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:

Drip-it Pro Watering System - I don't have much luck with these but it's better than nothing.  Last time I used them the water level was the same after several days and I couldn't figure out how to make it work.

Fill up the water tank and secure the solar panel for my DIY solar drip water system - this system is setup to water my most water hungry plants - Mandevilla, Fairy rose, and herbs box.

Load up the two Earthboxes with water.

Watering crystals - first year I've used these and they seem to do a decent job.  I mix them with the soil and use them mostly for the plants under shade.  So far the plants only need occasional watering on hot days.  I don't use them for edible plants because I'm not sure if they are scientifically proved to be safe.

And hope for the best! Stay tune for my next post to see what my garden looks like after I come back from vacation.

The orange blossoms fragrant comes from neroli, the fragrant bitter orange blossom which produces one of the most cherished and expensive oils in the botanical kingdom.  It grows mainly in Morocco, Tunisia, Spain and various other areas of southern Europe.  Neroli oil is very precious and one of the more expensive fragrant oils.

Citrus trees

This smells wonderful too but I couldn't tell what it is.   Any ideas?

Other random pictures around the hotel grounds:

Citrus tree peeking out from a window:

Century plant only blooms once in its lifetime, which is about 30 years.  When it blooms, the stalk grows 5-6 inches a day.  You can literally stand in front of the plant and watch it grow! Its flower stalk can reach 40 feet up in the air.  The century plant uses all its energy to produce this once-in-its-lifetime bloom, and after it finishes blooming it dies.  Another interesting fact about this plant is it provides native Americans a source of food, soap, fiber, medicine and weapons.

Close-up of the flowers:

Here's a century plant in Sedona, AZ:

The daytime temperature was in the nineties but I didn't think it was unbearable probably because it's desert heat, it's different from NY summers.  I'll be posting pictures here on my blog and in my flickr in the next few weeks.  So stay tune!

Look at all the cactus for sale!

Beautiful Chihuly glass display in the background.

My garden is in a small space,  mostly limited to smaller plants that grow vertically. This means planting flowers, vegetables, and other plants in pots or planters. The good news about vertical gardening is that that these types of plants have increased air flow and once they are off the ground they are less susceptible to bugs and other pests that could be potentially harmful to their growth. Once plants reach a height where they begin to fall to one side, I stick a small stake in the soil and gently fasten it to my plant to help encourage further upward growth. This is especially useful when growing my tomatoes.

I also ensure that the area in which to place my garden will receive adequate sunlight. It is vital to the overall health and development of my garden. I try to avoid areas that are prone to high winds, or at the very least have a wind shield to help block harsh winds that may damage the plants. Winds can be especially bothersome for balconies that are several stories high. Once there is a safe place to house the garden, then you can grow to your hearts content.

Maintaining a balcony or patio garden has been a great way to add color and life to my home. With a few simple planters, some soil, and a few packets of seeds, I have my favorite flowers, herbs, and vegetables all from the comfort of my home!

Here's a picture I took during my trip to Capri, Italy.  I noticed there were quite a lot of beautiful container gardens.