In California, where I live, we are in our fourth drought year. When I woke this morning and looked outside at wet surfaces, sparkling vegetation, and droplets on leaves and blossoms, I felt an impulse to capture the memory.
From my home to yours
November 27, 2014Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers at In and Around the Garden. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with family and friends and delicious food you worked so hard to prepare for those you love and cherish. I am grateful for your visits to my blog and for your comments and support.
May you have a happy, safe Thanksgiving. I hope your day is filled with bountiful blessings!
Dianne Marie Andre
Live Forever . . .
November 20, 2014. . . that is the meaning of Sempervivum, more commonly known as hens and chicks. Now, here’s the kicker. The mother hen (or main rosette) lives two to three years, not forever! But she produces so many chicks you’ll always have future generations—thus the reason for naming this succulent Sempervivum.
But don’t be fooled by all the little chicks. This plant is not invasive.
The chicks can be transplanted at any time. When the mother hen dies it is best to divide and replant the chicks close together. This succulent loves to be cozy.
Which one becomes the hen when the chicks are orphaned? I suppose the largest chick, the one that gives birth first!
Click here, to see a photo of the hens and chicks below when I had first planted them.
Chicks
Zones: 3 – 11
Full – part sun
Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, water when soil dries out.
Capturing Summer and Autumn Blooms #5
November 4, 2014
Tis the season for mums. This potted beauty (sorry, I don’t know the variety) sits in my back patio where I can see the bright sunny hue from inside the house. For tips on growing and caring for mums watch Jerry & Autumn Horrocks’ video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Ysv5Y6tYo.
Capturing Summer and Autumn Blooms #4
October 31, 2014
New Guinea Impatiens
Plant note:
Annual
White, pink, lavender, purple, orange, red
Shade to half day of sun
12-18 inches tall
Zones 9 – 11
Capturing Summer and Autumn Blooms #3
October 29, 2014
Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea
(Not a summer or fall bloomer but the foliage is as pretty as any flower)
Plant Note:
Partial sun
4 to 6 ft. tall and wide
Spring lacecap blooms
Deciduous
zones: 5 – 9
Capturing Summer and Autumn Blooms #2
October 28, 2014
Annual Vinca: My favorite annual because it blooms profusely
without deadheading.
Plant notes:
Full sun
1 – 3 feet high
Great as borders or in pots
Pink, blue, red, white
Zones 2 – 11
Hurry!
October 27, 2014Get your camera out and photograph the last of the summer and autumn blooms in your landscape.
Don’t forget to capture textures too.
I’ll share a few of mine over the next few days!
First up is ‘Appleblossom’ Begonia (B sempervirens)
Plant notes:
Full sun to part shade
8 inches high
Annual in high, snow-country elevations. Will come back each spring in warmer regions.
Check out the LARGE number of begonia species at the American Begonia Society.
In and Around the Garden 