| Author | Content |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:37 AM Post #5186064
| LOL!!! Ah,but we really are!!!!
And I'll post some pics top prove it!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:38 AM Post #5186068
| Oh wow,wish you could put your nose up to this and inhale!!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:40 AM Post #5186072
| As the sun set in the rain forest!!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:42 AM Post #5186076
| Now I'm lost! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:43 AM Post #5186091
| I think I see an opening!!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:45 AM Post #5186099
| Love these need to get the yellow variety! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:47 AM Post #5186102
| Your guess as good as mine,bird planted!!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:49 AM Post #5186107
| Fairly new variety called black death Castor bean 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:50 AM Post #5186109
| Blimey it's a limey ear!!!LOL 
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:52 AM Post #5186113
| Cone heads! 
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:54 AM Post #5186116
| Follow me to the greenhouse 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
12:55 AM Post #5186119
| Come in for a home grown banana,best your ever sink your teeth into!!!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
1:01 AM Post #5186129
| Front sidewalk 
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
1:04 AM Post #5186131
| Looking toward the street that you can't see!!LOL 
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
1:06 AM Post #5186134
| Trumpet vine on arbor,over shadowed by Mimosa tree. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
1:09 AM Post #5186141
| This tri color hibiscus is really pretty!
Off to bed!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 1, 2008
1:26 AM Post #5186176
| Don, GORGEOUS as always! You sure wouldn't think that you were in Kansas, Toto! Looks like a Tropical Island to me! You just need a "hut"! (me too!) haha! Great job! Wondered where you've been! |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
July 1, 2008
2:13 AM Post #5186257
| Aloha Don, I was thinking of you today and here you are with your spectacular garden! Everything looks lovely - are you REALLY in Kansas?
Now I am going back to look through all the pictures again - I know I missed tons of things the first time through, so much to look at!
Nice to "talk" to you again! |
Dutchlady1
Naples, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 1, 2008
5:33 AM Post #5186411
| Hats off to anyone growing tropicals WAY out of their zone. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
5:37 AM Post #5186419
| Hi J'S...
Been working lots of overtime,but have 2 weeks vacation,coming in a couple weeks,
just maybe I can get some weeding done!!!!
Thanks,we have had lots and lots of rain,double for the year,so very lush and very mosquito too!!!!
Don |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 1, 2008
7:00 AM Post #5186493
| You can keep the skeeters.
Garden looks great!! |
Robynznest
Stoutland, MO
(Zone 6b)
July 1, 2008
8:54 AM Post #5186846
| Don, it is just beautiful there. How big of a yard do you have? Can I have part of it. (hint, no mowing). With all the rain the midwest has had everything is growing doubly fast including the grass and weeds. I can't keep up, I've been working doubles 5 days a week and trying to squeeze in as much yard and plant time as I can in two days. If a weed snuck in between all your plants only you would know.I couldn't see it because all your plants are wonderful looking. Good job. I'm going back to look closer at the pics.
That bird did a wonderful job at planting it's flower, looks like a phlox, but don't know. |
texasbigleaves
Dallas, TX
July 1, 2008
10:31 AM Post #5187327
| WOW I'AM SPEECHLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jerry |
lavender4ever
(Louise) Otoe, NE
(Zone 5a)
July 1, 2008
10:42 AM Post #5187388
| VERY lovely! I have a soft spot for tropicals. I have EE's , jasmines, tuberoses, brugs, epis, tropical milkweeds, black eyed susan vines, gloriosa lilies, vincas and dune daisies. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 1, 2008
11:25 AM Post #5187599
| My Goodness. Every time I see this wonderland I am astounded. You definitely are an inspiration, Don. Maybe today I will take a picture or two of my little bit of heaven. Nothing, nothing like yours.
I use Deep Woods 100% deet. Only way I can go out the door.
Christi |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH
(Zone 5a)
July 1, 2008
1:36 PM Post #5188298
| You did GOOD!! And yeah...that's tall phlox that that bird gave you! If you let it go to seed, you will lots more!! |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 1, 2008
5:09 PM Post #5189310
| Glad that ice and cold is far far behind and the jungles of big leaves have taken their place in the sun.
What banana advice to give? for fertilzer etc...I don't pay enough attention to mine..
Rj
PS. This looks like a wonderful version of purple phlox
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
This message was edited Jul 1, 2008 4:11 PM |
mpabbott1
(Mary) Poway, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 1, 2008
10:20 PM Post #5190717
| Thats great! Cancel my trip to the Caribbean - I'm going to Kansas! The air fare would be cheaper too. You've got a beautiful place there! |
texasbigleaves
Dallas, TX
July 1, 2008
10:48 PM Post #5190926
| Rj, I remember back in the spring whenTropicman said how bad and cold it was! But looking at his tropical jungle now,it must be something special and secret in that" thar secret sauce." If he would bottle it, I would buy a few bottles if it would make my garden look like Tropicmans. Jerry |
kimarj
(Kim) Philadelphi, PA
(Zone 6a)
July 1, 2008
11:03 PM Post #5191006
| I need a case!!! Outstanding Don!!! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 2, 2008
12:53 AM Post #5191514
| Thanks Gang!
It's all that composting right where I plant my plants,everything goes back into the garden,right where it was growing in the first place,I throw nothing away anymore.
Believe me there is lots of weeds or crabgrass,and runners from the trumpet vine everywhere,they pop up faster than I can pull them up!!!LOL
We've had enough rain to last the rest of the year,now the temps are going to hit the mid 90's for a while so things should really take off and grow.
Jerry my ears look like babies compared to yours!!!!LOL
Well a 3 day weekend coming,I'll need to pot up lots of palms and other things,I've been meaning too!!!
Just maybe pull a few weeds as well!
Might even catch a well deserved nap too!!!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
mike_in_NZ
Atawhai,Nelson
(New Zealand)
(Zone 10a)
July 2, 2008
4:57 AM Post #5191729
| I'm impressed. So you will have to wheel it all back inside before winter then? |
placenciarita
Red Oak, TX
July 2, 2008
10:28 AM Post #5192574
| Love your Jungle, Tropicman. Thank you for sharing your pictures. |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 2, 2008
12:24 PM Post #5193209
| I meant...plumbago on that purple...not phlox.
Yes I remember when...battling the cold...
it's been hot here...last summer it barely broke 90F, this summer every day is above 90F...it's almost like steroids for some of these tropicals. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 2, 2008
12:36 PM Post #5193263
| You were correct the first time, RJ. I also have the same tall purple phlox.
Chris |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 2, 2008
5:17 PM Post #5194442
| aaaaaaahhhhhhh...hahahahahaha...they sure are pretty! |
LApalms
Redondo Beach, CA
(Zone 11)
July 2, 2008
5:57 PM Post #5194602
| Actually, Tropic, this does suspiciously resemble the areas around Atchison a well guarded secret, but you just just had to let the cat out of the bag. Now everybody knows. I hope you're happy.
GREAT SHOTS! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 2, 2008
10:31 PM Post #5196208
| LOL!
Unbelievable that one person could green house that many plants! That's pure determination! I'll say!!!! Sure glad I'm a few zones warmer! No way I could do that! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 3, 2008
12:32 AM Post #5196726
| Yep Mike,I have to dig them up,prune thin,repot them,debug them,and carry them back inside for the winter,takes a good week to get er done!!!!
Randy been up and down here 95* 0ne day 85* the next,and of course rain!!!
Atchison is a guarded secret!!!LOL
Jeanne,I'm wondering if I can do it come fall!!!LOL |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 3, 2008
1:44 AM Post #5196896
| Well it looks mighty fine...a true botanist!
You have any banana tips for me? I'm particularly interested in trying to make this one live, but also want to know how to grow the fruit. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 3, 2008
5:40 AM Post #5197160
| Well I have one tip,bigger pot,composted cow manure,morning to early afternoon sun.
Or you could always ship it to me to !!!LOL |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 3, 2008
10:17 AM Post #5198004
| Okay..thanks..I did put some cow manure on it when I planted it in the ground..I sooo wanted to plant it in the front garden next to the Zebrina nana...I just didn't want to go through that feeling like when you park your car in a multi level garage..and you go to the level you think it is ...and it's OMG! it's gone...(wrong floor) but...I bet the banana wouldn't last long in the front with public access. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 3, 2008
12:05 PM Post #5198505
| I agree with you on that, Randy. That's why my front is so bare in comparison to the back. Now, back to the bananas, currently mine are all in the ground and I don't usually pot them as they are root hardy. Because they die down to the ground they don't have a chance of producing fruit. After having the fresh fruit at Jenny's I am more determined than ever to push the zone. Where do you guys get the cow manure? HD has it in 40# bags but I'm never sure if that is just what you are talking about. If I were to wrap these all the way to the top and mulch about 2-3 feet think they would last the winter? We seldom have prolonged times under freezing. More like sporadic in January and February and usually only a day or two at a time. Sometimes only a few hours at night. Same reason that keeps the peonys from doing any good because it doesn't get cold enough, long enough.
LouC |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 3, 2008
4:40 PM Post #5199778
| I'm thinking Tropicmans get to spend the winter in the greenhouse? |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 3, 2008
8:49 PM Post #5200878
| I can get any manure I use fresh from the farmers. lol. The advantage of living in a farming community and knowing some farmers.
I wouldn't want a greenhouse unless I had someone there to keep the bugs under control for me and to make sure I don't kill my plants. A soon to be former coworker calls me the plant killer. LOL. But it would be nice to have Tman's greenhouse to sneak into when it gets too cold.
Hey Don, did you get hit by the storms last night?
For those of you who hasn't heard, we got hit by some really, really strong storms last night. We had winds so strong with rain that we couldn't see more than a couple feet out the windows at one point. Lots of lightning and lots of flash flooding. Several trees are down including at least 2 on my road. One is on top of my neighbor's trailer and another tree just up the road got hit by lightning. Gravel roads are a mess too. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 4, 2008
1:35 AM Post #5201941
| Christi,
Put a fence cage around the trunk and fill with dried fallen leaves this fall,will give good protection from the cold.
Pepper,
I saw the radar with the storms heading your way,we missed all the wind and rain this time.
Randy,having 3 vehicles,and when you go to a big shopping mall for a couple hours,and when you go to leave,you walk around looking for the van,forgetting you drove the truck instead Duh! Done that a time or two!!!LOL |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 4, 2008
11:48 AM Post #5203281
| hahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha! oh boy that made feel good to know I'm not the only one |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 4, 2008
12:04 PM Post #5203362
| You're ok until...you ride around with the security officer in his little golf cart looking for your car. Once is all it takes to develop your own little method of remembering which car and where it is.
(that was sooooo embarrassing)
A true LouC trip. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 4, 2008
9:52 PM Post #5205610
| LOL. That happens all the time with us. We have 4 vehicles that are road worthy and get used all the time. 2 others are dead and one of those is in pieces awaiting the parts needed to restore it. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 5, 2008
12:54 AM Post #5206190
| We only have one running right now, and I can still lose it in Wally World's parking lot! LOL! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 5, 2008
1:32 AM Post #5206295
| Haaaa Haaah!
All of those are killers,thanks for making me feel a lot better!!!!LOL |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 9, 2008
7:49 PM Post #5232050
| Tropicman- Love your backyard! I am just beginning my jungle. I decided this spring I wanted tropical plants for my backyard. You live in the same zone as I, so you got any plant tips? I have planted 4 musa basjoo's, 52 elephant ears (one variety I don't have to dig up), lots of cannas most of which are supposed to be cold hardy, hardy hibiscus, I even bought a stuttgart canna and a petasite. Can you recommend any other cold hardy tropical plants? I seem to be in love with the foliage of the cannas and the banana plants. (I am currently trying to get seeds from three other varieties of banana that are supposed to be hardy to zone 6) I notice you have a palm. What is it? |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 10, 2008
12:59 AM Post #5233789
| There is several palms hardy to zone 6 with a little protection over it.
Trachycarpus Fortunei and Trachycarpus Waggie,needle palm,sabal minor,the best and the easiest way to protect them for the first couple years is to surround the palm with square bales of straw,with a plywood top that can be removed very easy on nice days.
Criniums arer very tropical looking and very hardy,I have one just starting to bloom,hope to get a picture before it's too late!!!
There is hardy bamboo,that really adds a tropical look,make sure you get the clumpers and not the runners.
If you ever come to Wichita,give me a shout to tour the gardens,By the way,my family is from the Moreland and Woodward area,homesteaders from 1900 to the 1940's before the ww2,when they moved to Wichita. |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 10, 2008
11:23 AM Post #5235331
| We moved here in about 1963, when I was only 3 years old. My mom married my stepdad then, who worked for Western Company. It is a very small world though, isn't it? I met a lady online recently who sent me two rice paper plants (forgot to tell you I have those, and lots of castor beans). She lives in Georgia, but when I was describing to her what the weather was like here she told me she knew because she and her husband lived in Enid briefly while he was working there. Wow! I do have nandinas which they call heavenly bamboo. My grandmother planted them over 40 years ago. I was considering sticking one or two palms, not too big, in between the foliage of my cannas and elephant ears for a little different texture. By the way, your flower is definetly a tall phlox. I have lots of them. Have you smelled it? They are wonderful! I also have 4 o'clocks back there. They smell wonderful, but I also think they look kinda tropical don't you? Definitely post a pic of your crinium. I don't know what a crinium is. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 10, 2008
9:19 PM Post #5238434
| I was too late the flowers are spent by the time I got home from work. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 10, 2008
9:21 PM Post #5238449
| Here are some of the hardy varieties,these are between 2 and 3 ft tall. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 10, 2008
9:24 PM Post #5238464
| And here are a couple tropical ones.
About 4 to 5 ft tall.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 11, 2008
11:07 AM Post #5240947
| I see. How tall does the foliage get? That might look interesting tucked in between something. Will it take shade? Forgot to tell you. Do you like castor bean plants? I have lots of them planted. LOVE the foliage! But as you know they are not winter hardy here. I found a plant on ebay called kalopanex, looks just like a castor bean plant but is not related. Bought some seed and planted. Hasn't come up yet, but it hasn't been a week yet. (I watch the pot) I also bought some spiral ginger seed, fatsia japonica (beautiful leaves) and gopher purge. None of it has come up yet, but again, only a few days. I am excited. I also bought 3 different kinds of banana that should make it through the winter with mulching. I just bought some more castor bean seeds last night. One is supposed to look palm like, the other is a new variety. The leaves are supposed to get up to 3 ft. across! |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
July 11, 2008
11:33 AM Post #5241083
| Bubba, you have come to the Master of Zone Denial by visiting Don's garden. It always amazes me what Don can grow in Kansas! It's beautiful, as always Don! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 11, 2008
11:50 AM Post #5241160
| Yes, he is master, but I am grasshopper! Hey Don. I have a question. Looking at your pictures I notice you have LOTS of plants a narrow pathways to walk through. Don't you have trouble with spiders? Every summer I fight the spiders around my house. They are chubby fat ones. They make webs between the eaves of my house and the tops of my shrubs. The first thing one of my sons said when I showed him the two musa basjoos I planted next to the sidewalk going around my house was, "What about the spiders?" I do not walk around my house at night in the dark. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 11, 2008
4:36 PM Post #5242634
| Yes!!!!! Watch for the huge Orb Weavers! Last summer I went to sit in my favorite chair out under my banana trees, and Whoa! Glanced up and there was this humongous spider with very LONG legs! And a HUGE HUGE web! Chills just went down my whole back! (I hate spiders!) Fortunatelly I haven't seen another one since; But I do look before I get ready to sit down! HAHA! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 11, 2008
5:05 PM Post #5242762
| To me that is the only drawback to having plants. I have neighbors on both sides of me and one across the street who do not have a stitch of anything in their yard but grass. To me it looks so sterile and unfriendly. But they probably don't have the problem with spiders and ants I have. I did order some pitcher plant seeds the other night. I know it won't get rid of the problem, but if it eats the ant and mosquitos that will be great. I don't know what an orb spider looks like. I can tell you a couple of summers ago I was frightened out of my skull. Makes my hair crawl just remembering it. My youngest son was a senior in high school. He had a very bad habit of not locking the storm door when he came home at night. So I always had a habit of opening the door and checking the storm door to see if it was locked before I went to bed at night. On this particular night, was just before 10:00 p.m. Jordan was in his room talking on his cell phone, I opened the front door to check to see if storm door was locked. I happened to look down and saw the biggest ____ spider I had ever seen! I froze. My loveseat was just to the right, and all I could think about was "if he goes right, I will never sleep again!" I slammed the door but he was quicker that I was. I ran through the house screaming "SPIDER!! SPIDER!!" Was all I could say. Jordan hung up on his girlfriend. He came in a looked and "WHOAH! THAT IS A BIG SPIDER!" I tried to hand him the flyswatter to swat it with while I went for the bug-be-gone max. He stated he couldn't kill the spider because he didn't have a shirt on. (?)(!)(!) I sprayed it and sprayed it and sprayed it. Didn't seem to have any affect on it. He ran left though, into my folded up total gym. I kept spraying him 'til he came out. By this time he was just stunned enough to swat. I am telling you, he was so big you could see his feet! Needless to say, I have a phobia. Have had it since I was a child and accidentally walked into a web with large spider still in it. |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 12, 2008
12:14 AM Post #5244973
| I understand, TOTALLY! Spiders and snakes! No thankyou! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
11:12 AM Post #5246455
| I don't see any snakes, but I do seem to have a pet frog this year I have never had before. I never know he's there until I nearly grab him while I am pulling weeds. Scream every time. But I know he is eating bugs so he is welcome to stay. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him in a while. I hope he hasn't moved on. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
12:46 PM Post #5246947
| Spiders!!!
Every morning at 5am,I go out to get the paper,and tour the garden under the lights,tiki torches!!! I grab a bamboo cane and swing it back it fourth in,to take out the spiderwebs
and there are plenty,in fact I got a bite right next to my billy button from one,I guess you can't get them all!!!LOL
Yes I have lots of castor beans,and they usually get 20 ft tall .
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
1:10 PM Post #5247025
| Is that a purple variety or do you have a lot of shade in your backyard? I have a couple that are just starting to get about 3ft. tall. How tall are yours right now? Do you think you plywood board and hay bale method would work on castor beans? I guess they would get too tall for that, huh? You are funny. When I see pics of peoples backyards that have lots of foiliage and small walkways, that is the first thing I think of is spiders. I wish there was something we could put out there to kill them. I don't guess there's anything that is their predator. Have you tried growing pitcher plants? I have just ordered some seeds. I am hoping they will eat the ants and mosquitos. I assume you have lots of mosquitos? I have them in the soil in my flowerbeds. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 12, 2008
1:15 PM Post #5247037
| 99 out of 100 spiders are our friends. They eat what we try to kill in other ways.
Don't want one for a pet though. |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
1:25 PM Post #5247066
| I don't care what they eat, they are creapy. I don't want them anywhere near me. We have fiddlebacks here. I was bit in bed just a couple of weeks ago. Was bit just a couple of days ago while putting potting soil in a small pot. Had to sleep with a baking soda paste strapped to my finger. Wore it for two days. My finger was very dark for a while. Strapping the baking soda paste to the back of my knee (that's where I was bit in bed) was a little tricky. |
mpabbott1
(Mary) Poway, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 12, 2008
1:50 PM Post #5247207
| I keep my gardening gloves on when I'm dipping into any plantings because I have a "friend" black widow out there that I've seen. I didn't kill it because they have work to do. I find them creepy too, but try to submerge those thoughts and keep them around to help me with the bugs.
Mary |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
1:56 PM Post #5247240
| No the castor wouldn't survive at all,light frost and there gonners anyway.
All this is my frontyard,don't really have a backyard,very small.
I don't kill the spiders,but I will there web,if it's my path of walking .
Spider lillies blooming today!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
1:58 PM Post #5247243
| Another fragrant plumie in bloom today 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:00 PM Post #5247254
| Setting sun,northwest of my house,about 8:45 pm 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:02 PM Post #5247257
| 9pm sun's gone,but enough light to still snap a pic. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:03 PM Post #5247264
| I have those lilies myself! Do you collect the seeds and replant? I also have other varieties of dwarf re-blooming daylilies, and my favorite, the starfighter lily. You didn't say. Is your castor bean the purple leafed one? I saw a picture of one on ebay yesterday. I have my eye on it. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:10 PM Post #5247299
| This is a new variety,called black death,don't think it is available yet on the market,if you want some seeds let me know,and I'll save some for you,for next spring.
I have some red carnacita castor beans if you'd like some of these. |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:11 PM Post #5247310
| I can't believe that is the front of your house. Can you see your house from the street? Your house must be set farther away from the street than mine. My neighbors would croak if I set up my front yard like that. Especially the neighbor next door just to the east of me. He doesn't have a thing in his yard but grass. Last year he mowed it everyday! He keeps it so low it is even with the curb. I swear. One day he's going to step out on his porch and find he has no grass because it all died from being too short. I used to have shrub roses planted on my property line between our houses. He would set his water sprinkler right up against them until they got black spot and dropped their leaves. Last spring, I caught him on his hands and knees up in my shrub roses. I think he was cutting. When I caught him he looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He was very nervous. I have had to have the police come out twice because he was weedeating the flowers I had planted along my sidewalk. This spring, one rainy evening, I saw him drive slowly past my house pointing at my house and yard talking to someone riding with him. Can you imagine what he would do if I planted tropical all over my FRONT yard? It is kinda tempting. I bet he would begin to twitch and have seizures. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:17 PM Post #5247360
| This is my hobby,and my life,I go to work and grow tropical plants,and this is my frontyard,and I'll do as I please,I don't bother my neighbors and they don't bother me,fact everyones retired but me!!!!
Off for the day.bye
new cone flower
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
2:22 PM Post #5247388
| I have planted green castor bean and red castor bean, but so far all the leaves are the same color. I was beginning to think the "red" and "green" only referred to the color of the seed pods until I saw the picture of the purple leaved one. Will my red one's leaves start to turn red? I have seen a picture of a "yellow" one too. The pods were yellow. All this is confusing to a newcomer. Yes. Please do save me some seeds. That first picture you posted at the top of this thread, what is that palm at the foreground of the picture? I do LOVE the castor beans though. Yours looks very pretty. I bought two new varieties a couple of days ago. Can't wait to plant them. One is called giant zanzibar. The leaves are supposed to get up to 3 ft. across. The other is called zanzi palm. It is supposed to look like a palm tree! I know it is late in the season but I am going to try soaking some of the seeds and planting them. I am hoping they will grow fast enough to make pods and yield me more seeds for next year! And I am still considering buying the purple one. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
12:25 AM Post #5250055
| That palm is a majesty.and it is in a container.
Don't think you'll have enough time to get seeds this late in the came,remember they must be ripen before they will be mature enough to grow next year.
I haven't seen a yellow one as of yet,but have grown the pink one,but traded all my seeds and forgot to save some for me.
I have the giant and grow one every year.
Word of thought,the root system of the giant castor bean,is very difficult to dig up,and may be best just to leave in ground and rot,I've had to hook a chain and use my truck to pull them out of the ground.
Will save seeds for you,the red should already be red by now,if not then you must have the wrong seed .
My Mexican Paradise which has survived 2 days down to 0* this winter has returned and just now started blooming,so I would say this is zone hardy to zone 6.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
10:36 AM Post #5251356
| What is a mexican paradise? I am beginning to wonder about the reds. I ordered them from Henry Fields. Also got some from a fellow dgardener. None of the leaves really look red. The veins look red, but not the leaves. But then they all look like that. A couple have small leaves that look a tinge red but they seem to grow out of it. Wow. A truck and a chain. I had never thought about digging them up. I just assume I will look out the window one day and see them laying on the ground like my canna foliage. Of course, the cannas I don't dig up. I just throw the foliage away and they come back next year. I guess I have decided to just be happly with my castor bean palm for a palm. I looked on ebay, and I don't really like anything. The kind of palm I would like would not survive our cold. Come to think of it, I was never very good at growing palms anyway. Couldn't get that "keep moist but not wet and don't let it dry out" thing. And I am definetly not into misting daily. I was excited to see the ruffled fan palms I have been trying to germinate since May have a root on them. I know I will have to bring that in the house this fall, but it will be worth it if I can get it to grow! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
11:32 AM Post #5251587
| Mex.Bird of Paradise,is a ferny leaf type shrub,mine got to 7ft last year,but only 4 ft came back,but has grown already to around 6ft again,has pretty yellow flowers with red stamens.
Castor bean trunk will be almost 5 to 6 inch in diameter trunk by November ,these are trees.
I compost where ever the plant grows,to enrich the soil for next years growing,when I cut back the foliage on anything it rots right where it grows,best organic fertilizer you can get!!!
The hardest thing growing a palm inside is spidermites,but once a month I give it a shower,and let it sit inside the shower for a couple hours to dry,and consume as much humidity it can get.
My angel trumpet,pink beauty has some huge blooms on it,very fragrant at night.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
11:58 AM Post #5251671
| Will use your tip about composting. Are your brugs planted in the ground? I got my first two brugs this spring. They are not anywhere near that big. Mine are in pots so I can bring them in this fall. Do you leave yours out? |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
12:37 PM Post #5251858
| No.I plant them in the ground,they will grow much faster and bloom more often,and dig them up in the fall,after the first light freeze that burns the leaves,sometimes I will remove all the leaves before the first frost and dig them back up,keep as much dirt on them and place in black plastic bag,and overwinter them in a cool garage,only water them when I see the trunks starting to shrivel a little.
They are really bad with spider mites in the winter,and I don't want the hassle of trying to control them all the time.
They will put on a few leaves just to keep them a live,which is ok with me,lot less to deal with than trying to maintain a huge growing plant all winter.
Here is a recent pic of Xanth. Sagg.,in comparison,that is about a 4inch pocket knife in the middle of the leaf,this one is going to get huge this year.
Also I have a store bought root of malanga that came back this year,but the leaves are only
about half that size,but has many babies,probably a different variety because the leaves look somewhat rounder on it.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
1:42 PM Post #5252208
| I love that! Is that in the elephant ear family? What does malanga look like? Can you tell I am fairly new at tropicals. I do have 2 rice paper plants, but they are only about a foot tall so far. I just planted my petasite, so it's not very tall either. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
2:03 PM Post #5252343
| Well aroid family I believe,there are a root,you can buy at the grocery store,or Asian market,the malanga looks just like the picture only smaller version,my rice paper plant is about 4 to 5 ft tall now,your petasite will probably die back when the heat comes on,end of this month or august,mine always done,they like shade and kept moist all the time.
You can try some recurving yuccas,this one is variegated,green,white and pink,I have the solid green which are huge with trunks,these are very hardy,and tropical looking as well.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
2:28 PM Post #5252455
| I planted my petasite in full shade and I water it every morning. Please don't tell me it's gonna die. I planted a gunerra this spring. It lasted the first week because we were having a rainy weather pattern. Soon as it was gone, so was the gunerra. I did not know when I bought it that it wouldn't live here. I have some gunerra seeds I had also purchased, but I haven't bothered trying to germinate them. What is the full name of that (the aroid) so I know what to look for? We don't have an asian market here, but maybe Wal-Mart will have it. They have all sorts of things. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
4:00 PM Post #5252885
| Xanthosoma,Sagitifolium,but will probably be under malanga,would be next to ginger or taro roots,if they would have them.
Your Japanese butter bar,(petasites) will just go dormant until next spring,and then it will flower,sort of like a clover flower,but 10 times larger.
Don't feel to bad,I tried gunnera twice with no luck!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 13, 2008
5:44 PM Post #5253416
| Sure would like to sit with you and Pattie and have a lemonade this evening. Very inviting yard, Don. All of your hard work is worth it.
Christi |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:20 PM Post #5253887
| Thanks Christi,
This is the view you would see siting from the chair,you'd be sitting in! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:21 PM Post #5253897
| View from the front porch. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:23 PM Post #5253902
| What the neighbors across the street see,and the people who drive by! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:25 PM Post #5253913
| another
Just took these pics,as sun is on it's way down now.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:27 PM Post #5253920
| one more 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:30 PM Post #5253938
| Another tropical purple variety of hibiscus 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:33 PM Post #5253945
| Candy lilles blooming a lot earlier than last year. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:34 PM Post #5253953
| close up,about as close to a orchid I can grow outside here!!!LOL 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:37 PM Post #5253961
| I still grow a datura,they have a wonderful fragrance! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:43 PM Post #5253985
| one of my gigantic peace lilies in bloom 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
7:44 PM Post #5253996
| Indian Jassmine in bloom and fragrant. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
8:04 PM Post #5254099
| I encountered a man on the brug forum who likens the datura smell to something he has smelled in gas station bathrooms. Personally, I am still waiting for mine to germinate so I have no point of reference. Do you bring ALL those plants in for the winter? I beg that's a job. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
8:20 PM Post #5254182
| The datura comes back by seed mostly.
Hmm I never smelled that fragrance in a gas station bathroom,but it does remind me of the days,of weak perfume called toilet water!!LOL
Small red dinner hibiscus I have growing at both ends of the frontyard.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
8:25 PM Post #5254203
| I have several varieties of hardy hibiscus. Right now Lady Baltimore is in bloom. I have had this plant for 3 years now, it's the first time it got big enough to bloom. It was well worth the wait. I am now trying to germinate one called Mary Poppins. I have never heard of a dinner hibiscus, only the hardy and the tropical. I am considering planting some of the disco variety because I read they only get up to 3 ft. tall and I think it would be good to tuck in between other plants. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 13, 2008
10:12 PM Post #5254820
| Dinner hibiscus is just a common term used for the hardy hibiscus,because there flowers are at least 8 to 9inches across. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 14, 2008
11:10 AM Post #5257076
| Beautiful, Don. Sure wish you were my neighbor.
Christi |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
July 14, 2008
11:53 AM Post #5257303
| Nothing more I like than a "secret garden", my favorite book as a child! Awesome, Don! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 14, 2008
12:03 PM Post #5257372
| Don- I can't stand it anymore. Can I press upon you for some seed from your black death castor bean? I would offer a trade, but I can't imagine having anything you don't already have. But name it, it's yours. |
kimarj
(Kim) Philadelphi, PA
(Zone 6a)
July 14, 2008
9:08 PM Post #5260042
| Don i'm with Christi oh how I wish we were neighbors!!! Awesome garden : ) Can I be on the list for Black Death??? And what do you mean by compost in place?? |
Robynznest
Stoutland, MO
(Zone 6b)
July 14, 2008
9:40 PM Post #5260251
| Don in post [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] what is growing over your arch? |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 14, 2008
11:52 PM Post #5260984
| I too wish we all could be neighbors!!!!
You bet,your on the list!
Robyn,there are 2 vines growing,maypop passion vine,and the climbing spinach,if you haven't tried it,you will definitely want to,and the leaves of the spinach are edible. |
lourspolaire
Lauderhill,, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 15, 2008
7:43 AM Post #5261828
| Don, I have just found this thread and I am aghast at all the tropicals you can grow in KS. You truly have 10 green fingers and 10 green toes to match. Kudos, my friend.
Florida is home to quite a few ricin plants that grow wild in fields. They are usually the green variety that grow unchecked in vacant lots, by the roadside or on dilapidated properties. I am quite the ricin enthusiast. My heart skipped a beat when I saw your black death castor bean specimen. I would love to have some of those seeds. I would gladly exchange some sacred lotus seeds (nelumbo nucifera) that you could plant in your pond. Would that be OK with you?
Thanks.
Sylvain. |
Robynznest
Stoutland, MO
(Zone 6b)
July 15, 2008
8:06 AM Post #5261900
| Thanks Don, I have Maypop but don't belive I've ever seen the spinach (yum). I need to do some checking on where to get it.
You are a miracle worker. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
9:59 AM Post #5262370
| Kim,when you prune a plant,I tear up it the best I can and drop the prunings right next to where the plant is growing,it will decay right back in the soil to enrich the plant,same as leaves decaying in your garden every fall.
Sylvain, I don't about all that green,but I have a crack around the base of my little toe,dried skin cracking thats driving me crazy!!!LOL
Thanks Robyn you'll be glad you did! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 15, 2008
10:06 AM Post #5262401
| Hey Don. Finally convinced DH that pedicures are not for sissies but a good thing for your health. With diabetes you should take really good care of your feet. (There I go, being momma hen) Most of the technicians are trained to care for people with diabetes and will be extra careful. If you went today, you would be a new man in an hours time. |
Robynznest
Stoutland, MO
(Zone 6b)
July 15, 2008
10:16 AM Post #5262447
| Ditto what Christie says. I'm on my feet 12 to 15 hours a day and when mine crack and hurt a pedicure is the most wonderful thing in the world. Better than sex! hahaha |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 15, 2008
10:22 AM Post #5262481
| Hated to say that right out loud, Robyn. But that's the truth.
Christi |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
10:23 AM Post #5262487
| On vacation next 2 weeks,putting the utters cream or bee palm on it,it's starting to feel better,wife put some neosporin on it last nite,she said it look real good this moring. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 15, 2008
10:25 AM Post #5262502
| The trip to the nail saloon has become a couple outing for us. We go once a month and sit in the massage chairs in the back room. Try it, you'll both like it. lol |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
10:37 AM Post #5262587
| Ok try not to laugh real hard,I can't stand anyone to touch my toes,even patti!
But for a second or too,I hold my breath!!!!
I've been skiddish about my toes all my life,must have been someone tickling my feet when I was a baby trying to make me smile!!!!LOL |
Marcy_1
New Madison, OH
(Zone 5a)
July 15, 2008
10:44 AM Post #5262630
| Don...your pictures are just great!! You are the MASTER!!
Touchy toes huh? Dave can't stand anyone near his eyes! He gets all blinky! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
10:48 AM Post #5262648
| Thanks Marcia
Yep Pattis that way also,well on the way to The DR,Patti's alhymzer check up! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
10:55 AM Post #5262691
| Don-I have heard that Surgeons Skin Secret works real good for what ails your feet. I don't have diabetes, but I do walk around outside barefoot all the time. I was told I had temporal mendibular joint disease (spelling?) years ago. It's where your nerves cause you to grind your teeth while you sleep. The doctor said this condition makes your skin dry. I have a lot of trouble with dry cracked feet. Now that I walk barefoot outside all the time I have a real bad time. I am thinking of buying some of that for my feet. |
Robynznest
Stoutland, MO
(Zone 6b)
July 15, 2008
10:57 AM Post #5262694
| Take care Don and good luck. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
1:46 PM Post #5263514
| Surgeons Skin Secret ,never heard of that,where do you get it?
Thanks Robyn! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
2:13 PM Post #5263651
| Well. You can go to QVC.com and type in surgeons skin secret in the search. I am not sure how much it costs. There is a male show host who has a skin condition which he says causes his hands to crack and bleed. He says he uses it and it helps him. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 15, 2008
2:22 PM Post #5263697
| Thanks,will ask my sis she does the QVC thing all the time! |
lourspolaire
Lauderhill,, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 15, 2008
8:00 PM Post #5265243
| When I lived in Canada, there was this over-the-counter cream: Uremol 20 I used when my heels cracked during the winter. It contains 20% or 22% urea and works miracles to heal cracked dry skin. I haven't seen it here in the US. I think you need a prescriptiion to get it. Each winter when my dad flies does for the season, I have him bring 4 or 5 tubes. That does me the whole year. It has a shelf life of about 18 months. I haven't found anything similar here.
Take care, all.
Sylvain. |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)
(Zone 11)
July 15, 2008
11:53 PM Post #5266573
| Don, just dropping by to say once again you have taken my breath away! Such a magnificent job of bringing the tropics to heartland US. Well done!!! Thanks so much for the pics, you give us all inspiration.
Yokwe everyone!
Shari |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
12:01 AM Post #5266603
| Thanks Sylain,will check with pharmacist.
Hi Shari.
Thanks for such kind words,just like to make everyone who live in the tropis feel at home,when looking at my pics!!! |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
10:15 AM Post #5268046
| Isn't it nice to step out in to your yard and feel like you have escaped to a tropical island? Very cheap vacation, and you can go anytime you want! |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
10:33 AM Post #5268141
| Yep,ain't that the truth!!!LOL |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
10:54 AM Post #5268263
| Being that I also have built a tropical garden would beg to differ about the "cheap" part.
Christi |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
11:13 AM Post #5268390
| Ha!ha! I know! I am planting tropicals. Can relate! You can't get this stuff at Wal-Mart (although I did get 4 musa basjoos there). |
LiliMerci
North of Atlanta, GA
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
11:47 AM Post #5268561
| Tropicman, what a fantastic garden. Where do you put all this stuff in the winter. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
12:06 PM Post #5268645
| Still cheaper than an exotic cruise around the Caribbean. LOL!
Just meaning not a lump sum at once!!!LOL
LiliMerci,I have 3 greenhouses and a sunroom,although none are really huge,but I packem
like sardines!!! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
12:24 PM Post #5268733
| Would take a lot of pictures to show most of the yard. You would be bored.
Christi
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LiliMerci
North of Atlanta, GA
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
2:26 PM Post #5269389
| LouC, would that be a castor beans on the far right of the picture you just posted? |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
2:57 PM Post #5269551
| Yes it is, Lili. Randy was here in April and brought dozens of wonderful plants.
They have everyone grown like crazy. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
5:08 PM Post #5270127
| Christi never boring!!!
Wow you have the ears!!
What is that blooming in the very far back,red flowers? |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
7:30 PM Post #5270595
| Right side? Top of a crepe myrtle. Was disappointed. Ordered it online because I wanted "Dynamite". This is the third year and it is pink! I could have gotten pink anywhere in town.
Morning Glory tree from Randy.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
8:11 PM Post #5270860
| I have one that is called COUNTRY KITCHEN Red.
Really only hardy to zone 8,but it keeps coming back and usually blooms end of August. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
8:50 PM Post #5271052
| But just consider the good care it gets in zone 6a. |
LiliMerci
North of Atlanta, GA
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
10:27 PM Post #5271596
| I'm learning my plants just from reading the threads. I don't even have a castor bean plant - well I put a few seeds down but nothing yet... Is that flower(s) on top of the castor bean plant? |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 16, 2008
10:54 PM Post #5271744
| There are small rather insignificant blooms of cream color that become the seed pod which is a spiney ball with the seeds inside. They look just like pinto beans but are extremely poisonus. When ground into a powder it is called "ricin". Same thing that was used in some of the mail attacks a few years ago. If you take a good stock of the garden by far the majority of it is poison...if you eat it. I don't put it in my mouth.
Christi
keep trying to send a clear picture but it just disappears. |
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 17, 2008
12:18 AM Post #5272025
| Wow Christi,my MGB never had that many blooms at one time!!!
I traded mine off couple yrs back,spidermites loved it more than any plant I had,in the winter time. |
lourspolaire
Lauderhill,, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 17, 2008
5:34 AM Post #5272382
| I love the castor bean plants. Now talk about a bold, in your face plant. And so very toxic to boot. I have always had an inclination towards toxic plants. Gardeners often shy away from them. I had to draw the line when I acquired (and subsequently destroyed) a mantegazzianum heracleum. That one secretes a sap on the edge of its leaves that gets on your skin and causes 2nd degree burns. That's a bit too evil, even for me.
Take care, all.
Sylvain. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
8:47 AM Post #5272899
| Hope the pictures are going to work today. The stalk of this castor bean is red as are the veins in the leaves. Extra striking. As you can see going to have lots of seed. Will be glad to send to those who want it. They are annual here but Randy has one in Houston that has a tree trunk because it doesn't go dormant. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
8:50 AM Post #5272917
| Hoja Santa, rootbeer plant. Some of the leaves rival the EE's and they are 2 feet across and 3 feet long.
Chris
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
8:54 AM Post #5272937
| The crepe myrtle tree is actually in the bed on this side of the rock. Very, very conflicted garden. A tropical cottage garden, and I love it. Everything is in the ground and that will be a mess when it gets cold.
Chris
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
8:56 AM Post #5272952
| tropical pond 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
9:01 AM Post #5272969
| Don't like to be able to see any dirt. Tropical, perrenials, annuals, and veggies all mixed up.
Chris
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
9:03 AM Post #5272977
| Sorry, Don. I took over your thread.
Christi
|
Tropicman
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
July 17, 2008
9:36 AM Post #5273121
| No problem be my guest!!!
How hardy is that rootbeer plant?
Everything is lush,your either water well,or getting lots of rain! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 17, 2008
10:04 AM Post #5273258
| I'm scared to get my water bill. Literally. It will probably be $300+ Our town penalizes you for using water. We have stopped going anywhere so I can have this garden.
The root beer dies completely to the ground and comes back next year. Root hardy. Spreads by root. I could try to send one. So far whenever I have dug one it has wilted tremendously. Very willing to try.
Christi
The leaves are used to wrap chicken or fish and then grill, broil, bake, whatever.
We haven't done so as yet. That's what they told us at the nursery. |
bubba1
Woodward, OK
(Zone 6a)
July 17, 2008
10:36 AM Post #5273352
| What about digging some up after it goes dormant? Is it hardy to zone 6? |
