Exotic Gardening Thoughts

The nice part of having a greenhouse is that even when it is cold and icy outside, like it is today, it is still warm inside. The weather doesn’t affect the blooms and gardening tasks can go on.

I am knee deep in seed starting right now. There are tiny seedlings under grow lights, pots of seeds that are trying to germinate as well as bags of seeds wrapped in damp paper towels laying in the greenhouse, in the refrigerator and in the freezer. Checking the bags and pots daily can be a daunting task at times.

I like using damp paper towels to germinate seed. It not only allows me to see when the seed actually begins germinating but if there is a problem, I can isolate it and try to correct it.

In addition to the usual seed starting tasks I had to do today, I potted up two bulbs I have been growing in small pots for some time.

The first one was Chlorogalum pomeridianum. Although this one has never bloomed for me - and truthfully may have been grown from seed - the leaves are coming out nicely this year and the bulb was about the size of a small tulip bulb. This one blooms in the afternoon so will be a good fit for my evening blooming garden.

The second seed grown bulb I potted up was Eucomis comosa, which was grown from seed. The leaves of this one have not unfurled yet, there is just a green stalk coming out of the ground. It has not bloomed but being as it is a younger plant that does not suprise me.

This would be the perfect holiday gift for that hard to please person
that has everything. This rug would be perfect for a small animal to
lay on, a place to put wet boots or shoes or as a throw rug in a
small room.

I am asking $15 for this rug which measures approximately 23 1/2
inches wide by approximately 16 inches long.

Colorful Handwoven Rug #2

 
This rug would be perfect in a child’s room
because of the bright colors, however it would work in any room where
a touch of color is needed.

I am asking $40 for this rug which measures approximately 23 1/2
inches wide by approximately 36 inches long.

I do accept PayPal - email me at SheriAnnRicherson@exoticgardening.com for details. Shipping is additional.

Thanks,
Sheri

Are you looking to buy handmade this holiday season? If so, check out my newest handwoven rag rug.

This would be the perfect holiday gift for that hard to please person
that has everything.

This rug was handwoven on a loom. It is a one of a kind and would make
a great gift item for yourself or someone special.
I am asking $40.00 for this rug plus shipping costs which will include insurance and delivery confirmation. I will ship to the destination of your choice. The rug measures approximately 23 1/2 inches wide by approximately 47 inches.

If you are interested in purchasing this rug, email me direct at SheriAnnRicherson@exoticgardening.com for payment details.

Thanks for looking!

Sheri

If you are in Indiana or zone 6, anytime from the middle of the month on you can start pansy and viola seeds. The advantage of starting them at this time is you will have plants in bloom by April. These can be started indoors under lights or outside in a cold frame. To keep pansies and violas compact without cutting or using chemicals, move them to an area with cool temperatures once they reach flowering size.
 

Viola Viola wittrockiana Frizzle Sizzle Blue F1November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri 

Viola wittrockiana Promise Rose Shades F1November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri

 Viola wittrockiana Frizzle Sizzle Yellow F1January 3, 2006 - I just sowed seeds of this on top of a homemade soil mixture made up of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. I mix it so that I can easily see all three ingredients. I did not use vermiculite on top this time around. I put the soil mixture into those little square peat pots. I did not cover the flat but will keep it inside until germination occurs.
Once that happens I will post here again. Has anyone else grown this variety from seed?

January 11, 2006 - The entire batch of seeds I planted germinated today. I have now moved them into the cool greenhouse with the other cool weather seedlings. Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it. 

January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri 

Viola Bambini Mixed ColorsNovember 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri  January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri 

Viola cornuta Skippy Blue/Yellow F1

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri 

November 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri

 Viola wittrockiana Promise Pure Lilac Shades F1January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri

 January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri

 November 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri 

Viola CutyJanuary 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

January 31, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting the germinated seeds up later today. Sheri 

November 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

January 9, 2006 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri

 Viola wittrockiana Promise Yellow/Red Wing F1January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri 

November 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri January 9, 2007 - These have been in my unheated greenhouse. I have germination and the seedlings look quite strong. They only have their first two seed leaves so far but considering the only heat they get is from the sun I think this is progress. Sheri

 Viola wittrockiana Promise True Blue F1January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri

 January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri

 November 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Pansy Banner Daffodil Mixed HybridNovember 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Pansy Petite Bronze HybridNovember 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Pansy x wittrockiana Flameco F1 HybridNovember 21, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola cucullata Striata AlbaNovember 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri  Viola cornuta Sorbet Orange DuetJanuary 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

 Viola velour Blue Bronze (mini Pansy)January 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

Thanks,
Sheri January 30, 2006 - I have germination. These will be moving to the cool garage greenhouse later today. Sheri

 November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Viola cornuta Skippy Purple Improved F1January 3, 2006 - I just sowed seeds of this on top of a homemade soil mixture made up of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. I mix it so that I can easily see all three ingredients. I did not use vermiculite on top this time around. I put the soil mixture into those little square peat pots. I did not cover the flat but will keep it inside until germination occurs.
Once that happens I will post here again. Has anyone else grown this variety from seed? 

January 18, 2006 - I have germination! Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola Baby LuciaNovember 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola Prince JohnJanuary 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola xwilliamsii Angel BlackJanuary 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri

 November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola soroia FrecklesJanuary 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola xwilliamsii Angel Frosted Yellow BlotchJanuary 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri

 November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Viola King Henry

January 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Sheri Viola odorata Queen Charlotte

January 3, 2006 - On December 19, 2005 I placed some peat pellets I acquired inside a small plastic seed baggie and wet them down until they expanded. I then placed one seed inside each hole in the peat pellets. I sealed the bag and have placed it in the house near the wood burner where it will get light and heat. Sheri

 January 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Viola xwilliamsii Angel Tiger Eye

January 18, 2006 - HI, I planted some of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that expand when you add water. I have never had much luck using these but had quite a few laying around so I thought I would try them again. Has anyone grown this variety? What propagation method did you use and how long did they take to germinate?

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

February 9, 2006 - The seeds have germinated today. I will pot them up and move them into the greenhouse later today. Sheri 

November 20, 2006 - I planted some of these seeds today in a cell pack. I put my regular mix of potting soil in and then added vermiculite to the top. I put the seeds directly on top of the vermiculite. I am going to place the cell pack into the unheated greenhouse as soon as I am finished planting it.

Viola Frosted Chocolate

March 12, 2006 - This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room. This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try.

Sheri  March 20, 2006 - I have germination. Sheri

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri Viola wittrockiana Promise Deep Orange F1

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri 

January 30, 2006 - I have germination today. I will be potting these seeds up into peat pots later this evening. Sheri Pansy Mixed Colors Pelleted

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Viola

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Viola Jewel Yellow

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Viola Miniola Purple Heart

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Pansy White with Dark Purple Face

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Viola Blue on Blue

January 26, 2006 - Every year it seems that I get more unusual seeds that don’t get germinated due to lack of room for peat pots. This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.
This is just one of the many seeds that I have already put into a damp paper towel to give this a try. Sheri Pansy Universal Citrus Hybrid Mixed Colors Winter Flowering

January 21, 2006 - Hi, I tried an experiment today. I went outside and planted these seeds directly in the garden. It may be a bit early but I have had seeds of this variety germinate one year later on their own outside so I figured I would give it a try. Has anyone else direct seeded in January in a colder climate? I am zone 5 which was changed to zone 6 this year.

Viola tricolor - Johnny Jump Up

January 21, 2006 - Hi, I tried an experiment today. I went outside and planted these seeds directly in the garden. It may be a bit early but I have had seeds of this variety germinate one year later on their own outside so I figured I would give it a try. Has anyone else direct seeded in January in a colder climate? I am zone 5 which was changed to zone 6 this year.

Sheri Viola Violin Purple and White

January 21, 2006 - Hi, I tried an experiment today. I went outside and planted these seeds directly in the garden. It may be a bit early but I have had seeds of this variety germinate one year later on their own outside so I figured I would give it a try. Has anyone else direct seeded in January in a colder climate? I am zone 5 which was changed to zone 6 this year.

Pansy Swiss Giant Mixed Colors

January 21, 2006 - Hi, I tried an experiment today. I went outside and planted these seeds directly in the garden. It may be a bit early but I have had seeds of this variety germinate one year later on their own outside so I figured I would give it a try. Has anyone else direct seeded in January in a colder climate? I am zone 5 which was changed to zone 6 this year.

Sheri Pansy F1 Hybrid Cello Violet Face

January 21, 2006 - Hi, I tried an experiment today. I went outside and planted these seeds directly in the garden. It may be a bit early but I have had seeds of this variety germinate one year later on their own outside so I figured I would give it a try. Has anyone else direct seeded in January in a colder climate? I am zone 5 which was changed to zone 6 this year.

Viola koreana Sylettas - Cyclamen Leaf Violet

January 3, 2006 - On December 19, 2005 I placed some peat pellets I acquired inside a small plastic seed baggie and wet them down until they expanded. I then placed one seed inside each hole in the peat pellets. I sealed the bag and have placed it in the house near the wood burner where it will get light and heat. Sheri 

January 18, 2006 - Hi, I planted the last of these seeds last night on top of some Jiffy Peat Pellets. These are the kind that you add water to and they expand. I will let you know how it goes. Sheri Pansy Satin Boudoir

January 3, 2006 - On December 19, 2005 I placed some peat pellets I acquired inside a small plastic seed baggie and wet them down until they expanded. I then placed one seed inside each hole in the peat pellets. I sealed the bag and have placed it in the house near the wood burner where it will get light and heat. Sheri

Murraya 

Murraya paniculata 

February 26, 2006 - This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.

Sheri 

April 12, 2008 - From Franjee - This is another new plant I will be attempting to grow from seed. I loved the fragrance but the shrub was kind of expensive at the one greenhouse that had it. I didn’t get growing directions with the seeds.

Did you have any luck with the paper towel/baggie method for germinating the murraya? 

April 12, 2008 - Hello. I did. These seeds are really pretty easy to germinate. I have had success direct sowing and using paper towels. The only problem I seem to have is they are slow growing for me and the leaves have yellow in them. I recently added kelp to the one I have left and am waiting to see what happens. Hopefully the kelp will fix the problem.

Sheri

February 22, 2006 - This year I have decided to try to germinate some of my seeds in paper towels. Not only can I fit numerous paper towels in one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid but I can check them every few days to see what has germinated. Once they do germinate I will pot them up into peat pots but in the meantime I think this will save a lot of room.

Sheri 

October 29, 2008 - The one I grew from seed and planted into my garden bloomed for the first time last year. Although the roses were few given the massive stems, the foliage was indeed apple scented.

Sheri 

Rosa Shrub CC5466 3700m

August 28, 2006 - Hi, I am starting seeds already this fall!
This seed is from Chris Chadwell’s 2006 expedition to

I finally decided to purchase a vodka that had been quadruple distilled to use in making my vanilla extract. I took three very fragrant vanilla beans, sliced them in half, put them in a small bottle, filled it with the vodka, sealed it and put it in the basement. In six months I will have my very first homemade vanilla extract to use in baking. I am so excited. If this turns out well, then it will be a matter of time before I will be producing my own with vanilla beans off of my own vanilla planiflora variegata plant. I will of course have to learn how to hand pollinate the flowers and cure the vanilla beans but that should be fairly easy.

We had to take another trip to Indianapolis today so we decided to stop at Allisonville Nursery after we had lunch at Applebees. Since our third wedding anniversary is the nineth of this month we decided to celebrate a bit early. At the nursery I found large bags of vermiculite and peat moss. I bought both. That should keep me in business for most of the winter. I also bought the game Gardenopoly. I had wanted it for a while and figured it would give Jerry and I something to do during the winter evenings when not much else was happening.

Of course what trip to a nursery would be complete without purchasing plants or bulbs? They had a buy one get one free sale on the packaged bulbs so I picked up two packs. The first pack was a gorgeous Hyacinthus known as ‘Isabelle.’ This is a double hyacinth with fragrant flowers. The tips of the outer petals have green on them and I simply fell in love. Hyacinths are one of my favorite spring flowers anyway due to their capitavating scent. The other package of bulbs I chose was from the Biltmore Collection. It was Narcissus ‘Double Poet’s Daffodil,’ another great bulb I had been wanting for some time. Jerry will help me dig holes tomorrow to get these planted and then I will begin the countdown to spring.

I picked up the sampler I had woven several months ago. Fred was kind enough to allow me to go to the Howard County Fairgrounds with him after the fair so he could teach me how to use a floor loom. I had to wait until the loom was out of warp for the project to be removed. I used raw, unprocessed wool to create my sampler. The plan now is to felt it and see what I come up with.

We also cut a velvet material up last night in lengths long enough to make a chair and couch cover for our furniture. I think there may be enough material left over to make matching draperies. The material that came with my loom, once made into rugs, is similar enough in color to the velvet material to make a rug for the living room floor and have everyone think the colors are the same. How cool is that?

Sheri

I was able to pick my first lemon and several limes from my trees today. The remaining lemons are small and will need several more months to mature. The lime trees however are loaded and will be producing small amounts of lime throughout the winter it appears.

Here is a photo of the ones I got today.

Sheri

Here are photos of the new greenhouse, which is not done yet, but will be used this winter. We will be adding more windows, expanding the size and adding corrugated plastic sheeting in place of the plastic.

Sheri

Brunfelsia facinates me. The main reason is because I love night blooming plants. Although I have germinated many different varieties of Brunfelsia over the years, due to heat loss and other unexpected situations the only variety I have left is Brunfelsia floribunda which has survived for the past several years.

This past spring I potted it up into a much larger pot and sit it outside. With the storms and other problems we encountered I had all but forgot about it until it was time to bring it inside.

I had never pruned this plant and was beginning to wonder why it had not bloomed. It seems many of my plants grow but do not bloom. I am not big on pruning and this is part of the reason why it takes so long for many of my plants to bloom. It seems Brunfelsia actually benefits from being pruned and pruning can induce flowering.

Brunfelsia prefers to be grown in part shade to full sun, which is not a problem now that I have moved it from mostly shade to full sun. Container grown Brunfelsia usually reach two to three feet tall, which I would say mine is. Depending on variety they can bloom anytime from early spring to late winter.

Brunfelsia prefer a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and need moderate amounts of fertilizer during their active growth cycle. A bit of chelated iron will not hurt either as Brunfelsia is prone to iron chlorosis.

If you live in zone 10 or higher these plants can be grown outdoors year round. For the rest of us, container culture will have to suffice. Luckily these plants do quite well in containers and have been known to live for over one hundred years in a container as long as they are well cared for.

The best part of growing Brunfelsia is the intense fragrance you will be rewarded with once your plant comes into bloom.

Here is a bit of germination information on Brunfelsia americana and a photo of my seedling.

On December 4, 2004 I began soaking fresh seeds. They were in the water for about four days before I planted them directly on top of some vermiculite.

On December 23, 2004 the seed germinated.

Enjoy!

Sheri