That's right, ladies and gentlemen. They have a chapter in Houston! This page gives contact information for a person in Katy.
I don't know how long it has been since the CRFG main website was updated, or if the chapter is still active,so I cannot verify the accuracy of the information, however it is good to know, for those interested in rare fruit.
Apparently, the Houston chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers does not have its own website. The Phoenix chapter does, however.
The outdoor adventures of a California native putting down roots along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
It's Alive! Bwhahahaha.
The Saijo Persimmon, which I obtained at last January's Urban Harvest fruit tree sale, and planted a mere two days after (if I recall correctly--it's been so long!) has finally begun to sprout what may soon become....drumroll please...
leaves!
It's about time. Since I planted it, it has pretty much been looking like a big stick standing in a pile of dirt. Maybe soon it will look like a tree. All of the other plants I purchased there began sprouting leaves some time ago, so I was a little worried. However, my mother, who is also a plant lover and much more experienced with fruit trees than I, looked it over on a recent visit and told me not to give up yet. She was right. :)
Pictures will be forthcoming, as soon as new developments become big enough to show up on film, and I have the time to get said film developed. The trusty digital camera seems to be developing issues. I have, of course, suggested that it should talk to someone, but it never listens to me.
leaves!
It's about time. Since I planted it, it has pretty much been looking like a big stick standing in a pile of dirt. Maybe soon it will look like a tree. All of the other plants I purchased there began sprouting leaves some time ago, so I was a little worried. However, my mother, who is also a plant lover and much more experienced with fruit trees than I, looked it over on a recent visit and told me not to give up yet. She was right. :)
Pictures will be forthcoming, as soon as new developments become big enough to show up on film, and I have the time to get said film developed. The trusty digital camera seems to be developing issues. I have, of course, suggested that it should talk to someone, but it never listens to me.
Fungus, bacteria, and how to tell the difference.
"Herself" gives us another useful post on fungal and bacterial plant diseases, as well as other problems that may look like diseases.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
When will your garden be perfect?
Hmm.
~Henry Mitchell, The Essential Earthman, 1981
For more gardening-related quotations, see The Quote Garden.
"By the time one is eighty, it is said, there is no longer a tug of war in the garden with the May flowers hauling like mad against the claims of the other months. All is at last in balance and all is serene. The gardener is usually dead, of course."
~Henry Mitchell, The Essential Earthman, 1981
For more gardening-related quotations, see The Quote Garden.
Tea Scale
I never heard of this type of fungus before I read this post over at Herself's Houston Garden. One more thing for me to file away for future reference. :) With the humidity going back up, it is good to keep one's eye out for fungus.
Monday, March 24, 2008
What's this?
Whatever it is, its days are numbered.
I still have no idea what this is. I'm praying it's not poison ivy, which is entirely possible given the huge specimen growing down the street. :(
I zapped it with the Roundup today, just in case. It is sprouting up all over one of my flowerbeds.
Anybody out there have any clues as to what this might be?
I still have no idea what this is. I'm praying it's not poison ivy, which is entirely possible given the huge specimen growing down the street. :(
I zapped it with the Roundup today, just in case. It is sprouting up all over one of my flowerbeds.
Anybody out there have any clues as to what this might be?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Search: Viewing Bluebonnets in California
I posted before on bluebonnets growing in California. I got another Google-related hit, this time from someone in Texas, wanting to know where to go in California to see the lupines there.
Bluebonnets are commonly called Lupines in California, so if you are visiting from out of state, it is handy to know both names.
They grow prolifically in many open fields along the Central Coast, where I was raised. If you have never been there yourself, you may have seen portions of the region in films like The Ten Commandments (1923), The Rocketeer (1991), Of Mice and Men (1992), or Sideways (2004).
These flowers are also quite common in most other regions of the state.
There are also multiple varieties of lupines to see. The USDA plants database lists 165 species of Lupinus growing in North America. California is home to roughly 97 of these, so I will not be listing them all here. Have a look at the many listed species at the USDA Plants Database. Many of the species listed grow in California. You can click on the smaller maps for profiles of individual species, and each profile contains links to maps which highlight the counties in which each species grows.
The ones that I remember, which look the most like the bluebonnets of Texas can be found growing in many open fields in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, as well as in other coastal counties in the state of California. I suggest the areas around Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Santa Ynez, and Lompoc.
I have also seen a paler variety growing in the sand dunes around Oso Flaco, a state park along the coast with gorgeous sand dunes, lakes, and nature walks. It is worth the visit, even without the lupines.
Lupines occur all over the state of California, so one need not confine herself to the central coast. However, as I have not spent as much time in the Northern regions or int he central valley, I cannot suggest specific areas. However, in any part of California the best way to see them is to hop in a car, and go for a pleasant drive in the country. When in doubt, ask the locals!
Incidentally, the Central Coast is also a great place for wine tasting!
Bluebonnets are commonly called Lupines in California, so if you are visiting from out of state, it is handy to know both names.
They grow prolifically in many open fields along the Central Coast, where I was raised. If you have never been there yourself, you may have seen portions of the region in films like The Ten Commandments (1923), The Rocketeer (1991), Of Mice and Men (1992), or Sideways (2004).
These flowers are also quite common in most other regions of the state.
There are also multiple varieties of lupines to see. The USDA plants database lists 165 species of Lupinus growing in North America. California is home to roughly 97 of these, so I will not be listing them all here. Have a look at the many listed species at the USDA Plants Database. Many of the species listed grow in California. You can click on the smaller maps for profiles of individual species, and each profile contains links to maps which highlight the counties in which each species grows.
The ones that I remember, which look the most like the bluebonnets of Texas can be found growing in many open fields in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, as well as in other coastal counties in the state of California. I suggest the areas around Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Santa Ynez, and Lompoc.
I have also seen a paler variety growing in the sand dunes around Oso Flaco, a state park along the coast with gorgeous sand dunes, lakes, and nature walks. It is worth the visit, even without the lupines.
Lupines occur all over the state of California, so one need not confine herself to the central coast. However, as I have not spent as much time in the Northern regions or int he central valley, I cannot suggest specific areas. However, in any part of California the best way to see them is to hop in a car, and go for a pleasant drive in the country. When in doubt, ask the locals!
Incidentally, the Central Coast is also a great place for wine tasting!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sophora Secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel)
Right around the first of March, I saw these on my Sophora secundiflora (a.k.a. Texas Mountain Laurel or Mescal Bean):
I had been somewhat concerned, since this plant has done nothing since I planted it last June. I was hoping that I had been able to keep the soil alkaline enough for it when I added amendments. (This species, being native to Texas, actually likes alkaline soils.) Somebody I met recently said that her landscapers made the mistake of planting hers in soil that was too acid, and the plant refused to grow until this was rectified.
Above is a later shot, taken some days later when the flowers opened more.
The photos below were taken toward the end of last week
Already, as of last Saturday, the flowers began to wilt, and seed pods are forming in their place.
There is also new growth on this plant. I will post pictures of this later.
I saw several larger specimens of Texas Mountain Laurel during a recent trip to San Antonio. They appear to be quite common over there. Some were trained as trees, and others were left to grow as large shrubs. Either way, there is nothing quite like being downwind from a large one of these when it is in full bloom. The fragrance is incredible! Some say resembles grape kool-aid, but I'd say I like it even better.
I believe I read someplace (I can't remember where now) that, as a legume, S. secundiflora fixes nitrogen, making them good neighbors for nitrogen-loving plants.
Incidentally, the seeds and pods from this plant are very poisonous and should not be ingested.
I had been somewhat concerned, since this plant has done nothing since I planted it last June. I was hoping that I had been able to keep the soil alkaline enough for it when I added amendments. (This species, being native to Texas, actually likes alkaline soils.) Somebody I met recently said that her landscapers made the mistake of planting hers in soil that was too acid, and the plant refused to grow until this was rectified.
Above is a later shot, taken some days later when the flowers opened more.The photos below were taken toward the end of last week
Already, as of last Saturday, the flowers began to wilt, and seed pods are forming in their place.
There is also new growth on this plant. I will post pictures of this later.
I saw several larger specimens of Texas Mountain Laurel during a recent trip to San Antonio. They appear to be quite common over there. Some were trained as trees, and others were left to grow as large shrubs. Either way, there is nothing quite like being downwind from a large one of these when it is in full bloom. The fragrance is incredible! Some say resembles grape kool-aid, but I'd say I like it even better.
I believe I read someplace (I can't remember where now) that, as a legume, S. secundiflora fixes nitrogen, making them good neighbors for nitrogen-loving plants.
Incidentally, the seeds and pods from this plant are very poisonous and should not be ingested.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Winter color still performing
I really like the way the ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea) looks alongside the pansies here.
Here is a close-up of the kale. Is this stuff really edible? That has to look stunning on a plate.
I will have to find more wasy to use foliage for color.
These are all growing near my little Texas Mountain Laurel, which I planted last year. It is now putting out its first flowers, making this little corner of my garden quite purple.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)
I haven't done anything to these plants since they became established. I think the leaf mold compost that I added to the flowerbed might have a little something to do with their happiness in this location, as they have been growing (and blooming, in the case of the pansies) very steadily.
Here is a close-up of the kale. Is this stuff really edible? That has to look stunning on a plate.
I will have to find more wasy to use foliage for color.
These are all growing near my little Texas Mountain Laurel, which I planted last year. It is now putting out its first flowers, making this little corner of my garden quite purple.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)
I haven't done anything to these plants since they became established. I think the leaf mold compost that I added to the flowerbed might have a little something to do with their happiness in this location, as they have been growing (and blooming, in the case of the pansies) very steadily.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Why I read gardening blogs
I never know when I will learn something.
For instance, self-styled "Lazy Gardener" Brenda Beust Smith posted last week about ball moss, which I have in abundance on my trees. Before I read her post, I had some preconceived notions about this plant. Because it has some features in common with Spanish Moss, I assumed it was just another variety, and since of the two this was the only one that produced visible flowers, I guessed maybe there was a male/female thing going on there.
Hey, I'm sort of new around here.
New or not, I was still mistaken. :)
While both plants are in the same genus of the Bromeliad family, Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is harmless to trees, and the thickness of its growth can even help to indicate air quality (Smith). According to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Wildflowers, Spanish Moss does not qualify as a parasite because it uses photosynthesis to make its own food.
By contrast, Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata), while also not a parasite, can damage trees by strangling the branches that it grows in with the tendrils it uses to maintain its grip.
Unfortunately, my trees are full of the stuff.
Brenda Beust Smith suggests hitting the ball moss with a baking soda solution (see her post for more specifics, and her recent update on this issue in another post.) either after a rain or after watering the ball moss yourself.
The trouble for me is, my trees are pretty tall, and I am fairly certain my hose will not spray that high. Time to contact the county extension office!
For more pictures and details on this plant:
University of Texas, Austin
Texas A&M
For instance, self-styled "Lazy Gardener" Brenda Beust Smith posted last week about ball moss, which I have in abundance on my trees. Before I read her post, I had some preconceived notions about this plant. Because it has some features in common with Spanish Moss, I assumed it was just another variety, and since of the two this was the only one that produced visible flowers, I guessed maybe there was a male/female thing going on there.
Hey, I'm sort of new around here.
New or not, I was still mistaken. :)
While both plants are in the same genus of the Bromeliad family, Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is harmless to trees, and the thickness of its growth can even help to indicate air quality (Smith). According to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Wildflowers, Spanish Moss does not qualify as a parasite because it uses photosynthesis to make its own food.
By contrast, Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata), while also not a parasite, can damage trees by strangling the branches that it grows in with the tendrils it uses to maintain its grip.
Unfortunately, my trees are full of the stuff.
Brenda Beust Smith suggests hitting the ball moss with a baking soda solution (see her post for more specifics, and her recent update on this issue in another post.) either after a rain or after watering the ball moss yourself.
The trouble for me is, my trees are pretty tall, and I am fairly certain my hose will not spray that high. Time to contact the county extension office!
For more pictures and details on this plant:
University of Texas, Austin
Texas A&M
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Eugenia Aggregata seeds
Here is what they looked like prior to soaking and planting:
Some of you may recall that these were sent to me late last June, before I learned that they can take up to a year to sprout. It seems to be more time efficient to just get one at a plant sale, or by mail order.
Some of you may recall that these were sent to me late last June, before I learned that they can take up to a year to sprout. It seems to be more time efficient to just get one at a plant sale, or by mail order.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Tiddlywinks!
It's not just a game anymore. I don't have any recollection of when I first heard this word, but I do remember being fascinated by the mere sound of it as a small child. For more on the game, you can visit the website for the North American Tiddlywinks Association (Tiddlywinks.org). It seems there is a website for everything these days.
The game of Tiddlywinks reminds me of "POGs" which were popular back in the 90's. (Does anybody else remember those?)
Tiddlywinks is also the name for a miniature rose that I fell in love with this week at the nursery (pictured above). I couldn't stop staring at it, which of course meant it had to come home with me! Hmm. I wonder what a "pog" rose would look like.
According to the label, this one is grown on its own roots. I just hope they are resistant to blackspot.
WeeksRoses, which grows these, gives the following factoids about this plant on their website:
* Height / Habit: 12 to 18 inches/Bushy & round
* Bloom / Size: Medium-large, semi-double
* Petal Count: 15 to 20
* Fragrance: Slight
* Parentage: (Golden Holstein X Livin’ Easy) X Neon Cowboy
* Hybridizer: Carruth - 2008
* Comments: Deeper colors in cooler conditions.
The Cardinals have Returned!
I saw the first cardinals I have seen yet this year yesterday morning. They were chasing each other through the air above my garden and perching in the trees, singing their lungs out.
I never heard cardinals before I moved to Texas, and I think their song is among my favorites now.
I am also seeing what looks like woodpeckers.
Spring must be coming!
I never heard cardinals before I moved to Texas, and I think their song is among my favorites now.
I am also seeing what looks like woodpeckers.
Spring must be coming!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thoreau on Weeds
Spent some time in the yard today building beds, planting seeds, and pulling weeds, which made me want to share this little passage from Walden:
Consider the intimate and curious acquaintance one makes with various kinds of weeds — it will bear some iteration in the account, for there was no little iteration in the labor — disturbing their delicate organizations so ruthlessly, and making such invidious distinctions with his hoe, levelling whole ranks of one species, and sedulously cultivating another. That's Roman wormwood — that's pigweed — that's sorrel — that's piper-grass — have at him, chop him up, turn his roots upward to the sun, don't let him have a fibre in the shade, if you do he'll turn himself t'other side up and be as green as a leek in two days. A long war, not with cranes, but with weeds, those Trojans who had sun and rain and dews on their side. Daily the beans saw me come to their rescue armed with a hoe, and thin the ranks of their enemies, filling up the trenches with weedy dead. Many a lusty crest-waving Hector,(12) that towered a whole foot above his crowding comrades, fell before my weapon and rolled in the dust.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Poison Ivy in the Fall
Someone I know identified this plant growing near (but not on) our property as poison ivy. The tree that it its using for support is taller than a two story house. The vine itself has grown up to about two thirds of the height of the tree.
The pictures were taken in fall, before the plant dropped its leaves, which scattered everywhere.
Unfortunately, the vine grows in somebody's front yard, near the street, where the leaves fall all over the sidewalk.
The pictures were taken in fall, before the plant dropped its leaves, which scattered everywhere.Unfortunately, the vine grows in somebody's front yard, near the street, where the leaves fall all over the sidewalk.
Yet another mystery weed.
This is popping up all over the place in one of my flowerbeds. Anybody have any ideas?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Waiting games.
No digging until the ground dries out some more. Rats.
For some reason the rain does not check with me before it comes. :)
For some reason the rain does not check with me before it comes. :)
Knockout Roses
I am looking forward to seeing these in my garden again:
Right now my Double Knockouts are taking a blooming break. In the meantime I suppose pictures will have to do.
I still love these plants. They have already survived a significant episode of leaf spot with most of their leaves intact.
Right now my Double Knockouts are taking a blooming break. In the meantime I suppose pictures will have to do.
I still love these plants. They have already survived a significant episode of leaf spot with most of their leaves intact.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
More Bauhinia Pictures
Here are some photos I took of the Bauhinia I saw last December:
I'm still determined to get one if I possibly can, once I get my new fruit trees in the ground.
For more info on these, see my other post.
I'm still determined to get one if I possibly can, once I get my new fruit trees in the ground.
For more info on these, see my other post.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
Time to prune those roses! (And other shrubs)
This is also a great time for transplanting any tropical fruit or citrus trees.
This is also a great time for transplanting any tropical fruit or citrus trees.
Template Annoyances
Excuse the fluctuating colors as I try to restore my old background here. For now, at least, I have managed to get some color displayed. :)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bauhinia variegata (Orchid Tree)
While out walking with my husband last December, I saw one of these (or something very similar) in someone's garden. I think I'm in love!
Why grow tropical flowers in a greenhouse when you can have them on trees?
Factoids:
Common Names: orchid tree, purple orchid tree, mountain ebony, poor man's orchid
Height: 20-40 ft (sometimes smaller if subjected to winter freezes)
Width: 10-20 ft
Spacing:
Habit: Tree
Nativity: Introduced to US from Asia (I have heard some say it is a Texas native)
Duration: Deciduous in freezing temperatures or winter drought
Flowers: Pink, variegated. Winter-Spring.
Light: Full sun-light shade
Moisture: Keep moist during summer months, water less frequently in winter. (Fortunately for us in southeast Texas, this happens quite naturally). Needs very good drainage.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11, Sunset: 13,18-23
Propagation: Seed, cuttings, suckers (occasional)
Soil:
This tree is categorized as invasive and disruptive of native plant habitats in Florida, and should not be planted in that state.
Another tree with flowers resembling orchids is Texas native Chilopsis linearis (a.k.a. Desert Willow or Desert Catalpa), which, according to its USDA profile, likes the drier regions of West Texas. It has also been known to grow in other parts of Texas, including the Houston area, and in parts of California.
Bauhinia Variegata Links:
Floridata
Dave's Garden
Wikipedia
Desert-Tropicals.com
USDA Plants Database
Stanford University
University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
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Update: I have posted pictures of the actual specimen I saw. Maybe someone who knows more about this genus can tell me if they are the same species or not.
Troublesome background...
Blogger has for some weeks now flatly refused to display either background images or colors on this blog. I have no idea why this glitch is happening only here, as the graphics on my other blog are unaffected.
Template changes may be in order.
Template changes may be in order.
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