SIGNS OF SPRING

It has been a beautiful end to winter here.  Spring has not even officially begun yet and we have had 60 and 70 degree temps by the shores of Lake Michigan.  Here are a few pictures of spring in my garden.

All the ice is gone from the pond

Fish!

More fish

My new pot man, waiting in the greenhouse for some "hair"

Basil sprouts

Hope everyone is enjoying the new season and are enjoying there gardens as much as I am enjoying mine!



WINTER REARS ITS UGLY FACE.

I was actually quit bummed by the fact that we were going to have a snowstorm so late in winter.  Yes I no, we hadn't had no snow all winter( very unusual in Wisconsin ) but its too late now, spring is right around the corner!  My daffodil's were peeking out of the ground just the other day only to be blanketed with white stuff.

I hope that blankets warm enough!

My pond was thawing nicely from all the unseasonable warm temps we had this winter and as I looked down in the water I actually could see a few fish moving around.

I was also going to start getting my greenhouse ready for plants, and get the pots all cleaned and ready.  Foiled again by mother nature (that b#t#h)!

This is my second home during planting season

My poor potting shed, waiting for better days

Well enough grumbling about it...it is what it is!  For now I will get my gardening fix in the house and use my mini greenhouse!

Look at all the lovely experiments!









GERANIUMS

Geraniums are a pretty easy plant to save from year to year and all the methods I have tried all worked.  The method I like the best is the paper bag one, which consists of cutting back each plant, dig out, put the plant in a paper bag and roll the bag down.  As easy as can be, and all you need to do is soak the roots in water once a month and re bag it.

There are little flowers on the stems

I also experimented with leaving two pots of geraniums intact, the only thing I did was cut them short and these I water once a month too and keep a paper bag covering them in a dark corner of the basement.



The plants do have growth on them, in the pots and in the bags.  There are actual  flowers on the stems each month when I take them out to soak, not sure if that's good or not. but this is an experiment after all so I'm sure Ill find out.



SPIKES

Spikes are an awesome accent plant that can be saved from year to year.  I dig them out before frost, put them in a bucket of water and keep them in a cool dark corner in the basement.   After that they only need a little more water as the levels drop...simple and worth the money you save replacing them in the spring.

Spikes grow in full sun or shade which makes it a versatile plant for the ground or in container planting.  They enjoy having there feet wet, so a good drink of water daily is in order.  Fertilize weekly with a good 20-20-20 blend will also make a spike very happy.

Spikes can be set outside when the temps are 60 degrees during the day.  I set mine in my unheated green house and keep them there over night without any problems.  I can usually replant them by the end of May here in Wisconsin.

The spikes stay green in the basement and may have a few brown leaves on the bottom of the plant that can be pulled off before planting in the spring.

I use spikes as a showy accent around my pond