Black Krim Tomatoes

These are definitely my favorite of all of the tomatoes that I’m growing. This indeterminate has been very prolific – I think I’ve picked every ripe fruit off of each plant. I waiting for the next round of tomatoes to ripen. They’re that good! A native of the former Soviet Union, this dark red (“black”), [...]

Perfect Moment Rose

Actually, as shown in the photo, there are several perfect moments – and we can certainly use more of those these days! The milky white stains on the leaves are no worry – a result of a little splash from the work I’m having done on my house – this plant is totally healthy! This breathtaking [...]

Speckled Roman Tomato

One of my speckled Roman tomato fruits is beginning to ripen! Notice the vibrant yellow streaking and gorgeous orange-red background. These tomatoes have been a bit slower to fruit and ripen than my other tomato plants, but look at the results thus far! I can’t wait to try it. This tomato plant was started from [...]

Dragon Tree Seedlings Propagated From Seeds!

This is truly a happy day! As I’d mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been attempting to propagate dragon trees (also known as drago trees and Dracaena draco trees). The cuttings from my mature dragon tree have been thriving in containers filled with ordinary potting soil (see my previous May 26 post for more detailed information on this method of [...]

Silverado and Yves Piaget Roses

The photos of these two roses makes for a lovely pink diptych! The one on the left is Silverado, a hybrid tea rose. The Yves Piaget is a hybrid tea rose, but also referred to as a romantica rose. They’re truly a sight for sore eyes after a long day (week!) at work. I took these photos within the [...]

The Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Gardening

Whether planted in the ground or in containers, there are many benefits derived from fruit and vegetable gardening. My paid work keeps me in an office most of the day of each week, and in a sedentary state. If not for my garden, I’d frankly spend a modest time outdoors. The fresh air (especially the evening ocean breezes [...]

Bees Are Great Garden Partners

They’re great pollinators, which is vital to our gardens, especially our fruit and vegetable crops. The photos (left to right) are a bit blurry, but they’re indulging in my French lavender and lantana plants. Plant more bee-friendly plants and your garden will be buzzing and your fruit and vegetable (and flower!) garden will be thriving! Information about colony collapse [...]

Spaghetti Squash and Jalapeno Peppers!

Together at last! As mentioned in my previous post, for fun, I planted spaghetti squash (winter squash) seeds and jalapeno pepper seeds on June 25. Seedlings are evident for both crops! The squash is in the large container in the top center. I’ve had previous happy success (still) growing another winter squash, acorn squash, in the [...]

Garden Party Rose and Unknown English Rose!

I’m pleased to post a photo of a “Garden Party” rose, a hybrid tea. This is its very first bloom in my garden. Debut! I purchased this plant a few months ago – it had no flower buds at the time. It’s a bit difficult to see (photo on the left), so you might want to [...]

When To Harvest Tomatoes

I’d pondered this issue when I first started growing tomatoes. Reading advice from various experts, the “ideal” first choice is to allow the tomatoes to ripen on the vine, are fully red (or other color, such as yellow, depending on the variety of tomato), and slightly soft when squeezed. Then you can harvest or pick [...]