Jan 11, 2009
Jan 3, 2009
As iridescent as a prism in a morning room
"There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight."- Gertrude Jekyll
Lantana Camara replaced a row of Ajugas in Dec'08 (ground planted Ajugas didn't survive the rainy season), which had replaced high-maintenance Coleus (requires frequent flower-trimming) early Sep'08. The colours and hues differentiates them from any flowering plant. It changes colours as it matures, see http://ntsavanna.com/lantana-camara/. Though they are a foot tall or less, I just can't wait for it to grow 3 feet for a good trim into a ball!
As it flowers profusely, it has attracted many small butterflies species. Though it is known to give out a certain odour when its leaves or stems are cut (which given its name locally as 'bunga tahi ayam' or chicken droppings) - it offers wondrous colour display like having rainbow in your garden.
Lantana Camara: Spreading Sunset, Pink Caprice, Monol, Depressa or Luscious Lemonade, while the last has many names; Miss Huff, Irene, Confetti.
Some updates on how our garden is thriving so far. After six months, Calathea Lutea had grown so tall (newer shoots seem to be competing in height), reaching our terrace roof. We're guessing 9' tall. Does a good job, obscuring view from the front, a garden trellis, yet allows breeze to ventilate freely in between their stems. And alerts us when it is raining with sound effects. Paired with Ever-red shrubs below.
Heliconia Parrot is thriving. Need to pull out new shoots frequently, when it is still young, before it roots deep, so that its colony will stay in its patch. It has the tendency to steal anyone's attention off the neighbouring flowering plants. It loves sunshine & water, a definitely must have in your home garden.
Another garden trellis idea for you. Heliconia grows up to 3' tall, obscure the view of the house-fence.
For flower gardening ideas, you could opt for Periwinkles.
Top: Our Madagascar Perinwinkle (Catharanthus Rosea) takes the center-stage. Has a predictable nature by encroaching into Ajuga's and Snake Plant's (Sansevieria trifasciata) spaces; as if 'to kiss'. This plant is temperament, it will show signs when thirsting for water. Must try not to over-water at once. It is bushier and sensitive than the Periwinkle Vinca (left). You can differentiate them from their petals and growing habit. The former commonly grown in hanging basket (leaning habit) while the later is preferred on ground (standing habit, tall).
Easy home gardening, just water moderately in the evenings and they'll bloom profusely - everyday!
Lantana Camara replaced a row of Ajugas in Dec'08 (ground planted Ajugas didn't survive the rainy season), which had replaced high-maintenance Coleus (requires frequent flower-trimming) early Sep'08. The colours and hues differentiates them from any flowering plant. It changes colours as it matures, see http://ntsavanna.com/lantana-camara/. Though they are a foot tall or less, I just can't wait for it to grow 3 feet for a good trim into a ball!
As it flowers profusely, it has attracted many small butterflies species. Though it is known to give out a certain odour when its leaves or stems are cut (which given its name locally as 'bunga tahi ayam' or chicken droppings) - it offers wondrous colour display like having rainbow in your garden.Lantana Camara: Spreading Sunset, Pink Caprice, Monol, Depressa or Luscious Lemonade, while the last has many names; Miss Huff, Irene, Confetti.
Some updates on how our garden is thriving so far. After six months, Calathea Lutea had grown so tall (newer shoots seem to be competing in height), reaching our terrace roof. We're guessing 9' tall. Does a good job, obscuring view from the front, a garden trellis, yet allows breeze to ventilate freely in between their stems. And alerts us when it is raining with sound effects. Paired with Ever-red shrubs below.
Heliconia Parrot is thriving. Need to pull out new shoots frequently, when it is still young, before it roots deep, so that its colony will stay in its patch. It has the tendency to steal anyone's attention off the neighbouring flowering plants. It loves sunshine & water, a definitely must have in your home garden.
Another garden trellis idea for you. Heliconia grows up to 3' tall, obscure the view of the house-fence.
For flower gardening ideas, you could opt for Periwinkles.
Top: Our Madagascar Perinwinkle (Catharanthus Rosea) takes the center-stage. Has a predictable nature by encroaching into Ajuga's and Snake Plant's (Sansevieria trifasciata) spaces; as if 'to kiss'. This plant is temperament, it will show signs when thirsting for water. Must try not to over-water at once. It is bushier and sensitive than the Periwinkle Vinca (left). You can differentiate them from their petals and growing habit. The former commonly grown in hanging basket (leaning habit) while the later is preferred on ground (standing habit, tall).
Easy home gardening, just water moderately in the evenings and they'll bloom profusely - everyday!
Dec 30, 2008
Christmas Turkey!
Fooooood !!
Imagine the anticipation to eat, lingering smells of roast and pizza filling up the house ..
All the laughters, teases, catching ups, card games and more food !!
Imagine the anticipation to eat, lingering smells of roast and pizza filling up the house ..
All the laughters, teases, catching ups, card games and more food !!
We had roast turkey on Christmas day!! Our first time for my parents and inlaws (and their families). Being Chinese, we also had roast chicken (2 birds) just in case. 4 large pizzas for growing nephews & nieces; not forgetting a tin-barrel of deep fried keropok. My hubby made tuna sandwich (his proud recipe) and had 4 angels to assist him. Watermelons and pink agar-agar as dessert.
Coffee break specially brewed by 'Ah Ma' (who's also my mum-inlaw) to accompany with cookies and more food !!
We were filled to the brim that we voted (unanimously) for a 'light' dinner. ;-)
I've created a video clip from the pics we (Daniel & I) took, now looking for suitable christmas tune to go with it.
Dec 29, 2008
Zinnias for a sunny garden
Growing Zinnia is said to be easy; "No flowers are easier to grow than zinnias - just plant, stand back and watch them grow into cheerful, brilliantly colored blooms perfect for cutting. The red and bright-pink varieties are especially attractive to butterflies." - quote eHow, http://www.ehow.com/how_6794_grow-zinnias.html
Zinnias need three things to survive: sunny spot, dirt, and some water. If you want your zinnias to thrive, they'll need lots of sun, good soil, and regular water. Zinnias are not particular to soil, are drought resistant and has disease resistance. Zinnias member of the large Aster family of plants, originate from Mexico and were brought to Europe in 1613. They are named after a medical professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn.
I bought 2 black-bags of Zinnias, one (Ferrari) red, 'Heartland Red', and the other pink from USJ nursery, and transplanted into a 16" shallow terracotta pot. The same pot once housed Bluewings-Torenias. Perhaps we over-watered, because the red faded and died after 3 days from transplanting. It is placed to face west for full 5-6 hours noon-sun; protected from heavy downpour from the roof of porch. Our madagascar perinwinkle (catharanthus roseus) and yellow flower (still think it's Kerria) are indicators for pot-watering.
theflowerexpert advises: Zinnias are sensitive to root disturbance, so be especially careful when transplanting. If the taproot is disturbed, the double flowers may revert to single forms. The plants may also self-seed in the garden ... Most zinnias will bloom around three months to bloom from seed.
theflowerexpert advises: the growth is slow or leaves look pale green, fertilize with a soluble or controlled release fertilizer. Pinch young plants when they are 4-6inches high to promote compact, bushy growth. Good air circulation helps prevent onset of fungal leaf diseases. Deadhead spent flowers weekly if possible to promote additional bloom and maintain plant appearance. http://www.theflowerexpert.com/flower-blog/default/2006/01/07/How-to-Grow-Zinnias.html?page=comments
It is mentioned that Zinnias are annual plants and propagate through seedlings. So we see how this pot goes. Will keep you updated.
Update on Jan 3: It lasted less than a month since purchased and celebrated Christmas with us. After pulling out a decaying red Zinnia (in the background), pink Zinnia started to faded quickly and turned brown within a week. I think I should stick to single-flower Zinnias!
Zinnias need three things to survive: sunny spot, dirt, and some water. If you want your zinnias to thrive, they'll need lots of sun, good soil, and regular water. Zinnias are not particular to soil, are drought resistant and has disease resistance. Zinnias member of the large Aster family of plants, originate from Mexico and were brought to Europe in 1613. They are named after a medical professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn.I bought 2 black-bags of Zinnias, one (Ferrari) red, 'Heartland Red', and the other pink from USJ nursery, and transplanted into a 16" shallow terracotta pot. The same pot once housed Bluewings-Torenias. Perhaps we over-watered, because the red faded and died after 3 days from transplanting. It is placed to face west for full 5-6 hours noon-sun; protected from heavy downpour from the roof of porch. Our madagascar perinwinkle (catharanthus roseus) and yellow flower (still think it's Kerria) are indicators for pot-watering.
theflowerexpert advises: Zinnias are sensitive to root disturbance, so be especially careful when transplanting. If the taproot is disturbed, the double flowers may revert to single forms. The plants may also self-seed in the garden ... Most zinnias will bloom around three months to bloom from seed.
theflowerexpert advises: the growth is slow or leaves look pale green, fertilize with a soluble or controlled release fertilizer. Pinch young plants when they are 4-6inches high to promote compact, bushy growth. Good air circulation helps prevent onset of fungal leaf diseases. Deadhead spent flowers weekly if possible to promote additional bloom and maintain plant appearance. http://www.theflowerexpert.com/flower-blog/default/2006/01/07/How-to-Grow-Zinnias.html?page=comments
It is mentioned that Zinnias are annual plants and propagate through seedlings. So we see how this pot goes. Will keep you updated.
Update on Jan 3: It lasted less than a month since purchased and celebrated Christmas with us. After pulling out a decaying red Zinnia (in the background), pink Zinnia started to faded quickly and turned brown within a week. I think I should stick to single-flower Zinnias!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
