Posted by (Janna) on June 22, 2010

Whoa, Kim - good deal on the yellow orchid! I really like the stephanotis vine, too. You’re doing a smart thing by moving the new plants around until they say “Ahhhh…I like it here.”

Despite the bite marks on your angel’s trumpet, it still looks healthy. I haven’t seen any lubbers either, but I’ve definitely got something taking chunks out of the sweet potato vine.

Maybe Miracle-crack on the lantana?

Posted by (Chip) on June 22, 2010

I love a great deal! some of the road side stands and small shops have hidden treasures. knowing how much water a plant needs is open to debate some plants that you would think just can’t get enough water do not. Tomato’s, watermelons, cantaloupe will split open or rot if they get to much. Peppers thrive on being wet. You would think it would be the other way around! The irrigation seminar I went to had five Collage professors [my brain still hurts from that] and how much and when to water was at the center of all of those speech’s and they couldn’t come up with one easy way to go. You would need a supper computer to use one of the formulas so I use Diane’s method water til I am bored and call it good…“Chip”

Posted by (Kim Franke-Folstad) on June 22, 2010

I love that angel’s trumpet. It was so tiny when I got it at the plant swap, and it is getting taller every day. But there are always those big chomp marks on the leaves! I’ve sprayed some Garden Safe on it, but it doesn’t seem to do much good.

As for the lantana, just as I was pushing the send button, I realized I never fertilize that stuff. Never had to before. But desperate times ... Maybe some Miracle Crack this weekend.

I love that patience was forced upon me when it comes to putting in the new plants. I do most of my planting on weekends, and I didn’t get these new babies home in time to get them in on Sunday, so I have all week to find the right spot.

Posted by (Kim Franke-Folstad) on June 22, 2010

I’m not very trusting anymore of written or verbal instructions on how to care for plants.

I bought an ornamental pepper at Busch Gardens’ garden shop a few weeks ago, and the woman there said full sun. Ouch. The leaves were “sunburned” right quick.

I moved it to a cooler spot, and it’s doing much better now.

Posted by (kgardens) on June 22, 2010

Kim, your new vine is very pretty.  Does it have fragrance? How fun to find those bargains.  You are definitely being smart to wait and site your new plants carefully.  I’ve learned the hard way the importance of knowing the plant’s needs and the conditions of the site.  Hope your lantana starts blooming for you.  Bloom booster sounds like a good idea.  Your pest damage doesn’t look like lubber bites.  They are much bigger.  Just for the record I killed 5 big yellow ones yesterday.  Haven’t seen any today so far.

Posted by (Kim Franke-Folstad) on June 22, 2010

The stephanotis is supposed to have a great fragrance, and this one does, but it’s not very strong. Probably another of those plants you should put close to a path or doorway to make sure you smell it as you walk by.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any spots like that left!

The flowers feel very sturdy—almost waxy. And from what I read, it occasionally gets a large seed pod that a lot of people mistake for fruit (looks kind of like a mango).

If I get one of those, I will definitely bring seeds for everyone the next time we all meet!

Posted by (Chip) on June 24, 2010

I am Working on getting the feral cats out of my garden. I don’t really want to but things are getting out of hand.  They brought friends and had kittens. watching the kittens and cats play in my garden always gives me a smile. something about cats in the garden just feels right like they belong. My favorite garden cat used to lay on my back while I weeded I sure do do miss her. I am working on socializing the kittens before I trap them so that way they might have a chance but mom is wild so so are they. If I could only train them to hunt lubbers they would be worth there weight in kibble! If any one wants a kitten let me know otherwise these guys will have to take there chance at animal control my house is full ..“Chip”

Posted by (Pumpkin) on June 25, 2010

Kim, I love your new vine, they did not like the freeze from last year, but lets hope that was a once in a life time freeze.  I find most scented vines or roses smell the best in the early morning, late evening and right before a rain. I am two weeks behind in plant buying, but I cant bend or stoop for 3 weeks and I don’t think Mr. Grumpy would plant too many for me? But,  if I find any I can’t live without I and bringing those babies home.

I i’ll be away from my garden for two weeks at least and was killing 15 to 15 lubbers a day before I left, so I may not have much left. Pumpkin

Posted by (Janna) on June 26, 2010

Geez, now I have to worry about a hawk-moth caterpillar? Thanks for the heads-up, though. I have lots of Datura that are not blooming as profusely as they were a few weeks ago, but still have leaves.

Chip - you animal lover, you! It’s really good that you are trying to socialize the kittens so that they will have a chance for adoption. My guess is that if one turns out to be a lubber hunter like Willy, you may have a new garden mate!

Posted by (Janna) on June 26, 2010

Pumpkin, I’m so glad that you are home and recuperating well. I know it will be tough for you to refrain from planting and weeding for three weeks. BUT… you have already created such a peaceful paradise in your yard that I can think of no better place for you sit, relax, regain your strength and admire the beauty.