CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Open House: Overwintering Plants

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:30:18 -0800

In the San Francisco Bay Area, I rarely have to worry about a frost, which means that I can leave plants out all year round without incident. I know that's hardly the case with readers living in the Midwest and on the East Coast, though.

Steve, over at Gardening Gone Wild, recently wrote, "I overwinter a host of plants in my cold dark basement. Every year I try new ones and am perennially amazed at what succeeds. Basically the idea is to trick a plant into dormancy, then keep it there. Cold — or at least coolness — helps. So does darkness. To survive, many plants need light, others need warmth, and some need both; those are NOT the ones I’m talking about here. For the basement, we need plants that can go into deep dormancy, a state of almost suspended animation."

I also know that Amy Butler does the same thing with her tropical foliage, which comes outside in the Summer, and then is tucked away in her basement in the Ohio Winter months. So, do you bring in semi-tropical plants or outdoor perennials when the temperature dips? Do you let them go into a state of dormancy, like Steve does, or do you keep them out and about?

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How Doesn't This Garden Grow?

casasugar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 08:30:41 -0700

There's one thing that these plants, known as Tillandsias, don't need to grow. They require minimal maintenance, and are ideal for you black thumbs out there. Can you name the one ingredient that these plants do not need to grow?

Would You Use Succulents as a Centerpiece?

casasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:15:49 -0700

One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended used succulents as centerpieces at the reception. The unusual plants were nestled in small colored glass votives that were laden with pretty, tiny pebbles. Would you use succulents as centerpieces at a wedding or a party? Source

Would You Use Succulents as a Centerpiece?

Definitely, they're unusual and beautiful.

Maybe, but I prefer flowers.

No way, they're too stark for my taste.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

The Card Shop: Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card

casasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:19 -0700

The next time you're attending a housewarming party, once you've built your housewarming bucket, you'll need a cheerful card to wish your friends or neighbors well in their new digs. The Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card ($4.50) will fit the bill and then some. Its lively plant motifs in lime green and chocolate brown are just the thing to sow good vibes in their home, and its heavy card stock will surely impress. And, if you happen to be giving a plant as a housewarming gift, it couldn't be more appropriate!

Primer: Plants That Deer Don't Like

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I recently showed you some tricks for repelling deer from your garden without pulling out your rifle. But probably the simplest way to keep Bambi away from your beloved plants is to choose plants that he doesn't find palatable. To begin, you should certainly avoid planting hostas, lilies, tulips, hollyhocks, impatiens, sunflowers, crocus, daylilies, lobelia, phlox, rose, and yews, which are deer faves. Here is a list of plants that should be safe from being Bambi's breakfast, lunch, or dinner:

Ornamental grasses. Try astillbe, baptista, bleeding heart, catmint, bloody cranesbill, dusty miller, evening primrose, ferns, foam flower, foxglove, iris, lavender, monarda, nasturtium, peony, salvia, santolina, and yarrow.
Strongly scented herbs and plants. Try sage, lemon balm, monarda (bee balm), chives, chili pepper, garlic, mints, rosemary, thyme, wintergreen, and Russian sage.
Prickly, thorned plants (except roses). Try cleome, holly, boxwood, butterfly bush, Colorado blue spruce, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, Japanese maple, magnolia, Russian olive, viburnum, barberry, and purple coneflower.

Check out Northern Gardening and UGA for more plants that deer tend to avoid.
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Six Perennials With Late-Flowering Habits

casasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:00:01 -0700

For most of us, Summer is about being outdoors, enjoying the warm weather, and surrounding yourself with nature. When Fall comes, we bundle up, move indoors, and say goodbye to our gardens as they begin their descent into frosty Winter. But, one way you can have an endless Summer is to choose perennials with late-flowering habits for your garden. Want to find out about some plants that will help extend the flowering season at your home well into October? Then .

Sneezeweed. A bronze/red daisy that blooms mid-September for three to four weeks.
Aster. Another daisy-like flower in white, purple, lavender, pink, or red that blooms prolifically through October.
Chinese lantern. Flowers in mid-Summer with bright-orange seedhead in Fall.
Chinese anemone. Rose flowers bloom in mid-Summer to early Fall.
Autumn joy Simple, pink flowers bloom well into October.
Goldenglow. Golden disc flowers bloom in mid-Summer to early Fall.

A few houseplants you might also try are palms, ferns, mother-in-law’s tongue, euphorbia, and croton. Once your flowers bloom, be sure to share photos in our Su Casa group!
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Casa Quickie: Leftovers

casasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:00:53 -0700

Hand-me-downs. Cold pizza for lunch. Last night's lasagna for breakfast. Defrosted wedding cake on your one-year anniversary. What's not to love about leftovers? And, as much as they can satisfy cravings, they will also satisfy plants! If you have houseplants, whenever possible give them a good pour of water that is left over from drinking and cooking. Obviously, you don't want to over water your plants (black thumb!); so, if it's not yet time to use that leftover water, why not store it in a jar rather than pour it down the drain? Repurposing and conserving water is certainly eco. And even better — the nutrients left over from boiling or steaming veggies will provide an added vitamin boost to your plants. What's not to love?
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Casa Quickie: Nativity Scene

casasugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:00:29 -0700

I told you once that it's smart to consider the best time to shower your garden, but I have another watering tip that you may not have considered. If you fill your yard with native plants, you'll trim down your watering requirements significantly. I've talked about native plants before, but I wanted to re-emphasize them during eco chic month. Since they're naturally adapted to the region, they don't require any special care to thrive, like watering or fertilizing. And since they're a part of the local ecosystem, local wildlife will also appreciate the food and shelter native plants provide. How about that for conservation (and preservation)?
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Casa Quickie: Grow Your Own Air Conditioning

casasugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:49 -0700

For anyone seeking an eco chic lifestyle, air conditioning is a conflict, to say the least. If it were easy to acclimate ourselves to living a sweat-filled life, we would have, long ago. But, it turns out that the ability to control the climate indoors is a big life-saver when it comes to being comfortable and getting things done. One way to cut back on air conditioning use in the Summer is to plant trees, shrubbery, and vines near (or on) your home. They'll produce natural shade, and soak up the rain, not to mention look good while doing it. For a start, try growing Virginia Creeper vines or cheap grapevines.
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Casa Quickie: Slug Safe

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:00:47 -0700

While flowers gardens may be pretty, and herb gardens yummy, one of the realities of gardening is that bugs are inevitable (and gross). I've shown you before how to make homemade aphid spray, but that's not a solution to all insect problems. One garden annoyance I tend to encounter is slugs. You can keep slugs and snails from intruding on your potted plants by smearing your outdoor planter's outer rim with a bit of Vaseline (petroleum jelly). The household ointment will keep the little guys from slithering by and your plants safe from the slugs! Do you have another effective method for banishing slugs?
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Garden Therapy: Growing a String of Pearls

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:30:52 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,

I am in need of some advice. I have always wanted to grow my own string of pearls, and I finally went out and bought two plants. I don't know what I am doing wrong but I think I am slowly killing them both. Any tips?

Thanks for your time,
Karebear25

To see my advice, and to leave some advice for Karebear25, just

Do You Have Hanging Plants?

casasugar — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:20:13 -0700

There's something really romantic and whimsical about hanging plants that I love — particularly on the balconies of Creole townhouses. You could say they're the ornate chandelier of potted plants, so it probably doesn't come as a surprise that I'm musing on them. Take this poll and we'll see if I'm the only one who's crazy in love! Source

Do You Have Hanging Plants?

Yes, I have them and I love them!

I used to have some, but not anymore.

I really want to get some!

No, they're not for me.

DIY: Rub-On Vase

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:45:29 -0700

If your kitchen cabinets can be mistaken for a 1-800-Flowers inventory shelf full of plain glass vases, it may be time to spice them up a bit and put them to work. This project will help you transform the run of the mill to something that's distinctly you (and a bit Tord Boontje, too). Or, if you're just looking for a bulk of inexpensive yet elegant vases for your wedding, perhaps, this is the DIY for you. You can pick up the supplies (vases included) at your local crafts store, and get your rub on!

Supplies:

Clear, glass vase
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Rub-on transfers (online sources: Two Peas in a Bucket and Lifetime Moments)
Scissors
Burnisher tool (popsicle stick will do)

To learn the steps,

Casa Quickie: Steer Your Plants Clear of Heat

casasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:00:39 -0700

It's one thing to place your houseplants in direct sunlight, but you won't do them a favor by putting them near a direct heat source (radiator, duct, oven). Doing so will dehydrate your beloved plant quickly; even if you water it diligently, the leaves will dry out. The same goes for air conditioners and vents. Plants can't handle extreme temperatures, so consider where you place them. If you happen to live in a professional kitchen, or some sort of sweatbox factory, at the very least make sure to insulate the plant by placing a thick board between the pot and the direct heat source.
Source

Cool Idea: Can o' Plants

casasugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:28:52 -0700

I've just come across a duo of similar products that are fit for Good to Grow month, and just plain kewl. Leave it to the Japanese to find a way to be innovative with plants; Flowers in a Can ($10) are a bit like Red Bull, except when you pop the top, it gives you flowers!!!! Of course, you've got to toss in some sunshine and de l'eau, too, but you get the point. Dandee Designs Spring in a Can ($10) works much the same and grows grass, but I'm not sure whether the kit comes preassembled or not. Perhaps this is not the most cost-efficient way to grow plants, but I'm loving the packaging concept.

Cool Idea: Living Wall Systems

casasugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0700

To kick off Earth Day here on Casa, I thought I'd show you a very cool way to bring a little green into a cramped-for-space home or garden. The ELT Easy Green Living Wall ($39 - $249) is a modular-living wall panel that you can buy pregrown or that you can plant on your own. Made of 100-percent recyclable plastic, it is environmentally friendly, not to mention aesthetically pleasing. A vertical garden of sorts, it's a great option for those lacking green space, but it also has a wonderful, modern visual quality that I've seen nowhere else. Each Living Wall looks unique, as its appearance all depends on which plants are used. There are numerous ways to use Living Walls; you can take a traditional route, using it as decor (like a planter), give it function, using it as a fence, or take a modern approach, livening up an exterior wall, as shown. What do you think? Would you buy one (or several)? I kind of want one . . .

Ask Casa: How to Kill Weeds (Without Herbicides)

casasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:15:48 -0700

TeamSugar member Lafx23 recently wrote in, saying:

I have a lot of unwanted grass and weeds growing around my pool area (especially wild onions), and I really want to get rid of them. Every year it seems like they just come back twice as bad as the year before. Any suggestions on the best ways to kill them off?

To hear my response to Lafx23's weed dilemma, and to offer your own advice,

How-To: Protect Your Plants from Your Pets

casasugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:13 -0700

It's no secret that pets like to go where they're unwelcome. Digging up soil is often a favorite activity of theirs. Sometimes they just like to make a mess, and in other cases, the scent or texture of your plant's leaves attracts them. In Lady in the Tramp, it was cute and all, but not when it comes to the plants you've painstakingly grown from seeds during Good to Grow month. But don't worry: There are several ways to protect your plants from your pets. To see them,

Cool Idea: Twelve Months of Flowering Plants

casasugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:30:25 -0700

If you're the type of shopper that tires of new purchases easily and runs out to shop some more, Smith & Hawken's Twelve Months of Flowering Plants ($459) will keep you happy year long. Kind of like your favorite shelter magazine, you'll be delighted each month when beautiful blooming plants arrive at your doorstep. Ranging from White Amaryllis in January, Gerber Daisies in July, to Hydrangea in December, each plant is chosen for its "singular beauty and variety of form and color." The plants come in a nursery pot, and your order comes with a free cache pot so you'll have a spot to keep them. When the year's up, you can transfer your beloved monthly plants to your garden (if you have one), and you'll be Good to Grow for years to come!

Definition: Soil pH

casasugar — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. It's measured on a scale of one to 14, with seven as the neutral mark. So, anything that measures below seven is considered acidic and anything above seven is considered alkaline. Gardeners should know whether their soil is alkaline or acidic because some plants require nutrients that can only be retrieved when the soil pH level falls into an certain range. Hydrangea, for example, will blossom in either pink (alkaline) or blue (acidic), depending on the soil pH. For Good to Grow month, this is a good term to know!
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Plants That Purify: Bamboo Palm

casasugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:14:29 -0800

We all could benefit from a cheap and beautiful way to improve a home's indoor air quality. That's why I'm bringing you an ongoing series on house plants that are particularly good at purifying the air.

Next up in our series is the bamboo palm.

To find out more about this hardy house plant, just

Plants That Purify: English Ivy

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:03 -0800

We all could benefit from a cheap and beautiful way to improve a home's indoor air quality. That's why I'm bringing you an ongoing series on houseplants that are particularly good at purifying air.

Next up in our series is English ivy.

To find out more about this hardy houseplant, just

How To: Keep Plants Alive Without Guesswork

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:15:38 -0800

Improper watering is often the underlying cause of plant problems. The leaves of underwatered plants become brown or yellow, dry, and brittle, eventually killing the plant. Contrarily, overwatering a plant can make its leaves limp, and the plant itself more susceptible to disease. For a simple solution to both of these problems,

Plants That Purify: Dracaena

casasugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:15:47 -0800

Next up in our series is the dracaena.

To find out more about this hardy house plant, just

Plants That Purify: Ficus

casasugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:11:21 -0800

Next up in our series is the ficus.

Ficus benjamina, or the weeping fig, is one of the most popular trees that are grown indoors. Bright green leaves grow abundantly on the ficus, but leaf loss is common, especially when their environment is changed, or when there is a drop in temperature. Place ficus trees by a bright window, wipe off their leaves when they get dusty, and water them regularly (but do not overwater), and they'll be happy trees indeed.

Warning: plant sap from a ficus tree may cause dermatitis or allergic reactions.

Source

Plants That Purify: Chrysanthemum

casasugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:59:46 -0800

Next up in our series is the chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemums are a beautiful, autumn flower, and if you decide to use garland chrysanthemums as a Thanksgiving centerpiece, they can do double duty in a salad, since the flowers are edible!

Although chrysanthemums are usually associated with outside fall flower beds, they also grow well in pots indoors. Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of colors and prefer full sun, except when in bloom. Keep the soil from becoming compacted, and only water when the soil has dried out. Chrysanthemums flower as a response to short days and long nights, and while old plants are usually not rebloomed, you can grow new plants from cuttings. To force chrysanthemums to bloom, provide them with 14 hours of darkness for 10–12 weeks.

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Plants That Purify: Chinese Evergreen

casasugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:00:50 -0800

Next up in our series is the Chinese evergreen.

Calling all black thumb gardeners! To find out about this black thumb-resistant plant, just

Plants That Purify: Peace Lily

casasugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:00:56 -0800

Next up in our series is the peace lily.

Peace lily, which is also known as the friendship plant, produces an abundance of long, dark leaves and, if it receives proper amounts of sunlight, fertilizer, and water, the lily will produce a beautiful bloom that looks like a small ear of corn covered by a white hood. Most peace lilies grow between 1- to 4-ft. tall and wide.

The peace lily will tolerate low, interior light but thrives in bright, filtered light. But like fair-skinned folks, the peace lily will sunburn if placed in bright light. This plant prefers well-drained soil and minimal fertilizer. Wipe the leaves with a damp, soft cloth to remove dust. If your plant isn't flowering, try placing it in brighter — but not direct — light to encourage floral growth. If the edges of the leaves turn brown, you can reverse the problem by either watering more regularly or reducing fertilization.

Make sure to check out Sgdish's beautiful peace lily that she posted in Su Casa.

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Plants That Purify: Mother-in-Law's Tongue

casasugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:04:32 -0800

Next up in our series is mother-in-law's tongue.

Mother-in-law's tongue, or snake plant, produces long narrow leaves, that can grow up to five feet tall. While the name itself is obviously meant to disparage mother-in-laws, I think that the gorgeousness of this hearty, easy-to-care-for plant reverses that ill intent. This plant requires little care and is drought tolerant. Warning: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Mother-in-law's tongue is ideal for anyone with a black thumb, as they will thrive under almost any conditions. Just don't leave them in a snowbank. Anything short of that extreme bad care and these plants will do right by the blackened of thumb gardener. Oddly, while most plants hate to be root bound, the mother-in-law's tongue will most likely flower if its roots are cramped in the container. Plants which are not root bound seldom blossom.

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Plants That Purify: Gerbera Daisy

casasugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:00:39 -0800

Want a cheap and beautiful way to improve your home's indoor air quality? Then get some house plants! All plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but in this process they also filter out toxins and pollutants, too. I'm going to tell you about house plants that are particularly good at purifying the air.

To find out more about this plant, just

Do You Have Houseplants?

casasugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:03:20 -0700

Indoor plants can really make a home feel home-y. That is, if you look after them. I personally pride myself in the responsibility, and try to fit as many in my crib as possible without seeming like a crazy Amazon lady. What about you?

Do You Have Houseplants?

I live in a jungle!

I have a few house plants.

I don't have any, but I'd like some.

Nope, I don't think I could take on the responsibility.

Midday Muse: Indoor Fabric Garden by Ted Baker and JAM

casasugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:39:07 -0700

This indoor fabric garden melds two of my favorite obsessions: sewing and gardening. Part hanging plant, part green art installation, this installation features lovely fabrics and plants, and the hanging containers are fashioned from reused lampshades.

Have you ever tried to make your garden into art?

via Inhabitat

Crave Worthy: Serralunga Missed Tree Vase

casasugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:35:53 -0700

Similar to the Interior Weeds Planter, this clever vase replicates an iconic image from nature and brings it indoors to your table top. Striking a silhouette reminiscent of a cypress tree, the Serralunga Collection Missed Tree Vase, designed by Jean Marie Massaud, comes coated in red, white, or black lacquer. I personally love the clean look of the white, though you'd have to find the perfect plant to fill it.

via Notcot

Crave Worthy: Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot

casasugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:30:52 -0700

Since I usually just throw my umbrella on the entryway floor, I've been thinking I should invest in a nice umbrella stand. Can you imagine one more delightful than this Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot? The ceramic vessel has a planter at the bottom, allowing excess rainwater to trickle down and water the plant. On top of that, I think it's quite stunning. Unfortunately, I can't figure out where to buy one, so this may only be a prototype, but the idea is so great, it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for.

via Shak in Style

Love It or Hate It? Flip Flap Plant

casasugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:00:49 -0700

The MoMA store is now selling a fake plant called Flip Flap Plant ($18) that runs on solar-power and sways its leaves like a real plant. The low-maintenance accent doesn't require watering, of course, but I also don't really see the point.

Love It or Hate It? Flip Flap Plant

Love It

Hate It

Undecided