tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36541220342352946502024-02-21T08:25:56.380+11:00little gardenAlexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-59459356590151861152012-01-11T11:05:00.005+11:002012-01-11T11:37:09.900+11:00wrap upIt's a bit hard to believe I started this blog in 2008! It's been a real joy to keep track of how my garden has evolved in that time. I love looking back and reminding myself how far it's come. But I've decided to make a clean break in 2012 and to stop updating this blog. So as my last post, here's a reminder of how my little garden has evolved over the last three years.<br /><br />It has made it through drought...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/heatproof4.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 398px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/heatproof4.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>...and hail...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/hail2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/hail2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>...and flood.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/blog11/flood1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 294px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/blog11/flood1.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It began as an almost random collection of soulless "low maintenance" plants jammed haphazardly into sandy, cheap soil.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m362/little_garden/sidebed1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m362/little_garden/sidebed1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m362/little_garden/garden3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m362/little_garden/garden3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/path2a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 398px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/path2a.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/sideyard1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 297px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden09/sideyard1.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>But I'd like to think it's filled out a bit since then.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/anemoneafter.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/anemoneafter.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbednov.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 296px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbednov.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/helleboreaug.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 299px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/helleboreaug.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>And I'm particularly happy with the evolution of the patio from sun-exposed, boxed in by overgrown trees to a relaxing, sheltered paradise.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/patioficus.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 297px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/patioficus.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Of course nothing is ever finished in a garden, nothing ever stands still. My little garden will continue to bring joy and frustration for years to come. Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-468821977339600642011-12-18T20:17:00.001+11:002011-12-18T20:17:00.838+11:00a few more december flowers<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>A few more flowers in the garden at this time of year. I bought a lovely cultivar of verbena today. It was so strikingly brought and reminded me of candy canes - perfect over Christmas!<br/><div align='center'><img width='398' height='296' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/verbena.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/verbena.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I also planted a few small blue salvia annuals next to the lobelia. The lobelia are looking great and I thought the salvia would be a nice backdrop. They're just seedlings as of yet though.<br/><div align='center'><img width='299' height='397' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/bluesalvia.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/bluesalvia.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And then there are my little drimiopsis. They started flowering about a month ago. The flowers aren't very striking but still sweet.<br/><div align='center'><img width='403' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/drimibloom.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/drimibloom.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=dc048c0d-6055-88ad-a8d5-45043761cdbd' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-60663883452294234002011-12-18T20:12:00.001+11:002011-12-18T20:12:58.778+11:00mmmmm beans<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My beans have started ripening. They're so tasty! The ones on the right are from the garden and the ones on the left are from the shops. It probably helped that this batch of store-bought beans were a it over-sized and stringy, but my garden's beans are crisp and tender. <br/><div align='center'><img width='398' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beans1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beans1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I'm only getting a small handful at a time as of yet, but when the second bean plant starts to get going (it's covered in flowers) I should start to see bigger harvests. Yum!<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=932cd377-5f31-8537-a929-de43f597de03' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-71390761247951712312011-12-18T20:10:00.001+11:002011-12-18T20:10:40.042+11:00arthropodium<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>There's a plant from New Zealand called arthropodium cirratum, or renga renga lily. I've seen it around in people's gardens a lot in the last few years - it loves shade, it's drought-tolerant and it has gorgeous little white flowers in the spring. I've been thinking about getting a few for a while and finally decided to put a few of the miniature version (te puna) under my vitex. The vitex has gotten big enough that it should provide a decent amount of shade. I can't believe how quickly it's grown, actually - look how tall and full it is! The arthropodium are the grass-like clumps in the dichondra. I also ripped out the wild violet that was in the back of the bed. Yes it's a nice hardy clump, but it quickly became a messy mass with almost no flowers. Some "weeds" have their uses but this one looked likely to get out of hand.<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/arthrodec.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/arthrodec.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/><div align='left'>I think it might be too late to see these ones blossom this year, but if they do I'll post an update!<br/></div></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=72d8923b-546a-8658-bb20-4490c909fb7b' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-18638976886194763322011-12-10T17:19:00.001+11:002011-12-10T17:19:35.448+11:00december flowers<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My laxa vine is in full bloom! It's a bit hard to tell from this photo but they're along the top of the fence. I wish the vine covered the fence a bit more fully, but the flowers look and smell lovely.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxadec.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxadec.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>My new calla lily has flowered. It was from a random colour mix and I was hoping it would be a tropical orange, but instead it's the standard yellow. Actually I think it's a slightly softer shade of yellow than the standard colour, and I like it nonetheless.<br/><div align='center'><img width='300' height='401' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/callayellow.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/callayellow.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Finally, my space race orchid has opened all four flower spikes! They look so festive at this time of year with my Christmas decorations.<br/><div align='center'><img width='396' height='298' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/spaceracedec.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/spaceracedec.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/><div align='left'>The spikes are a lot shorter than last year, when they were well higher than the foliage. I wonder if it gets more light in my house than where they were grown. Next year I'll keep them in a darker part of the house when the spikes are forming and see if that encourages longer spikes.<br/></div></div><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=7840a887-b3a4-8ea7-9aa4-4467408d4cb5' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-44373342536130637022011-12-10T17:14:00.001+11:002011-12-10T17:14:30.200+11:00tangelos struggling along<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Once again this year my designer twig has put out lots of flowers and set lots of fruit but most of them have dropped. This year a few of them became a bit warped before falling off. No idea what that's about!<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelobump.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelobump.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Last year's tangelos are still hanging in there but they've been struck for the first time by gall wasps. You can just see the stems start to swell. Just my luck, BOTH branches with fruit have galls now and I think it's forcing the fruit to ripen early, as you can see by the yellow flush. I just hope they ripen fully unlike the first fruit that dropped whilst still bitter.<br/><div align='center'><img width='300' height='400' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelogall.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelogall.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>My mature lemon tree just gives and gives, but my little twig has been picky from the start. Young citrus trees are notoriously fussy, and growing it in a pot doesn't help!<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=85d61a38-7634-8b17-b3fa-29feb54cd194' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-90954918974740310622011-12-10T17:10:00.001+11:002011-12-10T17:10:30.334+11:00first beans and slow melons<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='center'>The first beans have formed! Once they get started they sure form quickly. Since I took this photo yesterday, the long bean is now thick enough to pick. Not much point eating a single bean but it's in the fridge for when a few of its buddies ripen.<img width='397' height='530' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansdec.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansdec.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><div align='center'>It sure is exciting when you grow a vegetable for the first time and things work out. On the other hand, my melons aren't doing so well this year. You can just see that little dash of green in the bed. I think it's being shaded a bit by the massive triffid taro in the corner. Of course, <a href='http://littlegardenmelbourne.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-update.html'>last year</a> the melons were also pretty small at this time of year. But not quite this small!<img width='401' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/melondec.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/melondec.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I do have one more melon seedling on the porch that I kept back in case the cats or possums dug up the first one. It's actually a wee bit bigger and has a few flowers already, so I might transplant it in and see which one grows faster!<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=844557f5-1b26-81a3-a04e-5c89fa8a8cdb' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-64429094646995642002011-11-28T21:12:00.001+11:002011-11-28T21:12:56.646+11:00bean flowers!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My beans are flowering! It's still quite a small plant but these are the first blossoms. I wonder how long it takes the beans to form? I'll find out soon enough!<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansnov2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansnov2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=96186d64-4d52-8a0a-920c-0c646c11360b' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-65189294816434135132011-11-28T21:11:00.001+11:002011-11-28T21:11:30.009+11:00happy toms<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My tomatoes are going gangbusters, probably from all this rain and a fairly warm spring. They're about as tall right now as they were in <a href='http://littlegardenmelbourne.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-edible-updates.html'>January last year</a>! That's not really a good thing if you're just getting leaves and little fruit. But I don't think that will be a worry.<br/><div align='center'><img width='404' height='303' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>The black cherry did have a bit of a setback when its main leader broke but it's now got heaps of flower clusters. And what clusters! I counted 16 flowers in this photo but there may be some hidden ones.<br/><div align='center'><img width='400' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>The honey of Mexico are a bit more advanced and already have several ripening clusters. This one has 9 fruit on it, it would have 11 but two blossoms rubbed off against that leaf.<br/><div align='center'><img width='301' height='401' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov3.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomsnov3.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I think I made a good choice this year to grow two cherry types instead of a mid-sized. They ripen faster and seem to be hardier. Or maybe they just seem hardier because they spend less time ripening on the plant, open to bugs and diseases. In any case, I'm hoping to taste my first toms soon!<br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=f698544f-00b3-874b-9b25-d3ddd52d4a29' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-25354939403608373132011-11-28T21:04:00.001+11:002011-11-28T21:04:07.183+11:00happy orchid, sad orchid<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Well my space race topaz gold orchid is happy as a clam. Since this photo it's opened up two and a half sprays of blooms with a fourth one not far behind. It should be flowering for about two months, plus it's already putting out new pseudobulbs. I love this little trooper!<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/spaceracebloom1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/spaceracebloom1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>However my wildcat isn't doing so well. I put it on the front porch but completely forgot to harden it off, that is, get it used to the sun and weather. I'm 90% sure it was shocked by the direct sunlight and badly sunburned. One of its leaves already fell off and a second one is on its way out. However its new pseudobulb is still coming in strong and green, so I'm hoping it will pull through this setback and bloom again next year. I haven't done well by this one, i only got one flower to open on one spike and now I've almost killed it!<br/><div align='center'><img width='404' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/wildcatdying.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/wildcatdying.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=8bf77b85-99c6-89fa-8dd0-cf8662994312' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-76426080746141236482011-11-20T21:19:00.001+11:002011-11-20T21:19:40.114+11:00a few flowers at last<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Really starting to get some late spring flowers coming in. The lavender is looking great and the bees are already enjoying it.<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/lavenderbee.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/lavenderbee.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I've decided on this summer's annual for the west bed - lobelia this year, a mix of mostly dark blues with a bit of light blue and pink. They don't look like much now but they should become little thick cushions of colour eventually.<br/><div align='center'><img width='303' height='403' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbedlobelia.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbedlobelia.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And most excitingly, my Chilean jasmine (mandevilla laxa) is starting to bloom! I love the crisp, white flowers. They've got a very delicate scent.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxabloomnov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxabloomnov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=053acba2-74a7-898e-9e98-907bbf300277' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-89405632582663781952011-11-20T21:15:00.001+11:002011-11-20T21:15:30.020+11:00chilies n' beans<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Just a small update. My chili plant is going super-strong but it seems a bit confused about what shape to grow. In this photo you can see the little mini-chilies that came in over the winter. My guess is because it didn't get as much sun over the winter. The thing green chili is the "normal" shape from last season. And above it are some of the thick stumpies; really fat but short ones. There are even a few coming in fat but long. Not sure what it'll settle down into this year!<br/><div align='center'><img width='403' height='303' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/chiliesnov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/chiliesnov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>The beans are still pretty small, I reckon I could have gotten them started a month earlier. Oh well, they're healthy and I'm sure they'll pick up soon enough.<br/><div align='center'><img width='299' height='398' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansnov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/beansnov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ac8d4c70-37bb-8467-9434-6f61210b16c1' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-88800307053793531942011-11-20T21:09:00.001+11:002011-11-20T21:09:34.170+11:00brunnera update<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://littlegardenmelbourne.blogspot.com/2011/09/brunnera-cuttings.html'>Two months ago</a> this week I made cuttings of my brunnera Jack Frost. Of the four cuttings, two of them now have long healthy roots and the other two rotted and died. Look at those roots! So I can officially report that brunnera will take from cuttings.<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/brunneracutting1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/brunneracutting1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>So today I moved them into their own punnets. The leaves sure don't look like much but if I don't manage to kill them now they should start settling in and put out now growth. Hopefully by the autumn they'll be big enough to plant out. I just have to figure out where to plant them...<br/><div align='center'><img width='398' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/brunneracutting2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/brunneracutting2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=08e2b678-ee32-8b3e-ae18-1232b80832ee' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-59946925519576843842011-11-20T21:06:00.000+11:002011-11-20T21:06:00.062+11:00quiet sunday project<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I had a very quiet Sunday and finally got around to a little project that was niggling at me. As I just recently mentioned, that gaura this year is getting very lanky and covering the guem.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/string1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/string1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I've tried tying it back with string on a stake but it never lasts - the string moves and the stake leans. So I got out the drill and put a few screws into the brick, which let me secure the string firmly into the wall. As you can see, it pulled the gaura back into a more compact shape. The geum actually gets a bit of sunlight now. The lavender is leggy as it is every year but the daffodils have started to die back under them so it shouldn't matter. It is satisfying to get little projects done.<br/><div align='center'><img width='400' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/string2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/string2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=d4a71b5f-e270-8dff-a524-8243e9df6cf3' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-28912811924161574632011-11-16T19:29:00.001+11:002011-11-16T19:29:02.457+11:00november in the western bed<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Things were looking pretty dull back here for a few weeks, but the lavender is picking up as the geum is finishing. The gaura is also starting to come in too but it's a lot taller this year. I've had to trim back the farther bush and keep tying it back.<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbednov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westbednov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>The oakleaf hydrangea is also starting to come into bloom. Those flower caps are looking great and they'll be developing long into the summer.<br/><div align='center'><img width='400' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/oakleafnov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/oakleafnov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And under the second hydrangea, Thatcher was having a snooze. That dichondra must be a nice soft bed.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/thatchbed.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/thatchbed.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=696d4e2f-8118-8d61-93e1-6b24addbdbe0' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-13364836685066056552011-11-16T19:23:00.001+11:002011-11-16T19:23:46.286+11:00november on the patio<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The patio plants are slowly but surely filling out. The cannas are starting to put out a few leaves and the annuals are really showing off.<br/><div align='center'><img width='301' height='403' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/pationov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/pationov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>The gingers are putting out lots of sprouts of new growth. I hope the grow a lot taller than the older foliage.<br/><div align='center'><img width='405' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/gingernov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/gingernov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And I did succumb to temptation and got a calla lily. It's a lucky dip so I don't actually know what colour it will be. But I love the speckled leaves. It'll die down over the winter but I've tucked it into a corner so it won't be a bit gap in the winter.<br/><div align='center'><img width='305' height='407' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/calanov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/calanov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And one afternoon I had a surprise. I though there was an ugly bird poo on the new couch, then had a close look and realised it was a moth just trying to blend in.<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/mothblack.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/mothblack.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=579f28a6-e0b0-860a-bfa7-7d0203350ecf' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-59850897546261703932011-11-05T16:47:00.001+11:002011-11-05T16:47:02.441+11:00late spring in the garden<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Just a few snaps of what's blooming in some of the beds I haven't visited in a while whilst I've been focused on the front yard. Here's the corner eastern bed near the bird bath. The salvia is just starting to bloom and it will continue to do so until next winter. It's also a lot taller and more vigorous this year, even after a decent cut-back. I've had to tie it against the fence. It's practically swamping the magnolia tree now.<br/><div align='center'><img width='398' height='298' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/cornerbedoct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/cornerbedoct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And here's the back western bed. It's actually a fairly bland corner at this time of year. The brunnera's still blooming (just to the right of this photo) but that's about it. But the hydrangeas are covered in long cones of buds and the vitex has grown so much in two years. Remember when it arrived in June 2010 <a href='http://littlegardenmelbourne.blogspot.com/2010/06/vitex-agnus-castus.html'>it was this big!</a><br/><div align='center'><img width='404' height='303' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westcorneroct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/westcorneroct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I thought I'd also show you a picture of my <a href='http://littlegardenmelbourne.blogspot.com/2009/04/sad-little-maple.html'>sad little maple</a> - not so sad these days! The newest growth is still lovely and bright. It really seems to love its new home so hopefully it will continue to slowly grow and thrive this summer.<br/><div align='center'><img width='406' height='305' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/mapleoct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/mapleoct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=5fe6456c-00f7-84fa-9afe-a7aaee0f4606' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-49957833410418238212011-11-05T16:37:00.001+11:002011-11-05T16:37:21.926+11:00what's up on the porch?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Here's an update of what's progressing along this spring. My trays of seedlings have been very productive; my Mona lavender cuttings all too although to be honest I haven't actually decided where to put them yet! My melon seeds both germinated (though I'll only plant one) and my second lot of basil has sprouted. I planted two beans directly in the pot but neither came up, I think I planted them too deeply, so I'm glad I started one in a punnet. I've started a second one too and this one went into its pot after I took this photo.<br/><div align='center'><img width='404' height='303' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/seedlingsoct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/seedlingsoct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I started more basil because I had a spot I could put a second plant, but I may need to replace the first one. Either slugs or earwigs have turned my little seedling into this!<br/><div align='center'><img width='405' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/basiloct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/basiloct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Looks like I may need to buy a punnet if I want basil anytime soon. <br/><br/>Speaking of the Mona lavender, this is what it looks like this year. It's still fairly compact but I may need to tip prune it this summer, it's gone quite bushy. No flower buds yet, I think it flowers in the height of summer.<br/><div align='center'><img width='403' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/plectnov.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/plectnov.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>This little surprise greeted me on the porch recently. My other succulents have all flowered before but this is the first time the jelly beans have flowered. Not a terribly exciting flower but still pretty sweet.<br/><div align='center'><img width='296' height='395' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/succflower.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/succflower.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And just off the porch, my chilies are powering away. Unfortunately they're really tiny at the moment, I'm not sure if that's the cold or that it's not getting enough sun just yet. But the latest batch are a bit bigger and they're certainly potent! I've already been using them.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/chiliesoct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/chiliesoct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And this isn't really on the porch, but my Chilean jasmine has its first flower buds! They're still tiny but I can't wait until they open.<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/jasminebuds.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/jasminebuds.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=f3f28fc8-819f-826a-84d6-62f575aa4ff6' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-127369038807631942011-10-30T21:22:00.001+11:002011-10-30T21:22:37.417+11:00poor little tangelo<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My multi-graft citrus had three little tangelo fruits, but they stopped growing. One of the branches holding the fruit started to die back and the fruit started ripening. The poor tree keeps getting die back followed by a fresh flush of growth and I still don't quite know what's causing it. This is the branch the first fruit was hanging on before it fell.<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/dieback1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/dieback1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And here's the sad little tangelo. It's not even the size of a mandarin and still had a flush of green on it, but the elongated neck suggests it was a tangelo and not off the mandarin graft.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelofruit1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelofruit1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Didn't look much better inside and was bitter and inedible. One of these days I'll have a proper edible fruit off of this tree. There are still two other tangelos on it but I don't know if they're going to get any bigger, though hopefully more ripe.<br/><div align='center'><img width='406' height='304' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelofruit2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tangelofruit2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/><div align='left'>Citrus trees really are picky things when they're young. This one's still only three years old. Maybe one day it wont' be this fussy... maybe one day I'll actually be able to enjoy the fruits of all this fussing!<br/></div></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=0cd6d26a-47cb-8102-b240-0658f894752b' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-48132663222558550142011-10-30T21:15:00.001+11:002011-10-30T21:15:51.067+11:00bad luck tomatoes<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>What is with my bad luck with breaking tomatoes?! Last year I pulled my Florida weave too tight and snapped one of my tomato plants off at the top. This year, I didn't get my black cherry secured and we had so much wind it snapped right off. It was growing so much taller than the honey of Mexico I was waiting to secure it. Waited too long!<br/><div align='center'><img width='299' height='394' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tombroken1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tombroken1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I was especially disappointed because the broken section had some flower buds on it! Well it's not the end of the world. The laterals - the side shoots - of tomato plants grow just as well as the main shoot. I hope. And at least now the two plants are the same size. Since this photo I have gone in and set up a second layer of Florida weave to keep them from snapping again.<br/><div align='center'><img width='400' height='295' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tombroken2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tombroken2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And the good news is there are some more flower buds. They're both small-fruited tomatoes so it might not be too long before the first fruits come in. Hopefully before Christmas!<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=34069506-3933-8a24-91f1-bee75f7b1f04' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-59851649775354650452011-10-22T18:17:00.001+11:002011-10-22T18:17:57.706+11:00chilean jasmine and drimiopsis<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I've had someone write a comment asking how my Chilean jasmine (mandevilla laxa) is going, so here's an update. I decided to put in another plant there on the right, it used to be obscured by the fig tree but the fig to a big cutback this winter, So to give you some perspective, that's what they all looked like last summer, and on the left you can see how far the rest of them have grown over the winter. They're fairly tidy in that they only want to grow along the wires I've set up for them, but I do wish they'd fill out faster. I wonder what time of year they flower?<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxaoct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/laxaoct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And here's an update on my little drimiopsis maculata. They're not a common bulb but I saw some growing in the neighbourhood and managed to find some online. I adore their spotted leaves, and so far the clumps have multiplied quite vigorously. I panicked about 6 weeks ago when they all dropped their leaves before realising that they have a very short dormancy period just before spring. These are their brand new spring leaves, which eventually lose their spots. But at some point they'll also put out lovely spikes of white flowers.<br/><div align='center'><img width='299' height='400' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/drimioct.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/drimioct.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=b79e4de9-c449-8ea6-89a9-458a8e2db1f0' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-35014365062659409162011-10-22T18:09:00.000+11:002011-10-22T18:18:18.215+11:00bergenia is in!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I had a very hard time finding bergenia at this time of year. They flower in winter and shops generally sell plants in flower when they're looking tempting. So by late spring not one shop was selling them, and even asking my local to order them in wasn't getting me anywhere. But then I got a call at work - my local had managed to source some! They're just little at the moment but they should grow and spread all summer long until they fill out the bed. I call them my little cabbages.<br/><div align='center'><img width='300' height='402' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/bergeniaplant.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/bergeniaplant.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>So here it is, the patio garden in its early glory. Soon enough I'll have updates as everything settles in and grows thick and lush ... I hope!<br/><div align='center'><img width='304' height='406' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiodoct3.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiodoct3.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=461fbcaa-ad4b-8456-839a-9922bcf73824' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-86043340199378361032011-10-16T14:28:00.000+11:002011-10-16T14:28:01.303+11:00garden a.d.d.<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My husband likes to joke that I have garden A.D.D. - as in, I have a very hard time just sitting and relaxing in my garden. There's invariably something that catches my eye that wants doing, a weed to pull or a seedling to water. No sooner had I taken photos of the new patio and posted them on this blog, but I was outside enjoying a snack in the sunshine and this time got distracted by the cats being adorable. They love our new couch as much as we do!<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/catscuddle.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/catscuddle.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>But whilst I was up I also noticed that one of the goldfish was hanging out right on the surface and snapped a rare glimmer of gold.<br/><div align='center'><img width='398' height='299' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/goldfish.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/goldfish.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Then decided I should add some closeup photos of the new annuals I put in. Here's the red salvia.<br/><div align='center'><img width='296' height='396' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/salviared.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/salviared.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And here's a close-up of the impatiens. Look at all of those flower bud ready to go!<br/><div align='center'><img width='401' height='301' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/impatiens.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/impatiens.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>That's enough garden A.D.D. for one day!<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=7d1cff38-0b31-842d-af63-64f134219271' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-40555258811463551132011-10-16T12:29:00.001+11:002011-10-16T12:29:45.611+11:00finishing touches on the patio<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I'd been slowly collecting plants for the patio but hadn't had the time to put them in ... then accidentally cut my finger in a kitchen incident and was told to keep out of the garden for a week! Being told I couldn't cook, clean or type was one thing, but not gardening, how sad!<br/><br/>At last, though, I was able to get in there and finish up the plantings. Along the back wall are two ginger lilies, I hope they grow up nice and tall by the end of the summer as we can see into our neighbour's driveway over that fence! In front of the yuccas are those new cannas, still settling in. In front of those are some annuals for quick colour - red salvias and some "sunpatiens": impatiens bred to tolerate the sun. I really wanted a row of bergenias along the nearest bed but it's the wrong time of year to get them, so I may plant some more annuals there.<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='297' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>Here's a view right down the patio, including the two bangalow palms. They seem to have adjusted well to life outside. We had a lot of cloudy days so they were gradually introduced to direct sun, wind, and cool nights. Their new growth is powering along, I just hope they don't outgrow their pots too quickly!<br/><div align='center'><img width='395' height='295' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiooct2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And just a reminder, here's what we had in this place before this transformation. Those thick ficus trees and cumquats dominated and boxed in the space and felt a bit bland and formal. Now when we sit on our couch on a warm, sunny evening I feel like we're living in a little slice of luxury!<br/><div align='center'><img width='399' height='297' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiobefore2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/patiobefore2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><div align='center'><img width='400' height='300' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/patioficus.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden10/patioficus.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=47d4025c-1d38-8204-8445-086f944d3c68' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654122034235294650.post-91577446202749039982011-10-07T20:26:00.001+11:002011-10-07T20:26:03.220+11:00tomatoes are in at last!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I almost didn't think it would ever happen. Look at how long and leggy my poor toms had gotten! The basil's still small, though, I'll wait a bit longer before I plant that out.<br/><div align='center'><img width='305' height='408' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings1.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings1.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>I made a hug mistake, though. It's a good idea to plant leggy seedlings several extra centimeters deep in the dirt to grow some extra roots. When I plucked the leaves off my honey of Mexico, I did this. Don't do this. This is silly. Trim off the leaves, don't yank them. Good thing I had extra seedlings...<br/><div align='center'><img width='402' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings2.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings2.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div>And now, at last, they're in the tub. They only need a small stake at that size, but it won't be long until I'll be wrapping string all around them to keep them from flopping. But will I have tomatoes before Christmas? That's the real challenge in Australia!<br/><div align='center'><img width='403' height='302' src='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings3.JPG' alt='http://www.alexareynolds.com/garden11/tomseedlings3.JPG' style='cursor: -moz-zoom-in;'/><br/></div><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=33f839c7-a46a-8f0a-9830-fe112eada727' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404042957971464375noreply@blogger.com0