Plant Propagation part XXVII based on my own experience

Oh Sharon, I hope your dog is going to be o.k. My Barney has high liver enzymes and I give him Denosyl daily. It has helped big time. I found it on the internet and told my vet to read about it and we put him on it about a year ago and it has helped him, thank God.
He is 13 and that is old for a Jack Russell.

I am doing better. I have been using my relaxing CDs before I go to bed and trying to keep my thoughts on the positive side.

Today was not the best day for positive thinking....I woke up to heavy snow. It is still snowing and we were to have rain today, changing to snow, well they were wrong. It is snow, snow and more snow. We were to have 6 to 8 inches later today. We already have nearly 5 inches here now. This is a b****!
I have things to do on the "puter" so I must get started. Doing the AARP class on driving I think I told you that before. Have a good day and stay warm. JB

Sharon, I don't know how you can stand all those people in your house. Sorry, I always laugh when I see movies on TV where they have housekeepers, cooks, etc. I could not stand other people wandering around my house. Just me I guess.

By all those people, I mean housekeepers, gardners (I know they are not IN the house) but just the same I would feel like I were in a hotel and I hate hotels. Like it was not MY house.

I know, I am weird.

Sharon, I did google vitamin K. It is for bones, which would really be good for me except for the fact it makes the blood coagulate too. I don't need that. Take aspirin to make it thin and vit. K to make it clot? My blood would be so confused. LOL

The snow melts with the sun on it even if it is below freezing. As soon as the sun moves and it is shade where it melted, it freezes again.

I know how you feel about the snow JB. Still wish you would have your vit. D checked. What is the AARP driving test? I never joined them. My mom would be very unhappy with me. She always supported them.

Well, Bob called someone to come shovel the decks off because he couldn't do it and the guy isn't here yet. I told Bob if the guy waited long enough it would be melted off there. The raccoon took all the birds food last night and turned over the feeder. Darned thing anyway.

Gotta get busy, ttyl

IGood morning everyone,

I have some good news to report. First, my new credit card arrived, six weeks after I cancelled the old one when my purse went missing before Christmas. The post office person just called to let me know the new one has arrived.

Second, I am going to go see a doctor in Santa Rosalia tomorrow. My ear still feels stuffed up. Worse, I have been sleeping for twelve hours or more and still waking up with no energy. Time to see a doctor. I can't see my doctor in San Diego until early March . Tony says the doctor in Santa Rosalia has lots of good instruments so we're going there.

The instruments things is strange here. So many tools and instruments are simply not available here. As an example this morning I asked Tony if his wife is still using the sewing machines I've brought her from the States. He was a bit embarrassed but finally siad she didn't have needles for them. I'd stocked up when I was in Ca. so I gave him some and told him they need to tell me when they need such things. I don't mind getting them and I feel embarrased wwhen I realize they are missing something that I take for granted.

Tony is concerned enough about me that he did the dishes this morning. I'm not in pain and that tends to be my criteria for seeking medical care. But to sleep for fourteen hours and still feel barely able to move has inspired me.

I have done a little sewing on my flannel nightgowns but I feel like I'm moving through a fog.

We'll take my little propane tanks which are empty and get them filled while we're up there. Five small tanks is usually enough for a winter here. Before anyone comes down here to strangle me, I will tell you that our summers can get so hot and humid that they are almost as incapacitiating as cold, snowy weather.

hugs, katie

Wow, it stopped snowing and is now raining and is to start again later in the afternoon with heavy snow. I have done nothing today but hunt boots for my daughter in the internet. She is such a nut.......she has blue boots but will not wear them to her black outfit. She would rather wear black dress shoes in the snow. She is 59 years old so what can I say? The one day she had to dress, it snowed. She usually has jeans and sneakers or riding boots on, but today she had to go into the Office for a meeting and had to dress. LOL

Jenette, Honey, do not worry about my Vitamin D intake. I promise you, I take the best liquid vitamins made and before I started to take them I went over them with my physician.
I also took the info regarding them to the new Cardiologist and he approved them. Yes, Vitamin D is included Honest. No you do not have to worry about going to your cardiologist, unless you feel you have a problem. Then I would worry.

My grandfather was the publisher and editor of a weekly newspaper and the printing office and shop were on the first floor of our big house. The living quarters were on the second and third floors. The first floor took up the space between two streets. The front being on the Main St of the town and the garage and delivery on a back street. It was a block long. LOL. When I was in school, my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, aunt and uncle all lived there and everyone but my uncle worked for my grandfather. .We also had a 13 acre home in the country outside of town where we moved to after school, and lived there for several months until school started again. Because of all the people in the family working, I grew up with maids, housekeepers, gardeners, the whole bit. None were live ins. They all commuted to our houses to work as did the men who worked in the newspaper office.
I can honestly say, growing up with that kind of help, they never seemed to get in my way or invade my privacy. I do remember disliking the one because she made me eat vegetables if I wanted desert. When I married and moved away, I took the one maid with me because she was getting old and I did not want to fire her. She pretty much was part of the family. I also had a middle aged woman who helped me at my home because the older one did the cooking because of her age and she too commuted. Thinking back, there has never been a time when I felt they intruded. but then, I did not know any better. I must admit, they knew who was boss. But we always respected them.
Having said that, I have a lady who helps me but she annoys me because this house is so much smaller, she gets in my way and I get in hers. LOL I had a woman for 15 years but lost her to an illness and had to get this new one. She has only been with me for 2 years and I am still training her to work MY way.

See what happens when I get off on a subject and the weather is too ugly to do anything outside. I just ramble on and never shut up. I apologize, but I was thinking about Jen and what she said about housekeepers.

To all the rest of you.....hope you have a great day and I am now going to get a chicken ready for the oven. I feel like roasting a chicken. Now I could tell you how my grandpa used to kill the chickens we ate but I will not. Aren't you glad? Bye for now. Hugs. JB

Well JB, your grandpa probably killed them the same way my mom did. With a chopping block and a hatchet. Or maybe he wrung their necks. A lot of people did that too.

Ok, You all are used to living in hotels I can tell. And, believe me, working for the gov't we stayed in some of the better hotels, because when they contract for that many, they get the best prices. I could not believe the difference in prices between what the gov't paid and the general public.

I am getting ready to pot up some brugs and I am going to plant some banana peels in them. These darned brugs just will not root. I have them in a bubbler and they have been there for a month and a half at least. So, before they rot I am going to plant them in soil. Maybe a banana peel will do it? LOL

I would put the peels in my roses but can't get thru the ice and snow. Speaking of which, Bob got someone to clean off the decks today. Quite a lot of it had turned to ice.

Ok, so I threw something in there about plants. Ok? One more thing. Someone read to me the other day, probably one of my sisters, that instead of keeping coleus thru the winter, you should take a piece or more off and root them and start new plants. It said they make better plants. Do any of you know about that thought?

I have a coleus I have been trying to make look like something this winter and it is barely staying alive. I am going to do that. Take a branch off of it an see if it will root. Maybe better luck than the brugs, huh?

Will keep you posted on that one. BTW, did I ever tell you guys how I root them? In water with the polymer crystals. When they root they grow into and around the crystals and then I plant all so then they always have a water supply.

Didn't do that with the brugs tho.

Jen, I tried so many times to grow brugs and I failed miserably. I admire anyone who can get them to grow. I used to talk to mine, I moved, transplanted, hugged, kissed and fed them special stuff and NOTHING. They hated me. Just hated me. So I gave them away and have never tried again. So there. Maybe you are not giving them enough attention.
They need something special but I would have never thought of banana peels. Are you kidding? JB

I've tried brugs. Lost most of them. I have about six that have been hanging in for a couple of years with no blooms and one that does well. It is a white called "Temple Goddess" and it has buds on it now. It bloomed last year, too.

Got my new ATM card and got it activated. Also got a wonderful present of seeds sent by a DG friend when I thought I'd lost my purse.

I'm thinking of getting a heating mat or two for this time of year when I want to start seeds but it's still chilly, especially for tropicals.

Looking forward to seeing the doctor tomorrow. While in Santa Rosalia I think I can get a replacement jar for my blender. I dropped my glass one on my cement floor with predicatable results.

Was laughing with Tony about my neighbor who thinks I''m weird. She and her husband spend lots of time and money for food and liquor mostly for people they barely know and/or don't like. "Stupid is as stupid does" as Forrest Gump would say.

Dinner for the dogs - chicken. fish, brown rice and eggs, is done and cooling. Now I need to decide on something for myself.

Got the makings for pea soup but making it must wait until I have more energy,

hugs, katie

That was your problem JB. People who grow beautiful brugs tell me to roll up a newspaper and beat on them every day. Think they meant it stimulated the sap or something. You were way to nice to them according to the growers.

The main thing they all said was lots of water and fertilizer.

Wonder how Dawn's are doing. Last I heard hers was about to bloom but then never said any more. Dave, how are yours doing?

Katie, we crossposted.

Hope your drs appointment goes well tomorrow. Be sure to let us all know how to get more energy. This time of year we all need more I think.

Another couple of months and we can start seeds here. If I had a greenhouse I would start tropicals and other things from seed. I really think they would be fun.

You didn't have a bank nearby huh? One that you had a card for. When I lost my card I just went in and in 10 minutes I had deactivated it and gotten a new card and was on my way. The thing that took the most time was notifying everyone of the new number. People I pay online like the power company, Verizon, etc.

Jeanette, the coleus are the easiest to start. You can just put them in water and about a day later they will have roots, or you can put them directly into a potting soil, and water just as though they were already a plant. You can take a tip, or a branch, they don't care.and they always look much better cuz then you can groom them. Finally, something I could talk about, and know where from I speak :)
Lee

Lee, you are so funny. You know a lot of stuff. Don't kid us. I know coleus are easy to start. But, I think the time of year makes a difference too, don't you? Sounds like you don't. LOL Do you think they do better starting new ones in the spring, or using the same one forever?

I have started a lot of them from seed. Too bad you can't get seeds from the ones they grow in the South. But, I doubt if they would grow true to the parent.

Good evening sorry for the long silence been a bit down as my meds got all messed up and I am still trying to get back to the begining.

Tomorrow we will be in the 60'scan you believe it.... well its cause to celebrate and get outside...I just hope the body allows it.

not much to add but my brugs look like they are budded but no bloom. I have been spraying them with foliar feed and feeding with waterings. I thing it was the little windo in the room was open and all the lights were not on but now they are all fixed. we will see.

have a good evening
Dave

I have done both, saved parent plant, cut and started, both in water, and soil, also by seed and I think the best were the cuttings. I have started them all different times, with mostly the same result. I started all of mine from seed last year, and have saved several cuttings for new plants. the Parent plants don't seem to hold their shape. If I have one that I especially like, I start several from it. I didn't let any of them go to seed, easy to start the cuttings. Hope this answers your question. I think anytime of the year is OK. The parent plant does better with grooming, and also gives more starts. So, yes you can save the parent, just groom him or her :)
Lee

Jeanette I think they are doing great, but not about to bloom, just one is really leafy and about to push itself right out the window sill. The other is starting to take off but not like the tropical one.

Oh Shar my heart hurts for you. :(

I feel bad for all of you guys in the cold. My plants will go into shock in a month when it goes to 15 deg overnight. lol

Good to hear from you Dave and so glad you are getting good weather.

Lee, you pretty much answered all of my questions and were what I thought. Thanks.

Dave/Dawn, don't count them out. They will get the little buds and then just sit there doing nothing. Not growing in size with the buds or anything. Then they will take off again and finish the buds growing, but VERRRRRRRY slowly. Terribly slow. If you want these things you just have to be patient and feed and water.

Depending on the type, they might have to get 8 or more inches of the green and about the same with white/yellow or whatever part before they open. There are 3 different types of them and they all bloom differently.

Jut be patient. They really will be worth it.

Well Jnette, I am confused about your dislike of housekeepers and garden help. I only have the two, a young husband and wife team. They come every two weeks. I use the laborers only when there is work I cannot do. Vern has not lifted anything heavier than a pencil in 40 years. Not his type of fun but I got over that over 25 years ago.

I am just getting ready to order my coleus starts from Rosy Dawn. You can find the link on the coleus thread and in classified. She is giving a discount until January 31. I ordered from them last year. Plants are small but grew into beauties...They have, if they are not sold out, some beautiful coleus you will not see locally.

I tried coleus cuttings last year. Had some beauties of cuttings but gnats got the majority of them. I felt after three months of torture, that I would just order for delivery in April. If you do take some cuttings, put them in potting mix not soil. Some people use just perlite. They need to watered from the bottom and not kept to damp. If rooted in water they do not transplant well into potting mix.

Dave, I hope tomorrow brings you a day of extra strength and less pain.

Jnette, good luck with the cardiologist. Is that tomorrow or Friday.

I spent about 5 hours in the garage garden transplanting cuttings, sitting in the sun and listening to my play list. AND, the housekeepers would come out occasionally and join in on my music. They said I was being Romantic. LOL.

I have two workers coming tomorrow and Friday. I have to get my Blue Garden Bed ready to be planted.

I still have not gotten a new dishwasher. Have not had time to go look. I have a name of a manager at some wholesale shop. I am going to do my shopping over the phone and e-mail. It is only a dishwasher.

Later everyone. Sharon.

Katie, good luck with the doctor.

JB, you need to get better weather. Your storms are dominating our national news.

Sharon, I hope all goes well with your dog.

Glad some of you are getting better weather.

Tony is my only helper. I've tried others without getting much help. I've known Tony for fifteen years so he's like family. He hasn't worked for me all that time but has been back for several years and I think it's a forever arrangement. I sure hope so. We are a lot alike. We are both almost phobic about fighting , especially with yelling. We are also both willing to accept responsibility when something goes wrong and then get to work making it right. He is a steady worker and works well without supervision. We also work together well. I say he's better than a husband. I've known too many men who think they are supposed to criticize me (many all women). Have had a few funny experiences with men who finally realized that their endless criticism of me was not building a "relationship."

I'll report back after I see the doctor.

hugs, katie

good morning everyone:

well I am up and dressed had my oatmeal and moved my flats and inserts outside to make room in the garage. today is suposed to be like 62 and tomorrow upper 60's then the bottom falls out again with rain/snow on monday... I hate the rolley coaster ride of early spring. at least its early.
next week is 9 years anniversary. so at least thats working as it should. I think

well its time to get outside and see whats up.

I will check in later
Dave

Good for you Dave. I awoke this morning to another foot of snow. I did however have a pleasant surprise when I looked at my plants, the "African Gardenia" a very fragrant little
flower that has a soft sweet fragrance was in full bloom. I thought I would share it with you so you can have a sniff and a smell.

Other than that I have nothing worth talking about. The snow, sleet and rain left the state almost crippled again. After two days of crap it moved on. We actually had two storms yesterday. One in the morning and the biggie in the afternoon and night. By morning the clouds were breaking up and the sun was trying to shine. Now they are calling for light snow tomorrow and flurries on Sat. Please God give me strength. I am going out and work in the greenhouse no matter what. If I can get to it that is. JB

This was my driveway and barnyard this morning after Rob plowed and the sun came out for a few minutes. That will all be water if the temps. stay up and then it will freeze at night. Can you tell how happy I am? I am out of here for now.

Everything went well on our trip to Santa Rosalia. The doctor said I have an inflammation in my ear (no brain tumor!) and prescribed antibiotics and drops. He seemed very good. Tony helped with translating and our communication went well. My blood pressure, lungs, heart, etc are all as they should be. The doctor seemed surprised at my age but that may be because I was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.

The hardest part of the trip was finding a store that had the replacement jar for the blender but we did find it. Got prpopane, paid the phone bill, filled the prescriptions, had roasted chicken for lunch and had an easy trip home.

I'm tired so I'm going to lie down for a while.

Wanted to let you all know that everything seems fine.

hugs, katie

Oh Katie, God Bless you. I am so happy you are o.k. Hugs. JB

Thank you, JB. I'm relieved myself. After six weeks I was worried.

hugs, katie

Ok, sorry I offended you Sharon for your housekeeper and gardner. Maybe I am jealous? LOL, doubt it.

JB, I don't know what to say. I had to delete what I really wanted to say, but all I CAN say, is I would be happy if my driveway looked like that. Period. But the gardenia is beautiful, and so nice to have something blooming this time of year.

I missed so much today that I can't keep up with you all. Spent most of the day getting a perm etc.

Sharon, I ordered coleus from someone else after buying from Rosy Dawn and their coleus were so much nicer. I ordered about 2 or 3 months in advance and then they stick them for the shipping time and send beautiful plants. Can't think of his name right now, but will let you know. You might have already used him.

Katie I am glad the dr. knew what your ear problem was and that you got a clean bill of health on the rest. I think you are right, quite often the jeans and sweatshirt helps, however, so many people of all ages are wearing them now, and people just need to get used to it.

Yes, my cardiologist appointment is tomorrow Sharon. I have already made up my mind that I will not like him if he even suggests giving me stents. That is unless he saw something the radiologist or whatever he is didn't.

Dave, what's the 9 year anniversary for? You weren't clear. Since you said it was all going as it should. Or some such thing.

Well, I bought a plant off of Marketplace and cannot find out if the seller is even a member of DG. I just assumed since he was selling on MP that he is a member. But don't know what his reputation is. Can't find anything about him.

Sharon, this is the one I have ordered from the last couple of years.

Check out his inventory.

Gebhart'sgreenhouse.com

I am being excitedly patient Jeanette. I really am. I have to be. Placement will be a big deal and when it is the right season to start easing it outside too. Not nearly now though.

What is up with Sharon's dog. Pray tell?

OK, EVERYONE ON THIS THREAD, IF I AM OFFENDED, I WILL START OUT THE POST SAYING I AM OFFENDED.

Jnette,I am not offended easily. I just thought maybe you were a house person in another life....

My two guys worked hard today and one spoke English. I now have the "Blue Garden" laid out and dug and the boulders moved. They are boulders but small boulders. I also did a couple hours of cleaning out bed and put the garbage in piles on the sidewalk. They cleaned up behind me. Best part of helpers. They will be back tomorrow. They dug two large holes for new pots that were given to me. These pots were at least 3 1/2 feet tall. We sawed them in half and then placed both pieces in the hole. I painted them brown so they will fade into the background. The pots will be in partial shade.

Kate, thank goodness your doctor found out what was wrong with your ear. Take all of the antibiotics. Do no stop when you feel better.

Madeline, the female Schnauzer is still at the vet. Partial bill over $1100. Her problem is her diabetes is totally out of whack. Tonight is her second night at the Vet Hospital. I guess I am going to have to take over her feeding. Vern must be feeding her something she is not suppose to have. Vet should be able to pay her car payment this month.

JB, at least you guys have broken all records for early winter snow levels. That is a beautiful plant. I have Arabic Jasmine. It has a similar flower, white, but is more vine like. It also smells wonderful.

I assumed from my interpretation of Dave's comment, he meant their marriage.

Jnette, thanks for the link. I will give them a look. I need to get them ordered.

In digging the "Blue Garden, we dug up some plants that I now need to separate and re-pot. That is on my list for Saturday. Next week we will be in the 50s and I will return inside to de-cluttering, taxes and photos.

One of the players on the Pittsburgh Steelers is from a high school here. Pay by play of family activity from now through super Bowl. Actually it is a nice story.

Have a great day tomorrow. See you in the evening. Sharon.

This message was edited Jan 27, 2011 9:12 PM

Dave ~ Happy Anniversary! (You & Kim?)

Sharon ~ You must be excited to get your blue garden started. I have a silly question about it. Are you going to put some white and/or pale yellow flowers in it as well, or just "All Blue"?? I have seen a beautiful garden in Horticulture one year and it had pale yellow knifophias and some other pretty white flowers in with the blues and it was stunning! Some people say to put orange with blue, since they are complimentary colors, but I really like the pale yellows better. Have you started any seeds yet? Aw, you probably have not had the time....you still have time for that on most.

Jeanette ~ Good luck with the cardiologist! I hope everything is OK. And please be careful not to slip on the ice. Your driveway - does it slant towards the house, or to the road? We have a slanted driveway, but fortunately not so steep. still, before we got our Subarus, it was hard to get out during the winter. We would park near the road most times if snow was predicted, since we both had to go to work. It is good you have someone reliable to shovel you out on a regular basis. Some people do not have that luxury and cannot shovel it either.

JB ~ Your driveway looks great! I don't blame you for wanting to get out. Last year everyone here had to listen to my rants about so much snow and so late as well as it nearly ruined my tomato crop, while y'all were having warmer weather. And we are still in a heatwave as it gets near or above 60° for several days now. Most likely we will get slammed in Feb or March, but who knows??? Even so, I planted some peas and sowed seeds for lettuce in one of the square foot gardens. I won't worry if we get a freeze, as I can sow more if the crop gets damaged. (I can't predict the weather...) It was nice to get out this year as it seemed as I was in the house for quite a bit last year. The deer jumped the fence and ate my broccoli and cabbage, but managed to not eat all of the Chinese cabbage. Maybe because it was flatter?? They also nibbled on the parsley but did not damage the plants, so I just cut them back.

Katie ~ So happy to learn the good news about your ear infection. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I hope that I did not leave anyone out. I have been busy in the gardens and also getting ready to get the seed-starting project underway. I was on the "Piggy Swap" on that other website and wow! I got a huge box of seeds. Fortunately just a few of most things, but a huge variety. I also shared quite a few of my seeds as well. I need to wintersow a lot and get even more started under lights as a lot of my seeds are too old for trading, so I need to see if they are any good. I will use the Deno method on quite a few, like a germination test really. Is everyone familiar with the Deno method? (On paper towels in a ziplock bag)

I also had an ear infection but it seems to be getting better. I am trying to not be on the computer for long periods of time as then I manage to accomplish little, as well as getting eyestrain. Seed-sowing is a good winter pastime if the power stays on. But right now the weather appears springlike....I am waiting for the "ridge of high pressure" that has been dominating the west coast lately to give in at any moment. I just hope that the apple trees do not start to bloom too early. Not just for us, but in our county we have lots of people growing apples as well as many vineyards around here now. So as Dave says - the rolley coaster ride can be upsetting though fun right now.

I hope everyone sleep well tonight and wakes up to a beautiful morning!

This is a picture taken New Year's Eve of Stephen, myself, and two granddaughters...

Beautiful group photo. Hannah is coming home tomorrow for her sister's Sarah 18th birthday, and of course, to see "Oliver".

Dear Evelyn, I am going to plant the seeds in the bed. The weather here is great for germinating seeds in the ground. I may cover with a black cover for a few days to heat up the soil but the sun is very warm here and the seeds pop. Then I will protect them.

I still have the two large boxes of seeds on the counter. Yes, sometime in the next 10 years I will go through those seeds. I have so many things on my list of things to do. I need to be 40.

Things are getting better with Vern. Another appointment with a specialist and then I will let everyone know what is "Really" going on and it has changed twice so far.

I am like Katie, I need a translator for our doctors. Later, Sharon,

Hi everyone, I am just checking in. Trying to get caught up and I don't really want to do anything. I will be back in a couple of days. Hope everyone is warm and happy and well.
Linda

Sharon you can't see me but I am rolling my eyes. LOL Isn't that what the help does behind your back?

JB, you are so smart you have to know that if you are low on a vitamin, that you are not going to fill your tank with a daily dose. Not going to say any more. I just hate to see you in a funk.

Sharon do you mean that Vern may NOT have Parkinsons?

I also thought Dave meant 9th wedding anniversary, however with Dave, it could have been an anniversary of some kind of treatment, or???? Guess I have learned not to assume anything. If it is their wedding anniversary how is it taken care of? Did he get her a nice gift? What? Or, is he counting the remodel of the house as her gift?

LOL, Evelyn you got your seeds from Ella? A lot huh!! Been there, done that. My driveway slants towards the road Evelyn, however it is about 300 feet long and has 2 curves (or bends) in it along the way. No, they don't shovel it. The fellow brings a plow over and cleans it. Also, it is more of a hill than a slant.

Well, gotta get moving to go to the dr. We try to allow a couple hours down there for other things. We don't go to the "big city" very often so when we do, we sound like Katie. Wish we got half the stuff done that she did the other day.

Have a good day you all,

Good mornin:
yes its 9th anniverary of our marriage. we are doing a low key celibration with hopes of doing a more special one for the 10th.just cards and dinner out. money is kinds tight at the moment.but I have learned that it will loosen up in a month or so. The 10th is what i am shooting for a special suprise.

well its suposed to be in the upper 60's today and then the bottom falls out... everyone raise your hands its the big hill we are climbing. 65 degrees to freezing with snow./ice/sleet...etc

I managed to get 8 trays sownmostly grasses but some other stuff too. this time I lowered the lights to almost on top of the flats to heat and light them up. pampas, chinese silver grass (miscanthus), red fountain (not hardy), pink lupine, pink Muhley grass, columbine(still trying), alaska shasta daisy, I forget what else.
it seems I have trouble with germinating both columbine and poopies but I keep trying. I guess I need to use the deno method (not sure I remeber how it goes but will make an attempt) it should be pretty fool proof and easy to figuire out.

well not much else to say except stay warmand be carefull of the ice.

Hello everyone, another day, more snow coming down. I took these pictures of different views of the side of the house facing the barnyard. You can not even see the bushes or the on deck on the front because the snow is so high.

You can not even see the baby tree field on the first picture. Then here is a second view of more of the front of the house. I could not get the entire house on it because I took it with my phone. My end is to the left where all the snow is piled and the water runs down. LOL Surfs not up right now, but a few days of warm weather and I will be able to canoe in the yard.

Hey JB, looks like you have missed a turn on your way home and joined Jeanette and I, either in Montana or Washington. So sorry.
Weather has been really nice durning the day, chilly at nite so all the run-off can freeze nicely!!!
They are sending out warnings of -10 tomorrow, -16 Sunday and then warm up to -5 for several days. What did we do wrong??? WE don't deserve this weather. We are trying to live green, aren't we.
Keep warm everyone, Lee

It just started a light rain here. Can't remember the last rain so I'm hoping it will continue, especially as I am mostly staying in bed to let my ear heal. If it rains really hard it may wash out the road which they have built and rebuilt at least four times over the past six years. They are now bulding it with concrete and rebar but if we get really heavy rain that will go, too.

Stay warm and dry, everyone.

hugs, katie

I received this today from a seed catalog. I found it interesting so I posted it for all of you. Now I will go read the posts and then answer. Sharon.


Here is the general seed-starting schedule. It is based on the standard rule of thumb (for seeds that need to be started indoors) to start seeds eight weeks before the last expected spring frost date.



Eight-week General Seed-Starting Timetable

Horticultural Zones 9 & 10: Start seeds indoors now.

Horticultural Zone 8: Start seeds indoors in early February.

Horticultural Zone 7: Start seeds indoors in mid February.

Horticultural Zone 6: Start seeds indoors in late February.

Horticultural Zone 5: Start seeds indoors in early March.

Horticultural Zones 1-4: Start seeds indoors in mid to late March.



There are vegetables, herbs and flowers that require more or less time than the standard eight weeks. Here are the seed starting schedules for them:



Vegetable/Herb Seed-Starting Timetable

Four Weeks: Melons, Bitter Melon and Cucuzzi Edible Gourds.

Six Weeks: Asparagus, Fennel, Onions, Rhubarb, Shallots, Tomatillos, Basil and St. John's Wort.

Eight Weeks: Eggplant, Tomatoes, Chiles, Sweet Peppers, Chives, Sage, Stevia and Thyme.

Nine Weeks: Broccoli, Cabbage and Kohlrabi (transplant out four weeks before the last frost date).

Ten Weeks: Celery, Celeriac, Jicama and Lemongrass.

Eleven Weeks: Leeks, Artichokes and Cauliflower (transplant out four weeks before the last frost date).

Twelve Weeks: Cardoons and Brussels Sprouts.

Sixteen Weeks: Strawberries (for first year crop) and Rosemary.



Flower Seed-Starting Timetable

Five Weeks: Alyssum.

Six Weeks: Cutting Ageratum, China Asters, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Nepeta Catmint, Echinacea, Euphorbia, Forget-Me-Nots, Dahlia, Nicotiana, Scabiosa, Snapdragons and Thunbergia.

Eight Weeks: Baby’s Breath, Black-Eyed Susans, Milkweed, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Globe Amaranth, Helichrysum, Hibiscus, Hollyhock, Heuchera, Nigella, Platycodon, Statice and Yarrow.

Ten Weeks: Dianthus, Digitalis, Lobelia and Heliotrope .

Twelve Weeks: Datura, Salvia and Viola.

Edited to get rid of dead space.




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This message was edited Jan 28, 2011 7:02 PM

Well, I am so sorry but we had another beautiful day. 68 today and 68 tomorrow. Then we have a cold front moving in an d moving us down into the 50s.

My workers, rolling their eyes behind me, worked their butts off. They did not do as good on the clean up of the rocks they brought to the surface, but they did a lot of digging and cutting off roots near the African Sumac tree. I have three large containers of plants that were relocated. I will spend the day Monday, in the garage potting them. Tomorrow I will spend the day in the front landscape.

Yes Jnette, the Neurologist back tracked, after the brain EEG and went around the Mulberry Bush until I just came out and asked her. She said, no he does not have Parkinson but Parkinson symptoms. His inability to walk properly is caused by nerve damage from his very bad back. I gave Vern a high five and said that is good news. He asked why? Because you have a very bad back and no pain, just slight weakness. He is going to a Balance Rehab Institute three times a week to work on his balance and dragging of right foot.

Evelyn, I love your idea of throwing in a small mix of color. I have some white rain lilies, and white and yellow are not had to find. he bed is ready to go. I will take a photo tomorrow.

OK, Jnette, how was your doctor appointment?

Katie, good that you are taking care of yourself.

Madeline came home from the Vet at 5pm. She is extremely tired but was very happy to be home. Only another $500. But we have been very fortunate with little vet bills. But that is probably because they get an annual exam, just like us. Now, the 18 year old cat has not been to the Vet since we moved 10 years ago.

I need to go find something for dinner. I will return.

Sharon ~ That is wonderful news about Vern. Yes, it must be a blessing to have a bad back with no pain. You are right, getting old is not fun. We just have to make the best of it while we can. That idea, regarding the color combo is not my original one, as I mentioned it came from the garden magazine Horticulture. I was just so impressed with the combination and then later on I found a similar combo in the White Flower Farm catalog. Yes we can learn from many sources, but what sticks to us are things that appeal to us. I found many of Gertrude Jeckyll's designs not so appealing, though most of them were, as she is one of the most famous of the garden designers. I also have been inspired by Vita Sackville-West's famous white flower gardens. Another wonderful garden designer was Louise Beebe Wilder. Still, I do not agree with all of her ideas. I would like to be able to follow many of them, but if I planted that many things the deer would just ruin them unless we put a huge fence all along the property border. I really would like to fence more, but for now, I will work within what I have as well as the other areas that I have started. Last year I was unable to work outside until late spring, so this is really different. Maybe I can get a few things done before the snow flies again.

Oh, and thanks for posting the seed-starting chart. I don't think very many of us grow from seed besides you, me and Dave, and I think Jeanette, but not sure. I have my lists on a small calendar about what should be started....now I just need to get started. I must admit, I have allowed some clutter to accumulate, so I need to get at my desk and sort it all out before it becomes a huge pile! then I can find everything and there isn't anything in my way to get my seed-starting started. Also I have seeds to be sent out as well.

Dave ~ Were the columbines and the poppies fresh seeds? I think that poppy seeds last a longer than the 4-5 years on the chart but it says that columbine only last 2 years. http://www.hillgardens.com/seed_longevity.htm

Jeanette, Lee and JB ~ Sorry that you are having such cold weather. Sharon says she is sorry her weather is nice, but I thnks she means that she is sorry that you are not having nice weather, especially you three. (BRRR!!!)

Yes our nice weather is about to change here as well. Someone said, "snow by Sunday", but I have not yet heard the weather report. Today the tree man finally showed up and started. He was having problems with his equipment while he was working across the road, so we were both waiting on him.

Today I worked on the north side of the house. There were some plants waiting to go in as well some needed attention. I trimmed back a daphne, and I saved the trimmings. Maybe some will root, but I won't have time to work on that now. I have seeds I need to pack and mail out and others I need to put away from the Piggy Swap. I printed out my list so I could stay focused on it as I tend to wander with all these seed packets. I need to put them in their right box and group the ones that need to be started in February, as I missed January altogether. I think no more swaps as I am also on DJ's Round Robin. These things take too much time as you need to check in so often. I really need less computer time so I can get all my other things done, as well as the daily chores. At least my husband likes to cook dinner. That makes all these other things possible. As long as I stay away from the seed catalogs...LOL!!I have to put those away as well. I keep them in a file box...all the catalogs.(Then when anyone say where can you get xyz seeds or planrs, I can check the catalogs and reply.) Now you can see why I need to stay away from the computer.

Katie ~ Is your ear infection clearing up? Are you feeling better now? I hope so! I hope that you get just the right amount of rain. It doesn't usually work that way, but sometimes it does.

Linda ~ Are you feeling any better? I get depressed when I am ill or in pain and cannot do the activites that need doing. It does become a vicious cycle. I guess we all are like that from the sounds of things. JB not feeling well and stuck inside her snowbound house with a sick dog. Jeanette having to watch out for sliding down her driveway, or even her steps. I guess we all just have to do the best we can each day. Some days are better than others.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Tomorrow we are getting up early to meet with Steve's sister who is visiting from Montana. We are going to Folsom and meeting her for breakfast. Then, of course, we will do some shopping as Folsom has a Sam's Club and we stock on a few things. And then go other places as needed, Placerville, then home. We will be worn out by then.

CHEERS!

Evelyn

Ok, my Cardiologist appointment.

An aide took me into the exam room, asked me a lot of questions which she entered into the computer, told me the Dr. would be in to see me and left.

I waited and waited (reading a book I took with me) and finally a Cardiologist's PA came in to see me, asked some questions, listened to my heart, took bp, felt pulse in arms, feet, legs, told me that I did not meet the criteria for cardiovascular issues , but she would tell the Dr. and he would look at the Ultra Sound results in the computer from before, and either she or the Dr. would be in to see me. But it seemed to her that it was up to my Primary Doctor now.

So, I read some more, and waited, and waited, and then went out and told them I had a long drive home and they could call me with the findings and I left.

So, I found out what the PA in the clinic was looking for, that I had no problems with the vascular disease in my legs. That was what he was looking for so he can look in the computer, I would think.

How wonderful for Vern that he does not have the initial diagnosis they gave him of Parkinsons. How far does he have to go for the PT? Keep us posted on his progress. Does he wear a back brace? If not, do you think it would help him, or would his muscles weaken and deterioriate depending on the brace to hold him up?

I have written this twice and the computer keeps losing it. Then it stuck Evelyn's post in there so I am going to sign off here and read hers.

You have a lot of snow JB. I took a few of my driveway when leaving today but haven't put them in the computer. Will do that tomorrow. ttyl,

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This message was edited Jan 28, 2011 9:58 PM