I was taking a break outside and saw this leaf on the ground, that caused me to have a flashback. I was reminded of a biology project I did in high school where our assignment was to collect leaves, flatten them in a book, then paste it into paper and identify the plant.
It’s funny because I totally have forgotten about this biology project, since it was way back in 1985. I wonder if I still have it somewhere… hmm?
Yesterday (Thursday) after work, I stopped by Yard Birds and got the following:
– a box of all natural tomato and vegetable fertilizer
– a gallon bottle of fish emulsion
– a bag of green moss
– a russet terra cotta colored Coleus called “Sedona”
The Coleus “Sedona” had a missing limb and wasn’t very lush, but it was the only one in it’s color. I’ve never seen this color in a garden shop before… So I just had to snatch it up. I’ll take cuttings and try to make more plants.
Which reminds me… I need to do some research and see if there are people who also take unique Coleus cuttings to trade with others.
I was also entertained at Yard Birds. There had these buckets of ladybugs. Tons and tons of them… and I was just fascinated watching them in such a cluster.
A hummingbird also paid a visit at Yard Birds and buzzed around all the fuchsias. It stopped right in front of me and watched me for a little bit, then went back to its business. At one point, it perched on one of the fuchsia branches and looked like it was picking at some bugs.
I saw a plant I really liked called Helichrysum petiolare or Licorice Plant. It’s chartreuse leaves were fuzzy and felt very velvety. If I had the room, I would have bought it. For now I’ll just add it to my wish list.
I’m about to go home from work… and I’m worried about my plants. It’s starting to rain again… and it’s a bit chilly. I just hope that my heat loving veggies don’t get stressed with the changes in weather from about 80°C+ a few days ago to 59°C today…
The Garlic that I planted in the fall has totally failed, so I amended the soil and planted a packet of Tendergreen Bush Beans. I’ve never planted bush bean before, and I’m worried that once the emerge, the pincher bugs are gonna gobble them up.
The Sparkler Radishes that I planted earlier this year has bolted (pic) and didn’t form bulbous roots, so I just pulled them out, chopped it up and put it in the compost bin.
The Gladiolas in the front is starting to bloom. They are so red… I gotta take pictures of them.
The Plums keep dropping their fruits so my mom, placed a tarp under the tree to catch the fruit. I think we’ve harvest like 3 grocery bags full of plum. I’ve brought some to work, and have another batch for tomorrow.
The Grapefruit tree in front have TONS of fruits. Last night my mom picked 2 grocery bag fulls and we brought it to my brother’s house.
I noticed that one of the Strawberry plants sent out another running. I can’t decide if I wanna keep it or snip it of so the energy goes to the berries.
I’m really getting addicted to planting again… I went shopping with my mom and I got 3 succulents in 2″ containers. One Sedum spathulifolium “Carnea” and two other Euphorbias that didn’t have tags, so I have to research their names.
I’ve collected cactus and succulents for as long as I remember. I especially the ones in 2″ pots because I get a sense of satisfaction watching them grow and develop.
For the last couple of years, when friends ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I tell them to get me an unusual 2″ cactus… and that all I want. (Hint, hint!!!)
Today after work, I went to the city library and signed up for a new card. I wanted to see their selection of garden and landscaping books. I got four books to read during my commute and free time:
– Rodale’s Weekend Gardener by Erin Hynes
– The Frugal Gardener by Catriona Tudor Erler
– Succulents for the Comtemporary Garden by Yvonn Cave
– The Cottage Garden by Christopher LLoyd with Richard Bird
Once I got home, I checked the Sunflower bed to make sure bugs or snails didn’t chew it all up. It looked fine.
I also planted 3 pots of various Coleus and placed them in the front patio.
On Sunday, I planted Aurea, a cool little “stepable” ground cover, randomly here and there. I want it to take root and spread because I just love it’s color.
Lyssimachia nummularia “Aurea”
My mom planted some Bataw (a Filipino bean)
I started planting a 6 pack of Sequoia in the strawberry pot I bought on Saturday, then realized I needed more strawberries to top it off… so I took a trip to Target. I ended up buying 3 more Strawberry plants, a Coleus and a Euphorbia
My Target purchases
Closeup of Euphorbia polygona “Snowflake”
Closeup of Coleus
The completed Strawberry Pot
I also planted 3 other pots: (left to right) Euphorbia polygona “Snowflake”, Acanthorhipsalis monacantha, Euphorbia obesa
In the front yard, I tore some weeds out to create a new bed for some sunflowers.
Sunflower bed (before)
Sunflower bed (after)
…and finally here’s Kelly (our dog) pretending she’s a lawn mower
