night each reedy whinny from a bird no bigger than a heart flies out of a tall black pine and, in a breath, is taken away by the stars. Yet, with small hope from the center of darkness, it calls out again and again. Delights & Shadows. I'm off for a winter walk myself. Believe it or not, last week there was a coyote in the park by the pond. I've seen a red fox there, too. And I live in the middle of a very large city. Just goes to show, you can find wild, beautiful things everywhere. Winter. Poetry. Shag Bark Maple. Happy Winter, everyone. Virginia PS--You can find the poem above, and many more from Ted Kooser via the link below.

The Peace Rose

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:21:55 GMT

I grew up with this rose--it was my father's favorite, and he grew it in his rose garden right outside our front door.

He served in World War II, and I think this rose plant's history was especially meaningful to him because it was named the day Berlin fell to the Allies.

And then, the day peace was signed with Japan, this rose plant won AARS honors and members of the newly formed United Nations were presented with its blooms.

From Jackson & Perkins, it's the most widely-planted rose in the world.

It's a lovely golden yellow with pink edging--delicate, yet strong. So I guess it was named well.

Click the link below to read about the four types of roses best for container gardening or here to order the Peace rose.

Exotic Flowering bulbs from Down Under!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:57:12 GMT

My friend Ian at Florez Nursery took this lovely photo (I'm trying to get him to write a guest piece on unusual plants for us). Ian lives in Australia, and here's what he has to say about this beautiful South African 'Ferraria Undulata.' "Bulb catalogues with offers of spring flowering bulbs usually arrive in January and it is difficult to even think that far ahead while the surf beckons. This South African bulb is one such bulb on offer from (the late) Bryan H Tonkin per his wife Shirley and daughter Jane in their summer 2009 catalogue. They also list Ferraria crispa which has darker velvety maroon coloured flowers. I first encountered this bulb growing wild in Waverley Cemetery (in Sydney) under a 19th century headstone. Indeed it has a "Gothic Victorian" air about it as the flowers emit a queer smell ...a sort of musty closed tomb odour. To make matters worse the newly closed flowers form a drop of dark coloured liquid at the tip which resembles a drop of blood." Yes, a lovely and maybe a little disturbing (!) exotic from the Land Downunder! Though Tonkin only ships to Australia, you can see the beautiful selections via the link below. And . . . I'll post more wonderful "Ian" photos if you like in the coming months.

Winter Walk by the Pond and Winter Gardening

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:45:50 GMT

Sun on the partially frozen water--I just couldn't resist this shot. We're due for snow. I love winter colors--silver blues and greens, the colors of bark and birds. That the air is so clear it seems it might shatter.

Here's another. Last year we had five white swans. One got caught in the ice and though she was rescued, it wasn't in time. Now there are four. Mary Oliver, a wonderful American poet, calls swans immaculate, pure, and coming toward her as "boats filled with white flowers." I'm off again to the pond before the snow sets in. Virginia PS--To read what Horticulturalist Ellen Barredo says about winter gardening, click below.

The Edible Garden: Flowers and Plants That Are Pretty and Tasty!

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:23:35 GMT

Can you imagine how lovely this Swiss chard, grown from seeds would be in your container? It's only one of the many edible (and ornamental) vegetables you can grow in your container garden. Peas, beans, and Malabar spinach will grow on trellises, while Red Runner beans and okra have very pretty flowers to enhance your patio, deck, or balcony. And speaking of flowers--don't forget day lilies, nasturtium, and violas. You can cook day lilies just as you would squash blossoms--delicious! Plus, ornamental kale, and some colorful greens are also great choices for foliage interest. For more info. on growing vegetables in containers, click the link below. (Plus, if you like the Swiss chard pictured above, click the picture to order it from Gurneys.)

CLay Flower Pots--Terra Cotta? High-Fired Glazed? Which is Right for You?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:30:26 GMT

I love terra cotta pots--they're my favorites by far. (Well, that's not altogether true . . . I do love a good scrolled wrought iron flower pot. Or an elegant contemporary metal pot. . . Ok, I love most all pots--but terra cotta ranks right up there for sure!) If you'd like to know about the three most most popular types of clay flower pots, explained in detail, plus find out how to age one and moss it, click the link below.

Gardeing in Pots for Newbies: The Step by Step Planting Process

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:41:38 GMT

One of the most-neglected container gardening ideas has to do with how to handle your plants and how to get them into the soil without damaging them. That's what you'll learn here--first in these 8 easy-to-understand steps and then in a video. Click below for details.

Planting Soil: What Does and Doesn't Work in Pots

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:33:18 GMT

Planting soil is the workhorse of your container garden. In good media, flowers, herbs, and vegetables will thrive.

In poor potting mixtures, they won't. In fact, if you get it really wrong (say peonies planted in cacti mix), they'll likely die a slow death and you might not know why.

Click below to find out what not to use, the good and bad news about potting soil vs. soilless mixtures, DIY cost-savings tips and more.