Nadia Knows Gardens

I KNOW THAT CREATING + GROWING = INSPIRED LIVING!

ALOHA PLUMERIAS September 30, 2009

I get the feeling of being in Hawaii when my Plumerias are in bloom. If I close my eyes and smell the scent of the flowers; I can even pretend for a moment that I am on a tropical island. Look at these beauties that are so easy to grow and can create such a vibrant, tropical atmosphere.

Quick Tips for Plumerias:

1. Place in full sun. 2. The soil needs to have good drainage- use cactus mix. 3. Keep soil evenly moist and spray with a water mister, daily if possible. 4. If you get  a cutting, use root hormone to aid in root growth and plant 4 inches into the soil. 5. When the plumeria starts to bloom, add organic bone meal to the soil to boost flowering (a 3 lb. bag is around $6.00). 6. Keep out of frost conditions in the winter by covering at night, or bringing Plumeria indoors. 6. Talk and sing to your plumeria often- you will both grow more abundantly!

Thank you for visiting my blog: www.nadiaknows.com

“I know I want to keep creating, growing and having fun.”

 

Feng Shui for Container Gardening September 21, 2009

The ancient Chinese practice of configuring home or work to promote health, happiness and prosperity- this is called Feng Shui.

Who wouldn’t want more of that in their lives? Here (photos below) I have created a container garden that balances rock, plants, glass and a little art to enhance my backyard BBQ area. Use any size container to create a color palate of garden harmony sprinkled with embellishments.

  • Choose several different colors of succulents or a variety of your favorite plants that require the same watering schedule. This will give the container contrast and allow each plant to stand out in its own beauty. This Feng Shui container is a mixture of seven different succulents, one Euphorbia and one Plumeria.
  • Add a glass watering globe found at Bed Bath & Beyond (remember to use your 20% off coupon), to add a little moisture in the soil in between waterings.
  • Use a large smooth river rock and paint a design on it. The one pictured below is just dots and daisies painted with acrylic paints (you can also use nail polish as a substitute) on an opposing background color. I am not an artist, so most people think my kids painted this… oh well.
  • Place natural rugged looking rocks, or lava rock to squish in-between the plants. Pieces of wood/branches are a great idea too.
  • Choose a plant for the front of the container that drapes over the pot like these succulent string of pearls.

Use all types of objects in your container: shells, sea glass, a metal toy, or antique pieces- customize it to express your passions!

Thank you for visiting my blog! www.nadiaknows.com

“I know I want to keep creating, growing, and having fun.”