Maybe the western exposure of my balcony has changed over the years. It seemed I had more direct sunshine years ago. For a dozen years, I planted predominantly Geraniums and Petunias with very good success.
Maybe the difference is that more of my plantings are inside my railings and therefore more protected from the sun.
Full Sun: Full sun exposure is defined as six (6) or more hours of direct sun. At this point, which is nearly 3 weeks into my summer planting, I have regrets for some of the Full Sun plants I have purchased including Ageratum, Marigolds, Petunias, Lilies and others.
Part Sun: It does make me wonder how to understand the concept of part sun. Less than 6-8 hours of direct sun. Does this mean that the shade plants would be over-exposed? Does it mean that my full-sun plants will fail to thrive?
It will simply be a matter of learning. I know that I will be moving some of the "sun" plants out to a sunny portion of the common grounds. I'll do some shifting and some cutting. Er, eliminating.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Cold Weather Damage as of May 20
I know that any damage I see on leaf edges, such as browning or dryness, are not attributable to under watering. I mean, over watering. Oh heck, we have had some deep soaking rains that have stripped most of the leaves off the Croton in the 2nd tier planter. Nothing here is under watered. Frankly, the planters do not seem to dry out at all.
How does that help the plants send out new roots? I don't know.
I see problems on 1 out of the 5 sweet potato plants. Only one of the alyssum has survived. My blue hydrangea has an ugly brown tinge to the flowers. Ugh. Since I have not repotted this to a larger summer pot, maybe the recent cold weather with night temperatures in the 40's has been an issue.
Water Feature?
I am still considering adding a feature with running water. I know. Where could this possibly fit in my limited balcony space?
Most garden fountains are powered either by electricity or by solar panel. I will select an electric pump of some type since my balcony has two outlets available. Both outlets are non-GFI. Sure, safety is for sissies.
The option of a solar fountain will not be suitable for me as the sun is insufficient and frankly, I could not put a solar panel in any place that would be visible by the public.
Research:
After hours spent reviewing water features available online, I find tabletop fountains, birdbaths with sprays, and fountains. Yeah, big fountains that may, or may not, bring in an Old World motif. While I find that many of these internet sales sites have great sales information, many of them do not include the sound of the fountains. Really? The SOUND is what we seek. That refreshing gurgle, that sound that masks our neighbors, airport noise, those delivery trucks.
1. Tabletop fountains: A key advantage for these little guys is that they do not take up much space and that is a positive checkmark for these diminutive items. On the other hand, most of them are rated for "indoor" use. Additionally, they are so small, will they be able to last 24-48 hours without a water refill? I notice that the majority of tabletop fountains are quite busy with designs, add-ons, rocks, etc. I would prefer something simple in design. A simple design indicates simple maintenance.
2. Garden fountains & birdbaths: Some of these are quite small in stature or weight. Many are made out of resin or other lightweight and cheap products. Customer reviews on those resin products under the amount of $300 indicate the fountains chip and crack after less than one year. I find this to be a pricey investment for a single-year enjoyment. I became enamored with several small birdbaths with fountain sprays. They are adorable. Unfortunately, they also appear to lack a strong enough base to stand up to a stiff breeze. Plus a bit too tall for my taste. If I lived in a house where I could look down at a bird bath, it would be a fun view.
Besides, I really was not planning on attracting birds to my balcony. Bird poo does not sound at all enticing for my lush little landscape. What I want is sound, but no birds.
3. Use What I Already Have: Oh this is the voice of Reason. How did this get in here? I own a small "fish pot" with heavy Asian painted details. How would this look outside? Judging from the videos I've watched on how to "build" or simply set up a small fountain, this is really a simple process to add a pump, a fountain head and some type of support or rocks to set up the fountain.
So, in conclusion, I think something smaller in a ceramic style would work. I found also that feng shui indicates the running water by the front door is a symbol of abundance, oh sorry, good fortune.
I need to find more room on that balcony.
Most garden fountains are powered either by electricity or by solar panel. I will select an electric pump of some type since my balcony has two outlets available. Both outlets are non-GFI. Sure, safety is for sissies.
The option of a solar fountain will not be suitable for me as the sun is insufficient and frankly, I could not put a solar panel in any place that would be visible by the public.
Research:
After hours spent reviewing water features available online, I find tabletop fountains, birdbaths with sprays, and fountains. Yeah, big fountains that may, or may not, bring in an Old World motif. While I find that many of these internet sales sites have great sales information, many of them do not include the sound of the fountains. Really? The SOUND is what we seek. That refreshing gurgle, that sound that masks our neighbors, airport noise, those delivery trucks.
1. Tabletop fountains: A key advantage for these little guys is that they do not take up much space and that is a positive checkmark for these diminutive items. On the other hand, most of them are rated for "indoor" use. Additionally, they are so small, will they be able to last 24-48 hours without a water refill? I notice that the majority of tabletop fountains are quite busy with designs, add-ons, rocks, etc. I would prefer something simple in design. A simple design indicates simple maintenance.
2. Garden fountains & birdbaths: Some of these are quite small in stature or weight. Many are made out of resin or other lightweight and cheap products. Customer reviews on those resin products under the amount of $300 indicate the fountains chip and crack after less than one year. I find this to be a pricey investment for a single-year enjoyment. I became enamored with several small birdbaths with fountain sprays. They are adorable. Unfortunately, they also appear to lack a strong enough base to stand up to a stiff breeze. Plus a bit too tall for my taste. If I lived in a house where I could look down at a bird bath, it would be a fun view.
Besides, I really was not planning on attracting birds to my balcony. Bird poo does not sound at all enticing for my lush little landscape. What I want is sound, but no birds.
3. Use What I Already Have: Oh this is the voice of Reason. How did this get in here? I own a small "fish pot" with heavy Asian painted details. How would this look outside? Judging from the videos I've watched on how to "build" or simply set up a small fountain, this is really a simple process to add a pump, a fountain head and some type of support or rocks to set up the fountain.
So, in conclusion, I think something smaller in a ceramic style would work. I found also that feng shui indicates the running water by the front door is a symbol of abundance, oh sorry, good fortune.
I need to find more room on that balcony.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Videos => Trial by Rain and Wind
If the plants can survive this storm, they will be strong all season long. These new guys had somewhere between 7 days and 7 hours of acclimation. No new root growth to hold them. Mother Nature has this all figured out, Don't Ya Know?
Yes, I know that I was early to plant this season. Let me just blame that on enthusiasm. When the planting was completed for my 2 tier system, poor weather was predicted for the next two days. The initial rainfall was lovely:
Then the rain fell with increasing enthusiasm. Sorry I got no thunder recorded herein, it was just a quick "boom" and then gone.
Later, the rain stopped, and the wind Huffed and it Puffed (with gusts recorded over 45miles per hour). We had over 12 hours of this wind.
I am happy to report that my window boxes were intact and unwavering. More than I could say for myself as that howling wind was a bit unsettling.
My one causality from the storm was a knock-down of my shade garden container. Yeah yeah, it was totally my fault as I know better than to leave empty trough planters on the balcony. The wind lifted up these boxes and hit my shade planter. Ouch.
Yes, I know that I was early to plant this season. Let me just blame that on enthusiasm. When the planting was completed for my 2 tier system, poor weather was predicted for the next two days. The initial rainfall was lovely:
Then the rain fell with increasing enthusiasm. Sorry I got no thunder recorded herein, it was just a quick "boom" and then gone.
Later, the rain stopped, and the wind Huffed and it Puffed (with gusts recorded over 45miles per hour). We had over 12 hours of this wind.
I am happy to report that my window boxes were intact and unwavering. More than I could say for myself as that howling wind was a bit unsettling.
My one causality from the storm was a knock-down of my shade garden container. Yeah yeah, it was totally my fault as I know better than to leave empty trough planters on the balcony. The wind lifted up these boxes and hit my shade planter. Ouch.
Few Photos before the Storm
Just a few photos taken before the rain, the wind and the cold of last weekend.
So far, I am liking the colors as they play against each other. Complementary colors are much more fun, and more interesting, than the old pinks, whites, and reds that I planted years ago.
The orange color of this tuberous begonia is luscious. Yes, this is how it ALL happens. I'm just walking through the nursery, minding my own business, looking for, what was it? Oh yes, I was looking for S-hooks to hold the window boxes onto the railing. Then WHAM, this orange tuberous begonia says,
Take me home!
I know that gardeners are a sympathetic group because I know this same thing has happened to each and every one of you, hasn't it?
Hey -- how did those white flowers get selected? Ah, these reflect only concession to simplicity this season. I bought the Nemesia in orange and yellow, so I grabbed the white as well.
Later this season I will be teaching everyone how to create and maintain a Martini Garden. Something to look forward to indeed!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
L A Gardens
I learned to garden in northern California from my dad. I loved gardening there because of the long growing season. This weekend opens the Garden Conservancy tour in L.A. and here is a pre-view. These gardens are aged and reflect southern California style. I especially like the color and clay pots added when ground space is all used. If you're in L.A. this weekend you must stop by.
Italian Gardens
images: L.A Times
images: L.A Times
Garden in pots when all other space is gone
Roses aren't always red
Everyone grows at least one lemon tree in L.A.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 7 Progress Photos on Two-Tier Planting System
As stated in my prior entry, I got most of these two planters completed by sunset on Friday May 7 just before a storm front came into New York. Please enjoy my photos and the video posted at the bottom of this page. 
These photos are taken just a few minutes after I've completed most of the work. I'm exhausted though it only took about two hours to fill these lower two planters. 
There is nothing here that is truly unique. All of these materials are available to any person enjoying a balcony, deck, patio or small garden. 
As I've researched different books, websites and blogsites, I have not seen quite this much material compressed into one small spot. I look forward to working these tiers closer together as the tall plants grow and the trailers reach ever further out and down. I have included one video for today's blog post (see below). Oh yeah, I am a chatty person.
I am just delighted with hpw my plantings are coming along, as evidenced in this short video.
And yes, those comments really did capture my feelings by the end of the day.
I hope you may enjoy it as much as I do. ABUNDANCE! I'm getting there...
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