Even though it is not winter hardy in most of our Pacific NW climate, for a novelty container plant, it is hard to top the color of Euphorbia tirucalli. This often goes by the common name of Red Pencil Tree, Firesticks, or Sticks on Fire and when you see the plant, you will know why it has those names. Stems tend to be red in winter and fade to copper in summer. It is an excellent container plant for a deck or patio. It needs good drainage, and I use Black Gold Cactus Mix and mentally consider it a summer annual and then I am not disappointed when it does not survive the winter!
Living in the Pacific Northwest, we have an abundance of rhododendrons to provide spring color. While there are many hybrids to chose from, one of my favorites is a species called Rhododendron yakushimanum ‘Yaku Angel’. This has wonderful white, felt-like new growth and soft brown indumentum (under surface of leaves) with a velvet-like touch. The flowers are a light pink in bud and open to white. This is a beautiful shrub in the garden at any season, whether in bloom or not.
Rhododendrons like a moist soil and using Black Gold Garden Compost Blend is ideal. Fertilize now with fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. The photo is from a plant in my garden taken in late April. Rhododendron Yaku Angel
Spring has finally arrived and we are having sunny days and warm weather. It has been a long time coming. It is exciting to walk around the garden and see what new plants are showing growth. This picture of a Gunnera in my garden is showing new growth. It is obvious that I need to amend the soil and that will be done soon. Gunnera likes a moist soil, wet but not standing water. I will soon work Black Gold Garden Compost Blend into the upper several inches of soil as well as some OMRI Listed general purpose fertilizer.
One of the most important tasks of getting the garden ready for transplanting seedlings is preparing the soil. Whether you will be setting out small transplants or planting seeds directly into the garden, the soil is something that needs to be prepared prior to planting. In my own garden, I use Black Gold Garden Soil and work it into the soil before planting or seeding. The photo shown is lettuce that has been planted in a soil that has been amended using this simple process and Soil Conditioner. This lettuce should grow and thrive in the healthy soil.
The 11th Annual KXL Plant Nerd Night was a huge success!
Since the beginning, 11 years ago, Black Gold has been a sponsor. This event heralds spring and brought out over 600 avid gardeners, some arriving nearly three hours before the doors opened. Those early birds brought their own chairs and coffee and had a good time visiting with others as they waited in line.
In my garden, I have a compost pile that gets our kitchen vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and grass clippings. As you can see by the photo, I believe it is important to get kids involved in gardening and letting them learn about compost and worms is a good start. Compost is so beneficial to the soil and I add some whenever I am setting out new plants. I never have enough of my own and so I am constantly using Black Gold Garden Compost Blend when planting. It is amazing how much it improves the soil.
At the recent KXL Plant Nerd Night, sponsored by Black Gold, one of the ‘hot’ plants was Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’. This is a dwarf Ginkgo with soft green leaves in summer, turning a brilliant gold in the fall. This is a winter-hardy plant for our area and would make a great container plant. I have one in a pot on my deck and am looking forward to its beautiful foliage this summer. Actually, I have several dwarf Ginkgo plants in containers and find they thrive with Black Gold Natural & Organic Potting Soil. Ginkgo Biloba Mariken
When starting seeds indoors, some kind of container needs to be used and there are many materials available. Plastic pots have often been a choice but there is a trend, especially among many gardeners, to try to be less dependent on plastic. Consider Cow Pots for your seedling this year. Made from composted cow manure, they can be planted directly into the soil. They are odorless, non-toxic and promote recycling agricultural waste. And another benefit is they provide nutrients for your plants.
Radish seedlings should come up in a matter of days, if planted when days and nights are mild and cool.
It is always fun getting children involved in a gardening activity and allowing them to start plants from seed is a great introduction to the world of gardening. When choosing a gardening activity for children be sure to pick something that will germinate quickly, grow fast, and mature in a short time. Growing radishes with kids is one easy way to make gardening fun!
Radishes are a good choice. They will germinate in only a few days in spring, if planted in full sun and grown in fertile ground amended with Black Gold Garden Compost Blend. The process is simple: create your rows, sprinkle the seeds along them, cover lightly and then water. Your kids should check them every few days for germination.
Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them to a distance of around 2 inches apart. Then give them good care, making sure they get a drink every few days or so. In only 40 to 45 days you will have crisp, sweet radishes. Kids just loving pulling them from the ground!
Mild-tasting varieties, like the French breakfast radish ‘D’Avignon’, are best for small children.
Ordinary sedums can create a stunning arrangement in a shallow bowl. The sedums shown in this photograph are readily available at garden centers and could be kept indoors for several weeks and then taken outside. Notice what the addition of some low growing and blooming cyclamen can do to draw the eye to this arrangement. Place the bowl in an area with plenty of light but not direct sun. Use Black Gold Cactus Mix for your potting soil and be certain the bowl has drainage.
