Tuesday, August 27, 2024

I Added Three Bearded Iris Varieties. 27 Aug 24.

 This was 5 days ago, so this is a delayed post.

The three bearded iris varieties arrived in the mail.  It's all a risk, because I've had bad results many times.  So we'll see.

These are the varieties Frimousse, Better Than Butter, and Society Page. 


I planted them immediately, among the others. They all have an arborist chip mulch.





Planting An Air Layer - Started Fig Tree. 27 Aug 24.

 Here is one of the Lattarula fig tree air layers, that I cut off from the main tree exactly one month ago.

Roots have been emerging from the bottom water drainage holes.


I decided to plant it in the fig tree in the fig tree border.  The reason is, the parent Lattarula tree is close to the house, and I eventually want to remove it.  Lattarula is my most productive variety,  big juicy, sweet figs.  By air layering starts and planting in the fig border, I can save it.

I selected the spot where I want it, dug a hole, and poured in a bucket of water.  Then removed the tree from its pot.


Lots of good roots!  This is only 30 days after cutting the air layered branch from the tree!

I planted, and covered the soil with decomposed tree leaves.


Then a cylinder of fencing to protect from deer.


It will need a hardware cloth sleeve for protection from voles this winter. Basically, it's planted and ready for its new life.  I won't fertilize until next Spring, because I don't want new, tender top growth now before winter arrives.

Recovering Lavender Plants Growing Quickly! 27 Aug 24.

 Here is the best of the lavender plants, that I pruned to the ground a few weeks ago.  My intent at the time was just to clear up the area.  I didn't expect the lavender plants to recover. i just wanted to cut them down.  It looks like they are making rapid growth!


Here's the other one that I found at the same time.  Also starting to recover.


I'm surprised they are growing.  The web sites I read or watched, said this can't happen.  Don't believe everything you see on the internet!

I found two more smaller ones today.  They haven't been encouraged, and might just be smaller anyway.


Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Ozark Beauty Strawberries In Containers. 20 Aug 24.

 I bought these, bare root, from an Amazon seller, in February.  Previous post.

I planted them in patio containers.  All of the plants grew.

I cut off all flowers until about mid June.  I gave them a dose of miracle grow for acid loving plants.  That seemed to stimulate them too much, so I waited a month and gave some diluted bloom food to stimulate flower production.

I cut off all of the runners when I see them.




These are a big juicy strawberry.  Very flavorful.  They are produced gradually, not all at the same time.

I think I planted too many in each container.  This fall, I might try to thin them by 50%.

The other deck container is celosia.    I think, Plumosa Glorious dwarf mix from Baker Creek Seeds.

Tree Frog, 20 Aug 24.

 There are lots of these Pacific Tree Frogs around this year.