New Blooms - Part 1

I've already been treated to so many new blooms this year. The camellias, and matchstick bromeliads were a pleasant surprise, but I'm most excited about my irises.

I have such a specific area in my yard that needed just the right plant. The mass of cannas along the back fence was missing something.

The problem was finding something that could handle full sun and standing water. That's not an easy order to fill.

Luckily, I spotted a vender at a plant show at USF last year. They advertised the magic words: Full Sun, Wet Soil

I came home with an iris. I'm pretty sure it's a Blue Flag, but I'm not entirely sure. (a lesson learned about bringing home those plant tags)

I divided that pot into 4-5 plants and put them in front of the cannas. I think their bright blue/purple color will look great in front of the yellow/orange.

Now let's bring on the rain!

Florida Freezes

A Florida freeze seems sort of contradictory, no? Really I never even thought about the difference between just being really cold and an actual "freeze" until I started gardening.

This year I think I came through our first and hopefully only freezing pretty successfully. I brought everything in pots onto the porch and put a blanket over them. Nothing in the yard was covered.

The day after the freeze I only noticed any damage on two types of plants. One of the Bougainvilleas and one type of Hibiscus.

Hibiscus and Bougainvillea day after freeze

Interestingly, out of 4 types of Hibiscus, only 1 type suffered from the cold, and all 3 plants of that variety were damaged. Then out of two different Bougainvilleas only one type suffered damage.

The Knockout roses on the other hand, came through like a champ!

Fast forward a few days...

Its getting ugly on the Hibiscus.

And the Bougainvillea is dropping leaves rapidly.

I know I won't totally lose the Bougainvillea, and I'm only semi-worried about the Hibiscus, but we will see. How did your plants do?

Container Gardening

I love using the term "container gardening", it sounds fancy. I have to admit though, I'm obsessed with pots. I love all types and sizes, colors and patterns. Some people like to take time and pick out just the right pot, ehm "container" for just the right plant.

Not me.

I scour clearance racks and pick up whatever looks like it won't crumble by the time I get home. I'm not afraid of a chip or crack, or even worse...no pre-drilled holes. (Why do they never come with holes!) I've been known to track down a sales clerk to see if they will discount a chipped pot I find on the regular shelf.

Picked up all these containers on clearance at Home Goods.

Total price $12.50

One of my favorite places to shop for containers is Home Goods. Even their not on clearance pots are cheaper than most other places, and with a great variety. Where are your favorite places to shop for pots or containers?