Easy Maintenance Low Bowl Containers

I've been switching out the plants in my low bowls with each change of season. Since they are very visible when we walk into the back garden it's been fun to have seasonal flowering plants in them. They are close to a water source, but even the largest bowls have fairly shallow soil. I've done something super low-maintenance for fall/winter. A mix of succulents and bromeliads mostly. 

I walked around my yard and gathered pups from reliable bromeliads. They don't need an adjustment period. Just poke them into the potting soil and they look like they've been there all along. I left the moss rose, guara, thyme and angelonia from summer and they are doing fine with natural rainfall also.

I rarely have to hand-water the bowls now and it feels like another step to more freedom!

What are your favorite easy maintenance container plants?
Meems



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Structure in the Garden :: Pergola Dreams

Dreams for the garden. We all like to dream. Dreams really do come true. Sometimes. If you wait long enough. In my story, I just couldn't seem to let go of my idea of adding a potting bench to my garden. A potting bench never really seemed practical or possible in my old garden. Not the bench I wanted anyway. I looked at so many styles and configurations over the years. None really suited what I had in mind. Little did I know I would have to move from my dream garden to actually get a potting bench. (More on the bench in another post.)

An even bigger dream all along had been to install a pergola structure. There was that perfect spot just outside of the pool cage at my previous house/garden. It is a good-size brick paver patio that transitions the screened lanai to the yard. It is the perfect setting for a pergola. I dreamed about it. I talked about it. I could see it in my mind. It didn't happen. Now I don't live there anymore.

It didn't take me long to start dreaming of gardening structures at my new house. I'm hardwired to create. It's in me. It happens. There's no stopping it. Visions. Ideas. Designs. They swirl in my head and they nag my thoughts. It's a gift. I don't fight that anymore. Regardless, all my creative ideas would cost a fortune to accomplish. Since I don't have THAT luxury, I improvise.  I scale back. I find ways to makes things work with less money. I've become a DIY project girl. I've enlisted patience and I come up with ways to accomplish what I see in my mind's eye without breaking the bank. It's very fun and rewarding doing things this way, so no complaints from me. Even so, once in a while you have to call in the craftsmen. The experts. The ones you have to pay. They want real money for their trade. :-)

We did it. We hired a local company, Garden Carpentry, to build our pergola. I had talked them a few years ago about doing something in my old garden. The timing wasn't right then. Now I know why.

There was some preliminary work to do before the pergola could be installed. Brick pavers were going to be the foundation to the entire area. Before the pavers could be laid we had to re-route several downspouts that drain from the gutters on the back side of the house. That involved digging trenches, laying pipe and dropping a couple of underground box drains out in the middle landscape bed for overflow. The whole place felt a mess that day. No, it was a mess. It was also cold. So. Cold. that November day. I made soup for the crew. Thick, hot, made-from-scratch chicken and wild rice warm-your-tummy goodness.Soup has nothing to do with my story.

The paver company was not the same as the pergola company. There was some finagling of scheduling because they had to work around each other. Before the pavers were put down Garden Carpentry wanted to slip in and get the four corner posts in place. It's easier to put pavers around the post than to go through the pavers to set the posts.

Sod removal.

Once the posts were in place and 24 hours passed for the cement to set up, the paver company was back to clear the lawn and get started with the patio. Bye, bye useless grass.

It seemed like a pretty quick 2.5 days to get the pavers all in place. It was December (2014) so I was pretty busy with Christmas hustle and bustle in the middle of all of this.

There was an oddly shaped, but convenient, walkway of pavers already in place when we moved here (visible in the foreground above).

We decided to extend the new pavers from that awkward walkway to under and beyond the pergola area all the way over to the open back deck. Now the space flows from one side to the other of the back garden. The pavers that extend out beyond the pergola create an ample walkway to the deck.

When the patio was completed the guys from Garden Carpentry came in right behind the paver company to get started on their magic 

It took a few weeks of back and forth discussions preceding the construction of the pergola to get the final plans in order. These are the rafters. Aren't they beautiful? The end cuts are called ogees.  Turns out there are lots of design options for ogee cuts.  (I had to learn all this stuff as we went along). Each rafter has to be individually cut. I wanted my rafters to extend out as far as possible over the lintels. They ended up being a little more than a 2.5' overhang. The smaller cross bars on top are called purlins. Aren't you glad you know all that now!

Once Garden Carpentry was on site to start the pergola it was completed in about 3 days. I really appreciated how they worked with me to let me give my input on the design. I knew what I had in mind and with their expert knowledge the collaboration turned out to fit my vision exactly. 

In my mind the pergola was to be a multi-purposed work-station, eatery and gathering place. I wanted a place to gather my gardening supplies and a central spot to work from. It had to be large enough for a small table and a seating area.  We had it covered with a clear polycarbonate roof to keep the rain out as much as possible. All the wood was stained with *Espresso* opaque Olympia wood stain.

You can see all my paint samples painted on the right. The house was a light gray. We painted it a deeper shade of gray (Dovetail Gray -Sherwin Williams) right before the construction of the pergola started. 

The alcove where the pergola was to go was created by the angles of the outer walls of the house. It was a pretty useless area. The garage is just to the right of this photo. The alcove had become a messy gathering of all my grow pots and anything else I hadn't yet found space in the garden for yet.

Immediately the new structure made a world of difference in the overall garden environment and added to the architectural aspects of our newly acquired home. The pergola improved the balance of the back side of the house tremendously. It was as if that strange, ill-used alcove was waiting for a pergola.

You can easily see how connecting the walkway all the way across to the open deck made sense.

Remember the re-purposed painted ladder project? You can see them here. I'm benefiting from the convenience of all my seedlings and sprigs of rooted plants being right there together under this roof. It's so easy to water them (and control how much water/sun they get) with a hose nozzle also under the pergola.

The perspective looking from the yard back toward the house.

The entire space has become a welcoming entry way so-to-speak into the back yard.

I use low container bowls on the edge of the walkway to keep the view open. They are filled with sun-loving herbs and flowers.

I couldn't be more pleased with the results of the pavers and the pergola. We have spent so many wonderful minutes reading, eating and gathering with friends and family under the cozy pergola. The pergola addition is one of those things that will be enjoyed for years to come.

As time goes on I'm sincerely feeling like this new home is MY home.

Soon I'll reveal the long awaited potting bench. Phase #9,989 .... :-)

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If you've just arrived to this page as a new gardening friend or perhaps missed the back story about how we moved from our home and garden of 30 years to the house next door you can catch up here... http://www.hoeandshovel.com/2014/07/a-new-journey-bitter-and-sweet.html

All material © 2007-2015 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Modern Art and Cheerful Container Caladiums

If you've spent any time with me here or in my garden you already know that I'm a mega-fan of Caladiums. I plant them in the landscape as edging, borders, clumps, and sweeps. Almost every one of my containers has a few of them peeking out between the flowers and plants.

A row of container pots with various Caladiums, begonias, Coleus and ferns along the walkway in my back garden. 

I prefer planting Caladium bulbs over purchasing the potted plants in garden centers. You get more *life* out of your Caladium varieties if you start with bulbs. Plus you get to pick from a vast array of sizes, colors and patterns rather than the few options available in the stores.

A wider view of the walkway and containers pictured above. Photo taken: July 18, 2014

There's nothing wrong with buying Caladium plants for sale in nurseries. But here's something to consider. The beautiful foliage that Caladiums sprout has an annual life span of about 150 days on average, then they return to their dormant state until the following spring. Some quick math will prove the bulbs that were forced in pots and for sale at stores will have less number of days (by a little) to be dancing in your garden. No biggie though. Whether you plant Caladium bulbs or purchase potted plants the important thing to remember is you don't want to be without their glorious cheery faces dancing in your summer garden.

Brand new sprout from Caladium bulbs planted July 12, 2014.
They come up out of the ground very quickly this time of year with summer rain and humidity.

When you plant bulbs versus buying plants, you get the thrill of watching that first sprout rocket out of the ground.

Brand new leaves from bulbs planted July 12, 2014. A package of mixed whites... each leaf a surprise.

Then you look the next day and wonder of wonders... there are more leaves. It's like fireworks. If you blink you might miss the entire explosion.

Red variety in front is 'Bombshell' and to the left is 'Candyland'. Behind 'Candyland' is 'Red Ruffles'.

Each spring/summer I plant a few bulbs into my existing perennial and evergreen pots. Caladiums elevate any plant combination to gorgeous and the additional summer color and texture is a no-brainer. This year I decided to be more deliberate. I planted more Caladium bulbs in containers specifically designed to highlight the splendor of Caladium foliage. Classic Caladiums sent me a number of new and new-er varieties to trial this summer. They produce high quality bulbs at their farm in Avon Park, Florida.

Spray paint your own pots to save some dollars!

For starters I spray painted some plain clay pots with 'Brilliant Blue' to mimic the more expensive blue-glazed pots I already have throughout my garden. I placed them on the open deck at our new home.

Containers were planted 4.15.14 and this photo was taken 5.17.14. Only two Caladiums leaves have started to unfurl.

Silver lace, maidenhair and bird's nest ferns along with various begonias are included in the mixture. The spilling vine is Hemigraphis 'Red Ivy' (amazing part-shade plant) and the sweet green and yellow foliage in left pot is Asystasia. Blue spray-painted Crepe Myrtle branches were *planted* in the center pot.

June 2, 2014 a few more leaves keep me encouraged as we wait.

Then I remembered (for a change) to take photos of the development as the Caladiums evolved into their best cheerful faces.

Just a few days later June 8, 2014 even more progress.

'Modern Art' is the stunning variety I used in this combination. I de-eyed them a few days before planting them. You can read more about the procedure of de-eyeing and see comparison photos of Caladiums de-eyed vs. not de-eyed here.

Also June 8, 2014

Caladiums that are de-eyed take a little bit longer to press out of the soil. But the form and habit of the plant is usually worth the wait!

June 30, 2014 time to trim the Red Ivy and where did the begonias ad ferns go?

'Modern Art' starts out with smaller lace shaped leaves and then push out some nicely large shaped ones to top off the bouquet.

June 30, 2014

The corner spot where these three pots reside is mostly shady with a spot of direct sun for about an hour midday as it shifts through the tree limbs above.

July 11, 2014 Almost 3 months since the bulbs were originally planted.

You gotta love foliage plants with a variety of color, shape and texture. These containers only need water once a week. If it rains I don't give them any extra irrigation.

Stunning close up! July 11, 2014

In each pot I popped in about 3 or 4 #1 size bulbs. I've been using Fafard Professional Formula 4P mix with superb results for my edibles and all my container plants this year. It is light and airy and yet retains moisture better than any other potting soil I've ever used.

July 22, 2014

And there you have it. The full progression through today.  Purposeful pots in the no-flower zone and who can deny the cheerful color they supply all summer long! I'm sold on 'Modern Art'. Cheers!

Have you planted your Caladium bulbs this year? If the answer is no, it's not too late. 

Happy gardening,
Meems

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All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

How-to :: Succulent Planter in a Birdcage

It's been quite a while ago, but I used to keep the sweetest, tiniest, chirping finches in this white birdcage. Since then I have thought often about repurposing the cage for something useful again. When I saw the photo above (I think I found it on an FB gardening page), I was immediately inspired. Succulents are fun and unique plants that don't require much attention from the gardener.

I had no idea how to duplicate the inspiration piece, but I thought I'd give it a try recently. This is what I decided would likely work. If you'd like to do it also this is how.





Birdcage
Small pebbles
Sphagnum moss
Potting soil
Perlite (optional)
Succulents
Dowel (optional)
Decorative rocks (optional)

You may not need to paint your cage. I did. I painted my white birdcage Espresso Brown. The cage also has a hanger and a stand. All were painted with spray-paint ~  Rust-oleum primer and paint. I chose this deep brown for the cage so it would blend into the background and allow the green plants to be the focus. After it was painted I let the paint 'set-up or cure' for a couple of days before I began transforming it to a planter. Curing time for paint helps delay deterioration.

Now that it's painted and cured let's get creative. 

Place very small rocks in the bottom tray for drainage. I used about an inch of small pea gravel. This makes the cage heavy so be sure your stand (or hanger) and bottom will hold the weight.

Soak sphagnum moss in water. Wetting it thoroughly helps to make it easily moldable and it stays in place until the next step. I put the moss in a bucket of water and let it drink up the water thoroughly.

Mold the drenched moss using small quantities at a time (squeeze out excess water as you go) to the sides of the cage about 4" or so in height. My cage came with plastic inserts that slide in and out on all four sides. I put those in place to help hold the moss in. When I was ready to plant I removed them. You can better see the plastic slides two photos down.

Mix your favorite potting soil with about one part Perlite. Perlite is optional. See all those white specks? That's Perlite. My favorite potting soil is made with some Perlite in it. I added more Perlite because I had some on hand. Perlite will aerate the soil and help with drainage. Succulents need good drainage.

Soak the soil in a bucket. I find the soil easier to work with if it is already wet for this situation. Also, if the soil is already wet you won't have to run water over the plants and risk movement of any of these components once it is finished.

Pack the wet soil inside of the exterior wall you made with the sphagnum moss. I used the open door to the cage to stick my hand through. It was awkward and slow, but it is the only way to get your hand inside.

I didn't purchase any new plants for this project. I used my newly rooted succulents and a few small pieces of various types I had left over from other projects. 

Plant the inside of the cage with as many succulents as you think fit and look appropriate considering height and mature size. I put in varying sizes/shapes and then added some small decorative pebbles to fill in empty spaces.

Plant the outside of the cage. I used a small dowel to poke a hole between the small wire openings.  A pencil or large screw driver could also work ~ you just need something to penetrate the moss and make a way for the stem to slip into the soil without damaging the roots. I gently inserted each rooted cutting through the opening made with the dowel. I used rooted pieces without soil attached or I knocked off the soil.  There isn't room to fit soil and roots through the narrow wire. I did my best to tighten the interior (wet) soil around each insert to secure it. I placed one hand inside the cage and gently packed the interior dirt around each piece while holding the plant with the other hand outside the cage. I also attached a small Tillandsia to one of the exterior scrolls (without dirt) just for fun.

I won't add water for a couple of weeks or more since my soil was already soaking wet. I'll add more succulents later if I need more to fill it out. I'm kinda waiting to see how these initial pieces take off first.

The newly planted birdcage and stand has found a home on the outside deck in partial sunlight.  This spot never gets midday sunlight but it does receive lots of filtered light and morning light.

I feel pretty confident about the interior plants. They will likely take root and adjust to their new environment eventually. The true test will be the exterior inserts.  If the outside pieces actually root and take hold my copy of the inspiration piece might be successful.

The whole project took me about an hour including painting. It didn't cost me anything at the time because I happened to have all the supplies already on hand. I like that.

Obviously, my planter has some growing up to do before it reaches the amazing beauty status of its inspiration piece. Good thing I'm a patient gardener.

Where's the most unusual place you've planted succulents or other plants? The possibilities are endless when plants are given the proper conditions. I'd like to make a succulent wreath some day ... it's on my list.

All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

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