Garden Update/Bluebird Sighting

Welcome back fellow gardeners and bird watchers.  You may have thought I disappeared from the blogging scene, however, I am returning with a post to update you on the garden progress.

It's been a very frustrating season thus far due to the heavy rainfall, however I have had moderate success in the vegetable garden thus far.

In May we received 7 inches of rain here in central New York State, and in June we got 4 inches. Lately the weather has a tropical feel as the humidity has been high with frequent rain showers. Today was a beautiful 4th of July, sunny and lower humidity.  Let's hope this is the beginning of a good stretch of weather.

Following is an update for the lower garden.  I have two main gardens with an "auxiliary" garden down behind the pond used for extra plants, fall squash, etc.  In my next post, I will cover the upper garden.

Lower Garden:

You may be wondering why all of the empty space.  I will explain below.

In  the foreground, are kale and lettuce.  For more information on the varieties of kale and lettuce, see my post of  March 18, 2017.   The kale and lettuce were started using a technique known as winter sowing, also explained in the post of March 18th which can be viewed to the right under the "Featured Post."   The seeds were planted in containers and placed out in the snow and cold until they sprouted this Spring.  It is a technique I have used for several years with good success.

Along the right hand edge of the garden are pumpkins.  The varieties  I am growing this season are Big Max, Cinderella, Connecticut filed, Jack Be Little, and Howden.

Today I harvested some Romaine lettuce and kale.  It has grown wonderfully this season.  Plenty of rain, not too much sun, ideal conditions for these plants.  In the future I want to enclose the lettuce/kale bed with a wooden frame (like a raised bed frame), then cover it with shade cloth.  This year I used wood shingles and netting, which helps tremendously to keep birds and other critters from eating it, including my pet duck.  I think shade cloth would work even better, as it is available in various degrees of shading.  I think a 70% cloth (allows 70% of the sun to penetrate) would work well.  If it gets too hot, lettuce will usually bolt.

Harvesting Romaine Lettuce

Kale and Romaine Lettuce

The remainder of the lower garden is potatoes.  This is a story in and of itself.   I initially planted them on 5/24/17.  I planted two rows of Yukon Gold, which is one of our favorites, and one row of Yukon Nugget, similar to Yukon Gold, just a smaller size..  However, only the 3 hills of Yukon Gold in the first row above on the left came up out of the approximately 45 hills I planted.

Then, around mid June, I planted a row of Keuka Gold potatoes that I purchased at a local farm stand.

Long story short, the Keuka Gold sets did not germinate, however the re-plants of the Yukon Gold did. So now I will fill in the missing hills with some Yukon Gold.

The end result will be that the different planting times will produce potatoes that mature at different times, but that may not be so bad after all.

Yukon Gold Potato

The following are descriptions from the The Maine Potato Lady:

Yukon Gold:

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Yukon Gold is a large variety of potato most distinctly characterized by its thin, smooth eye-free skin and yellow-tinged flesh.  Deservedly known as a nice potato, with great flavor and excellent storage. This is an early variety.

Yukon Nugget:

Uniform nuggets of gold are a treasure; enjoy them steamed whole or chunked, then tossed with balsamic vinegar, butter and salt, and a touch of dill. This recent release has Rose Gold as one of its parents. A large set of small- to medium-sized golden tubers with small red eyes, 4-5 more per plant than Yukon Gold

Keuka Gold:

Expect high uniform yields from Keuka Gold, a recent release from the Cornell breeding program. Part of the Public Seed Initiative in 2004, Keuka performed well under organic growing conditions. Though not as early as Yukon Gold, it may be a good substitute.  Buff skin and light yellow flesh with eating qualities similar to Yukon Gold.

Today I replanted, once again, some Yukon Gold potatoes.  I used some leftover potatoes from last year. Surprisingly, I still had enough to replant and hopefully I will end up with a complete potato patch.

The good news is that I will have just one variety, so no chance for mix ups.  The bad news, I really wanted to try both Yukon Nugget and Keuka gold.  But there is always next year.

Planting Potatoes - Third Attempt

Finally, There's the sunflower saga.  I love growing sunflowers, as I used to grow them as a child with my Mom's assistance.  I would grow the Mammoth Russian variety, and enter the seed heads in size contests (by submitting photos) in magazines.

Now I typically grow the decorative types, as there are so many to choose from and new ones each year. However, this year the birds seemed to dig up and eat the planted seeds, which I never had a problem with before,  So my solution was to plant them in a container indoors, then transplant into the garden. Hopefully they will survive and provide beautiful blooms in late summer, early fall.

Planting Sunflowers

Sunflower Patch

In my next post, I will cover the Upper Garden, which this year contains lots of goodies, including Heirloom tomatoes pole beans and much more.  Below is one photo to peak your interest for my next post.  Also, I recently started a new perennial bed which I will share, as it is a work in progress.

Upper Garden

Bluebird Sighting:

Much to my delight, this year we have bluebirds nesting in one of the nest boxes along the pond. They like to sit on my bird feeder that overlooks the pond, even though I haven't been putting any seed out lately.  I think I captured both the male and female.  These birds seems to have a little different coloring from typical bluebirds. I don't think these are juveniles, since they are still nesting in the bird house, although the coloring almost looks that way.  None the less, they are fun to watch.

Thanks for visiting, and have a happy 4th of July!

Photos - Starting Onions and Heirloom Tomatoes/Bird Photos

Welcome back.  I think Spring has finally sprung.  And I mean FINALLY.  The 3 feet of snow from the mid March storm has finally melted.  The peepers are out and we're ready to roll!  I am anxiously awaiting to see if any migratory birds visit the feeder.  April is usually when they start to arrive on their journey north.


Starting Heirloom Tomatoes:

Peat Pellets Absorbing Water.  Netting is Then Peeled Back, Seeds Planted and Covered With Soil.

Heirloom Tomatoes.  Left, San Marzano.  Right, Heirloom Rainbow Blend (Park Seeds)

Onions and Leeks - Update:

In the Greenhouse:  Sweet Spanish and Cipollini Onions, American Flag Leeks, and Tomatoes

Winter Sowing - Update:

Lettuce and Kale/Grown Using the Winter Sowing Technique

Finally, a few bird photos:

Red-Winged Blackbird

Brown-Headed Cowbird

Northern Cardinal and White-Throated Sparrow

Thanks as always for visiting.

Staring Onions Indoors/Lettuce and Kale Outdoors -Yes Outdoors!

Welcome back again to my blog.  Another month has gone by so quickly, and it's time I return with a new post.

As always the Great Backyard Bird Count was fun and interesting.  I will summarize my results and those of the overall count in future posts.  This project continues to grow each year with more participants and checklists submitted.

The weather continues to be extremely variable this winter.  A few weeks ago we enjoyed 60 degree temperatures.  Two days ago we had 3 feet of snow and blizzard conditions.

I now turn my attention to starting some vegetables for the upcoming season.  Although it is still a little early for some plants, for onions and leeks the time is right if you start from seeds.  Especially if you're starting late season varieties.

I also recently started some kale and lettuce and placed outside in the snow and cold, using a technique known as winter sowing.

Starting Onions and Leeks:

A few weeks ago, I started two varieties of onions.  Onions are more commonly planted using onion sets or onion plants.  However, I really enjoy Sweet Spanish which are hard to find either as sets or plants, but are available as seeds.  These onions get to be softball size and store fairly well, although not as well as typical yellow onions (usually Stuttgart).

I also am trying Cipollini, an Italian flat variety.  These onions are also sweet and their shape allows them to work well for roasting or pickling.

Preparing Planting Container With Soil

The containers I use were originally for holding peat pellets, but I re-use them using a good potting mix.  I like to use one that already has plant food added.

First, thoroughly wet the soil and level off.  Sprinkle seeds on the soil being careful not to plant them too densely.

Finally, cover the seeds with about a quarter to half inch of soil and tamp down lightly.  Again wet the soil, using a fine mist as to not to disturb the seeds.

Cipolloni Onion Seed

Sweet Spanish Onion Seeds

Leek Seeds

Onion Seeds

Sweet Spanish Onions Sprouting

I currently have the onions and leeks indoors since winter has refused to subside.  Hopefully in a week or so I can set up my mini greenhouse on the porch and get the plants outside, at least during the daylight hours.



Winter Sowing:  Yes, Plant Outside in the Snow!


Believe it or not, it is possible to plant seeds in containers now, place outdoors in the snow, and they will germinate in the Spring.  The technique is called winter sowing.

The best results will be with cold hardy, short season vegetables such as kale, lettuce, spinach, onions, leeks, radishes, and Brussels sprouts.  Tomatoes and peppers will also germinate, but will be delayed compared to those started indoors and will mature much later.  The nice thing is that seeds sown this way require absolutely no care once planted until they germinate.

For more information, visit Winter-Sown.org.

The technique is simple, start with a one gallon milk or water jug that is clean.  Cut the jug in half except to leave one area to act as a hinge,  Drain holes should be drilled in the bottom also.

Use a Knife or Drill For Drain Holes

Fill the container with a good seed starting mix or potting soil and wet thoroughly.  Potting soil actually works better since it tends to absorb and retain more moisture, whereas seed starting mix (usually just peat moss) tends to dry out very quickly.

The excess water will drain via the drain holes.  Never use your garden soil for starting plants, since the microorganisms (bacteria, fungus, mold) can hamper the germination process and even kill seedlings.

Plant the seeds and cover with the appropriate amount of soil as per directions on the seed packet. Water again lightly.  I use a spray bottle for this since a mist doesn't disturb the seeds during the watering process.

Planting Siberian Improved Dwarf and Red Russian Kale

The final step is to seal the containers with duct tape and place outside.   That's right, place them out in the snow with caps removed.  The opening in the top will allow moisture to enter and also prevent the containers from overheating once spring arrives.

Seal With Duct Tape or Clear Package Tape

Placed Outside (Before The Snowstorm)

I also planted two more containers (not pictured and now buried!), one with Romaine lettuce and another with Butter-crunch lettuce.

Thanks for visiting.  In future posts I will follow the progress of the onions and leeks, and I promise a post regarding starting heirloom tomatoes.   Also more bird photos to come.

Tomorrow (2/17/17) Begins the Great Backyard Bird Count/Bird Photos

Welcome back everyone to my blog.  It's hard to believe, but one of the greatest citizen science projects begins tomorrow, February 17th.  Yes, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is here!

This is a quick update to remind everyone, in my last post I also wrote about it.  Below once again is some simple instructions to get you started.  For more information, please visit the GBBC website.

Join Us for the Next Count, February 17-20, 2017

 It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Register for the count or use your existing login name and password. If you have never participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you’ll need to create a new account. If you already created an account for last year’s GBBC, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information.

2. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. You can count for longer than that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you counted at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you saw during your count period.

3. Enter your results on the GBBC website by clicking “Submit Observations” on the home page. Or download the free eBird Mobile app to enter data on a mobile device. If you already participate in the eBird citizen-science project, please use eBird to submit your sightings during the GBBC. Your checklists will count toward the GBBC.

Finally, a couple of bird photos to enjoy.  The GBBC also includes a photo contest.  So enjoy the holiday weekend, and join in the fun with you family while participating in the GBBC!

Male House Finch 

Black Capped Chickadee and Hairy Woodpecker

Until next time.

Time to Buy Seeds/Great Backyard Bird Count Coming Soon

Even though we are currently in the grips of winter, it is always refreshing to dream of Spring and Summer.  This post will cover some gardening planning, as well as getting ready for another great Winter activity, the Great Backyard Bird Count.

It's hard to believe, but many stores are already displaying seeds.  I find January and February a great time to search for seeds, since the interest is fairly low, therefore the selection is great.  When gardening season arrives in May, it is often harder to find as good a selection.  Also, for those tired of winter and needing something to look forward to, this will serve to brighten up the cold winter days.

Selection of Seeds and Seed Catalogs

As seen above, I have already received some seed catalogs and also have purchased some seeds.  So now is the time to look through your seed box to see what you need for the coming growing season. Since gardeners tend to be creatures of habit, you will more than likely return to some of your favorite varieties, although it is always good to mix in a few new ones each year to evaluate them.

As you look through your seed box, there are two questions to ponder.  First of all, you may be wondering how long seeds last, in other words, when are seeds too old to be considered viable.  Although this is not an exact science,  through my many years of gardening experience, I have found that most seeds are good for 2 growing seasons.  So, for example, this year I will throw out all seeds labeled for 2015, and keep those from 2016 and of course the current year.  

Secondly, probably the most common question is, where is the best place to buy the seeds?  The two main sources are seed catalogs (most have websites), and of course local stores.

There are many seed companies to choose from, a few of which are shown in the photo above.  I didn't receive nearly as many catalogs this year probably because I order very little from them.  The reason being is that the seeds are generally much more expensive from a catalog (or website), although some do run specials.   I normally purchase most seeds from local stores and garden centers.  The one main exception is for specialty varieties, for example heirloom tomatoes.  The catalogs are excellent for any special or unique varieties you may be interested in.

Below is a listing and links (caption of each photo) for my favorite seed companies and a new variety for 2017 from each.

Burpee

New For 2017:  Gladiator Hybrid Tomato

"Gigantic ‘Gladiator’ is the hands-down champion in the arena of ‘Roma’ tomatoes.  With an unbeatable armor of vigor, flavor, aroma and yield, it bears a bounty of oval 8 oz. fruit on the patio or in a small garden.  Its dense flesh and tangy taste make ‘Gladiator’ victorious for imparting rich, robust flavor to paste, sauces, soups, salsa, or ketchup.  Strong roots conquer enemies such as blossom end rot."

Park Seed

New For 2017:  Sweet Hearts Hybrid Grape Tomato:

"High sugar content and pliable skin make for a really delicious bite!"

"Sweet Hearts was bred in Japan by one of the premier seed companies in the world, and we are honored to make it available to home gardeners this season.  Once you grow your own grape tomatoes, you will never look twice at those overpriced supermarket specimens in the clamshell packaging!  Sweet Hearts is out to win your heart!"

Jung Seed

New For 2017:  42 Days Tomato

"One of the world's earliest maturing tomatoes.  In the past, early ripening tomatoes have tended to lack in flavor, but not this one.  Round, 1 ounce, cocktail-type fruits are bright red, have very few seeds and are bursting with excellent flavor.  Believed to have originated in Mexico, but it performs well in both cool and warm locations.  Ripens just 42 days after transplant."

Johnny's Selected Seeds

New For 2017:  Damsel Tomato

New! Late blight resistance and excellent flavor.

Damsel produces 10-12 oz., globe-shaped fruits with beautiful, pink skin.  Shares flavor qualities (sweet, rich, and tangy) with traditional pink heirlooms, such as Brandywine and Pruden's Purple, but is more resistant to disease.  Compact indeterminate plants require minimal pruning.  Damsel is the first commercial variety available from independent breeder EarthWork Seeds, who produced the seed in California.  High resistance to late blight, nematodes, and verticillium wilt. Indeterminate.

Harris Seeds

New For 2017:  Mountain Merit F1

"Mountain Merit is a medium-large, 8-10 oz. tomato produced on a determinate plant that has a high level of resistance to late blight.  It has good adaptability, deep red colored, firm fruit and also offers intermediate resistance to early blight and Nematodes.  Resistance to TSWV will also make this an appealing variety for Southern growers to use."

Totally Tomatoes

New For 2017:  Chef's Choice Green Hybrid Tomato

"Tangy sweet flavor and unconventional, attractive green fruits.  Now joining the ranks of the 'Chef's Choice' hyrid tomatoes is this unusually colored, bright yellow-green variety.  This award-winning tomato has all the flavor and wonderful texture of its orange and pink counterparts, but also offers an interestng treat for the eyes!  Impress your friends with this one-of-a-kind color and flavor sensation that is sure to become a staple in all your favorite dishes.  Flattened globe-shaped fruits are 6-7 inches in diameter and weigh between 9 and 10 ounces."


Great Backyard Bird Count

As mentioned above, the Great Backyard Bird Count is fast approaching.  This year's count will be held February 17th to 20th.

To get started, below are instructions taken from the GBBC website:

Join Us for the Next Count, February 17-20, 2017

 It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Register for the count or use your existing login name and password. If you have never participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you’ll need to create a new account. If you already created an account for last year’s GBBC, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information.

2. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. You can count for longer than that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you counted at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you saw during your count period.

3. Enter your results on the GBBC website by clicking “Submit Observations” on the home page. Or download the free eBird Mobile app to enter data on a mobile device. If you already participate in the eBird citizen-science project, please use eBird to submit your sightings during the GBBC. Your checklists will count toward the GBBC.

So register for this great event, and have lots of fun with your family participating in this great worldwide research project.

Finally, a few bird photos and a nice sunrise photo.  Thank for visiting and stay tuned for more info on the Great Backyard Bird Count, winter sowing, and much more.

American Goldfinches

Mourning Doves

Starting a Terrarium/Bird Photos

Once again welcome back to my blog, and a Happy New Year to all!

In this post, I will write about terrariums in general and also document my first attempt in starting one.  As a gardener, I have been fascinated with these for years, but until now I have never experimented with one.

First, let's begin with the definition of a terrarium, taken  from Wikipedia:

"A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem which is a complex system of relationships between organisms and resources of different types. The predominant organisms in your terrarium ecosystem are plants and the micro-organisms in the soil. The major resources are water, sunlight, and soil."

Terrarium have always been popular, as they offer a unique way to showcase plants.  Compared to caring for regular houseplants, they are relatively low maintenance once established, and the unique environment allows for different varieties of pants to be displayed in a decorative manner.

To satisfy your curiosity, below is a photo my terrarium, which has now has been planted for about 6 weeks.

There are two types of terrariums, open and closed (those which have a removable lid).  In either case, making one is fairly simple, and requires only the following:

• A glass or plastic container

• Small stones or gravel for drainage

• Moss, if you choose

• Soil (growing medium)

• Plants that won’t overgrow (generally miniature or dwarf plants)

• Spoon for placing plants in the soil.

Before I explain the steps of planting the terrarium, I will spend some time talking about types of plants that will grow in a terrarium.  There are a quite a few plants that will do well, but it's important to choose from those which are known to thrive in this specialized environment.

Following is a listing of plants suitable for terrariums.  This information was taken from the website titled The Garden Helper.  This site has an extensive listing of plants for terrariums.  Below I have included just those suitable for bright light conditions.  They also list low light, moderate light, and desert type plants, the latter of which work well in open containers.

This website also gives detailed information regarding starting terrariums and much more.

Terrarium and Dish Garden Plants for Bright Light Conditions

African Violet Saintpaulia ionantha		African Violets were first collected from eastern Africa and Tasmania in the late nineteenth century. Their attractive, velvety foliage, compact growing habit and wide variety of long blooming flower colors have made the African Violet the most popular flowering house plant in the world. See Web Page
Bloodleaf Iresine Iresine herbstii		Small, branching plant with blood red foliage, grows to 24". Needs rich, loamy, well draining soil, and bright light with some sun. Keep soil evenly moist. Pinch tips to induce bushiness. Propagate by softwood cuttings in the spring. Hardy in zones 10-12
Button Fern Pellaea rotundifolia		This low growing, spreading fern from Australia prefers bright indirect light, protection from drafts and evenly moist soil. Fills in any space quickly. Susceptible to attacks from scale insects. Hardy in zones 9-11
Dragon Tree Dracaena marginata		Tree-like plant that is tolerant of lower light but appreciates bright, indirect light. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Sensitive to fluoride, so allow water to set for 24 hours before watering. Propagate by air layering or cuttings.
Earth star Cryptanthus bromelioides		Rosette forming, epiphytic Bromeliad from Brazil will grow to 12". Needs bright light but no direct sun and high humidity. Should be planted in a potting mix containing sphagnum moss or peat. Susceptible to mealy bugs and scale insects.
False Aralia Dizygotheca elegantissima		Will grow to five feet tall. Keep compact by pruning. Prefers bright indirect light, barely moist, acidic soil. Prefers night temperatures of 70°, daytime temperatures of 75°-85°. Grow from seeds that need light for germination.
Flame Violet Episcia dianthiflora		Trailing, 6" relative of the African Violet from South America. Requires constant warmth and humidity, bright indirect light and should be planted in a porous, peaty potting mix. Keep soil moist at all times. Hardy in zones 10-12
Friendship Plant Pilea involucrata		Friendship Plants are native to Central and South America, where they are known as Panamiga plants.They are creeping plants that form dense, 8"-12" tall mounds of deeply textured, oval, 2½" leaves. The foliage color varies, but the most common variety has dark, reddish brown leaves gilded with silver or copper. See Web Page
Golden Pothos Epipremnum aureum		Golden Pothos are one most popular of all house plants. They are attractive, durable and easy to grow vines that have smooth, leathery, heart shaped leaves with distinctive marbling alternating along rope-like green stems. Pothos vines are among the top ten air purifying plants for indoor use.
Ivy Hedera helix		Ivy grows best with four or more hours a day of direct sunlight but will grow fairly well in bright indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist. Pinch tips to induce bushiness Feed monthly with half strength, balanced fertilizer.
Maidenhair Fern Adiantum raddianum		Prefers bright indirect light, rich well draining soil and high humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist, but decrease watering slightly in the winter. Grows best when night temperatures are cooler (55°) Hardy in zones 10-12
Miniature Peperomia Pilea depressa		Miniature Peperomias are low growing, creeping plants with pairs of tiny, opposing round leaves on rigid stems that readily root at each node that contacts the soil. This Pilea prefers lower humidity and drier soil. A nice, but fairly plain plant for hanging baskets or to cover the soil in large planters. See Web Page
Moon Valley Pilea 'Moon Valley'		Moon Valley is cool little plant that grows to about 12" tall. Their greatest feature is their saw toothed edged, chartreuse leaves with deep texturing like the craters and valleys on the moon. (sometimes you have to use your imagination..) Excellent for terrariums or dish gardens. See Web Page
Moses in a Cradle Rhoeo discolor		12" rosette forming plant with bi-colored olive green above, purple below leaves. Needs bright indirect light and moist, rich, peaty soil. Avoid sudden temperature changes or drafts. Propagate by softwood cuttings.
Nerve Plant Fittonia verchaffeltii		Brightly colored pink or white veins paint a net over the oval leaves of this spreading 6-8" tall plant. Needs bright indirect light and moist, rich soil. Propagate by softwood cuttings kept @ 75°. Hardy in zones 11-12
Parlor Palm Chamaedorea elegans		Slow growing but may become too tall for dish gardens (12-30"). Should be grown in a warm (75°-85°) area with bright indirect light with high humidity (or misting). Keep soil evenly moist. Feed in spring and summer only. Hardy in zones 11-12
Pin Cushion Plant Nertera granadensis		The Pin Cushion Plant should be kept in a sunny location with a room temperature of 65-70 degrees. When active growth slows during the winter, watering should be cut back. Produces lots of tiny orange berries just in time for halloween!
Pink Polka Dot Hypoestes phyllostachya		The Polka Dot plant grows best in a humid environment, needs bright light but not full sun. Use water that has been allowed to set for 24 hours to keep the soil slightly moist. Pinch back for bushiness. Hardy in zones 10-12
Prayer Plant Maranta leucoreura		Need very high humidity, medium or bright filtered light and well drained soil, slightly peaty soil. Keep the soil evenly moist except when dormant. Feed with balanced "acid fertilizer" every 2 weeks when actively growing.
Purple Passion Plant Gynura aurantiaca		Passion Plants need bright light but must be protected full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist. Feed every 2-3 weeks with half-strength house plant food when growing. Add peat moss to the potting mix. Propagation is by softwood cuttings
Rosary Vine Ceropegia woodii		The slender flowers resemble a small pink vase. Needs bright light (morning sun is ok), summer temperatures around 70°-75°, but keep cooler in winter. Do not over water Feed monthly with half strength house plant food when growing.
Shamrocks Oxalis oregona		Shamrocks are bulbs that grow best when they receive cool fresh air, moist soil and receive bright light but not direct sun. Needs a yearly period of dormancy. To propagate Shamrocks, just repot and separate the bulbs before replanting
Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum		Need bright natural light or artificial grow lights, evenly moist soil, and prefer cooler temperatures. Decrease their light hours to simulate the shorter days of fall to produce 'babies'. Feed every 3 months with house plant fertilizer
Swedish Ivy Plectranthus australis		Swedish Ivy is a fast growing, spreading, evergreen perennial plant from South Africa that is closely related to the Coleus. They have slightly rounded, waxy, glossy green, 1½"-2" leaves with scalloped edges, and produce 3"-8" racemes of pink, lilac or white flowers. See Web Page
Tahitian Bridal Veil Gibasis geniculata		Creeping or hanging plant, native to Jamaica (not Tahiti). Prefers bright indirect light, high humidity and moderately rich, well draining soil. Allow the soil to dry moderately before watering. Hardy in zones 11-12
Watermelon Peperomia Peperomia argyreia		Mound growing plant to 12". Needs bright light but must be protected full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist in warm weather but allow to dry before watering in winter. Feed monthly in spring and summer with half-strength house plant food.
Zebra Plant Aphelandra squarrosa		Zebra Plants are extremely showy evergreen plants with pairs of shiny, 6"-9", lance shaped green leaves, boldly variegated with cream, white or silvery striped veins. Under ideal conditions, they can be persuaded to bloom. Only hardy in zones 11-12. See Web Page

Now, the few simple steps I followed in putting together my terrarium:

• Place a layer of stones in the container approximately 1 inch deep.
• Next put a thin layer of moss which acts as a filter between the soil and the stones.
• Place a 3 to 4 inch layer of growing medium or potting soil.
• Finally, place the plants in the terrarium using a spoon to make small indentations to hold the plants.
• Level off the soil around the plants an add water to dampen the soil.
• Replace the lid if using a closed terrarium.

Putting Together a Terrarium

The plants I used were a frosty fern (Selaginella), spider plant, and another fern that started growing in the soil of our jade plant during the summer, when the plant was on our deck.  We move quite a few of our houseplants outside for the summer to make our deck more decorative.

It may be necessary to remove the lid from time to time to allow built up moisture to escape. Eventually, the ecosystem will stabilize and less fogging should occur.  Also, avoid direct sunlight for better results, as this may cause excessive moisture buildup.

Finally, a few bird photos from the past several weeks:

Northern Cardinal (Male)

Northern Cardinal (Female)

Norther Cardinal (Male)

Thanks for visiting.  The seed catalogs are arriving, more to come.