Rose Moss -- A Rose by Another Name

Rose Moss, formally known as "Portulaca," is an annual succulent that loves a hot dry climate. It is also known as Moss Rose, Purslane and Sun Plant. Landscapers use it's fast growth capability in rock gardens, container plantings on decks and patios, and in hanging planters, as it can easily trail down the pot in that habitat. This easy to grow succulent blooms all summer long in different colors, such as, red, pink, yellow, orange, white and purple.

I bought a six pack (pictured above) at the discount rack at Lowe's for 31 cents several weeks ago and first planted them at the back of my house that doesn't get much sun. After a week, I could tell they didn't like this spot, dug them up and planted them in this antique slop jar then placed it in a sunny place in front of my garage and now these plants are doing great. (If, you don't know what a slop jar is you are probably a lot younger than me and were born with inside plumbing.)

I have grown several patches of Ross Moss in my yard over the years and I love that it continues to bloom throughout the hottest part of our Georgia summers without much maintenance. Amazingly, it abounds with some of the most concentrated sources of omega 3 fatty acids among all green vegetables. Certain varieties are eaten as a vegetable or salad in Turkey, Greece and Mexico. It also contains vitamins B ands C, plus nutritious antitoxins. Rose Moss originates from Argentina and Brazil and was introduced into Europe in 1827. Seeds have even been found in Greek archaeological sites dating back to 700 BC.

This plant likes sun, well drained loamy, sandy soil and doesn't mind if you forget to water now and again, but prefers you to water on a regular schedule during the hottest months of summer. The name of this plant (rose included) is really a rose by "another name" due to it's easy care and festive colors.

Until next time......

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Hot Weather Tips for Gardens

As a kid, growing up in the south, I'm use to hot weather....lots of hot weather.....drought conditions and plenty of baking sun on my shoulders, but lately the 105, 106 degree weather has pushed me (since I'm older) to judge yard and garden plants to the limits of what can and can't be done to keep the the best and fittest to survive during droughts and brutal.... no rain weather. So, I,m researching for the best "Hot Weather Tips for Gardens." 

Of course the best and most important hot weather tip, I can give anyone is to water your yard or garden. Once you see wilt at least cool the plants down with a shower, prefably, in the morning, but evening will work, if that's your only option due to your schedule.. Watering in the morning, reduces fungal disease or mold forming during the night on roots and plant crowns.  At least, a quick shower either in the morning or afternoon helps to cool vegtables and flowers down, even if, it dosen't benifit the roots to the extent of stimulatulating new growth on the plant.

The second (some say the first) best tip is to mulch....mulch and mulch some more. Mulch prevents water evaperation, evens soil temperature and reduces stress on plants preventing disease and accumulation of pests and weeds. Mulch creates an enviornment and a great habitat for earthworms and other benificial insects that improve soil and decompose wood chips, newspaper and grass clippings used in the mulching process. 

Another great tip for "Hot Weather," never use plants or mulch treated with chemicals or herbicides., especially, if you maintain an organic garden. Pictured above are strawberries that need water but they, also need mulch and loving care to insure they grow bigger and produce fruit.

It's hard to spend the quiet time needed in the garden to mulch and water everyday. If you can't find the time, I hope you take just a few moments to reflect and take a deep breath for the green in your yard or garden.

Until next time.......Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Gotta love this poster!

Someone sent me this poster from faceyourfarmer.com and I had to share it. I will let it speak for itself.

Posted by Deberah Williams

Snow Balls in July

Although I would love some snow right now during the hottest June/July in Georgia's weather history, the "snowballs" I'm talking about are growing on the "Japanese Snowball" bush blooming in my front yard this week. Formally known as "Viburmum Opulus," this hardy perennial has been a stable in my front yard since I moved into this house. Don't confuse these blooms with the well know hydrangea, as they are not related (even though I find that hard to believe).

This bush, as seen above, can grow ten to twenty feet high and if let to grow probably that much in width. So make sure you have a spot in sun or partial shade in your landscape that doesn't mind the growth, or be ready to trim the bush back close to the ground every year. Of course the name "Japanese" tells you this deciduous shrub (loses leaves in the winter) originates from Japan and China.

The blooms in the beginning have a green tinge, then change from cream to white, and depending on the soil and location can even turn pink to purple before drying and turning brown, just like the hydrangea (although, plant experts say they are not related, I still believe there is some relation).

Robert Fortune introduced this species in 1844 from plants cultivated in the orient to Europe and within twenty years varieties found their way to America through travelers to the new world. Blooms can be dried and used in arrangements, just like hydrangeas (I still think they are related).

I have found this shrub to be hardy through drought and flood. Plant in early spring or late fall in good garden soil mixed with peat. Although, most experts recommend trimming back in late fall, I've found they will catch up and bloom regardless, but I do like a regular schedule and usually trim my bushes in spring.

I know, "snowballs" in July does seem far fetched, but actually, I have seen it happen years ago when I lived in Colorado.......

until next time..........


Happy Gardening 2013!

Posted by Wilma Smith

Lend Me An Ear -- An Elephant Ear

"Elephant Ear" is a member of the "Caladium" family and I've grown several plants with success over the years. As a perennial in our southern climate they can remain in ground, but need lots of mulch and will wither and die in the fall through winter, as their corms need a resting period during cool weather. Originally a swamp plant it is a moisture lover, and grows wild in tropic climates, such as Indonesia and other countries in southeast Asia. Then in the spring and summer this plant will come back and can grow three to six feet tall and four to five feet wide.

Prior to our last garden meeting, I had bought a few bulbs to plant close to the lake on the side of my house (as seen above). After almost everyone had left the meeting, two members, Cindy and Mike Christie surprised me and Deberah with a pot of "Elephant Ear" plants, they brought to give away.
"What a surprise!" and such a great addition to my little project, as you can see in the first photo.

I also bought "Canna" lily bulbs to plant in this tropical garden spot. This tuberous plant was introduced from "Tropical America" in 1570 and needs similar care like the "Elephant Ear."

Both need rich soil mixed with peat, sand, manure and a good dirt or potting soil. Fertilize with miloganite or a "Miricle Grow" product every month for best results. These tropical plants can take full or part shade depening on watering. They make a great pot plant addition to a patio or pool setting. If you want, add some coleus, begonias and impatients to the planter, if you have enough shade. Just remember to water, water and water to keep the plants happy.

Now, all I need to add is a banana tree to really get me in the tropical mood and maybe a lounge chair, flip flops and a tropical drink with an umbrella!

Thanks for lending me your ear and until next time......

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Pickin' Time -- A Garden Update

One of the best things about a vegetable garden is when you need to pick the bounty. After planning, planting, sweating, hoeing, and lots of looking at your work, all of a sudden, eureka, you have veggies! In the south we say "the garden needs pickin'." Containers are a must for pickin' time, we like farmer's baskets because they come in all sizes.

The hot peppers in our garden are so bountiful, we have to pick every other day to keep the plants blooming and the younger peppers growing.

We fooled the squash vine borers for a while by covering this straight neck yellow squash variety with ground cover cloth when it first peeked out of the ground until it was blooming. Then Diatomaceous Earth, an organic herbicide helped to keep the borers and squash bugs to a minimum.

This Patty Pan squash variety is hardy and a treat to eat.

As seen above the row of okra is healthy and will begin to bear pods in a week or two.

Jerry's watermelons are growing great! I just hope we can keep the critters like crows, rabbits and field mice from nibbling.

Today, I counted fifteen watermelons already formed in this row. To the right you see winter squash under the ground cover cloth.

Our tomato vines are full of large fruit but, so far the large varieties haven't ripened. I picked four today for "fried green tomatoes" to add to the vegetable supper planned tonight.

This year we chose "Rattlesnake" green beans over "Kentucky Wonder" and honestly, it appears this variety is good for Georgia hot weather and drought spells. We have picked a couple of bushels so far and frozen that many gallons. Pickin' the green beans is fun 'cause you can talk, gossip and catch up on what's going on at your house.

Although the eggplants have been invaded by thrips the yield keeps coming.

This red cabbage variety is heading quite well. I can't wait to make slaw for our annual fish fry.

Although for the last several weeks the weather has turned hot and dry, our garden is doing good. It takes more care to water and bug proof, but any time you can reap the rewards of a little hard work it's worth it in the garden.

I hope your pickin' and enjoyin' yours!

Until next time........

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

A Picture Can Say A Thousand Words

I've always heard that a "picture can say a thousand words" and since I've had some problems taking and down loading photos for our gardening blog, I decided to dig into my old picture vault and see what you think about this saying. Several winters ago, several inches of snow fell and above you can see the beauty of an oak covered with snow in my front yard.

The drive reminded me of  a Beatles song that mentioned "the long winding road."

This bird feeder made a good picture, although I didn't capture any birds around.

The big lake looked beautiful and clear "Spring 2011." Capacity around four acres filled with bass, brim and yes, lots of turtles.

The small lake is two acres and we irrigate the garden from it because it's the closest water source.

Last year was my first trip to Las Vegas. I think most gardeners love to travel and experience different landscapes and plants.

Of course, we all like this kind of green! One million dollar display at "Binion's."

And who doesn't love a cowboy, especially on the oldest gambling strip in Las Vegas.

We stayed at the Luxor, fashioned after the pyramids and artifacts in Egypt. If I had my college major to do over, I would have been an archaeologist.

Of course anywhere you travel there are lots of characters with flare.

Later last fall, I visited my cousin in Lake City, Tennessee. We visited the downtown square in Knoxville that hosts vendors, musicians and good restaurants most weekends. This guy on the sax was great.

One tent was filled with the beat of bongo drums.

Knoxville has some awesome architecture downtown.

My cousins Vernon and Gail love gardening, too and plant their garden down the side of a mountain in in the backyard using raised beds.

Look at this gorgeous view from their garden.

And I had to capture my garden partners, Deberah and Jerry in major conversation around the dinner table.

Last but not least is a photo of Tia on Valentine's Day 2011. No this is not camera red eye, but I guess it's camera green eye.

Well, maybe you don't have a thousand words to say about these photos, a few will do fine. I will be up and running shortly with current garden blog happenings......

Until then.....

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith