The old firepit will house strawberries in 2015 -- if I get my act together and if climate change doesn't turn Portland into an arid desert this year.
Showing posts with label before/after. Show all posts
Showing posts with label before/after. Show all posts
27 January 2015
08 February 2010
05 July 2009
22 June 2009
09 June 2009
Before & After - Alliums
These decorative alliums (onions) are new to my garden this year, planted as bulbs last fall. They didn't get as tall as I expected, but perhaps next year. We'll see.
Alliums in various stages of bloom
After the purple flowers fade, these green orbs appear.
The green-headed orbs are beginning to lean as the stalks yellow. I cut one and it's doing well in a vase with other cut flowers. I'm wondering if with enough time the green orbs will develop into bulbs that can be planted. That would be rad given how pricey the large decorative alliums can be.
Alliums in various stages of bloom
After the purple flowers fade, these green orbs appear.
The green-headed orbs are beginning to lean as the stalks yellow. I cut one and it's doing well in a vase with other cut flowers. I'm wondering if with enough time the green orbs will develop into bulbs that can be planted. That would be rad given how pricey the large decorative alliums can be.
20 May 2009
Before & After - Ladybugs
Recent tasks lists mention a mite problem -- specifically a plague on my favorite plant, the Cafe Ole roses. The poor roses have a few other problems -- black spot and caterpillars -- all likely related to the mites weakening the plant's overall health. Are mites a cause or a symptom? Either way, I decided to tackle them first.
With ladybugs. Most nurseries sell them in a mesh bag, which can be stored in the frig for no more than 10 days, though it's best to use them as quickly as possible. Both for the ladybugs (how long have they already been sitting around the nursery?) and for the plant you're trying to save from the pest.
The mites got out of control because I attempted to kill them by blasting them with the hose. Does that method work for anyone?!? Seems like it just spreads them around to bother more plants.
At sunset, the ladybugs free because they are less likely to fly away -- you want them to stick around and the eat the mites. Do two things. First, water the plant well because the ladybugs will be thirsty. Second, lightly spray the ladybugs with a mixture of water and a sugary soda like Coke. That will make their wings stick for a day, again, encouraging them to stick around and gorge on mites.
Add a little rum & lime to the rest of that Coke and watch them do their work!
Took about 6 days for them to eat all the mites. With luck, they'll decide to make a home and create successive ladybug generations to keep pesty bugs under control.
With ladybugs. Most nurseries sell them in a mesh bag, which can be stored in the frig for no more than 10 days, though it's best to use them as quickly as possible. Both for the ladybugs (how long have they already been sitting around the nursery?) and for the plant you're trying to save from the pest.
The mites got out of control because I attempted to kill them by blasting them with the hose. Does that method work for anyone?!? Seems like it just spreads them around to bother more plants.
At sunset, the ladybugs free because they are less likely to fly away -- you want them to stick around and the eat the mites. Do two things. First, water the plant well because the ladybugs will be thirsty. Second, lightly spray the ladybugs with a mixture of water and a sugary soda like Coke. That will make their wings stick for a day, again, encouraging them to stick around and gorge on mites.
Add a little rum & lime to the rest of that Coke and watch them do their work!
Took about 6 days for them to eat all the mites. With luck, they'll decide to make a home and create successive ladybug generations to keep pesty bugs under control.
28 April 2009
Before & After - Weeding
This is the Southeast corner of the backyard, hosting a lilac tree and an assortment of hostas, astilbes, and hellebore, and plenty of blank spots for weeds to multiply. Filling those blanks spots is a task I will tackle this year. But first I have to weed, weed, weed.
Before the application of gardenbooty.
After the application of gardenbooty.
Before the application of gardenbooty.
After the application of gardenbooty.
27 April 2009
Before & After - Sunshine on apple trees
Who doesn't like a make-over? Here's the first of what will become a regular feature: Before & After.
Before the sunshine.
April 18
After the sunshine, 6 days later.
April 24
Before the sunshine.
April 18
After the sunshine, 6 days later.
April 24
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