Purple Giant Alliums

I've always loved these big purple ball flowers.  My sister has a bunch in their yard.  She has the smaller version of these flowers though.

These are called Alliums.  These are spring to early summer blooming flowers which is easy to grown when there's good drainage soil and full sun for them in your garden.

This is the first year I had these flowers in my garden.  I didn't read the planting instructions so I think I might have planted them too closely together.

Below are pictures of the bloom of these flowers.

They are pricey bulbs but they are just so pretty.  I just love them.  So far they seem to be pretty long lasting because other flowers in my garden which bloomed at the same time seem to have wilted already.

My sister also planted scallions and onions in her yard.  They look similar...maybe because they are in the same onion family?  But I believe the steams looks different and also the colors of the flower might be white. I got to try it since I've always have unused onions or scallions that goes bad which I can just throw into my garden.

Anyone planted Alliums?  What are some things I should look for in caring for them?  And has anyone tried planting scallions and onions?  Let me know!

Ground hog in yard. Ahhh!!!

We have a ground hog living in our yard.  I think it made itself home under our shed.  I see it coming in and out a couple of times everyday.

I read that ground hogs could cause foundation damages.  Is this true?  How can I get rid of it? Please help!

It's cute but I want it out!! 

New photos and updates on my plants

So a week and here are some updated pictures on my seeds that I've started. All my Celosias are growing well. And finally my Poppies and one Lupine seed is growing. They growing and changing daily makes me so happy. :)

And can you believe it...something is already munching on my plants. I believe these are my tulips I think and they are half way gone. I really need to find a way to prevent them being all chewed up this year. Any suggestion what I should do or get??

I was so surprised when looking through one of my hypertufa pots. My Chinese Dunce Cap succulent had started with its seeds. How exciting. There were only a couple. Hopefully more will start growing.

Milk Jug Starters - Poppy, Celosia, and Lupine Seeds

My kids drink lots of milk and we always have tons of milk jugs to recycle. So I decided to try to reuse them. It's the beginning of spring so I thought why not turn them into seed starters. I've seen some bloggers out there using this method and it seems like it’s a great idea.

I had a couple of different seeds to try out.  First one was the Poppy seeds that my sister had given me. Second Celosia seeds, two types to be exact. One is the cocktail version which I had collected from last year's container. The second version is the brain looking type which I've purchased at an Ocean Lot. The third type of seed was the Lupine seeds, which I've also purchased last year somewhere.

I cut all the milk jugs in half leaving a small section near the handle to keep lid in place. I punched holes on the bottom for drainage. I filled them all with potting soil and then moisten it. I lightly sprinkled seeds around. I placed a light layer of soul on top of seeds. I moisten that layer also and closed the containers and leaving the milk jug caps off. Originally I was going to place them outside but we still had tons of snow and weather has just been so close I just ended up leaving them inside. Since the jugs are now inside I uncovered them so they would get some light. Throughout the week I kept the soil lightly moist.

A week later I noticed some of my little seeds had spouted. Only my Celosia seeds though. You see the little red popping out. Aren't they cute?  I hope the pictures taken from my phone are clear enough.  The little spouts are kind of tiny.  I was so excited. I just love this Celosia. I live their textures and their vibrant colors.

I was upset how I didn't see the other two seeds spouting. Maybe I have to wait a little longer?

Well I'll keep you guys updated on my seed starting process. Maybe next week I'll post more pictures so you guys can all see how different my seeds look.  Experts out there please give me some tips on how to start seeds or other methods people out there used.  

Re-potted My Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, and Miniature Pineapple Plant

I finally got off my lazy but and replanted some of my plants.  I re-potted my Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, and Miniature Pineapple Plant.  The blue pot are from the Ocean Lot.  They sell a huge variety of pots for a very affordable price.  The blue one was $3.  The clear plastic thing (sorry, can't think of what it's called right now) under the pot cost $0.88.  The purple vase/pot came from Ikea.  It's sold in a set of two.  The smaller one is broken so I only had this tall one left.  I apologize but I do not remember how much those cost.

This miniature pineapple plant originally cost was $12.99 but it went on clearance and I got it for $2.99 only.  I brought two of these plants from Shaw's (a local grocery store).  I had given one away to my sister.  To my surprise I found pups in each of these pots.  The one my sister got had one and the one I got had three.  I did not know of this until I had brought them home.  What I deal huh?  I will take close up of these little pups as soon as I find more time.  :)

Also to let you all know I went to the Boston Flower Show this past weekend.  Hopefully can I upload some photos soon to show you all.  

Is winter still here? Succulents Colors and Daffodils and Tulips

It's been a while since I've posted.  We been receiving so much snow outside that I didn't get a chance to take much pictures or see much changes in my plants.  But this weekend it started to warm up and snow is beginning to melt so I was able to take some pictures to share.

Look at the bright red colors.  These two succulents will turn green once the warm weather comes.  I guess red is the stressed color (is that how people call it?)

Are these tulips?  I'm not sure what I've planted or where I've planted it.  I guess I'll find out soon.  They seem to be growing fast.

Daffodils?  Again, I'll find out soon!

These were in my garage the last month or so.  We've had over two feet of snow so to protect my plants and hypertufa pots I decided to store them inside for a while.

Is this the Chinese Dunce Cap spouting?

I forgot what this is.  Damn I'm bad with names. 

Hope you like the pictures.  Spring will be arriving soon and I'll have more pictures posted up soon!

Crochet Cactus, Flowers, and Succulents

Everyone knows cactuses and succulents are extremely easy to take care of and to keep alive.  But if some of you disagree check out my recent post on my crafts blog and make something that look like these plants and they can never die!!  Aren't they cute?

Check out site here: http://allmyfuncrafts.blogspot.com/2013/01/crochet-cactus-flowers-and-succulents.html