Date: 30 Mar 2024
CAT BREEDS:
European Shorthair - a cat that came from the wild...
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
Q: I saw your beautiful cats in your garden and now I know you are not only plant experts, but also cat experts. Do you now what is the classic color of European shorthair cat?
A: You are right, here at Top Tropicals we have a whole PeopleCats garden with all sorts of cats, and we can tell stories about each breed and personality! In fact, our cat expert Alex Boutova just started a series about cat breeds.
With European shorthair cat breed, there is a twist! Sometimes, people get confused because European shorthair covers lots of different cats found all over Europe. It's not just one type of cat, but a whole bunch! You've got cats with two colors, including bicolor cats (including tuxedo cats), multicolor cats, and even cats with just one solid color like black, grey, ginger, or tabby...
Continue reading:
European Shorthair: a cat that came from the wild.
Date: 16 Mar 2024
Monarch Butterflies Are In Trouble
You Can Help By Planting Milkweed
Do you want to save butterflies from extinction? This is all you need - embrace the allure of butterfly plants and become a hero for monarchs!
...Ecologists and other scientists have been warning about an 80 percent
decline in monarch populations due to habitat loss, pesticides and climate
change over the past two decades, but 2024 is a critical year. A recently
released annual survey on monarch populations reported a 59.3 percent decrease in
population from 2022.
Milkweed plants are one of the best butterfly attractors and they can grow
pretty much anywhere. It is a favorite of monarchs, according to Monarch
Watch.... (Source: blockclubchicago.org)
Join us in combating the decline of monarch populations by welcoming these graceful creatures into your garden! Discover the beauty of butterfly plants today and help preserve their habitat.
In the photo: Asclepias - favorite plant of all butterflies.
In the photo: a caterpillar of a future Monarch butterfly climbing up the Calotropis gigantea
Date: 13 May 2024
Cat of the Day - Jim
Do you remember those monitors that you could lay over and warm your belly? Then you must be old! Time to go to bed, grandma. Good night🌜
📸 😺 👇 Share your cats in comments!
🐾 More #PeopleCats in our Garden:
PeopleCats.Garden
🏵 TopTropicals
Date: 10 Mar 2024
Growing Adeniums: A Beginners Guide
Q: How to you keep Adenium happy and blooming like on the pictures?
A: Adeniums, also known as Desert Roses, are exotic and striking plants that can bring beauty to any indoor or outdoor garden. Despite their desert origins, they require a bit of care to thrive. Here's a simple guide to help you grow healthy and vibrant adeniums:
Light and Location: Adeniums prefer filtered light, although they can tolerate full sun. In hot climates, they thrive in bright, indirect light. Position your plant accordingly to ensure optimal growth.
Potting and Soil: Use a small pot with excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Opt for a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for adeniums or create your own mix using cactus mix with added limestone for slightly alkaline conditions.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to caudex rot. Water in the early morning and ensure the plant drinks up throughout the day.
Fertilization: Use a liquid fertilizer with high phosphate content to encourage both caudex growth and flowering. Apply according to label instructions, avoiding direct contact with the caudex. We recommend Sunshine Megaflor.
Caring for the Caudex: To promote a large swollen caudex, gradually raise the plant each time you repot it, exposing the upper roots. This encourages the formation of additional roots.
Maintenance and Blooming: Adeniums typically bloom from spring through fall. Ensure they receive ample light for heavy flowering. Avoid wetting the leaves and apply fertilizer to support overall plant health.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of adeniums in your own garden or home. With proper care and attention, your Desert Roses will flourish and delight you with their stunning blooms.
Date: 19 Feb 2024
Sky Blue Plumbago
Q: Can you recommend a small, easy flowering shrub for a hot, sunny location at the front of my house? I have lawn sprinklers, but they may not provide sufficient moisture. I attempted to grow roses and gardenias previously, but unfortunately, they didn't thrive. I'm eager to see some flowers, but I confess my watering habits aren't the best... Is there any hope for me?
A: Don't lose hope just yet! We have the perfect solution for you. Plumbago is tailor-made for hot, sunny locations, offering a vibrant display of flowers with minimal effort required. This resilient plant is a true asset for southern landscapes, boasting adaptability, drought tolerance, rapid growth, and an extended blooming season. Plumbago's sky-blue blossoms are guaranteed to elevate the aesthetic of your outdoor space with their enchanting allure. With varieties like Imperial Blue and Pure White being among the hardiest cultivars, you're sure to find success with this delightful shrub.
