Will there be a Fall?

It almost seems like we went from Summer to the middle of the Fall season with a quick correction of temperatures over the last few days.

The good news is, the weather is looking ideal for pansy planting. And just for you, Pike's is having an October Fest celebration tomorrow from 5pm-8pm. Here are the details:

http://www.pikenursery.com/

I don't know if it is lucky timing or conscious fore thought, but who care...you are the winner here! Get in for a beer and snack sample and save 20% off your purchase.

If you are looking for specialty plants, like Daphne, Edgeworthia or miniature evergreens, I've got a few excellent connections. Some of these are only available for a short time in limited supply, primarily in the fall, so call me soon!

Chillin' my spring bulbs,

Lyn

Don't Be Lulled In by the Big Box Displays

HOLD ON!

 With the persistent hot weather hitting the 90's this week - it is still to hot to plant those the violas and pansies. Wait another week (or two) and use the time to clean out, and to scout the best deals -- and colors -- for your fall and winter garden.

Consider using Violas with a few Pansies. They are much more adaptable to our climate and conditions. Add Euphorbia and Hellebore to your list of considerations for evergreen plants that can extend your winter garden as well. Check varieties for appropriate sighting (sun/shade/etc) in the garden.

While I am waiting, I'm doing some cleaning and deciding what gets divided and passed along to friends. Anyone need a certain plant for their yard?

Lyn

Getting a Phalaenopsis Orchid to rebloom

While I wait out the next few weeks for better fall planting weather, I'm going to try something new - get my phalaenopsis Orchid to bloom.

Mine was a gift when I was in the hospital, and though it has grown many new leaves, it has never put out another bloom. My plant is very happy right now, because we are close to its optimum, normal temps of  high of 82º, low of 62º.

While I was at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this weekend, I snagged an info sheet on how to grow this Southeast Asian native.

THE BASICS
Finding the proper light is essential - bright but no strong sun (indoors eastern facing window is best).
Potting mix should consist of fir bark, charcoal (natural charcoal - not and perlite.  The pot should be no more than 1"  wider than the roots on all sides. Watering when the mix dries slightly (th bark will lighten in color).  The ABG recommends using a balanced,half-strength fertilizer every two weeks year-round.

Knowing when it forms buds (fall) tells me a lot. Here is what I am going to do to initiate flowering:

1) I want to induce temperatures that will promote flowering; - daytime below 78º.  This is a challenge, as I do not keep my thermostat in this range and it is too warm outside. I will consider placing the pot in a cooler with ice at the bottom to create a mini micro-climate. First I will track the temperature in the cooler without the plant to see if this is feasible...

2) I am going to add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to enhance flowering. I know bone meal will add this, and it is organic as well.

I will report back with any progress. Let me know if you have tried this successfully in the past!

Lyn

Deer-proofing

A landscape friend recently reminded me of a successful formula for keeping the deer away from your plants.

This tends to be a real problem, particularly in the suburbs in a year or period of low rainfall. Although our year started off with lots of rain, the drier season of late summer is putting more stress on animals to find food and water (sometimes only through food).

A soil amendment and fertilizer, known as Milorganite, is actually made from sewage sludge. I know, you are turning up your nose -- but so are the deer! Actually, the filtering process makes this a very worthwhile organic fertilizer and top dressing. If you will cut the corner of the bag and spread 1-2" around the plant, it will repel the deer. Applying a light sprinkling of water will 'activate' the scent and add an extra level of protection.

If you are having trouble with rabbits, the dry version of Repels All is said to be an effective treatment.

Let me know your success with these products. It's been a while since I had to be concerned with the varmints...

Lyn