Coronation Gold Yarrow

June 7th, 2010

I love my Coronation Gold yarrow; no other yarrow will do. I have tried the reds and pinks over the years and have not been impressed in the least. Their colors fade in the blink of an eye and the least bit of breeze or light rain leaves them prostrate. Nope, don’t like them. Give me the Coronation Gold anytime. Aptly named, the flowers are like gold crowns atop each stem. And like one would imagine crowned royalty, Coronation Gold’s flower stems remain proper and almost formal, never unruly, standing straight and tall with their crowns always toward the sun.
So why did I plant just one? I can see in my mind’s eye a grouping of them, three at the least; five would have been so lovely and quite a statement. I also would have had plenty to dry. Envision small bouquets tied with brown twine and accompanied with pepper jelly or pesto as Christmas presents. Now, that would be nice!
Oh well, next year. There is always next year.

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Container Gardening

June 1st, 2010

I have to have a home grown tomato soon or I know I will die. I just know it.

At present, I have two plants growing in containers; a cherry tomato and the other I am not sure of what it is; I lost the tag. Just like with the peppers, I am beginning to think two plants are not enough but then I remember that I am practicing patience, at least for a few more days. Plus, I have been encouraging my friends and neighbors to go ahead and plant more when they ask if I think they have enough. By August, I should have enough home grown tomatoes at my finger tips than I could ever dream and with very little expense and work on my part.
I do like container gardening and have had great luck with it. Of course, you have to keep a number of things in mind: have large enough containers for your plants, do not cheap out on the potting soil and if doing tomatoes, buy varieties that actually say “for containers.” Finally, put them in full sun (and not just where the pots look pretty) and don’t forget to water. 
Along with my two tomatoes, I also have basil in a container. When I first started growing basil I thought 3 plants would be just right. I did that only once. The following years it has been two and I have always had more basil (and pesto) than I needed or could keep up with. This year, I am going to try just one. I am worried about that a little, but once again, there are my neighbors. And don’t forget, the trick to basil is pinch, pinch, and pinch! Katie is my official pincher.

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