Sprucing Up For the Holidays

Yes, it's that time of year when folks start having family get-togethers and holiday parties. Now would be a good time to look around the yard and determine what needs sprucing up. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your yard sparkle. Some people that can afford it will do a total tear out of their flower beds, and replenish them with fresh annuals but it doesn't have to be that way.
Freshen up your plants and trees by trimming out all of the dead foliage, branches or fronds. Remove any plant debris from your plant beds (this also helps to discourage fungus). Spreading fresh mulch around your plants can make a landscape come alive again. Pick up a couple of potted plants to set beside your front door to give the house a festive look without going overboard. Happy planting!

Staghorns and Bananas

Staghorns thrive on potassium. The next time you think about throwing out those overripe bananas (if you're not going to bake banana bread), toss them into the top of your staghorn instead. Also, staghorns do not require a lot of water as they are an "air" plant so a once a week watering should be sufficient.

Rain Rain Rain

All of the rain during the night last night reminded me that I have been wanting to get a rain barrel. What better way to utilize a natural resource and save money on your water bill! Rain water is so pure without all the added chemicals and your plants will love it. You will be amazed at how much water actually collects in a rain barrel. A hose can easily be configured to attach to your barrel for convenient watering in your garden or greenhouse. Rain barrels can be found at many local garden centers and even online. The hidden artist in you can also creatively decorate the outside of the barrel for an instant piece of yard art.

Container Gardening

Over the last several years, the increase in the amount of people living in condominiums and/or apartments has spawned the need for new ideas in container gardening.

If you are feeling creative, and want to give this type of gardening a try, there are several things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the container you choose is large enough for the plant(s) you have chosen. Drainage is very important, so make sure there is at least one drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Secondly, it is a good idea to put something in the bottom of the pot before adding soil to help with the drainage. I use broken clay pieces from previously chipped or cracked clay pots that I then break apart with a hammer.

Make sure to water the soil well before planting and then at least twice again after filling in with soil around the plant. This helps to eliminate any air pockets in the soil. Container plants will have to be watered more often than those in the ground to keep them from drying out.

Typically, when using more than one plant in a pot at the same time, it is best for visual purposes, to have the taller plant in the center of the pot, with lower growing/draping plants around the outside. Additionally, make sure when grouping plants in the same pot that they have the same light, and watering requirements.

There are so many amazing combinations that will look stunning in containers. Some combinations that are all one color are just as appealing to the eye as several different colors. Happy planting!

Recycling

Every time that I return from a trip to Maine I am saddened by the lack of recylcing in our State. Granted that in Maine, there are redemption centers everywhere where folks who have saved their glass bottles, etc can turn them in to a redemption center to get their deposits back. Many people also give their bottles to the boy scouts or charity groups so that they may benefit from the monies returned at the redemption centers.

I don't understand why we can't do something like that here. Yes, we have recycling bins located at various point throughout the city, but what is the incentive for folks to recycle? I can drive down any street in this town and see plastic bottles, glass and aluminum cans thrown everywhere. Most people don't see the adverse impact of littering because it doesn't "affect" them. They have very little concern about the future of our environment.

We need to be the ones to make the change and set an example for our children.

There are a few places in Pinellas County where you can take aluminum for recycling and receive cash but they are not well advertised. At least lets do our part by bagging up our cans, bottles, and papers and dropping them off at the nearest recycling bin the next time we are on our way to the grocery store or mall. It only takes a few minutes to help make a huge difference for our precious Earth.

Fall Vegetable Gardens

I am back from Maine and psyched for fresh vegetables! Many of you have been asking me to write something on vegetable gardens. Since I am not well versed in growing vegetables I turned to the perfect source. The University of Florida (sorry Noles) provides the absolute best source for all of your Florida gardening questions. Right now is the time to begin preparing your fall vegetable garden. There are many things to consider other than which vegetables to plant such as: soil prep, proper pH, sunlight, fertilizers, pests, etc. For all of your vegetable garden guidance please visit: solutionsforyourlife.com and click on the Lawn and Garden Section. Happy planting!

Air Circulation

Just a reminder that at this time of year with all of these rains it is very important to make sure your orchids have plenty of space between them for proper air circulation. Fungus can take over quickly, jumping from plant to plant without it.

Indoor Veggie and Herb Gardens

Many of you out there have asked me how to grow an edible garden in Florida. It can be done but vigilance is the key to watching out for, and eliminating pests, and ensuring proper irrigation to prevent damage from our infamous heat.

One option is planting a garden indoors which is especially enjoyable for all you condo dwellers out there that have no yard. I don't often recommend specific products but I don't think you can beat the Aero Gardens for indoor use. They can be purchased at numerous stores including Bed Bath and Beyond.

With the Aero Garden, you have the option of growing many things from herbs to tomatoes to peppers to flowers, etc. The plus side is you don't have to worry about all the pests outdoors and you can better monitor the lighting, water, etc. I've tried this myself and really enjoyed watching the herbs and tomato plants grow.

For those of you that really desire the outdoor edible garden experience, I highly recommend that you contact your local County Extension Service for advice specific to your area.

Drying Out

August is a good month for letting your orchids dry out completely at least a couple of times between waterings. This helps give your orchids an edge against fungus that will be an issue during the rainier month of September.

Are You Ready

With these Tropical Storms out there now is the time to check over your lawn and garden for potential hazards. Please see my previous post on Hurricane Preparedness.

Vanilla Trivia

Did you know that the vanilla we use in cooking actually comes from the vanilla beans of the Vanilla Orchid? This orchid can be grown on trees (it grows in all directions like a vine) or in baskets. If grown on a tree it will need to be protected in the cold weather with a blanket. Because we don't have the actual insect that will pollinate the orchid for the vanilla production you will have to pollinate them by hand (if you want to produce the beans). I am growing two different types of these orchids on two different trees in our yard and will keep you posted as to my success.

Re-potting Orchids

To all you orchid loving procrastinators out there, the month of August is the last month of the year that you should be re-potting. With the up-coming peak of hurricane season and the winter season ahead, your orchids need the chance to grasp hold of any new surroundings so they won't be blown out of their pots.

Snails In My Garden - Argghhh

I was recently disappointed to find that an emerging bud on one of my newest orchid acquisitions was gnawed off completely over night. Upon further inspection the next evening I discovered the culprit - a very small snail! These little critters have a voracious appetite and I have found that they love orchid foliage (and buds), sweet potato vines, and antheriums among other things in our yard. During the wetter season is when you will have the most difficulty with these varmints. They especially love to hide in any debris such as mulch and potting mixes during the day and begin their eating frenzy in the evenings. You can either find and squish them yourself at night as you snoop about your yard with a flashlight or purchase some snail bait from your local garden center. Use the snail bait sparingly and as directed. Snails are attracted to the bait like flies on dead fish! Also use caution if you have pets because snail bait can be harmful to your furry little friends.

Hurricane Preparedness for Your Yard

Did you know that hurricane season runs from June 1st til November 30th? I want to take this near mid-season opportunity to provide you with some hurricane preparation tips for your yard. All deadwood should be removed from any trees on-site as this helps to eliminate extra weight within the tree canopy as well as helps to prevent limbs from crashing through your roof tops, windows and vehicles. Additionally, when a storm threatens, potential "missile" items that should temporarily be removed from your yard are: coconuts hanging from your coconut palms; dead palm fronds, garden tools, yard statues; garden flags and their posts; lawn furniture; hanging plants, wind chimes and any other items that are not securely attached to the buildings on site. Any one of these objects can become projectiles in a strong storm causing significant damage to yours or your neighbor's property as well as being human hazards. Coconuts will grow back and yard art can be put back in place after the storm.