Date: 30 Aug 2020
Memory Garden: Do It Yourself Paradise
A true moment of peace, calm, and gratitude...
by Frank La Rosa, Del Mar, CA
...I term my garden one of memories because almost every plant in it
have been given to me by some person that I cared for. The Sicilian jasmin came
from a nice lady who brought it from Sicilia in her purse, and she in turn
gave me a cutting from which I have propagated three more plants. The Mermaid
rose came from my father-in-law a rosarian, who "bootlegged" it, actually (in
his boot) in the trunk of his car as he drove from Texas where he lived.
Today that rose reaches up up the second story and covers the arch out
front...
I have made four stone arches in this Memory garden. One is the entrance
to the Chapel of All Good Spirits. It took me two years to build it from
stones I collected from many loved places...
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Date: 20 Aug 2020
Coral Bean - Hummingbird Delight
Erythrina herbacea
by Onika Amell, tropical plant expert
Q: I am creating a natural, native garden on the southwest coast of Florida. In some of the far corners of my landscape, my soil unfortunately is poor and my irrigation does not reach these areas. I am hoping to find something unusual and native to grow in these challenging areas of my garden. Any luck of finding something tough that will also attract hummingbirds and/or butterflies?
A: Most of us have these areas in our gardens where the soil is sandy or where irrigation simply does not reach. It is always wise to choose tough, native plants that will grow in these areas with minimum care, fertilizer or the luxury of being watered regularly.
One plant to consider is the Coral bean or Erythrina herbacea. This legume, native to the southern portions of the United States, is Florida-friendly, unusual and a great choice for natural and informal planting. It will add interest to these challenging area(s) of your landscape from spring to fall...
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Date: 17 Jun 2020
The easiest to grow Gardenia
Gardenia (Kailarsenia) vietnamensis
by Onika Amell, tropical plant expert
One of the easiest and hardiest Gardenias in our collection is the Vietnamese Gardenia. This plant is much easier to grow than many other Gardenias. It can handle overly moist soils much better, is quite drought tolerant once established and has a high resistance to the typical Gardenia woes. It is hands down also the most cold hardy Gardenia in our collection!
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Date: 20 May 2020
How to prevent Jasmine flower drop
Q: My jasmine buds turn purple to brown and drop before it blooms. What should I do to get the jasmines to bloom fully. Appreciate your help & suggestions.
A: At this time of the year in Florida, jasmines may drop flowers because of the sudden hot weather. The plants
didn't have a chance yet to change their metabolism to summer type. The high
temperatures promoted early bloom, but the plant is not strong enough to
support the flowers. It needs extra food. To improve flower quality and reduce
bud drop, we recommend these supplements:
SUNSHINE Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster
Sunshine Honey
and Sunshine Superfood
Date: 22 Apr 2020
Quirky Brazilian Starfish Pepper
by Onika Amell, tropical plant expert
There is something very rewarding in growing your own peppers. Brazilian
Starfish pepper - Capsicum baccatum is a little bomb of flavor! This is not a plant you
will find just anywhere in the United States.
This is a very uniquely shaped pepper which makes it an excellent
ornamental plant. But unlike many other peppers with pretty faces and lacking in
flavor, the Brazilian Starfish pepper is delicious too. It is hailed for the
complex floral and fruity undertones and a medium level of heat for most folks.
These fruity and juicy, crunchy peppers are perfect for pickling or just eating
raw in salads or salsas. They are irresistible in a glass pickling jar
because of their unique shape. Bold and crisp, this pepper is much sought after by
foodies and gardeners alike.
