Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon is a plant of many colors as well as names. It's also called Althea, Rose Mallow, and Hibiscus.  I like Rose of Sharon best -  so that's what I'll use here. Colors are from pure white to deep reds.

The Rose of Sharon has worked its way into a section of my heart . .and it's becoming one of my favorite shrubs. Not only because of its brilliant colors, but because of it's easy maintainance. It's drought tolerant, pest free and disease resistant as well! What a JOY!!!!

I'm sure you remember seeing these shrubs in your grandmother's landscape. I've even known some to use them as foundtion plantings; but I prefer to use mine as specimens. Hybridizers have increased the petals per flower and their blooming cycle. Most of the older varieties are of one layer of petals; hybridizer have worked to bring us multi-layered blossoms! They are ALL beautiful.

These are decidous shrubs and get more brilliant with age. They love full sun but will perform OK in partial shade. My tallest one is about 8'  and some make a small tree. Each bloom lasts only a day, but from late May until July it is continuously putting on buds; therefore, there's always blooms on the bush durinng this cycle. Because of this bloom habit I've never tried to use it in arrangements.

My first cutting of a Rose of Sharon came from a good friend's mother's (Mrs. Fletcher) home. It's pure white in color and never fails to put on a show each year.

 

Mrs. Fletcher


Of course, I've named her "Mrs. Fletcher".

On my next encounter with this shrub, I was driving through a neighborhood and saw this gorgeous plant growing beside a lady's garage.

I stopped and asked her what it was and she had no idea. She offered me some cuttings (I would have asked for some if she hadn't) . . I was babysitting with my granddaughter, Tiffany, at the time. She was two- years-old and 'helped' me get them in the propagating bed; therefore, this one is named 'Tiffany'. She's a gorgeous lavennder color with mulitlayered petals.

Tifffany



Red Rose of Sharon

This red one I've had for eons. I have no idea where it came from, but I love  it! This plant always makes me think of my mother; she LOVED red and she had a couple of these in her yard while we were growing up . .I couldn't wait each year for it to bloom.






Patsy purchased two of the Blue Chiffon in 2009 and shared with me . .how sweet. I think it's gonna be my favorite! Not only because she's beautiful, but because of who gave her to me.

She's touted to be a fast growing shrub, however, in my garden she's a little slower growing that most Rose of Sharon, but her beauty more than makes up for the slow growth! I'm not blaming the shrub itself for the slow growth. We are going into our 14th week of with only 1/4" of rain. . not to mention over 100 degree temps in the afternoon. If I can keep her alive maybe she'll catch up next year.

Blue Chiffon

The one below is a Lil Kim. I purchased this one mostly because of her name. She had burgandy around the perimeter of her blooms when I bought her, as well as the burgandy throat. But when she bloomed in my  yard, the petal coloring isn't there, but the throat is. That's OK - I'll love her anyway!

Lil' Kim

Beautiful Daylily

I  know that I said in an earlier post that daylilies are NOT my favorite flower. But I just have to share this one. My sister-in-law gave me this one. She said she paid $50 for one plant . .as much as I love flowers, I'd have to look and think a long, long time prior to dropping $50 for one plant. I'm happy she shared with me! Now I'll share with you.

A Friend in your Garden

With the demise of the honey bee gardeners are looking for other great pollinators for their gardens.

The Mason Bee, not to be confused with the destructive Carpenter Bee, is a friendly, helpful and productive worker in your orchard or flowers.

This photo is from the web

They are not aggressive and won't sting unless you attack them or if should they get trapped under your clothes (not likely). Neither do they make honey.

The Mason bee doesn't live in hives, but builds nests in hollow stems or insect holes found in trees or wood. Or you can purchase nests already constructed.

I purchased one nest for them several years ago. Even though they started nesting in it immediately, it took a couple of years for the nest to reach capacity. This nest is constructed from some type of bamboo and has stood up under the heat and fluctuating temperatures of S GA for at least three years. I paid less than $20 for it.

Front View

The Mason Bee is anti-social. They take care of their young, but only their young! The male is useless except for procreation. The males are sacrificial and forced to hibernate in the most exposed area of the nests. In case of a severe winter, they'll be the ones to die rather than the females.

In the spring the females are hard at work gathering nectar for their young while simultanously pollinating your fruit trees and flowers. They will range about 100 yards from their nest, but I keep my nest right in the middle of the garden. Don't want these babies to wander too far from my gardens!!!!

Side View

I  worked for over an hour trying to get a good photograph of the Mason Bee - to no avail. They're fast, they're small and they are elusive.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/note109/note109.html provides good construction instructions if you're interested in making your own Mason Bee nest.

Vitex agnus-castus, aka Chaste Tree

The Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste) tree should actually be called the  "Magic" tree! Because it's touted to reduce libido in males, the black berry produced on this tree has been used by monks for eons to maintain celibacy!   Now, now ladies - don't go grinding these berries and slipping it in hubby's coffee!

Conversely, the Vitex agnus-castus berry is also used to increase fertility in females, regulate menstrual flow, increase milk flow in lactating mothers, and relieve PMS symptoms. It supposedly combats acne and other skin problems. Also, our ancestors used it widely in producing baskets, chair bottoms or anything that required strong, pliable branches.  A handy little tree to have in your yard, wouldn't you say?

Since I don't need it for any of the above, I just grow it for it's beauty as an ornamental tree in our gardens.The Chaste Tree is very reliable in this area. It's drought tolerant and doesn't require a lot of attention. In many areas you'll see a copse of these trees in the landscapes  . .and believe me, it makes a beautiful display! I've tried unsuccessfully to root some of the cuttings.

I fertilize mine with a balanced fertilizer (usually 10-10-10) when new growth begins to show in the spring. Again when it begins to set bloom and a final feeding as the seeds begin to form.

Even though this tree usually blooms only once a year, I have found that if I'll snip the first flush of blooms off (deadhead), it will bloom a second time.

There are NO pests bothering this tree and no diseases - man, it's great to just feed, water and enjoy!

 Bees and butterflies dearly love it. It is said that bees love this tree so much they will actually sleep in it.

In fact, yesterday a friend was visiting and when we walked past the tree we must have disturbed 20,000 bees! Scared the fool out of him . . but I knew that they only wanted the nectar from the tree - NOT us!!! I got a big chuckle.

I haven't seen many butterflies so far this year. But I'm sure they'll come. As a rule, they literally cover this tree!

Quite frequently the Chaste Tree is confused with the Buddleia (butterfly bush), and when you look at the blooms above, you'll understtand why.  But they are two different trees entirely.

It Feels Good to Love and be Loved!

On  April 16, my three sisters, one niece, and a very good friend had a day trip to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Not only was the company perfect, the weather cooperated as well! The sky was clear, comfortable temperatures, a slight breeze shuffling the leaves and our white hair, and very low humidity.

The time spent together is absolutely priceless. One reason it is priceless is that soon Patsy will be moving to North Carolina and we may not be able to get this group together for a long, long time ...but NO ONE can steal the memories of us being together on April 16.

Knowing that I have a very strong aversion to both Jimmy Carter and Pink Flamingoes . .I was 'presented' with these 'gifts' when we entered the park . . .Gotta love 'em (the sisters that is, not necessarily the gifts)!!!

A video of Jimmy Carter preaching was sent by one of my favorite brothers-in-law, John, Helen's hubby.  Since the day John learned that I have an aversion to pink flamingoes and Carter, I can always count on him for a 'gift'! Helen gave me the stuffed flamingo . . .I almost want to snuggle with it . .hahahahah. Then Patsy presented me the 'sippy' cup - which, by the way, came in quite handy the following week. Patsy's getting about as 'good' as giving me flamingo gifts as John . .. heaven help us all!

On to more serious stuff! The azaleas were not blooming as we had anticipated, but the rhododendrums were beautiful  as well as other woodsy plants. This made up for the disappointment about the azaleas. After strolling through the park for a few hours, we went to the Butterfly House then the gift shop. Everything was perfect there as well. The exotic plants were fantastically groomed and the staff was cordial and accommodating. I could have spent days in there - but the sisters were pulling at me to leave!

To avoid having to search for a restaurant and possibly interfere with our having our 'private' time together and maybe even inhibiting our 'have fun' attitudes for the day . .we had decided to take a picnic. .it, too, was perfect and wonderful.

Just a few 'identifying' photos: 

Below: Joyce, Number One Roddy Sister

Norma, Number Two Sister

Helen, Number Three

 then there's Patsy

The story wouldn't be complete without of a photo of the "InstiGAILor" . . .she's the one that kept the fun going and FORCED us to laugh at ourselves!

But to give her the credit that she so richly deserves, below is a more 'lifelike' photo of her . .here she is with her mother, Helen. Gail also made these fabulous photos. We are forever indebted to her!

Last, but certainly not least, is one of my very best friends, Olive. Olive has been an acquaintance for over 30 years, but a good friend for only five . . .she is part of my Bible Study Group and, just like my sisters, she's always ready to take a trip, fun to be with and she'll stand by you through thick and thin - no matter what the circumstances. My sisters and the instiGAILor fell in love with her as well!

A few more shots to show you how much we truly enjoyed behaving as kids, laughing, and teasing each other!

Not to be outdone, another favorite brother-in-law, Ron (Patsy's hubby) was visiting Vegas that weekend and could NOT refrain from sending me the photo below! I laughed my butt off!!!!

But I must admit it feels good to love and be loved!



Daylilies

Daylilies are not my favorite plant, but I do have tons of them. All were given to me by one source or another. I've NEVER purchased one! As you probably know, it's one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. .that's probably why I've never cared too much for them - no challenge. (smiley face)

Anyway, I do have some favorite daylilies. This red one was packaged with an order as a 'free' gift. I almost didn't plant it but am truly happy now that I did. However, a 'relocation' is in its future!

I have a one garden in memory of my mother. With red being her favorite color, only red flowers are allowed there . .and it sure looks like this one needs to be in her garden. 

Another favorite is this yellow one. I have no idea where it came from nor who gave it to me, but I think it's gorgeous.

It's one of the tallest daylily I have. Notice the number of petals and beautiful, feminine ruffling on the petals. I'm letting this propagate to make a large bed. I only have about six at this time . .and I need about 20 or 30 to make a good showing!

hmmmmmmm . .now that I think about it - since these daylilies bloom simultaneously, maybe a bed of the yellow surrounded by red?

What's Behind the Green Plant?

Careful, if you recognize the song lyrics in the title (replace plant with door), you might tell your age!!!

I don't know about you, but one thing I truly dislike in a garden is visible hoses.  I've tried all types of disguises and holders, but nothing. absolutely nothing, suited my taste.

I complained and complained to hubby (hoping for ideas/remedies), but the only response I got was, "Well, everyone knows that if you garden, you must have a hose." I usually came back with something like, "Well, everyone knows I need a shower after gardening, too, but I don't want a stall sitting in my living room".

Not only that, each time I used  the hose, I had to be diligent to avoid pulling it over plants and/or dragging mulch all over the place.. .what a drudgery! One of the very few gardening drudgeries I might add.

Finally a solution . . .yesterday, I picked up an 18-gallon, green, Rubber-Maid container. I had hubby drill a hole in the side and toward the bottom of the  container. Then I slipped the female connector of the hose through the hole and 'snaked' it to my faucet. Then placed the remainder of the hose inside the container. I put a 50-foot hose in it - but it's obvious that a 100' would easily fit. Then I placed the lid on the tub to avoid getting rain water inside the container. A couple of plants that I'm 'babysitting' solves the problem of the wind blowing it off. . .then pulled another more mature plant to the front of the container .  Now when I want to water, all I have to do is lift the lid - grab the hose and water where I want.

So far, this has worked great for me  . . the hose goes in and out like a breeze. . .no dragging across mulch and/or plants. And unless some nosey someone (like Patsy) goes sniffing around, they'll always wonder how in the world I keep that bed watered so good!

But the BIG reward is that I don't have to look at hoses on a reel or worse yet, laying on the ground when I'm out just to admire my gardens. . .
Now you know what's behind the green plant!