Plant Labels and Nursery Tags

When I first started working at a garden nursery, I remember the owner showing me where the plant labels and nursery tags were kept way in the back of a storage space in a boxes on tall shelves.  I asked him what he does with the left overs and he looked at me perplexed.  I wanted them, and he had no problem with letting me take them, although I guess he wondered why.

To me, plant labels are an amazing resource, a mini-library of sorts for looking up details about a plant you just purchased or one you have been admiring in your garden for years.  I keep my plant labels in a box and sometimes when I can’t remember a particular detail, I may rummage through my boxes to find the label.  It can be a bit of like going through an old photo album where the other pictures (labels) I look through remind me of fun days of the past.  I’ll come across labels reminding me of a plant and how it performed, where it was used, and it also reminds me that I’m plant crazy.  I sure have tried out alot of varieties.

Of course, today the QR Codes right on the plant tags and labels, direct you instantly to detailed information about the plant or product via your smart phones with an instant scan.  BTW, here’s mine to my Facebook business page.  (Note:  The buttons are not showing in the correct language, if you know why, tell me – I’m new to this.)

Cathy T’s FB Page

I find the QR Codes are super helpful as well, so perhaps my old box of labels will be retired to the recycle bin or, heck, maybe some day they will be collector’s items just like old concert tickets or baseball cards.  With technology, who knows.  The younger gen may look at a plant tag someday in the far future, and ask, “What’s that?”…, like they do with record albums.  But, for now, I have to say, when I see a “good label,” I still have the urge to keep it in my reference box of labels and nursery tags.

That happened just the other day, yet this label for the plant was one I could not fit in a box.  My husband and I were shopping together, and he saw a blackberry plant.  “I want this,” he said.  Well, I thought, I don’t get into planting fruiting deciduous vines too often, except for the unusual ones, like two kiwi vines I have growing (which take five years to produce fruit), plus we have wild berries on our property along the woods along with wild grapes, but hey, if he wants a blackberry plant – so be it, a blackberry plant I will tend to for him.

Blackberry Potted Up

So last weekend, I potted it up into a big container – yup, I could not resist the urge to put it on the deck with a pretty mini trellis versus planting it in the ground somewhere.  It is already poppin’ out buds, so he will get berries on his plant this season.

But back to the label, it was actually printed on the outside of the pot with color images.  The pot was the label. Listed is the habit of the plant, how to plant it, when and how to prune it, and the harvesting instructions.  Turning it around to the other side of the pot, it also included a list of “Blackberry Health Benefits.” Did you know?…, “1 cup of blackberries contains about 33% of the daily dietary fiber and 50% of the daily Vitamin C suggested intake.”  And they are “low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.”  All good.

Next to be listed on the pot was the “nutrients…” such as Iron, Zinc, Niacin, Calcium, etc.  That pot creation with the details on the pot is a job well done by the grower, also stamped on the pot by Berry Family Nurseries of Tahlequah, OK.  In checking the bottom of the pot, I noticed it has excellent drainage holes – 8 to be exact, and a recycle number so it is recyclable. Because all the information was right there on the pot, the information was not lost (as happens with other removable plant tags) and I liked the color image of the berries on it too.

So what do typical labels tell us?  Many will have the exposure (full sun, shade, etc.), the Latin or Botanical name of the plant and its common name, a photo of the plant, and of course the price.  Some labels will offer where to find out more about the plant and many today, probably all, have the QR Codes which you can snap a photo of or scan with QR Reader application to get more detailed information about it.  Usually the care and maintenance is listed along with planting steps.  And a good label should include its planting zone for which the plant is suited to, especially with many zones warming up.  Sometimes if I spot a plant I haven’t seen before at a grower’s or nursery, I’ll look at the zone on the tag…, and yup, it doesn’t happen often, but it may not be for our zone in CT, but if you are like me, that is okay too for I like planting plants in containers and enjoying them anyways.  I don’t limit myself to just my zone for container gardens.  Some labels may include information that it is for your region with words like, “Plants for the Northeast.”  Words handy for those that want to ensure they have a hardy candidate for their plantings in the landscape or gardens.

There are alot of nursery tags and labels in vibrant colors or with little logos or recognizable icons.  Take Jeepers Creepers for example.  They have a cute little lady bug character on the tag next to their brand name.  Proven Winners labels are instantly noticed, not only because of their logo and label but because of their pot too.  Often white with the big PW trademark on the side.  Some labels are cut out in shapes, like Sara’s Super Herbs will have the top of a pepper plant shown with the label in the shape of a pot with a plant on top.  Their labels contain alot of details and I like that.  But again, with the QR Codes, perhaps labels will be reduced, which helps with the recycling issue, less plastic trash and production of paper products, I would imagine.  Lastly, many labels also tell you if their tag and pot is biodegradable.  We are certainly seeing more of those which is a good thing.

Labeling plants can present challenges for the growers.  They must stay attached to the pot, be able to get wet from watering of the plants, and I imagine are a big cost to produce.  But they are a must, for a plant without a label is really not very helpful to the gardener, especially if you want to pick the right plant for the right place and learn the plants details and features.   Cathy T 

The Hearts of the Market

I just want to shout out again a very sincere “Thank YOU” to all my friends, family, and clients and marker go’ers for taking the time to come visit me at my first time selling plants and container gardens at the Ellington Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 12th.

Would you believe, I arrived with my supportive husband, Steve, two hours before anyone else to setup my tent?  And my husband had injured an arm so he was one-handed the whole time but insisted he could do it.  I certainly can not put up those EZ-Up tents alone and not sure how others do that, but I’ve been practicing.  And I still have to manage to learn how to handle my big enclosed trailer.  All in good time, but all my plants and containers made it safely and setup in time for the event which is a very fast three hours from when the market opens at 9:00 am sharp and closes around noon.

Moving containers is kind of like moving cakes, one topple could ruin it all so all were packed with packing materials and carefully unloaded.  Because it was the day before Mother’s Day, many of my container gardens were small to medium sized, but be on the look out for my June showing of large and showy container gardens which I plan to have for the June 16th date at the Ellington Farmer’s Market, which is the day before Father’s Day.  Dads will be on my mind for that weekend.

I think probably the most interesting part of the day was at the very end, when one of the vendors came buy to purchase my special find, a bowl with a wrought iron base, which I refurbished from a consignment shop and filled with Hens and Chics and blinged a bit.  He got it for his Mom and said he had to wait til the end of the day to get it so she wouldn’t know which he picked out.  His name is Greg Hazleton and he owns an organic farming business, called “Earthwise Organic Landscaping” located in West Suffield, CT.  He offered me a dozen eggs for a little discount on the container, and I couldn’t pass up the eggs, nor his optimistic attitude.  He is also on the Board of the market, and I met his mother earlier at my tent.  As she browsed around I hinted that if she told me which container she liked, I could encourage her son towards it later.  But she insisted she wanted to buy a plant herself, which she did.  I just thought it was funny that at the end of the day, I ended up with fresh eggs, enjoying them like a little reward the next morning with my husband as he served them up with toast.  Oh, and by the way, Greg’s mother told me that her daughter, Kimberly, has a Yoga Studio, called “The Revival Room” right down the road at 125 Maple Street.  Hmmm, I thought, I’ve eyed that building before – it is quaint, cute, and local.  She said she has great yoga classes there.

Another great part of the day is witnessing people pick out something special for their mothers.  It comes from their heart.  One guy asked, “Which do yout think Mom would like?”  I quickly responded, not realizing he was talking to his daughter!  Ooops, I sure he found that amusing.  The heart of children, daughters, and sons are revealed at the market, especially on Mother’s Day weekend.  Farmers markets encompass the heart actually because products are made by very passionate people proud of their craft and products.  You can be sure the vendors put alot of time and effort to create something they love themselves and want to share with others.

Collins Compost, http://www.collinscompost.com/friends, located at 9 Powder Hill Road in Enfield, CT was there too.  I barely had a minute to talk to Tracey Clague, a member of the family that runs their business.  She and I have spoken over the phone, via email, and by letters for over 3 years now.  I’ve asked her to send me brochures about their wonderful compost to share with my landscape and gardening clients.  Now finally, we met  in person, but it was brief because she and I were both unloading and setting up in the morning, and we remained busy throughout the day. At the end of the day, we shared smiles as I purchased 3 bags of their compost for myself to take home, asking her coworker to load the bags for us in my trailer, because I was really fearing my husband’s arm would get worse with any lifting.  He has a damaged muscle to his rotator cuff.

There is a band playing every Saturday and usually farm animals are there for the kids, and yes, for the adults too.  One little girl told me there were bunnies at a tent, and I was so tempted to go look to get one for my bunny cage, that has a green roof of sedums mixed from last season, but I could just see the fox that got my chickens last season, staring at that bunny in the cage, and envisioned the bunny shaking like a leaf.  Nope, can’t do that until I can enclose a setup completely from the predators in my woodlands around my house.

Again, it was so nice to see all my friends… thank you Maryse, Lysa, Guillaine, Donna, Denise, Mom and Dad, Jimmy and Nancy, Linda and Kenney, Doreen, Charlotte, Laurie, Dolores, Marybeth and Pete, Catherine, and all the new friends I met at the Ellington Farmers Market on a beautiful sunny day…., and or course, Steve, my helper and supporter – who said this morning, his arm is feeling better.  Phew, Thank God!

P.S.  My next date at the market is Saturday, May 26th.  Located at Arbor Park in Ellington, CT.  Hope to see you there!  Cathy T

Market Coming Up

Save the date to visit me at the Ellington Farmers Market this Saturday, May 12^th. Along with all the other wonderful local vendors, we will be celebrating the market’s weekly theme, “Gardening Grows the Spirit.”

To me, nature’s spirit is represented every day in the garden by the way of light and water. Often a droplet of rain sitting on a leaf will shimmer just like a jewel or the rainbow’s colors will be revealed while watering plants. Even a fly – yes a fly, landing on a plant, has a glimmer of iridescence on its back that one may notice.

Nature has a way of providing its own bling – thus my offerings at my first date at the market are about growing the spirit with a bit of bling. Yes, “Bling your Spring,” I say! You can expect to see unique container gardens of a size manageable to take home to Mom or for yourself, along with some bodacious plants. I hope you will have the time to come visit on Saturday.

The market opens at 9:00 am and closes at 12:00 pm each Saturday. It is located at Arbor Park on Route 286/Main Street in Ellington, next to the Ellington Fire Department and Hall Memorial Library. Look for the white gazebo. Enter along the side driveway which continues to a large parking lot in the back that circles around to another exit.

Cyou soon, Cathy T

Cathy T Farmers Market May 12

Teaching the Younger Generation

Last nite, I attended the first career fair at the East Windsor Middle School.  Walking through the front entrance, I glanced over to see a plaque on the wall with letters in bronze stating the school was erected in 1966.  “Hmm, I thought, a couple years before I was born.”  I don’t have many memories of walking into this place but I sure do remember the cafeteria, where the career fair was being held.  I was asked out by a boy that I did not like, and I remember a food fight one day too in the cafe – yes, we had food fights back then and wouldn’t get arrested for it.

Not knowing what to expect, I started to unpack my materials to show the kids during the evening’s activities.  To my left, two software developers located in my home town had quite the nice setup with laptops and big screens to show the students how coding is done for various app’s and games.  To my right, a balloon maker.  How is one to compete with that? LOL.  There was also a veterinarian, hairdresser, accountant, land surveyor, and more.

First to arrive, two young gentlemen, saying they like plants.  I showed them things like a quick flow chart of the steps I take in my landscape design process, photos of befores and afters, explaining the digital imaging concepts and CAD rendering scaled documents, and where I went to college, how I took Master Gardener Program later, and the importance of knowing about soil, nutrients, botany, and especially “the plants.”  But I didn’t elaborate too long on that because I know their attention span would get bored looking at a rotating power point screen, so I quickly had them take a look at my landscape program and give it a trial run.  This is when their faces perked up.

They loved trying out the program, clicking and dragging the plant options.  In fact, one of them placed an ornamental tree in the same exact place I did on my true design of the image prior.  Patting him on the shoulder, I told him just that.  I also pointed out that their generations, with their intense participation of technology, will be teaching “us – the older gen” new applications in the world of landscaping and horticulture.  “I’m just keeping up,” I explained.

The software developers next to me were showing how to create applications for smart phones, and I showed them new app’s I’ve loaded on my iPhone as tools for what I do, like a “color wheel app” for designing, and a “bug finder” app for plant problems, and even a Square Up app so I can take credit cards during sales at shows and farmers markets – but all the while, I explained to them – you have to know the plants, the site, the conditions, and the exposure, etc.  All of these tools can be helpful – but your study of horticulture is more important if you want to go into this type of work.  “You have to know the plants,” I emphasized again.

A group of young ladies came by.  As they approached, I asked, “Who here likes plants?”  One gal pointed to her friend and she nodded with agreement.  “Here’s you go – a free perennial catalogue for you,” I said.  They told me they have been designing a courtyard at the school in the back, and how long it has taken to draw their designs to scale on graph paper, so as you can imagine, showing them the CAD rendering of my program spoke to them immediately.  Again, same speech about learning, and the importance of knowing the plants, soil, botany and more, then they all gave the program a trial run.  They gravitated directly to the beautiful perennials in the program as they clicked and dragged through the landscape program’s features.

Towards the end of the evening, a solo young lady came by.  She asked more question than the others.  She wanted to know about an insect she has seen on the shrubs infront of their house recently.  We talked about the process of id’ing insects, and I showed her a new app I loaded on my iPhone with a database of insect photos and reference information.  Explaining the Master Gardener program to her, I gave her instructions to collect the insects, put them in a container, put in the freezer and bring them to the Tolland Agricultural Center on Hyde Road in Vernon, CT, where the Master Gardener Interns there will take a look at them to id them, and even put them under the microscope for a thorough look.  She wrote the information down to share with her parents later.  “By the way, this service is free,” I told her.  See: http://www.ct.gov/caes/site/default.asp

The other cool part about being at this event is I was able to share the conceptual design images I have started for the BMX/Skate Park being built in East Windsor on Reservoir Road.  See http://www.freewebs.com/ewbmxskateboard/.  They liked the idea of the tire planters, and it also reminded them the park will be open soon to enjoy.

And I also told them membership to the Connecticut Horticultural Society (www.cthort.org) is free to students with a valid student ID.  Maybe one day, a teacher, or perhaps myself, will arrange a group ride to a one of their program meetings in West Hartford, CT.  Their last speaker was on water gardening – they would have loved that.

Overall, I was impressed with the young students’s interest.  When asking them if they knew the difference between a perennial and annual, one boy quickly defined them to a “t” saying, “Perennials grow year to year.”   As they looked at the program, I explained how there are many different types of shrubs from deciduous to broadleaf evergreens, and the importance of knowing about invasives, and why.  We don’t want to plant a thug or one that will over take someone’s yard, explaining Purple Loosestrife we often see taking over open fields in our town as an example of invasives.  See: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/

At the end of the evening, the program coordinator told me they had the same look in their eyes that she has seen when teaching, meaning they were taking the information in.  I hope so and if yes, perhaps a new young gen designer will be born.  My only regret, I should have brought some plants along to compete with those fun balloons by the balloon maker and the cool computer displays by the software developers next to me.  …Duh, its about the “plants.”

Thanks for visiting my blog post!  Cathy T

 

MAY UPDATES

The first day of May has finally arrived.  Hopefully the chilly evenings we have been experiencing lately will pass soon for it is testing my patience.  I want to get rockin’ and rollin’ with my plants outdoors now. 

Here’s some updates of activity coming up on Cathy T’s Calendar – and I hope on your’s too!

ESSENTIAL OILS CLASS

Click on my “DIY and How-To Classes” link on this blog to read about a class coming up in June 2012.  My guest speaker, Laurie Noll, will be showcasing a “Raindrop Technique” and reviewing many oils derived from nature’s offerings.  This get together will be held outdoors (weather permitting) and includes a demonstration and review of the benefits derived from many essential oils.  Give your mind, spirit, and senses a break of relaxation.  Join us if you can.  You will find it renewing.

FARMERS MARKET

In two weeks, I will be making my first apparence at the Ellington Farmer’s Market.  Click on the “Calendar” link on this blog to read more, obtain directions, and see the details.  The market is held on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  I will be there on 3 key dates:  The Saturdays of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Memorial Day.  My first date with the market is Saturday, May 12th.  Get ready to “Bling your Spring” with the unique container gardens and plants I will have available for sale.  You won’t regret stopping by as there will be many other vendors with wonderful locally grown or created products.  Plus there’s a band too!

GARDEN TALKS

I’ve been doing some garden talks at various locations on — of course, Container Gardening, with a special focus on “color and texture.”  I have to say, the response has been very positive by the attendees.  One lady told me she knows nothing about gardening and learned things she never knew during my talk.  Another said she went out and bought containers that next day to start practicing the techniques covered.  See the “Calendar” section on my blog for more dates coming up.  This week, I will be at the East Windsor High School, on Thursday evening, May 3rd, to share my career experience of working in the horticultural world with students during their Career Fair.

BMX/SKATE PARK with MASTER GARDENER INTERNS

This is probably the project I’ve been enjoying most, but then again, I’m super excited about the farmer’s market participation as well.  There is a new park in my hometown of East Windsor, CT, on Resevoir Road being built as I type.  It is a park for the young gen and their family to enjoy the extreme sports of skate boarding.  Now, mind you – I have no experience in skateboarding myself – but I do enjoy “fast moving” sports. Yet, I was very inspired by the dedication of the town families, parents, committe, and kids that worked six years to raise funds for this park.  Thus, I decided to offer my help of planting recommendations and design elements for the park.  And I presented the project to the Master Gardener Interns at the Tolland Agricultural Center in Vernon, CT as an “Outreach Project”.  It is all volunteer based, non-profit, and an excellent opportunity to learn about the various design phases.  Next door to the BMX/Skate Park is a new dog park, if you didn’t know.  As I’ve visited the site with interns, I’m impressed to see how many local people use the dog park too.  If you think you’d like to participate on “Planting Day” or drop off some divisions from your gardens as a contribution to the Plant Wish List, please contact me at 860-977-9473.  Thank you in advance! 

LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

I’ve done several designs this spring for homeowners.  To see the latest testimonials, go to “DESIGNING LANDSCAPES” section of my blog.  I have to say, sometimes I think landscape designing is more about creating solutions than plants.  Every client had a unique problem to solve, like how to preventing four very active dogs from digging in garden beds to how to design a front foundation which actually prevented people from going to the main front door.  However, what I love about the digital imaging conceptual designs, it helps the homeowners to see the suggested solutions with the various plant options at the same time.  I’ve added a new feature to my design offeringst his season called ePlans, where I email the images direct to you as a client.  It has been well-received, is fast and functional, and actually quite fun.  Like unveiling the grand stage, and with the iPhones and smart phones out there, this is just a perfect fit.  You can click and carry your design images direct to the nursery or work with me for a “Design and Deliver” as you plant your design concepts.  Interested?  Call me to learn more.  And if you happen to be a landscape installer reading this post – call me – I’m available to do designs for you and your clients.

POTTING UP CANNA RHIZOMES

I’ve begun the process off potting up some Canna rhizomes and elephant ear tubers.  And will be picking up my plant order next week for my upcoming shows, booked container garden parties, and special orders including dressing up a client’s patio for an upcoming special occassion and helping another client with her son’s wedding.  So the days are keeping active.  Just yesterday, I lined up my pots to get them ready on a new potting bench I made out of a nine foot long pallette. 

In summary…as we start our May month – the best kickoff month to gardening, I hope you will come visit me or give me a call if you need a design, some planting advice, a container garden party, or container install at your home or business. 

In the meantime, enjoy the rain we are suppose to get this week – it sure is dry out there.  My plants and your’s are thirsty.  Thank you for visiting my blog, Cathy T

 

 

Har-Har-Hardiness Map – What is my new Planting Zone?

If you are a regular visitor of my blog, you probably have read opening sentences starting with…, “When I went to college…(fill in blank)…”  Not to bore you, but, “When I went to college for hort courses, I never heard the term hardy.”  

Yes, that is correct.  Professors didn’t say hardy, neither did students.  That is not to say we did not learn about planting zones, review the zone map showing our average lowest winter temperatures by geographic location, and learn about the existing 11 zones and why they are important to plant survival.  Probably we didn’t hear the term because we were focused on botany and not selling plants.

However, the reverse happened as soon as I started working in a retail garden nursery center.  Practically everyone, staff and customers, used the term hardy all the time.  Customers would come in and often ask, “Is that hardy?”  And the staff seemed to use alot.  I noticed that word bounce around every day as if you were knowledgeable if you said “hardy.”

So I learned quickly.  While showing customers plants, I would point to this or that, responding, “Yes, this is hardy, that is hardy.  In fact, almost everything is hardy – the store wouldn’t sell it otherwise.  Ah, usually, as there are exceptions, and I’m glad there are.”  Such as the wonderful world of tropical plants, not hardy to our planting zone — but I would tout their benefits anyways. And of course, annuals are not hardy here, but they are elsewhere in the country. Hardiness zones never stopped me from adventuring down the non-hardy path as well.  Thank the Nature Gods. I love seeing new plants and using plants not hardy – otherwise, it would get boring, at least for me.

OK, back to today’s post.  It is not to educate you on what hardiness means or to define planting zones, because I’m guessing most of you know.  Plus with a quick click of the mouse on the web, you can find definitions.

Today’s post is to let you know what you may not have yet discovered.  The “New Plant Hardiness Zone Map” has just been released by the USDA.  Yes, finally an update.  The first since 1990.  And you can find it here:

www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

It has a new Zone 12.  Can you locate it on the new map?  Also you may notice zones are divided into “a” and “b” (not technically new, the a and b thing, I mean) but some zone temperatures are shifting a bit… becoming a tad bit warmer or I should say the boundaries are shifting.

Surprised?  I’m sure not after this pleasantly mild winter in Connecticut.  But the changes lead us down to questioning what will happen to our plants this year.

Also, not surprising, there are 13 zones now instead of 11 zones.  You can search them all by zip codes.  Try entering your’s to locate your exact planting zone.  Bear in mind, microclimates around your planting spaces, and of course Mother Nature’s tricky ways, may be factors affecting your plants ability or non-ability to survive, altering your own little zonal world.

As for me, I have to get busy because all these zone warms-up have not provided me the normal winter pause.  In fact, things have sped up.  We are probably three weeks in advance.  So I must sign off for the day to get back to work.

Sincerely yours,

Zone 6a :  -10 to  -5  (F)

 

Cathy T

Philadelphia Flower Show 2012

Oceany blue waters with lights cast above on white orchids, awwh, very beautiful. Perfect scene for a wedding. Special event, etc.

Philly Show is served up Hawaiian Style

Aloha!  I am back from the Philadelphia Flower Show, themed Hawaiian style this year.  My feet are sore, my eyes are tired, and my joints slightly achey from all the walking, looking around, and carrying of garden goodies and books from our two day visit of this yearly event.  But yet, I would do it all again.  And I think my husband, Steve, would too.  Especially because they had a “Man Cave” at the show this year…more on that later.

Rather than blab on and on about how spectacular a show of this size is, (it is the world’s largest indoor flower show), and its impact on inspirational gardening juices, I’d like to share some of the iPhone snapshots I took  of certain features which especially captured my attention, and why.  I’ll save the babbling for when I see you in person.  Because there is so much more to say than this quick post today.

Phalaenopsis Orchids in Blue Waters

Phalaenopsis orchids, known as Moth Orchids, are a favorite for many orchid and houseplant lovers because they are well suited for homes and easy to grow. I’m no orchid specialist, but they had every type of orchid you could image at this show.  There were walls of them, many embedded in tropical gardens, masses dangling from tall overhead structures and situated near a massive waterfall on its rock edges, and of course, lots showcased as floral art design elements, worn as fresh Hawaiian Leis and as jewelry.  If you are an orchid lover, this year’s show was for you.  Orchids are beautiful, eye-catching, plus they smell nice.  But of all the orchids we saw at this show, especially beautifulwas a mass of Phalaenopsis orchids in a very large square area on the show floor, literally located at feet to knee level, housed in water dyed a vivid ocean blue color in clear glass vases designed by Robertson’s Flowers.  Lights below the vases cast brilliance onto the white of the orchids and I thought to myself, this is way prettier than white orchids dyed blue.  I literally crouched onto the floor to get some photos.  The space was calming and the white of the orchid was intensely clean and fresh, as fresh as a bride’s wedding gown.  Plus this feeling repeated a design composition seen earlier in the show, at the show’s main entrance hall, where a huge overhead projection screen was flushed in similar blue colors with white orchid flower images floating on imaginary waves.  The structure was above your heads and created a dramatic entrance before leading you down the path through tropical gardens where the floor of the moth orchids were showcased further along your journey.  A different style unveiled and would be perfect for a wedding scene.

Jungle nook, Outdoor Shower? I don't know but it feels like a little private space with reusing materials left behind.

Dole Barrel in an Abandoned Space

When we visited the Big Island two years ago, there were many hideaway places, and a certain part of a display at the show included old barrel stamped DOLE surrounded by lush foliage.  Tall bamboo in the background with elephant ears, ferns, and other lush foliage made the space feel private or discovered accidentally. This scene felt like a real yet different part of Hawaii’s nature offerings.  Maybe not one every tourist would see, but one definitely fitting to the way tropicals can grow to create a jungle, especially in an abandoned space or perhaps a private hideaway place.  And suddenly, if you are adventuring in that jungle world, you may come across an old artifact or gone by tool of a grower, or in this case, perhaps a place where pineapples were once grown on the island but no longer in production.  I read later, this barrel may have been intended to be an outdoor shower, but I didn’t think that when I first saw it.  It reminded me of some of the abandoned places or rustic looking items you can find on island adventures.   Left behind for the foliage to claim or an adventurous soul to discover and reused in a new way.  If it was meant to be an outdoor shower, I missed that part – because the show is so crowded sometimes you get to see only pieces or sections at a time, and this Dole barrel section was a quick snapshot of a moment.  It made me remember places I visited in prior visits to the real Hawaii.  An informal side.

Art Pieces Perfect for Container Gardens

Beautiful for containers too.

There were many more art pieces this year at the flower show that can easily be used in container gardens, which I was pleased to see.  From glass blown garden pieces to well made garden lighting accents, and pots fashioned with fountain components included.  This is all good for the world of container crazy people, like moi.  When I approached the lighting display by Stone Manor Lighting, www.StoneManorLighting.com, my first question was, “Were these featured in Garden Design magazine?”  The two gentlemen manning their booth jumped up and replied with, “Yes!”  I remember admiring the copper and brass stemmed flower lighting pieces in garden photos only two days ago when browsing the mag, and voila, here they were at the show.  It took seconds for me to order up a set of the buttercup yellow trio.  I can’t wait to put them in a large container with some complementary flower color schemes.  Also, displayed for sale at the show were beautiful blown glass art pieces by Barbara Sanderson of Glass Gardens NW. Visit www.glassgardensnw.com to see the plate size glass fountains on stems in unique shapes and vivid colors.  Some made me think of fern frond shapes.  Her fountains include matching glass balls which float gently in the waters from the circulation.  Her art pieces are perfect elements to step up container gardens and flower pots - a way to combine nature with art and capture light and water.  And perhaps, her fountians help reduce the need for watering?

Perfect for container gardens and waters too!

Globe Sized Glass Bowl Terrariums

Globe Size Terrariums in Competition Areas

In the horticulture display area, where featured plants are staged as individuals of glorious growth or amazing bloom, in perfect condition, many for competitions, was also a display of several large globe bowls filled with tropicals, pitcher plants, moss, and earthy elements creating mini woodland gardens scenes -  a larger sized terrariums.  Terrariums are hot this year. I am seeing them everywhere and I like them, but I also perfer big pots, so when I saw these shiny large clear glass globes that were large versus the typical tiny terrariums, I had to take a few photos.  Yes, I definitely want to create some of these this year.  I’m going to track down the bowls and maybe offer a session on making theses.  These big bowls feel like outdoor decor and in the right setting can be serve a modern look.  The lights at the show made the bowls sparkle and brought a certain spotlight to the garden housed within.

Vertical Wall of Lettuce

Pass the dressing

I remember saying in a group meeting with some horticulture type people that vertical gardening was becoming popular (believe it was at least one year ago), and then quickly getting offended when one woman laughed at my comment.  Guess she was thinking I was referring to those bags you hang from flower hooks to grow upside down vegetables.  Those are useful for some too, but that was “not” was I was talking about.  Well, at this year’s Philly show, there was a forty foot long wall of lettuce – a vertical garden of fresh foliage for the eating.  Watching a gal poke behind the lettuce bunches to figure out how they stayed there, I had to chuckle – Now this is what I meant by vertical gardening!  What a perfect concept for restaurants with outdoor seating areas.  I have to say, the display of this colorful mix of lettuce on a tall long wall, which I believe was by City Harvest Garden, Meadowbrook Farm Store, and PHS members, was definitely all about the gardeners that love to grow what they eat.  An area of vegetable gardens, an enclosed area with a garden table enclosing plants down the center, latterns hanging above made from galvanized pots, and nooks with old wooden walls as backdrops, all with the look of community gardens filled with vegetable plants.  Pass me the salad dressing, I was ready to eat.  Later, at the Reading Terminal Market next door to the convention center, I spotted fresh lettuce bagged up – but in inflated clear bags, and you know, that looked appetizing as well.  Both scenes makes us appreciate home grown and fresh, and how wonderful that experience can be, whether gardening vertically or horizontally.

Lush green packaging of lettuce

Cutesy and Fun

A cute and fun display of garden animals on surf boards, peering out a tiki hut, and sitting in a stew pot for dinner.  It was simple and I am sure kids came up to see it.  This display by the American Ivy Society captured a day on the beach, catching the waves, being at play, and felt like a comical notation and nothing like anything else in the show.  It was unique. You could almost hear the childrens’ giggles as you imagined this scene in motion.  I had to stop to take a few photos of this too.

Surfs Up

Well, that is all I can fit on my quick blog today, as I have to get busy.  All this inspiration has got me more excited to design and create.  Hope to post more information tomorrow, sorry about any typo’s!

Cathy T

For more about the show, visit:

http://www.theflowershow.com

P.S.  Great staying at the downtown Marriott, their package includes breakfast and show tickets, and a connecting walkway to the convention center is very convenient.  Especially when you need to escape the crowds at times.  Only quite hour was 8:00-9:00 am for us on Saturday morning.

Cool wet morning

On this cool, wet rainy morning, I’d like to post a few quick reminders of items on the gardening agenda:

Painting on Silk

My next DIY Class offering is scheduled on Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30 pm.  A complete description is available via the DIY Classes link on this blog.  Hope you will join us as this is a rare opportunity to learn an amazing technique of dyeing fabrics with the world of nature’s colors by an talented guest artist, and she is local to Broad Brook, CT.

Following this class, next on list is a topic focused on “Garden Maintenance.”  Save the date: March 22nd.  I’ve invited a Master Gardener who does strictly garden maintenance as a job “every day.”  She will be sharing lots of tips and advice.  Learn from someone who is offering hands-on experience and guidance on the how-to’s of garden maintenance.  See DIY Classes.

Cathy T’s Garden Talks

I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at Our Savior Lutheran Church in South Windsor, CT this week.  Such a wonderful group attended with much enthusiasm for gardening, and yummy desserts following my presentation on Container Gardening with a special focus on color and textures with the how-to’s included.  One attendee told me afterwards she had never seen someone speak about plants in containers the way I did.  Let’s just say, I get passionate about it.  This talk is scheduled again on March 20th, Tuesday at “Stir The Pot” in East Windsor, CT and April 17, Tuesday at Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, CT.  See the CALENDAR link on this blog for more details.  We’d love to see you there.

CT Flower and Garden Show

I can’t believe this show is starting next week already!  Held at the Hartford Convention Center in downtown Hartford on Thursday, February 23rd through Sunday, February 26th.  Whether you are an avid gardener or not, you will enjoy the show full of inspiration from many people in the business and garden lovers.  And if you are local to my hometown, or nearby, and would like to join the carpool ride I’m arranging with breakfast included, see my CALENDAR link on this blog for the details.  When you go to the show, don’t overlook the seminar speakers held on the upper level of the convention center, called the Ballroom Floor.  Seminars are held all day as part of your entrance ticket to the show.  Some folks overlook this benefit of the show’s offerings because they don’t realize they are happening above the main show floor filled with landscape and gardening displays.  The speaker list is amazing. See www.ctflowershow.com and click on SEMINARS for the listing of speakers and times.

Philadephia Flower Show

And right after that – I head to Philadelphia for their flower show in early March.  This when the inspiration will kick into high gear.  Oh yah, Longwood Gardens – I want to see that too.  Well, better go – much to prepare for!  See this link for more on Philly:  http://www.theflowershow.com/ShowInfo/index.html

Have a great weekend, Cathy T

Houseplant Revival

Leaning Light

Now is a good time to give your houseplants a hydration cocktail, rain bath, and root massage.  What do I mean?  Well, if you are like me, even as a plant lover, you may ignore your houseplants during the winter months when light levels are lower and temperatures are cooler in our homes.  But as winter gradually moves away and spring approaches, your plants take notice.  They can sense the warmer temperatures increasing and the brighter light shining through your windows as the sun climbs higher into the sky each day.  Some plants may even begin to lean towards the light in response.

Hydration Cocktail

This is a good time to increase the amount of water given to succulents and cacti.  These plants stay inside in the winter and get moved back outside in the summer as soon as the temperatures are warm enough.  Reducing the watering during the winter to almost nil is fine for these desert dwellers.  They can handle some drought and dry periods because they are naturally adapted to storing moisture.  So once in a while, like every four or even five weeks, they got a little shot of water from me.  And I mean, literally, one or two shot glasses.  That’s it.  But now, as they tend to wake up more, I begin to give bigger gulps to help hydrate their leaves to become plump again.  I say gulp, over a tall glass, because again, if you overwater succulents, they can rot.  Especially if you don’t have the bright light and warm spot most succulents prefers inside a home, or the proper drainage.  Almost every time someone tells me they lost their succulent plant (i.e., it died) – It was due to “over watering,” not under.

Low Light Lover

Rain Bath

Second routine is giving other houseplants a rain bath.  House plants with glossy, thick or waxy cuticle type of leaves, which are not adversely affected by water, go to the shower.  No matter how heavy the pot, I will get it inside the tub and turn on the shower head to provide mildly warm water to rain down upon them.  This process will clean dust particles from the leaves and soak the soil at the same time.  Allow the pot to sit in the tub to drain well for at least an hour.  Once you move it back to its place in the home, take a nice soft cloth to gently wipe away excess droplets on the leaves.  Just imagine those little stomata located on the underside of the leaves.  Those little mouths will be breathing air better after their annual rain bath treatment while the upper sides of the leaves will sparkle in delight.  The plants will feel renewed and whole again. Take a look a day later. I guarantee your houseplant will look revived.  So will the pot because it gets a little spring cleaning at the same time.

Root Massage

This one is probably the most important.  Especially for those of you who managed to totally ignore your houseplants yet they are still surviving, albeit barely.  Typically you should repot your houseplants every two to three years, but so many plants, especially those poor office plants, get neglected on this routine for decades.  If the water you apply to your houseplant runs rapidly out of the container like Niagara Falls, or the soil is crusty and hard, it is time.  The old soil can no longer retain moisture.  Give your houseplant a new environment to be healthy at the toe level.  Imagine wearing the same pair of boots for that long?  Not only would your feet ache – and possibly stink, you couldn’t walk appropriately, ending up looking tattered and tired.  Same gig with houseplants.  They need good healthy soil for the roots to grow freely, take up water, and breathe.  Go to your local nursery to pick up a bag of soilless mix for containers upon your first seasonal visit.  While you are there, check out other houseplants available in their store.  Sometimes this is the only green you see in the greenhouse before April.  When you return home, give your old houseplant a spa repotting day. It is just like giving your plants a root massage.  It feels good and it will show.  Place the new buddy you brought home there with it for company.

Ficus

Outdoor Retreat

So as your houseplants awaken from their slumber, perform these routines above, and your houseplants will be fully prepared for their ultimate retreat in early summer — getting vacation to the great outdoors.  They will get their much needed solar powered light directly from the sun so missed during the winter.  Absorbed through their leaves, increasing their growth activity, and making them thrive.  Just remember the rule, transition the plant into low light levels first when moving outdoors – into the shade, to harden off, or transition before moving them to their preferred exposure of full sun or shade.  Otherwise, you risk sunburn to the leaves. This is also the time where you may want to consider giving a feeding to your houseplants.  Check the label first because some are fed in mid-winter.  There are several options for fertilizer types, such as liquid feeds for a quick energy boost, and pellets or sticks inserted into the soil, and my favorite, the slow-release types that function as the temperature increases.  Slow-release is active when your plants are too. Look at the label to determine the best and right time to apply for your specific houseplant.  Don’t delay, now is the time to give your plants a houseplant revival.  When spring is here, you will be too busy doing outdoor gardening.

 Two Low-Level Light Lovers

Aglaonema, known as the Chinese evergreen, with large leaves of green (and some cultivars with silver streaks), is a wonderful houseplant because it can take low light areas, and is often used in office buildings for that reason – plus it is very undemanding.  Same with the Fatsia shrub; it loves shade outdoors and adds a wonderful texture to the garden with leaf blades up to eight inches wide.  In the home, it handles low light areas where temperatures are cool. See the links below for both.

Three Favorite Bright-Light Lovers

Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect sunlight so I try to get the most of that by windows in the house - especially for sun lovers.  My favorites right now in my home, an Agave (Centry Plant), cultivar ‘Kissho Kan’.  Obtained two years ago, it is now sprouting babies out of the side, time for a repotting spa day.  It is Zone 9-10 and grows to 15″ tall with variegated foliage of blue-grey on the edges.  Works well in containers all summer long too.

Echeveria setosa (Mexican Fire Cracker) is Zones 9-11.  I’ve enjoyed the habit and growth of these fuzzy light green rosettes that grow up to 3-6″ side.  I have 3 in self-watering pots, and they get that shot I referred to above, because these pots especially don’t drain.  Each plant has grown slightly different, one is tall, the other is short, and one is just right – the little red riding hood candidates.

And I love Kalanchoes!  I have one in a container garden designed for a garden show last year, with a ornamental grass (now dormant in the pot) and an Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (large purple aeonium or black tree aoenium), Zones 8-11.  Beautiful!  The Kalanchoe has grown quite large and I can’t wait to move this container back outdoors this summer.  I noticed dust and cat fur wisps on the leaves the day the sun was casting bright light onto the pot the other day, which prompted this blog posting.  And someone from out of state contacted me recently, to ask if they could use the photo of my Kalanchoe from my blog on a non-profit site for kids.  Of course!  That made me feel even better about planting up this plant.

Fact sheets for two plants mentioned above:

http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/fatjapa.pdf

http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/aglcoma.pdf

Echeveria setosa

Some other tips:

Keep houseplants away from drafty spots in the home for obvious reason.  Keep them out of direct sun, rays can intensify through glass.  Some plants, like my fern, prefer humidity – put those in the bathroom where the mist from your shower will dance around them.  Table lamps can help provide warmth to your houseplants, consider putting them near those.  Water carefully until you get to know your houseplant better, sometimes a little less is more.  Drowning them is not a good idea.  And for the rain bath, make sure it is not a plant that detests wet foliage, read the label.  Water plants in self-watering plants alot less frequently because the moisture stays in the bottom and can’t drain out freely.  I don’t mind self-watering pots for indoors because this prevents spills on your furniture.  Select a pot or container that suits your home’s decor, colors and styles, the list is endless.  Remove any dead or yellow leaves, a good thing to do after a rain bath or a repotting spa day, with a good pair of clean sharp scissors or pruners.  Consider houseplants as part of your selection when you put together a combination planter or container garden for the outdoors.  And more tips, just ask!  Thanks for visiting, Cathy T.

www.cathytesta.com

The Silk Lady

The silk lady is not a sophisticated enough title for the woman I am about to write you about, for her talent of creating nature with art is breathtaking.  The first time I saw her work at a garden symposium two years ago, an intense eye candy experience occurred.  The bright coloring of oranges and soft yellows against a luscious green background popped out to me from down a hallway.  Walking there to take a closer look is when I met Liena Dieck, the artist behind the flower that drew me to her booth at the show.  With her Russian accent, she began to explain to me the way in which her work of art is created on fabric with dyes - on silk no less.

Silk, I thought.  Hmmm, how does she do that?  Not only did I wonder how, it was obvious her creations are of high-quality.  Her work is not only showcased on items to hang on your wall as paintings, but on wears – on clothing items.  Little did I know at the time, I would learn more about Liena Dieck through other avenues.  In fact, I discovered she lives right in my hometown.  It took a trip to a garden symposium, in Portland, CT, for me to meet a neighbor with a love of art and nature.  Our connection grew from that point forward.

Vivid Oranges

Fast forward to today.  I begged Liena to hold a class as part of my DIY Class series and she has agreed.  It will be held this month, February 21st, in the evening.  To read the details of the class offering, click on DIY Classes above on my blog.  You will find a flyer attached with an explanation of the class and photos of her art works.

Liena Dieck has an extensive background.  Let me start with her education.  She graduated from Moscow State University in Russia and of Paier College of Art, Inc. in Hamden, CT. She is a fellow member of The American Artists Professional League (AAPL) and of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club (CLWAC), both located in New York, NY.  And she is part of SPIN (Silk Painters International); Silk Painters’ Guild for Fine Artists.

Liena will tell you that although she graduated from an art college with an award of excellence, she is a self-taught silk painter, who has been working almost exclusively in this medium for over 12 years. Her love for realism in art made her come up with a signature technique of silk painting that allows her to create work in a variety of genre – from fine art floral paintings to portraits.

Liena Dieck’s work on silk has been featured in several US and foreign magazines. In 2008 a book with her botanical paintings on silk with dyes was published (“Moth Orchids” by S. Frowine). In 2009, Liena was awarded a title of Master Silk Painter by SPIN – an international organization of silk painters.  And in 2011, I displayed Liena’s painting, the one shown on this blog posting, on the Better CT television program when I was lucky enough to talk about my Container Garden Parties on t.v. last year.  I was sure to point out – this painting is on silk.  It was an amazing backdrop that day on the program.  “A botanical painting on silk with dyes,” I told the producers that day with excitement.

“Botanical paintings on silk with dyes.” Yes, that is a great description of what I experienced when I saw her art for the first time.  And imagine, wearing this art on your body?  As a scarf, wrap, or vest?  These are the type of wearable art pieces she creates with passion.  As for her silk paintings, Liena’s have been exhibited throughout the United States and abroad, and can be found in corporate and private collections in England, Belgium, Monaco, Russia, Switzerland and USA. Her exhibits are showcased beyond my little hometown of Broad Brook, CT.

Sunflowers on Silk

This photo of sunflowers on a blue background is my current favorite by Liena, although it is difficult to select just one of her pieces as a favorite.  It is actually on a beautiful silk fabric weareable piece.  You can see a model showcasing it via my DIY Classes link, where you can locate the class flyer with details and photos.  If she brings this piece to my class this month, I’m not sure how I can resist purchasing it.  It’s been on my mind for some time. To see more of Liena Dieck’s work, from still-lifes, portraits, landscapes, and of course, wearable art, visit her website at http://ld-art.com/.