She's About To.........#43

Bonnie, did ya know the indigo buntings are actually black? Their feathers refract the light to look blue. I have indigo and painted buntings in the summer. The orioles come thru during migration and stay for about a week. I put out the feeder as well as grape jelly, which they absolutely love, and orange slices. Yes, I do all the lugging and gardening myself. My hubby asks to help but I don't trust him. He tends to break branches and such when he handles my plants. It's good exercise for me. I dig my own holes and move plants. David mows the yard and grows the vegetable garden. I mow with the push mower right up around the plants and in my bird garden. Then I weed eat. I love the work, my hubby doesn't.

I got my Blue Mason Bee nesting kit up and hoping for the bees now. The butterflies were quite active until yesterday. Now they are hiding out in the GH.

I'm waiting on two clematis orders, cannas, calibrachoas and hardy geraniums. Watch, they'll all get here at the same time. Just call me Taz, because I will be the whirling dervish in the yard digging and planting. ;)

Allright Jeanne........I didn't think painted buntings came this far..........what do I need to put out to attract them, and more importantly, when? I will die if I don't see a Painted Bunting this year, LOL! I got a mason bee home and some bees too...They are just starting to open up their little tubes...

Jeanne, I can see that! :) You being Taz.. Sounds divine! buntings and bulbs and bees and birds and a few vines and plants for a well rounded afternoon! Ahhhhhhh! (haven't ordered my bees, yet, either).. Sounds like you and David are very compatible out there. I didn't know that about the color on Indigo's, how interesting.. and I'll try remember about grape jelly with the orioles... knew about orange slices, just haven't been able to lure them in with oranges in the past. I hear them every Spring and feel lucky when I catch a glimpse. I'm going to get more hardy geraniums, too.. they are so reliable and there are some that bloom all summer.. do they die back with frost down there?
Pegi, The tag on the Vicks plant says, "Vicks Plant Plectranthus -annual-this herb has a very strong menthol scent. Foliage is delightfully fuzzy. Plant in full sun 24" apart. Grows 8-15 inches." It's a fun plant. I figured it wasn't hardy here, so what's one more plant when I haul them by the trailer full? lol It's sat in the basement on wire shelves next to my almost dormant elephant ears.. drying out (sometimes bone dry) before I watered again.. stayed green all winter. Here is what I could find in the PF.. they are saying it is a perennial/cactus/succulent and a succulent coleus...??? hmmm.. I'll try to remember to take a pic of mine before I clip it... mine grows more upright than the pic in the PF..
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/123089/

Waaaa! It's not Spring here... Karen.. you and Jeanne are about a month and a half ahead of me.. I would LOVE to see a painted bunting and more indigo's, too! And your Blue Mason Bees doing bee stuff, too! ;)

Thanks AuntB for info on Vicks plant. Strang looking, another one to add to my "want file". Saturday is the mini RU and I'm so looking forward to going. On the way back I can stop in and see my sister, so get two things done in one day.

Karen, the buntings love the millet. This will be my third year for the painteds. It started with one pair. Last year I had three pairs. Just keep the millet out. If you get indigos you'll probably get a painted. I leave the millet out year round for the smaller birds. They love it. Did you put up a bee nesting kit last year, that you have nests opening now? Or did you just get the kit and the females are starting to put mud in them? The bees haven't found mine yet. If they don't this year, hopefully next. I was sent a book about them and how you have to winter them over like a plant. I can't wait to see if I can succeed at this project. :)

Bonnie, this will be my first year with the hardy geraniums. I've been told they die back here but come back in the spring. I am planning on placing them at the feet of my clematis to help keep the roots cool. Put out grape jelly when you hear your orioles. I bet you will get them then. There is a pic below to show you my simple set up. About 4 ft of 2x4 in the ground with a baby food jar nailed to the top. I hung the orange feeder nearby and painted the post orange. I have to tell you the hummers like the oriole feeder too. I even saw a titmouse drink from it.

Pegi enjoy the RU. They are fun. Let us know what you bring home.

Oh Pretty! I can fashion something kind of like yours to work for the jelly.. necessity is the mother of invention... huh? Pretty canna bloom in your pic, too! I planted Lady Diana, Black Knight, Picasso and Pretoria canna's in pots downstairs.. so tropical looking. I'm really intrigued about the honey-less bees.. so I will need to bring the "bee house" w/next years bees in the tubes, INSIDE over winter?? gulp... Pegi, you have a great time, do let us know what you come home with.

lol Bonnie. Actually you can put them in a shed or even the fridge if I remember correctly. If you get one I will copy the notes and send them to you.

I love cannas also. I ordered fire chief(?) and Vanilla Ice in a co-op. I'm planting them under the flag pole. Then the blue hydrangea will be planted alongside. Get it? Red, white and blue. I have many others in the ground and in pots. Reds, yellow/orange, pink, coral and shrimp colored. There are dwarfs and 7ft tall ones. They multiply so fast. You can't go wrong with cannas.

Okay Jeanne, my yard will be drowning in millet then, LOL! I actually bought bee larvaes to go with my house to ensure I would have them. There are 20 of them in tubes, and they are just beginning to dig out of their mud encased tubes. Once they are out, they will go into the new home and build nests...Then next year I will have hundreds. I just didn't trust that I had the Mason bees around, and I'm impatient, haha!

Love the theme, Jeanne. Don't be making me look at any more canna's! lol I want Ermine?(it's a pure white one) really bad, I keep looking for it every year. Someone found one at Lowe's a couple years ago..so I think I can find one local, too.. I guess.... But now this Vanilla Ice... haha, I'm not looking.. (ok, I AM looking :) I like them all. I've had them return planted in the ground by the south foundation, but they got smaller and smaller each year. I'll pot a few, put a shorter type in a "pond" and plant a few in the ground. Blue hydrangea! Pretty.. I have 2 PeeGee's trained to be a trees, potted outside and 2 Ladies in Red planted in ground.. all my other hydrangea attempts failed.. I got blooms last year on 3.. so happy bout that. I may have to move one of the Ladies when they bring in the dirt for the foundation, (and I won't be happy IF it has to be dug) Ok, you plant people ;) I'm looking for the Vanilla Ice canna and then to check seedlings the last time today...then to sleepy-town.. Don't be mentioning anymore flowers for me to look for --teehee BIG ;) on that. Pegi, if I get some Vicks to sprout, I can mail some to you. It did seem to get woody stems over winter, I hope the trim and new pot will boost new grow energy.

Ok, Karen.. making me ask questions.. :) At first, I thought you just put up the tubes and the bee's found them.. Like "build it and they will come".. but the eggs they lay this year will hatch next spring... so I need to put them in a protected place over winter?

Jeanne, thanks for the Mason Bee help sheet offer. I will take you up on it, once they are headed my way. And I'll check them out again on the puter. I better order them, soon..Frig sounds best for bee larva. (my kid's will think I'm whack-o, again...) guess I SHOULD tell them... huh?

Ok Bonnie....You can buy one of two things...you can buy empty bee tubes and just hope they will come. Or, you can buy a bee house (bundle of tubes), and in addition to that, buy tubes pre-filled with bee larvae. They will hatch, mate all summer, and make babies in your bee house. When winter comes, you take down the baby filled tubes and store them into your refrigerator until next spring, when you put them outside to emerge and begin the cycle again.

Bonnie, sorry hon but I can tell you that there is nobody nowhere that will have mason bees left to send to you now, it is too late. They quit shipping in February nationwide....You need to order the bees next winter in order to have them.

:( Thanks, Karen. Darn it. I guess they wouldn't want to send out the larvae and have them hatching in shipment.. lol That's me... month late and $20 short.. lol I will mark it on my 2010 calendar to order in January.. I haven't heard anyone talking about Mason bees around here, so I will order the larva filled tubes.. Pic of the Vicks plant and Charmed Wine Oxalis..just noticed the buds last night!

A corner of my seed starting room... It's about 10 X 12 and has a 4-tube fluorescent in the ceiling and I have a 2 bulb fluorescent over the little greenhouse (incubator).. 2 old counter tops propped up and an old computer desk and a narrow fold out table and I'm in the seed starting business.. somehow, struggling tender perennials got in there too......I'm getting ready to move some seedlings to pots and cooler growing temps (cooler on the "brug" side of the basement) The brug side got somewhat re-arranged this week...I had to clear out plants around the sump pump, the clamps were failing (water spraying everywhere) so I had to put my plumber hat on. Finally got them to hold, (kind of a dirty job, but oh well). I bought some new clamps so when it happens again, I'll just replace the old ones. (always something, right?) I'm just happy when I can fix it myself. Happy Friday, everyone! (you lurkers, too!) Jeanne! Vanilla Ice IS gorgeous! One of our sweet sweet Ladies has offered to share hers with me!!! You guys are the BEST! Cold and overcast here, I'm doing the deed today... c-l-e-a-n-i-n-g... haha

One more thing... 20-20-20 fertilizer,.... I found it at True Value Hardware - Fertilome brand and Miracle Grow brand. MG is the better deal... I plan on foliar feeding the Recipe plus using 20-20-20 on my brugs this year. OH MY, AnjL!!! BELATED birthday wishes to you my dear, meant to get a card out to you.. hope you had the bestest birthday yet! (Pic of my "hair" plant... blooming!) I hope to find a cool head planter this year.

Well, I did it again, went back to look at picture of AuntB's room full of plants and lost my post. Such a great room too. I had a small GH but the sun really did a job on the plastic. Of course, I still have the frame and shelves so I can always put a new plastic covering over it. Have a nice baker's rack to set up as soon as I clear out all the clutter on side of house. It really is a nice one I got at thrift store last year. Love that "hair" plant of yours, so interesting. So many plants I never heard of before, really getting educated here.

Debra, I got your package of seeds today, and all I can say is Wow! If only half of what you sent, comes up, I will have one of the prettiest gardens east of the devils river! Thank you so much!.

LK

What a set up Bonnie. Looks like it works out very well for you. I agree the hair plant is neat looking. I too have found out there are not only a lot of plants I've never heard of, but there are also so many varieties of one plant. If you still want Vanilla Ice come fall, I will dig you up a couple of rhizomes and send them to you. I know they will make at least that many more over the summer.

I don't blame you for wanting instant result with your bees Karen. Congrats on the ones coming out of the tubes. Me, I will wait. I know we have the bees, I've seen them in my GH. The man who wrote the book said the bees will eventually find the nesting kit. Maybe slow at first, then pick up. Like all things in my life, it is a lesson in patience.

It is pouring here. We have had 4.1 inches now since Tues. night. Things are really starting to green up. It is still cold, 41°, but the warm up starts tomorrow. I have to clean too. My s-i-l's parents and sisters are coming in Sun for a few days. His parents stay with us. We have a real bed for them. :) They are going to China at the end of the month for two years of missionary work. So we all will make this a special visit.

Hello Dear Friends, No,I have not been gone, just so much has happened since I've posted here. Have tried to keep up with your postings but that too is impossible. DH has had major back surgery, (again) 3 weeks ago today. He is doing great now but was tough for awhile. I have a fabulous praise report. Two years ago, I was told by my Dr. that I had COPD. While Hubby was still in Hospital, I had to go to Duke Breathing Clinic to see a Lung Specialist, and after a series of breathing tests, the lung specialist told me I do not have COPD. My lungs are clear. I have asthma, something the Dr. said she could controll. Praise God.
My Brug babies are miniature giants that continue to drop leaves and make new ones. Will be so glad to get them outside.
Tried starting plants from seeds (my first time ever) and now I have lotssssssssssss of tiny plants. I have Hardy Yellow Hibiscus , and Elephant Head Amaranth, seeds given to me by Picabos Bloomers.
Tripple Purple and Tripple Yellow Datura, seeds given by Clemen.
Also have Hardy Pink Hibiscus, seeds from my own plant..
Praying that each of you will continue good health and lots of fun in the dirt.
Always Your Friend, Faye

Hey Faye, Long time no see. I pray that your husbands back surgery went well, and is recovering very quickly, and that you don't have COPD!
Thanks God for answered prayers!
Glad to hear your brug babies are doing well. We are all patiently waiting to get out in the gardens again!
LK

My brug has leaves turning yellow and falling off, but I'm not too concerned as new leaves appearing all the time. My buds are growing and hope I'll have some nice blooms soon. At first I thought I was doing something wrong.

Some of mine turn yellow and fall of and some just fall off. New ones are constantly growing and the stems/trunks keep getting longer. My daughter said that at this rate I will have brug cuttings to share with her long beofre it is warm enough to plant outside the trunks are getting so long and fat LOL. I was really starting to get concerned about the leaf drop but maybe it is OK. Usually leaf drop is a bad thing.

AuntB, all the seeds you sent me are starting to show their little heads. Even the Brugs.
I am working on the Maya today and then I have them all in for this year. I have no more room with all my cuttings taking up as much room as they do. I am so pleased with the scented geranium cuttings. What a job she does when she ships them. They can not help but survive. We will see how well I did planting them and keeping them moist.

Hope you all have a great day. Never heard of a vicks plant? Are there cuttings or seeds out there I could get my hands on. I have used vicks since I was a little girl. lOl

I got my new book from Logees and it is a beauty. Of course the same info is available on DG but to have it in front of you with pictures and not having to go online is just so nice. I love it.

My brug , in the bird room has mealy bug. I am about to put that sucker outside in the cold. When can you put them out? Will they take 30 degs.?

I have gardenia jasminoides 'Fortuniana' in bud just now and so far so good. They love the East Window in the bird room. they also like being on the dry side. This new book tells you all the little unique characteristics and growing tips for some of the tropicals I have and I am having a great time making sure I am doing things properly. I hope to propagate them if I can get them growing properly. They are beautiful plants. They can get 2 1/2 feet tall and are everbloomers. Wonderful house plants.

I want Mandevilla, I have one that is patented and I want to get some that are not so I can propagate them. I need to see if anyone on DG has any to sell. Any of you out there have any and any tips in growing them. Mine loves full sun and my deck is full sun. In the Winter it is in the greenhouse and grows like a weed.

Finished my coffee, back to work. Love and Hugs to you all. Have a great weekend. Think Spring.

Hey girlies! How is everyone today? Kathy and Faye, it's so good to see you two! Aw Faye, I am just speechless with happiness over your correct diagnosis. I recently went through an diagnosis scare myself. Thank God that you can now treat it properly for what it is....

Does anyone here have a big beautiful Bougainvillea that I might be able to get a good, stocky rooted piece of? None of the nurseries here offer any color variety or hardiness, and I was told if I get good rootstock it will die to the ground and come back big here in 8a...I will be happy to pay for the plant and postage just to have a hardy one....I particularly love the salmoney-orange pink color....

Well, still rainy and 40 here today, so my veggies are now screaming at the top of my lungs and their roots are 10 ft. long.....Monday the temps are supposed to be back to 70 with no rain, so I suspect that will be my garden day. Love you all!

http://michiganbulb.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_72108_A_Mixed+Bougainvillea+-+Buy+3%2C+Get+3+Free!_E_

Karen, Loogie has that abeautiful California Gold Bouginvlllea but I do not know if it is hardy. I have nothing hardy. I have an old red one I could try and give you a cutting of but I am not sure it would survive in your zone in the winter. Do you want me to try? I am starting some cuttings I took a few days ago and I may get lucky with them. You never know when they are dead, they look like H and then they come back and are growing. I am just learning about them and I am not sure what I am doing. LOL I keep trying.
Are you the person who introduced me to Boco Bob? I just got his starter kit and a block of the coco stuff and it is so nice to work with. I hope, if the seeds like it, I can afford to get some more. I love it.
He has a new way of packaging the starter kits now and it is really nice. It is all together. Soil in little containers and all wrapped in seran wrap. All I had to do was push the seeds in and wa la, it was done. JB

JB i've been growing mine in a hanging pot inside for 5 years now...Inside it doesn't loose it's leaves...
You can put them outside when it warms up then bring them in before it gets too cold..
The leaves may fall off but once they get use to inside again they should start growing again..
I've been feeding mine MG and MG bloom buster and it's really taking off..
Gonna try the recipe next...

Yes hon, I am indeed the one that introduced you to BocaBob! I built his website and store. I am beyond glad that you're trying his products, I am a customer for life, I will NEVER use another source for seed starting other than his kits! Please show pics when you get stuff coming up!

Zone Pushers (7-8) might be able to push the zone by planting a Bougainvillea on the south side of their house..
Putting the roots a few inches deeper and mulching it real good...Hay retains heat so that works good so does horse manure...I do t in layers...Try a small rooted piece and see if it works....trial by error...

Karen, I got these at homedepot for just a little more than 6 dollars a piece.
One is pink, and the variegated one is red.

LK

Thanks Linda Kay, I will check them out!

"Ladies" each time my Brugs have droped their leaves I have found tiny webs with tiny spiders (I think) I'm calling them Spider Mites, and I do not know what gets rid of themj. I have tried dish detergent and water mix, Rose insect spray and Seven liquid spray and they just keep coming. Best of luck, and if you know the cure for the spider Mite pleaseeeeeee let me know. I spend lots of time trying to care for the Brug babies and it's a constant battle. COME ON SPRING...

Hey Bruggies, Aunt B gave me a Maya x ? brug seed pod. I opened it and I think I found 16 seeds. I opened it and soaked the seeds but I am not sure if all that other stuff is just part of the pod or small seeds. Can anyone tell me how many seeds are usually in a nice size Brug seed pod? I planted it and then I started to laugh, thinking how silly I am going to feel when you all tell me I planted the shell of the pod. Oh well, I am old. LOL

Texas, that is a beautiful male Baltimore Oriole, the go to Texas during their Spring and Fall migration. I wish I could keep them here. I had a pair a few years but they did not come back last year.
Faye I too have problems with those mites, but on my hibiscus I am keeping for my SIL's father. The buds all have them on it and I spray them with the neem oil and it works until the new buds are showing. It is supposed to be good for spider mite, whitefly and thrip.
I use it all the time on my mealybugs and it works. Except on the darn brug and I do not know why I can not get all of them. Little buggers. JB

JB, was the seed pod properly dried, before you opened it? I have heard it should be nice and dried, before the seeds inside are ready. Please if anyone else knows different, let me kow, as I have never had a seed pod develope on my brugs, only my devil trumpet gave me seeds!

LK

Yes, Linda Kay, it was very dry and was broken open a bit. I emptied it and did as I was told and soaked the inside in peroxide and water. I wonder if I was to soak it whole? Yea Gads.....maybe I should not have opened it. Oh dear, what can I say? If anyone can dry a seed pod it is AuntB and she dried the one I got. It was so neat I almost wanted to keep it as it was. I had never seen anything like it before. Cool. real cool.

No, you need to open it once they are dry, and you did it right by soaking them. SOmetimes knicking them a little helps also! Good luck, and keep us posted please!

LK