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Monday, September 19, 2005
Autumn- A Season For Surprises
Because autumn is full of surprises, it is my
favorite season of all. Last year, I planted black-eyed Susan seeds that grew into the fabulous plant that you see in the
photo. Black-eyed Susans bring back memories of my childhood in Maryland where, as descendants of wild plants, they
grew in open fields and beside the roadways.
Rudbeckia in general are cold hardy, heat-
and drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. You can propagate them by seed or division; left alone they are effective at self-seeding.
Members of the aster family, black-eyed Susan is grown as an annual in colder climates and as a perennial elsewhere. The many
cultivars allow different heights, bloom sizes and colors. Rudbeckia attracts butterflies and makes an excellent cut flower.
Does well in USDA zones 3-10. Plant in sun or part-sun and enjoy.
The pink Coreopsis that you see in the background
of the photo is also a perennial member of the aster family. The red poppies are amazing; they aren't supposed to be blooming
now. Today I also discovered a tiny frog, about one inch long, that has taken up residence in my side garden bed. "Froggie's"
appearance shows me that the absence of toxic sprays is a win for my health and a win for the many creatures that find safe
haven in my garden.
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Beginning To Think of Planting Bulbs
Hurricane Katrina's devastation has affected us all. I am finding
that sharing with friends, relatives and other Americans is helping me to sort out my feelings and to take action.
Making donations to charitable organizations, installing organic landscapes, and working in my own garden is helping
to heal my personal feelings of shock and pain.
This is the beginning of the fall planting season for us in Southern California. In the next two
or three months we plan and begin to plant for the winter and spring blooming seasons. It is a blessing to be able to
work in sweet-smelling earth. Begin to look for spring-blooming bulbs (check the Seasonal Checklist Page).
Also, since this is the time for winter vegetables, I am excited to have discovered Laurel's Heirloom Tomato Plants . Check out her website. She grows a wonderful variety of plants organically. If
you live nearby, you can even pick up your order as I did. Laurel ships plants all over the country. I brought home five plants
and they are all doing wonderfully. "Ugly" (yes, that is really it's name) and "Black Cherry" already have produced baby
tomatoes. I missed not having "Green Zebras" this summer (due to shipping problems). I have a feeling that the fruit from
Laurel's transplants will be a shared surprise for many friends and associates this winter.
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2009.03.01 |
2009.02.01 |
2008.02.01 |
2007.12.01 |
2007.06.01 |
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2006.09.01 |
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2006.03.01 |
2006.02.01 |
2006.01.01 |
2005.11.01 |
2005.10.01 |
2005.09.01 |
2005.08.01 |
2005.07.01 |
2005.06.01 |
2005.05.01
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Changes to this site are made on a regular
basis.
All articles and photos unless otherwise credited
are© by Elaine Wilson.
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GardensByDesign ®
Creating beautiful, alternative, sustainable landscapes. Low-water usage
plants chosen for hardiness and harmony with an emphasis on airborne and soil toxin removal .
GardensToGo®
Custom, portable container gardens with structures that
"move when you move."
If you have a deck, patio or porch you can have a garden that
provides a beautiful barrier to the toxins that surround us.
Contact: elaine1111@earthlink.net
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