Gardening, landscaping and plants in general

[SFMCfranky]

Artichoke in bloom - photo taken last evening in my back field.

[SKT]

Some beautiful Hydrangeas from this morning’s walk

[Mister_Brue]

@SKT Nice. They’re never that colour in this part of the world.

[SKT]

@Mister_Brue I’m sure they’re a product of some hybrid wizardry but they sure are pretty

[Mister_Brue]

@SKT It’s actually all to do with the soil type. They change colour depending on whether it’s acid or alkaline.

[SKT]

@Mister_Brue ahh…actual nature so much cooler

[endo]

@SKT @Mister_Brue my mom always made them blue by adding a certain fertilizer. Just read this: to color hydrangeas blue, acidic soil with a low pH (ideally below 5.0) is crucial, as this allows the plant to absorb aluminum, which is responsible for the blue color. Additionally, the use of aluminum sulfate (alum) in irrigation water or as a fertilizer can help intensify the blue color.

[Mister_Brue]

@endo That’s it! I didn’t remember it was to do with aluminium though. This is the one in my garden:

[wjw]

For hydrangeas or acidifying soil in general you can use a more natural sulfur. More natural than aluminum sulfate--you don't want aluminum sulfate to run off into unintended areas. I use Espoma Soil Acidifier which uses elemental sulfur and gypsum a couple times a year for my hydrangeas, rhodies, azaleas and any other acid loving plants.

I try to keep my garden as organic as possible, but I do use an annual copper spray for a couple plants that have bad powder mildew problems, and an insecticide for ornamentals that have a bad weevil and whitefly problem. The organic methods for those pests and pathogens weren't able to curb the problem.

[SFMCfranky]

Pomegranate blooms

[northsouthdenimguy]

Some random garden shots

[twin]

@northsouthdenimguy I like them all.

[northsouthdenimguy]

@twin

Thanks I appreciate it! The lady that originally owned this house was a horticulturist. We have random things pop up every season that may not have popped up the year before and may not show up again for a year or two.

[northsouthdenimguy]

This Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' Floating Clouds Japanese Maple came in the mail(fed ex) today. Hoping it will have the “white” leaves one day… need to do a little more research on soil, planting location, etc.. definitely will keep in the pot throughout the summer, too hot to plant now.

[Mister_Brue]

@northsouthdenimguy That’ll be a lovely addition. Your other Acer is such a beautiful shape.

[catdad1]

My dad gifted me this young crimson queen Japanese maple about a month ago and has already grown a good 4-5". Using a 50/50 mix of succulent soil and traditional outdoor planting mix. Potted for now as we're unsure if we'll move over the next couple of years.

[northsouthdenimguy]

@Mister_Brue

Thank you! I’ve been in this house for six years and always wondered how old it is. It’s between 8’ to 10’ tall

[northsouthdenimguy]

[Go For Chill]

Front yard watermelon

[SFMCfranky]

The Datura are starting to bloom.