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
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!
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
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!
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!
With the days now stretching noticeably longer and the sunlight growing ever stronger, all gardeners’ thoughts turn towards spring and the sweet joys of gardening.
Today, I’d like to share some inspirational quotes about gardening as we look forward to the warm months ahead . . .
(Photo courtesy of Jill Wellington on Pixabay)
In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. Abram L. Urban
(Photo courtesy of Dewdrop157 on Pixabay)
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all, it teaches entire trust. Gertrude Jekyll
(Photo courtesy of Nile on Pixabay)
I have never had so many good ideas, day after day, as when I worked in the garden. John Erskine
(Photo courtesy of Pexels on Pixabay)
One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. W.E. Johns
(Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
An addiction to gardening is not all bad when you consider all the other choices in life. Cora Lea Bell
(Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes. Clare Ansberry
(Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. Henry Ward Beecher
(Photo courtesy of AsamiG on Pixabay
The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. Hanna Rion
(Photo courtesy of Anelka on Pixabay)
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!
Many years ago while out on an early summer walk, I came across a fairy-tale garden of such enchanting beauty that it stopped me in my tracks.
Hollyhocks (Photo by Kirsten Riemer on Pixabay)
I vividly remember an abundance of towering multicolored hollyhocks and lavender spires of foxglove along with a supporting cast of many other vintage beauties, all combined in a seemingly random but oh-so visually pleasing way. As I stared in awe and admiration, I wondered what it was about this particular garden that spoke to me?
Foxglove (Photo by Holger Schue on Pixabay)
While taking in the beauty of those pleasing blooms, I experienced a wondrous feeling as though I had been transported to a long-ago place and time! In that serendipitous moment, I discovered the old-fashioned style that I wanted to recreate in my own flower beds, one that would connect me to beautiful gardens of the past.
Romantic Roses (Photo by Rebekka D on Pixabay)
An old-fashioned flower garden can include any mix of shrubs, perennials, biennials and annual flowers that have been grown for generations. Some of these plants may bring back fond memories of grandmother’s garden or have an association with a special event in our lives while others carry a delightful fragrance that we simply can’t live without. All are classic plants we’ve come to recognize as cherished old friends!
Fragrant Lilacs (Photo by Sofia Livarinen on Pixabay)
A good place to begin an old-fashioned garden is with some romantic shrubs. Lilacs, Hydrangeas and Vintage Roses are three classics that can create the backbone of your garden. Next, you’ll want to add perennials and biennials such as Bleeding Heart, Peonies, Violets, Lily of the Valley, Forget-Me-Not, Foxglove, Hollyhocks, Ladybells, Lavender and Columbine. Annuals will fill any blooming gaps with ongoing flower power, so be sure to add a variety for season-long color. Some great choices are Sweet Peas, Petunias, Cosmos, Four O’Clocks, Pansies, Marigolds, Zinnias and Heliotrope. If you like to get an early start on blooms, there are also many heirloom flower bulb varieties such as Snowdrops, Daffodils, Grape Hyacinth and Tulips that you can tuck in around your other plants.
Peonies (Photo by Jill Wellington on Pixabay)
The shrubs, plants and bulbs mentioned above are just a small sampling of what you can use to create your own old-fashioned garden. Whether you make it formal and structured or keep it casual and carefree, the only hard and fast rule here is to include plants that you love!
Lavender and Pollinators (Photo by Annette Meyer on Pixabay)
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!
Ferns have a magical quality that enhances the look of other plants around them. When I gaze upon the lush fronds of ferns sharing a windowsill with blooming Phalaenopsis on a cold day in January, winter suddenly becomes a season to savor!
Ferns complement other plants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Ferns are ancient plants that conjure up images of luxuriant green growth in tropical jungles, rainforests and mossy forest floors like those of the Pacific Northwest. Several varieties are extremely hardy such as the Northern Maidenhair Fern which can survive the arctic temperatures of US Hardiness Zone 2 at minus 40 degrees, but those that grow in our homes prefer a much gentler environment.
Wild Ferns (Photo courtesy Albina02 Pixabay)
Did you know that Pteridomania or ‘fern fever’ was an actual craze in Victorian England? The Victorians were so enamored of ferns that whole expeditions were made to procure them in the wild, hunting some to near extinction! Ferneries or specialized greenhouses devoted to ferns were attached to many grand homes while elegant glass Wardian cases or early terrariums protected precious specimens in aristocratic parlors. Lush indoor ferns had become a status symbol!
If you’d like to learn more about fern fever, Sarah Whittingham has written a couple of fascinating books on the subject and I’ve included the links below.
A Victorian style tropical greenhouse (Photo courtesy Echo Wang Unsplash)
Along with other tropical plants such as palms, bromeliads and succulents, ferns are once again coming back into popularity as houseplants. Many people shy away from ferns, thinking they require too much coddling, especially during the winter months when the air in many homes can become excessively dry. Although it’s true that ferns prefer a humid environment over arid heated air, today’s blog will showcase four very different ferns that grow happily in my home with just a little extra attention to moisture.
Close-up of a fern frond (Photo courtesy 5598375 Pixabay)
So, how do I keep my ferns happy? Many fern enthusiasts advise placing humidifiers nearby and/or spritzing the plants with water a couple of times a day. Since I keep a lot of plants around and my house isn’t particularly dry, I don’t do either of those things but instead check the soil for dryness and water deeply a couple of times a week. By that, I mean filling the pot to the brim with room temperature water and then letting it drain thoroughly so that the plant doesn’t sit in leftover saucer water. Repeating this process a couple of times a week through the driest winter months helps my ferns stay well-hydrated and lush. During the warmer months, when humidity levels indoors are more comfortable, ferns require less pampering.
KOREAN ROCK FERN
The graceful fronds of a Korean Rock Fern (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Introduced into this country via East Asian countries, the Korean Rock Fern now grows wild in some regions of Florida and Louisiana. So named because this fern likes growing in moist rocky areas, it also adapts well to being grown indoors in pots. An elegant and graceful plant, The Korean Rock Fern appreciates being kept evenly moist and prefers a home away from direct sunlight.
BIRD’S NEST FERN, CRISPY WAVE FERN
An exotic Crispy Wave Fern (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The Bird’s Nest Fern grows in the wild as an epiphyte or plant that attaches itself to trees or other structures. The open center of the plant, where the new fronds emerge, gives the plant its nest-like appearance. Bird’s Nest Ferns are among those plants listed as natural air purifiers, helping to remove harmful particles from the air in our homes. There are many varieties, some with curly, wavy or crinkly leaves that give these plants a unique look in the world of ferns. Like most ferns, the Crispy Wave Fern appreciates being kept moist but will also tolerate periods of dryness without drooping. Low to medium light is best but more light actually enhances the decorative crinkling. Keep it out of direct sunlight, however, which will yellow the leaves.
RABBIT’S FOOT FERN, PAW FERN
Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The creeping, long, silvery haired rhizomes of the Rabbit’s Foot Fern make it look like a cross between a creature and a plant but the delicate fronds are distinctly fern-like in appearance. These exotic plants grow into stunning mature specimens that visitors cannot help but notice! They flourish with consistent moisture and bright indirect light.
PTERIS FERN, RIBBON FERN
This small Pteris Fern has a silvery variegation (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
If you’re up for a challenge, Pteris Ferns require a little more care than those mentioned above but their tropical beauty makes them well worth the effort. They are delicate plants in that the leaves can easily be bent or broken, so it’s best to keep them out of harm’s way where they won’t be brushed up against and damaged. Consistent moisture is the key to success with these ferns but they resent being waterlogged so don’t overdo it. If you’re fortunate to have a bright bathroom large enough to accommodate plants, the Pteris fern will happily thrive in that humid environment.
The center of a Bird’s Nest Fern with new fronds emerging (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
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!
