The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Let Heaven and Nature Sing

We thank our Creator for blessing gardeners with a varied palette of colors, plants, and the natural beauty of our environment to be our workplace…..wonders never cease! Now is the time, to plant trees and Now is an excellent time to see fall color at the nurseries before planting. Planting in late fall gives gardeners 6 months of cool rainy weather before the heat of summer returns. Planting now also allows for fewer “waterings” between rains, giving newly planted trees a higher probability of surviving if a consistent form of irrigation is not available. After planting, apply root stimulator by Fertilome. This is a great product that feeds the root system to encourage immediate growth, to help anchor the tree and begin sending nutrients upward…and is also a great product on ailing plants. The dosage of nitrogen is low, and you use 4 tablespoons per 3’ of plant height. This is a “must” on large trees over 3” caliber and transplanted trees and shrubs. Use on planting and again in 6 weeks. Yes, this can be applied in the winter months. This is also the best time to plant azaleas and camellias, for the same reasons. Both plants have “zero” drought tolerance and respond well to cooler temperatures and less intense heat. Camellias will do best if planted in a northern exposure, but will also do well when placed in an area that is shady after 1:00 pm. Camellias are available in two varieties: sasanqua and japonica. Sasanqua bloom November through January, with single to semi-double blooms with visible stamens. Japonica bloom from mid- February through early April and are more compact in growth, displaying full-double blooms that are so perfect, they do not seem real. Note: both varieties will show buds months before the plants go into bloom. We have many new folks moving into our area, and we have the privilege of teaching “Texas Gardening 101.” Southeast Texas has a 12-month planting season, although August and February can be a bit extreme in temperatures. Placing the plant in the correct sunlight, drainage, temperature, and water are the most important factors. Soil can be amended. It is a safe bet to say 85% of plant fatalities are caused by one of the above conditions not being met, and the remaining 15% is disease/infestation, which is easily cured with a bit of preventative care. No garden column in December would be complete without the proper care of poinsettias. Poinsettias are tropical plants, originally found in the tropical forest of north Mexico and brought into production in the USA as a remembrance of the Christmas miracle. The star shaped leaves represent the star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Poinsettias are produced in a variety of colors and require high light, temperatures above 50 degrees, and do not allow to dry out or allow water to stand in a foil. In their native habitat, poinsettias will grow to 10’ tall and bloom From December through February. Today, these beauties are force-bloomed in indoor growing facilities to be ready for market the week of Thanksgiving. Keep in mind, the center yellow brachts are the actual flower, and the red leaves are the foliage. Always choose closed or barely open brachts to keep the plant longer. Do not keep poinsettias in a dark area with no natural light; this will make them die off much quicker. A popular myth is that the milky substance of the plant is poisonous, but research shows the plant not to be fatally toxic, but can cause severe stomach irritation to small animals. Red Poinsettia

Debutante Camellia

Winter Rose Poinsettia

‘Tis the season of thanksgiving and miracles. Wishing you the merriest Christmas filled with love, laughter and health.

Betty Jo STEVENS

1 What is your grandparent name, and does it have a special meaning?

DeeDee. My first nephew died of leukemia and he called me Dee, so the other nephews and nieces called me Aunt Dee. When my daughter was born, I named her Karen Dee, and she named her daughter Abby Deeann. It seemed natural to choose DeeDee as a grandmother name! and more on the way - we are starting on the second dozen!

4 Favorite activity with grandkids?

DeeDee Camp! When the kids were growing up, I would host all the grandkids every summer for “camp.”

We did brown bag skits, waterslides, scavenger hunts, games and day trips. Ten years and tons of memories!

5 Advice to other/new grandparents?

Enjoy them all you can, because you will turn around and they’re 27!

6 What do you hope your grandchildren remember about you?

That faith and family are so important.

2 Number of grandchildren and age range?

For many years there have been 12, seven girls and five boys, and we called them DeeDee’s Dozen. My son Dan and his wife just adopted a little girl, so now I have a Baker’s Dozen! My oldest granddaughter is 27 and the youngest is 4. I also have one great grandchild

7 What’s your fondest memory of your grandparents?

I only knew one - my granddaddy, Theodore Hall. Just spending time with him in his garden was special, and when I was in college, he would cook lunch for me several times a week - just him and me.

Creative Corner

Remember to Breathe

By Linda W. Perkins

Snowflakes drift Across the frosted glass As I peer out Looking for sunshine Longing for warmth. A frozen rosebud Reminds me It was spring once Not too long ago. I want to go back But time pushes me forward. I know that soon A butterfly will emerge From the long winter Trapped in its cocoon. How hard the waiting Alone in darkness Pushing towards the light With all of my might. This too shall pass I know that’s true But oh, to keep my strength In this season of change To survive the metamorphosis I must remind myself To hold on to hope And remember to breathe.

She takes her time, no bones about it!

Seen by: Justin Schubert

Am I the only one kinda put off by this?

Seen by: Emily Langley

We want to see what you’ve seen! When you see the unusual, funny or absurd, break out your camera, take a picture, and submit to us with a description at: PostcardsLive.com

Merry Christmas

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