Category: Outdoor living

I began growing flowers six years ago; it has been a privilege to experience some of the beauty this planet has to offer.  This odyssey encouraged me to write an eBook, “The Flower Affect”. The book is a personal diary and guide. I identify all of the flowers I have grown and pass along gardening knowledge made simple to help you have a successful growing experience.  I encourage harmony with nature! Please download your copy today at Lulu.com, iBooks, Nook, Kobo and help to create a more beautiful world.

Our featured flower of the month is Delphinium.  It is a member of the Ranunculaceae plant family and is commonly referred to as “alpine delphinium” or “candle larkspur”.  Delphinium thrives in zones three through seven and is a hardy perennial capable of reaching heights of 20 – 30’’.  It is a wonderful plant that has flowers resembling spikes that come in shades of lavender, blue, cream and white. I started my seeds many seasons ago in rich well draining soil and the results have been nothing short of amazing.  Cheers

With spring in full swing it is time to wrap up any last minute planting.  Some perennials are in bloom and it’s not too late to plant flowers or bulbs that will bloom in late summer or early fall.   I hit the jackpot this season! Careful planning yielded a plethora of annuals and perennial flowers. I filled up multiple beds and baskets and grew more seedlings than I could use, gifting many thankful friends and family members with plants.

Cheers

Mother’s Day is here and the likelihood of frost has subsided.  It’s time to plant annual flowers! With numerous options to select from, creating your garden can bring difficult decisions.  Plans for my garden are mostly based on full sun varieties.  Selections are based on the zone you are living in and where in your garden you will plant.  I plant multiple varieties of early flowering perennials and add late blooming annuals which extends the blooming period of my garden until late fall.  Let the show begin by planting the following list of annuals to include; African Daisies, Celosia, Marigolds, Salvia and Zinnias.  Cheers

 

Spring is here! It’s time to implement those pondered dreams of winter.

Thankfully, increased sunlight and warmer days have sparked the will and energy needed to clear my flower beds.  Seeds I planted indoors have germinated and I will start the hardening process by placing them outside off and on until they are strong enough to go into the ground.

My garden is full of early perennials, tulips, daffodils and the green leaves of impending flowers. There are robins and blue jays in addition to a few honey bees, bunnies and squirrels all creating a landscape with the sights and sounds of spring.

Awaken your senses from winter slumber, its spring!

Cheers

After several seasons of joyful gardening I have decided to share my experience, gathered information and enjoyment in a book called “The Flower Affect”. My intention is to educate and encourage the novice gardener with the process of growing flowers.  Gardening takes instruction and there are no guarantees however, proper guidance, sunshine, rain and patience will richly reward your efforts.

Download it today from Lulu.com, Barnes & Noble and Apple I Books

Traditional gardens are beautiful and offer a space for tranquility and peace. If you don’t have the space for a lavish garden you can place or hang containers to create a green house effect throughout your indoor and outdoor spaces.  I use containers on my patio and anywhere the sun shines throughout my home.  Being surrounded by fragrant flowers allows us to sync with nature.  Below I have listed my favorite container flowers.  They should be started in spring and will bring joy and happiness until late fall.

Nasturtium

Pansy

Petunia

Geraniums

Lantana

Our featured flower of the month is the Canna Lily.  The beauty of this flower can be overwhelming.   Bulbs flourish into plush foliage with tropical elements with Cannas coming in a multitude of varieties and colors.  They share similar characteristics with gladiolus as their bulbs can be harvested in fall and stowed until next season.  Cannas are easy to grow and belong on the sunny side of your garden. They can thrive in summer heat and are not bothered by insects.  I plant Canna Lily bulbs 4 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches apart for blooms that will amaze from late summer until early fall.  Cheers

You have got to love it when a plan comes together!  At the end of every season, my thoughts begin to shift towards next seasons blooms.  I calculate the results of the previous season and look for new ways to improve.   I select my seed vendor and before I place my order I give careful consideration to the growing conditions in my region.  This year I have decided to plant a mixed variety of annuals and perennials.  I will start several plants indoors under grow lights during the winter months, move them to the green house and wait to plant after the last frost.  Cheers