The Key Lime turned out to be standing in a pool of cold air---about 7 degrees colder than anywhere else in the garden. Who knew?
The garden slopes East/South West, and since cold air flows downhill like water, cold air usually doesn't sit or do damage. However, a bamboo hedge at the foot of the slope, apparently acts as a dam, stops the air flow and creates an eddy of low temperature.
The Key Lime was sitting in the middle of this cold pool. He is now wound around with fairy lights, looks festive at night, and----- if UCDavis is to be believed--- is protected .
The Pepperbox Breadseed Poppies are up. Finally got it right after 3 tries,sowing after the second rain of the season. Pepperbox seed comes from Rene's Garden (http://www.renesgarden.com/). Lauren's Grape Poppy came up first, planted after the first rain. (http://www.botanicalinterests.com/). The Ooh La LA peony-flowered poppy (http://www.t&m.com/) is lagging. With a name like that, it's probably embarrassed to appear.
Discusses plants that will save water, encourage bird/butterflies and create lush effects in So Cal gardens ---includes various ecological subjects.
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Showing posts with label CA poppies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CA poppies. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
RAIN, Poppies with aloes
Blissful rain along the CA. coast today, falling gently, sprouting the grass covering the hillsides ravaged by fire--- Station,Jesusita,Tea---caressing the hills rather than burying terrified homeowners in tons of mud.
Rain has brought up Buttercrunch lettuce, and a swath of poppies---Laura's Purple, and Flemish Antique.(www.TMSeeds.com) This year,I waited for the rain before sowing the seeds. However Breadbox and Peony Flowered, (from seed I brought back from a friend's garden in Oregon), are still holding out.
Many Poppies are very opinionated about when they'll grow in So Cal. They want it cold and wet, then warm,to sprout, then cold and wet again. This year I'm cheating with some and growing them in plantable pots, which go in the ground, pot and all, later.
California poppies are less exigent--reds,oranges and whites all do just fine if planted after the first rain. They look approriate under aloes, especially aloe elegans, and accept the same lack of water, once sprouted.
Rain has brought up Buttercrunch lettuce, and a swath of poppies---Laura's Purple, and Flemish Antique.(www.TMSeeds.com) This year,I waited for the rain before sowing the seeds. However Breadbox and Peony Flowered, (from seed I brought back from a friend's garden in Oregon), are still holding out.
Many Poppies are very opinionated about when they'll grow in So Cal. They want it cold and wet, then warm,to sprout, then cold and wet again. This year I'm cheating with some and growing them in plantable pots, which go in the ground, pot and all, later.
California poppies are less exigent--reds,oranges and whites all do just fine if planted after the first rain. They look approriate under aloes, especially aloe elegans, and accept the same lack of water, once sprouted.
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