What I did today.

Got up, had breakfast and mowed the lawn. My funky mess of over planted Iris (Siberian and others) were bugging me, and my discussion with Gordon came to mind, so I dug them up, divided them up and replanted them 1 inch deep, not the 4 to 6 inches years ago. Then top dressed with a little compost to sweeten the mineral soil. And I threw out 50 pounds of tangled roots and tubers.

Then I actually got the family to hit Emery's with me, and we got some more Narcissus, lawn fertilzer and compost. I still have a bunch of bulbs to plant, but after coming home I planted a Dracunculus vulgaris bulb right side up in the front garden. I cannot wait.

Its good to be a gardener again. For the last year or more I have been letting the garden grow, but not really gardening, as I have been working the lousiest job I have ever had (but it is a job!). Which has taken away normal weekends from me, leaving me off with only one weekend day or none (only once). I have been pretty depressed about this job, and what to do with the rest of my life for the last few years, but the fog is lifting. This job will end, and I will do better than this.

I have not been posting much as I have not felt much like a gardener recently due to my lack of action. But my garden has been better than ever, especially mid summer, with the Crocosima, Moniardia, Lilies, Helenium and Echinacea all making a show.

Welcome back to the PNW. Missed you and wondered where you were. Boo to the nasty job. But you made it. You can always just come on and rant for awhile. We would be glad to listen and give suggestions. ^_^ Or hugs.

You have it right - this, too, will pass. I understand your frustration with first no job and then a lousy job - I have been there and not too long ago. It's hard to keep focused on the fact that it will change and that you can change it, especially when the general economic news is so dour.

Welcome back. I'm glad your garden has been good to you and that you got some healthy time outside today!

Hey, welcome back! I wondered what became of you and sad to hear about the lousy job. I have a client who always says 'I had a job when I found this one' when she is ready to change jobs. I think it's a good way to look at things. Even though the economy is tough, there are still jobs out there. I hope you'll find one that is more satisfying so you can leave your current situation and get back to the business of gardening!
I hope Gordon is doing well. I've missed him on the forums.

So nice to be welcomed back.

I spent the summer cleaning my succulent collection of things, mostly just scraps that I felt I had to keep, and taking some of the salvage-able plants and getting them into better shape. I giant Christmas Cactus I got last spring bloomed, pic is attached.

The last trade I was at (Gordon's House) I got a Gunnera, which I tossed into the ditch just behind the front gardens, well, 10 feet back, right after the trade, where it sat all winter. In the spring the Ranunculus over grew the tuber, and I nicked it with the lawnmower. Not days later, it shot up with all sorts of leaves, nothing of any size. During the summer, I watered it for the worst, but finally wilted in September. It revived with the recent rain, and appears to be doing well, except for some leaf damage.

oops. Its on my Blackberry. I will get it off in the morning.

I know you have been waiting with baited breath.

Fertilized the lawn, roughed up the area that gets worn out every year, seeded, top dressed with fine compost. Why I bother I don't know, but the rest of the yard grows grass like a weed adjacent to this area.

That's a nice one! I spent yesterday and today divided between getting the greenhouse in order and painting the bottom of the boat. So much fun I could barely stand it!

Actually Rob, I turned blue late last night!
That is one beauty & very floriferous. Looks like a pale pink or lavender-pink with a deeper throat.
Very Prettiful.
I have never grown Christmas Cactus, but that's because I tend to hasten the demise of indoor plants.
What is your assessment on its needs?

Water every two weeks of so and some Schultz for flowering plants, a summer outside in the shade. Mine bloomed as soon as I brought them in around the first of Sept.

AD & Willow - please excuse my Tuesday Laziness. i know I can google to get the info, but prefer the experience of those who have dabbled.
The CC's are impressive in bloom: what are their temperature / light / water requirements? I am certain to kill one through absolute neglect or i will worry over it like a new mother. In my case an old mother...

It is a white colored flower, which seems to turn pale pink with time. The flowers are wilted from the picture, but the color still is beautiful. I am no wiz of Schlumbergia, that plant I bought last summer in a yard sale, and have not killed it yet.

Basically this plant needs to be treated more or less like an African Violet keep it in bright light and in moist soil year around. I keep my plants in part sun outside during the summer after they acclimatize to full outside light. If I am being smart I fertilize them weekly with Dyna Grow. This summer I punted and let it go undone, it shows, I had little growth on any plants.

Rob

Yes to treating them a bit like african violets. They also need some cool temps at night to bloom. Mine will bloom twice a year if I keep it outside in the summer and in the greenhouse during the winter. Their leaves will shrivel if they don't get enough water. I treat mine much like I do the epiphyllum. I never got any of them to bloom until I let them have cooler night temps.

Got it - thanks for the info.
I've considered them for many years but felt that I could not provide adequate light.
I have some new grow lights now, so that might help.

Actually, they do not need a lot of light, Katye. They are almost low light plants. We have some in our bathroom at my office and it has very precious little natural light. They bloom their little hearts out. Still decent lighting is better, but they don't need direct sun or anything.

Office, eh? a possible contender...

Guess what I did today? Hint: Lowe's
Oh gosh, Pixy, thanks for the heads up! Out here in Bonney Lake, there wasn't a lot to choose from, but I managed to find some goodies. Yako Jima Miscanthis, Royal Purple Smoke Tree, Purple Leaf Sand Cherry, Buffalo Blue and Pinot Grigio grapes, and a beautiful Green weeping Laceleaf Maple and a gorgeous tall red Laceleaf Maple.

Dang, I still haven't planted my last two "Last Purchases this fall" goodies (Charming Fantasy Snowberry, Quick Fire Hydrangea, Baby Blue Threadleaf Cypress, and my last 2 Bamboos: Chinese Walking Stick and Spectabilis.

Oh, I got some Brug cuttings in the mail today. Whoo Hoo!!

I have no self control around plants. It is my addiction.

and a good one at that!
Lynn - be aware that Miscanthus Y.J. may exceed your growth expectations. Give it LOADS of room. Mine grew to over 6' tall and wider. They love my soil.

Katye, I also have killed off a number of house plants through forgetting to water them when it has rained (whoops, those plants weren't getting their aqua needs met naturally). I do have a very successful "Christmas" cactus however, because they do not mind infrequent water. Mine blooms at Thanksgiving and again in the Spring. This could be the indoor plant for you too.

Rob, yours is really pretty. I have not seen that pale pink color before. Mine is the more common darker pink.

Lynn, I am now officially jealous of those who don't live on an island and can get to Lowe's plant sale to buy trees and grasses without contending with the ferry. But then again, this is probably very good because I still have lots and lots in my plant ghetto. Would you show pictures so I can at least live vicariously? I admit to 2 addictions, plants and books, um make that 3 addictions Harley says, because he thinks I am also addicted to work.

I hit the Lowe's in Federal way and they had almost nothing. My Lowes in Lakewood still has a nice selection of grasses left, and also some awesome New Zealand flax, said to be hardy to zone 8. I think it's because we have fewer gardeners in lakewood who know a good deal when they see one. More for me and Pony.
Kayte, thanks for posting that about Miscanthus Yj. I have two of them. I'll be sure they have plenty of room. They are so lovely!

In their 3rd year they took off, dismissing all commands to stop getting taller.
Warning: The larger Miscanthus should be sited very carefully with the thought of NEVER moving them.
Takes lots of time, energy, patience. Adult beverages ease the pain...

Thanks for the advice. That Miscanthus is so beautiful, I have an urge to get another one. Does the Lakewood Lowe's have any bamboo left? I might have to go back tomorrow, to buy cement, of course.

Katye, how are you feeling?

Pony, how are you doing? Also, what is the latest with Traci?

Tills, are you doing ok?

Rarejem and PNW, how is your grandma/mom and yourselves doing?

Laurie, I am amazed at your burglary story, also.

WHAT is GOING ON, my goodness.

Lynn, I am back to 50% use of my right hand. Really messes with my plans to accomplish much of anything. My Chiropractor adjusted it - something had dropped out of place in the carpal tunnel, and it is improving.
The rain is so ridiculously fierce that i wouldn't be outside anyway. Gee, I suppose that leaves housework, which sounds like so much fun!
I have been trying to locate perlite in something larger than 8 qts - need to mix up my rooting medium and get all those cuttings started. I think I could fill my living room with cuttings, I've taken so many. I keep checking the weather forecast so I can get out there to salvage the Brugs. They are still in full bloom; a bit soggy though.
I prefer to dig them up, but the one is so large, I'm not sure I could get enough root mass to keep it going, nor do I have a pot that would accomodate it. Cuttings are going to happen, but I'd love to get the whole thing out of the ground - I know they can be successfully wintered over inside if dug.
Lynn - if you are wanting some very nice smaller-sized & well-behaved grasses, look for Pennisetum 'Hameln'. They max out under 2' tall, and are bullet-proof. Another very pretty, but taller is 'Karly'. Smoky-pink flufy plumes, and the whole plant gets 3' x 3'.

Katye, No housework with a hurt wrist. You gotta let that adjustment take before putting pressure on it I would imagine. Sorry, sounding like a mom here, but ....do you really want to do housework anyway? How about curling up with a nice cup of tea and good book?

Thanks for posting info about well behaved grasses. I have been afraid to buy any for fear I would get some that take over the world via root system.

Holly - I have LOTS of grasses. I can recommend many and I don't indulge those that misbehave.


Regarding housework - must be attended to. I don't curl up well - too hyper. I can't even sit still at the computer for more than 20 minutes... I am operating left-handed and getting pretty good at it.
Chiro told me to use my hand with brace on, little to no pressure, and not to overdo. I don't like getting scolded, so I will heed his advice.
HOWEVER, cuttings will take priority today. And if the rain stops long enough, the peppers will be dug up, too. That ought to be interesting to do with 1 hand - no videos allowed...

Analogdog, Good to see you here. The good thing about the garden is that it wait (sometimes not so obediently, but it still waits) for us to get through the traumas in our life and come back to it. A static point of happieness, just like a faithfull dog or cat.

I am so good with outdoor stuff, but have a black thumb when it comes to indoor plants...still manage to make my Christmas Cactus bloom nicely with almost total neglect and low light. AD, yours is lovely!

Pixy, am jealous of your Lowes...you are right....FW has basically nothing. Have not been happy with the buyer for the store since they expanded it...selection is always BORING..... Mom did pick us up some festival grass though...I have been drooling over it all year so I was thrilled with getting it. One more thing to cram in the greenhouse...

Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergia hybrids) will survive almost no light for months, but it is better to give them some. Mine respond very well with part sun on the landing of the stairs on the north side of my deck. I do take them out to that slowly with them in full shade outside then more and more sun over a 2 week period until they get about 4 hours outside. These plants are not from the forest floor, but they are also epiphytes living in the trees themselves. They need good sunlight if it can be provided.

Oh, and they can survive being dry for the winter, but they do not like it, they will take half the summer coming back to full vitality. Provide water during the winter, but without nutruent, and not frequently, like once a week or every two weeks.

This message was edited Oct 18, 2009 11:26 PM

OK, you guys made me do it!
This is what I call my Halloween cactus as it always blooms this time of year. I also have a "Thanksgiving" one that is lightish pink to white, and real "Christmas" ones that bloom then.
I have left them in the same pots for years and they are still faithful to bloom. This one is in my bathroom window which is totally shaded by a cedar tree, others I have are in various windows throughout the house, and the ones with more light seem to get more blooms. I have heard that they need a 1/2 day of darkness to bloom well (ie not even artificial light). They are VERY forgiving with watering neglect.

This is my very favorite one, although I also have an apricot colored one that is a close runner up. (I can't remember it's bloom time.)

What I did this weekend-----tried to take some time for ME on Saturday to unwind from all of the demands on me last week. Baked som zucchini bread, made a batch of chili to take to Rarejem's where we had GMA up for a movie and supper. (Bolt, very cute)
She seems to be doing ok but I think reality is starting to settle in a bit with her.
Then Sunday, back to chores. Turned off the watering system, moved in some garden ornaments, moved a daphne that was in the wrong spot, planted a few things from my pot ghetto, repaired a bed that Phoenix had excavated, probably for voles or some such. What an exciting weekend!!!!!!

OOH pretty!!
Rob, you are succulent man, so here's a question. I have several nice stapelias that grow well but haven't bloomed for me. Is there a secret to their blooming?

Lynn, I don't know if they have bamboo left. Possibly some black bamboo. If you want Bambusa multiplex, I have two big pots I got that I'm thinking I'll take back. If you want them instead, you can buy mine from me.

Kayte, sorry to hear of your hand. Take care of it.They are such delicate creatures. In terms of your huge brug, you can always wait until it drops its leaves, then prune it, dig it out and root prune it, and pot it for the winter. They do okay with that kind of treatment. I have to take mine out of the pots this year and root prune.

I'll buy them from you. Are they Golden Goddess, by any chance? The Bambusa Multiplex aren't as cold hardy for our area, are they?

Pixy- Just this year, I have thrown in the towel with Stapelia and their kin. I cannot keep those plants alive for anything. But flowering seems to come easy for most of the tribe, just keep them in a bright warm location, and they should bud up and bloom in mid-summer to early fall.

My problems with Stapeliads are either new growth is tender and does not last, or they just flat do not grow. Many attribute that stuff to fungal infections, which I won't treat them for. I don't have a green house and the stuff is toxic to me, my son and my dogs, with no way of seperating the two. I wait for a property where I can have one.

That is a very nice Schlum, MtnGirl, I like the color. All of the plants we get now through Easter are forced to bloom with a dark period. It seems that they trigger as the light decreases in the fall. When I was abusing my plants more, I used to get heavy blooms in the spring, when I started watering more.

Yesterday I went shopping for a hori-hori at Sky, found them priced $33-29! There were some cheap copies, but did not appear very good, so I went home with a new skinny shovel to plant my bulbs. If anyone can tell me where to get a hori-hori for a good price, say

Sad to say that the good ones are not cheap. But for $33, it's well worth it. Trust me.

Well, Katie, you posted a link to Gemplers with a hori-hori knife for $20 which caught my attention. Is that the knife you got?

I don't think so. I got mine as a gift. Hang on while I tie a string around my finger so I remember to look at the brand name when I get home.

Yes, I would imagine that anything you got online would be less expensive than at the nursery. The good thing about buying one you can see, of course, is that you can hold it first and examine the blade, etc. I don't know if there are "cheap" imitations, but that would really ruin things in this case. I think you need the blade to be strong, sharp, and well-angled.

If you go to Sky and look about a bit, they have really nice ones and some really cheap ones. I know a little bit about knives and tools, so it was clear that there was a difference in quality.

I got a really good hori-hori knife from Smith and Hawkins 25 years ago (before they sold the company and the quality went downhill). I have seen them recently at a garden center for upwards of $29. I took a close look, and the bolts holding the blade in were poking out of the handle slightly. I can't remember the brand, but it became clear to me that even with an expensive price tag, it is hard to tell what is really going to be a decent quality tool. I later saw one of those same tools at a friends house, and the blade was bent slightly. So be very careful. I think the cheap imitations are rampant. I love mine though. i use it all the time, for weeding, transplanting lettuce seedlings, digging holes for bulbs, making a shallow trench for planting pea seeds, etc.

Mine says Green Top Stainless Steel on the blade. It has a wooden handle. It came with a leather sheath and there are pictures and writing on the sheath, but the writing is all in Japanese. I couldn't find a Green Top knife online, but mine looks exactly like the one pictured at the top of this photo:

http://www.northcoastgardening.com/2009/04/hori-horis-soil-knives-trowels-review/

Oh, the knife also has hash marks for measuring depth.