Why I need a garden...

MY GARDEN CHANDELIER.

2011-06-26T18:29:00.001-07:00

I've had this beautiful chandelier for well over six years. It's really a candle holder and I use it as such. I love it so much that I use WD 40 every month, but I'm afraid it's not going to last much longer. I've moved it under this tree and hopefully it will be a bit more protected from the elements down here.
But I think it's time to look for a new one. If I could find a rust proof one????

New blooms on my mineatures.

My tia Caridad's garden.

2011-05-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gardening eye candy.

2011-05-15T18:15:00.001-07:00

This is my sister Mayra's garden. Have a sit and bring a cup of coffee, take and stroll and enjoy the tour.

GROWING, GROWING AND GROWING

2011-04-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late this year, actually very late! So it'll be interesting to see what happens. Finally all the herbs are in the bed and out of the trays. I did get a two small tomatoe plants but, everything else I started from seeds. We'll seeeeeee.

Moving things around.

2011-04-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

I have one of these ground orchids in red. But, I've been looking a good healthy one in yellow and I finally found her. I divided her in half, I got half in a terra cota pot and the other half I planted in this basket. I plan to put her in my back yard, in one of the very few spaces that I do get sun.

Today I'm thinning out some of my Bromelias, love them. As close to maintenance free as you can get. The older my back gets the more Bromelias I plant.

Cleaning a bit.

It's spring time and everybody is happy!!!!

2011-04-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS.

2011-03-28T08:57:00.001-07:00

Most people don't have a hobby to relax and unwind. Some people have a hobby just for that. I have two hobbies! Between my scrapbooking supplies and my gardening, sometimes my budget does get out of hand, but I'm trying.

When I'm off on an occasional Tuesday my favorite thing to do is visit my local growers in Homestead. I spend the day nursery hopping and guess what? I always find beauties to bring home with me. During this last trip I found some new herbs that I've been wanting to try .
I'm trying for the first time cucumber and eggplant. I just could not pass on this beautiful miniature Rose bush, she kept calling my name. Now the challenge is to find a sunny spot that will keep her happy.

THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.

2011-03-24T19:15:00.001-07:00

Ok during these hard times we all have to cut corners some how. So I had a decision to make. I usually mulch twice a year, during spring and fall. Well this year I had to decide. Do I much twice with cheap mulch or do I mulch once with the beautiful red mulch that I love???? I went for the red mulch!

This is the path that leads to the hidden pool pump, only I use it.

This is the front yard all dressed up with new beautiful red mulch, I love it.

I got these stone containers when we added the long, almost to the floor french windows that frame our from door. I usually plant impatience in them but, this year I'm going to try pink Begonias, they'll make for a beautiful view from inside the house.

How I deal with a bald spot. I find the healthiest and fullest fern in the nursery, I divided him in half and problem solved.

My seedlings have sprouted and I can't wait to taste the Pesto.

THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER.

2011-03-20T15:39:00.001-07:00

At least not on my side of the fence lately. But, I have a few tricks up my sleeves. One of my favorite scent in the whole world is the smell of fresh cut grass. Sometimes when the lawn guy is cutting my grass I open most of my windows a bit just take the smell of fresh cut grass in. Other times I wait till he's done and I sit in my chair behind the Lady Palm with my favorite book, a glass of ice tea and just take it all in.

What I do for a healthy beautiful lawn is, I use Weed and Feed in the spring time and fall. I also, in early spring to mid summer feed my lawn with watter soluble Peterson 20/20 plant food. The grass loves 20/20!!! But, once every few years you just need to layout new patches of grass and that's ok too.

I've also been working on relocating some rocks, mulching a path and planting a few things. The weather has been great, and I find myself looking forward to yard work. If it would only stay this cool and crisp for a little while longer.

MOON OVER MIAMI.

2011-03-20T14:23:00.001-07:00

Soooooooooo bright and beautiful.

My pool pump is broken..... not a good thing.

2011-03-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

To start my post on a more positive note, my valentine orchid is still blooming.

I thank God this happened during the winter. I love my pool and I go for a swim every evening before dinner. On the weekends I go in for a few cool dips while I work around the yard. I'm one of those people that really uses the pool.

Hopefully the new pump will be installed very soon. By the way, has any one notice how pool pumps have gone up in price? I keep maintenance receipts of all home repairs. The pool pump has almost doubled in price since I got the first one. But that's a small price to pay for the enjoyment of my pool.

Look how cute he is, he's homeless no more. I hope he'll come again.

Planting new seeds, can't wait.

2011-03-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

These are freshly cut and for me to enjoy. I love my miniature roses!

I'll settle for miniature Roses.

2011-03-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to grow Roses in Miami for the longest time. I just don't do well with Roses. I've tried it all, not watering late, not watering from the top to avoid water on the foliage. I've given them a good soil mix, with plenty of room for growth and I prune often, but stilllllll. I have tried everything in order to prevent the dreaded black spots. I've come to the conclusion that I can't grow Roses.

To my surprise these miniatures are doing very well and I'm so HAPPY. I'm not touching them, they're in containers and so far so good. I cut them when I find new full blooms and I bring them in the house to enjoy. I think I'm sticking to miniatures.

MY NEW RAIN BARREL, SO HAPPY.

2011-03-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

My new rain barrel should be up before the rainy season starts. I can't wait beacuse I've been wanting one for a long time. A compost bin would be nice too, maybe some day soon.

A new addition to my collection, she is so pretty. I haven't named her yet.

Isn't that a beautiful sight. My new rain barrel. I'm so happy right now!!!! Rain water is naturally soft and oxygenated, is also more acidic than tap or well water. Even though I have a well, rain water is so much better cause it doesn't have any chlorine, calcium or lime. It's great for the environment by helping to reduce the runoff. But the main reason is that plants LOVE rain water and if my plants are happy, I'm happy.

I've been wanting one of these for a looooooong time. I got one now! My very own rain barrel. Yes ladies, I'm probably the only woman out there that can get so excited about a rain barrel.

I was reading the instructions and it's so easy to install. A small adjustment to the rain gutter, and that should do it.

This is the grave yard for my broken china, great for drainage and I love how all the different color pieces look. My rain barrel is going to sit right here.

My secret hideout.

2011-03-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

I love this chair, I can sit here and read for hours and no one can see me behind this Lady Palm. I spend most of my time in the seclusion of my back yard paradise. But is nice to enjoy the front yard too.

Orchids and seeds.

2011-03-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

I should have blooms very soon.

This is what I'm planting this year, wish me luck.

2011-02-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I tried a new combination of plants with this basket. I had no lining on hand for the basket, so I just took some husks from my coconut trees.

I planted my impatiens in the usual spots, with a few areas that I'll share with you on a later post. The pots work really well cause I can move them around.

This is my favorite spot for impatiens, they are so happy there. I gave them new fresh soil mix but, I think is that they get just the right amount of light. Sometime it can get so hot here that if they get direct sun, they look torched by the afternoon.

This morning I notice that this banana plant just fell, need to clean up a bit around it.

I cleaned up a bit around my chandelier and now I can see her, she's beautiful.

I'M BAAAAAAACK

2011-02-21T17:51:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that my scrapbooking blog has been taking most of my free time. I've been working hard on my garden but, not taking pictures of my progress. I'm hoping to start blogging again on a regular basis.

This post is about an invitation I got from my client Virginia. She asked if I accompanied her to visit a friend's green house. I said yes of course, and I'm so glad I did. He was so nice and we had a great time sharing ideas and learning a few new tips.

This is what I like to use too. But, kinda very hard to find now cause they come from Venezuela. Thank God I have plenty left from my last order.

Keeping it simple, love it.

This is what he uses to aerate the green house.

This is what he uses to heat the green house in those rare cold nights here in south Fla. This is an oil heater, there is oil inside the coils. I have to research this cause I love the explanation he gave us on using this type of heaters.

My favorite tree ever! THE ROYAL POINCIANA.

2010-07-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

This masterpiece of god is truly ROYAL, with her light spreading branches that seam to want to hug you. OMG and those beautiful flowers that just take over the whole tree. She is related to the Tamarind and mimosa tree and she is a native of Madagascar. In South Florida you can find them every where.

They line the streets.

This one is from my neighbor in the back.

This one is from my neighbor in front of my house.

This one is from down the street.

Yes, this one is mine. One or two lonely blooms. There is always next year.

I've been neglecting my garden blog.

2010-07-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA here at my garden blog, cause I've been blogging about my scrapbooking. But, I've been working in my garden, well is sooooo hot that I do most of my garden work late afternoon. I've haven't done much planting cause is not a good time in the middle of this hot summer. I've mainly been cleaning and fertilizing. My water pump just gave out on me and I have to replace it soon or I'm going to be sorry when I get my next water bill.

These cuties are from my miniature rose bush, it's blooming like crazy and I display them every chance I get.

I finally got to paint this little set, it was originally white but, now it matches the little shelves in the background.

My stag horn is growing so much, it must be cause she is so happy there. I think I finally got the lighting right.

This is my second time getting coconuts, now if I could only open them. I'm afraid of the machete.

I KNOW IS KINDA LATE FOR IMPATIENS, BUT I JUST HAD TO.

2010-04-20T19:30:00.001-07:00

We've had an unusually long cool winter so I thought I try more impatiens. It's late in the season for them but, lets see how they do. I'll keep you posted.

ORCHIDS, ORCHIDS,ORCHIDS.

2010-04-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Spend some time this weekend in the Redlands. I love that part of South Florida, it's like you're not even in the city. This is one of my fav. Orchid nursery and every time he has lectures I'm there.

My humble little house in the spring time.

2010-04-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my front yard for a while, so now that it looks nice I want to show it to you. This is my little house yes, is there some where behind all the foliage. So far I still have it under control. I'm not really planting anything new in the front yard. I really have no room, I think.

These coconut trees are kinda new, a few years. I had to replace the other ones died, just got sick all of a sudden.

Yes, my front is there some where.

This path we put in about 8 years ago and I want to do something different, but what??? These ferns need a little help.

This is my favorite feature of the front yard. This fountain we put about six years ago. It was really hard to find a cute small fountain, they are all huge and I wanted it to be proportional to the house. I faux painted with a glazed and then sealed the color in with a good paint sealer. It's going on six years and it looks great. I have a bird feeder near it and is such a treat see all the beautiful birds come for a nibble and a drink. Actually my neighbor Ron's cat is always napping under the fountain, smart kitty.

I wish I could keep the inpatients all year long.

This little mulched path leads to the side gate.

Happy Easter to all my gardenign friends!

2010-04-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

HAPPY SPRING !!!

2010-03-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been shopping again...... LOVE my new miniature roses.

2010-03-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

I love driving home with new plants. I get so excited just thinking where I'm going to put them. Are they going to get enough light there? Too much water? Can I see them from the house?
I love these new acquisitions, soooo pretty!!!

I'M NOT GIVING UP ON MY HERB GARDEN YET. HERE WE GO AGAIN!

2010-03-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

I'm embarrassed to show you all I've been able to yield from my Herb garden so far. These cold snaps are doing a number on my entire garden. But, my Herbs have taken the brunt of it. That's ok, it will soon warm up.

I think an Herb garden is one of the most beautiful and rewarding things I get from my gardening experience.
Yes I LOVE flowers, but I find my Herb garden so enjoyable. Herbs were one of the first things I ever grew and I've been in love with them ever since. I of course only use organic Blood Meal and my special soil recipe.
These are a few of my favorite HERBS:
Basil - Mint - Dill - Oregano - Rosemary - Sage - Lavender - Parsley - Thyme

This is my Catnip. I love the scent of it, I think is because I can tell that it's a member of the mint family and I love the smell of mint. Catnip gives a
harmless "high" to felines and I think they react more to the smell than the taste of it. Well this is what happened to mine, after my beautiful Lulu got to it.

I had great results last year with my Basil, from seeds. I'm going to try it again. Last year I made enough Pesto, that I was able to share with all my 3 sisters and my mom. It was so delish with the pine nuts- Yumm!

It was easy to find a spot for them, since my new herb bed was empty.

MY GARDEN IN LATE FEBRUARY!!!

2010-02-28T16:34:00.001-08:00

This is what's left of my tomatoes and my herb garden.
I'm going to wait a bit longer to make sure all the cold weather is gone and I'm going to try a few more herbs again. I think I've never seen weather this cold for so long in Miami.

My miniature Roses are doing really well, they love this cool weather. I have tried reg. Rose and I just don't do well with them, so now I just have these cuties.

Some of my potted beauties.

I thought I would do some yard work today and I did a little bit, I picked up a few dead leaves and did some weeding. Then I decided to take my sewing machine outside and catch up on my sewing. I had to share these pictures of my girls relaxing by the pool on this beautiful Sunday.

Can't find any lizards in Miami...... I hate to think what happend to them.

2010-02-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

I was looking for Lizards this weekend and I could not find a single one. Yes, that bad cold snap..... Well I love lizards, so I thought I show you my small garden lizard collection. But, I sure want to see real ones soon!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL MY GARDENING FRIENDS!

2010-02-13T17:29:00.001-08:00

I thought I share with you the many loves of my life.

Oh, yes and I can't forget the hubby.

WORKING ON MY FRONT GARDEN.....STILL

2010-02-11T17:47:00.001-08:00

It seems that I'm always working on the back yard. If I have time and energy I'll do a little work on the front yard. But, oh.....no, not this year, I vow to myself that I'm not neglecting the front yard. So I've started with the make over. I'm doing a section at a time.
The weather lately has been divine. I LOVE Miami in the winter time! Today's weather was in the 50s, just glorious.

These Bromeliads are so happy, here under my so loved Royal Poinciana tree. This tree I planted about 3 years ago and I wast told it was not going to grow as tall as the traditional Royal Poinciana ( I'm still not sure what that means), cause if it does I'm in big trouble with hubby.

I love these little guys, I think they are some kind of ferns. I pick them all the time, they make great fillers for when my hubby gets me flowers and I want to spruce them up a bit.

This spot also needs a little bit of help.

These Traveling Palms ( I think that's what they are called) line the drive way. I had the most beautiful Fish Tail Ferns planted as ground cover under the palms, but this cold snap got to them. I had to pull them out and now I don't know what to plant. I might put them back, cause I loved how it looked. That's a project I will so need my hubby for.

This little cluster of plants, including this Lady Palm, is hiding a secret sitting area. I have a little iron chair behind there. It's great cause I rest there ( a lot) and no one can see me from the street.

This Hoya vine has bee all over my garden, first I had her in the back terrace. Now she make the end of the drive way her new home. This plant is special, I've had her over 15 years. All I've done is change the soil with my potting soil recipe and re-pot every other year. That seems to work just fine. I wish all my potted plants were as easy as my Hoya.

This terracotta planter is nestled in between these ferns. These impatiens are happy here under this little palm tree. My impatiens seem to do great in planters.

Look what's growing..........in my kitchen?

2010-01-30T21:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a gardener not a cook. This picture goes to show you how little time I spend in my kitchen. I just notice these sweet potatoes sprouting. I was going to cook them I swear.

This is my sweet LULU waiting for her dinner. I wish I could bring her inside the house, I feel so bad, she is out there all alone. Sometimes she sleeps in the back porch. Sometimes I can't find her. I even have to pet her with a garden glove on. I'm so allergic, but I love her so.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY TODAY, PERFECT FLORIDA WEATHER! BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT I'M ASHAMED TO CALL MYSELF A GARDENER! LOOK AT THIS MESS.

2010-01-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

If I only would of not taken sooooo many tea breaks. What a beautiful day.
PRODUCTIVE????? A little bit. I would do a little something and then sit in my favorite spot.

I'm still cleaning up from the cold snap we had a few weeks ago. I guess everything is nice and dried out by now.
This is my front yard, OMG what a mess and you should see the back yard. The back yard has to wait till next week, I have to give MY back a break.

Every time I garden I think of my dad. I once caught him trying to straighten up after some weeding. I was young and full of energy, he explain that getting old just creeps up on you and one day you realize you can't do what you use to, even though your brain is telling you that you can. Well, do I know now what he meant!

This little guy looked so cute. This Star burst tree had blooms, it looked great. Well I had to cut it back a bit.

This Alamanda gone too!

This baby Bougainvillea took a beating too, I didn't have the heart to cut her back, but I know I have to.

This ground cover was green and full. This little planting area is right at the corner of front property. It gets the wind all the time.

Dollar weeds anyone....... They have taken over my front yard. The weeding has gotten away from me!!! I spend most of my time today weeding and weeding, OMG what a mess.
But, I so enjoyed it! What a glorious day, the weather was perfect. Sunny, cool and a bit windy, just a great gorgeous day!

These stepping stones go from the front porch to the side of the drive way. I put them myself and I love how they turned out. LOOK, even the grass got all dried up.

WEEDING - WEEDING - WEEDING. This area is my favorite, can't wait to show you once I weed it and mulch it. It's going to look great again!

I'm having a huge vintage blog giveaway at my scrapbooking blog and my garden friends are welcome to enter, if you think it may interest you!!!

2010-01-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

WITH ALL........

This is my first RAK/Blog Giveaway. I just wanted to give thanks to all of you wonderful ladies out there in scraplandia. I have been so moved and inspired by your kindness and I'm soooo very greatful.
I found all these great goodies while visiting friends in Alabama during my christmas getaway.
All you have to do to enter is:
1. Leave me a comment on my blog ( my garden blog to my garden friends).
2. Follow my blog.
3. Subscribe to my YouTube channel.( my garden friends only if you want).
4. Post a link on your BLOG about the giveaway.

LOOK here!

IF YOU'RE A GARDENER YOU MUST GO SEE AVATAR!!!!!

2010-01-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

This movie is totally awesome, it takes place in this magical garden setting. I know, I know the movie has a powerful message. But, I want to see it again for the gardens. OMG the plants are "out of this world" . The moss like growth on the ground lights up as they walk on it, SOOOO BEAUTIFUL. I can't say enough.......A MUST SEE!

WARNING...... My hubby could not watch the whole movie in 3D. He felt nauseous and sick, we had to go to a regular theater, he just could not see it in 3D. So we only watch about, maybe half an hour. It's so strange because I'm, the one with the weak stomach???
It's just unbelievable in 3D. Go see it, I know you will not be disappointed.

Savage cold front hitting Miami tonight.

2010-01-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

As temperatures approach frost or freezing tonight, I guess I'm as ready as I can be. This is my vegetable garden area. I'm praying that the wood fence and this tarp will offer the protection my veggies will need. I already have two tomatoes!

This is how I've tucked my orchids in these past few days. I never thought I would need a space heater in Miami. I have watered them and placed them as high in the green house as possible. Lets see what happens tomorrow. We're expecting the coldest night tonight.

The orchids that are attached to trees I wrap them like this during the day. At night I put a plastic bag over the cloth cover. I guess all things considered we are not that bad off. OMG I've been watching the new, we all need to pray for the folks in Nebraska.

Wanted to also share what happened in my back garden today. These wild vines, I don't know what they're called, but they sure are pretty. I love how they can just take over some of these giant Arecas. I just love how natural that looks. But, the vine can weigh heave on the Arecas and then.....

Look what happened, this poor Areca could not bend any more. I think these strange gusts of winds have not helped any. Well, it was beautiful while it lasted, that's nature for ya.

I PRAYED FOR SOME COOLER WEATHER AND I GOT IT.

2010-01-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

I LOVE ALABAMA!!! Just got back from a much needed get away.
My first time there, and I got just what I wanted, some cool weather. Now I'm back home in Miami and guess what. We had frost last night. Talk about getting your prayers answered.

I went with my sister to welcome the new year in Alabama. My sister goes every year to visit her friends Beth and Rocky, Rocky and my brother-in-law are old Army buddies. Beth came to Miami last summer for the first time, we had lots of fun showing her the town.

She extended an invitation for me to also come along and visit. Well...it was so great! They live just outside of Enterpise, in a gorgeous country setting. The drive to her home is through these beautiful cotton fields, all white, just gorgeous and it looked like snow. I finally got to meet her children and her her mom, I've heard so much about them, I felt like I knew everyone.

This is what I woke up to every morning.

This was the best part of our trip. A real bonfire. It was cold and it was so great. Loooooooved it!!!

Look at these beauties!!!

Pansies everywhere, how beautiful. These are my moms favorite flowers and I make sure I get some for Easter. Easter is when we get our Pansies here in Miami.

This is the entrance to the home. All this country beauty welcomes you in.

This is an inside look at Beth's home, she is an artist of all things primitives. She actually builds and paints furniture. It was such a treat to have stayed in her warm and welcoming country home, surrounded by all of her art.

This is Beth and my sister.

This is Rocky, a 28 year retired Army pilot. I found it so fascinating when I saw what this guy, in the middle of Alabama, was doing. Supposedly if you throw some water out of your house right at midnight, It brings you good luck. He asked if we did that in Miami, I told him I was a christian and I did not believe in luck. He then explained that his mom did it and he wanted to follow the Cuban tradition.

Here is this guy that has traveled all over the world, served his country and married to an American and still following a piece of his Cuban heritage.
That got me thinking of how grateful and fortunate I am to be part of two cultures. I love it, thank you GOD !!!

MY CHRISTMAS WISH FOR ALL.......

2009-12-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

From what ever faith, culture or country I wish us all the same; Good health, love and peace!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THIS IS WHAT'S GROWING IN MY BACK GARDEN .

2009-12-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

Actually I took these pictures last week, it was a gorgeous day! I just have not had time to post them. Today however, was not a good day, weather wise. OMG the rain, still a bit warm but, the rain it's been unreal. Hopefully we'll get some cooler days. I finished all of my Impatience, I have to take pictures to share them with you, they are beautiful.

I’M SOOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT MY NEW POTTING AREA!!!

2009-12-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Even though it's HOT and I've been mad at the weather. I have finished my latest project. I'm so happy because I was able to finally carve a piece of my back yard, just for me. MY NEW POTTING AREA. I don't have a pretty wooden potting bench, like the ones I see in the garden magazines. I'm making do with this plastic party fold-up table, and it's working pretty good. I can finally keep all my supplies in one area.
The only other thing I need is one of those Rubbermaid small plastic shed, in order to protect my tools from the elements, without having to bring them in my house. I don't have a garage.

I found a spot to display and enjoy my bird house collection. These are just for me. I only have one real bird house, it's in the front yard near a feeder, but I have not had much luck with it. I think is maybe......... the birds don't feel safe. I'm going to have to do some research on that, because I would love to have an active bird house. How great would that be!

I'm still working on my orchids, I have plenty of work still left with them!

I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS........

2009-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

IS THIS BEAUUUUUUTIFUL OR WHAT!!!!!

I just came in from watering my plants, I'm literally mad.... it is soooooo hot out there. I know I live in Miami, but PLEASE GOD just a bit of cold weather would be nice. I love Miami, but I'd give anything right now for that happy joyfull feeling you get when you see snow falling, it all looks so beautiful almost magical, Ahhhhhhh that feeling.
Sorry, just dreaming out loud.

GIVE ME MORE LIGHT, PLEASE!!!!

2009-12-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how well plants can adapt to their environment. I wish we can do the same. This beautiful Heliconia getS absolutely no sun light here and she still manages to put on a show.

ISN'T SHE A BEAUT!

Is nice to look back, take a look at these now and then.

2009-11-29T20:38:00.001-08:00

When I first moved in my house 11 years ago I went crazy. I cut everything back, a bit too much. Now I just want to control the over growth. I like when I can't see my neighbors house. I feel like I'm not in the city.

Now.

Then.

Now.

Then.

Now.

Then.

HAPPY THANSGIVING TO ALL MY GARDENING FRIENDS.

2009-11-22T19:16:00.001-08:00

Look what I did today!

2009-11-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

I transplanted these Water Lilies next to a tiny patch of soil on the side my green house.

This is the entrance to the green house, I planted these Thorn of Christ from cuttings. They'll get plenty of sun here, I hope they'll take. I did not use root starter.

LOOK WHAT I DID AND FOUND IN MY GARDEN TODAY.

2009-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

WOW.....WOW......WOW!!! LOOK AT ALL THESE BEAUTIES BLOOMING AT THE SAME TIME. WHAT A SIGHT. I JUST LOVE MY ORCHIDS.
I now can keep all my orchids in the green house, but once they bloom I put them all over, NEAR ME TO ENJOY, once I had a blooming Vanda with the sweetest soft scent. I kept this Vanda for almost a month on my night table next to my bed. What a treat!

These are in the back porch and during this time of year I practically live out there, I'll get to see them all the time.

This is why I don't always spike my orchids. I kind of like to let them do whatever they want. I know commercial growers have to, for transportation and visual purpose but, OH! not me. Look at this Dendrobium, she's got PERSONALITY!

My latest find, this cute little Zebra, I literally dove into a garbage can for. I can't believe my sister was throwing her away. Welcome Ms. Zebra, you're new to me!

I'm going to use these Petunias and Begonias in hanging baskets, I'm sooooooo looking forward to that on Sunday.

Today I planted my impatiens in the back garden, this is my usual timing for them. In the front garden however, I think I got a little ahead of myself, I planted them Nov. 1st. That's kind of early for me, but I could not wait. This year I'm doing all one color front and back, I picked a salmonberry color I just fell in love with.

I planted 2 trays in the front and 2 in the back. Every year I say I'm going to cut down on the amount of trays, but I always talk myself into one more tray.
It really IS a great bargain! 18 impatiens in a tray for about $10.00, you can't beat that. OMG the show they put on when fully mature. I use Osmocote now and some when I give them a hair cut in mid Feb. (I'll post on that later)

THIS IS MY IDEA OF FALL!!!

2009-11-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

We grew up in Chicago, and the only time I truly miss it is this time of year. So in honor of my beloved Chi-town I had to post this beautiful picture.

Look at this WOW AWESOME sight. Here in Miami our leaves don't change colors, I buy them at the craft store Yikes, we do what we gotta do.

A PUBLIC THANK YOU!!! TO MUCH LEARNING.

2009-11-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you Rusty from Miami at the DRAGONFLY GARDEN.

While blog hopping I found DRAGONFLY GARDEN by Rusty. I ran and told my hubby, he thought I won the lotto. Rusty is a creative gardener with tons of gardening know how and a beautiful garden. He's in my same area, Miami. We share the same gardening challenges. How lucky can a girl get? Yippeeee! THANK YOU for inspiring me to start my 1st gardening blog!!!! Check out his blog, he's great.
(I haven't figured out how to add a link to a post yet, sorry!)

The scent of life, thriving! The scent of my green house.

2009-11-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Juan Eberto Plasencia, better known as DAD, at the nursery with my aunt and uncle, relaxing probably telling stories and making jokes (notice the cigarett).

I feel the need to do a little more explaining about my green house. I've always heard the saying "time can heal anything" (and I did have some help from God). My family is Cuban and we have lots of sayings, this one is my favorite. Now, I get it!

My family had nurseries in the Horse Country area of Miami. My best memories about our family together as a whole was when we lived in the nursery. Those were great times! Even once I got married and moved into my own place. I would stop by the nursery EVERY DAY after work, before I went to my home. By the time I got there all the workers had gone for the day and my dad had taken his shower, he had on a clean white t-shirt and he smelled of Old Spice. He waited for me to show me the work that was done that day.
After our walk around all the green houses, we would sit in the front porch and wait for the sprinklers to go off.... Ahhhhhh, the sound of sprinklers. The daily walk was done before he watered, because I'm very afraid of frogs. Yes I'm a gardener afraid of frogs. HA! HA!

He would tell me plans for the growers and the clients that had placed orders, all kinds of great conversations took place, just between him and me. My wonderful dad at home, surrounded by 5 woman, we must have driven him nuts at times.
Our daily walk, the damp smell of the green houses and all that fertile growth around me, till this day, those are the fondest memories of my dad.

My saddest day was when, he was very sick and he wanted to sell the nursery. I remember my final walk around the green houses. I did that walk alone while my mom waited for me at the front gates and I said good buy to all the plants. My dad died a few month after the nursery was sold.
My uncle still has nurseries and I remember not being able to visit him at the nursery for many, many years. I thought I would never have the courage to smell the inside of a green house again, that particular sent that reminded me so very much of my dad. But, I did and yes it was VERY sad and I did it, again and again and again.

Today I'm very happy and blessed to have my very own green house and I can't wait till it gets that impregnated moist scent of things growing, of LIFE!!!
I have some great plans for my green house and who know, I have a very creative niece that loves to scrapbook with me. Maybe ??? I can pass to her the love for what grows in a green house.

MY NEW GREEN HOUSE, I'M SOOOO EXCITED! AND, MY GARDEN SOIL RECIPE??? YES THATS RIGHT, I HAVE A RECIPE FOR THE SOIL I USE.

2009-11-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

I just love my green house, it's on the east side of the house and it gets plenty of sunshine. It's not very big, 12 x 10, but It's plenty big for me. I'm so happy, I just love, love, love it! Whooo Hooo!!! When my mom saw it she got very happy for me, because she knows what this little green house means to me. The hardest task for me was the measuring and cutting of the shade cloth. I was so nervous!!! Like when you're sewing ......meassure twice, cut once or is that carpentry? Oh well, that's what I did.

I thought we would be using some metal washers and screws to hold the shade cloth, but at HD they advised us on these metal plates with prongs. So easy, just hammer them in.

Since I have to control the water intake on the orchids. After interviewing a few orchid growers in the Homested area (farming city south of Miami), we decided to go with the fiberglass panels for the roof top. It worked out great.

I hope these hooks are not going to rip the shade cloth, we'll see.

This is the inside of the green house. I'm making do with the shelf in the corner. My neighbor was getting rid of it and for now it's OK. My husband ask me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him shelving tables for the green house. I could of said a new dress.

My version of eye candy, nothing gets me going like GOOD SOIL. I think my back yard has the worst soil in South Florida. So I have to mix my own. Every time I have to go and purchase soil, I think, that's kind of sad. What will happen when we can't get it from a bag? What will we do? I hope I never find out.
Well today was a happy day because I worked in my garden. My day started with my wonderful husband mixing some soil for me. I remember a time when I could pick a bag of soil like nothing. Well things have changed, my back is "shot" as my husband would say. I had a difficult time admitting to my self, that I have to take care of my back. I just can't do what I use to do before. Hubby to the rescue. MY HUSBAND IS NOT A GARDENER, BUT I COULD NOT GARDEN WITHOUT MY HUSBAND. He's great!!!
I would love to start to compost, I have to look into a compost tumbler. I don't have a lot or room and I wounder how big they are?

This is my recipe: One bag of good quality potting soil, one bag of organic compost, I use cow manure and two shovels full of Peat moss. This is the best mix for me, you have it all, if I'm using it for hanging baskets or in clay pots I then add a bit or Perlite. In the past for some major project in the front garden I got the soil by the yard. But, I like my mix best.

I always get the large block of Peat Moss, great bargain.

My blender LOL. He mixes all up in the wheel barrel. I'm sure there is an easier way to do this, but this is what works for me. I just wheel it around as I need it.

This metal galvanized tub like container came back to the states with me from Germany, over 16 years ago. Its had many functions in my garden. I've thought of turning it into a container for a small herb garden, but I just can't see myself drilling holes in it. For now It covers my open bag of Peat Moss. I love it.

Fall season, Miami style.

2009-11-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

It's fall. But, in Miami I think of it as spring. Yes, spring because now is when I plant my vegetables and herbs. The weather today was great, coooool and dry. I love it!!!!!
I'm so behind, with all the garden work specially in the little area bed that I plant my vegetables and herbs. It's a very small area and I'm really selective as to how I use it. I feel so blessed and thankful that I have a spot for them.
I need to mix my dirt and still clean up a bit more. I'm going to go to HD tomorrow for some much needed supplies and maybe I can pick up a few of my favorite herbs.

I have to take more picture of my back yard and you will see. I made some mistakes, we've covered with cement most of the back yard area. We have no lawn in the back, this is really good news for my husband. But, it leaves me with not many spots to actually garden on. I can do a lot in containers, I have some experience from my balcony days.

This is the path from the green house to the pool. This is an older picture because this little path is tiled now, but it looks some what the same. Not really, LOOK I just notice the size of the coconut trees, so little.

This is a look from the one end of the pool to the path, in the distance. The rambling hedge between the two coconut trees conceal the pool pump. You can't even tell, I love it!!!

My friend Daisy's soooooo cute garden.

2009-11-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

You've heard of writers block, I sometimes get gardeners block.When I find a certain spot or an area I'm not happy with and I can't think of what to do???? Well that's a gardeners block. My solution, Daisy's garden. Talk about motivation, I just want to run home and get my hands dirty.

My always evolving garden. These are before and after projects of my back yard. I could live out here! Well, in South Florida only in the winter time.

2009-11-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

This is our little outside, in the open, breakfast table. This cute little set, I found in a garage sale some time ago, sooooooo cheap. But, I’m painting it black; it’s on my Nov. to do list. This is the back of our enclosed car port; it faces south into the back yard. This Traveler’s Palm loves it here!(I think this is a giant white birds of paradise) OMG the blooms.
The miniatrue Ixoras, red, planted as a little care free hedge along the wall conceals an electrical pipe that powers the water pump.
The Bromeliads were given to me (about 10 of them) by my sister Dolly, they where in a hanging basket. This species of Bromeliads (don’t know the name) are a maintenance free, heaven sent ground cover. In full sun they are bright burgundy red and in the shaded areas they turn light greenish. I have tons in the back and in the front.

ANYONE IS WELCOME TO HAVE SOME!

NOW.

You can see the Traveler’s Palm (white birds of paradise?)peaking in the back. The variegated Liriopes are cuddling some stepping stones that lead to my favorite part of the back yard. My potting are. I’ll show you later. The mature tree in the distance is a Bottle Cork tree.

THEN.

This is the path that leads to the new green house my hubby made me. The path was paved with Mexican tiles that I love. I wish we could afford to do the whole back yard and around the pool.
This spot has not changed much, I did get rid of the mulch because of a drainage problems. Whenever it rained you couldn't find the mulch, it floated away. I was thinking all pebbles???

NOW.

I don’t know what happened to my Cuban Oregano. It was a gift from my father-in-law, I love bumping into it and releasing that beautiful sent. It's funny, looking back I don’t know what happened to certain plants???
The stepping stones lead to the well hidden pool pump, so necessary. Love it!

THEN.

This is my quite bench. It’s set right in front of the link fence that divides our property on the south (back of the yard). I just love this spot, I love looking at the yard from this angle, it’s so peaceful back there and the kids love it. They call it the path to the secret garden.

NOW.

The Areca palms are clean here, I think I like them better now, full and somewhat messy, but notice there is much less light. I have two major challenges in my garden; the soil and the lighting. I love the Red Sisters (I think that’s what they are called) I did cut them back. I wish I didn't.

THEN.

2009-11-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

It's about time I started a garden blog. But I draw the line with books on tape. There is something about the sound and the smell of the paper as you turn a book page. I have always kept garden journals for the benefit of my seasonal planting, soil information and suppliers; you know all that goooood stuff.
I have a favorite garden journal, it's falling apart, it's old and dirty and I love it. Even when I lived in an apartment and my garden was my balcony, I kept a journal and I still have it. But, I'm new to blogging......So here I gooooooooooo!!!!!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!

I thought I'd welcome you with these lovely pictures of this cute kitty cat. She kind of adopted us, after her family had to move due to these challenging times. I still can't understand how any one can leave a pet behind, but who am I to judge?
She comes every afternoon and we feed her, after my husband's thorough research of the best cat food.
I'm very allergic to cats, so when I give her some love I have to cover my mouth with a wet cloth and put a sock over my hand and then I can pet her. She loves it, because there is nothing quite like the human touch. Isn't she a beauty, I think she knows it - she poses.