Forced Bulbs for Indoors

A lovely gift of forced bulbs was given to me three weeks ago and now the blooms have faded. Since this is a perpetual gift opportunity, I want the bulbs to last, so I can plant them outdoors again and enjoy them year after year. One trick to doing this properly, is not allowing the bulb flowers to go to seed.

To make sure energy is returned back to the bulb, any seed producing part of the plant will need to be removed. Allowing the plant to produce seed will take away energy from the bulb (embryo inside) and will reduce flower potential for any recurrent blooms next year.

Dead head the flowers as soon as you see the bloom petals become papery and faded. Pinch back, behind the bulge on the back side of the flower. You can remove the flower stem as well, but it's not necessary. This way, the bulb plant will use its leaves and stem to photosynthesize and re-energize the bulb, not any seeds.

Seed bulge at the back of the flower petals.

 

Cut back near the base of the flower stalk for hyacinths too.

You can leave the flower stalk, but note it will begin to turn yellow faster than the leaves. Be careful of the stamens. They are full of pollen that can stain clothes.

Removing all the yellowing ends and lifeless stems aids in the plant to regain energy back to the bulb.

At this point, you have two options. Plant the bulbs with leaves out into the garden, when the soil is loose enough and friable to dig down to about 4-5 inches. It's best to do this when heavy frosts are over. Or allow the bulbs to grow in the pot on a sunny window sill. The bulb foliage will begin to yellow and die down in both instances.You can fertilize the plants with blood and bone meal, or fertilizer combinations that have a high middle number (phosphorous). Keep them well watered, but not overly moist. Regular watering and feeding will enlarge the flower embryo inside the bulb.

Once all the leaves are yellow, tug on them slightly and when its the right time, they will come free from the bulb beneath the soil. Plant the bulbs outdoors, or store in a cool, dry place for the fall.

However, if you do want the seeds of such bulb plants, then let nature take it's course. Leave the flowers on the plant stalks and let them drop their petals or dry completely.  Harvest the dried flower pods and separate the seeds from the stalk.

Christmas Gifts for the Gardener

If you are looking for a gift for the gardener in your life, here are a few ideas:

a) Gardeners Hand Recovery Cream - great for cold days working outdoors
b) InteraTarp - trunk and hatch back liner for gardeners who schlep a lot
c) Badger Balm - great for when your cuticles and knuckles crack due to winter temps
d) Gardeners Journal- gardeners help-mate; when your memory fails ;)
e) Leatherman MultiTool  - great tool for the garden shed; you won't have to run to the garage as often
f) Copper Plant Tags - copper tags weather green and never decay
g) Felcos - enough said: or parts like replacement blades and coil - they all are great stocking stuffers
h) German Garden Clogs I enjoy wearing these all the time, even in winter

Outdoor Christmas Container - Little Fun

My colleagues call this one I made - "the galaxy".  lol :) We try to get a bit more creative with each one.

When you have access to great product, you get a little more inventive. Using outdoor ornaments (which tolerate frost and don't crack or have styrofoam burst overwinter) can add a burst of colour when dried accents start to fade. Plus, the outdoor ornaments catch the light, especially at night making your urns pop out a bit more in the dark.

Here I added sprays of lime metallic Christmas balls and one bronze ball, suspended between the birch stems. Fun.

Plant World has an array of styles, made by several designers. Come stop by!  If you want to make one yourself, we can help you too!

The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites

Photo from: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg8464.html

 Every once in a while, I come across a book that is a true resource and "keeper".  The University of Minnesota (Edited by Mary Meyer, Deb Brown and Mike Zins, Extension Horticulturists, University of Minnesota) have drafted a fantastic book called The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites; outlining several plants for tough situations in the garden.

I have not seen this book first hand, apart from the access available on the web.(Chapters are available in PDF format here). I plan to order one straight away.

As stated on their site, these are some of the topics listed:

Inside you will find…

• What can I plant under a black walnut?
• What will grow in alkaline soil?
• What is a good small tree for a boulevard?
• What tree is good for my compacted soil?
• What will grow in dry shade, under trees?

Just thought I would pass along its comprehensive content and give them a shout out - "well done!" Thanks University of Minnesota and the Master Gardeners!

Favourite Tools

I was asked which gardening tools I use, or better yet, which garden tools I couldn't part with.

I've inherited several of my tools from my parents. They invested in good quality and I've been very happy with their longevity and durability.

Let me go through the list:

In no particular order...

1) Tree Spade: this is ideal for transplanting shrubs and trees. Having a smaller blade, it easily allows you to get into dense root systems without damaging them too much.

2) Hard Rake: Ideal for leveling soil, raking soil through turf, or it's back-edge is great for scraping sidewalks and paved areas.

3) Spade: The sharper the better. I use this most often.

4) Hoe: This was my father's and I have not seen its equal in stores. It eases the combat against annual weeds and is easy on the back.

5) Garden Fork: Ideal for weeding perennial borders to rid deeply rooted perennial weeds. Great for aerating too.

6) Lawn or border edger:  Ideal for large bed construction.

7) Soft rosette spray watering can: sometimes a can of water is the only way to gently water in newly establishing plants.

8) Fertilizer siphon: ideal for water soluble fertilizers.

9) Knee Pad: I plan on keeping the knees I've got.

10) Felco's: enough said.

11) Loppers:  must be sharp and have sturdy handles. Takes care of any branch too thick for my felcos.

12) Sheers:  I rather use these than any gas powered version. The sharper the better.

13) Broom: Leaving the site in better condition that when we arrive is the key!

14) Steel toed boots: great ankle, toe and foot protection. Reduces foot fatigue.

15) Hand Saw:  Cuts anything the loppers or felcos can't.

16) Dandelion flicker: After a good rain/soak - this works like a charm. This was Dad's best tool.

17) Atlas Rubber Lined Gloves:  Saved my fingers endless times.

18) Garden Tub: Several functions -- acts as a refuse bin, great transplanting transporter, water jug, soil schlepper....

19) Shallow Garden Tub:  Ideal for potting up plants. 34" diameter.You fill with potting compound and then place your plants/pots inside without getting your work area messy.

20) Hand Trowel: This one has a sturdy shaft and rubber gripped handle. Planting tons of annuals goes fast and easy with this tool.

and lastly...

21) Spray bottle: great for making your own homemade pest/disease remedies.

There are more, and I am sure I will procure more over time. However, the above is generally what I could not function without.

Hope that helps.

Square Foot Gardening

If you are planning to grow your vegetables in raised beds, try this method: Square Foot Gardening.

I remember watching the PBS program, "Square Foot Gardening" when I was a kid. Learning heaps then.  Now, Mel Bartholomew has revised his book from the 80s, concentrating on companion planting, diversifying plant species, improving soil mixes for minimal watering and avoiding chemical usage (for pest or fertilizers).

Great idea for small spaces, for implementing a no-dig method, it minimizes weeding, and is easier on the back.

Lee Valley Garden Tools Catalog

Nothing motivates a gardener more than really useful gardening tools - especially when there's still snow on the ground. I love tools that make less work and promote less wear and tear on the body. I received my Lee Valley Garden Tools Catalog about two weeks ago and a few items caught my attention.

Soil Scoop:  How many times have I taken divisions and needed a sharp edge to cut portions in half, or remove root bound masses? This looks so useful!

 






U Bar Digger:  I've used one similar to this, and it's a back saver. What a great way to break up soil after foot traffic or heavy rains trample down soil.

Crack Weeder:  I always try other methods to chemical controls when it comes to weeds growing between my patio stones. Since half the time I can't pull them out, I think I will add this to my tool collection.





Garden Tub:  I bought one of these last year. I used it all the time. I collapses and tucks away in my deck box, and is quite durable. I plan on buying the Shallow Garden Tub size, (6.5" high, 22.5" in diameter) which is only available at the stores (not online). I will use this shallow one to do small potting jobs, without getting soil every where.


Well that's enough for me this year.  Too tempting.  Check their Lee Valley Garden Tools Catalog  online.

*All photos from Lee Valley

Wedding Favors (Bombonieres) For The Garden

Since I am bent horticulturally, let me offer you some gardening, or "green" ideas as favors:

White Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis alba)
Why not get some Bleeding Heart  perennial seeds or other seeds from your favourite plants? Just collect various seeds and buy these great draw string baggies from a dollar store, like Dollar Tree (below). Add a wedding label and you'll have a very personal gift!

• Little evergreen trees:
  
  
  
  Tree seedlings  are available for planting, come with directions, Plant a memory of the couples union. 

• Seed packages: 
  
  
  
  Seed packages are blank, until your wedding info is stamped on. Filled with herbs, wild flowers, perennials....these are all lovely ideas for sowing seeds. People love them, as planting directions come on the back of the packages! 

• Flowering Bulbs:
  
  
  
  So easy to plant and you can buy bulk bulbs at your local garden centre or big box store and wrap them up just the way you want to!  Great for late summer to autumn weddings. 

• Seeded paper:
  
  
  
   Great idea, which can also be used for table seating cards, thank-you cards...etc.

• Small potted succulents:  
  
  
  
  These are great if you have succulents yourself. You just take cuttings and force them on your own. Lots of work, but so cute and cost saving!  You don't just have to do succulents. Varied mini potted plants are just as beautiful. Such as mini African Violets, Mini Roses, Mini Orchids. There are lots of plants for every taste and budget.

If there are any gardeners in your life, or those who enjoy flowers or plants, any of these favors will delight them! If there aren't, you'll soon cultivate the desire to be one!