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?