I'm Liking Renee

Renee and I met when I bought some of her seeds last weekend. I'm liking her blog - especially this post about container gardening. I think you should check her out.

Lavender Family Tree

Remember how I was worried about the pedigree of my Lavender? I took a stroll over to Renee's Garden website and I feel much better!

Arsenic and Old Lace(wings)

My sister went to see a college troupe perform Arsenic and Old Lace last week. I created my own version tonight... I bought some green lacewings. The aphid war continues. All but a remnant of the ladybugs have flown. So, I decided to take it up a notch.

I bought some green lacewings larvae at the store - kind of. I though I was all set to release the "aphid lions," another name for lacewings. (Side note: why are these little guys called lacewings? That name is kind of a weak-sauce name - aphid lions, that's something I can get behind. I am looking for killers, not ballet dancers.) The packet instructed me to put paper cups out as new homes for the larvae. I dug around in my cabinet and found my best left over Starbucks cups from a party of Christmas past. I placed a mini-buckies cup in each planter (mind you I have what felt like 100). I pull out the scissors, open the packet with excitement, my pulse is racing with anticipation of the battle, and, nothing. The packet contains a voucher for me to mail in and request my aphid lions. Kind of lame, but I'm committed for the long-haul. Actually, I appreciate that the company, Orcon, doesn't try to do some crazy store ready package and ships fresh larvae, but I was ready TONIGHT. I want to take these aphid jerks down, total destruction.

Well, Ryan, and everyone else cheering me on, stay tuned.

Sky-Rise Garden

I think we could use some of this action in downtown LA. What buildings could we use??? Check out the mystical wall gardens here.

Seed Excitement

Few things in life thrill me as much as the promise that is wrapped up inside a new seed packet. My newest love affair? Lavender. Not just any lavender mind you. Oh no, this is French Perfume Lavender cultivated especially for container gardens. I just hope these seeds are heirloom... I have a strong conviction for heirloom seeds, and I buy them whenever possible, but this little packet did not actually say one way or another. The seed company is Renee's Garden. Do you have experience with this company? Some of Renee's other seeds were labeled heirloom so I'm praying she's principled enough to use heirloom seeds. In any event, the promise of this "compact, deliciously fragrant, hardy Lavender" won me over with dreams of a hot California day encrusted in Lavender. My bees will love it!

Speaking of bees, the past few days I've seen some baby little bumbles on my roof top. I speak a blessing on those little guys and tell them they are always welcome on my roof.

Coming to a photo near you will be my Lavender starts. These seeds are recommend for an inside start. The packet says they take 18-28 days to germinate and mature to 12-18 inches. Stay tuned!

The Lady Bugs Came... and Went.

As I've mentioned before, we are in an all-out-war with aphids. Sadly, they are winning. I am committed to only organic and natural solutions. I've tried Pharm Solution products, but to no avail. I am sure the problem is with my use, not with the product.

My most recent tactic was an onslaught of killers - cold blooded ladybugs. I ordered them online and they were delivered to my front door a few days later. As instructed, I released them at midnight into a well-watered garden. That was Thursday. Today, they are all gone.

I hope they ate their fill before flying off. I also hope they will return "home." The bad bugs are certainly still here! Next weekend, I will buy some more lady bugs and try again. *Sigh*

I purchased my ladybugs from gardenzone.com. Next time, I will try to buy ladybugs from a local store, but most stores here in Los Angeles are not yet keeping ladybugs in stock.

I'll keep you posted. Have you had luck with ladybugs? Interested in ladybugs? Read this.

Social Networking / Freedom Gardens

I just joined a social networking site for sustainable gardening called Freedom Gardens. This should be interesting!