Note: I
actually wrote this yesterday but before I could post it, the threatening
thunderstorm hit full force with loud booms, close by zots of lightening and
flickering lights. I turned off the
computer.
Hal -le-lu-jah!
Over the past three days, I got the back and front yard
under control! Well, sort of under
control. Ok, as much under control as is
possible for a warm late February.
So, I
Mowed front and back
Cut back of all everything that
either died back or had just gotten huge.
Dug up weeds in the yard.
Dug up weeds in the flower beds.
Moved half a dozen plants out of
the shed and into the light.
Dug up and moved several plants
that were in the really wrong place.
And, made at least 500 trips over
to the yard trash pile.
Yea Me!
I know, in this case
a picture is not worth
1000 words. But it does look soooo much better than before.
1000 words. But it does look soooo much better than before.
Now, if the weeds would just not grow for a couple of weeks,
all will be good with the world. Of
course, considering we are expecting mild temperatures and lots of rain, I’m
thinking that might not happen.
I checked the weather off and on for the last couple of
days. Is it mostly safe to take plants out of the greenhouse?????? Many have been sitting in the very back where
they get little light, not enough water, and were looking naked, shriveled, and
generally sad. They need to be
out in what daylight we have (which is not much, mostly we have dark
clouds). Yes!, going to be in the
60-40’s. So, I moved some of the plants
outside.
I just looked at the weather again. Next week it’s supposed to be down in the
30’s for FOUR NIGHTS! Arrrggghhh! Guess I’ll be moving them back in over the
weekend.
I mentioned that I dug up and moved plants. Yep.
Three years ago, I planted a tiny little lemongrass seedling. Less than 6 inches tall. Soooo cute.
And, by the end of that summer it was as tall as I am.
And, did I plant it someplace where it could just be
big? Oh hell no. I planted it along the side of my herb bed
where it over shadowed everything!
Arrgh! Yes, I do I know better; I
caution others to make sure there is enough grow space without crowding out
other plants. So, at the end of this
past summer, I cut it back to the ground.
And, yesterday I dug it up and put it in a big pot.
Hopefully – it will be better. Though, I read recently that if you put it in
a container, keep an eye on it because the roots can get big enough to burst it
(oh goodie).
Lemongrass. If you like using the herb lemongrass, you
may find that it’s not usually available in your local grocery store. If you’re not familiar with it, the herb
lemongrass is a perennial grass that grows in tropical climates. Yes, that means, north of Austin, it will likely
freeze and die unless in a protected container of some sort. The stalks grow in clusters and can reach
anywhere between six to ten feet in height and probably about the same
in width! (A stalk of lemongrass consists of a base, a few tough green husks, and
a white core, which is what is used in cooking). And, it is easy to grow. Keep in mind 6-10 feet tall and just about
as wide when planting it. If you
choose to put it in some sort of container, get a big one! Remember – bursting the container.
Lemongrass likes a well-drained soil in a sunny spot (yes, even our sun). It’s not particularly drought tolerant though
and will do best with regular watering. Yes,
cold sensitive. Annual, biennial, perennial?
You know, I think it depends on where
you live. Mostly it’s described as an
annual except for zones 9-10 where it’s considered perennial. And, then I’ve read one article that
describes it as a biennial. Take your
choice. Does it bloom? Well, mine never has and according to Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension Service, no, not usually.
It is widely used as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. It
has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried or used fresh. It is commonly used
in teas, soups, with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. It is high in vitamin A and C, folate, folic
acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and
manganese. It has been used to help with
digestion, relax muscles, relieve headaches, and help with joint pain relief.
Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. The oil has can be used to repel some insects,
like mosquitoes (which is, as far as I am
concerned, a good reason to plant it even if you never plan to use it as a
medicinal/culinary herb). Additionally,
it is said to repel serpents, and is burned, bathed in, or carried on the
person for honesty, growth, strength, psychic powers, and purification. HEY! you never know what works!
OK what else is happening in my yard? Not much yet.
As well as the
Snowdrops
Last year’s Pinks
(Dianthus) have come back.
And the Borage is
already up and blooming.
These, but I can never remember what they are called.
and
The ground orchids.
Whoa - more blooming than I thought!
26 Feb 2019
the bromeliad is called Queen's Tears I think.
ReplyDeleteYes, Billbergia nutans or Queens Tears.
ReplyDelete