SnapShots of Home Gardening

Rainy start of Water Dragon

2012-02-13T23:29:00.001+08:00

Like Kesidang, our pond flowering plant (alisma plantago-aquatica) hasn't bloom this year as well - spotted new buds on the way today.

Wrightia religiosa made-bongsai blooms in abundance - very happy with frequent rain and sunshine. I trimmed on during spare time, but look forward to more time to slowly gradually shape its branches.

Episcia growing well on its own - light watering and filtered sunlight. Lovely colored tones leaves punctuated by its bright crimson flowers, beautifies window sills. Perhaps fertilizing and over time - crystalizing at the bottom of its pot. It's so happy in its spot and I can't bear to shift it!

Bright Turneras grounded and bushy! Mum-inlaw locate it next to compete with towering 6 feet high non-fragrant Wrightia. White Wrightia blooms nonstop. Spotted a few neighbours growing white Wrightia fronting their garden, makes attractive welcome.

5-petal blooms in yellow and white, quite a sight!

Inspecting blooms in varying colors, sizes and shapes all over the garden. His fav? 5-petal blooms in yellow and white; and white-purple plant in this pot; and the shrub (yet to find its name! Saved from the flowerbed) in the next pot.

Bloomless greens

2012-02-13T22:57:00.002+08:00

Puzzled over our bloomless Kesidang; it has been somewhat rainy month as we greeted the Water Dragon 2012 year. Kesidang usually blooms well at this time of year - minimal harsh sunlight or sufficient low light coupled with generous and frequent waterings. We're contented with its lush fresh green leaves and healthy stems; makes wonderful filter/shade privacy to the patio area and healthy green backdrop.

Here, my son admires the view as much as we did.

To my delight, DYI One-Stop sells 4 feet high bamboo cane shaped "U", great for keeping twirling Kesidang in its place.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-04T21:43:00.000+08:00

Happy 2011, Everyone and my dear Readers!

Your comments and thoughts posted in my blog are much appreciated. Happy that my blog captures your interest; planting, the scenes and creatures. My favourite is when we captured birds in our garden.

And thanks for visiting. Sometimes I visit this blog for inspiration. A great topic to share/show to interested gardeners, friends and colleagues as well.

Gosh time flies! I hadn't plant-blogging for over a year, and feeling rusty. Mummyhood is certainly a fulltime 24/7, a challenge but I'm loving every minute of it! My little boy's 6 months now, a keen observer and laughs easily. Plan a "gardening comeback" when he's over a year and could walk, to join me in the garden :) ... to create a happy garden.

Can't wait to revamp my flowerbed!

Here's to wishing everyone - a Sparkling New Year, 2011 and happy blogging/ planting/ sharing !!

Soon ...

2010-06-02T22:42:00.001+08:00

Very soon ...

Looking good.

Punches and kicks all the way! I wonder if he'll like gardening? :P

Success with Pentas

2009-12-17T22:40:00.001+08:00

Remember Egyptian Stars (Pentas Lanceolata) propagating project in Oct? Thanks to James Missier, these beautiful cutting survived (100%) and replanted into flowerbed. Now they're budding!

Look at the colour-variety of Pentas that you could choose. They looked like little trumpets hehe :D

Pinks and Whites arranged next to Joyweed (Alternanthera Dentata 'Purple Knight') for contrast. Darker reds enhance bright light colours to glow. I'm advised frequent trimming Joyweeds to adequate height because as they grow taller, its stem at base becomes hollow and weak. Guess they'll have to stay short *grins*. Oh by the way, Joyweeds easily propagated.

Will wait out till Pentas filled up the flowerbed for a good picture. The bed is highlighted at the ends with bright purple Globosa and bright oranges; Zinnia (right) and Gerbera Daisy (left).

Need help to identify the plants below.

Chinese favourite Joyweeds for being 'forever red' (red symbolize auspicious). The new orange flower 'forever prosper' and the evergreen plant 'forever live'.

"Loving someone is like caring for a garden, love it too much or too little and it dies, but love it just right and it will live forever." - Anonymous

Cross-breed?

2009-12-11T22:21:00.000+08:00

I blogged in my last post about pulling out the old leggy Zinnias and Marigolds from the flowerbed. For months I've tried sowing its seeds to grow, I think 4 or 5 batches - I couldn't remember now. Seedlings grew to a foot tall then they all dried up so easily - perhaps from over-watering?

I replaced these flowers with Pentas. And what-da-ya-know? Spotted this lovely bright orange Zinnia, taking up the backstage right corner. Now we've planted its parents in the front row so I was amused that this shy seedling preferred otherwise.

What a minute ... I was just flipping those the old blogs and couldn't find . I had Zinnias 'Yellow Flame' and 'Pink' planted in June. They grew above 3 feet tall and became leggy with smaller blooms. I find it hard to grow their seeds. In Nov, I bought dwarf-looking Orange narrowleaf zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) to replace them. Dreadful rainy spell destroyed all before I could plant them into ground and snap photos.

Could this be a "cross-breed" ? Wow.

Sweet smelling 'Bunga Kerak Nasi' or 'Kesidang' (and many more other local names) before and after bloom. This pest-free flowering vine plant bloomed a few times in Nov and Dec. They enjoyed the rainy spell :)

Lovely bright yellows (Turnera) glows in the gloomy and wet mornings. It has spread out a lot since Sep.

A cutie moth (to me, but hubby insist it's a butterfly, what do you think?)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.). It does looked somewhat like an Anthurium in white. I love having Anthuriums, they look exotic like Orchids and blooms could stay on over a month. In fact I bought Pink anthuriums twice, tried in sunny and cooler locations, without much luck.

I'm told that Peace Lily requires filtered sunlight or else its leaves will burn easily.

Desert Rose's bud 2 weeks later (Adenium Obesum).

morning sickness

2009-12-05T23:04:00.000+08:00

Is morning sickness finally over? I really hope so.

I've been missing in action for awhile :P ... nausea overwhelms me throughout the day, it's depressing! I just could not be in the garden hence leaving all gardening duties to 'mother nature'. Hubby and MIL helps with waterings only on hot consecutive days. Terribly grateful having garden maintenance last month to weed, remove weak and old plants, trimmings and thinning everywhere, fertilizing and pesticides.

Suddenly I developed a keen sense of smell. Moths been laying eggs and caterpillar more frequent (weekly) leaving pungent feces and chewed Periwinkle leaves.

So we replaced the 6 feet tall Periwinkle with our beautiful grown Wrightia antidysenterica, now reaching 3 feet tall. The foldable support helps to give it a lift from those heavy downpour.

Planted Peace Lily on Wrightia's old pot, will post it soon. Its other names are Spathe Flower, White Anthurium, White Sails (Spathiphyllum spp.). Perhaps the 'white sails-like' attracted MIL as she loves the sea, ocean. Has air purifying properties, removing toxins from surrounding atmosphere. Love the deep green shiny broad leaves. Made sure its caterpillar-free :P

We've replaced our potted Periwinkles with newer flowering plant, yet to find out its name. Coming soon.

Pretty pink bloom, despited heavy downpour and wet season, and neglect. It's sustaining well compared to Red Christian Dior now naked (leave-less) brown stem. Seeing it about to bloom, gave natural fertilizer (recommended by Rose Nursery).

Desert Rose is budding too :)

Surprised really from the neglect and wet days, and its budding. Mother nature is helping :)

Desert Rose accompaniment with Bougainvillea and Sui Mui for the sunny (sunset) spot. Sadly Bougainvillea losing out most of its leaves from insufficient heat, as if hibernating. Sui Mui, more and more leaves.

Will be posting soon on our revamped flowerbed - design to weather the wet season and daily heavy downpours.

Thanks for visiting :D

Moth's first flight

2009-11-01T21:49:00.000+08:00

Are you able to see it? (One) Highest on our West end of Periwinkle shrub and most vague.

Another hiding along the main stem Southward (Two), while the other two resting Northward (Three and Four).

(Five) Cliffhanger towards East end. While the last, the pic below, busy muching on a stem (Six). They were spotted mid-Oct.

False eyes appeared two days later.

This first caterpillar turning yellow, a colour change process. They're voracious muncher when green then they'll go dormant in brown and black colours before turning into a pupa in next 2 or 3 days then morphed into a moth in 2 weeks time.

This 'cutie' has somehow managed to crawl 26 feet away from the Periwinkle shrub to look for a hiding place amongst the river-washed-pebbles. During this period, brown caterpillar does "electric-shock" movements when it sense danger or something touches it. A defense mechanism.

Worried over the chances being crushed or stepped on, we placed it in a clear glass bowl with a layer of old newspaper. 'Cutie' crawled and nestled underneath the paper.

The rest? Well, they seem to have disappeared from the Periwinkle without a sight.

'Cutie' successfully morphed at night. Moth emerged from its pupa.

My DH ever concerned over it final survival, he soaked cotton pad with honey for 'cutie' to sip and energise. We'll never know if it enjoys the sweetness because its' movement is soooo slow.

The next morning, 'cutie' left us. DH made sure if surrounding was tampered by predators or pests, but none. So we assume it has successfully taken its first flight to freedom :)

Happy November 'Cutie'.

In the cold November rain

2009-11-01T16:46:00.001+08:00

Rainy season has started.

Humongous and swelling buds after a 4-hour heavy downpour on Thursday, noon till night. Blooms a plenty after raining in the wee hours in the morning on Friday (1am till 6am) and drizzling until 9am.

Buds finally bloomed since last bloomed during Merdeka Day (Aug-31) and Hari Raya Adilfitri (Sep-20). New pair of leaves emerged, lower pair of leaves spotted early Oct. Since then new buds often singed and never seem to swell and bloom, while green leaves turned yellow and failling rapidly compared to new growth. It left us thinking perhaps it is dying. The sight of heavy downpours until you can't see shallow drains by the sides of the road (about 2-inch floods) was scary! But in fact it was a good sign for this thirsty Kesidang. Ah ha!

Kesidang's sweet scent filled the patio and surrounding garden, spreads into our dining and living. The wonderful fresh fragrance reminds my mum-inlaw her childhood dwelling days and fond memories :)

For me, it's a reminder that God create mother nature in its unexplained mysteries and always full of surprises. Life's like a box of chocolate.

Quirky

2009-10-27T17:33:00.000+08:00

Strange plant, is it a weed? Grows slower than ordinary grass weeds. Quite cute, seems evergreen to me because no buds at sight.

Stranger still, Gerbera daisy in half ?

Torenia fournieri (Bluewings) bent into 2, circled in white. It has been 2 days and still green, fresh looking. It has a bud, I wonder if it will bloom?

Whaddaya know? 4 days later, the crippled Torenia stood up!

Blooms purplish blue in real life but the photos shows them in striking blue despite Periwinkles still looked pink on photos. Amazing.

Countless buds :)

Blooms 4 days later :)

Self seeds sown early June.

Seedlings emerged late July (shown in pic) and when they've grown, I've replanted into planter box mid-Sep for bigger space. Spotted buds in late Sep only then did I realised they were Dot's Torenias, given to us last June.

Of course we were delighted :)

Raindrops glisten

2009-10-18T17:38:00.001+08:00

Rain! It's 24 deg C (74 deg F) this morning.

Very strong rain started at 2 am and lasted probably more than an hour. Found one of my Torenia fournieri (bluewings or wishbone flower) bent into 2 :( ... luckily 5 or 6 others are still ok with a pretty bloom still intact.

Will post their pictures soon :)

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!

2009-10-18T08:53:00.003+08:00

Lipstick red roses. We believed it's Cameron highlands breed from the size, colour and texture of its leaves compared to the localised environment. Weather in Cameron Highlands lower by 10 deg C (50 deg F) day and night compared to the low lands - that is a lot of difference!; makes a wonderful vacation for families and friends to get away from the hot, humid and polluted cities.

For Roses, a different matter. Many argued that it is impossible for it to thrive or home gardeners to create full sunlight at cooler temperatures. Perhaps it could grow in East facing homes? Or to plant in areas with East sun and shaded from West sun - which is what we did. Noticeably this Cameron highlands rose will bud and bloom at year end during the cooler season.

The China Rose (Cramoisi Supérieur) or a Bourbon Rose (Louise Odier) tiny bud bloomed this morning, sweet fragrance for Deepavali. Wonderful to be at home.

Counting in Malay, Chinese, Indian. I used vowels for languages Chinese's PinYin and Indian's Tamil.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,

Catch a tiger by the toe.

If he hollers make him pay,

Fifty dollars every day.

courtesy of children's counting rhyme

Photos 2 days later, beautiful petals fall off :(

Was careful when watering, not to knock the pot but the wind beat me to it.

I didn't trim the flowerhead yet cos it still looked good and slight fragrant.

Propagating Pentas

2009-10-17T11:38:00.001+08:00

This morning at 82 deg F (27 deg C) with breeze, a beautiful time in the garden. I took James Missier's advice "plant short cutting with 2 nodes in the soil and the crown at surface". Firstly, what is 2 nodes? That prompted me to know more on anatomy of a plant. Wikipedia has a better illustration of a plant stem. At top of a stem is divided into a few 'nodes', usually a pair. Each 'node' holds an inflorescence (or cluster) of buds sometimes a pair of leaves instead. I think Mother nature has a wonderful way of dividing weight of each bract of buds/flowers in stable manner (fork-like) and branching on each stem encourages more inflorescence. In the end, you'll see the main stem branched out to a few new stems then compounding pairs of nodes carrying clusters of tiny Egyptian stars.

1st pic showing 2 plants, one had succumbed to aphids, the other hanging tough. I tried pesticides and heavy pruning when I spotted the weak plants mid-Sept. Leaves turned yellow with red tip and reddish veins. 2nd pic for illustration only, that stem was spared has it has new buds on it. Next pic showing 4 trimmed Egyptian stars (Pentas Lanceolata) in a pot, now placed at the nursing bay in shade to root with daily light watering for the whole week.

This is my 2nd attempt in propagating Pentas *fingers crossed*.

Happy Deepavali !!

Update Oct-20: 3 days since potting. Leaves looks good :)

Seeing Pink

2009-10-16T22:45:00.001+08:00

I see "pink" this October.

Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum) buds are blooming.

Haven't a clue if it is China Rose (Cramoisi Supérieur) or a Bourbon Rose (Louise Odier). Anxious to a whiff of it as soon as it blooms, I'm thinking tomorrow, soon. To savour its fragrance again.

Bachelor Buttons (Gomphrena Globosa) thriving well in this humid weather. It's purple (giggle) well it does blend with the pinks, ya?

In succesion

2009-10-14T23:06:00.001+08:00

Spotted little flowerheads of Gerbera Daisy's (Gerbera jamesonii) late Aug, pic showing a week later.

Couple days later, 2nd Gerbera grew matching petals, catching up with the 1st. Oh look! 3rd petiole a peekaboo (left)!

2 weeks since late Aug, 1st Gerbera bloom is getting tired.

Closeup on 1st and 2nd bloomer. Notice the center called 'capitulum' contains tiny floret bud. You will know the daisy will fade, when all the florets bloomed and petals wilting.

Pic left, 1st bloom starting to fade and 2nd has its florets blooming halfway on right.

Left pic, 3rd bloom and next our 4th a peekaboo baby.

Amazing Gerbera Daisy, they bloom in succession hence seemingly endless. A fun to be prying into its masses of huge leaves everyday, on lookout for little petiole with a flowerhead. I call them peekaboos :)

I think Gerberas will flower beautifully & vibrant in filtered sunlight although its label (when purchased) instructed "in full sun". Coral coloured Gerberas took 2 months to establish in the flowerbed, yet to see signs on our Yellow coloured Gerberas (which is our keen interest *fingers crossed*).

Meantime, I'm having a field time at snapping fat swelling green caterpillars. Counted today, 4 noticeably large and 1 skinny caterpillars. Will post their pics soon.

A lotus alternative?

2009-10-12T23:40:00.000+08:00

Alisma plantago-aquatica, I think this is an alternative to water lotus flower or water-lily. Don't you think so?

Well ... on the mini side ;-)

Blooms once. About 2 days after the bloom day, grows new leaves to be rooted. Fairly easy to grow as long as they are shielded from noon to evening direct sun. Bloom pic taken from our guppy pond, fertilised well naturally by our guppies and catching outdoor light and air.

Alisma P. in our open courtyard. It grows according to the size of their pot. So the bigger pot, the bigger leaves.

2 new stalks carrying buds. Very productive Alisma in a guppy pond in filtered sunset.

Finished blooms will sprout young leaves and roots. Ready to be separated from mummy-plant, but I decided to let it float to shade some part of the little pond.

2009-10-11T23:30:00.003+08:00

Kesidang's buds seem to be burned without blooming.

We relocated the thirsty and pouting tree beside our patio, the original position. We moved it thinking a sunnier spot will prevent Kesidang leaves to turn brown.

Pics of Kesidang leaf turning brown, here's 1st phase.

Starts to get tinge of brown in phase 2.

Uggh! Phase 3, the leaf falls off easily. One or two, perhaps I need to adjust to minimal watering. But everyday, we're get 2 or 3 brown leaves falling off at alarming rate. Gone are the lush green leaves we saw it at the nursery?

2 weeks ago, we moved the pot next to our porch for full sun from noon till 7pm. All leaves pouting by noon and for next 6 hours, dreadful looking. It has many buds, 30% of them seems to be burned brown and rest takes forever to swell to bloom.

Recently, we moved it back to the original spot today for 50% sunlight from 3pm till 6pm. Perky Kesidang leaves from morning then 6 hours later, unnoticeable pouting but looked agreeble - maybe today's cloudy weather? Will be monitoring for the next 2 weeks. Not to keen about plant on ground for now. It looks balance beside something vertical, i.e. porch, patio, wall, etc, so haven't decided which spot to plant on ground.

New leaves unfolds. Interesting indeed.

We're getting its wonderful fragrance, day and night. Buds bloom on differently days then fade, so it looks like a week long of Water Jasmine (Wrightia Religiosa)'s fragrance.

Planned to start pruning and wiring when all flowers finished blooming.

Tree that flowers and fruit-like petai

2009-10-08T22:15:00.000+08:00

This tree, we don't know its name, planted by housing developer right outside of the perimeter wall fence of each house. It is meant to provide some shade and privacy. A snapshot on a windy late afternoon, its long flat fruit swaying like a pendulum. Looks like 'buah petai' (Parkia speciosa, also known as 'stinky beans' here) from afar. Similar seeds-like but not edible.

When the swaying fruit burst open spilling seeds everywhere as far as the winds carry. Brown husk pop open as seedling emerges and start to root. I removed them as soon they are detected.

This is what we dreaded most. Tree roots branching into our garden area. Presumably reaching out to greener pastures. But we're concerned of how its hardy roots might damaged the building.

We chop off some roots leaving huge ugly mark on our grass. Over time the grass grows to cover this area, wonder how long this'll take. Patience is a virtue

;-/

Nature does not hurry

2009-10-05T16:39:00.000+08:00

A different kind of beauty.

Looks soft yet so tough in its ability to withstand choking heat, blazing UV sun, suffocating heavy downpour, etc. Extricately shy yet prominent high above its bushy leaves. Simple yet such a mystery. No man can duplicate the nature' hues. No can man rush it to bloom. "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" - Lao Tzu

Tiny flowerhead spotted in Sep-25.

"Shui Mei" (Wrightia Religiosa)

2009-10-04T22:53:00.001+08:00

A close up on Gerbera Daisy.

A shot of two Gerbera Daisy's new buds. Left growing very tall but the right, a shorter, has a wider and open face.

This morning, the first bloom of "Shui Mei", in Mandarin (Wrightia Religiosa or Water Jasmine or Wild Water Plum). A great delight in sniffing to my heart's content. I sure missed its fragrance since seven months ago.

White Sui Mui illuminates.

I tried lifting to get a closer look at the bloom. It has inflorescence of buds, in an umbel, takes turn in blooming. Bloom once before it fades and fall off.

Buds greet Happy Mid-Autumn

2009-10-03T15:57:00.000+08:00

Chinese celebrates Mid-Autumn, according to the Lunar Months so happens falls on Sep-28 until Oct-3. It is when the moon is especially big, round and very bright. This period with busy activities for the Chinese, such as; prayers with happy offerings, visits bringing mooncakes, renunions with a good meal, weddings, etc. The final day is usually celebrated in full swing. There are quite a few legendary stories of the 'Moon Day'.

In Malaysia, bakeries and restaurants would be selling their mooncake delicacies to woo appetites everywhere. This year, our Mid-Autumn just after Hari Raya. Our Malay neighbour were delighted when we brought halal mooncakes to their 'Raya open house'. A favourite feast for their sons.

A week after we spotted Gerbera's flowerheads, one of the four, grown 4-inches tall today. I was amused as flowers in the same plant, and/or similar phase, has different growing behavior. The tallest of the four, develop petals covering its shy face, perhaps to shield from the intense sunlight. It is a Coral-coloured Gerbera plant but yellowish petals? Hmm ...

This cutie here however prefer to stay low but has a wider maroonish face, yellow petals growing from the sides.

Adenium's new buds, this time from my neglect as I spent more time on Roses and Hydrangea and worry about Kesidang. This will be our 3rd blooming time.

This pot of Sui Mui (Wrightia religiosa), my 1st bonsai experiment - obviously an amateur, decided to bud and bloom after 7 months! Oh how nice! It is fragrant so I can't wait to have the first sniff!

These are buds from Kesidang (Vallaris Glabra). I'm thinking perhaps, or maybe, Kesidang's fragrance awaken our Sui Mui to bloom? Both plants with buds, so I'm so excited when they bloom filling fragrance in our porch.

Interesting, don't you think so? New leaves formed at the tip of the stem. It is a rare sight for me.

My sis-inlaw loves this plant. Really easy to grow Episcia and blooms in partial shade areas. Wonderful blooming plant to have for small garden or limited space.

It may look like a creeper but it isn't. It'll grow lush with coloured leaves, interesting to look at even when it is not blooming. Over-watering can cause root to rot easily so be warned ;-)

Gerbera jamesonii

2009-10-01T00:36:00.000+08:00

Spotted little flowerheads. Coral coloured Gerbera Daisy's (Gerbera jamesonii) second round of blooming after planted in my flowerbed end Aug.

Flowerheads grew from the middle of the plant, less than an inch taller in 5 days.

They looked like mini sunflowers to me.

Top view of Gerbera daisies in my flowerbed.

Gromphrena Globosa's seedlings growing and filling up the spaces in the bed nicely. Seeds germinated in mid Aug and planted into this bed two weeks later.

The last yellow Marigold amongst the orange, like the 'The Last of the Mohicans'.

Little blue bug wants to be in this picture. Unfortunately, it was getting dark and my camera zoom didn't do justice.

Hydrangea flowering

2009-09-28T20:58:00.003+08:00

Can Hydrangea bloom twice on the same bloom? This puzzles me more. See flowers at top; those cute round balls in the center of 4 petals are buds! Flowers at bottom had their little buds bloomed. Has 2 stamen-like with shining silver tip. Plan to get a closer look tomorrow during the day.

I think it has sweet nectar because tiny crawlies (smaller than house ants and whitish colour, could they be 'aphids'?) moving upwards and downwards on this plant. I might not have exact recipe as Homemade Aphid control; but will try spraying with a solution of cooking oil, water and dish drop [1:1.5:0.24 cup].

Update Sep-30: I've added two pics (top and left) closeups on the blooms.

My bougainvillea blooming in bunches. Wonderful!

It bloomed well initially until I moved it next to a wall for creeping.

Then it was growing variegated leaves until it relocated back here.

Seems to be saying, "I'm lovin' here, so quit movin' me!".

Interesting Hydrangea Annabelle

2009-09-26T23:47:00.001+08:00

Hydrangea Annabelle (Arborescence) bloomed fully after 3 weeks since planted into flowerbed.

Blue tinged or am I dreaming of Hydrangea Endless Summer (macrophylla) ? A quick check, my hydrangea's petals doesn't have sharp edges like Macrophylla. Rounded petals resembles closely to Annabelle.

A week later.

Heat is too great for Hydrangea, notice the middle (tallest) section wilted brown. On the bright side, less blooms means lighter weight so I needn't worry putting more support.

Strange hue, varying between blue and pink. Pic taken a month after planting. This is queer because Annabelle is naturally white and will not change color in response to soil pH and typically white flowering varieties can not be made to flower blue.

Hydrangea Annabelle proves more hardier than Hydrangea Macrophylla. An interesting site with tips to resolve Hydrangea Annabelle's droopy blooms.

Update Oct-6: My hydrangea has finished blooming, here's a snapshot of young hydrangea growing rapidly beside the mummy-plant.

Yellow brightens up

2009-09-25T21:31:00.003+08:00

What's blooming beside the patio?

Yellow Alder (Turnera ulmifolia) blooms sporadically once from sunrise (about 6.30 am) until 3pm. If Yellow Alder is placed in full evening sun, then the bloom wilts earlier.

They are tropical hardy plants. I noticed they could survive afternoon till evening heat in full sun, 90+F. Leaves will droop as if to avoid the sun and to prevent further loss of moisture. After an hour or so from moderate watering, its leaves sprung up alive again. It didn't succumb to disease or pests and self seeds. When flower wilt and fall off leaving dried seed pod, so light its carried by wind. I would collect its seedling growing here and there in the garden, to replant next to Heliconia. I'm thinking orange-yellow-green mix on certain area of the garden.

Becareful not to over-water, leaves will yellow and drop off. In the begining, when its leaves droop had me worried and over-watered. This is our first pot, so you can see lots of missing leaves *grins*. I pruned a bit before Hari Raya - looks to me like a 'Ikebana'. Cute!

Davesgarden recommend this plant for xeriscaping.

A closeup on Yellow Alder's bloom; from afar it looked like a yellow hibicus, but a closer look one can see it doesn't have the staminal column with filamens at the end.

This bud will bloom tomorrow morning. Below 3 buds will bloom the next day. There will always be new buds everyday. Blooms bright yellow to keep my spirits up before leaving to work.

If you noticed, Yellow Alder pot swap places with Kesidang tree. We're experimenting if full sun will improve Kesidang tree. Its leaves turned yellow and drop off everyday had me worried. Looking for advice on Kesidang.

Pink Raya (Part 2)

2009-09-22T13:42:00.008+08:00

Buds spotted a week ago and bloomed today.

Well it isn't exactly a perfect bloom like the ones from nursery Rose Specialist, Sg Buloh.

Thankfully the scent is the same. Place your nose 3-inches from the rose, a sniff of wonderful sweet smell like red syrup. Yumm!!

I'm guessing it's Cramoisi Supérieur (or China Rose or Agrippina). A quote by Soulgardenlove "In my garden September 26, 2007 LOVE IT!! :) Cramoisi Supérieur is sweet!."

Yesterday, it looked like this. We had really strong winds after midnight followed by heavy downpour that lasted a few hours.

So I was pleasantly surprised by it beautiful bloom this morning.

Or it could be Louise Odier, a Bourbon Rose. Davy's Lousiana Gardening mentioned how easy to grow this rose, blooms year-round and like an evergreen. I just hope I got this rose named right!

Elegant bright lilac pink rose - don't you agree?
Very fragrant of raspberry and deep Damask rose. More of these blooms, its fragrance could fill your garden 2 feet away.

The center of the rose is quartered framed by outwardly folding petals, which form an intricate lacing of concentric circles (see pic). This rose can grow up to 8 feet high on Dave's garden.

It can be vulnerable to blackspot and mildew, so precautions may be necessary. Dave suggests to plant Louise Odier as center stage in your garden, void of other bright plants so that the rose's fine features can be accentuated.

Next to China Rose or Bourbon Rose (I seriously don't know which)

is the 'Christian Dior' rose bloomed together with it. I'm getting Dior blooms half the original purchased size. It is a medium red Hybrid Tea rose with large flowers. The scent not as strong, perhaps the size of bloom carry the strength of its scent? But with both roses in bloom, I could sniff them 2 feet away!

Update Sep-24: It was time to fertilise the roses, I was manouvering my 20 liter watering-can and ... Ack! China Rose or Bourbon Rose went into pieces, all petals fell. Gosh! So delicate?

Leaving solo Dior Rose bloom.

Pink Hari Raya

2009-09-21T21:47:00.001+08:00

Pink-coloured Hari Raya. Selamat Hari Raya to all fellow muslims. A wonderful weather, breezy-cool minus the rain.

This year we celebrate Hari Raya with a long week of holiday starting Saturday until Tuesday (4 days). It's a festive occasion of get-together, catching ups and heavy traffic on major highways.

Usually the cities would be quiet and serene as many city folks would be travelling towards suburban or rural areas during the long leave from work and school.

Fragrant Patio

2009-09-14T16:34:00.030+08:00

We were looking for something to perfumate our patio. Preferably nature's scent as natural as it can be. Neighbours had wild orchids, ragoon creepers, indian jasmine, etc. So we're out seeking in Sg Buloh.

Nursery caretaker calls it 'Kesidang' or Vallaris Glabra or 'Bread Flower', Apocynaceae family. Impressive tropical vines that is very popular in Thailand and other South-East Asia countries. Mum-in-law fondly recalls it as 'Bunga Kerak Nasi' (more details below) . Both names applies, I was quite amused for a plant with 2 Malay names. Anyway, I found out that this special heavily scented plant was chosen 'state flower' of Melaka (located southwestern-central part of peninsular Malaysia). Kesidang a popular choice for decoration amongst the elite. Traditional Malay brides would decorate their hair with kesidang flower or used in ritual ceremonies. Kesidang symbolically represents the humble character and personality of the people of Melaka whom are friendly and courteous.

Left pic, poor plant underwent a hell ride in a Honda City. 5' tall and 15-inches wide - it's huge. Right pic, final touch up. The stems are small and flexible yet hard, consist a type of latex (white resin liquid) when cut.

In Peninsular Malaysia; the northerners would call it 'Pokok Bunga Kerak Nasi' (Rice Crust or Bread Flower). It is also called as 'Bunga Tikam Seladang' in East Coast. In the Western countries, it is known as the 'Bread Flower'. Plants believed to have originated from the islands of Java. Characterise by its longitunal woody and flexible stem like creepers. Commonly found on rooftops of pergolas, trellises in gardens, perimeter fencing or near windows; places to enjoy its fragrance. You can trim it to shaped into a hedge.

That's my foot, I couldn't carry it on my own. Tried dragging it to the side, ruining the grass in the process. I think it weighs more than me!

The size of its lush green leave, 6-inches. Looks like sirih. Broad leaves are known for its hardiness and high tolerance to drought, hot sun and high humdity. In other words, maintenance-free!

Requires adequate sunlight and watering for optimum flower production rate, and a good drainage.

It is easy to care and tolerates wide range of conditions. It can be trained as a compact bush and is good for container culture. Its sweet mildly fragrant like cut pandan leaves, travels 2 - 3 feet radius and it is very noticeable early in the morning. Some wrote that the scent is a cross between Jasmine and Pandan.

Moderate growth woody climber with pendulous of fragrant off-white, cup-like, 5-petals flowers inflorecences that grows from the branch near tip of a stem. In the middle, 5 white balls and a cone in the center. Buds take turns to bloom in each cluster. Blooming period could last 3 - 4 days. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Here, tiny ants taking sip of its nectar.

Yikes yellow leaves! Nor's Paradise advised that Kesidang leaves will easily turn yellow and fall off if insufficient water.

A week later, more leaves (here and there) turned yellow and dropped. We moved it to a sunnier spot and I found we're not alone. Dr Abdul Ghani Hussain from Kedah (northern Peninsular Malaysia) wrote about his Kesidang fallen leaves and bare stem from neglect. A noticeable change when he moved it to a sunny side of the garden and some pampering, Kesidang fragrant blooms nonstop day and night. Fragrance is refreshing to some. His research on this plant extent to medicinal values.

Will update you on our Kesidang progress ;-)

Busy Bee

2009-09-13T18:18:00.003+08:00

Snapshots on a bee on Lantanas this morning.

As a child, was told to run away to avoid getting bee sting. On a instinct the moment I heard a buzzing-swish, I was about to flee. I stopped to think, this bee is after the nectar, not me. Standing still, trying my very best to catch a perfect shot (*sigh* need to upgrade this camera-la).

Little bee is spoilt for choice, so busy buzzing from one stem to the other. Couldn't care less about my presence. It seem to want to own the whole garden brimming with Lantanas' striking colours.

Other striking blooms; Gomphrena Globosa and Gerbera Daisy. Gerbera looks tired, sun-bleached, despite its stem and leaves healthy sheen of green.

Blue? Yes? Yes?

Yellow Alder (Turnera), self-sown in July outside of our perimeter wall. I brought it in, saved from grass-cutters. Matures 2 months later, now blooming beside Heliconia.

Pothos (mixed of variegated, deep green), you can say this "rojak" synonymous for mixed-up and messy. If uncontrolled will lead to what we'll call 'jungle-look'. For Chinese, we love healthy greens that symbolise money. Most leafy evergreen with sheen of green is favored for good fengshui. Pothos on southwest window sill while Episcia, northwest. Episcia grown from cuttings and replanted into the window-box late July, is catching up with Pothos that was planted in March. When it does, it'll be full of chilli red blooms!

Did some tidying up over the weekend. Garden needs some primping; anxious over the coming family renunion. This gathering coincides with a annual major festival celebrated by our muslim friends. It is a special occasion where muslim families reunite after fasting from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days (also known as 'Ramadan' month) is called 'Hari Raya Adilfitri' (Celebration Day of Fasting). Public holidays for 2 days. Therefore many, other races included, will take the opportunity to travel for a long vacation or out-station visitation.

Small planter boxes half-filled with blooms and greens. I combined into a bigger planted box, spread them in rows with spaces in between for better growth.

A good advice, to gently dig circling round the base of stem and avoid its roots, 2-inches deep then lift. Slowly disentangle twined roots with both hands. To reuse soil, stir to breakdown compacted soil and mix. Fill the new box with a thin layer of coco peat, with 2 inches deep of soil. Pressed to compact the soil then make an-inch deep hole to place the seedling. Top up with more soil in between after you are satisfied with the placement of all the seedlings. Pressed lightly to compact soil, this minimises air pockets where fungal disease thrive easily. Lastly, water.

Anticipation, Hydrangea's Bloom

2009-09-12T09:44:00.004+08:00

P.7011 Aug-22, bought a pot of Hydrangea with greenish buds from Tesco, Damansara Mutiara.

I decided on this pot to buy because the leaves looked healthy; so silky, shiny dark green. Terribly excited to know the bloom color in anticipation.

Leaves are thick - isn't that a hardy plant?

P.7094 A week later, I planted Hydrangea into flowerbed. After researched on growing condition and plant-adjusting period, I replanted Hydrangea from pot into the bed, next to Marigolds and Zinnias, where there will be shade from 4pm onwards.

P.7109 A check on Hydrangea 3 days later - seems to be doing well since planting.

P.7195 2 days later. Oh look! Buds are unfolding.

P.7228 Its bracts seem to be stretching out as if to leave some space (clearance) for blooming.

P.7247 A day later it rained like 'nobody's business'. Hydrangea pretty steady as compared to Marigolds and Wrightia.

P.7275,7270 Can see some bloomed into flower, 5 petals with a ball in the center. At this stage, I'm thinking this could be Hydrangea 'Annabelle' species, pale-greenish blooms. I was really hoping for 'Endless Summer' variety.

P.7277,7283 There's unmistakable bluish tinge at the tip of petals. Anticipating ... *fingers crossed*

September gardening checklist - gardeners welcome the cooler temperatures and perfect planting season.

To encourage Hydrangea to bud; a) at least three to four hours of direct sun, preferably in the morning, b) Low-nitrogen fertilizer, c) no pruning but if they are trimmed, it usually results in a drop in bloom production for a year of two, and lastly d) frozen roots cause stems with blooms-to-be to die back - mulch in the summer (to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool).

p.7297,7310,7318,7330 My heart dropped at this sight. It hasn't rained for a week, temperatures consistent at 90 deg F day and night and windy.

I was careful watering during early morning and after sunset to prevent root rot. Been checking its leaves for any signs of fungal disease or insects. It's stem and leaves looked healthy green. The flowers seems soft, a few singed at tip of petal. This droop has been like this day and night for 2 days; I had to find some kind of support flexible and small from damaging its big leaves to hold the flowerhead.

Further research, I believe my cultivar "H. Macrophylla" with bloom in a shape of 'mophead'. Currently pale-green, so it could be 'Annabelle' - gardeners advise this type requires some staking as the stem is soft to support its mophead. Moreover it tend to wilt during high heat and windy weather. This Hydrangea particularly prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, had me comtemplating to dig it up, re-pot and relocate at courtyard. Family advised to give it time to settle - it needs some toughening up and patience. I complied.

Pic left, staking Hydrangea anchored with deadwood of Lantana and 'lidi' (part of dried palm oil, which was dried, gathered and tied into a broomstick). This staking on the drooping side. Pic right, Hydrangea seedlings - that is sooo cool!

Symbolism Wiki "In China, the hydrangea is associated with enlightenment. It is said that when observing the plant, someone can get lost in its abundance of beautiful petals very easily. This also connects to becoming lost in one's thoughts, and reaching enlightenment."

Hydrangea to combat autoimmune diseases? A drug, called halofuginone, made from made from Febrifugine, and Chang Shan (Dichroa Root) could be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis and some forms of diabetes and arthritis; these occur when the immune system attacks the body. Did you know? Hydrangea root has traditionally been used to relieve inflammation and 'cleanse' the joints.

Chang Shan (Dichroa Root) is one of the 50 staple herbs of Chinese medicine. North American Cherokee Indians use Hydrangea Root or Hydrangea strigosa, as traditional medicine. An extract of hydrangea leaf is also said to have anti-malarial properties.

Update Sep-22: So happens 'Chang Shan' in Chinese is called Blue Evergreen Hydrangea, Chinese Quinine (scientific name Dichroa febrifuga), is very different from Hydrangea Arborescens (my plant pics), and it bears fruit like berries! Febrifugine (berries from Dichroa febrifuga) and Dichroa root are used in a drug called halofuginone.

To 'Sclero-Eze' - Thanks for the clarification ;-)

Savouring a bloom

2009-09-07T18:50:00.002+08:00

An interesting chat with an old friend.

Girlfriend remarked that my garden look great with blossoming flowers and we talked about relationships. Caring for someone requires patience and efforts. You can't force neither can you demand. Will have to try and see how it goes.

Just like the roses, they were so big, beautiful and fragrant but lasted 3 days. Now only leaves to watch. Meantime efforts to water, fertilize and hoping for newer buds. Hence the need to capture all blossom into memory. Because of this gardening, I started this blog .. diary of blooms. Perhaps a diary of inexperienced gardener.

There are so many gardeners' blogging their beautiful garden all over the world. Pages and sharp pictures to awe you with variety of countless blooms of colours, types and sizes. But I'm not envious - I find them inspiring, they have wonderful stories, ideas & tips.

Girlfriend pointed out could be the 4 seasons that explains the picture perfect, the kind of weather suitable for lush growth. But I reasoned that blooming period naturally best during the warm days, e.i. late spring, summer until early fall yet here we have 365 days of summer.

Well we have a few hours of torrential rains that sometimes leads to floods and soil erosion in some parts of the country.

In a sense, we have a better climate for beautiful gardens so I'm marvel at gardeners who are highly enthusiastic and experimentative. They will innovate ways to keep their plants survive throught frost and harsh climate changes. Girlfriend thinks highly of me that I'll be just like them one day, take one step at a time.

Guiltily, I confessed my laziness primping the garden. I dislike sweating and squatting so much in the sun daily - to walking, at least you'll get the breeze as you move. Stressed in office, so I rather relax and admire the garden at home. I decided half the week toiling in the garden; removing faded blooms or whatever turned brown, weeding, cut tall grass, etc. Too bad there's no such thing as a perpectual living and undying garden.

Girlfriend joked to 'kick my ass' to move it, "Well nothing comes easy in this world, you want something u need to work for it!". She was SO right.

Gardening, helps me - to kick my ass and move on than to dwell on nonsensical arguments that causes emmotional stress. At this point, Girlfriend 100% AGREE ;-D

Left pic, 2 new local Rose plants, fungicide solution and fertilizer (major ingredient crushed prawn shells) from the Rose Specialist in Sg Buloh.

Final bloom day before it withered. For now, I'm savouring a perpectual Rose bloom on my blog ;-p

Morning Drizzle on Sunday

2009-09-06T16:31:00.000+08:00

Rained cats and dogs at 1 am followed by 7-hour light drizzle. Its certainly a refreshing morning with lots of dew. Wonderful morning to sleep and wake up much later. Glad to see the garden is intact except Wrightia and Marigolds need some straigthening up, lots of dreadful fallen flowerbuds and leaves from trees to sweep!

Desert Rose bloom drooped heavy with raindrops.

Alisma blooms in plenty - blooms once in the mornings and fades after 2pm, in the afternoon heat.

Hydrangea up close.

Coming home after church, feels like I'm in a countryside ('kampung'); fresh air from morning coolness, light breeze carrying the scent of ‘Kesidang ‘ (canangrium scortechinii), distant ripples of water like a creek and little birds chirping in accompaniment.

Grows with neglect

2009-09-05T23:23:00.002+08:00

Pretties. Ixora chinensis 'Miniature Pink' will grow with neglect. Try not to over-prune that could prolongs the period before budding (bloomless).

The philippine grass grows faster than Ixora, therefore I seem to be cutting the grass more often than pruning the shrub into shape!

Heliconia psittacorum will grow with neglect. However its roots will travel all over your garden. Need work on pulling out young shoots.

Bougainvillea Vine Fuchsia-red with green and white variegated foliage now budding after dormant for a month. Variegated leaves are colorful even when not in bloom.

"Flowering is best forced by letting the plant dry to the point foliage shows wilting before watering thoroughly. This helps encourage the plant to bloom through stress reaction. Bougainvillea must receive full sunlight or bright light and must be grown in a well drained soil as it must be grown on the dry side." - southeasttexasgardening

Hydrangea taking its time to bloom. I'm kind of worried if it is greenish 'Annabelle'. Really, I'm hoping for Blue 'Endless Summer'.

Yellow Alder (Turnera Ulmifolia) self-sown in July was re-planted from outside into our garden. Should be budding soon, anytime now.

Big bright moon yesterday. Glows like a halogen street lamp.

Blooms on National Day

2009-09-01T23:40:00.021+08:00

Monday Aug-31, we celebrated our National Day.

Seedlings; Zinnias in front and Marigolds at the back.

Desert Rose lovely blooms.

More starting to bloom are Hydrangea and Gerbera daisy.

Unceasing rain and winds

2009-08-30T09:52:00.006+08:00

Rained for hours (day and night) coupled with strong winds; seem to mark its presence of the coming "wet" season, the yearly monsoon from Nov until Feb. Temperature throughout the day, 75 to 79 degrees F.

The Flowerbed, relieved from long hours of blazing hot sun (Marigold leaves and young buds were singed, Zinnia flowers and leaves looked tired), now they will face unceasing heavy raindrops and winds. The poor things in a state of disarray. Everyday over a week, I was straightening Marigolds with rafia strings and re-anchor Zinnias stems at the base in the soil. Little Yellow-Flame Zinnias gets flattened often and not enough sunshine. Really poor things.

Notice a Pink Zinnia bloom at the bottom? It has a deformed growth hence limiting its bloom size and flowering period.

Saturday, I bought foldable plant supports to anchor Pink Zinnias, same time it provides some support to Marigolds. Leaving good spaces in between and air circulation for little plants to grow and bloom more; Yellow-Flame Zinnias and Purple Gomphrena Globosa.

Gromphrena seedlings germinates well during rainy season. They are enjoying the wetness.

** You'll climb higher if you take a straight path. Doubt not the supports in life during stormy rains.

Gerberas & Hydrangea

2009-08-30T00:47:00.001+08:00

Gerbera daisies - planted into flowerbed, replaced 2 Yellow Marigolds that didn't do well, just 2 days before the unexpected long and heavy rains. Daisies' flowers were mostly bent to wilt. Noticed its leaves became soft (less lively) so I re-planted to lift its crown above the ground level. Gardeners advised to do that to prevent 'crown rot' and diseases.

When replanting, I noticed the bed soil is sufficiently moist so I better reduce daily watering.

Daises' leaves started to look perky.

Meantime I'm leaving both Gerberas to try established themselves until I could find something suitable to replace Gerberas' space and re-pot.

Bought a plant from Tesco - what seems like a Hydrangea (I hope so, finally!), still in buds so we don't know its actual species and bloom colour. Both Hydrangeas and Gerberas prefers afternoon shade, so I'm hoping the tall Zinnias and bushy Marigolds will help *fingers crossed*.

Beautiful Desert Rose blooms

2009-08-30T00:15:00.003+08:00

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) bloomed today! OMG a success story, oh-joy!

It hasn't re-bloom since June, this majestic flowered plant we've bought at a nursery near Hicom mid-May. It has been growing lush green leaves, and more leaves! At least I'm watering less correctly, otherwise result to yellowing of leaves which eventually drop off.

Folks say "Fu Gui Fa" (plant's name in Cantonese) blooms in the hands of lucky people; so if it doesn't bloom it is fated. I could not accept that because it had 7 or 8 buds in the nursery and bloomed in our garden - so it has to be something that I'm not doing right.

Patiently waited. 2 months passed, unhappy with the result; I surfed the internet to research, read blogs, sight-seeing neighbour's Desert Rose; to understand "why" some blooms and some don't.

I find most bloggers and forums discussed about "prunning" the plant. The best illustrated demonstration on pruning back a Desert Rose by Mickeys Rose.

Early August, I replanted to lift its cauldex, trimmed some roots and pruned away 4 stems (had the heartache doing all 6 stems). 2 weeks later, tiny buds appeared on 2 pruned stems while leaves on the rest. Growing buds takes 2 weeks before finally bloom.

I snapped the swelling buds this morning. The largest is bigger than my index finger.

Later that evening, when we reached home after a day's outing, we were pleasantly greeted by blooms.

Ahhh ... perfect.

*** No pain, no gain. Do not be disheartened by minor losses, for they may lead you to major gains.

Caterpillars [update]

2009-08-24T22:11:00.002+08:00

Green caterpillars spotted on our 5.5 feet tall Periwinkle Vinca. Next 2 days, we've collected total of 8 caterpillar and feeding them fresh periwinkle leaves 4 times a day. They nap sometimes for about 15 minutes before munching again. Heavy eaters as well as "shitters" so need to clean out the glass bowl periodically. The fun part is when enticing them with fresh leaves to retrieve them from the bowl. Very sporting

A pair of bright 'False-eyes' formed on each caterpillar a day laterOnce they turned brown, they stopped eating (and shitting as well). They vibrate themselves as if electricity shock if we ply them with food or any touches. Pretty sensitive buggers. This change took about 2 days from when we caught them, as they were already matured in size, 4-inch long x half inch wide.

Next stage, we think they turned into 'pupa' after 3 days of inactivity. This snapshot taken a week after.

5 surviving pupas, they wiggled a bit when moved. They seem to be sensitive to sounds as well.

Bottom pic is its head that came off when they changed into pupa.

I'll be adding a video of these wigglys soon. Stay tune!

Too hot to handle?

2009-08-23T23:23:00.000+08:00

We had intermittent showers day before yesterday; expecting a muggy weather until suddenly sunny shining so brightly for 3 hours before the sunset.

A sight of Gerbera Daisies bending downwards; had me to removed it from our window sill to seek shade temporary. Gave them sprinkles of water after a few minutes and left them.

An hour later, Yellow Gerbera daisies springs up happily again.

Evergreen shrub tiny blooms

2009-08-21T23:35:00.009+08:00

Pentas are wonderful bloomers in any weather. Grows lots of leaves and clusters of flowers, easy maintenance shrub - require no deadheading.

A close up on its cluster; 70% bloomed and rest are buds.

A close up on a few clusters; (left) pinkish buds soon to bloom in 2-3 days, (center bottom) budding soon, next to a cluster of recently finished blooms. (Right) not-yet-buds forming, as green as its leaves.

Lastly a close up of its cluster with finished blooms that fell up 2 days ago. Looks like seeds to me, don't you think so?

Orkid Pinang

2009-08-21T21:15:00.017+08:00

Spathoglottis plicata or 'Ground Orchid', native to Philippines and Southeast Asian. In Malaysia, it is know as 'Orkid Pinang', grows well in hot climate. It prefers damp soil, high humidity and light shade - or else it will be cooked in full afternoon sun. It blooms repeatedly year round.

It bears fruits; propagate from tuber division and can be germinated from seeds. Long and narrow green leaves, pleated or fluted - similar to Pandanus when it is not flowering. Leaves emerge from round pseudobulbs, as the orchid matures, will grow more and larger leaves.

More information on growing Spathoglottis P., click here. Prefers full morning sun in rich soils, good air circulation and water daily. Wa2n blogs on other orchid species as well and beautiful pictures!

Click here for a detailed view of Spathoglottis P. from blooms, fruits until its bulbs.

This orchid didn't seem to do well in our courtyard so I transplanted into the flowerbed where I digged out what's left of the Marigold orange (pic below).

Notice Turnera's seedling? It was growing wild at the fringe of the flowerbed. I pulled out and transplanted it to sit into the flowerbed comfortably because it matures with thicker roots system.

Gerbera Daisy catches eyes

2009-08-18T21:41:00.001+08:00

Down the neighbourhood street, we fondly call him 'Indian uncle' who is as obsessed with gardening like me - his obssession with gardening overtook the public 5-foot ground green space accross the street and surrounding his house. Many young plants with green leaves, a couple of mini rose plants - many not flowering except his pretty pink Barbeton Gerbera Daisy. It has only one flower stalk swaying along with the breeze as if nodding as you drive by. Really cute!

We bought Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera Jamesonii), also known as Transvaal Daisy, yesterday. Striking yellow and Coral-pink, both with black hearts. Could be that both are Gerbera hybrids - a cross between Gerbera Jamesonii and Viridifolia. There are 4 to 6 flowerheads each and 2 to 4 small buds in the center. So many? So pretty!

Gerberas comes from sunflower family (Asteraceae), smaller version of sunflower - notice how similar the capitulum, flowerhead and flower buds?

HortChat.com has the total gardening advice on growing and caring (sickly) Gerberas, great for beginners - checkout the FAQs and comments below. Save this URL into your favorites for your future referencing.

Caterpillar turned brown?

2009-08-18T18:11:00.001+08:00

Wow they finished those leaves in the container by early morning - looked tired and very hungry.

Retrieved 3 more from the shrub and into the container. Heavy muchers and shitters *LOL*.

That's my finger to show how fat, juicy and big these creatures. They're glorious feast for birds.

This caterpillar turned brown and we saw it trying to weave a cocoon, maybe. Did you notice that it has 2 spots of startling colours disguised as eyes? Green ones has pretty 'false eyes', not the brown though. That would be its' head, you could tell while it devours the leaves. The tiny elongated orange is the tail-end. Glitters of shiny white dots at the side of its body.

Do caterpillars sleep? They're busy eating to sleep, growing and molting (process of shedding skins to allow them to grow bigger) but I saw them taking naps like 15 - 30 minutes. All motionless together (had me almost thinking that they died) then starts eating again. When they eat, you can hear "crunch, crunch, crunch". A caterpillar molts 5 times then its skin transformed into a chrysalis; a moth or butterful will emerge from the chrysalis.

Did you know Butterflies dances in the air in courtship? Like humans, it is to discover the suitability of the potential mate. Part of this process to know if the female butterfly's eggs already fertilised then the female will release a pheromone to discourage the male butterfly. The female butterfly uses its legs to detect suitability of leafy plants for her babies to feed on. Usually eggs are laid on the foodplant, some lay nearby. It takes about 7 to 20 days for eggs to hatch, depending on the type. Young larvae will eat up its eggshell.

There are 4 stages in a butterfly's life. To watch slideshows of how caterpillar pupate? click here. It takes some time to load. How long does a caterpillar pupate? A few hours.

The final metamorphosis after 2 weeks from when the caterpillar transformed into a pupa. The pupa is camourflaged from predators. When the pupa has grown into a butterfly, it will secrete liquid to soften the shell. Its body will expand and crack the shell. Within the hour, the butterfly will pump air into its body, blood begins to circulate and ready to fly away. Anotomy of an adult butterly, click here.

How fast can a caterpillar eat? Watch it devouring a periwinkle leave - finished the whole leave in less than 3 minutes.

Green Caterpillar

2009-08-17T22:49:00.001+08:00

Neighbour's maid, wide-eyes frantically calling out for me and pointing in panic at our Periwinkle Vinca; there were huge and green ever-hungry green crawlies. She saw 7 of these caterpillars; so far we had 4 in a container, missed out one camourflaged so well later to be killed because in contact with pesticide.

The biggest fella about 4-inch long and nearly 1-inch big in dia - so fat, juicy and slow moving.

Ladies were grossed out at the sight of it.

Finally it made sense of those green balls stuffs on the concrete ledge - caterpillars' waste (shit). Hmmm it's fertilizer time anyway. ;-P

Exotic - Ground Orchid

2009-08-16T01:00:00.000+08:00

During our usual grocery shopping, I chanced upon the weirdest looking tiny Orchids. Well naturally I avoided Orchids, although there are some fragrant species and thrives in tropical climate, just that they seem 'too clingy' and high maintenance to me.

But this seem different; it has Pandanus-like leaves, bloom size an inch wide and whole plant 12-inch above the soil. It is grown in black soil instead of stones, bricks or charcoals. Looks as if its roots bulbous. There were 7 leaves' stem and another one stem with flowers. I wonder if it grows similar habit as Heliconia.

Giant hypermarket's trolley terribly worn out (Kelana Jaya), causing the poor plant to vibrant the whole time. Some petals fell off.

I'm calling it tiny Orchids for now until I could find its actual name. Cheers!

Well whadaya know? It's Ground Orchid or Boat Orchid (Spathoglottis Plicata), is the common species of Orchid that blooms year round. Fluted or pleated leaves emerge from round pseudo bulbs, which will multiply as the plant matures. Ground Orchids can be grown in pots, beds or borders. Experts advised regular watering but don't over-water. It requires good air circulation and humidity, in bright light but careful against prolonged direct sun. It will spread slowly and could bloom for 2 - 3 months.

Wow, did I mentioned about Orchids - high maintenance?

Gleeful Surprise

2009-08-15T15:48:00.000+08:00

A morning surprise to see an unusual growth on Desert Rose's tip of its stem - usually we'd get new leaves but this time, our fingers crossed, could it finally be new buds?

We counted 3 on separate stems. Our Desert Rose underwent pruning and replanting process 5 days ago.

We will patiently wait while our Desert Rose's surprise unfolds.

Glimmer of hope for our mini roses. Dutifully giving them specialised time-release fertilizer pellets on every 2 weeks.

Seedlings Saga

2009-08-15T14:36:00.000+08:00

Oh look! Gomphrena Globosa, fondly called 'Pom-pons', germinated successfully. I stuffed nearly the whole of this pot with soaked wilted Gomphrenas flowerheads, 3 seedlings sprung up visibly in 2 days. I followed experts' advise (all seem to be writing the same thing) to soak seeds at least a day - well, I left it soaked 2 days to avoided extreme heat during sunset hence limited time for gardening and kind of forgotten about it. *sheepish grin*

A worthy advice because I've tried for 3 weeks trying to germinate Gromphrena seeds unsuccessfully using the common method.

A pic taken in the hot afternoon of Purple Gomphrenas glowing and basking in the sun.

Lately, Zinnia seedlings looked sickly - it's transplanting time! I separated these seedling into an exclusive pot to be placed for sunny and higher heat exposure. In doing so, I felt 2 seedlings with sturdy stem (left pic) and re-planted into the flowerbed (filling the gaps left by dead Marigolds), amongst the matured Zinnias. Therefore less congestion in the exclusive pot of sickly seedlings that requires attention for critical care. Could call it the 'sick bay'. *chuckle*

I'm pleased with Marigold seedlings thriving better, reaching 3-inches tall, my 3rd attempt (right pic). Failed attempts were; (Jun-21) started growing Marigold seeds but missing a top thin layer of soil hence no germination; (Jul-5) corrected my method to successfully germinated 3 seedlings in 3 days but survived only an inch tall. Ratio of successful germination using common method with black soil, Marigold:Zinnia is 3:9.

Determined because every gardeners say Marigolds are 'easy', I germinated seeds (Aug-2) and they are 'growing'! Watchful of waterings and sun exposure for better chance of survival.

Giant Grasshopper

2009-08-11T23:18:00.000+08:00

2nd grasshopper sighted. 3-inch long. Huge! But we have to chase it away or destroy it before it starts consuming succulent leaves. Hopefully it didn't lay eggs in my garden.

I can't decide which fits my grasshopper pic;

Melanoplus is the largest grasshopper, nearly 5 cm long. Some have intricate colourful patterns and others are drab.
Valanga irregularis, common names are Giant Grasshopper, Hedge Grasshopper. Females are usually larger than males, averaging 45 - 55 mm. Read about their favs are hibiscus - gosh my nextdoor neighbour has a pot, hibiscus brackenridgei.

A simple greeting party

2009-08-09T17:48:00.000+08:00

These babies were re-planted into a large 2-feet round and shallow pot to bask in the outdoor sun and as a greeting party to visitors. They are proven hardy prolific bloomers. Easy to seed and germinate despite the hot and rainless weather, above 90 deg F (32 deg C) throughout the day.

There are Vinca Periwinkle, Yellow Alder (Turnera ulmifolia) and Butter Daisy. Added Episcia recently because I accidentally snip off the wrong branch while trimming the old leaves.

Marigolds vs Zinnias

2009-08-09T17:18:00.000+08:00

Marigolds under-performing. I missed the bright yellow accents beside the Zinnias already. Notice the right-side of the bed, marigolds' leaves are burnt at tip but the Orange Marigolds growing better on the left-side? So looks like the Marigolds could take the heat only so much unlike the hardy Zinnias and Gomphrenas.

Zinnias and Gomphrenas are sun-loving; they looked as if competing on who's quicker to reach towards the sun. Gomphrena flowers wilt slower before I could collect its seeds and I have yet to succeed in germinating it.

Pics below: Zinnia's bud and about to bloom.

More Zinnias flowers; the young and old - quite a mix in this bed.

Roses Challenge

2009-08-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

Glimpses twice of a terraced-house, end lot, with huge garden by the side. Filled with roses inside and outside of compound. OMG! So breath-taking to see healthy blooms, variety of colours everywhere. Sunset filled the wide garden and roses glowed.

This proved the theory that roses can survive this heat & direct sun. The big question is how come? Here a pic of my disapointing rose, buried 3 pellets of specially formulated rose fertiliser 2 weeks ago. Hopeful when buds appeared 5 days later but they turned brown!

Suite101.com has some diagnosis for 'brown-edged Rose blooms', which could results from (a) Thrips or larvae sucking juices on new growth, (b) common condition called Baling caused by high-humidity or over-watering above the roses, (c) Heat Stress by new roses without a chance to adjust from partial sun/shade to full sun, (d) Botrytis - a fungal disease - proliferates during extended wet weather (check for brown-gray mold) or could be (e) Lack of drainage resulting brown-edge blooms, weak stems and sad leaves. Calcium deficiency common during hot weather in high-salt soils.

Why are my Roses turning brown on edges even while its budding? High humidity (too much concentrated chemical fertilizer) and insufficient water during periods of hot weather. Try using time-release fertilizer or fish emulsion in small amounts. Cut off the brown buds and wait for next cycle of bloom.

Here my Desert Rose, stop blooming since June'09. Notice the healthy green stems with abundance of leaves? Quite dissapointing as I wished to know how to have it bud & bloom. Tried fertiliser specially for its blooming, misting only in the evenings, shifting its pot to catch sun rays. Photos taken on Aug-2.

This evening, I uprooted the Desert Rose, trim the excess roots to raise its cauldex by half an inch above the soil level. Seems shaky after replant, wet & press soil downwards to hold it firmly.

3 days later, I pruned off 3 stems. Now it's wait and see.

Calathea's Blooms

2009-08-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

Spotted flowers on our Calathea Lutea. We had them since we moved into Kemuning Palma, 15 months ago.

Counted 6 blooms at 3 to 4 feet high. Each bloom, 7-inch long, sprouts on a new stem midway from the leave's stem. The leave stem supports the bloom. It offers some kind of juicy sweet liquid attracting small black ants.

They make a decent wall obscuring view from front and patio to the yard (or laundry drying area) and allowing breeze to pass. It's leaves fans on each others, like soft tapping sound - an alternative to wind chimes. Really relaxing.

Calathea Lutea (Cigar) has large ribbed leaves grows at majestic height of 6 to 10 feet. Its inflorescence is the alternating 8-inch bract of reddish/brown to tan with yellow flowers. Cigar shaped which is name derived - from Aloha Tropicals.

Amazonian ethnobotanical dictionary by James A. Duke, Rodolfo Vasque wrote Calathea Lutea leaves are used as wrapping to cook "tamales" and also to make tortillas. Cooked roots to control nausea and diarrhea. Resinous wax extracted with solvents for similar use of wax.

Stay@home2day

2009-08-01T16:17:00.001+08:00

Pretties! Hubby and Mum-in-law asked if I fed these with fertilizers?! Looks as if so because for such a short plant (2 feet tall), already so bushy - spilling out of its 6-inch pot and so many blooms!

Both Vinca Periwinkle and Yellow Alder (Turnera Ulmifolia) self-sown on ground saved last April, potted for pampered care (chuckle). Grew rather slowly to a foot tall on early July. Yellow Alder blooms once in the mornings and grow up to 3 feet tall in a pot.

Avid bloomer Vinca periwinkle, the tallest of the blooming-variety. Now above 5 feet high.

Lantanas in bloom after resting for 2 months, close-up shots of Lantana Camara 'Depressa' and 'Spreading Sunset'.

These Lantanas are a surprise, with difference colored blooms at different times. So it's guessing game to which colour theme of blooms.

While this Lantana didn't do well. Showed yellow leaves for quite some time. Tried watering frequently in the beginning then scarely lately, isn't helping.

Next to it (right) a self-sown Yellow Turnera outside of our compound. Grass-cutter were busy doing their job that day, quickly I saved it and replanted between Lantana and Heliconia. Somehow it's growing twice slower than before. Perhaps the soil combination? Seems to prefer hard soils.

This spot is a 'growing challenge'.

Episcia: Cute tiny red blooms from top till bottom.

Not a good day to be in KL. Rioting against I.S.A. I'm thankful to be resting at home and enjoy the view.

Zinnias: Yellow Flame and Pink.

I'm no "Miss Muffet"

2009-07-30T18:36:00.000+08:00

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet

Eating her curds and whey

Along came a spider

Who sat down beside her

And frightened Miss Muffet away!

Was capturing Alisma P. for a good shot until came a spider beside me. But this "Miss Muffet" isn't frightened by this spider ;-)

Midday Glow

2009-07-25T16:19:00.000+08:00

Group flowers together in the sun, you'll get an attractive piece in your garden.

Photos are taken during midday which feels like 39 degree C (102 degree F), an occasional slight breeze from SSE 9.66 kph.

Dewpoint at 25 degree C (early in the morning) and high humidity 66% throughout the day to counter this scorching heat.

Rains only 2 or 3 times a month; so daily plant waterings becomes a necessity.

Heavy-waterings in the evenings and light-waterings in the mornings, to keep plants looking refreshed.

Light-waterings directly on soils to keep it damp during the hot part of the day. Also recommended morning watering to newly planted bedding plants and vegetables. In very hot and dry weather, may require watering during midday to keep plants from flagging - also to note that water at midday means a lot of moisture will be lost from evaporation.

Starting blooms

2009-07-24T23:20:00.001+08:00

Young plants grow from seeds; yellow Turnera and Purple with pink center Perinwinkle Minor started to bloom already at only a foot tall.

Perinwinkle Madagascar (Apricot Delight) in cascading blooms. They don't seem to seed like Periwinkle Minor, neither grow via stem-cutting.

Planterbox nursery

2009-07-24T22:16:00.001+08:00

Time to pot Zinnias seedlings. Pic left; these seedlings are bursting the peat pot's bag (net). The peat pots are moisted every evening after the day's torturing heat (32 degrees C / 90 degrees F).

More Zinnias seedlings in separate pot of soil. These took a week to germinate compared to the peat pot that took less than 3 days.

Ooops Jewels of Opar don't look good. A few kinds of herbs (Suat couldn't remember its names to tell me) - of the three, only one pot looks ok but isn't growing well like Zinnias. I wonder why.

Need this planter box, so Jewel of Opar to make way for the Zinnia seedlings and the healthy pot of herbs.

Removed the peat pots' bag (net). Split each peat pot into half and spaced them for room to grow.

Zinnia seedlings takes backstage with herbs in the front.

10 days after re-planting, these seedlings are growing upright steadily.

These, Periwinkle and Butter Daisy are filling up the box fast. I've replanted them 2 weeks ago.

5-inch long Butterfly - oops it's a Moth :)

2009-07-17T22:34:00.002+08:00

Whoaa .. it's so huge that you can't miss it. 5-inch (12cm) long butterfly (in-progress checking on its species), pretty tame. Gave us quite a fright when it flew about overheads, in and out of the house. But if you're looking out for it, it is visible as far as 21 feet away. Somehow it got used to the camera flashlight and it stayed for 20 minutes to pose for me. ;-)

Symbolic meanings from WikiAnswers;

Butterfly is called "hu-tieh" in Chinese, "tieh" means 70 years that symbolises longevity and represents young men in love.

For the Japanese, it represents young maidens and marital bliss. Which is why it is common to find butterfly design on families' crest.

Reversely, the Germans believed that when butterflies hovering around milk pails or butter churns; are witches trying to steal the cream.

While ancient Greek considered butterflies as souls of those who passed away and an Irish saying, "Butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through purgatory".

Malaysian Butterflies http://wildsidephotography.ca/butterflies.html

My Butterfly Gallery http://angelfire.com/journal2/chinfashin/piclist/piclist.html

Update Oct-12: Anatomy of Butterfly.

Update Sep-27: Thanks to James Missier (yet again), an incredible find which took me months! I found an interesting site sells framed insects showing types of Uraniid Moths from the Family Uraniidae. Closest resemblance would be Nyctalemon sp.

Well, I'll leave the Anatomy of Butterfly here for the time-being. Checkout Butterfly and Moth Anatomy; difference would be a Moth does not have 'Proboscis' and 'Spiracles' (the part after 'Abdomen').

Germinate & Thrive

2009-07-17T22:23:00.000+08:00

Zinnia seedlings in small peat pot are thriving better than the potted soil. Take a look of these seedlings 10 days ago at SnapShots of Home Gardening: Light drizzl e

Sweet Success! I transplanted these babies (bottom pic: periwinkle left and butter daisy right) a week ago. I noticed its growth rate faster when given sufficient clearance surrounding it (not over-crowded). Got to think of what to do (fast) before they start getting over-crowded again!

Voracious Grasshopper

2009-07-10T00:12:00.000+08:00

Biggest I ever seen - size 4" long x 1" wide, it was eating my neighbour's Limau Kasturi's (Citrus Microcarpa) leaves. Leaving bite size of 0.5" semi-circle on each leaves, nearly half the plant.

It's time to pesticide!

Light drizzle

2009-07-08T22:26:00.000+08:00

Capital COOL after a light evening shower followed by an hour of drizzle. Gardening during drizzle, a soothing activity in a calm atmosphere. Spent my time tidying up pots, removing the old to make room for the growing seedlings and grouped seedlings according type and growth size.

If you've seen the previous blog on 'Seedlings & Growth' in Jul, I've decided to remove the spent Medallions (Butter daisy) replaced with transplanted young seedlings. Pic top; Medallions seedlings on top and Madagascar periwinkle at bottom. Pic below; remaining old Medallions in a pot (left), Yellow turnera seedlings sandwiched in between and a single (spotted buds, yippee!) M. periwinkle in a pot, right - yet to know which bloom colour.

I've experimented growing Zinnia seeds in 'Small Peat Pot' last Sunday. Just 2 days later, germination success! Pic left, more seedlings spotted on 3rd day while young ones already reaching out for sunlight. Now they're relocated to part sun-shade area, next to our bonsai.

Pic below; a Marigold seedling, is taking quite a while.

Update Jul-24: Marigold seedling didn't make it.

Pretty Chrysanthemums

2009-07-05T22:50:00.000+08:00

Pretties .. had to have it - don't you think so?
RM1 each from Pasar Mini Sun City. There were other colours; yellow, orange (or bronze) and red.

Chrysanthemum flowers symbolises 'strong life'; in Chinese culture, giving these flowers (especially red ones) to elderly (old people) for its meaning. However, these flowers, do not symbolise love and affection, to be given to loved ones. White and yellow Chrysanthemum flowers commonly used for prayers or funerals.

Seedlings & Growths

2009-07-05T22:24:00.000+08:00

2 months later, Medallions (Butter Daisy) seedlings germinated from dead blooms - easy to grow.

We didn't plant these following our landscape maintenance's advice; that it may not last as long as the Zinnias and Marigolds. She was right but she hadn't mention about germination much easier than those in the flowerbed!

Darling Pentas (Egyptian Stars clusters) had grown bushier with more, and more non-stop blooms. I'll recommended these instead of the Lantanas any time!

4 months now, (see http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/03/pretty-blooms.html ) .. it has been a gradual slow growth for these seedlings while I patiently wait. Pic left, Madagascar Periwinkle. Pic right, Yellow Turnera.

Saving seeds

2009-07-05T21:54:00.000+08:00

Oh look at how 'tall' our Zinnias! They've eclipse the Marigolds (backstage). On top of that, its blooms twice larger and last 2 weeks longer than poor Marigolds.

Zinnia seeds; for germination success use dark/black seeds which are ripe. To be 'ripe', it should have darkened to a dusty brown or gray shade. White seeds are not yet ripe.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4928260_seeds-zenia-flower.html
http://www.flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/growing_annual_zinnias_from_seed_you_collect

Pick wilted blooms to dry for a few days. Gently rub the base of the flower and seeds will tumble out.

Marigolds propagated by seeds, at least 2 cm apart; takes 45 days to flower after germination. Cover seeds with 1/4" of potting soil. Water sufficiently. Seedling emerge within a few days and start flowering after 1-2 months. Start fertilizing monthly once buds are formed. Potash fertiliser prolongs the flowering period. http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/plants/marigold/1227656

I'm trying out this - small peat pot to germinate Zinnia seeds. Interesting to watch as the peat capsule enlarged after soaking in water for 10 minutes.

I should be stuffing 3 to 4 seeds; I thought hard, what if some seeds didn't germinate? Well? The more the merrier! Stuffed 7 to 9 seeds each.

Cheers to Pom-pons (Gomphrena globosa)

2009-07-04T21:58:00.000+08:00

Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is a tropical *annual with upright and persistent clover-like blooms (2" long). Various cultivars come in shades of pink, purple, and white later on introduced new shades of red and orange through hybrids with G. haageana (*perennial).

*How Annuals differs from Perennials? http://flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/annualorperennial

Gomphrena grows 1'~2' tall and about 1' wide with stiff, erect branched stems. The opposite leaves are long and slender. They mesh nicely with taller flowers; i.e. Marigolds and Zinnias.

This annual does best in full sun and prefers moist soil, but tolerates dry conditions once established. It is easy to grow from seed or can be purchased as transplants – or sometimes you will get self-sown seedlings (but the color of these may vary from that of the parents). Soaking the seeds for a day or two before planting will speed germination. Plant outside (after hardening off) about 8” apart. Pinch out the first flowers to encourage a bushier plant with more flowers or let them grow for a more open look. They will bloom much better if regularly cut.

Over here, folks fondly calls it the "pom-pons" for its flower likens to ball of fluff.

A month after planting, Gomphrena left (top pic) growing vertically following suit with our Zinnias. Sighted a couple of new buds on Gomphrena right (lower pic), growing rather slowly. I'm waiting anxiously for its faded bloom to wilt fully before pinching it for seeds.

Reaching to great heights

2009-06-25T22:30:00.000+08:00

Alisma plantago-aquatica, a common water-plantain, blooms everyday this week. White paper thin flowers with yellow center; blooms once then closes during sunset. When all buds finished blooming, sprouts new leaves. You can cut it to replant or re-pot when new leaves 3" tall.

We've bought Alisma in Aug'08, divided into 2 pots, hadn't flowered since Oct'08. Late May'09, we bought fertilizer seeds, half an inch round, specially made for water-plants from One-stop DIY. Use 1.5 seeds and bury deep into each pot - for a plant size like mine. But I started out with a single fertilizer seed and 2 weeks later, each potted Alisma in the courtyard - grew a long trailing stem with flower buds. The biggest pot had the longest stem with buds reaching 5.5' tall - remarkable!

http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/05/surviving-in-malaysian-heat.html
http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/05/o-blessed-rain.html

Our Vinca Periwinkle, as predicted, reached 5' tall and out grown the foldable plant support. I grit my teeth for buying 4' high support instead of 5' high - but I hadn't expected it to grow so tall and so fast! Even my in-laws (who gave us the seedlings) were amazed.

Vinca Periwinkle seedlings filling up the grass patch too. Pinch off seed pods from the plant from time to time, reduce germination. Quite a havoc but it gives pleasurable view as it never fails to bloom everyday. It's a plant that'll reminds me to strive on reaching to great heights.

Flowerbed filled with Marigolds

2009-06-17T17:46:00.000+08:00

We've planted African marigolds; yellow 'Doubloon' and deep orange 'Double Eagle' behind our Zinnias.

A full bloomed African marigold risk bent-neck or stooping down, heavy from watering. If we're lucky, the bloom may rise when dry and light but usually the bloom fades faster if bent.

I had to staked one of the Marigolds after a heavy downpour. It was bent at the base just above the soil level.A good Marigold bloom last 2 weeks before turning ugly brown while attached to its stem.

Could be the hot weather causing the bloom to dry up prematurely. Sadly this hot weather, said to last til September.

Buds starting to bloom (pic). Petals folded in the flowerhead, curls out as it unfolds & grows.Colours were so bright that I had to darken for light shadows to view the curls on petals. It was a harder task than roses.

Marigolds are categorized into 4 groups: French, African, Triploid and Single.

French marigolds (Tagetes patula) > small bushy, 12" ht, flowers 2" (5 cm) across.
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) > tall stout, 3 ft ht, larger blossoms like pom-pom but shorter flowering period (p/s-remove faded flowers to encourage a second flush of bloom).
Triploid marigolds > sterile hybrids (French + African), non-stop bloomers with impressive 3" flower heads in warm colors of gold, yellow, red and russet.
Single Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia (signata) pumila) > simple, daisy-like blooms and long stems; some varieties of merit are Cinnabar, Burgundy, Ripples and Chippendale Daisy.

The leaves of all marigolds are dark green, deeply divided and have a somewhat unpleasant, aromatic fragrance.

Growing: Marigolds are not fussy, they will adapt to most garden soils.
Light: Full sun.
Moisture: Water during periods of drought.
Propagation: The black needle-like seeds can be easily sown directly where they are to be grown. Seedlings are 2" long.
Hardiness: Marigolds are tender tropical plants and are killed by frost. Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight. Resistance to disease and pests.

Use: Common, inexpensive and easy to germinate, and grow in beds and borders. Blooms non-stop. Some advice to plant marigolds in the vegetable garden to discourage certain insect pests. Summer care of marigolds is simple. Water occasionally during dry weather and pinch off faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Tall African marigolds may require staking to prevent the plants from falling over or lodging during storms. Marigolds require approximately 45 to 50 days to flower after seeding.

http://marvelousmarigolds.wordpress.com/
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=768&PlantTypeID=1

Gromphrenas (upclose).

Its a Common Tailorbird afterall!

2009-06-15T18:28:00.000+08:00

Thiam happened to chance upon a book on Southeast Asia Birds. Cleverly he discovered the actual name of the bird, Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) instead of Long-Tailed Tit as posted earlier.

See how Common Tailorbird weave its nest, http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/03/spirit-of-nature.html

See Common Tailorbird's eggs in its new nest, http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/04/long-tailed-tits-making-home-with-us.html

See how Common Tailorbird hatchlings and its feeding, http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/04/upclose-personal-with-hatchlings.html

Also found the name of bird who eavesdroped neighbour's phone call conversation on Apr-18,'09. It's called Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier). To watch the video at http://jaimeboey.blogspot.com/2009/04/long-tailed-tits-making-home-with-us.html

A glimpse of Flowerbed

2009-06-14T22:46:00.000+08:00

Glimpses of newly installed flowerbed filled with new flower plants. Pictures taken during sunrise, I didn't include those during sunset due to high contrast from over-exposure sunlight.

They survived from a heavy downpour over an hour yesterday afternoon. Some Yellow Marigolds with bent necks, because of its full bloomed flower heavy with water.

Zinnia Yellow Flame, bud starts to bloom (left) and full bloom (right). Petals grows from the sides followed by petals closer to the center, in sequence, until all petals filled the whole flower head then its colours will fade and start to wilt.

I'm waiting for the chance to collect seeds from the wilting Zinnia and grow them. Another learning curve for me. Wish me luck!

Here's how Zinnia Pink's petals growing from the sides (left) then towards the middle (right). Tiny yellow flowers in the middle will soon fade and fall off and followed by its pink petals (right). Notice how the petals curl at the beginning as it takes into shape, this differs from Zinnia Yellow Flame.

Also Zinnia Pink could grow a foot taller than Zinnia Yellow Flame, almost covering our Marigolds.

Here, a full bloomed Zinnia Pink with Zinnia Yellow Flame.

Gomphrena globosa and marigold, striking orange against purple.

Red rose (Choon's) bloomed beautifully in a sea of crimson tipped leaves. It's a healthy & refreshing sight.

Elsewhere in our garden, eye-catching of millions of blooms. Ixora looked like snow-capped mountains to me.

Below, our Common Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) spotting growth of new buds on a stem on each - so that means all 3 pots of Alisma will flower soon!

DIY your own raised flower bed

2009-06-03T22:42:00.001+08:00

Ever dreamed of having a bed filled with colours to greet you from a tough day at work, shopping fatigue, etc? There's healing in colours when it is sent through the body.

Pink - promotes inner peace and love; helps people to become relaxed and can help with stress related problems.

Orange - helps one to become passionate and filled with desire in either love or life itself.

Yellow - helps a person to feel strong and have a sense of will to achieve in their life. It also helps people to let go of negative issues that are blocking them from moving on in their life.

Purple - helps a person to activate their psychic abilities, to restore memory loss and help to remove negative images that store in the brain.

Green - heals any traumas that a person has had or is facing within their life. Green is a positive colour that represents hope and healing on all the levels of consciousness. It can also open one up to unconditional love.

Step 1 : Spot a space for flower bed 7' by 2'. Gardeners will recommend you to choose a spot where it'll conveniently draw attention daily. Do lookout for ideas of flower beds and plants on the internet or any home magazines. Visualise a design that fits you. Draw up a simple map using measured squares and fill in the surrounding environment and your desired plants - this will give you an estimate cost for your budget.

P/S: We deviated a bit during plants-shopping. I would recommend you to visit nursery with plants-variety to choose from; arrange as if you were at your flower bed to decide on the plant colours, structure and theme - before your purchase. This prevents over-buying while you'll get the right look and satisfaction.

Yellow, Orange Marigolds takes backstage, Zinnia Yellow Flame takes center stage accompanied with Zinnia Pink and ends with matching leaves, oblong to ovate 3-10 cm long, the everlasting purple Gomphrena globosa. Gomphrena is commonly known as globe amaranth or Bachelor's Buttons.

Step 2 : Observe for a) 8-hours of sunlight, b) a distance away from trees and shrubs and c) no direct rainfall off the roof. Flowers need sunlight and heat for growth and blooms while strong rainfall impact will cause tender flower stems to bend out of shape and root rot from excessive watering.

Here, rainfall lands on the floor tiles, sends water splatters to neighbouring flower pots (left) and future flower bed (right) -which is good.

The new flowers are able to withstand the heat and rain for 2 days before planting.

Step 3 : To shore the Flower Bed edge, I decided on having rails of wood pieces (1' tall, cut into semi-circle) stapled to a weatherproof black band on reverse side - this forms a linkage. Why? It is lighter than rocks, taller than stones, flexible to shape the bed and easier to transport/carry. Weighs about 5kg each rail of wood pieces c/w steel needle 6" long stuck at bottom of both ends; needles act as anchor into the ground for firm grip.

The untreated flowerbed edge is then coated with Jotun's Woodshield protection to withstand high humidity and heavy downpours for long term. We selected colour 'Mahogany' to match our home exterior.

If you observe the end result, the linkages' coat colour harmonises with the dark soils - wonderful.

Step 4 : Here, our matured Philippine grass is cut according to the required shape and removed.

To my delight, previous fill 3'-4' of sand was enough a) to hold the linkage at the bottom and b) for drainage.

Step 5 : We dug a mini-trench to fit the linkages.

Once the linkages inserted into place, we flatten the sand from the middle to fill up the sides and gaps for firmer grip. Grass will fill up the outer sides over time. Voilà, a flower bed!

Step 6 : Flower plants are then placed into the flower bed as planned. Removed 1/10 of bottom roots each to fit below the level shortest linkage. Using black organic soil to a) fill the gaps between the plants and b) cover the plants' root and base of stems. Soil is pressed to remove air pockets and hold plants firmly. Removing air pockets in soil minimise root diseases and minimise sunken soil after watering.

Step 7 : Water to hydrate the new soil and to encourage root growth after all the damages during planting. Then add time-release fertiliser pellets.

Amazing colours in the sun.

Flower plants from Sg Buloh, flower bed edge and Jotun Woodshield from One-Stop and garden maintenance by Bkt Rimau Nursery.