Richie, pics of all my Asparagus-type ferns..the small fern is variegated. I couldn't believe a local nursery had 'one' in stock!
One guy on the net had one for sale years ago. His asking price was 55.00. lol. Someone purchased it..it was the last variegated around. Wonder if it'll grow variegated.
So, hope you can see why I need big pots. Asparagus and Plumosias are easy to find, they're sold as summer annuals for .98 each..never buy one sold as a house plant, unless you want to pay a small forunte.

Your garden sounds wonderful, Richie. Grafted Gardenias! What's their height? Are they tree-shaped?
You know, when it comes to buying plants, I prefer small sizes, (Wathing them grow,)seedlings..even cuttings and seeds..But, out of all the plants around, it's much easier maintaining adult, standard trees..Gardenias, Citrus, and Camellia.
Oh, Hibiscus, too, but they do okay bushy. I've been shaping hibs as trees, which means pruning!

Richie, when your garden is finished, please send pictures. I'd love seeing how it turns out.
The varieties your chose sound fantastic. Did you outline a picture how you want it to look? For instance, taller plants in the background. Ohhh how nice!

Richie, I am embarrassed contating the nursery. I should have done this week one. I'm hoping, some plants can be saved..The Weeping Ficus and Camellia should make it. It's just the Gardenias that have problems.
I'm really upset about the Variegated Gardenia..think it has a disease..it came in this way, and it's not frost. I don't know what it is...a disease? virus? Don't know how to treat it..Soft brown leaves. I'm going to remove every leaf on this plant, see what happens.

Richie, when we lose a loved one, it hurts. As time goes by, the memory is with us, but the hurt decreases little by little. I don't know what you believe, but I'm hoping there's a Heaven, and one day we'll all reunite. I sure hope so anyway. I also hope there are plants everywhere. Peace and love.
Our father died when I was 16, youngest child 6 months old..3 siblings in-between. I know I'd like to talk to my father, and my brothers and siters meet a man they hardly remember, especially our two younger brothers.

I'm glad you're back on Gw. Please don't forget to send pictures..Toni

Where was I when you posted these toni..lol

I can't wait to get home and see them..

Richie, I can't wait to see your pics too. The denias...I have are babies too. 6 of them. I figure if I can grow them to adulthood, they might just do better for me than the ones I but already adults and raised by someone else...

I will try to post too.
You know what, I would love to see pics of your special garden you have been working on. I have been thinking of you. You have real friends here. I wish you happiness!

Mike:-)

Your garden sounds nice. I too want to see pics, even though your trees are young. You are so lucky you can keep gardenias outdoors, year round, they must do great.
Sun, fresh air, humidity..what more can they ask for?

Richie, are the brown tips crispy or soft? Is your Mystery in a pot or ground?

Richie, what do you mean invite people to Gw? lol..I dont understand. Do you mean to this thread? Everyone is invited, and welcome to join if they want. I haven't any control over who stops here, but it's nice when people chime in, talk about their plants.

Richie, I too believe and 'hope' there's a heaven, and some day meet all the people I lost. Wouldn't it be great seeing those you knew or family members you didn't?

Mike, post your pics...please, Toni

I am so sorry to hear this...Who would not feel sad? Someone with no compassion for sure which you seem to have plenty of. I was thinking of you the other day..

I just want to send my warm heartfelt thoughts to you...Keep staying strong and know that you are loved..;-)

Richie, we know you're very unhappy and miss your grandpa. It's difficult losing someone we love.
I too hope we go to Heaven and be with our loved ones. I would love to spend eternity in a happy place with plants growing everywhere, friends & family nearby. No problems, no taxes. :)
Let's hope your grandpa is tending to your cat..

I've had dreams like you did..in the dream something good is happening. Or we're with people who are no longer with us. Then wake up. Some dreams stay with us a long time..We think and rethink it. Want to relive it.
I believe there are two types of dreams. Regular dreams of things we think about, or maybe a movie/tv show that sticks in our minds.
I also believe in precognitive dreams..something's going to happen and it does.
Dreams are strange..
When you have a dream like the one you did, you should write it down in a dream journal. I've been doing this over 20 yrs. Then analize it. Try figuring it's meaning.

About your Gardenia turning yellow..have you done anything different? What about the weather? Has it changed. Unlike past summers this time of year?
When a leaf yellows, the first thing I do is check for insects. Have you inspected your 'denia?
How about overwatering? Leaves yellow when soil stays wet without drying between waterings.
I give certain plants an iron suppliment two to three times per year..this prevents iron deficiency, and paling of leaves.
Epsom Salts keep leaves nice and green. My plants got a dose of ES's, fertilizer and ST the last two weeks.

You know the expression, 'when it rains it pours?' It's so true. It seems 2009, your family has undergone a storm. But things will get better..Sometimes they get worse before they improve.
Richie, your grandpa wouldn't want you to be unhappy. When someone passes away, it's normal to mourn, but as life goes on, things get beter.
I'm not saying you're going to forget about your grandpa, he'll always be in your heart, but you mustn't dwell on the sad things..you'll make yourself sick.
He sounds like a good man, so be grateful for the time you and he spent and fond memories.
Enjoy life with your g/f, mom and siblings, plants and pets. And thank God you live in Fl. :)

Wow, you really spend a lot of money on soil. What size bags do you buy? And which brand?

Richie, when you have time, post more pictures. Even the Gardenia with yellow leaves..it's possible someone will be able to spot the problem and advise what needs doing.
Posting a plant pic is easier to fix than mere words. lol.

Take care of yourself, Richie. Life will get better, believe me. Keep praying, hugs, Toni

I am taking pictures in a day or two...Watch for them ok...Come back to this thread or lets keep it going and not let it die. I want to see all your pics too..ok

Toni HUGS

Richie..HUG

By the way, we miss you merciepoo and pug!

I am taking pictures in a day or two...Watch for them ok... Wit till you see my wierd yellow denia. For the life of me, I don't know the name of it...
Come back to this thread or lets keep it going and not let it die. I want to see all your pics too..ok

Toni.. HUGS

Richie.. A big bear HUG and focus on reasons to keep smiling..k

By the way, we miss you merciepoo and pug!

Mike..:-)

Mike, where are your pics? lol..Toni

This is the Maid of Orleans I almost lost. In just 3 weeks look how fast it came back!!!
Love you all!

Nice to be missed!

Great photos!! Mike your plants are looking awesome!

Richie, hang in there. So sorry about your cat :o( It will take some time, Hope you feel better soon.

Merciepoo...where the heck are you? We miss your hilarious
posts!!

Toni, I had almost forgotten about this post too. Glad I came to check on it.

What is the plant growing in a windobox? That's an interesting idea..Especially if it's citrus or gardenia.

How often do you fertilize, and which type/s? Add anything else? ES's, ST, etc?

Pug, haven't seen you around this forum for some time. lol. See how addicted we are? We need info about several plants, go to different forums..lol..
Did you know Mike has a hoya too??? I'm still waiting to see a pic of this hoya..lol..

It is growing at my ole work in Woburn Mass some 30 minutes from here in the trusted care now of the shop manager in front of huge windows.
From what I hear, it is still looking awsome,except its leaves are a much lighter green now due to the fact I havn't had time to get there and feed or take pics..lol

Some day I will....;-)

Toni, yes we have too many plants...always bouncing around from forum to forum. I haven't been here in quite a while!

Do you think your Gardenias were yellowing because of little fertilizer? God, I fertilize twice my Gardenia twice a year..lol..keep forgetting..And we've had so much rain, I hope it doesn't rot..it's raining now, too..

Isn't Mike's plants beautiful??? Vivid colors, deep green.

'Richie, what do you need to know about basil? I'm not an expert, but used to grow herbs (and other plants( in the garden. Mike might have better advice though..

When you have time, please post your pictures..And take care of yourself. Yes, sometimes it's best at least trying to put the past behind us, though it's difficult. So take care of yourself, hugs, Toni

Gardenias are doing fine...getting the occasionally yellow leaf(which is normal for me). I've had to spray them for bugs a couple of times already. They are not really blooming right now. I trimmed one of them several weeks ago...hopefully I will get blooms when the weather cools off a bit.

How are you? I think of you alot wondering how you are doing. You and many others here. Sometimes you wonder if everyone is ok when they havn't posted awhile..Guess we care for more than just our plants ha?

How are you sunflowers doing?

You'r cat is growing FAST ha...Post a pic will you..I will try to post one of mine too.

Oh ya, Gardenia..lol. I am DREADING bringing mine in..It is still outside and doing great, Even with the cold nights. It loves the great outback!

I gave two to my brother, who's wife seems to work magic with them all winter..Good riddence on those..I'll see them next spring..lol
I am begining to think I am only good at growing small sized pots all winter with ease..The big ones, not so easy.

If I it becomes alot of work, I am going to weed the big ones out and stick with just citrus...So much easier..lol

I pray you get strong and continue to be happy happy happy!!

Just do this one thing for me..What kind off soil is it potted in?

Also, as soon as possible, flush the pot out at least a few times with fresh water...Take out all the fertilizer possible as soon as possible..

We will go from here later..k

Ps. I miss Rich...Please send him our love and wishes to get better....Thanks for coming and you are a very nice person...:-)

I so sorry......

How can I tell you this without dicouraging you..

I have always killed my gardenias in the type of soil your explaining with the same practices..
Your soil is your number one enemy if it is not open, light, fast draining, porous, very coarse, and airy..
In other words, no tiny small particles to clog up the mix so the roots won't breathe and the soil becomes compacted over time.
This is exactly what coffee grinds do..
In fact, some parts of the soil in your mix will accumilate the grinds, then water will not penetrate them once dry, because they harden, while other parts of your soil will get wet.
So your plant is getting unevenly waterd, all the while it is compacting the roots, suffocating them, causing them to become impaired.
I could keep going on about how soil and how it works, and how overwatering can cause severe damage to your plant, especially gardenia, but I will link you to great info about it ..ok

You need a good soiless mix to be able to fertilize at every watering in small amounts too. It is not possible in the soil you have, without future problems

So I can help you alot once you fix the soil issue..:-)
I can not if you leave it in the soil your using at present, with grinds in it especially..:-(

There are some here taht can grow in heavy soil, loaded with compost, and anything else organic. Some with MG soil, which has always killed mine. If you decide to grow with this type of soil, then I hope someone comes here to help you who knows how, before you loose them.

Take care for now..I hope it works out for you..Let me know what you do..k

Send Richie a hello!

Mike..:-)

Don't let them get to you..

When they start to, now that it is winter, just throw some skiis on and go for a nice run down the slope! Take them with you too. They'll stop giving you a hard time after that, trust me! LOl

I forgot where you and Richie live..

Any way..Which mix...The 5.1.1 or the gritty one?

I, even living up here in New England feed mine at every watering..Because what the plant does not use, it drains out from the pot at every watering.
I use just FP, and mine are as happy as as can be.
Here is the key...1/4 teaspoon for a gallon. That's it.

If you decide to use something else, someone might help you, by saying what they use works..Some use 30.10.10 and Miracids...

Richie is lucky...The roots probably grew faster than the soil could suffocate the roots in the 2 year old potted one. But typicaly, the roots always loose the battle..

Hers is a quick story..

I have a beautiful violet growing in my kitchen that was doing great for weeks in the 5.1.1. mix , until one day it just kept wilting and on the verge of collaspe. I then realized the top of the soil in that pot was hard and not letting water get through, also when I pushed into the soil with my finger, it was hard..I couldn't understand since the soil I used never did this.

I found out that my mom, when visiting, after making a cup of coffee would dump the grinds into the pot. No wonder that plant almost died. So I had to break up that hard soil, and repot,and now it is full of blooms and healthy again without the grinds.

Gardenias can sure be a challange. But not if your soil and the roots are givin top priority..;-)

Goodluck...

Summer is gone..time flew by, soooo fast. 2009's spring and summer was a farce..no 98-104F degrees this year.
Temps have been fluctuating between 31-43F the last few wks. And a lot of rain..they're predicting more rain today through Thurs..Fri, partly cloudy..DEPRESSING.

Richie, how are you feeling now? What's the problem? Flu? I hope it's nothing serious. Since you've been to the doctor 4 times, well, it doesn't sound like a common cold.. I hope you're better.
Take care of yourself..Apparently Laura is there for
you so be thankful you have a caring girlfriend.... :)

MIKE...How have you been???? I think about you often. Since our temps dropped, suddenly, I've been hauling plants in the house left and right..When I work on certain plants, you come to mind..isn't that weird? lol
'Mr. Mike Clivia' is doing fine, thank you. It's still too young to bloom, but I'm hoping to see buds in 2010/1..what do you think? Too young?? Too soon? Wishful thinking?
How many Clivias do you have and what's their ages? What age was the youngest that bloomed?

It's said Clivias bloom at 7-years-old, from seed, I totally agree..Reason, 7 yrs after my Clivia was sowed from seeds, its first cluster, buds/flowers blossomed-- exactly 7 yrs later. Coincidence??

Laura. Every gardener has their own method when it comes to fertilizing.
But most important, 'you asked how often Gardenias should be fertilized.' it depends on the brands. Which brand/s do you use?
The container should have directions. Fertilizer differ..Some 'Gardenia' slow release fertilizers, last 3 months, 8 months or once a year.
If you/Richie fertilize with slow-release types, use as directed, not more..in other words, if it says, 3 Months, add once every three months.
Non-slow-release fertilizers are used more often. Some are to be used every two weeks or once a month..or even once a week if divided.
It's important you read instructions on the box/container, not only for times to fertiilze but how much to use per feeding.
Examples...1 teas, 1 TBSP...
Too much fertilize can burn roots...leaves brown/spot from chemical burn.
Flushing soil is important, too. Run water, with a hose until it seeps out of drainage holes. This helps rid excess salts from fertilizer.
Do you or Richie do this? It's called leaching soil. The reason I ask is, it sounds like your Gardenias get adequate, plus fertizers.
Does Richie fertlize Gardenias in winter? If he does, it's probably best to reduce amounts and number of times, until days lenghten.
In the midwest, northern and eastern states, (cold places) fertilizers should either be reduced or stopped altogther, depending on the plant. Well, that's what I do, anyway. lol..which doesn't mean it's the correct way, but IMO, makes sense since there's little sun, short days, and temperature drop.
I can't take credit for coming up with the idea, many many authors and professional gardeners recommend withholding/stopping ferilizing during winter months.

What do the spots look like? Can they be scraped off?
What are the eggs you see on the plants? Can you ID the insect?
If you take close-up pics it might help. Of insects, eggs and leaves with brown spots.

As for soil...Mike uses soil-less mixes on his Gardenias, and has been very successful. I use rich soils blended with soil-less mediums such as Perlite and Peat Moss..Thank God, my 'denias are doing fine too.
So, whichever soil or soil-less mediums you use, the important thing is, (in pots) make sure the soil dries between waterings. If a plant sits in muddy soil, it's bound to have problems. Rot!!! Insects!!!

Laura, I don't know if you posted pics, yet..I'll check this forum to see if you had.
Take care everyone..I have a house-filled with plants..everywhere..what a mess!!! Toni

By the way, Laura, I didn't think you could order gritty soil. I think you can only make it..:-)

Anyway, if you are growing in anything but the soiless mix I use, Toni certainly knows how to do it, and do it right..
Her mixes are way different, but her plants are just as happy!
You should see how beautiful her plants are..WOWA.
She also has helped me alot here. Please don't take her advice lightly. She knows her stuff even if she is not a scientist...lol

Tell Richie to get better fast will ya....

Toni. I miss you..

I will be writing soon..Promise..
So much to say and so little time at home..Hope you are safe and happy!
Hope you have a computer you can finally depend upon..lol

Mike..:-)

Laura, I don't have an answer about planting Gardenias directly in Florida soil. There is a Fl forum..I've gone there a few times to read, not respond. There are threads about growing gardenias in Fl..It's been a while since I've been there, but I remember people saying they amended soil before planting their gardenias in the ground. The problem is I can't recall what they used. Isn't Fl's soil sandy??? If so, then it definately needs amending..
Maybe someone here lives in Fl and grows Gardenias...if not, perhaps you should check out the Floria forum here on GW.
Don't be shy..... :)

Mike thank you..I'm sure no scientiest..lol..then again, neither were our forefathers. People who owned and depended on their farmland, grew food to survive..They sure didn't run to Home Depot to buy Miracle Gro..lol..Yet, food and flowers flourished and mankind survived.. Isn't Mother Nature Wonderful? Or as my mother would say, "God created the most beautiful flowers.

Oh Laura, I did get an email from you, but been so busy..in fact, I'm working on the back plant room, (taking a short break) to make room for plants that spent summer outside. But I'll check them out tonight or tomorrow..
Right now our house is a fire hazard..lol..plants are blocking both front and back doors; even the poor doggies have to zig-zag through the house to go outside..lol.

Regarding insects, maybe the bugs are Whitefly. Do you know what Whitefly look like??? If your plants have whitefly, you need to work fast, otherwise they'll multiply and then there will be thousands flying around.
Have you ever seen Yellow STicky Traps? They're Yellow cardboard squares or rectangles..Pasted on these traps are a super strong glue, usually Tanglefoot. Yellow attracts insects and the glue traps them. Once bugs land on the traps, there's no escaping.
Check a garden center or hardware store. They're also sold online, including Ebay. Laura, these traps work great..
You'll be amazed how quickly the traps will fill up.

Mike, I miss talking to you, too..Have you been busy with plants? Are they all inside? What's the temps up east?
My Gardenia is still outside, but as soon as temps drop to 35F, in it's coming. It's pouring rain as I type, and going to be one big mess hauling it in, not to mention weight.

Mike, even though I said I wasn't going to order more plants, I did..lol..I found 3 baby Clivias..2 variegated and 1 w/smaller, stiff leaves..They arrived today..I also got a variegated Ficus 'Mistletoe.'..ohhh, it's soooo pretty..
How are your plants doing now that autumns here? See any bugs yet? I hope not..they're something else. This year, because it got cold so fast, I didnt have time to spray, so now it's gotta be done in the house..The FE odor will smell a few days, but a little odor is better than scale.
Take care, all...........Toni

Richie, your Gardenia soil IS expensive..Do you know the brand name? Is it for outdoor use or can it be used for container plants, too?
Do you know what it consist of? What soil/mediums are included? Does it contain peat moss, sand, perlite?

Richie and Laura, I don't use chemicals like Bayer, so I'm happy you purchased Yellow Sticky Traps..
Are the insects definately Whitefly? or is it possible they're a different bug altogether?
Those traps saved my plants..plants were covered with whitefly, they were everywhere. When I'd brush the leaves, the whitefly would fly everywhere.
BTW, the traps are reusable. I forget cleaning instructions, but it should be on the box. Mine were so covered I ended up tossing them..lol..But I bought extras in case these creatures ever return..I still have to dig up the host plant that caused infestation..an outdoor, hardy Hydrangea.

Richie, perhaps you should try for a baseball team..lol..

Anyway, take care of yourself, and stay healthy..Toni

This better be you posting and not your girl covering up for your sickness...:-)
If it is, then you have an unbelievable girl and I am very concerned for ya..You are in my prayers..

If it is you, then WELCOME BACK friend!!
We have a little catching up to do..

My gardenias....ooohh..That is another story..I will be back to discuss this when more time allows..

You are a good man, member, and gardenia lover Richie..

My prayers with you...

Mike:-)

Richie, what happened to the pictures? lol..I hope you're not too sick to post them.
How's Laura doing? Sounds like she has a green thumb..gettiing your Gardenias to bloom.
That's funny, more Gardenias than people in your house..lol

Yes, it's a good thing you checked the receipt. I can't believe they double billed you..that's a LOT of money.
I wonder how many times people are over-charged, don't look at their receipt..these stores make a bundle..

Well, when you have time please post the pictures.
Richie how many Gardenias do you have? lol..Toni

How are you feeling?

You have been in my prayers and I hope your gardenias are doing well too..

What I would do to live in an area where are, and to be able to keep mine outside where I think they belong..

The same goes for my birds..I think they would be much happier if left out of a cage.

Thanks for thinking of me as we do of you..

Mike

I'm glad you don't have Swine Flu..but any flu is bad..I was sick from last Fri till Tues this week..Last night was the first time I got online since last Friday night.

Your gardenia tree is losing leaves? Is it a new tree? Recently planted? Do anything different?
Which plants were under the tree trunk? Did they die? Isn't that awful?

Our temps are warmer than they were in late summer..lol..my Gardenia and two other plants are outside. It dropped quite a bit last night so it's time like then I have to worry..I should have covered the roots..
If this gardenia tree should die, I'd never find another, I prefer tree-shaped to bushy denias.

Anyway, I'm glad you're feeling better. Take care..

Hey Mike...Toni