Jackie D'Elia | Garden Home

Dahlia 'Firepot' is stunning

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

This is my second year growing Dahlias. Last year I came across this variety 'Firepot' at a local perennial farm.

Canning Tomatoes from the Garden

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Canning tomatoes from the garden using a pressure cooker.

Creating a perennial border bed

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout the first year in 2021, I experimented with different plantings for this bed. It is important go through an entire year to get a feel for the sunlight for each season and the wildlife to come. I installed an 80 gallon rain barrel early on to start collecting water for the potted plants on…

Planning a new garden

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

It's been two years at the new house and I'm finally getting time to complete a small garden in the backyard. It started with a border bed of perennials behind the house. I used a garden hose to outline the shape and hired a landscape crew to remove the sod and create a bed. I'd…

My First Terrarium Project

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I made my first terrarium last week. Choosing the right combination of plants and stones was the key.

Terrariums: Your Indoor Garden Forest

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Terrariums, which contain plants such as ferns, lichens, moss and bromeliads, typically need only to be gently watered every six months.

Visit to Microfarm Organic Gardens | Charlotte NC

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Microfarm Organic Gardens in Charlotte is a business centered around providing products and education for growing food sustainably in the city.

Fungus Gnat Control for Houseplants

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Well it didn't take long after transplanting a few houseplants before the fungus gnats arrived. Fungus gnats thrive in moist growing medium typically used for houseplants. I noticed a few flying around my Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-leaf fig). Once I inspected the soil, I saw the adult gnats crawling around the surface. I tried a spray…

Lush Greens for Apartment Living

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

This is my first post since moving to Charlotte NC from Houston Texas. I've been here since the first of March. At my new place, there is very little space to garden. I've got a small terrace that faces east. While it receives the morning sun, it does not receive enough light for growing vegetables.…

Citrus and Camelia Blooms

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The weather will be getting cold this week, so I've harvested the remaining Meyer lemons and Moro Blood oranges from my potted trees. They're covered now and hopefully they'll stay warm enough. The camelias in the front garden are blooming and I've picked some to enjoy indoors in a milk pitcher.

I'm Moving to Charlotte NC!

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It's official. I am moving to Charlotte NC around the first of March. Here's to a new adventure and a much better climate for gardening. Charlotte has four seasons and is a beautiful city. Lots to do over the next two months to get ready. On a very sad note, Kohl passed away on September…

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar on Parsley

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

One of many on this parsley plant is this beautiful Black Swallowtail caterpillar. I've counted about 8 of them in various sizes munching away on last year's Italian parsley plant that is going to seed. The black swallowtail butterflies are mostly black with yellow, white, blue and red spots near the base of their wings.…

Wash Tub Lettuce

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This washtub has provided an everyday supply of lettuce for me since the first week of December.

Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar Osmetria - Red Forked Tongue?

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Swallowtail caterpillars have a bright orange/red fleshy organ called an osmetrium. It looks like a serpent tongue that they stick out when they are disturbed to scare off predators. Osmetria give off a bad smell when stuck out - from two chemicals released from it. I came across this one on an Satsuma orange tree…

Yellow Bells 'Sangria' Esperanza

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yellow Bells aka Esperanza (Tecoma stans 'Sangria') looks delicious and adds a sunny spice to your garden. I first spotted this variety at Buchanan's Native Plants in November 2011. I had never seen this color before. The color of the trumpet flowers are more complex than the traditional sunny yellow variety 'Gold Star'.

Morning Sunshine after a Rain

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Potted cactus in sunshine after a rain.

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies and Caterpillars

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Passion flower vine is a favorite of Gulf Fritillary butterfliesand host plant for their young caterpillars.

The Ground Up is Taking Root

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Houston’s new powerhouse in organic soils, compost and mulch. They’re marketing is fresh, vibrant and very hip. Committed to sustainability and producing quality products to serve the Houston area.

Drought is worst ever for Houston

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Trees all over Houston are dying and lawns are brittle, brown and dry. Now we are dealing with mandatory water restrictions

P. Allen Smith's Container Garden Contest

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There is still time to enter the contest! Deadline for submissions is July 1, 2011 (Extented to) July 30, 2011. To enter, visit the P. Allen Smith's Platinum collection page. Choose your favorite Proven Winner's plants and put together a container. It's free to register on the site, then snap a picture and submit it.…

Vegetable Garden Update: Spring 2011

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We have an unprecedented drought this spring and now temperatures have hit 105 for the past two days. Fortunately my tomatoes set fruit months earlier and are now ripening.

Mama Sparrow Tends Her Nest with Gusto

Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sparrows been feeding her two little ones every 10-15 mintues in this 95 degree heat. She's good at her job!

Something for Dinner from the Garden

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Heirloom tomatoes including a large Bull's Heart and an adorable mini cinderella pumpkin-like tomato.

Rosarian Needed: Can You Identify this Rose?

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The bloom color is pink which becomes yellow towards the center. It does not have a strong perfume fragance, but more a light faint one.

Pasta with Garden Fresh Roma Tomatoes and Eggplant

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I picked the first two Viva Italia tomatoes, along with some fresh Cameo basil and Millionaire eggplant.

Container Gardens: Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers

Sun, 08 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to create beautiful container gardens with thrillers, fillers and spillers.

Roadside Plant Pinch Pays Off

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It barely grew all winter on the windowsill, but this spring I finally potted it up outside in a 12 inch pot.

Visit to P. Allen Smith Garden Home Retreat

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I had no idea that his design company (P. Allen Smith) has created some of the most beautiful gardens in Little Rock including the Governor's mansion.

Garden2blog event begins!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today is the first day of our Garden2blog event in Little Rock Arkansas hosted by P Allen Smith. Last night we all had some tense moments at the Capital Hotel when there was a Tornado warning that forced us all to take refuge in the Ballroom. Luckily it passed us by and we were soon…

Heads Up: Focus on Statuary

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

While photographing the nursery this week, I captured so many beautiful pieces of statuary and it reminded me how important these are in creating focal points in the garden.

Japanese Maple in Filtered Sunlight

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This Japanese maple tree is my favorite trees. It is planted outside my front door under a canopy of oaks. The filtered sunlight dances on these warm reddish leaves in spring. As summer comes along, the leaves turn green. If you look closely, you can see the green transition already starting along the main veins…

Live Oak Limbs: Contrast and Form

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Photos taken this morning of live oak limbs with color desaturated.

Bluebonnets Gone Wild

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to the sowing of seeds last fall by a resident in our neighborhood, this corner is bursting with Bluebonnet blooms. Yes that's right, we are not out in the middle of the country, viewing a field of Bluebonnets alongside a country road. We are in a suburban west Houston neighborhood where the wildflowers have…

P. Allen Smith Hosting Garden Bloggers Event in April

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

P. Allen Smith is a gardener whose love for gardening led him to a career in design and host of his own television show, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, shown on PBS. He makes regular appearances on NBC's The Today Show. He's also the author of several books on gardening and garden design (I can't…

Honey Bees Love the Clover!

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I couldn't resist today photographying these honey bees in action. They literally made a beeline to the clover and have been returning daily.

Not a Snake!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

From up close this creature may look like a snake, but it is a lizard. What I noticed about this photograph was how complex the skin is. Given this lizard changes colors to match it's environment, I guess a certain level of complexity is in order. Nevertheless, it is amazing to see it up close.…

Turn Macro Photography into Framed Artwork

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Photography can make for some interesting artwork… especially when shot up close. The colors and patterns of macro photography can be very beauitful even if you don't know what the subject is.

Join me at Buchanan's Native Plants Blog

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Buchanan's Native Plants in the Heights has long been a favorite nursery of mine here in Houston. I wrote this story about it on my Chronicle blog last November. Beginning this month, I will be part of a joint effort to publish Buchanan's Blog. I am so exited to part of this project and look…

Butchered and Brutalized

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a photo I took a few days ago of this sad crape myrtle. It has been butchered and brutalized for years. I wish there really was a Plant Protective Services (PPS) agency to call (ha!).

White Clover is GOOD for your Lawn

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Despite what the chemical and pesticide industry wants you to think, white clover is actually good for your lawn.

Book Review and Giveaway: Heirloom Bulbs For Today

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This book is the perfect size (square about 10 in x 10 in) to curl up with on your sofa and marvel at the photography and stunning botanical illustrations. The print is large (thank you) and easy to read.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day: Not Much in Bloom Here

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After a bitterly cold two weeks here in Houston, there isn't much blooming in my garden this week. I did manage to capture a few shots at my local nursery this weekend that gave me much needed inspiration. Spring is coming soon! To see what's in bloom for other garden bloggers visit May Dreams Gardens.

Monarch Butterfly Update: Freedom Day

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Freedom! While I've become attached to this little guy and would love for him to stay here, I decided to take him where he'd be free to roam through hundreds of blooming native flowers. Buchanan's Native Plants is a local nursery that specializes in native plants. After the freeze, my neighborhood doesn't have much blooming…

Change Today: Monarch Chrysalis Turns Black

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Perhaps today will be the day this monarch emerges?

Change Today: I See Orange!

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Will this little butterfly will survive??? Notice the orange and the detail in the wings? The color of the outer pupa is darkening and becoming more translucent.

Monarch Caterpillar Sheds Skin and Starts Pupa Stage

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On Monday, after about three days in the "J" position (see the post for images), this Monarch caterpillar straightened out and began to shed its outer skin. In the time it took me to get my camera, the gyrations began and the skin was almost shed. It appears that the skin behind its neck and…

Monarch Caterpillar in the "J" position

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I've been watching this caterpillar for the past week munching away on the milkweed plant (which is still blooming) despite two evenings below 29 degrees in the past week.

Fall Garden: Growing Lettuce in Raised Beds

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Growing lettuce in raised beds for easy harvest throughout fall. Lettuce prefers cool weather.

An Olive Orchard Grows in Texas

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Saundra Winokur is true pioneer. Through sheer grit, hard work and determination, created a thriving olive orchard right here in Texas.

Monarch and the Oak Leaf

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This Monarch Butterfly is resting on the leaf of an oak. It seems to like this particular spot to rest at, as I observed this on several occassion during the afternoon. Where do you see butterflies resting in your garden?

Foliage Follow-Up: Light, Shadows and Texture

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This post explores how light and shadows can express a mood or feeling in photography.

Bee Happy

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For some it can send them running in the opposite direction. For me, it sends me running in with my camera. My Garden Insectary is a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Garden Insectary for Butterflies and Bees

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The area on the left side of the driveway is quickly becoming overgrow with native vines and perennials. While I would like to manicure it a bit, I am relucant to. The butterflies and bees are just loving it. This has turned into my favorite spot to photography them. I just stand in the middle…

Finally… "Albert Greenberg" Water Lily Blooms

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The flower petals tend to wilt easily under the hot Texas sun. Why do I have it? The color of the flower is so complex. It is a perfect balance of apricot and yellow, and pinks.

The Arbor Gate: Beverly's Five Tips for Fall

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fall is an important time to add a layer of compost to your gardens and feed with an organic time released fertilizer such as Arbor Gate Blend

Olive Harvest is Here: How Do You Cure Olives?

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday I picked the olives off my tree here in Houston. Now I need to cure them to remove the bitter taste.

The Arbor Gate: Express Yourself with Color

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Arbor Gate Nursery offers perennials, native plants, roses, herbs, garden art, gifts, and lots of color and good design.

Houston... We Have Olives!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Pendolino olive tree that is on my driveway is filled with olives.

Photos from the Garden This Month

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've taken a break from blogging this month to catch up on a few projects at work. I've found it best to spend time working on my website designs.

Basic of Making Compost Video for Beginners

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are a lot videos about making compost. This one is good one for beginners that want to understand the basics of making compost at home. If you've been hesitant about starting a compost pile, this method is a simple and affordable way to recycle your yard waste and food scraps into rich organic compost.

Beneficial Anole Lizard Shows It's True Colors… But Which?

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) is very common in the Gulf Coast area and it’s continued presence in the garden is a sign you are NOT using pesticides.

Garden Insectary Lures More Than Beneficial Insects

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Garden insectaries lure more than beneficial insects, they lure photographers. This informal insectary in my neighborhood with Montbretia and Wedelia trifolata.

Photographing Butterflies Can Be Challenging

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Photographing butterflies is a challenge. For two days I've tried to capture a decent photo this Swallowtail butterfly in my garden.

Garden Tour: Diana Liga Talks About Permaculture

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Permaculture designer and horticulturist, Diana Liga shares her secrets on creating a garden insectary.

Crinum Mrs. James Hendry is an Outstanding Summer Bloomer

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Crinum Mrs James Hendry bloomed this week, on the edge of my driveway. Chris Wiesinger of Southern Bulb Co., gave me this outstanding summer bloomer last year.

Urban Harvest Garden Tour Part II - Dr. Bob Randall

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We headed to the home of Dr. Bob Randall, Urban Harvest founder. This organic garden uses a total of 3 cisterns to collect rainwater to irrigate the gardens.

Urban Harvest Home Garden Tour Part I

Sat, 15 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Urban Harvest Garden Tour at the home of Gary Edmondson, Education Director at Urban Harvest. There was no front lawn. In it's place were fruit trees, wildflowers and an eclectic mix of garden beds.

Armadillo Provides Free Tilling

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At our Master Gardener class two weeks ago, we encountered this armadillo who apparently visits the front beds of the building daily and provides free tilling of the soil.

2010 Spring Organic Vegetable Garden in Full Swing

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Now that my soil problems from last fall have been corrected, my organic vegetable garden is in full swing. What made the difference? Good soil.

Japanese Maple Adds Interest as Understory Tree

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A nice understory tree, this Japanese Maple, that enjoys the filtered light that cascades down from the water oak and live oak.

March 2010 Foliage Follow-up

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Pam at Digging for creating Foliage Follow-up. To see more fantastic textures and shapes, head over to Foliage Follow-Up.

March Bloom Day 2010

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bloom Day is March 15, 2010. What's Blooming in Your Garden This Month?

Today I Saw Red... and Orange.

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I saw red indeed. A pair of delightful cardinal birds. The cardinals were darting around the backyard today foraging for food.

Windmills, Daffodils and Rosemary

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Organic Vegetable Grower Specialist classes I am taking at Urban Harvest has been very helpful. Based on what I learned I purchased some local organic granular fertilizer to jump start my raised beds prior to planting.

DIY: $5 Compost Bin for Leaves

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DIY $5 Compost bin - I made three VERY low cost bins out of fence material for around $5 each.

Horsing Around by Emily Giffin

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you enjoyed the photo of the horse earlier this week, here is a little more from Emily Giffin. Emily is my niece who is starting at Texas A&M in the fall. Whoop! She enjoys photography and after seeing some of her photos, I asked if she would share them. She has a great eye for texture, angle, form and contrast. These monochromatic images really show this off. I am very proud of her.

Photos by Emily Giffin

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wordless Wednesday Photo by Emily Giffin

Fabulous Fall Color... at Christmas?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Autumn in Houston Texas was glorious this year. The trees put on a show of color that I haven't seen since I visited New Hampshire... well maybe I'm exaggerating just a bit. Nevertheless, Saturday's weather was perfect for driving around the neighborhood to capture the final days of Autumn.

Vertical Pine Tree View: Which do you like?

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Experimenting with some different angles of the camera today. These photos are taken vertically looking up into the trees. Which do you like better, the one where the top is out of focus (first photo) or top is in focus (second photo)?

Houston Garden Tour: Valerie's Formal Kitchen Garden

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Valerie enjoys cooking and eating fresh produce. That is why she and her husband incorporated a real Kitchen Garden when they built their home.

December 2009: Foliage Follow-Up

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Pam Penick at Digging for suggesting a Foliage Follow-Up post the day after Bloom Day. Red Oak leaves Green Cabbage leaves Greek Oregano Shumard Oak Tree Trunk Ficus pumila Frosty Bird of Paradise leaf Frosty Rose leaflets

Bloom Day: December 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the unseasonably cold and wet weather this month, it is hard to find anything blooming in my garden. I've had to go back to photos taken earlier this month to share. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum Mini Fanfare) Jatropha integerrima Last gasp of my Red Robin tomato plant. Happy Bloom Day! Bloom Day is celebrated on the…

Snowy December in Houston

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the snow came sadness as I thought about all of my favorite green treasures outdoors in the freezing weather. The low last night was 25 degrees. As the snow melts and the sun comes out today, I can see that many of my plants will not survive the freeze damage. I tried to save some of my orchids Friday morning by putting them in the garage, but there were so many that I just didn't have time to save before going to work.

CSI: Compost Soil Investigation: CASE CLOSED

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week I closed the case on my soil investigation with the delivery of 7 cubic yards of Nature's Way 3/8" Compost Leaf Mold.

Bloom Day: November 15th

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bloom Day on November 15th. To learn more visit May Dreams Garden.

CSI: Compost Soil Investigation

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It appears I did not do enough research before buying the soil for my vegetable bed. I ordered a ready to use vegetable garden mix from a local soil yard. The soil I received was lighter in color than I expected and had some large pieces of wood mixed in.

Fall Garden: Disappointing Results

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a progress report on my three raised vegetable beds (aka Project 802). I planted seeds in early September for my first fall garden in the new raised beds. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT it has been so far. I am patient and I know that things will improve over time, but needless to say, if…

Bloom Day October 15

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bloom Day is celebrated on the 15th of each month. Curious about what's blooming in other gardens around the world today? Visit today.

Water Lilies Getting Sleepy

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the nights a little cooler and the welcome rains we've had this month, the water lilies are beginning to slow down. I've noticed the colors are little darker and the blooms are smaller.

A Tribute to Maggie

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is with a sad heart that I write this post today. Yesterday, I held my 11 year old Labrador Retriever, Maggie as she drifted off to sleep for the last time. A suffering a brief illness that was going to get progressively worse, I could not watch her suffer any longer. It was a difficult decision to make, but I put her welfare ahead my own desire to keep her a little longer. She was my good friend and the mother to Kohl, my 8 year old black lab.

Identify This Neglected Rose

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I bought this thorny rose at a local garden center about 6 years ago. The tag is long gone. It has been planted in a large clay pot on my patio ever since. I don't do much to it at all in the way of fertilizer or pruning, but when it blooms it shines. The color is pink with some hints of apricot. It has grown about 4 feet tall. I must admit I do not know much about roses, beside what we studied in school - and that wasn't much).

Moon Craters

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The full moon was yesterday but will all the rain and cloudy skies we had as of late, it was not visible last night. But tonight it was and I was able to capture a few shots that really show off the craters of the right edge of the moon. Perhaps they are showing up, because the right side is the part that is waning right now?

Moon Craters Part II: Morning

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moon Craters Part II - The Morning. Couldn't resist one more set of photos this morning. These are of the moon low in the west sky while the sun began to rise.

Rain Lily Seed Pod Bursts

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rain lilies bloomed these past few weeks with the welcomed rains. Rain lilies can be propagated by separating the offsets on the bulbs and planting them in spring. Some rain lilies produce seed pods which I've collected this fall and will plant in a test container. I can't wait to see what happens.

Moon Gardening

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just can't stop looking at the craters and wondering what it must have been like there when they hit. The Moon and gardening go back centuries. Planting by moonlight, new moon, full moon. Did you know that more moisture is available in the soil at the time of the new moon and full moon? That a waxing moon (increasing) stimulates leaf growth and a waning moon (decreasing) stimulates root growth?

Garden Charms

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is one of my favorite fountain statutes. I only wish I had a place to install it. Water lilies bloom best in still, calm water, so my new stock tank pond would not be a good choice. My koi pond is more natural looking with a large moss rock waterfall, so it definitely would look out of place. I'm left with leaving him near my teak garden chair where I can enjoy his company.

The Moon at Twilight

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I decided to head back out around 7 PM tonight, just as dusk began, to take a few more moon shots. The Moon at Twilight. I used the same camera settings as last night, but tried a few different F Stops. 1/40, 1/60, 1/80 - 1/60 was still the best.

Moon Photography

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It was a lovely evening outside tonight, albeit slightly more humid and warmer than a few nights ago. It's been cloudy in the evenings lately, so tonight with a clear sky I was able to capture a few more moon shoots. The moon is Waxing Gibbous 59% of Full at around 9:30 PM Central Time.

Water Lily Poetry

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Oh sweet and fragrant lily, from still water quietly, you find your way to sunshine, and the bumble bee. Your fragrance is intoxicating, drenched in color vibrantly. In the few short days you visit, oh how you comfort me. -Jacqueline D’Elia

September Surprises

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Around mid July, some plants here in my Houston garden go into survival mode. They stop growing and stop blooming. All their energy goes into surviving the relentless heat. In late September, fall ushers in the autumn breeze. Scattered thundershowers and a gentler sun breathes new life into my garden. After enduring the long, brutal heat and humidity of summer, many of my favorite bloomers, are awaking from their survival mode. A walk in the garden this week, reveals these September Surprises.

Stock Tank Pond Update

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, I finished installing my stock tank pond. After an unfortunate incident with the goldfish from the original pond, things are finally looking up. The water lilies are growing and the new goldfish are swimming happily in their new home. Here are a few photos from start to finish, over the course of the last month. Pam Penick at Digging was the inspiration for this project. While I have had ponds in my garden for years, I never would have thought to use this stock tank for one. I think it looks splendid in my new garden.

Bumble Bee: 10 Amazing Macro Shots

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

These are some of my favorite photos from this weekend. This Bumble Bee found the bloom of my Midnight Water Lily intoxicating. She continued to visit the bloom over and over again. It was so delightful to watch as she immersed herself into the flower. I wonder if that heavenly scent of this bloom is what attracted her?

Bumble Bee and the Rose of Sharon

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I was in the garden this afternoon snapping a few photos of my garden flowers and came upon a bumble bee on a faded Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus bloom. What struck me was how much effort this little guy put into finding every last drop of nectar in what seemed to be an old flower. I was thankful he stayed around and posed for some photos. Enjoy!

Bloom Day September 15th

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bloom Day September 15th at Southern Post

Gulf Fritillary

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While doing some reading on this plant, I found that the Gulf Fritllary (Agraulis vanillae incarnata) butterfly uses it as a host plant. Perhaps that is why I’ve seen so many of these small orange and black butterflies in the garden this month. They are not much to look at from the back, mostly orange and black, but wait until you see the underside of the wings. That is where they shine.

Coral Vine Mania

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The bees each summer swarm into my garden to visit the Coral Vines (Antigonon leptopus) that my neighbor Dorothy planted years ago. The vine grows over the fence we shared between our driveways. It is a tender perennial in zones 9/10. It dies back in winter in my area, but comes back on it own in spring

Dragonflies Don't Need A Flight Plan

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My driveway is full of dragonflies right now. The love the ponds and have made my garden their home. Given that they love to eat mosquitoes, it seems like the perfect arrangement. With the relocating of the pond from the driveway into the garden, they are working hard to keep up with the moves.

Relocating the Pond - Sad News

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

fish died relocating the pond

Acorns and Aliens

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today is Sunday, and my weekend in the garden begins. I've got so many projects to tackle today and tomorrow. I took these photos this past week and wanted to start with Acorns and Air Plants. These acorns are from my Shumard Red Oak (Quercus shumardii) , which is about 7 years old now. She is full of giant acorns. I've been collecting them as they fall from the tree as I plan to start some seedlings this fall. While I do not have room for another tree in my yard, I am sure a few friends will want one. It is a beautiful tree, with great fall color. Now, fall color in Houston means it arrives sometime in December or January, depending on the weather.

That Big September Moon

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I took these photos last night of the moon. It was a very pretty evening. We had a light thundershower this evening and the sky is cloudy, so I'm glad I got out last night to take these.

Stroll in the Garden

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A collection of photos from my garden stroll.

Midnight Water Lily Bloom Opens

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While working in the garden on Sunday, I was able to capture this water lily (Nymphaea ‘Midnight’) flower opening on its first day. This blue water lily flower is one of my favorites. These flowers generally last about three days. On the first day, the flowers are rich in color, vibrant like wet paint on the tip of brush. Enjoy watching this flower open.

UCO Unidentified Crawling Object?

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

They like to feed by sucking out plant juices. While this can cause some discolored stems and unslightly leaves, they typically never invade in larger enough numbers to do any significant damage. I just let this little guy continue on about his day. Now if he brings a truckload of his friends over, we'll have to discuss a relocation plan.

Green Lizard in the Garden

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I caught a glimpse of this guy running across the driveway. He was kind enough to pose for a picture. He is looking for tasty bugs to eat near by rosemary plant. It is so nice to have butterflies, birds, frogs and insects roaming around my garden. When you do not use pesticides your garden becomes its own eco-system. Mother Nature has a way of keeping things in balance all by herself.

Late Summer Shiners

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pink Rain Lilies Zephyranthes labufarosea are blooming around my garden this week. With a few light rains last week that have encouraged them to push up some pretty petals. Rain Lilies has a habit of showing off in masse, which makes them such a welcome addition to the garden. All at once, the little bulbs burst into color, usually a few days after a rain.

Oh No! My Soil Report is in

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well here is a copy of the report and as you can see the garden mix is extremely low in Nitrogen and moderatelylow in Phosphorus. The soil is alkaline at 8.2 which is a bit too high. I would like to get this down to 7.0 - 7.5 range. Organic matter is 17.96%, which sounds pretty good. If you think otherwise, please chime in and let me know. I'll have to dig out my Soil Science Lab book to check.

Day 2: I Spy a Blue Water Lily

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is the same Lindsey Woods waterlily from yesterday. Notice that the stamens are now closed. Looks different from yesterday.

My Ficus pumila has fruit

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My creeping fig Ficus pumila in the Moraceae (Mulberry) family has produced fruit! Fruit is rarely seen on this plant indoors, but mine has taken over the cedar fence on the west side of my garden.

I Spy a Blue Water Lily

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The experiment continues playing with aperature settings to blur the backgrounds. I took a few more shots of one of my favorite water lilies.

Urban Water Lilies by Jacqueline D'Elia

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To round out my water lily posts this week, I thought I would share a little essay I wrote in 2000 for my college English Composition class. If I remember correctly, the essay assignment was creating visual imagery with words. Enjoy!

Out of Body Experience For This Cicada

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am still trying to learn how to use my new camera, the Canon Rebel XSI. I am having a lot of fun experimenting with different settings. I went ahead and got the macro lens too, which is really amazing for these close-up shots. Cicadas are out in force this month in my Houston neighborhood…

Yuck! What is That?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

These caterpillars are eating my waterlilies alive in the stock tank. If you know what type of caterpillar this is, please post it in the comments section.

She's Peeking in the Garden and Passionflowers

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I love fountains. There is one by my sister's home that I stare at everytime I visit her. It is beautiful and a perfect size for a small courtyard garden. Notice the intricate detail. Reminds me of the fountain in one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun.

Dallas Red is Hot

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I love this Dallas Red Lantana (Lantana camara 'Dallas Red') I bought this summer. I had never seen this color before until I stumbled upon it at a local nursery. I potted them in a terra cotta windowbox container and they are thriving, even in this summer heat of 100+ degree days. Granted I do…

Showy Flowers of Summer: Rudbeckia and Calibrachoa

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rudbeckia (unknown) and Calibrachoa Superbells White blooming in my garden. If you know what variety the Rudbeckia is, please post it. It is only about 1 foot tall now, very compact bloomer. I'll try to find the tag tomorrow.

Water Lilies Waiting...

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During the transition to the new garden (Project 802), I had to dismantle my old ponds and store the water lilies and little goldfish in the 6 foot stock tank on my driveway. That did not stop these water lilies from continuing to bloom.

Welcome to the Garden. Come in and enjoy the view.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome. Come in and enjoy the view. I've created this blog to share my personal journey in the garden. I garden in Houston Texas (Zone 8b/9a). I hope you enjoy this site and hope to hear from you. Please feel free to post comments, and suggestions and share your own gardening stories. Happy Gardening...