Can’t wait for spring
The sun is out and the temperature will get up to 58F today. Days are getting longer and it sure feels like spring! I really can't wait, the gardener in me can't wait to come out.
Back in December I wrote a post about forcing paperwhites and I realized I never came back and post the updates. The paperwhites did really well but nothing really happened with the Amaryllis. The Amaryllis just kept growing long green leaves but the flower stalk I was waiting for never came out.
Paperwhites are fool-proof and it's great if you're looking for some blooms during the winter months. I grew the paperwhites in a tall narrow pot but I think next year I'll look for a wider and shorter pot so I can put more bulbs in it. Paperwhites look great when planted in groups.
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.
