Clay Pots

There are many, many synthetic, decorative pots available in various sizes for container gardening. These are usually very pretty, colorful, lightweight and clean up easily. But as far as I'm concerned, nothing is better for plant growth and beauty than the good old-fashioned clay pot.

 I know - I know! These clay pots develop mildew, calcium and lime deposits; plus they chip and you have to water more frequently. After a while they can be real eyesores on your porch or in your garden. But keep in mind that these 'undesirable' traits exist because the clay is a living, breathing element of our fantastic earth. The clay pots can be heavy and almost impossible to move. (Allowing the soil to dry out prior to moving it makes that task less taxing.)

The roots of a plant need oxygen just like our blood needs oxygen. I'm of the opinion that since the synthetic pots inhibit oxygen absorption where the clay pots are breathing and pulling in and exchanging the oxygen to the roots on a regular basis (the reason for more watering), the clay pots HAVE to be more beneficial for the plants.

Ever wonder why the clay pots instructions are to 'soak for several hours prior to potting'? It's to saturate the pot. Otherwise the dry clay would pull too much moisture too quickly from your prized, expensive plant. Ever seen that statement on your synthetic pots?

Look at this nasty, stained clay pot. Could it possibly be made into something pretty?? White vinegar mixed with baking soda will remove most of the deposits with a little scrubbing. A little diluted bleach will take care of the mildew. However, this one was so stained and mildewed I wasn't sure I could render it usable.

These can be found at very reasonable prices at garage and estate sales or flea markets - which  is where this one came from. I never pay more than a dollar per pot. After scrubbing on this one for a while, I'd almost decided to break it into pieces and use it for drainage tiles in other pots. I don't think it had ever been cleaned and some of the stains were holding on for dear life; then I had the idea to paint it.

I used Rust-Oleum Stone on this one. Quite a difference, huh? And not something you'd want to put out for the trash man for sure! On the inside, I only painted about 4 inches from the top rim. To maintain good air flow for the roots, on the outside I used it very sparingly toward the bottom of the pot.

And I love the contrast on my steps. Now to get some gorgeous flowers for it! Speaking of which, if you're into silk plants/flowers, you could use this technique and never worry about stains and mildew.

Perovskia

Today I'll share the Perovskia, aka, Russian Sage - a much-loved herbaceous perennial.

The Russian Sage is an upright flowering sage that starts blooming in August when most plants have passed their prime and are beginning to look tired. The Russian Sage maintains its brilliant color until frost - which is normally the 3rd week in Nov in our area.

If you haven't cut back your herbaceous perennials (plants that are killed back by frost but resumes new growth the following spring), time is running out. Waiting until the plants show new growth increases the odds of injuring the new, tender shoots.

Normally, my herbaceous perennials are cut back as soon as the frost kills back the top. But this year, for various and sundry reasons, I'm just now getting to that process.

This is another easy to grow, low maintenance plant that I've shared with myriad friends/family. Some as far away as Washington state. It is completely free of any insect or disease problem. Mine are about 10-years-old and the clumps only get thicker each year.

The Russian Sage produces stalks and each stalk has many stems. The tiny flowers literally covers each stem.

Because the plant reaches 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide it's a good back of the border plant. It would be gorgeous as a hedge - I think it would probably be prettier than a Lavender hedge - or maybe together? Russian Sage in the back and Lavender in the front, would make a gorgeous hedge from April into November.

Alone, one flower is not showy, but together, they're knockouts! Prior to blooming the grayish color of the leaves blends beautifully with other colors in the garden. The aroma is your normal sagey scent. Two of it's many beauties is that it is a deer deterrentand a hummer attractor.

After the frost hits you have only these nasty looking dead stems.

I remove the dead stems with a hedge trimmer about 3/4ths of the way down the stalk then get down with the pruners and cut to ground level.

It is cold hardy to Zone 9 which covers most of N. GA.

Spring Fever is Nibbling at my Toes

The weather has warmed up some since our minor ice storm and those horrid low temps. I was able to get out this afternoon for some strolling!. .'How Sweet It Is!'

Keep in mind that all of these photos were made in either 2007, 2009 ot 2010 . .spring 2011 hasn't opened up yet!

The early blooming daffodils are sticking their heads up - some of them bloom in early February. Patsy gave me some beautiful daffodils to babysit for her until she gets settled into her new place . .I wonder which ones they are? hehehe

And my Astors have multiplied like mad . .time to start spreading these all over Georgia!

I checked my camellias carefully. It seems as if the ones exposed to the north winds don't have a lot of buds on them; but the ones protected from the north have TONS . .can't wait for these babies to open - and it shouldn't be long. They usually start opening in early February.Above are two of my favorites. I have a total of 13 . . ranging from deep reds to snow white. I have no idea as to the names of these  - but I love them!

Some seed pods that I had evidently overlooked last fall were hanging onto my wisteria. Luckily I  saw them and was able to 'harvest' them. That's the LAST thing the birds/winds/rains need to scatter over the yard. But they're now neatly tucked into a plastic bag in the garbage can. I'm sure the landfill equipment will take care of any that try to sprout. They are VERY invasive if left to their own devices.

This afternoon I was able to use my Hula-Hoe (see m page My Favorite Tools if you're unfamiliar with the hoe) to disrupt the growth of some winter weeds. Hopefully it will dry out enough over the next day or so for me to get out and vacuum/mulch some leaves. . .ahhhhhhhhhh, it NEVER stops (Thank God).

After the Storm

Well, I certainly hope you all came through the storms unscathed. We did. Of course, we didn't have as much ice/snow as those of you farther North . .. . .but we had enough for our appetites!

It finally warmed up enough yesterday for a stroll around the yard. I took my camera just in case I saw something interesting. Nothing but dead leaves and limbs from trees.

At one time one of my role models told me (she was about 70 at the time) that spring never fails to entrance and surprise her. And as I get older, I'm beginning to understand more of what she was talking about. Spring is a new beginning - a fresh start -  and an opportunity for new life.

And as I analyzed this thought more, I  realized that I am a 'beginner' rather than a 'ender'. I like the beginning of a book more than I like the ending - the endings always makes me sad. I love spring MUCH more than fall - everything's going to sleep and I won't see it for a few more months! I'd much rather begin a project than get into the details of ending it  . . .I like the anticipation of visitors more than I like their departure.....I like  visiting new places much more than I enjoy the trip home, etc.

Seeing the beginning of crocus showing their colors - the windflowers beginning to unfurl their petals excites me. The windflower in the photograph found it's way from the garden into my lawn - these are the surprises I LOVE. I didn't have the heart to uproot her and put her back in the garden - I just enjoyed her where she bloomed! Then the daffodils and tulips will be up - they warm my heart  almost as much as a gentle hug from someone I love.

The quince, thrift, and lorepetulum will be blooming soon . .and I'm watching EVERY day for some signs of life!

Then there's the project that I MUST finish for Mark. I've promised him a concrete birdfeeder; which I have all ready except for the sealing and painting; then our 'inhouse' artist, Ron, will do some fancy writing on it so that Mark will NEVER forget who made it for him. Below is a photo of one I made for myself.
I promise Mark, I'll get yours to G.G. in April and she'll probably get it to you for your birthday!!

Muhly Grass aka Mark Grass

The Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is without a doubt one of the most beautiful grasses you can use in your landscape! I first became aware of this grass about October 2004 when Patsy and I visited NC to babysit with her grandson Mark while his parents attended the Georgia-Florida football game in Florida.

Of course we visited every garden we could locate (and had time for) while we were there. Mark was only about 18 months old - but a very good sport! He seemed to enjoy looking at the gardens as much as we did! This photo is Mark examining some beautiful artwork at Duke Gardens.

On one of our strolls, we saw this BEAUTIFUL mound of grass with pink blooms - and they were fully open! At the time we were unable to locate the name of the grass and it took both Patsy and me months of looking on the web before we could identify it. And when we were discussing the grass, since we did not know its name (it was not labeled) we referred to it as "Mark" grass. Of course, 'Mark Grass' has become the 'pet' name for this plant!

After we identified it we bought some - and the second year I divided mine and sent Mark a few plugs of the grass. He (with G.G.'s help) has it planted in a big container and assists in caring for the grass. He's a real trooper! Patsy keeps reminding him why we call it Mark Grass - hoping he'll remember it for life!

It makes a fantastic showing beginning in October and lasts until the frost hits it. Since we have so much beautiful weather after the first frost, I try to protect mine and get a longer blooming period. It the most showy when planted on a slope or bank . .but since I have neither, I just have to enjoy it on flat ground. I have it flanking the arbor going into my garden.

It reaches a height of 3.5 to 4 feet - and the billowy blooms remind me of cotton candy - swaying in the breeze. And comes back bigger and thicker than the previous year. Again, this is a plant I've shared with many family/friends . . the space where I have it is limited; therefore, I have no choice but to share it!

It's another easy care plant. I just give it a balanced fertilizer on a monthly basis.

After the frost gets it I prune it back to the ground with hedge clippers and throw the dead fronds onto the compost pile. Early spring it spouts new fronds (bigger and better than the previous year) and starts it show all  over again.