In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
June 27, 2008
Agapanthus, my pride and joy
Of all the plants I grow in the ground and in pots, the agapanthus in bloom is my pride and joy. I have spoken to experts, done my research and yet, my agapanthus will not bloom consistently.
All over California and the Mediterranean countries, as well as the rainy but mild parts of England, this plant grows and blooms like crazy. Not in mine. Because of our harsh winters, I grow mine in pots. And they are temperamental. When they do bloom, I’m positively ecstatic. This year, one pot has chosen to be bloom free but, the other has selected to make me happy. I’m showcasing it by giving it pride of place in the middle of the walkway. My daughter sees it as being in the way of her scooter, but now I can enjoy the blue flowers every time I’m outside in the front garden. And, if you are passing by, you can too.
A garden on wheels
I ran into my friend Harvey the other day. He was in his pick-up truck, the bed of which contained handsome tomato plants growing in pots. Harvey is growing them in his truck! It keeps the critters at bay and he can move his “garden” according to the weather.
Picked up in passing
Vacuum dust and shredded mail can be added to the compost pile.
Foxgloves are good companion plants for potatoes.
In bloom
My lilies and hydrangeas are in bloom and looking rather lovely. I cut arm loads of the latter and bring them indoors. The bottom of each stem is first dipped in boiling water before being arranged in a pitcher or vase. The moist heat encourages better water uptake and the flowers last longer. When I’m hiding from the oppressive heat and humidity, I have a bit of my garden to keep me company.
Protective parenting
A pair of robins are raising three babies in a section of my espalier trees. They make quite a ruckus when anybody approaches and constantly cluck their disapproval when I ignore them and do my weeding. My husband however has used them as an excuse to take a break from doing chores in that area. The birds are paying for their boarding and lodging by helping with the pest control of the garden.
Agapanthus, my pride and joy
Lilies
Mallow
Lace cap hydrangea
Lobelia
Hydrangea
Cloches in waiting
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