Coleus Update

Yessir, those ugly ducklings. Or at least that was my view two years ago. Growing from seed takes forever by the most recent results. I did transfer a few into larger containers (below) but I don't see how that's going to make any difference. The roots aren't any longer than one inch if that.

So, rather than wait until the first frost to see what they really look like, I've picked a few here and there from local garden centers and rooted them. These were done about six weeks ago. Probably only three inches high and 3-4 leaves then...doing well in about four hours afternoon sun...hot too, but they grow better than being in the shade. Ten inches high or thereabouts but bushing out.

Looking at other offspring from the same mother plant these were just planted out after spending the same amount of time in deep shade. One (rear) was actually rooting in another location that had high shade. Quite a difference in color and size.

More from the garden shops. Cost? About 50 cents each when considering the cost of the momma plant. Multiplied several times over year after year, the cost will be pennies. I plan to take samples of all to Florida this winter and root for speedier growing next spring.

Multiplying Plants Through Rooting

Considering the local Lowes doesn't get what I want these days; namely different colored annuals I thought I'd try my hand at propagating through rooting. Easy peasy the message boards say. Yea, some are some are not. Easy ones Impatiens and Coleus. Tough ones or ones I haven't figured yet include Vinca and Angelonia (that happen to go grow extremely well here)

So here's the progress..

One reason for doing so many Impatiens is I'd like to have this place flush with color come this fall. I mean everywhere. So far approximately 150 plants rooted. All seem to be working well. And I always wanted to try New Guinea Impatiens but didn't want to pay the steep price. So I found two plants discounted at WalMart and managed to get 26 rooted.. They're doing well too.

Not so successful is an attempt at a climbing hydrangea first rooted May 26. Three tried and three failed. Oh well, the first attempt. I know what I did wrong and plenty of time to get some good plants by winter. Give it 4-5 years and I'll have several climbing on the trees around here. Never did get around to pics but this is the second try. They have their own private greenhouse in the woods.

 
Reference to procedure

Fairly easy to get things rolling around here where there's moisture. I have several very dry areas that are troublesome. Remember the Oxalis from last spring? Only a few came back. What an expensive failure. I've been meaning to see if the "corns" or seeds are still in the ground and try another location.

Stepping Stones Made From Soil

I think I have the right idea but it didn't come out too well. First sculpt a mold in the hardened soil where the mix will be dumped. I figured a two inch depth would give it some good stability.

Why not ad some reinforcement? Chances are this idea may fail without the right strength mud mix so why not use up all that chicken wire I have downstairs?

My attempt at looking to alter the final mix color didn't fare too well here. I thought I'd try some ash from the fireplace. It toned down the clay color a tad, but you can see... Lowes actually sells a powdered product made by Quikcrete that would cost about a dollar I (guess) for each block or stone. On to more thinking, I recall Adobe brick is sometimes made with dung (animal poop) so why not pay a visit to the farm for a load? I'm thinking it would be economical and may work to get a darker slate like charcoal color. Cost would probably come down to 12 cents per block or stone.

Not much luck in trying to achieve a slate like textured surface so I settled for using crumpled aluminum foil. Going to have to work on this idea. Realistically I did not spend much time on this aspect.

Looks kind of tacky eh? No contrast with the surrounding soil. 4 parts clay soil, one sand, one ash, 1 1/2 cement.

New Project - Making Bricks

A TV program last night detailing how the great Wall of China was built got me to thinking. I have oodles of dirt around here and a shortage of rocks except for what's in the creek but they're too large and irregular. Sure would be nice if I could lift some of those out as they could create some nice scenery.

In any event, on to making bricks and blocks after creating a mold from a 2 x 4. The secret is getting the right mix. The first test is using one shovel full of sand, six dirt and one 1/2 shovel of cement. As you can see one has already cracked (I did try to move them because of rain) and it is not bonding at all. Perhaps take it up to 20% cement? I can think of all sorts of ideas with this method including finishing off a walkway area below. Simply dig out some molds in the dirt, fill, and replicate a stone look. Maybe saran wrap would work providing a texture?

Not crazy about the clay color though. Going to have to find a way to tone the color more to a grayish natural stone much like the walkways around here. There must be some natural element around here to get the desired look. Ground up wood bark, leaves? Trying not to spend money on this project except for the cement.

Better Sights This Year - Blooms

I've captured most of them; the highlights of each plant growing around the property. Let's go through the collection. You've seen this one before but it always captures attention each May. Dianthus. These are basically annuals that survive near the warmth of the house.

Japanese Viburnum or snowball- April 18. Three are scattered from last Mays planting. Only one bloomed this year. Currently about four feet in height. Expected 8 foot by 8 foot at maturity.

Pansies along the north side of driveway. April 25.

More...

Tulips in barrels April 11. Not sure if this one has been shown before...

Knockout Roses along drive May 9...

Azaleas above wall with Creeping Jenny..June 5

The lone Astilbe in with some Caladiums that have about three more weeks to reach full height. Too bad the Astibes will be gone by then...

Day Lilies. First one came out quite dark. Planted last spring, first time bloomer...

Others, some loaded with buds and finally the Calla Lilies...

Hopefully Hosta pics soon once the Caladiums are out in full force