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
Admired for centuries, the rose is a worldwide favorite and the undeniable champion of flowers. The rose is a member of the Rosaceae family with over 100 species and thousands of cultivars. The beauty of the rose lifts the soul and spirit with numerous colors and fragrances which are second to none. The rose comes in a multitude of varieties and forms ranging from ground covering shrubs to climbers. Contrary to myth, growing roses does not have to be difficult. Check with your local garden shop to purchase hybrids developed for specific climates and hardiness. Cheers
Winter is often a time for reflection. As I ponder the events of last season my thoughts give way to plans for next season’s blooms. It is time to place seed orders. I give careful consideration to soil requirements, climate conditions and the amount of light in my garden. Paying attention to these criteria will increase my odds of having a successful growing season.
Here is a list of cut flower varieties that I am currently contemplating and would like to share for this coming spring. Cheers!
Sunflowers
Zinnias
Statice
Cosmos
Strawflower
Affinity with Flowers
