5.15.2005

Dirt under my nails

Every spring during the Stockley Gardens Art Festival the Norfolk Master Gardeners have their annual plant sale. I see it every year, but by the time May rolls around my garden is already planted. This year I waited for the festival so that I could buy some of their plants which are usually pretty cheap.

aloeMy first score was this aloe plant that had 5 baby plants. I replanted her and the kids in this vintage brass planter that used to be home to a rubber tree plant that died after too many moves. Aloe plants are fairly easy to care for, I just need to be careful when I am moving. She set up shop next to the tiki bar in a sunny part off the dining room. I should also note that there were more babies this morning, I am going to have to separate them so that the mama plant has plenty of room to grow. Hopefully I will be able to trade one of the little guys for some grass seeds to plant in the hanging basket on my balcony. I think that it would be pretty cool to have a little lawn that I can periodically mow with a pair of scissors. I might even get some lawn art to really make it authentic.

Next is the herb garden that I set up. It's nothing special, stevia on the left, cilantro and sweet basil sprouts in the middle and lemon basil on the right. The lemon basil already smells fantastic.
herb garden

Finally, in the garden boxes on the balcony I have some portulacas in a few colors. I love these plants, they really compliment the boxes by climbing over the edges. I can't wait to see them in full bloom.
portulaca planter

Here's one of the flowers on the portulaca plant. They range in color from white to bright pink.
portulaca flower

2 comments:

pwodat said...

I love the portulaca plant. Of course I'm partial to pretty flowers. I'm going to check into stevia. Today was the first time I heard of it. Cilantro is something I have used before but don't have big demand for it. Basil, on the other hand, I use frequently. I love it in tomatoes and just about anything. Also like fresh thyme. I was surprised at how well it keeps just in the fridge, without trying to freeze it. I'll see if I can find what you called "lemon basil" at Meijer the next time I go.

Bet your place smells heavenly! Have fun with Sally & Bruce.

the knitrider said...

the little baby aloes are sooo cute! i love basil!