Some of the sweetest garden vignettes are not planned – they happen by chance! And it’s those unexpected but delightful scenes that give gardening its magic.
A deep purple Drumstick Allium is the perfect companion for pink Hollyhock Mallow
If you’ve had a garden for a number of years, you already know what I’m talking about, for at some point every year there are plants that willingly volunteer themselves for duty. The most common are flowers that have self-sown from previous years’ plantings, but seeds may also be carried by birds from a neighbor’s yard or blown on the wind from a wildflower patch down the road. However these plants find our gardens, it’s always a pleasant surprise when they bloom in a companionable way!
Rose Campion in shades of white, blush and bright pink has a long bloom time and readily self-sows
Rose Campion, Daisies, Yarrow and Black-eyed Susans are some of the plants that enthusiastically spread themselves around the yard every year. In the photo below, wild Black-eyed Susans look like they belong next to the mahogany ribs and silvery fronds of a Japanese Painted Fern. Unplanned and unexpected, these two garden companions bring out the best in each other!
Japanese Painted Fern and wild Black-Eyed Susans enhance each other’s colors
Sometimes plants happen to like certain conditions in our gardens and take up permanent residence in unusual places. Along the stone wall surrounding our vegetable garden, native ferns have found a perfect home! Amazingly, these plants grow in fulI sun all day but manage to get enough moisture from the rocks surrounding them to thrive.
Native Fern Volunteers
Some enchanting color combinations also happen by chance. Many times we place one plant next to another without really knowing if the colors will work together. Color in our gardens is not always dependable in that plants may have a different look when planted in full sun as opposed to part shade, or when viewed in the soft light of morning or at dusk. We may plant seeds or bulbs expecting a certain hue but ending up with something altogether different. All of these variations can make or break a garden’s color scheme, so when colors perfectly harmonize, sometimes it’s just a lucky accident.
Blue Peachleaf Bellflower, Pink Grapefruit Yarrow and Purple Drumstick Allium blend harmoniously
Last fall, I planted a group of drumstick alliums in a garden with other summer bloomers in shades of blue and pink. Since I’d never planted them before, I wasn’t at all sure about the color and how it would look with my other plants. Earlier this month, I was delighted when not only did the rich purple of the alliums make the perfect color companion to my other perennials, these whimsical gems also started attracting honeybees like crazy!
Honeybees can’t get enough of these sweetly scented alliums
Our gardens are constantly changing and each year is different from the last. One thing we can rely on, however, is that beautiful and unexpected things will happen – delighting, surprising and rewarding us for being devoted gardeners!
We gardeners like to grow many different plants but there are a few that, over time, grow on us. In today’s blog, I’ll let you in on a few of my favorite early-blooming garden plants, ones that I feel have pizzazz!
An early spring vignette (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
GLORY-OF-THE-SNOW
Snow Glories, as I call them, aren’t the first of my early spring minor bulbs to bloom but they are the most dramatic in appearance. The tiny blue star-shaped flowers have a white center which creates a look that magically sparkles! Preferring the sunnier edges of the garden, each bulb grows to about 6 inches tall and produces 5 to 10 flowers on sturdy mahogany-colored stems. After blooming, they readily self-sow to provide even more sparkling flowers for next spring! Glory-of-the-Snow is hardy in Zones 3 to 8 and should be planted in the fall, so make a note now to add these beauties to your bulb list.
Glory-of-the-Snow sparkles in early spring (Photo by Mabel Amber on Pixabay)
DAFFODIL ‘THALIA’
Serene ‘Thalia’ is indeed a lovely sight to behold in my early May garden as she enhances the blooms of other spring bulbs as well as early perennials. One of the Triandrus Narcissus, each 12 to 14 inch stem carries 1 to 3 blooms with a delightful fragrance. Thalia is an award-winning heirloom variety that dates back to 1916 and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Orchid’ Narcissus. Long-lived in the garden, her delicate appearance belies a tough constitution with the ability to hold up to changeable New England spring weather. Thalia is hardy in Zones 3 to 9, is more tolerant of shady areas and damp soils than other daffodils, and multiplies willingly each year to fill your garden with more of these gorgeous flowers!
Thalia in my woodland garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
OLD-FASHIONED BLEEDING HEART
Beloved by children as well as grown-ups, Bleeding Heart can grow into impressive clumps up to three feet tall and wide in areas where they receive plenty of morning sun, some afternoon shade and moist rich soil. They bloom with delicate arching sprays of pink or white hearts for several weeks in spring but these plants go dormant and die mysteriously back to the ground once summer seriously starts to heat up. Because of this disappearing act, it’s best to plant later emerging perennials such as ferns and hostas nearby to fill the gaps left in the garden .
Bleeding Heart blooms hang from gracefully arching stems (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Bleeding Heart is one of my earliest blooming perennials and as such combines beautifully with mid to late season Daffodils and Tulips as well as Brunnera, Ajuga, Pulmonaria, Solomon’s Seal, Wood Hyacinth, Forget-me-Nots and Hellebores. Native to Siberia and Northern China, Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart is hardy even in Zone 2.
White Bleeding Heart with Wood Hyacinth and Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
BRUNNERA ‘JACK FROST’
Brunnera loves part shade and moist but well-draining soil. Tiny soft blue flowers resembling Forget-Me-Nots appear on delicate stems in spring but it’s the silvery heart-shaped foliage that makes this plant light up the garden all season long. Growing only 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, Jack Frost slowly spreads by rhizomes making it a great groundcover for shady gardens or an underplanting for roses. Brunnera, also known as Siberian Bugloss, is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
Tiny blue flowers cover Brunnera in May (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
LAMIUM ‘WHITE NANCY’
Early-blooming ‘White Nancy’ can tolerate quite a bit of sun but grows best in gardens where it receives some afternoon shade. It’s a low-growing plant to about 12 inches tall with a spread of about 24 inches, making it a great filler for gardens where it weaves itself charmingly through other plants. In patio pots, White Nancy not only plays the role of ‘filler’ but also spills gracefully over the side. The white flowers appear in May and repeat in flushes throughout the summer and into fall. The combination of bright white flowers and silvery foliage make this plant positively glow in the garden. Lamium is also an attractive addition to white or moon gardens and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
A lamium flower just beginning to open (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
All of the above plants are not only super hardy and easy to care for but also deer and rabbit resistant!
Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is a old-fashioned plant that deserves a place in everyone’s garden. Originating from Northern Europe, they tend to be vigorous, carefree and long-lived perennials that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds as well as admiring gazes from humans.
Veronica ‘Red Fox’ (Image courtesy of American Meadows)
Veronicas have an interesting history. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden website, “the genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe the sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief.” In addition, parts of the plant were once commonly used in herbal medicine; hence, the common name of Speedwell may refer to its ability to speed healing and feeling well.
When I first started gardening, I came across a pot of Veronica longifolia at a local nursery. The long, soft blue flower spikes caught my eye and soon it was keeping company with my pink June roses. What surprised me was not only how tall this plant grew in one summer but also how willing it was to keep flowering when I deadheaded the spent blooms; and it’s this ability to repeat bloom over a long season that makes Veronicas with flower spikes such valuable garden plants!
Not all Veronicas are in the big and tall department, however. Some varieties can be grown as groundcovers or used to soften a garden’s edge while others remain a tame 12″ to 20″ in height. In fact, the array of Veronicas available to gardeners today is quite impressive and that makes them easy to fit into any garden space, design or patio planter.
Veronica ‘Sunshine’ (Photo courtesy of ToGoGarden)
Veronicas are extremely robust and grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. They generally have a long bloom season from spring to fall, especially when you remove the spent flowers which will encourage repeat performances. Colors tend towards blues, purples, pinks and white but the foliage can sometimes be silvery or golden, especially in the ground-hugging varieties. Perfectly suited to cottage gardens, companions include Foxglove, Daylilies, Roses, Daisies, Yarrow and Lady’s Mantle as well as late blooming spring bulbs. Although they prefer full sun, Veronicas will tolerate afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. Best of all, Veronicas are deer and rabbit resistant!
Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’ (Photo courtesy of StoneHouseNursery)
Some popular Veronica varieties:
SUNSHINE – Small yellow leaves cover a low 1 to 2″ tall ground-hugging plant. Blooming briefly with tiny white flowers in spring, this Veronica is grown primarily for its bright foliage. Great in rock gardens, combined with succulents or tucked between stepping stones.
WATERPERRY BLUE – A creeping groundcover growing 4 to 6″ tall and spreading about 12″ wide. This cottage garden classic blooms repeatedly in soft blue flushes from spring to fall when the foliage takes on an autumnal burgundy hue.
GOODNESS GROWS – Medium sized at 12 to 15″ tall with a slightly wider spread. Striking violet blue flower spikes are produced all season. The compact size makes it a perfect “thriller” for pots and planters.
RED FOX – Another medium sized Veronica but with dazzling rosy-pink flower spikes from mid-spring to late summer. Red Fox is salt resistant and grows well in seaside gardens.
ICICLE – Sparkling white 6″ flower spikes adorn this beauty which grows to about 30″ tall. Excellent for cut flowers and a perfect addition to white or moon gardens.
BLUE GIANTESS – A soft lavender blue, this robust Veronica longifolia grows to 48″ tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Plant with tall roses for a sensational early summer display!
Popular herbs such as parsley, basil, dill and rosemary are grown primarily to enhance our culinary creations, but if you think that the usefulness of herbs is limited to the kitchen, then think again. Versatile herbs can and should be grown in our vegetable gardens, perennial beds and patio pots. In today’s blog, I’ll share the reasons why!
Fresh picked herbs (Photo courtesy of Gate 74 on Pixabay)
Herbs are a delight to our senses! We can’t resist running our fingers through their foliage or crushing a single leaf to release the heady fragrance. Many herbs beg to be touched with soft velvety foliage such as Berggarten Sage while others impress us with their stunning flower power. Did you know that some of the most well-known flowering plants are also herbs? Echinacea, Yarrow, Monarda, Borage, Catmint and Lavender come to mind and almost every garden has at least one of these stellar summer bloomers!
Echinacea and friends (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
With their many colors, forms and textures, herbs lend themselves to all kinds of garden design opportunities. I love to use Golden Oregano for bright pops of color next to the deeper hues of Black Scallop Ajuga; it also makes a sunny spiller plant for flower pots. Gray-green Wooly Thyme creates a romantic look as it softly cascades over a stone retaining wall while other thyme varieties are perfect as fragrant, low-growing hedges or groundcovers. Prostrate or Creeping Rosemary also makes a fast-growing groundcover for dry, sunny areas. Planted in pots, Variegated Sage and dark Purple Basil make pretty partners with flowering annuals.
Borage (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Images on Pixabay)
In the vegetable garden, herbs have many uses as beneficial companions. Growing basil next to tomatoes is a classic combo and supposedly improves the sweet flavor of both plants. Tarragon likes to be planted with eggplant while dill pairs well with cucumbers and lettuce. Many herbs repel aphids and spider mites, helping to reduce infestations. Mint is a garden workhorse as it deters many insect pests as well as browsing deer, but be sure to contain mint to pots as it can spread aggressively!
Basil and Tomatoes (Photo courtesy of CongerDesign on Pixabay)
In addition to being good bedfellows, herbs will attract pollinators to your vegetable garden like crazy! Bees and beneficial wasps love them, butterflies find them irresistible and even hummingbirds feast on their blooms.
Potted Rosemary (Photo courtesy of Diese Lizenzfreien on Pixabay)
Herbs are also beneficial to our flower gardens. Plant chives next to your roses to repel aphids and help prevent black spot. Parsley is also a good rose companion in that it enhances the fragrance of the blooms. Yarrow attracts ladybugs that eat aphids while lavender helps deter rabbits and deer. Catnip is useful for repelling Japanese beetles which damage hollyhocks, dahlias and other flowers as well as roses.
Rose with Japanese beetle (Photo courtesy of Deedster on Pixabay)
Herbs are easily grown in patio planters, too, combining beautifully with annual flowers or on their own. It’s also nice to have pots of herbs close to the house for easy access come dinner time! When placing herbs together in a container, make sure the varieties you choose enjoy the same conditions as far as sunlight and water needs. Since many herbs tolerate dry conditions, they’re also great companions for the colorful rosettes of hardy, water-wise succulents.
Potted Herbs (Photo courtesy of Pixaline on Pixabay)
Herbs are generally easy to grow and rarely bothered by pests or disease. They encourage pollinators to visit our gardens and beautify our plantings with color, texture and fragrance. Try a new variety in your flower or vegetable garden this year, learn more about the benefits of companion planting, and get creative by combining herbs with annuals or succulents. The possibilities are endless!
I adore the big bodacious blooms of Mophead Hydrangeas such as ‘Endless Summer’ and the New England classic, ‘Nantucket Blue,’ but getting these shrubs to bloom reliably in US Hardiness Zones 5 and under can be a challenge.
Photo courtesy of Couleur on Pixabay
Hydrangea Macrophyllas, also known as Bigleaf Hydrangeas or Mophead Hydrangeas, are hugely popular and relatively easy to grow but in colder areas that are on the cusp of their growing range, it’s not always easy to get them to bloom.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
One reason for blossom failure is that many of these plants form flower buds on vulnerable new wood which can be damaged by late spring frosts resulting in fewer or even no summer blooms. Another reason is that many people prune the flower buds right off the plant without even knowing it while they’re tidying up in early spring! In addition, too much shade, too much sun or not enough moisture can also affect blooming. Fortunately, by planting hydrangeas in pots, we can avoid many of the problems which garden-grown shrubs face.
Photo courtesy of S. Hermann & F. Richter on Pixabay
For success with potted hydrangeas, follow these tips:
Start with a smaller-sized hydrangea variety and a large, lightweight pot that will allow room for the shrub to grow and be happy for about three years. Plant your hydrangea using a quality, moisture-retentive potting soil. Leave a couple of inches of space at the top of the pot so that you can water thoroughly to the brim without it spilling over. Fertilize through the growing season with a liquid organic fish/seaweed blend according to directions. As a finishing touch, add some pretty annual spiller plants such as sweet alyssum, petunias or fuchsias around the base to fill out a newly planted pot!
Photo courtesy of Instagram Fotografin on Pixabay
By potting up your hydrangea in a lightweight container, you can easily move it in and out of direct sunlight as needed during the growing season. You can also place your pot close to the house where deer are less likely to stray and move it inside whenever severe weather threatens. When your hydrangea shows signs of roots coming through the bottom or top of its container, or you find you need to water more frequently, it’s time to upgrade to a larger pot.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
Hydrangeas grow best with morning sun, afternoon shade and even moisture. Plants will become stressed, droop and drop leaves when pots dry out, so paying attention to watering is crucial for your potted hydrangea’s health. During the heat of summer, you may have to water thoroughly once a day. Always water early in the morning so that the leaves can dry before the hot sun reaches them; this will protect the foliage from water droplets which can intensify sunlight and burn delicate leaves.
Photo courtesy of Veronica111886 on Pixabay
In late November, move your potted hydrangea inside an unheated garage or another cold-storage area where it will safely sleep out of the harsh winter weather until spring. Water sparingly every few weeks during this time to keep the plant from completely drying out. Move your hydrangea back outside only after the danger of frost has passed and resist the urge to prune until the plant has entirely leafed out. At this point, you can easily remove dead or damaged wood without inadvertently sacrificing flower buds.
Photo courtesy of J. Rim Lee on Pixabay
Plant now and enjoy your beautiful potted hydrangea(s) for years to come!
We are indeed living in uncertain times! The fear surrounding the spread of the coronavirus and the resulting fallout that has crippled the US stock market, banned foreign travel and closed businesses, schools and event venues have us all taking a closer look at the extreme fragility of our modern global culture. We are helplessly caught in the downward spiral of all that is happening around us while fretfully watching from the sidelines.
Photo courtesy of Manfred Richter on Pixabay
Although it may be hard to find something to cheer us, it’s in our best interest to do so. Here in Northeast Massachusetts, as well as other areas of New England, we’ve been blessed with warmer than usual temperatures coupled with a lack of snow or ice on the ground. This mild weather has allowed me to get out in my yard well before the usual springtime schedule and clean up my perennial beds. The first spring days spent outdoors are always something I look forward to but this year, in particular, being out in my gardens has truly soothed my soul.
Photo courtesy Olle August on Pixabay
While working outside this week on one of those warm and sunny days, I heard a little buzz and spied a honey bee enjoying some early-blooming snowdrops! The next day, a butterfly magically appeared, flexing its wings and opening them to the warmth of the early spring sun.
Photo courtesy of Pezibear on Pixabay
These tiny events, so easily overlooked when preoccupied with bad news, were my silver lining. They stopped me in my tracks and I watched them as long as I could, not wanting to let go, for they were both miraculous and healing at the same time.
Photo courtesy of AsamiG on Pixabay
When we immerse ourselves in the natural world, such as gardening or walking in the woods, we see life proceeding at its own slow and deliberate pace, oblivious to and in spite of the problems of mankind. Nature calms us in a way nothing else can and it’s especially important in trying times for us to seek its solace whenever we can.
Photo courtesy of Martin Slavoljubovski on Pixabay
Give yourself a break from the relentless bad news, and turn off the TV, computer and cell phone for a period each day. Take advantage of the mild weather and go for a walk or work in the yard. Even if all you do is sit quietly on your front porch and count your blessings, you will find some comfort and peace. Remember that staying healthy is much more than just washing your hands. Find the healing power in getting outside and enjoying nature!
A small barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida, historic Gasparilla is well worth the drive and the $6 toll to get through the gates. As you enter the island, it’s obvious that this locale is a playground for the wealthy, but in spite of the perfectly manicured estates lining the main route, Gasparilla Island retains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Gasparilla Island Beach (Photo courtesy BeachHunter.net)
There’s a legend that the island was named for the Spanish pirate, Jose Gaspar (circa 1756-1821), who built a village there with his men and buried considerable stolen treasure after spending several years terrorizing and ransacking the Gulf Coast. When a US Navy ship tracked him down in 1821, the story is that he tied an anchor around his waist and cast himself into the water to die by his own hands rather than be captured. A few of his men managed to get away, hiding whatever treasure they took with them along their escape route, and many believe the treasure is still buried somewhere off the Florida coast. Whether you believe the story or not, the name ‘Gasparilla’ is a big part of the the Sunshine State’s history and a Gasparilla Pirate Festival is celebrated every year in Tampa.
The earliest known settlers of Gasparilla were the Calusa Indians who fished the rich waters off the island until the early 1600’s when the appearance of the first Europeans brought about their demise through battles, enslavement and disease. By the late 1800’s, descendants of early Spanish explorers and Cubans operated fish ranches, salting fish for shipment to Havana and other ports.
The grounds of the Gasparilla Inn (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The discovery of high-grade phosphate, greatly sought after for use in fertilizers and many other products, led to the construction of a railroad in 1905. The rail not only transported phosphate and supplies, it brought wealthy travelers to the island. Six years later, the now iconic Gasparilla Inn opened, becoming a popular tourist destination for the well-heeled of Florida and beyond.
Side view of the Gasparilla Inn (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The Gasparilla Inn and Club is listed in Historic Hotels of America and the National Register of Historic Places. A large rambling structure that was originally built in 1911, the Inn quickly underwent renovations in both 1913 and 1915 due to ever-increasing popularity. More expansions came in the early 1930’s with the construction of tennis courts and guest cottages. Today, it is one of the largest of the surviving early Florida resort hotels and retains the old-style charm of that era.
Golf carts are at the ready for island adventures (Photo by Julie Wilkins)
The hub of the island, Boca Grande village, is a bustling place with restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Although the railroad is no longer in use, the original depot was restored in the late 1970’s and now houses many local businesses. It’s easy to park and walk to most destinations and scenic water views abound. Since there are no gas stations other than a pump at the Boca Grande Marina, many people get around on golf carts which only add to the leisurely pace of island life. People here are laid-back, unhurried and content, but then it’s hard not to be when you live and/or work in such a tranquil setting!
A Great White Egret taking a morning stroll (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Exotic plants, trees and many species of birds make this island their home. Egrets can be seen nonchalantly walking the sidewalks! There are photo opportunities everywhere, one of them a village street lined with large Banyan trees. Beaches are easily accessible with ample parking and facilities, and you can watch both pelicans and people fish along the shore.
A Banyan tree gracefully spreads its roots (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
If you happen to be a lighthouse enthusiast, this seven mile long island boasts two: The 105’ white steel tower known as the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, and the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse which is a bungalow-style dwelling along with a Keeper’s Cottage. Both lighthouses are open to the public.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
I was fortunate to visit this little gem of an island in late February and found it far exceeded my expectations. If you appreciate a vacation destination that incorporates striking beauty with a relaxed atmosphere and old Florida charm, then I highly recommend visiting Gasparilla!
A Pelican rests from fishing (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Feature photo courtesy of Gasparilla Inn and Club
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Blooming almost continuously throughout the year, African Violets possess astonishingly exuberant flower power. It’s no wonder so many people become lifelong collectors of these charming plants with their Easter-egg colored blooms!
In their native habitat of mountainous Tanzania where they grow on the forest floor, African Violets are well protected from harsh sunlight by larger plants and a thick canopy of trees. Although they originated from this tropical environment, today’s modern hybrids enjoy the same comfortable daytime temperatures as we do at 65F to 75F, and will even tolerate dry heated air if kept reasonably moist. They do require bright light to bloom but you don’t need a glass greenhouse to keep them happy. Today, I’ll give a few simple tips on how to successfully grow these delightful beauties.
Photo by Sabine Frisch on Pixabay
PROVIDE ENOUGH LIGHT
Bright light is the key to getting your violets to bloom but in order to provide the best window light for any houseplant, one has to make changes with the seasons.
My African Violets grow near a large and bright west window which is perfect for them during the dark fall and winter months but would cook them with harsh sunlight come summer. As the sun grows stronger in early spring, I use sheer curtains to soften the intensity of the light. In the heat of summer, I may place some sun-loving plants in front of my violets to provide an additional sunscreen. When the days grow shorter again in fall, I work in the reverse and gradually provide more light.
By doing this, I’m able to provide the level of light that my African Violets need to thrive. Remember that plants will lean towards any light source so rotate your violets once a week to keep growth centered and even.
Photo by Ian Lindsay on Pixabay
If you lack adequate window space and natural light, don’t despair! African Violets are the perfect candidates for a side table with a lamp and an LED light bulb. In fact, bright supplemental LED lights work wonders on all plants, especially during the dark winter months.
Sansi makes an excellent LED light bulb that fits standard size sockets and mimics bright natural sunlight. Since you can use it in most household lamps, you don’t need to purchase a special light fixture. I’ve included a link below if you’d like more information.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
USE WARM WATER
I water my African Violets the same way I do most of my houseplants, from the top, using a narrow spouted watering can to help get through the dense rosettes of leaves. When the soil feels dry, I saturate my plants with room-temperature rainwater and then pour off any standing water that remains in the saucer after about 20 minutes; this gives the plants a chance to soak up all the moisture they need.
In winter, you’ll want to group your plants together to keep humidity levels up. You can also place your violets on a dish or tray of pebbles which will catch excess water and humidify the surrounding air. Make sure to have your plants sit on top of the wetted pebbles, not in standing water.
Photo by Iiri Kourilek on Pixabay
A couple of times a year, I give my African Violets a warm water spray bath to clean off the leaves, flush out fertilizer salts and give the plants a good soaking. Never do this with cold water which will shock these tropical plants and cause unsightly spots on the leaves! After the plants have drained, and this is important, make sure to allow the leaves to dry thoroughly in a warm room before returning them to bright light; otherwise, remaining water droplets will intensify any light which can then burn the leaves!
Photo by jggrz on Pixabay
FEED REGULARLY
Organic liquid fertilizers made for in-home use are best but avoid fish emulsions which, for obvious reasons, are best used outdoors! For the majority of my houseplants, I begin feeding when I spy signs of new growth, usually mid-February to early March, and stop fertilizing altogether after mid-October to allow them a winter rest.
For my African Violets, which bloom throughout the year, I use half-strength fertilizer twice a month beginning January 1st and supplement this by adding some finely crushed eggshells to the soil. The eggshells provide beneficial calcium as well as trace elements and minerals. Each time I water my plants, they slowly absorb these nutrients which encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers!
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
REVITALIZE AND REPOT
Sometimes you can revitalize a tired violet by removing the old outside ring of leaves which helps the plant direct more energy into making flowers. Regular grooming by removing dried flowers and stalks helps, too, as it encourages repeat blooming. At some point, however, your African Violets will stop thriving and need to be repotted. Plants may stop blooming, the outside leaves may begin to droop and die off causing a long ‘neck’ to appear, or a plant might divide itself into two separate crowns; in short, they’ll show obvious signs that it’s time for attention. Many experts simply repot their violets once a year, invigorating them with fresh soil and thus avoiding any decline in their plants’ overall health.
Photo by Assy on Pixabay
There are special pots designed just for African Violets, many with wicking systems, but a plain pot with drainage holes is less costly and will work just fine. Choosing a new pot for your violet is really a matter of personal preference. Ceramic and plastic pots tend to hold moisture longer while clay or terra cotta ‘breathes’ but dries out faster. Placing plastic inside a decorative cachepot is fine as long as you don’t allow water to puddle at the bottom and drown your plant.
One important consideration is that African Violets prefer shallow or squat pots rather than tall narrow ones and they like a snug fit around their roots. Never put a little violet in a large pot! The photo below will give you an idea of the pot size in relation to a plant.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
Since the art of repotting is another story, I won’t go into it on today’s blog but will direct you to this page for an excellent basic tutorial:
Do you have some struggling African Violets at home? If so, try practicing the above tips and your violets will thank you with increased vigor and blooms! If you’ve never grown them before, I hope I’ve encouraged you to give them a try. Beginners will have the greatest success using fertilizer and soil made especially for African Violets and I’ve included some helpful links below.
Although these tips are just the basics, following them will get you off to a good start. My only warning is that once you start collecting these sweet tropical violets, you may find it hard to stop!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to the companies listed below. When you click through on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank You!
Rather than giving the traditional bouquet of roses for Valentine’s Day this year, how about a charming heart-leaf plant instead? Featured below are five easy-care houseplants that will keep going long after those roses fade!
Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya
Hoyas are not your typical houseplants but they’re rapidly gaining in popularity. Succulent-like with thick waxy leaves, many produce colorful fragrant blooms. These tough vining plants are native to the understory of tropical forests where they tolerate long dry periods, and it’s this quality that makes them easy to care for in our homes. The Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya has a creamy white border framing its heart-shaped leaves that will brighten your houseplant collection. It does produce small summer flowers but it’s the leaves that make this plant really catch your eye. Allow this beauty to thoroughly dry out between waterings and provide medium light.
Photo courtesy of Hoya Store Australia
Sweetheart Philodendron
Philodendrons add understated elegance to our homes. They’re particularly tolerant of low light areas where other plants just aren’t happy. Some varieties slowly vine and trail, making them perfect for hanging planters and coffee table centerpieces. Although the vines appear delicate, the plants are quite robust and can live for many years. The old-fashioned Sweetheart Philodendron grows into a lush specimen with copper-tinged new growth in spring. These plants appreciate a hydrating winter bath to perk up the beautiful satin green leaves. If you have a hose sprayer on your sink, gently wash off the leaves and saturate the soil, allowing the pot to drain thoroughly before returning to its home.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
String of Hearts
String of Hearts is not very well known but it’s truly an easy-care houseplant that looks lovely trailing down from a hanging planter. The semi-succulent leaves are small silvery hearts with touches of purple and have an almost metallic appearance. They produce unusual tubular flowers that will attract hummingbirds if placed outdoors in summer. String of Hearts can take fairly bright window light and prefers to completely dry out between waterings. Combine it with the cascading String of Pearls plant for a dazzling duo!
Photo courtesy of Minka2507 on Pixabay
Anthurium
Anthuriums conjure up images of Hawaii and other tropical locales. In fact, they’re one of the best known tropical plants and are often used in exotic flower arrangements. Not only do anthuriums have heart-shaped leaves, they also have heart-shaped flowers which are really bracts like poinsettias. These bracts last for several weeks and come in a range of vivid colors including orange, pink and yellow although red is the most common. Anthuriums will produce abundant bracts in bright indirect light; a sunny windowsill with a sheer curtain works well. They prefer a slightly humid environment which can be a challenge in winter, but if you pay attention to the soil and water thoroughly when dry, your anthurium will be happy.
Photo by Nancy Marie Allen
Neon Pothos
The ubiquitous pothos has been a popular houseplant for years but Neon Pothos really lights up a room with its dazzling chartreuse-green foliage. Tough and care-free, Neon Pothos looks fabulous in complementary decorative pots or trailing down from hanging planters. Although pothos can tolerate lower light, give Neon a bright window for the best color. Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can burn the leaves and water only when soil becomes dry to touch.
Photo courtesy of Cape Gazette Garden Journal
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There’s a definite houseplant mania going on these days as more people of all ages are becoming interested in this gratifying hobby. Since you can easily purchase houseplants just about anywhere – via catalogs, online, in big box stores and even small neighborhood markets – it’s not surprising they’ve become so popular.
Peace Lilies, Orchids and Variegated Ficus Benjamina (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
It’s easy to fall in love with houseplants when you think about how much they enhance our living spaces. They help to purify the air we breathe, add beneficial humidity and beautify our rooms with their verdure and colorful blooms. They’re ever-uplifting home companions and, after a lifetime of keeping houseplants, I cannot imagine being without them.
Korean Rock Fern and mini Orchid (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
If you’re new to collecting houseplants, you may be wondering what you can do to help them thrive, and the answer is both surprising and simple – nurture them. Just like pets, our houseplants are totally dependent upon us for care. But how much care you’re willing to give really depends on your personality and lifestyle, so choose your plants accordingly.
Houseplants enjoy each other’s company (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
If you have strong mothering instincts, then Orchids, Ferns, Begonias or African Violets would be thrilled to share your space. However, if you’re rarely home to water your plants or even wish them well in passing, then easy-care Cactus, Pothos, Philodendrons or Succulents would make better companions. Once you’ve made your choice and settled your new plant or plants in your home, it’s time to add the secret ingredient to houseplant success – your loving care. But what exactly does ‘loving care’ mean when it comes to plants? After all, you can’t snuggle with them on the couch like you can with Fido.
Gryphon Begonia, Amaryllis and Anthurium (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Plant nurturing is a different kind of love for sure, but it’s still love. To me, it means doing whatever I can to help my plants enjoy a long and healthy life. I make sure they’re getting enough light, monitor them for dryness, feed them when needed and check them regularly for any changes that may signal pests or disease. I talk to my plants, encourage them and touch their foliage. I collect rainwater for them to drink. I take the time to groom them and remove any yellowed leaves or spent flowers to keep them looking their best. Occasionally, I even take them to the tub for a hydrating bath or bring them outside for a summer shower. And when I spy fresh new growth and flower buds forming, I’m elated! I know it’s their way of saying, “thank you!”
Twining Hoya, String of Pearls and Aloe Vera (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Yes, it’s a little fanatical and a true labor of love to provide this level of care on a regular basis, especially with a large collection, but my houseplants respond in grateful appreciation with increased vigor and beauty. If you’re wondering if all this fussing is worth the effort, just visit the home of someone who’s a known houseplant nurturer. Chances are their plants look pretty fabulous!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to the companies listed below. When you click through on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank You!
