Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Language of Flowers: PLUMERIAS

Plumerias: frangipani

 The meaning and symbolism of a plumeria flower is perfection and protection. 
Blooming in the summer months with a sweet and strongly aromatic scent, these flowers come in an abundance of colors and sizes. Below are some new blooms in my garden this week. 



http://pinterest.com/pin/344032859005424426/

Saturday, July 20, 2013

DAHLIA: ELEGANCE AND DIGNITY

DAHLIA- ELEGANCE AND DIGNITY
Amazing and perfect Dahlia blooming in my garden this month. 
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS: COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS HAS HAD MEANINGS FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS AND FLORIOGRAPHY (the language of flowers) BECAME POPULAR IN FRANCE IN 1810-1850.





"Daffodils signal new beginnings, daisies innocence. Lilacs mean the first emotions of love, periwinkles tender recollection. Early Victorians used flowers as a way to express their feelings—love or grief, jealousy or devotion. Now, modern-day romantics are enjoying a resurgence of this bygone custom, and this book will share the historical, literary, and cultural significance of flowers with a whole new generation. With lavish illustrations, a dual dictionary of flora and meanings, and suggestions for creating expressive arrangements, this keepsake is the perfect compendium for everyone who has ever given or received a bouquet."

Monday, July 15, 2013

Madagascar Palm: Pachypodium lamerei

MADAGASCAR PALMS 

THE SEED POD OPENED TODAY!
HOLDING SEVERAL SEED PODS
The Madagascar Palm is really a succulent and not a palm tree. It has 2 inch spikes all around the trunk and has a moppy hair do- palm type look at the top. In the summer it will bloom very exotic looking white flowers that stay opened for weeks. In the winter most or all of the leaves will shed. Plant in full sun, water lightly and allow to dry between watering. This is a drought tolerant and easy to grow plant. Beautiful in the landscape or in a pot. The typical height is 10 feet, but can grow up to 20 feet. The Madagascar is a slow grower and needs to be planted in well draining soil. This is one of my landscaping favorites!




Tuesday, July 9, 2013

ENJOY YOUR GARDEN!


Summer flowers: Sunflower, Dahlia, Plumeria
Summer time is the perfect time to ENJOY your garden. 
smiling zucchini
smiling cactus
sugar baby watermelon



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Happy Independence Day

“The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.” — Woodrow Wilson
San Diego Padre Stadium
Blueberry Martini

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

JULY GARDEN PLANTING GUIDE: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA



Summertime Garden 
Vegetable Planting Guide:
BEANS- Bush and pole
BEETS
CARROT 
CORN
CUCUMBER
LIMA BEANS
RADISH
SUMMER SQUASH
TOMATOES
Flower Planting Guide:
BABY'S BREATH
BACHELOR BUTTON
CORNFLOWER
COSMOS
MARIGOLD
NASTURTIUM
PHLOX
NASTURTIUM ATTRACTING A HUMMINGBIRD
Rows of Radish



Cucumber