Flowers in the house: plants blooming in the colors of the rainbow
Potted plants, like those grown in gardens, sprout from seeds, bloom, set seeds and die within one growing season.Flowering plants can be purchased at flower shops at a relatively low price.The earliest, in winter and in the early spring, are primroses: stemless Primula acaulis, snail Primula malacoides, cup-shaped Primula obconica. At home, we place them in a cool room and protect them from direct sunlight.
We have to create similar conditions for the old cineraria Senecio cruentus, which we can easily buy from March to May.These species require abundant watering with lukewarm water and high air humidity.In spring, Calceolaria hybrida also blooms, which, like the previous ones, feels best in not too warm rooms and likes a constantly moist substrate. Wiseton Butterfly Schizanthus wisetonensis and Celosia argentea var are usually produced for summer and autumn. plumosa.
Both plants should be placed in a bright, warm place and watered moderately.Unfortunately, we have to part with all annual species after the end of the growing season, because there is no way to stimulate them to re-flower.However, we can produce new plants from seeds ourselves at home.
Decorative garden: frost-resistant fuchsia
Fuchsia is one of the most beloved balcony plants. As plants that do not winter in the ground, they are grown in containers that are transported to cool rooms during the winter.Among the many species of fuchsia, however, there is one that, provided it with the right position and care, can winter outside.It is Magellana Fuchsia magellanica.
Since this plant comes from the mountainous regions of Chile, it is adapted to harsh conditions. It endures several degrees of frost. It is a shrub that grows up to 80-100 cm, losing its leaves for the winter.
Wintering potted exotic plants
It has narrow elongated flowers with a red calyx and purple petals. There are many varieties in cultivation with different colored leaves and flowers. One of the most popular is 'Riccartonii'.For the Magellanic fuchsia to winter better, it should be provided with a warm, sheltered position, as well as a thick layer of bedding or covering. It is worth knowing that despite these safeguards, plants lose the aerial part, but regenerate it in the next year.
Trees and shrubs: spruce with curtain stems
The variety of Norway spruce 'Virgata', bred in 1853, is sparsely branched.Produces long overhanging shoots, narrowly branched, almost devoid of side branches, ending with only one bud. The shoots hang down like hanging curtains.Spruce has stiff, thick and sharp needles, arranged in a brush-like pattern around the stem. The crown is transparent with an arrow visible inside.
Spruce has quite high habitat requirements, similar to silver fir. It grows well in cool places with high air and soil humidity. He likes loamy, sandy and acidic soils.Grows poorly in dry conditions and is sensitive to air pollution.
Spruces are light-loving trees. Growing in full sunlight, they keep their branches just above the ground.The root system is shallow, disc-shaped, it competes for water with accompanying plants, especially shallow-rooting.The shallow and branched root system makes transplanting easier, but also makes the spruce prone to toppling over in strong winds.Ideal for large parks and gardens. It tolerates clipping and is therefore suitable for hedges.
Orchard in December
- We whiten tree trunks
Already in December, we paint tree trunks with a lime solution. Thanks to this, on sunny days they will not heat up strongly, which in turn will prevent the formation of frost wounds, gangrene and cracking of the bark.
- We control the fruit
The apples that are kept at home are already beginning to turn over, so we often check the condition of the fruit.Flesh softening
and the perceptible aroma indicate the need for their quick management.
- We protect young trees
Trees planted in autumn require additional cover in the first year.Before the onset of severe frosts, make a mound of earth around the trunks to protect the roots.Wrap the crown with straw mats or white fleece. This is especially true for peaches, cherries, pears and plums.
Vegetable: raised beds
Taking advantage of the warmer and sunny days of November and December, we can prepare elevated beds for the next season.This will help us additionally manage the remains of partially decomposed compost and small branches from pruned trees and shrubs .
To speed up their decomposition, partially dig the bed into the soil, digging a hole about 1-1.2 m wide and 20-30 cm deep in the north-south direction.At its bottom, put a net with not very thick meshes, which will protect the flowerbed from rodents.On the net, place twigs, brushwood, then the turf obtained when digging the pit (with the roots up).
Another layer of small organic remains and poorly decomposed compost.The whole thing is covered with soil mixed with decomposed compost, creating a hill. lettuce, dill or spring onion.
