One of my favorite flowering plants is salvia. This versatile flower of the month makes a wonderful border and attracts numerous butterflies. It will grow in full sun, is drought tolerant and the brilliant blooms continue when others have finished. I suggest starting seeds in early spring for a flower that will last until the first frost.  Cheers

A gardener’s timeless tradition of recycling waste products is simply brilliant. Nature teaches us that organic matter breaks down and nothing goes to waste. The best soil enhancement will always be the addition of nature’s compost!  The process is relatively easy and cost effective. I maintain two separate piles of compost in a corner of my back yard.  I start with one pile and halfway thru the process begin a second pile for rotation purposes. By using some existing organic garden soil and adding the correct ratio of carbon and nitrogen like fallen leaves, spent annuals, untreated grass clippings, egg shells, coffee grounds, and left over vegetables you begin the process of creating “black gold”.

I work in the ingredients and turn the pile often keeping it moist with a spray of water and covering the pile with a tarp to create a warm environment.  I do not add citrus and please, do not add animal products as they will attract unwanted pests!  You may consider using a plastic compost bin with a turn handle.  There are numerous composting methods so do some research and determine what works best for your garden.  Cheers

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice has passed ushering in a new season and the end of 2014. For the gardener, a short time to reflect on the wonderful events that fulfilled the holiday season will give way to planning for spring. New Year’s resolutions must include your garden!

As you look back at planting results, you may need to research different ways to improve your soil, and you may rethink what to plant and where.  Maybe you received a special garden tool as a holiday gift? Cheers

May you be at peace this holiday season as you enjoy close friends and family and may you experience a joyful, prosperous new year!

Cheers!

Zinniaboy.com

 

The “flower of the month” is the Geranium.  Geraniums are annual, biennial or perennial and are sometimes called “cranesbills”. This versatile flowering plant is long lasting and can be found in temperate regions and mountain tropics. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings and are a delight to grow as they are long lasting and can be grown in beds, pots, outside or inside. Some varieties grow best in full sun but most are partial shade plants. I suggest starting seeds in early spring for blooms that will last throughout the season.  Cheers

Plants, trees and shrubs develop in numerous ways.  Seeds are carried on the winds and settle in fertile soil, millions of natural perennials remain or die and renew themselves and even animal droppings contain seeds that take root and grow in a constant cycle.  These are some of the natural ways the earth propagates and sustains itself.

Humans have always planted to feed themselves and farming technology has developed in ways that now feed billions of people.  Individual or community gardeners grow food and flowers on a smaller scale and friends might trade plant cuttings to root and grow in their homes.

Our world cannot survive without plant propagation!