Some plants are more fun to photograph than others. Need I say more?
Plants to Grow on a Mailbox: Mandevilla (Rocktrumpet)
A Mandevilla vine in full flower, draped around an American-style mailbox seemed to be the essence of Florida. I was captivated by the sight. We have neither the mailboxes nor the climate for growing the vines outdoors in Lancashire.
My first picture gives a little context, including a glimpse of three birdhouses on pillars at the foot of the trees. Continue reading “Plants to Grow on a Mailbox: Mandevilla (Rocktrumpet)”
Tortoise and Hare Fountain by Frank Fleming
Gallery of Roses in Greenwood Cemetery, Jackson, MS
Greenwood Cemetery has one of the best collections of cemetery roses in America. While the roses are pruned, they are never watered other than by rain. I’m offering this celebration of Greenwood Cemetery’s roses largely without commentary so you can enjoy them in peace. Continue reading “Gallery of Roses in Greenwood Cemetery, Jackson, MS”
The Magic of Rose Buds
Each year, just as the new season’s roses are appearing, I set out to take pictures of rose buds for the readers who love them (you know who you are). I never do as well as I hope.
It isn’t good to be too critical of your own photography, so I’m offering these up as part of my latest series of posts on roses. Continue reading “The Magic of Rose Buds”
Droopy Roses: The Ones That Nod
Most articles online about drooping roses are geared towards fixing a problem. Cures suggested for a drooping rose include:
- Watering it more (assuming the rose is wilting)
- Watering it less (assuming its roots are staying wet and rotting)
- Feeding it (assuming the plant is lacking some elements)
- Feeding it less (assuming persistent elements have built up too much in the soil, or that the canes are outgrowing their strength)
- Staking, growing against an obelisk or training as a climber in the case of vigorous roses
- Hard pruning
- Diagnosing it with one of several rose diseases, then treating the problem
- Leaving it be (assuming that the canes will strengthen enough to support heavier flowers from the third year on).
It’s not hard to see how gardeners might get confused. Continue reading “Droopy Roses: The Ones That Nod”
What Happened Next (a Bit of a Rant)
If you saw yesterday’s post, you might react to today’s snapdragons with some of the bewilderment I felt. Continue reading “What Happened Next (a Bit of a Rant)”
Susan Rushton 