Don't blame me, I'm from Los Angeles, where there is always something growing. My mother tortures me weekly with reports of what she bought at the Hollywood Farmers market and planted beneath her apricot tree or by the hot tub.
Two weeks ago, it started getting warmer. So one kind of misty, drizzly day (perfect for planting!) I went up to Union Square and bought some of the first pansies of the season. It was time... I planted our flower boxes.
Now, I don't think that pansies are the be all end all of flower box gardening, but it's a start. The next few months will give those little meager boxes a chance to host a variety of joyful blossoms - I'll try to remember to share them with you, however I have a feeling that, with the flower box season heating up, I'll be very busy giving out awards.
What are you going to plant this year?
It's nice to be back. skgr
While in my doctor's waiting room, I saw a beautiful photo of a succulent garden in an old issue of Real Simple. The colors were gorgeous, ranging from chartreuse to sage to emerald to purple. I was so inspired, I immediately bought several varieties and planted a container garden of my own.
I was really excited about Spring coming to L.A. too and have spent the last 2-3 weeks working on Moroccan/Indian/Eastern-themed outdoor patio. Plantings I've just gotten this weekend and last... 1) a mature green pencil cactus bush (appx 20" tall x 24" wide) in a 20" diameter white glazed circular ceramic pot with crushed coral to cover the soil. 2) a 43" tall horsetail in a 14" diameter white glazed circular ceramic pot with small white stones covering the soil. a 10" tall Aeonium Zwartkop succulent (native to Morocco) with deep purplish blooms in a 9" diameter white glazed ceramic pot with polished black and amber-colored river rocks covering the soil. Each of the pots ranged in price from $3.50 to $17.50 and all have a unique etched geographic motif (from discount shop, flea market and Ikea--for the large container). Plants ranged in price from $15 to $50. Soil-covering rocks and corral were priced at $1.25 per scoop.