Kiku in the Japanese Autumn Garden
If you're going to be in the New York area, don't miss the annual Kiku in the Japanese Autumn Garden exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They are going to transform the courtyard into a beautiful Kyoto garden. You'll see flowers and trees such as Japanese maples, Japanese black pines, bamboos, ferns, and different colors of chrysanthemums.
October 17 - November 15, 2009
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx (Directions)
The Garden is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Seed saving
I've never saved seeds before because seeds are really cheap to purchase. But I want to be a true gardener and try saving seeds as a test. Moss Rose is very easy to start from seeds. I sow the seeds directly outside when the weather is warm enough in spring. Just make sure when you collect the seeds, the seed pods are dry and mature after all the flowers have faded. Seeds must be stored dry in an envelope.
Vacation checklist Part II
So how did my plants do after a week of neglect? The good news is most of the plants survived but some of them didn't do too well.
As expected, the Calibrachoa didn't do too well (Drip-It pro at the back... more on that later). It looks pathetic.
So is the Lobelia:
I just need to repeat this again... Drip-It Pro Watering System does NOT work! DO NOT BUY IT! After a week, the water level is still the same. I've given it a second chance and that's it, they are going into the trash.
The good news is my Earthboxes did a really good job of keeping my vegetables alive. Although I think the water reservoir was close to empty when I got back. Not only did my vegetable plants survived but I got some harvest too:
Plants that had the watering crystals did fantastic and they were nice and healthy. Once again my DIY watering system did a great job of keeping the Mandevilla, Fairy rose, and herbs box alive. Look at the Mandevilla... it's climbing higher than my modified trellis.
From this:
To this:
