Agave Winter Protection

I decided to start protecting my Agave Parryi and my Agave Harvardia plants 3 weeks ago by putting some old glass window panes over some posts and concrete blocks and other junk I found lying around to protect them. I put clear 4 mil clear window plastic over the windows and covered some of the sides with it to keep the moisture out. I left some areas open on the sides to help circulate the air. It is best to cover Agave's early I am told because this way the soil/sand around them can dry out, as they tend to rot when they are both cold and wet, its not the cold that gets them its the moisture. The dirt they are planted in is mostly corse sand and small rocks with some potting mix mixed in. It seems to drain pretty fast so that should help also to prevent root rot. They have to be kept dry all winter long. We have very wet winters here in southern Illinois USDA zone 6b, so they would not survive the winter here without moisture protection.

Mums the Word

I took some pics of my mums a few days ago. I just love these fall beauties, no fall garden is complete without mums.

Pineapple Sage in Bloom

My Pineapple sage is blooming. I like these plants but it's a shame it only blooms in the fall, it would be nice if it bloomed in the summer too. I love the smell of the leaves though also, they smell like as the name implies, pineapple. Every time I walk by them I wanna rub the leaves with my fingers and smell the sweet pineapple scent.

Creative Container Gardening

You don't have to spend a lot of money on a container. There are many unique and creative options when gardening in containers. You can use many common household items you may have that would otherwise be discarded, or maybe someone else's trash can be your treasure. Many of these items can also be purchased at yard sales and junk stores, just keep your eyes pealed. The amount of options are endless, just use your imagination and be creative. These are some creative container ideas I found on the internet that I thought were pretty cool.

Muffin Pan planted with baby tears. http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/decorating/Floral-Displays-0606#slide-1

Old Tool boxes, wooden crates, coffee cans http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/upcycled-succulent-planter-ins-79720

Shoe Planters http://www.shelterness.com/35-indoor-and-outdoor-succulent-garden-ideas/pictures/9433/

Old Wagon Planter http://www.faroutflora.com/2010/03/13/cool-and-creative-containers/

Garden Quote

In gardens, beauty is a by-product. The main business is sex and death. ~Sam Llewelyn

Mums

Sempervivum & Sedum in a Colander

I went to Goodwill the other day and picked up this colander for $3. I decided I would plant some Sempervivum and Sedum inside of it. It turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself, lol.

Flowers in the Garden

Well the plants are putting out there last flowers for the season. So I took a few pics in the garden today. French Marigold

Potentilla "Sun Drop"

Pink Knockout Rose

Zinnia linearis "Summer Solstice" Mix

Canna "Cleopatra"