Going to Pot!

Herb planter

                                       "Just living in not enough....

                                              One must have sunshine,

                                                      freedom and a little FLOWER. "

                                                                                 - Hans Christian Anderson

                                                           

Back fence basket

       Be it big or small, there is always room in a garden for a potted plant. Even if your space is so tiny that you can't put in a garden there is usually room by your front door for a pot or urn.

Front entry Urn

 You can hang them, attach them to your fence or window sill and if your lucky enough to have a deck, sit one on the deck.
   Planters are like a very small garden and allow you to experiment a little more than you might in a larger garden.  It is a fun and easy way to get creative.    

 There are so many different options out there today so if you are thinking of adding planters to your garden find something that reflects your style and the style of your garden.
 As I mentioned before it is like decorating your living room, let it accent and highlight what you have. Think about where it will be, will it be in sun or shade, then buy the appropriate plants for that area.

 Unlike in the garden where you might try a plant in an area that it is not really meant for, with pots it's best to get it right the first time round. Pots have much less space than the garden, therefore  drying out much faster. So being in the right spot is important otherwise it could become frustrating and expensive.

 For years I was trying to grow flowers in planters on my deck with very little success. I have very little shade and none in the deck area.
 Last year I went to Centro garden in Burlington for a 'Planters' class and discovered Succulents. I never would have thought of them for my garden but given the heat on the deck it makes perfect sense. I did up three pots of different sizes. I wasn't really sure of what I was buying except that I knew I wanted different textures and colors and I wanted some trailers.

Succulents on the deck

Succulents on the deck

  I was pleasantly surprised by the number of different colors they came in and even more surprised when some of them  bloomed. I am amazed at how beautiful they really are and the number of varieties to choose from.
 They require little water and lots of sun so keep them in mind for any hot spot in your garden.
 They are also great for small planters like the shoes in my picture below because they do not require a lot of room for roots.

Succulent potted shoes

Just remember when putting together your planter to add some height as well as a trailer. Trailers are especially important for wall/fence planters and for urns. Unless your planter is a work of art it is not what you want to be the focal point.

Side fence basket

Potted head

 Think of your space and what you are trying to achieve with your planter. Are you trying to add texture or character to an otherwise dull area, or are you trying to cover up or detract from something.
  Do you want a great burst of color or just something soft. You can go with one color and one style of plant like the one on my fence, or go with one color but several plants in that tone.

 You can fill a planter with herbs if you are looking to plants herbs but don't have much room in the garden. Some people like to plant their herbs in a planter close to the kitchen so they can just clip and cook without going to far.


 Whatever it is you decide just try and make it flow with the rest of the garden so it is a welcome addition, not something that stands out like a sore thumb.
  Just remember, it's your garden so have fun and be creative. Enjoy the process.

Happy Gardening!

                      

Entwined among the vines

            Be like the flower.....
                         turn your face to the sun.

Morning Glory

  Vines are a great addition to any garden.  Pergolas, Obelisks, Trellises and walls all work well in a large or small area. They add color and texture without taking up a lot of ground space. They can add privacy or cover up ugly walls and fences.  For me it was an old stove pipe which I covered up with the fast growing Chocolate Vine. It has a beautiful chocolate colored flower in the spring and then just takes off growing vigorously for the rest of the season.

Chocolate Vine

 My Climbing Rose is up against a shed and even though it is not an ugly wall it's stark white facade looked like a blank canvas waiting to be painted. The rose and trellis give it character, drawing your eye up and away from the stark white wall, you notice the rose not the wall. This rose has a wonderful scent and makes a great cut flower which in my opinion is an added bonus.

Climbing Rose

Pinot Noir Grape Vine

Two years ago I bought a 'Pinot Noir' grape vine. I liked the idea of trying to grow grapes.
 This year it's has grown too big for the space and unfortunately I don't have another space to put it. Grape vines need a strong support which I don't have. The leaves are so big and the vine was growing so fast, it was taking over. I have since dug it up and will give it to my nephew who lives in the country. A much better place for it.
 So keep that in mind if you decide to try and grow grapes, they need space and strength. Other vines that need a strong support are Wisteria, which I think is one of the most beautiful vines as well as the Trumpet Vine.
 Good sense has kept me from buying the Wisteria but I was given the Trumpet vine as a gift so I needed to give it a try. It is  an amazing vine with so many blooms and vibrant color and is a great plant for luring Hummingbirds to your garden. I had it for several years but be warned that it will pop up all through you garden. Mine was coming up in my grass and my neighbors yard, precariously close to their pool.
 One of my sister's tried it on her fence but eventually like mine it was coming up everywhere and she ended up taking it out. I wish I had the space for both of those vines but live and learn. Know your space.

Clematis

 There are plenty of other vines to choose from, annual or perennial, blooming or not. 

 Ivies are great for covering a large space and are beautiful in the fall when their leaves turn many shades of red. Hydrangea is another vine that is great for large areas and adds a bit of subtle white to it's large green leaved body. 

 If you are looking for a fast growing annual, Morning Glory always adds a great punch of color as does the Black Eyed Susan.



Other annuals that add a great punch of color are the Bouganvilla and Mandavilla, they are tropical plants and love the sun so make sure you have a hot spot for them. You can grow them in a planter with an obelisk which is a nice addition to any small space or deck.

 I love the smell of the Jasmine vine and might have to try that one day. I have also tried the Honeysuckle vine but it seems to attract aphids so I gave up on that one. I may try it again though since it is also a Hummingbird magnet and has such an abundance of blooms and color, it will be worth it.

 The Clematis of course is always a great choice, there are so many different ones to choose from and they also bloom at different times so you can have a succession of color all through the season. As you know from one of my previous blogs one of my favorites is the 'Sweet Autumn' Clematis. Blooming late summer early fall with so many tiny white scented flowers, you can't ask for a better fall display.

'Sweet Autumn' Clematis

So don't forget about the vertical spaces in your garden. Paint those empty canvases with flowers using every little space of garden possible. Don't be afraid to try something new and if it dosen't work, pass it on to someone else to try.

Happy Gardening!!

 

Garden Sculpture

                                                What does your garden say about you?

Top of Obelisk

A garden is an extension of your home, so like your home decor your garden reflects who you are. Our style of gardening speaks volumes of our personality. Do you like a more controlled, formal garden or are you more of an English country/cottage style gardener. Or maybe you like the calm, relaxed style of an Asian inspired garden. Whatever your style is it reflects you so don't forget to dress up your garden with the things you love the same way you would your living room or bedroom.

Garden snail

If we are lucky, we get to spend a good part of our summer in our yards so why not make it a place you really enjoy, surrounded by the things that bring us pleasure and complement our flowers. We spend many hours trying to make the garden a welcoming, beautiful space. Flowers of every style and colour grace our gardens so dress it up the same way you do a party dress, with little accessories to bring out the best of the outfit.

Bird Feeder

I for one love sculpture for the garden, be it a birdhouse, a wall plaque or an obelisk. Every item we add, adds character.

Bird feeder

 I seem to find things when least expected so keep your eyes open, you never know when you will find that perfect piece of sculpture, a unique item that you can visualize tucked among your plants. When I'm on holidays I am always looking for something different, that great item to bring back home. This year I was lucky enough to find two great pieces. One was an iron acorn and the other a handmade bird feeder in the shape of a leaf. The feeder will oxidize with age which will give it great character over the years.

Garden Fair

 I usually put all of my accents out in the spring, that way when the flowers start to bloom they are nicely tucked among the foliage, peeking out here and there giving us little surprises.

Garden Fairy

 So don't worry if they become partially hidden, the idea is to make it look as though it belongs there, almost like it just sprung up with the flowers. If you are using obelisk's, try to place them over the flowers or in front of ones that might need support as they grow.

 There is also a point when it is too much, we don't want the accents to take away from the main attraction. If you find something you love but don't have room, rotate your items put one away for a year or two, then bring it back. It will be like seeing an old friend and will renew your garden without having to spend a dime.
  I also find that there will always be things we get tired of. If that is the case put it to the side of the road along with your shared plants and let it add life to someone else's garden. It's a great way to not feel bad about getting rid of things and with bring happiness to someone else.
  Just remember it's your garden, what ever your gardening style, it's your work of art. There is no wrong or right, if you like it and it works for you then by all means do it.
 Work, relax and enjoy!

Zen Garden Pagoda

 Happy Gardening!

The Brilliant Lily

                                                   'Nature has a brilliance greater
                                                              than anything we
                                                                   can imagine'

Day Lily

As we all know the heat this week has been unbearable and yet there is a small part of it that I enjoy and I do mean small.
In the early morning when you go outside and the heat is just starting to settle in and the stillness of the air is broken only by the occasional bird or the cicadas singing, this is the small part that I enjoy.
It reminds me of summer days gone by and of movies like 'The Man in the Moon' and 'Now and Then', when you just want to spend the day in a watering hole of laying in the shade of a large tree. Of course who am I kidding, today for me it is in the air conditioned comfort of my home. But I do love those early mornings. It is at that time that I go out to deadhead my flowers.
 Anyone who has Lilies knows that you need to remove the dead flowers every day.  Sadly as beautiful as they are, they have a very short life span.
  I know that some people like to leave the dead flowers to fall on their own but quoting something I once read, 'seedpods which should be clipped from the plants are like a sink full of dirty dishes', I agree. It takes only a few minutes a day to go through the garden and remove any dead flowers and the reward will be like looking at a freshly made bed.

Elegant Candy

Mort's Magic

There are a multitude of Lilies to choose from and I have many different types, about thirteen if I counted right. Some are early bloomers and some late but all are beautiful. I love how they stand majestic and tall and seem to withstand the wind and rain much better than some plants. They require very little care other than the daily dead heading and the reward in growing them is worth it.
I usually try to plant the taller ones in the background of my beds so that when they have finished blooming the leaves are hidden by other plants. If they are late bloomers or a shorter lily I plant them near the front. Either way they really make a statement in the garden and multiply quite quickly so that you can divide them and plant them in other areas of the garden or share them with friends.

Chicken Salad in 'Lily bowl'

Lilies may also be used as a vessel for food once the stamens are removed.
I saw this chicken salad in a 'lily bowl' in a magazine years ago and thought it was so pretty. You could also use it for any cream cheese type spread or dip, just make sure that your flowers have not been sprayed with anything and give them a rinse before using.
 Ice cream or fruit salad would also work. Use your imagination and enjoy the fruits of your labor in every way possible.

 If you don't have lilies in your garden give them a try, you will be well rewarded. Just don't forget to deadhead them and then sit back and enjoy their beauty.

  Happy Gardening!

The Lupine Lady

Lupines in my garden

          Some people
              look for a 
                   beautiful place,


           Others,
                 make a place         
                                 Beautiful                 

                                           -Hazrat Inayat Khan

          
                        
                                       

Lupines in my Garden

                        

              
                           
   I have tried to grow Lupines in my garden a couple of times without success. Last year I thought I would try once more and to my surprise and excitement they came back. I had mentioned before about moving plants around until you find the perfect spot for them. I found 
the perfect spot. 

  I just got back from holidays in the East Coast of Canada and United States. We made it a driving holiday. If you have never been to the east coast you may not know that Lupines grow wild there, gracing the sides of the roads with an abundance of color. Standing tall and majestic they line the roadways, fill the gully's and if you are lucky, grow freely in your yard. I have been traveling the east coast for the past twenty some years and I am still taken by their beauty.
  So I was not disappointed this year to see that the Lupines are still growing freely and abundantly along the highways and coastline of our eastern provinces.

Lupines of the East Coast

  One year I found a book in St. Andrews by the Sea called Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. It is the story of the Lupine Lady. It is a cute children's story about a women who wanted to do one thing to make the world more beautiful. One year she planted Lupines and the next spring she noticed that there were Lupines growing in places she hadn't planted them. It then came to her, she would scatter Lupine seeds when she went for walks, spreading beauty as she went making the world a more beautiful place.
  My neighbour recently commented on my Lupines, wondering what this exotic colourful flower was. So I will do my part to spread some beauty by drying the seeds and sharing them with my neighbour.  
  Now, I'm not suggesting that you start scattering seeds everywhere you go but if we take one patch of earth and make it more beautiful we have done a small part in beautifying the world.

  On another note, one year my sister and her family joined us on our trip to the east. We went to Cape Sable Island located at the southern most tip of Nova Scotia. We stayed at some cottages that were surrounded by lush greenery, a large part of which was a wild rose. This is also one of those plants that is abundant in the east coast and can be seen in most gardens and along roadways.
  We thought this was a beautiful rose and asked the owners if we could dig a piece up and bring home which he was more than happy to oblige. He actually seemed to wonder why we would want it. Well, once we got it home and planted it in our gardens we found out why.
  Once established this rose grows like a bad weed, invasive to say the least. I think my rose lasted a couple of years but I finally had to take it out. It was out of control and taking over way to much of my garden. My sister did the same. Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful fragrant rose but is best used as a hedge or left to grow wild on the island where we found it.

   So that said, some plants are best enjoyed where they grow and some with a little perseverance will grow where you plant them. Either way we can take in their beauty and spread a little as we go. Enjoy and go out and make the world a more beautiful place.

  Happy Gardening!

Wild Rose