Spring Fever

[queenbee]

I am not old and forgetting things, I just have too much to remember.

Like I forgot it was brainy and not someperson who had the seeds for me.

[someperson]

Huh, you forgot to remember something? Wonder what it was? ;D

[2cedarschick]

Mmmm, sorry Bee, not that you are unimportant to me. I am a little busy, didn't get home from work and meeting until after 10pm tonight, so it will have to wait til this weekend.

[babe]

I'M READY TO RIDE!!!!! HORSES AND BIKES!!!!!

[queenbee]

OK, I am determined that I am going to grow lavender.
I have been trying for years and I just can't get it right.

It was nice to see Camellia's in bloom in Cleveland Ga. There trees and bushes are way ahead of ours. The Lavender I picked had puhple blooms on it.

I noticed that a branch from the main bush had actually rooted itself into the ground so I broke it off from the bush and gently pulled it up, saving as much of the root's as I could.
I never thought it could root like that.

I have several sprigs I broke off the main bush and 2 that had a good root system. I have them planted in different spots in my yard so we will see how they do.

I broke a very tall piece off the crown of the main bush that had blooms and have it stuck in water Going to start my research on how to use it to get seeds.

[queenbee]

I also have decided to invest in a Camilla bush.

If I can find somewhere to plant it.

[queenbee]

Propagating Lavender
Lavenders do not necessarily come true from seed; propagation is most successful when done from cuttings or by layering. For a cutting, you will need a three- to four-inch semi-hard (not too green, not too brown) branch. Trim the leaves off the bottom half of the cutting and pinch the top before inserting into a rooting medium—we have excellent results using sand.

Keep the cuttings moist (but not soggy) and in filtered light. They root best at temperatures of 70-75 degrees. Cuttings are best taken from May through mid-August.

Layering can be done in the spring: Bend an outside branch gently to the ground. Leave about six inches of leaves on the growing tip. Wound the stem slightly in the spot where you want roots, pinning that area into the ground; then cover with soil. Stake the remaining branch tip upright and water. If rooted by fall, cut it off from mother plant and leave in place until spring. If not, recheck in the spring.

[queenbee]

Growing Lavender
All lavenders need full sun and good drainage; they are quite drought tolerant. Lavenders like a neutral or slightly alkaline soil (7.0-7.3 pH). For best results, test your soil, adding lime if necessary.

Heavy clay soils need the addition of sand to provide good drainage. Alternatively, plant lavenders on a slightly raised mound. Mulch lavenders with a two-inch layer of sand or white pebbles, which will reflect the sunlight back into the plant and help prevent fungus diseases. Leaving adequate spacing between plants will also help air circulation.

Lavenders benefit from a cover of evergreen branches in the winter and a pruning of not more than one-third of the plant in the spring. Deer do not appear to care for the taste of lavender; in fact, some gardeners plant lavender among other plants as a deterrent to deer.

[summerose]

Lavenders not only pretty, it smells good too!

[queenbee]

I am hoping mine takes.

I am looking to get a small bag of sand from the pet store, I don't want to have to get a big bag from Ace or Home Depot.

Wonder if I could get some from one of the job sites going on, sometimes they have sand piled up and I only need a baggie full.

[nataliewood]

Feb 25, 2008 10:45:50 GMT -4 queenbee said:

I am hoping mine takes.

I am looking to get a small bag of sand from the pet store, I don't want to have to get a big bag from Ace or Home Depot.

Wonder if I could get some from one of the job sites going on, sometimes they have sand piled up and I only need a baggie full.

Bee, maybe that crack house has some. I had to go by there again today on the way to Murphy. What an ugly sight.

[queenbee]

Well they got the front and the crack covered up, and looks like half a porch built on the end, but it is looking through some scraggly pines and at the neighbor's house. I would have had it in the middle looking over the back yard. It is coming together and is going to be HUGE!!! I hope a big family is moving in there and not just 2 retirees, cause they will definately rattle around.

Who could afford a house that big anyway? and will they have a maid?

My favorite is the one that is in the bend of the road. They just took down the gate and paved the driveway. It is high enough to be visible and they left enough woods around it to give it privacy. I love the hand-hewened look they gave the wood and it's not that god-awful orange fakey wood color. One day this week I am going to peek in the windows and see the inside.

I like it, very tasteful and not obtrusive or garish. Fit's in with the landscape.

I also like the little cabin with the barn and horse fencing right below it, looks very Little House on the Prarie'ish.

[nataliewood]

I saw their horse out this morning. I wonder if they have more than one. It's so nice to see the sun today, makes me smile.

[queenbee]

I have only seen one when I have gone by.

Walked for a bot at lunch and it was nizzzeee outside. Blue skies, barely cool out.

Yep! I think Spring is on it's way.

My violet looks good this a.m. It had one brown leaf on it when I bought and I pinched it off. Just watered it with some good warm water so the root's don't get shocked. The window is open and the birds are singing.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood.

[nataliewood]

Bee, I always keep water in the watering can so my violets get it at room temp. Did you go to that site I told you about? Browse at the varieties they sell. They have some real beauties. www.bluebirdgreenhouse.com. I still haven't sent in my order if you see something you like I could add it onto my order.