“It’s always worth it to prove them Wrong”… and I really don’t think it cares…

“I manifest when and where I see fit”.

It sits in a medium size pot, sharing the space with 4 or 5 other Iris Plants.

After my not so thorough research I was nearly convinced it wouldn’t flower, and I was okay with that.

What I found out was, Irises barely flower their first year and if they do, it’s because of the two factors : sufficient space and plenty of sunshine. Neither of those were provided.

But there it is, sharing this 12-in crowded plastic container and enjoying just a few hours of the morning sun. This peach creation told me one thing, when I questioned it’s state of mind:

“It’s always worth it to prove them wrong.”

Bearded Peach Iris, July 7, 2021

I am convinced it was trying to break the record of the shortest-lived flowers. If my Opium saw this he would have been left in denial. The flower lived for a whole day and half and I was lucky enough to appreciate it.

The Art of Aging Flowers,

by White Garden Rose and Bearded Iris

Even this young Flannel bush (West Coast Native) is a show stopper with it’s rustic colored flowers. I don’t know which stage I like them more in, full flower or when they dry out and acquire this orange/copper tone. You and I know it’s the latter, the art of aging it is.

Go find a mature Flannel Bush flowering, right now. And tell it how stunning it looks!

I found one in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and I loved it so much from afar that I went ahead an bought this cutting from their Nursery. The fact that I’d already been growing two of these from seeds completely abandoned me at the time of purchase.

Nature said, “just hang in there”, and so they did.

I decided to experiment with my watermelons this year and let them hang in there, get their workout in, see how long they last.

• 

• 

Where do I file a complaint? Look at this orange Orangutan look me in the eyes while boldly devouring my Cherry Tree! Pay close attention.

Can you see it’s mouth, teeth and those tiny nostrils…. flaring? This dog looks surprised as I’m checking him out.Caught red handed, still holding on to the remnants of what once was called a leaf!

Let’s all BREATHE, shall we?

As the sticker on this plant suggested it was “Drought Tolerant”, I safely decided to be sold the lies, again. I am a few weeks in with this copper miracle (whatever the name of the plant is) and it seems to be yelling at me.

A word of advice, never trust the stickers… Nada. NONE.

Kalanchoe seems to appreciate the shade and some good watering, according to my plant. Be careful with the succulents, they aren’t made the same.

Speaking of SUCCULENTS.

Check out this Plover Eggs Flowering.

Young cacti need to be watered as well. I’ve been growing this Beavertail from seed since forever, they are quite slow growers if you give it a try with seeds. But it allows you to recreate a mini version of the Death Valley Desert and take some cool shots. Why not?

Ever saw that guy who created a whole village for the mice in his garden in England?

here goes my version.

In the meantime,

I was trying to warn my tallest sunflower “Never become approachable, you may have your head chopped off.”

They never listen.

BTW, Ever tried growing Mango from seed?

DO NOT.

A quick share on Growing Mango Trees.

I was successful, once.

When my tree was about 2-3 years old and survived two winters I decided to replant it and used a fabric container. The worst mistake of my gardening career costed me an otherwise strong and healthy 3-year old mango tree. NEVER, EVER, use fabric containers for trees. Since then I have been religiously trying to start another one from seed, like the one pictured below for example. Mango trees are grown from seed, even the ones you see at your local nursery.

But the first one is always the best one and to be remembered forever.

They need relatively acidic (6-6.5) sandy loam soil. Add some mulch on top. If you don’t mind heavy pots make sure your soil mixture is mostly sand. You may add some peat moss to retain moisture. When I was growing my first mango tree, I didn’t pay much attention to it and it went just fine. Meaning, it survived without much water in Southern California. I would strongly advise you to keep it away from any direct sun.

If you are in So Cal, check out Gary’s Laguna Hills Nursery in Santa Ana. He sells the Acidic Mix for Blueberries and other acidic soil loving plants.

!!————————————————————————————A few struggles on growing DILL….weed.

Who said it was weed? I want to have a deep conversation.

Are you aware of how hard it is to grow?

It’s nothing close to weed, it needs water, it needs moderate sun and regular therapy sessions much like Avocado Trees. It’s one of the most difficult herbs to grow, especially if you are trying to do it in July.

At the time of posting this, it successfully went to flower. At least it’ll compensate for all the seeds I’ve lost trying to grow this delicate weed. It needs regular water, balanced sun/shade and like I said, therapy. Good luck you all.

Some people don’t appreciate California,….heat. Like these beets for example. But I reassured them I can live with that.

DO NOT FORGET, THE BEST TIME IS LILY TIME!

And…just so you know,

I won’t let you leave without you looking at this rustic image of Opium/Poppy Seed Pods.

• 

Enjoy Garden Imperfect, talk soon.

Angeli.