Saving Rain Water and Gardening Tips
Brenda Hyde
June 8, 2010
Last week I mentioned saving rain water. Linda, one of our subscribers pointed out that this may not be safe because of mosquitos breeding in standing water. I did some research and as long as the water is emptied once a week it's fine. I do use mine the same day though, on my porch boxes.
GARDEN TREASURES
Bulbs are such a huge class of plant, and I could never possibly hope to cover the information for all of them! But I thought I would start sharing growing tips on certain ones each Monday as we enter in to that time to year when we should be planning ahead and planting them. If you have any tips or favorites please send them in to me by simply hitting reply to this newsletter!
Today's bulb profile is Alstroemeria, a beautiful flower also known as Peruvian or Parrot Lily. They remind me of a cross between an azalea and a small lily. As a cut flower they last up to three weeks! I first fell in love with them when my husband gave me a simple bouquet and they outlasted the other flowers by far.
In doing research, I found many variations on what zones they will survive in. They can take a freeze to about 0 IF they are planted fairly deep, about 8 inches AND mulched. For those of us in colder climates, we could consider containers, that can then be moved into a sheltered area that would stay around 35 degrees or so. In this case you can plant them about 6 inches deep. They are SO pretty, that it would be worth the trouble. Those of you lucky enough to avoid above 0 temps should have no trouble.
Alstroemeria grow well in sun or partial shade, but the soil should be rich and well-drained. They don't like to be moved too much, the roots break easily, so plan well when you plant them or dig VERY deeply if you must move them. If you live in a hot climate partial shade is best, and again, make sure the soil is not too dry. They will grow 2-3 foot tall, and eventually form larger "bunches". Some varities may need to be staked. One I found, known as New Zealand Christmas Bell, can actually be a pest in zones 8-10, so beware of that one. The others range from sunshine yellow to a beautiful mauve. I do not have room this year, but the mauve variety, which are Dutch hybrids, are on my list for next year when we move!
For those especially bold gardeners, you can purchase seeds and try your hand at growing them yourself. The seeds require chilling, so be sure when you purchase them, they include instructions. If anyone needs help finding seeds later please let me know. They would need to be started around February. If you have room the Alstroemeria certainly is a beautiful bulb to consider planting this year! They would be charming in a corner of a flower bed with other spring and early summer blooming plants.
MORE GARDEN TIPS:
Think ahead to bringing some of your plants indoors for the cold season!
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Old Fashioned Living offers down to earth advice on cooking, crafting, gardening, and traditions that grandma passed down, plus newsletters, community forums and contests. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you'll find something for everyone in the family. Here we feature information about backyard birding!
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