Lanai has two hotels, Manele down by the water, and Koele up on the mountain. Probably only 20 minutes apart by car, but very different in climate. I had the opportunity to wander around Koele’s grounds and sat in the Orchid house for a few minutes taking in the beautiful varieties of orchids. Beautiful….
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I’ve been on vacation for a few days so 3000Tomatoes has been on a little hiatus. Everyone needs the occasional break. So I’m on Lanai enjoying warm weather and lots of fun with my family and friends.
In the spirit of flora, Mi Esposo took my picture in front of wildflowers on a cliff side looking out to the Pacific where we watched humpback whales leaping out of the water. (I know that was a bit of a stretch for a gardening blog, but artistic license prevails since I’m on vacation!)
Aloha from Lanai
Life is good!
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Life is good at Chez Snowflake. We’ve had the chickens for over a month and life has settled into a good routine. The neighbors are cool with our newest addition, with the exception of one neighbor possibly. Time will tell on that front but for the most past the front yard has turned into a little field trip for a variety of people in the neighborhood and beyond.
Eggs are being laid every day and the size of the eggs has gotten bigger since the Snowflakes dropped their first egg on New Year’s Eve. We’re getting two eggs a day, once from each Snowflake. Fresh eggs, still warm from the nest, are a real treat. Hmmm, eggs with flavor – what a concept!
The chickens are now used to me, and I to them. They drop and spread their wings when I put my hand over their backs so I can now pick them up easily when I go into the coop. When I’m cleaning up in the coop, they peck at me. I’ve got the care and feeding down to a good routine which is easy and quick.
A few things I’ve learned. 1.) Chickens aren’t too smart. 2.) Chicken poop is everywhere. 3.) They squawk pretty loudly sometimes which I think means they’ve just laid their eggs. 4.) I’m thoroughly enjoying the Snowflakes!
My girls - the Snowflakes
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Okay, so I bring home this incredible little plant and I think I have a great pot to put it in but I’m not happy with the result, plus the plant is a bit tippy.
It’s a bit naked in there.
I remembered a bag of Spanish Moss I found at a garage sale for 50 cents. I’m a genius! Oh, and a pretty good bargain hunter, too!
I filled in around the pot and made a nice cover on the top without mashing too much in there. I like the end result a lot and wonder why I didn’t think of this before!!! :-/ This is probably an old florist trip, but I’m not an old florist, so I’m a bit behind on the aesthetics of display. Voila!
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I’ve been soooo good about my challenge not to spend more than $75 on plant material this year. Bringing you up to speed on my challenge, I’ve bought a few plants, mostly succulents, but I’ve been amazingly restrained considering my plantaholic ways.
In November I bought two Senecio jacobsenii, or what I call Hanging Jade, for a total of $6.46. Last week I purchased a few succulents at Walter Andersen, spending $19.96. That brings my total to $48.58 left for the year. I made good purchases, feeling good about it and I’m not looking back.
I was at Trader Joe’s on Sunday and I always look over their orchids when I pass through to the veggie section. They are always pretty, but usually nothing earth shattering, but then I saw “it” and I was doomed. Had to have it. Didn’t give a thought to my challenge. Just swooped in, gushing to the lady next to me who just thought I was a bit kooky. Yes, I know I am, but that’s beside the point. It was a total score and I brought home a Paphiopedilum orchid. And the best part was that it was only $7.99 so I still have $40.59 to spend until next October! Woo-hoo!
Paphiopedilum acmodontum
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Many years ago I was having an Adventure Day drive and ran across this topiary yard in Mission Hills by accident. It was cool then, and it’s still cool now. I think it’s time for another Adventure Day drive!
Here’s an opinion piece about Farm Subsidies. Interesting…..
This is basic info but if you a fairly new in the gardening experience it could be helpful. How to read a seed catalog
Adjusting your soil pH with vinegar and baking soda.
I like these and appreciate a creative way to display my tillandsias.
Now that the holidays are over, we have to think about this….
And finally, I’m not sure what to think of this. An ad from Monsanto:
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In my garden observations, I have discovered that my milkweed plant is, again, home to tiny caterpillars that will eventually turn into monarch butterflies. Normally, raggedy, chewed leaves are cause for frustration, but in this case, it’s a good thing! I want happy butterflies in my yard.
I was at Walter Andersen Nursery yesterday and found two more milkweed plants to add to my collection in front. Now, I have three colors: white, red, and yellow. With three plants out there instead of one, maybe the garden won’t look quite so ratty during caterpillar feasting time, but if not, so be it.
Here are a few sites about butterflies:
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