Fuchsia Fuchsias can be trailing – these are the ones used in hanging baskets and pots. But there are also Fuchsias that are upright. These can also be used in containers or planted right into the ground. If you are buying single plants, check the plant tags for growth habit. Light: This can be tricky […]
Crocosmia is both the botanical and common name for this plant. I find it interesting there seems to be no two-part Latin species name for the ones you buy here in the United States. On plant tags, you will find them called Crocosmia with the variety/cultivar listed next: Crocosmia ‘Fire King’, Crocosmia ‘Citronella”, and Crocosmia […]
Light: Full to part sun. Soil and water: Average garden soil. Likes the soil to be moist to wet but it will tolerate drought conditions. The drier the soil, the less it will spread. Hardiness Zone: 3-9. Size and shape: 3-4 ft. Upright. Does not need to be supported. Bloom period and color. Deadheading: Pink or […]
Attracts hummingbirds! This is a vine which must have vertical support and unless you are in the southern parts of our southern states, either grow it as an annual vine or as a container vine that can be brought in for the fall, winter and early spring. Mandevilla will not tolerate one moment of frost. […]
The botanical name is important because there are two Monardas generally available at garden centers and in online catalogues – both have been hybridized. Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Monarda didyma’s common name is Scarlet Bee Balm and this plant is the hummingbird magnet – it is always red. Monarda fistulosa is Wild Bergamot. It […]
Light: Full sun. Soil and Water: Average garden soil, but it must be well-drained. They do not do as well in a rich soil because they will become leggy and then the stems will not be strong and straight – the plants will fall over/flop. They do grow better when mulched. After planting, water deeply […]
Light: Full to part sun. Mine are in part sun – probably about 6 hours of sun on summer mornings. Filtered sun the rest of the day as they are shaded by a big hickory tree. They bloom beautifully so in my experience, part sun does not lessen the amount of blooms as happens in […]
Numbers on Binoculars All binoculars have two numbers on them which are separated with an ‘x’. Often these numbers are on – or close to – the focus dial that is between the eye pieces. But different brands put these numbers at different places, so look all over your binoculars until you find them. These […]
There are several species of birds who will make themselves right at home in your outdoor shed or garage, but in my opinion, the sneakiest are the wrens. They are small, agile, and stealthy, and can squeeze through a small slit – and will. Swallows are number two on my list of sneaky, quick, and […]
I don’t know what it is about hummingbirds and garages – or any enclosed spaces. Other birds like mockingbirds, Blue Jays, cardinals, swallows, and wrens can get into these same enclosed spaces and have little or no trouble finding their way out. But hummingbirds seemingly cannot. In my experience, they want to fly upwards and […]