The other posts was getting so long, taking a while to load...I thought I would start a new thread.

Toni, I'm so sorry to hear about the flooding in your area. I hope that things will start getting better and get back to normal soon. We have had some weird and very dangerous weather lately. I hope the worst is behind us. Unfortunately I know you guys are in for the snow weather, and I hope that it won't be a bad winter for you guys...

I hope your plants make it, good luck and take care!

Most streets are cleared now, thank goodness. The Desplanes River and creek are very very flooded. In fact, Sam, our dog, can't go on his nightly walk through the forests because of this flooding.

Pug, it's been a long time since we've had a lot of snow. Every year they say the same thing..'this winter is going to be a bad one, lots of snow, blah blah'..and every winter, it's the same, very little snow, just plain cold.
But who knows? It's an enigma.

Richie, I read your post before stopping here.
Most plant books that discuss Gardenias, rarely mention roses. At least none I'm familiar with. Maybe someone else knows of a good book that contains both plants..
The reason is, Gardenias are considered tropical or sub-tropical, and roses strickly garden plants. At least I think that's what roses are. I have 2 roses, one very old, over 40 yrs, in back..To be honest, I don't do anything to it..the one in front looks like it's been run over by a truck..lol.It has black spot. Someone mentioned adding Peroxide, but don't know if it works..I was going to use Epsom Salts but never got around to it.
To be honest Richie, though roses are beautiful, I don't know how to care for them. You should use a rose fertilizer, follow dossage directions. IMO Epsom Salts helps, too. The only reason I'm sure is, years ago I had a mini rose in the house. It did okay, and better w/Epsom Salts, but indoor-grown roses are mite magnets, so they're no longer welcome in my house...but they're gorgeous.

One thing about GArdenias, they love rain water.. so much more than water from the faucet. Since we've had all that rain, my denias sent out a lot of growth and numerous flower buds. Though once they comes inside, I don't know how they'll do..of course, with a lot of rain, it's important water is able to flow out of drainage holes, otherwise roots can rot.
Azalea or Gardenia fertilizer works best. Any type of acidic type fertlizer is fine. Years ago I'd alternate Azalea then a high nitrogen fertlizer..But starting next spring, I'm going to start that program again..leaves grow like crazy.
In winter, my Gardenias stay in the coolest room, south window, and some artificial light at night. They're sprayed once every 2-3 wks with my home-made insect spray, and Superthrived once a month. Daily misting with plain water. (sitting out over 24 hours) And once a wk shower.
Some people don't believe in misting, which is fine. IMO, it helps with humidity, somewhat, and keeps leaves clean, dust-free..dust clogs pores, so I feel dusty pores prevents leaves from breathing, and dust attracts bugs. Richie, this info is just my opinion, not fact. :)
Since you're in a warm climate, instead of using a mister, you can use hose. A morning mist would be perfect.

The Dracaena with mites, (thank God it's only one plant) is about to come indoors..it's been sprayed with soap, citrus rind and garlic, so, as soon as I'm certain it's insect-free, in it comes with it's friends..:)

It suddenly looks like rain..Oh no!!!

Take care everyone, gotta get a few more plants inside..Toni

Take care

You can find Azalea/Rhodendron fertilizer in a hardware store or nursery. The brand I use is Hoffman. But there are several other Rhodo/azalea ferts.

Richie, don't overdo it with the fertizer. Too much will cause root and/or leaf burn, especially chemical types. I don't know of any organic ferts for Gardenias, but plain old Fish Emulsion is high in Nitrogen..Nitrogen keeps leaves green and helps with growth, but doesn't do much for flowering. Alternating, once a month or so, might make a difference. Even Epsom Salts shouldn't be used often. Iron can be added 2-3 times a year.

Actually, New York gets a lot more snow than we do. We get very little lately..and believe me, I prefer snow to -0 days anytime. It brightens up gloomy days. Snow reflects sunshine, so homes are lit up..Great for plants. I've tried collecting snow water before, but after filling up buckets of snow, after it melted, there were a few inches of water. lol..Plus it had to be warmed before use.

Richie, how did your gardenia lose branches? Are they dead? If you're unsure, scrape off some outer bark..if the inside is green, the branch is alive, if it's brown/gray, it's dead. If it's alive, there's a good chance new leaves will fill in. Are you more worried about growth or flowering? Toni

Pug, don't know if you're around, but I can't find your hoya pics..where are they? lol..Which thread?

I fear bringing gardenias indoors..especially after a few 49F nights..they really like the cold..leaves are greener now than in summer..oh well, gotta do it..sigh..Toni

I've successfully brought indoors Hibiscus and I find that severely cutting back in the fall produces the best blooms in the following spring/summer. You don't get the winter blooms indoors if you cut back, but better plants the following spring. SO it depends on your desire for bringing them in. For growth next summer or winter blooms.

One interesting note is your conversation regarding bug management. I've tried every commercial product and of course the standard home remedies. I've always had issues with mites on the hibiscus. One day there was a bottle of Windex on the table. I was so frustrated with the continued infestation, that I picked up the Windex and began wildly spraying. It worked like magic. The next day the bugs were gone and they stayed under control for several weeks. Another quick spray where there was signs of their return and gone again. It works better than any $20 commercial product on the market. I'm guessing it's the content of ammonia - not as strong as pure ammonia and smells alot better too.

Hope this information is of help and thanks for the advice on the Gardenia's. I'll check back and let you know how it goes for me in SW Ont.

Thanks so much for your input and what an interesting experiment on the Windex...I have heard of a member on the C&S forum that uses it on Jades/Succulents, but I was always afraid to try it...But I'm willing to give it a try next time...I'm assuming when you sprayed, it was outside in the shade till it dried?

Thanks again, and yes please come back and let us know how it goes...we all learn from each other here. That's one of the reasons I love this forum...

Toni & Richie - you have to remember I'm spraying with the Windex indoors - outside yes I would use the garden hose typically and keep the plant in a shaded area. I typically use the Windex for indoor use during the dryer winter months. Our plants have to come in - usually now although this was our Thanksgiving weekend and it was 78 degrees farenheit all weekend. Almost unheard of. I'm in SW Ontario so we don't see as much snow as much of the rest of the more northern parts of Canada. Much of SW Ontario is actually more southern than a good deal of the USA. Our weather is close to what those of you in IL would see and we don't get the lake effect snow that places like Buffalo and Chicago see.

Thanks so much for the advice - I find this forum just great! Thanks again and happy gardening everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, went to visit family in Las Vegas, just got back and my computer died on me, my DH just got it up and running...Yay!! I hate it when my computer is not working...

Welcome to the forum and tampa!! I am not an expert, but I'm willing to share what limited knowledge and my personal experiences with gardenias.

I would feed it every 3-4 weeks at half strength like Richie said...I would add chelated iron every 4-6 weeks, if you start to see some yellowing I would add the iron with the fertilizer, you can also add some epsom salts at 1 table per gallon of water when you add the fertilizer once a month if you want. For me Gardenias are one of those plants that like a little heavier feeding to maintain the dark green leaves. Some yellowing is normal, as long as most of the leaves are healthy...let your soil dry out mostly then water really well. Make sure you flush out the soil at least once a month to flush out the excess salt.

If you have any more questions, please feel free, I may not have the answer but maybe Toni will, lol...

I'd be terrified spraying Windex on plants, but I'm assuming you got so frustrated you were willing to use anything. One thing, your hibiscus smelled nice. lol
Aside from being afraid, I can't use chemicals in the house because we have birds. Birds can't breath fumes, so I stick to home-made remedies.

Chemicals or not, one thing I discovered so plants are free of insects is keeping an area and plant/s clean. Removing yellow/brown leaves, picking and discarding foliage. And inspection. It's a start anyway.
Insects, such as mites hate water, so spraying works somewhat.

As for fertilizing, read instructions on your fertilizer. Each requires different amounts and times to use.
For instance, if you use slow-release, the dossage is once every three months, or if you divide and cut back by three, you'd apply monthly.
Many powder fertilizers are applied by how often you fertilize..For instance, they suggest 1/4 teas if you feed ever two weeks, and 1/2 teas if you feed once a month.
I sometimes use Azalea fert for Gardenias..it's a powder. They recommend feeding 'x' amount per foot, so I had to 'guess' an amount..so much fun.
I add iron once every 3 months to prevent chlorosis. Also started adding Epsom Salt..

Pug adds more iron, but maybe it has something to do with location. Same with fertilizing in winter. I'd think, if one lived in Fl or Ca, reducing to withholding fertilizers a couple or few months might be required, but that's a guess.

Cool, how's grandpa? Is he okay? Is his sunflower holding up? I dont know how long sunflowers thrive in a container.
Hope everyone's gardenias are well. Flowering.

Pug, do you fertlize in winter? Toni

I don't fertilize in Nov, Dec and Jan. But I do fertilize around the end of Feb/early March, that's when our freeze warnings are pretty much over with. It gives them a boost just before our spring arrives. We have an early spring here, by March our temps starts warming up pretty nicely in the 70's, sometimes low 80's.

Toni, by the way my DH ROCKS, he was able to save my pictures...he found it on my old computer drive. I was so excited...I thought I lost them forever. He is somewhat of a computer Guru, lol...

My gardenias have a couple of blooms, but are starting to get a little bit more buds now. I'm hoping by Thanksgiving I will have a little more blooms, when weather cools off a bit.

Tampa girl, in case you didn't see it before, here is a picture of my Gardenia taken in Spring of this year. Its has grown quite a bit since then, but only has a couple of flowers right now...

Tampa Girl says, 'is it true Gardenias are easy to care for?'

Pug, if possible, you must send her the Suicide Gardenia site..lol..I'm laughing so hard, tears are soaking my cheeks.

I'll be back tomorrow, well, later today..I hope Pug sees/reads Maria's and my post..hahaha..hugs, Toni

Tampagirl, Thanks for the compliment on my tree... Richie is right about the care of the tree versus the bush. They are pretty similar for its care and requirements. Its all a matter of preference and style. With that being said, from what I've read the tree style (grafted) gardenia is supposed to be better for the FLorida soil, becuase they use a root stock that is resistant to nematodes. This is one of the things that attacks the gardenia roots here in FL. I had a few bushes die on me about 6-7 years ago becuase of nematodes in our soil. Now the only one I will grow in the ground is the grafted tree, plus I happen to like the tree shape, IMHO...

TampaG. when you have some time, this is great funny reading...

Richie, how's your cold? Is it a cold or flu? There's at least 5 types of flu's floating around Il. So many people are sick..
Thankfully, it hasn't hit me yet, but my family all had it.

Are those of you who live in warm climates still fertilizing? Lucky people
The only thing I'm going to add as soon as mine come in are Superthrive and Epsom Salts..maybe a little Iron.
Plus all will get sprayed to keep buys away.

This summer, there were little white bugs flying everywhere..I thought they might be whitefly, but so far nothing..Thank God, don't want to go through that again.

Have a good wkend, everyone..Toni

Richie, what did you do to make your Gardenia grow so fast? Was it fertilizers?
You have your gardenia in a 12 1/2 gallon container? How do you move it? You need a truck just to rotate..lol

If your doc gave you meds you probably have a flu..did you have a fever? I'm glad you're feeling better..
My son and his g/f are both sick, my husband and I are hoping we don't catch it..They've been sick on and off the last 2 months..Flu is everywhere. Different types.

Maria, I'm glad you got to read the Suicide Gardenia thread..It's so funny. Sometimes I read it for entertainment..lol..Some people are very serious when it comes to caring for a plant, and when they give us a hard time, we do want to pull our hair out..that among other problems!!
Richie, yes, it's a female thing. If it was a man giving us problems, we'd pull their hair out, and bite off their, ahem, nails..lol Toni

I think any container plant, fertilized every two wks, all their lives, would die or grow spindly.
Especially if chemical fertilizers are used. I think most of us here, who grow Gardenias, use chemical types.
For one, there would be way too much salt build up. The plant/s would need constant leaching to drain excess salts.
In winter, for some of us anyway, if we fertilized during winter, with month after month of cloudy days, a plant would grow tall and thin, and probably weak.
Plants go dormant in winter, they go to sleep..we don't eat when we're asleep, so it's the same w/plants. I should add, they go dormant, but depending where one lives makes a difference in time. For instance, here in Il, I stop fertilizing in Sept/Oct, except for African Violets, Hibiscus, (if they're blooming) and Geraniums.

Well, happy growing to all..Toni

Just to clarify, on what I said was Gardenia is one of those plants that for some reason can take/likes to be fertilized more often than any plants I've ever had(IMHO). They seem to need it more, but we do live in FL Richie, where our winters are milder than most states...having said that, I don't fertilize my gardenias this time of year every two weeks, I have cut mine to once a month and come Dec, Jan. I will wait and see if it needs it? I will only fertilize them "If" they
are showing signs of yellowing...by the end of Feb, I will give them a light dosage and by March, I will be giving them the recommended strenght or 1/2 strenght...

Richie I wish I could help with the whiteflies. I haven't had to deal with those so far...doesn't the other stuff that you use for the mealies/aphids work on the white flies? Good Luck!!

Richie, when I mentioned fertilizer, I was referring to midwest/cold climates, but even in sunny Fl and Ca, isn't there a period, say from Nov-Jan, where days are cooler, less sunny? If so, that's when I would think reducing or stopping fertilizers might be appropriate. No?

Perhaps it depends on which part of Fl one lives. I talk to two women who own citrus nurserys in Fl, and they withhold fertlizing a couple/few months in winter, so I assumed the same applied to Gardenias.

Withholding/reducing fertilizer in winter is stated in most plant books. The author doesn't focus on one part of the country, but I'm certain they mean anywhere day light shortens, and temps decrease.
You and Pug would know when to feed, and amounts to use during winter months, since you're residents of Fl. :)

Richie, when a plant has insects or ill, it shouldn't be fertilized. I think you said your Basil has insects? If it does, don't add fertilizer until they're gone. Focus on ridding the bugs, then after they're in bug heaven, continue feeding as you normally do.

What type of Azaleas are you growing? They'll burn if sun is too harsh..especially in summer..even here in Il south or west sun will scorch Azalea leaves. My Azalea stays out till first frost; the cold forces flower buds. It gets fertilized with Azalea/Rhododendron fert, or the same fert you use on Gardenias. I let soil dry a little, but if it dries too much, leaves will drop. You probably need to water more than I do..Like Gardenias, flowers last longer if kept cool.

Hey Maria..Sometimes I stop at other forums, but we've been doing a little, fixin' up the house..nothing major. Plus, I rearranged the front and back plant rooms, which ended up being a 3+ day project..lol..Sometimes we wonder why we begin such projects..

Anyway, I hope everyone is fine. Are you guys preparing for winter? I HATE it!!! It's been so cloudy..some rain, and now they're talking snow..One advantage of snow is it brightens up the house. Since I don't use curtains/blinds, and all walls are painted semi-gloss white, sun reflects off snow, onto walls and plants..Well, there is a curtain in the bathroom..lol..

You guys take care..Richie, hope your grandpa is fine. hugs, Toni

I agree with Toni on withholding fertilzer in the winter, for us that usually starts end of Nov early Dec. If your weather has been warm in Nov? Its been a very mild Nov for us here in Central FL so far and your gardenia is actively growing, if you want, you can probably add about a 1/4 strenght just to give it a little bit. Then I would NOT give it any fertilizer for DEC-Jan-Feb. By March our temps should start warming back up...we can resume applying our regular fertilizer schedule. That's what I would do, IMHO...just my 2 cents.

Take care everyone!!

Pug, do gardenias bloom during winter in Fl? Ours bloom, but flowers are smaller. Hibs are putting out normal size blossoms though..
Some plants, even here in 'Cold Country' get fertilized all winter..African Violets, Hibiscus, Geraniums, and tender perrenials brought in from outside. 1/4-1/2 strength ferts.
I'm debating whether or not to fert a Stephanotis. It's old but never once bloomed. sigh. Toni

Toni, LOVE that movie...seen it more times than I care to admit, saw the "new" version also...not as good as the original, Alfred Hitchcock was the best!

I think the problem comes when people try to grow them entirely indoors. Which can be done if you give them high light, acidic potting soil and don't let them dry out completely. But they're probably not going to bloom. In all the times I've tried and tried, I've only gotten one plant to make one flower.

It's a temperature thing. Gardenias set buds when the nights are cool and the days are warm, which is why they bloom in the spring and fall. The temperature at night needs to be below 65 degrees.

So there's the problem. That's a temp. a bit too cool for most people to sleep in.

I've finally given in and grow mine outdoors entirely, and when they bloom, I cut lots of them to put in vases to enjoy the scent indoors.

On the other hand, even out of bloom they are beautiful plants, so if you can keep them healthy indoors, by all means grow them there, just don't expect them to burst into flower.

Ha, you have not read my famous post:

The First Gardenia of 2008

In Virginia, I set them out for only 2 weeks. They are then loaded with tiny buds. I move them back in dry and hot room. They bloom like crazy in a month or two.

I realize that temperature-rise matures the buds. The plants are exclusively cultivated indoors. The key is dry between watering. Yes, you MUST allow them to dry out.

Mike continue spraying, hike up humidity, and run a fan a few hours per day..or if temps are 55F+, crack open a window. Air circulation is mandatory..dry, stuffy air is unhealthy for plants, pets and people.
You have to be one step ahead of insects, to keep them off and out.
My Gardenia is in a south window behind other plants, so it's a real pain lifting, then hauling to the sink, let alone the shower which is upstairs. I don't know it's actual weight, but it's heavy and bulky. Still, it's worth the work, being showered/sprayed, otherwise mites or God-forbid, mealy attack.

Belle, I definately agree, growing plants indoors, (some more than others,) are a real challenge, but with artificial lights, humidifers, fans, misting and showering, growing greens inside can be accomplished.
Not just thriving, but getting them to flower and fruit, and grow compact, luscious foliage.

It's funny when people who live, especially raised in warm climates say/think it's impossible for those of us who live in cold areas to grow anything other than plastic flowers year round. lol
It's work, a big job, but most plants can be grown indoors, for years, including the Mighty Gardenia.
Thinking positive helps, perhaps plants sense our moods.

Snasxs, your Gardenia is doing great..leaves are so green. Are you still fertilizing?
I've contemplated Epsom Salting some plants, not all..most that have a tendency getting Chlorosis. We'll see..

Take care everyone..Let's hope winter is brief, no 7 months of ice..lol..hugs, Toni

Azaleas cannot take strong summer south or wes sun w/o scorching leaves. Mine are in south and east windows, but from now until March, sun is scares..but even in summer, too much direct sun can burn fragile azaleas.
Fertilizing depends on the type..soom authors advise fertilizing 3 times a year, others say once a month..lol..
It can be confusing. I follow directons written on Azalea fertilizer bag.
Then they're kept outside until first frost..by Dec buds should form. They open, flower..flowers last about 5 months. Too bad they dont have fragrace..

Well, good luck, Richie..Toni

Howdy everyone!

Richie, sounds like you had a wonderful time in NY..meeting ex g/f's..What does your current g/f have to say? lol..
Did you get to see any NY plants, bring any home? or were you too busy partying? :)

Congrats on your Gardenia..no insects? Are they goners? I think it was you who suspected mites or some sort of pest..

Ficus are fussy..some (benjaminas) more than others..The easiest way to kill a Ficus, Rubber Tree is overwatering.
Is yours green, purple or variegated?
I almost lost my variegated RT this year..Last winter I repotted into a larger container w/o drainage holes..While outside, it rained and rained day after day within a 2 wk period.
Then when it was brought indoors, it stayed in the tub 2 days, getting more water everytime someone showered..Because the lower plant is compact, I didn't notice the soil was soaked.
It went in the bedroom..a few days later a couple bottom leaves yellowed..I checked the soil, finding 2-3 inches of stagnant water floating on top. Using a baster, I syphoned as much water as possible, but the soil was drenched. I didnt have another pot large enough to repot..Its pot needs drilling before this happens a second time, maybe next time I won't be so lucky.

So, allowing soil to dry, especially during winter, is very essential..
Rubber trees love light..more light means larger leaves and pronounced colors..in other words, if your tree is variegated, pink, white and green are more prominent if it's in bright light.
Also, branches and stems thicken..if grown in low light, branches can get so spindly the tree needs staking to stand.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Richie, but the leaves that dropped will not grow back. However, upper foliage will continue to fill in.
The only way to renew a compact look is by air-layering or cutting back. If your rubber tree is mature, cutting back would be a difficult decision. I couldnt do it..lol

Do not fertilize much if at all during winter, especially if days are cloudy. One author says to fertilize Rubber trees, (because they're slow-growing) and/or any Ficus once or twice a year. If container-grown.
Once a month, with diluted fertilzer, from April-Aug should be sufficient, in IL..
Rubber trees are slow-growing..in pots..I don't know their speed when grown in the ground.

Misting, showering, and/or washing then wiping rids dust. Dust clog pores. Avoid leaf shines.
Rain water is the best, but it's not always available..lol..Aquarium water perks plants up too.

So, set in bright light, water only when soil is dry, withhold fertilizer during winter/cloudy days, and if possible use a humidifer..open window for fresh air. Wipe leaves.

How was everyone's holiday? Anyone get new plants or plant supplies?
I got a hanging plant shop light..Dh said, you can order a few plants, which is fine by me. lol..I want a variegated palm so bad, but they're too expensive..$45 and up..
That's too much money for a plant that might die.
One seller on Ebay had Best offer for one var palm..he was asking 45.00..I offered 25.00..then he wrote back with another offer of 35.00..oh well, had to pass it up. I believe this palm is planted in a 3" pot..Some ppl are really into profit. lol. Maybe one day, but not at that price.

I won a Licula palm and variegated Pandanus/Screw Pine..
Yesterday we went to Home Depot and bought a little Frosty Fern..it's so cute, and only 5.99..One online nursery had a tiny version of this fern for 12.99 plus s&h..

Well, that's it..Again, I hope everyone had Safe and Comfy-Cozy holidays..hugs, Toni

I'M glad you did not lose your plant due to the pot with out drainage holes.
trust me I almost lost a snake plant one time due to it had no drainage holes and to get it
to recover was really hard to do.
I water rubber tree plant twice a week the most. by I try to not water more then once a week.
its starting to get bigger and the leave lost started to slow down once I start to mist the leaves thanks for the advice on
the rubber tree plant.
wow $45 for a plam tree is a lot of
money but if its nice and strong then I guess the price is ok.
I got to see what they go for in
Tampa FL.
My holidays when good.
I guess I was a good boy this year cause santa got me many things lol.
How was your holidays?
I just turn 32 years old on Jan 3
but I feel like I was 23 years old again lol.
Take Care
Richie

I'm happy Santa was nice to you..what all did he bring? Anything plant related?
Santa brought me a new plant light..talk about excited! Yep, opening gifts is great..I feel like 8..lol..

I found soil for Rubber Trees, despite leaf color, needs to dry between waterings..I water RT's a little more than succulents, especially in winter. And yes, pots need drainage holes. It's bad enough, variegated RT's are impossible finding here, and even if I found one, they takes years to grow..Variegated types are slow-growing compared to green or red leaf types. Wonder why???

I know what you mean about pruning or air-layering. It's difficult cutting a tree, one you had since only inches tall, then whack.
My variegated Yucca is over 8' tall. It's in front of a glass door in back..the ceiling is tall, probably 20'..But, after it reaches a little more than 15', the top portion won't get any sun..Yuccas are sun-loving plants. I dread the day it will have to be cut back..boohoo..lol

As long as your Rubber tree isn't losing more leaves, it should be okay. Keep spraying foliage, and remove dust. Dust only clogs pores. Don't bother with leaf shines..Soap and water cleans fine..it may not have the sparkle leaf shines do, but IMO, they cause more problems than not.

Good luck, Richie..and when you have time take pics of your new NY plants..Toni

I have been watching this post off and on, and was hoping in my mind and heart, that your grandfather would be ok.
When I would see sunflowers, I would think of this thread and him. Wondering how you and him are.

I am so sorry for your loss Richie. I am sure everyones thoughts along with mine will are with you.....

Much love from all your friends here,
Mike

Makes one appreciate ones life alot more doesn't it. I may loose my mom, and just the thought of it is so hard to take.

But I'll bet your grandad would love for you to smile again and live life to your full, doing what you do most that brings you pleasure, and bringing it to others as you have, taking care of the very plants he knew you loved so much and helping others to do so.
Richie,

The hurt will go away, but never the fond memories of him. Beleiving that he would love to see you smile when you think of him and see sunflowers,not be heartbroken, would please him in everyway.

We are here for you,anytime you need friends...

As toni would say if she saw what happened, hugs to you from me and all.

Again I am sorry.....

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!! Please know how very sorry we are for your loss...Please take care, we all hope you find some peace soon. Unfortunately only time heals all...

Image link at http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/197582

Take care of yourself...

We've all lost family. Someone we loved, It hurts, bad. But after a time, the sadness fades. We realize our loved ones wouldn't want us to feel blue.
Thankfully you have your mom and girlfriend. We all care about you, too, so think of us as part of your family.

When you're feeling better, let us know how your plants are doing. hugs, Toni

Hope your doing better, and that you have a special plan for a special garden come spring..:-)

Have you decided what type of plants you're going to grow?
Living in Fl, you have sooo many options, sweet-smelling, flowering, etc.
What type of soil did you use? Acidic? Standard? I've heard Fl's soil is sandy, but I don't know if that's true for all areas..is it?
When you guys and gals in Fl grow plants like Gardenias, does soil need amending? If so, what type of soil/mediums do you use?

Because winter is sooo depressing, I went to Almost Eden and bought a bunch of new sweet-smelling plants.
Here's what I'll be getting..if anyone knows what they are or their care, plese chime in..I'll need instructions.

Magnificant Brunfelsia Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow.
Daisy Gardenia
India Carnation
August Beauty Gardenia
Mystery GArdenia
Variegated Gardenia
Vietchii Gardenia

I have absolutely No idea where they're going to go fit.lol
I can switch plants around, but then the switched plants will need a place.
In the back plant room are two, huge Ming and Fox Tail Ferns..both need repotting..they are my fav ferns in the sphrengi, sp, family...They were babies when I got them, now huge..they'd look great in a garden, but not hardy here. What to do?

Richie, I agree with Pug..your grandpa would have loved the garden. Perhaps you can plant a section of his favorte plants?
I hope you're feeling better, Richie. How's your mom doing? toni

I'll never remember the questions you asked, so I might as well answer here..lol

First, how are YOU doing? I hope your're well.
And your mom? G/f?

About my new Gardenias, I'm very upset. I guess the weather did more harm than I thought..I doubt any gardenias will make it..the temps were just too cold.
I dont know if I should notify the owner or not, since he waited a long time before shipping.
All the leaves are frosted, every last one. I dont know what to do. They turned black and crisp. I didn't mention it because I was in denial, hoping I was wrong, but they've pretty much had it.
BTW, the nursery ships wonderful plants, it's not his fault. It's my fault for not asking him to hold them longer.

Sounds like you got a bunch of new plants too..it must be the season, or maybe we can blame it on a full moon..lol
For us in Il it's the season..tonight rain AND snow! I dont want to see snow until next year..lol

Foxtail, Ming, Spreng and Plumosia Ferns are well, but need new, big pots..they are huge. In fact, you know those huge square pots to plant outdoor plants? The pots I'm talking about are orange, square. I might end up potting ferns inside each planter..the problem is I need 4 and they've gone up in cost. If they're 7.00, I can afford it, but if they're over 10.00 I'll have to devise another plan. Dividing!
Variegated Ginger needs a huge pot too..gotta find a place that 'gives away' free pots..lol..

You're lucky you finished gardening..family helps..my family have no interest in gardening, so I don't ask. A lot of digging and planting..sigh..I feel like spraying weed killer, but won't..can't because of the dogs for one. Our little dog would be rolling in it..lol..
We had to give him an emergency bath a few mins ago..dh took them to the woods, and that little brat found a mud area..of course he came home with 4" of mud on his little body. He ran up to me, telling me he needed a bath which he got. The sink was filthy..he had enough dirt to fill up a plant pot..lol..

Richie, dont forget..I started the thread here on GW looking for you. Please answer on that thread..my puter takes too long to dl long threads..thanks, and I know I can speak for others, we're glad you're back..hugs, Toni