Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis)

Photo above: Turkey oak seedling

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Parsley-Flower Combos

Here are some tips for successful (and useful!) plant combinations:

• Parsley will look great with:
  calendula (pot marigold),
  chamomile,
  sweet allysum
  or even basil.
  
• All these plants are also excellent fillers for the gaps in between the perennial flowers.
  
• Parsley planted next to the rose bush will enhance rose's smell.
  
• In the garden, parsley is used as an insectide against carrot and onion fly.

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Spaghetti Squash

Many people have troubles growing veggies in Florida. Vegetable gardening in the Sunshine state is in fact much different than up north but there are still some things that thrive here and anyone can grow them. I keep trying and failing myself but I'll keep you posted about my successes. :)

Growing spaghetti squash is one of those things that probably anyone can do. Shaded spot and fertile, well drained soil should do - along with moderate watering. The plant has gorgeous, bright yellow blooms in the morning. They close by noon but they are so showy (photo below) that I think I'd grow the plant even if I didn't like the fruit.

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Rose of Sharon

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Orange

Tiny fruit on an orange tree in a pot - two months after I took the photo of that heavily scented, beautiful orange blossom. The size of the orange fruit is still less than 1 inch from top to bottom.


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Pink Tea Rose

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Growing Spaghetti Squash

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Mexican Petunia Plants

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Fountain Grass

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Hibiscus Flower

Red hibiscus flower on a small hibiscus plant in a pot: measures about 6 inches across!


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Rose of Sharon Shrub

Blooming Rose of Sharon


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Purple Mexican Petunia

Mexican petunia flower early in the morning when the color of the blooms is the showiest. With the sun the color starts fading away and befor the sun sets, wild petunia drops its blossoms.


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Spaghetti Squash Seedlings

Spaghetti squash seedlings five days after the seeds have been planted

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Spagetti Squash

Blooming spaghetti squash plant


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Rose of Sharon

My grandmother always had two huge Rose of Sharon bushes behind her house. Every spring this bush was more than eager to bloom - and it sure did! I remember myself admiring pink and white blossoms and the humming of the bees...

Unfortunately, in our zone 9 the Rose of Sharon does not grow and bloom quite as well, especially not in pots or in the full sun. Planted in fertile, well drained soil in a shady spot, however, it never ceases to bring back my happy childhood memories with appearance of beautiful pink flowers.


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Mexican Petunia

Thriving Mexican Petunia plant


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Angel Wing Begonia

Begonia's flower

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Zinnia

Another plant that doesn't mind Florida's extreme weather/temperature conditions is Zinnia.

This pretty annual will most likely reseed itself. It prefers sunny spots and fertile soil with excellent drainage.

Zinnias are easy to grow from seeds (start indoors or sow directly when the danger of frost is over). They are excellent cut flowers - if we remove the foliage from stems before placing them in the vase.



Zinnias come in all shapes (single, double, cactus, dahlia, ruffles and pompom), colors (all, including multi-colored, except blue) and sizes (from 6 to 40 inches in height with blossoms in diameter from less than 1 inch to 7 inches). Their blooms attract bees and butterflies.

The biggest issue with zinnias (in my experience) is mildew and it occurs especially from overhead watering when the plants are not spaced properly. To prevent mildew, space the plants 4 to 12 inches apart - according to variety.

Pinching the tops of the seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall will make them bushy. Deadheading encourages producing of new blooms.

Zinnias are named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727-1759). They belong to Aster family and originate from Mexico and Southwestern United States.

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Harvest Parsley - Tip #2

You might have noticed that if you pick or cut the parsley stems, the remaining part of the stem is then rotting, making the entire parsley plant look... let's say - not very neat and tidy.

Fortunately, there is a better way to harvest parley leaves - thanks to some adventurous folks who always look for their own ways...

Here's how you do it:

1. Use one hand to hold down the center of the plant.

2. With the other hand, lean the outside stem away from the plant and pull.

3. If (or when) you get it right, the stems should break away at the junction with the root and no pieces left behind.


With some practice, this method is simple and well worth a try.
Let me know if it works for you!



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Parsley as Companion Plant

In one of my sources I found an interesting information:

Parsley is supposed to repel asparagus beetles in the
vegetable garden. If you're looking for protection from
these garden pests - adding some parsley plants might be
your cheapest and most environmentlly-friendly solution.



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First Zinnia Blossoms

This week I'm enjoying first zinnia blooms this season.

Zinnias' brightly colored flowers always cheer me up and bring back dear memories of my favorite grandmother.

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Parsley in Ancient Greece

Long before parsley was thought of as a garnish in ancient Greece, its greenery was faithfully used in funeral ceremonies.

Associated with oblivion and death, parsley was used to fashion wreaths for graves.

However, ancient Greeks also believed that Hercules had chosen parsley for his garlands, so parsley sweetened the wreaths of the winning athletes.

Last but not least, athletic horses were fed the parsley greens – for stamina to win the races.



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