What a boost to come to work and be greeted by such beautiful roses and lilies. Our library has experienced a landscape renewal in the past couple of years that has added more color to our environment. Though the roses are simply beautiful, we have yet to identify the variety pictured here. Perhaps you can tell us what they are?
Yes, many orchids are easy to grow! Like any living thing, they have a few requirements: light, food, and water. They need as much bright, indirect light as you can give them. I learned not to put them in direct sunlight, as they will develop black spots on the blooms and leaves.
As for food and water, orchids need consistency. During the winter, water them thoroughly each week, and in the summer, they may require water every other day. I feed year-round with a diluted mix. I also recommend potting them in an orchid bark mix as it allows the roots to breathe.
Looking out my front door, across the grassy field in the shade of the trees, I saw a tall, shimmering, orange flower that stood above all the tall grasses. Curious, I went over to see it. I knew it was a lily, but had no idea what kind. At this time, I knew nothing about wildflowers beyond dandelions and Queen Ann’s Lace. I had never seen this beautiful flower. On another occasion, I found a pretty purple flower and wondered what it might be.
Have you ever noticed that the petals and leaves on your rose bushes are curling up and turning brown? What could cause this problem? Check out our gardening section at the Liberty Branch. There are many great resources on how to care for your roses.
The Roses In Front Of the Library Are Still Beautiful
The roses in front of the Dearborn Branch have done just great this year. I am amazed, after the harsh weather this last year. Last winter, we would come to work in the morning and the plants would be drifted almost out of sight with snow. They also thrived with just occasional watering during the worst heat of the summer.
Are you hungry for spring to get here? If you join us at the Camden Point Branch on Saturday, February 26, you will go home with a little bit of spring’s possibilities in your hands.
The program, Wildflower Seedballs, will be presented at 2:00 p.m. by Larry O’Donnell from the Little Blue River Watershed Coalition. We will learn about native plants and how they help the land. Each participant will make a wildflower seedball to take home and plant in the garden.
"If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft, and from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left, Sell one, and with the dole Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul" ~ Moslih Eddin Saadi (1184 – 1283/1291?)
This past weekend was a teaser for Spring with temperatures in the 70's. As I did my grocery shopping, hyacinths were on sale in the flower department. I'd forgotten what a treat they are in color, form, and smell.
The weatherman says it is meteorological spring, but still I put on my jacket each morning. One night this week, I was compelled to bring my new basket of pansies inside, just in case. To temper my spring fever, I have been reading books about container gardening.
