Garden Update 6/28/09 - Evidence

In spite of the excruciating heat that we have been experiencing here --- my plants are doing more than fine. I would say that they are coming along splendidly.

They are all heavy with their various fruits, surrounded by dense green foliage.

Today, I got up early enough to escape the most severe heat of the day. I potted two new "Black Cherry" tomato plants, laid down brick platforms for them, fertilized and watered everything else.


Above is the photographic evidence of the current state of my garden plants.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia x Andersonia)

What a curious plant! They open in the shade of the day, and closes in bright sunlight!

• Like Daylillies and Day flowers, each blossom lasts only one day.
• The common name refers to the numerous hairs on its sepals and buds. They look like a spider's nest of webs, especially when covered in dew.
• "wort" is an archaic word for plant.

I love these plants and their "alien-like" appearance. Their strange habits. The fact that they are perennials pleases me to no end. I can expect to behold their wonder, year after year.

Gardening In the 'Hood - Neighborhood Gardens, Part ll

The neighbors that know about my blog keep jokingly saying that I should have named my blog "Ghetto Gardens". This is because we live in the urban core on the southside of our fair city. Whatever, you may say about where we live and garden --- it is beautiful! So, I'm continuing my survey of neighborhood gardens, as there is so much beauty and diversity to be found.

Did You Plant Marigolds in Your Garden this Year?

They are exceptionally easy to grow, and they keep away aphids, thripes, Mexican Bean beetles, squash bugs, tomato hornworms and whiteflies.

Marigolds also repel harmful root node nematodes (soil-dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack tomatoes, potatoes, roses and strawberries. The root of the Marigold excretes a chemical that is toxic to nematodes, and kills them as they enter the soil.

Marigolds will bloom well into November. These flowers make charming and beneficial garden companion plants for many different types of herbs and vegetables: including beans, basil, cabbage, cucumber and tomatoes.

Wordless Wednesday - Neighborhood Gardens

Smoke Bush

White Regosa

"Improved" Climbing Paul Spaulding Rose

Spirea close-up

Spirea

Natches Mock Orange

Now Blooming - Honeysuckle

Lonicera L.

I have two large honeysuckle bushes in my backyard in full bloom. They are lovely ---but what type of honeysuckle do I have? I went to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service online database, only to discover that there are over 50 different varieties of the suckers! Does anyone have any idea what's lurking in my backyard? If so, please comment!