Karen's Cottage, Inc.

Karen's Cottage, Inc. Karen's Cottage is a small locally owned florist, plant, bakery, & gift shop. We provide personalize

07/14/2022

July Secondary Birth Month Flower is the Water Lily

As the month of July progresses it is a good time to mention the secondary Birth Month flower which is the beautiful water lily.

During the hot summer month of July a welcome visitor arrives in its water surroundings. Not everyone has a place to grow and nurture this beautiful plant but we can all learn more about this beautiful flower and learn to appreciate its appearance in water gardens that we can visit.

Just as the water lily symbolizes new spirit and new wish, these water plants are optimistic symbols of delight and happiness. A water lily is also known as a lotus and drawings of the lotus flower can be traced back to the tombs of ancient Egypt. The water lily is an important symbol in many religions including Buddhism and Hinduism. The outline of the lotus in art and jewelry can be seen worldwide in beautiful art and jewelry and is used to symbolize a peaceful spirit.

Water lilies help keep backyard ponds while providing shade they provide helps shelter fish and keep the water looking crystal clear by preventing algae from growing. The important thing to know is that water lilies aren't just for ponds. You can also grow these beautiful blooms in large containers on your porch and patio .

A 15-25 gallon container is perfect for a small water lily garden. A dwarf water lily can live in a 3 gallons pot but that is the smallest container to consider for a water lily.. The larger the pot in which the lily is planted, the larger the flowers and leaves will grow. Extra room also promotes the production of more flowers, and greater water volume provides better insulation from temperature extremes. Water lilies can bloom with 4 hours of sunshine a day but more sunlight usually provides blossoms.

Local nurseries do sell water lilies that grow well in our climate and they also provide information on growing these beautiful flowers in containers in your yard or on your porch or patio.

Whatever you decide, enjoy the beauty of the beautiful water lily or lotus blossom whenever you may encounter them.

Article Submitted by: KH

Photo Credit: Shuttersto

07/09/2022

July Birth Month Flower is the Delphinium

Have you noticed the beautiful delphiniums blooming all around Spokane now? They are simply beautiful and are now blooming in many gardens around the Spokane area. The shades of blue are especially attractive this time of year and make a welcome contrast to the many warm colors abundant in the garden.

The birth month flowers for July are the lovely tall Delphiniums and the striking aquatic Water Lily, which both bloom in summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

The first birth flower of July is the Larkspur or Delphiniums. Larkspurs are a group of tall showy flowers that occur in beautiful colors of purple, blue, red, yellow, or white. The petals fuse together forming a spur and hence the flower's name.

The larkspur is natural to Europe and has spread throughout North America due to its popularity as a garden plant.

The language of flowers introduced in Victorian times says that Larkspurs convey an open heart and ardent attachment.

Grow delphinium plants in a sunny area with soil that is consistently moist. Don’t let them dry out. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. The performance of this specimen is enhanced when growing delphinium plants in neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH. Soil should be well-draining.

Plants are still available at local nurseries, and many are available at close-out or special prices. You can also plant them from seed in the spring. They come in many beautiful colors and reward us with their blossoms year after year.

Do try adding some of these beautiful perennials to your garden. They make a lovely summer gift also. The pollinators love them also.

Enjoy!

Read more about Tips For Growing Delphinium Plants from WSU

http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/Images.aspx?PlantID=504

Article Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

07/05/2022

Happy Fourth of July to Everyone!

Enjoy time with family and your friends and your garden.

Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

06/09/2022

Did You Know That Honeysuckle is the Secondary Birth Month Flower of June??

Honeysuckle is a delightful and easy to grow vine that grows well in our area. It is a heat tolerant plant that can grow almost anywhere. With dark green to blue-green leaves and sweet-smelling flowers, this plant grows as a far-reaching vine. Honeysuckle flowers can bloom in gorgeous bright pinks, oranges, yellows or whites, and some varieties have a unique two-colored blossom.

An added benefit of this birth month flower is that these sweet and nectar-filled blossoms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds. These pollinators also enjoy the small red berries that emerge after flowering. If care is taken to deadhead, these flowers can repeat-bloom often throughout the growing season.

Climbing honeysuckle is hardy in our region. Purchase plants from a local garden center in spring and plant after all danger of frost has passed right into early fall. Although climbing honeysuckle will grow and flower in part shade, the more sun the vine has, the more flowers you’ll get. Plant vines in well-drained, compost-amended soil for best results. Keep honeysuckle well-watered deeply and the plant will benefit from an organic fertilizer or blossom booster fertilizer to encourage additional flowers if desired.

Plant honeysuckle plants in part sun and keep the vine well-watered to prevent the leaves from dying back. Climbing honeysuckle can attract aphids, mealy bugs and powdery mildew disease. Control aphids and mealy bugs with sprays of insecticidal soap. Control powdery mildew with proper pruning to cut out mildew and allow proper circulation.

Lightly prune climbing honeysuckle after blooming to keep it in bounds and looking attractive. Climbing honeysuckle leaves can get tacky looking by midsummer, especially under hot dry conditions. Heavy pruning should be reserved for the winter when the plant is dormant. New plants can also be started in the spring from rooting cuttings and then planting the rooted cuttings in soil.

Whatever the case may be…. enjoy learning and reading about the many varieties of honeysuckle. There are several varieties available for sale at the local garden stores. Perhaps you can find some space to grow one in your garden.

The following links provide information from WSU about other types of honeysuckle other than the vine type discussed above. Enjoy reading.


www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=147

pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=197

pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=583

www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=708

Article Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

06/07/2022

Roses Are the Birth Month Flower of June

Roses are one of my favorite flowers and with the weather this year the treasured blossoms have definitely been delayed. Slowly they are unfolding and beginning to put on their much-anticipated display. They are always worth the wait but this year they have tested everyone’s patience.

Remember to keep the spent blossoms trimmed off to encourage rebloom and also your roses could benefit from some blossom booster fertilizer if you wish to add some, but it is not necessary if your roses are planted in healthy soil. More on rose culture will be posted in future articles so do check back.

The following is some interesting trivia about roses provided by the Farmer's Almanac:
Roses have long been seen as the flower of passion in various cultures. The ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, named roses in honor of her son Eros, the god of love.

There are more than 100 species, in a variety of sizes and colors. A gift of this flower can have many different meanings, depending on their color, and the number of roses in the bouquet.

Throughout history, they have been adopted as the symbol of countless causes. They are the official emblem of numerous countries, including Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and even the United States.

They have also taken on religious connotations over the centuries, being used to represent not only Jesus and the Virgin Mary but also all Christian martyrs.
During the 20th Century, roses became a symbol of freedom and non-violent resistance in oppressed nations.

Rose oil has been used in perfume for centuries because of its distinctive, and highly aromatic scent.

Rosehips, the fruit of the rose plant, are edible and rich in vitamin C. They are often used in jams and jellies, tea, and other recipes, as well as in cosmetics. The petals and leaves are frequently used in herbal medicines, primarily to treat stomach problems.

The rose bush’s characteristically thorny stems are often used as a metaphor for the unpleasant side-effects of obtaining one’s desires.

Just remember…. Enjoy roses wherever you find them. They make wonderful gifts especially during the month of June!

Article Submitted by KH

Trivia Credited to Farmers Almanac

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

11/15/2021

November’s Birth Month Flower is the Beautiful Chrysanthemum

November’s birth month flower is the chrysanthemum and it is an appropriate choice as it mimics the vibrant colors of autumn leaves.
These November flowers are also known simply as “mums.”

Chrysanthemums can be seen in all sorts of autumn decorations. The word, “chrysanthemum,” comes from the Greek prefix chrys- meaning golden and -anthemion, meaning flower.

Chrysanthemums come in many colors including yellow-orange, burgundy, mauve, purple, rose, red, and combinations and shades of all the above.

A native to Asia with a history that dates back to the 15th century B.C., chrysanthemum symbolism often originates from its original birthplace.

Did you know that in Japan, there’s even a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year?

Fun Facts: The Chinese also believe that mums prevent gray hair. A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent perfection. Confucius once suggested chrysanthemums be used as an object of meditation . It’s said that a single petal of a mum placed in the bottom of a glass of wine enhances longevity.

The language of flowers… According to the language of flowers...A red chrysanthemum means “I love you.” A white chrysanthemum means innocence, purity, and pure love. A yellow chrysanthemum means slighted love.

GARDENING WITH MUMS
Most chrysanthemums are perennials and can be planted in the garden for years of enjoyment. However, planting them in the fall requires a few special steps to ensure that they can make it through the winter.

first, pick your planting time. Garden chrysanthemums can be planted in spring or fall. If you buy in the spring, bear in mind that often, garden mums grown for spring sales have been forced into bloom. So, after the flowers fade, prune the plants back to one-third to one-half of their flowering height and they will bloom again in the fall.

When selecting your planting site, choose an area that receives full sun and is several feet away from street lights or other night lights, since exposure to light during the night may inhibit flower formation. Chrysanthemums grow best in moist, well-drained soils. Avoid poorly drained, wet spots.

Before planting, work the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches and incorporate 2 to 4 inches of organic matter, such as peat moss, well-rotted manure, or compost. Set the young plants 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to develop into full, mound-shaped plants. Keep your chrysanthemums well watered throughout the season. Fertilize spring-planted mums once a month through July with water-soluble plant food. If you end up waiting till fall to plant your mums, you will not need to fertilize them at planting time.

Want more flowers? If your chrysanthemums grow tall and leggy with few blooms, learn the art of pinching— periodically removing the growing tip and first set of leaves. Start in the spring when the new growth is 4 to 6 inches long. Pinch all shoots and flower buds every two or three weeks until late June; continuing longer will prevent flower formation. The plant will then grow new shoots and flower buds, and they’ll bloom in the fall—right when you most want a little extra color in your garden! Renovating the mum clump every 3 or 4 years also promotes healthy growth

The following are some helpful researched articles from Washington State University about chrysanthemums for your reading.

Enjoy!

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2073/2014/03/...

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2076/2017/07/C...

Article Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: WSU

10/13/2021

It is Time to Plant Garlic Now but What About Elephant Garlic??

Did you know that Elephant Garlic is not true garlic??

Elephant garlic is named for its large size and milk flavor however it is not a true garlic. In fact, it really belongs to the leek family.

Another interesting item is that the botanical name for elephant garlic is Allium ampeloprasum. The word Allium is of Celtic origin meaning “pungent” and many years ago garlic was referred to as Russian penicillin, being used for medical remedies for all kinds of ailments. It is also delicious in many recipes for those who like a more mild flavor than true garlic.

Elephant garlic is a unique plant. Although it looks like a giant garlic bulb and has a mild garlic flavor, it has more of the texture and water content of leeks. Elephant garlic tends to alternate each year between forming one large bulb or "round" to forming many small cloves. This is because Elephant garlic is a biennial and forms the single bulb in the years that the plants don't flower. All of the plant's resources go into building up the single bulb that will help the plant survive into its second year and send up flower stalks. If you re-plant the large bulb, you should get a plant that sends up a flower stalk and develops smaller cloves. When the cloves get large enough, they will repeat this cycle.

Although the plants will grow and form bulbs in partial shade, you will get larger bulbs if you grow your elephant garlic in full sun. Elephant garlic will reach a maximum height of about three feet. It has the typical leaves of other allium plants and will spread up to 10 inches.

Elephant garlic can be started by direct sowing seed garlic that can be purchased through some garden centers, catalogs, and online websites. If you decide on this option look for certified seed Elephant garlic which has been grown specifically for planting in the garden and is free of insects and diseases You can also purchase Elephant garlic as cloves to plant in October.

Did you know that garlic bulbs purchased at the grocery store should not be planted? This is important because there is the likelihood of diseases that may be present on the bulb and spread specific garlic diseases in the soil. This could prohibit planting garlic or onions in the same bed for several years. Definitely not worth the risk.

Instead, plant certified garlic in October in eastern Washington gardens and in November in western Washington gardens. To prepare the planting area, loosen the soil to improve drainage.

Compost can also be worked into the planting area to support the growth of developing roots and to loosen the soil. Mulch, such as weed-seed-free straw or other organic materials, can be used to protect the growing plants from cold damage during the winter, conserve water, and help prevent weeds from competing with the garlic plants.

Spread 3–4 inches of mulch over the planting area. Plant large Elephant garlic cloves that are clean and dry and plant them the same day the bulb is broken apart. Plant the cloves so that the tops are 2 inches below the soil line, and place the garlic clove flat-side down and pointed-side up in the hole. Garlic should be planted 4–6 inches apart in rows that are spaced 12–24 inches apart.

Keep the planting area free of weeds because Elephant garlic competes poorly with other plants. Side-dress the plants with compost in late April or May when the tops are 6–8 inches tall. During spring and early summer, provide about 1 inch of water per week or enough water to prevent the soil from drying out. Stop watering when the tops of the plants begin to fall over and dry up, about two to four weeks before harvest in July.

Elephant garlic is more susceptible to diseases than to insect pests. A garlic clove infected with a disease or insect pest may produce small, misshapen, and inedible bulbs. To prevent pest problems in garlic, only plant seed garlic that is certified free of disease and insect pests. Each clove should be checked for damage before planting. Cloves showing any discoloration, stippling, or bruising should be discarded.

Rotation of plantings on a three-year basis will also reduce pressure from diseases and insects. Do not plant onions in the same area as Elephant garlic because it is susceptible to many of the same diseases and insects as onions. Onions should be included in the rotation of plantings every three years. It is also important to keep planting areas free of weeds and plant debris.

The delicious Elephant garlic will be ready during the middle of next summer or about eight months after planting. You will need to be patient but it is worth it. Enjoy harvesting your Elephant garlic and be sure and try it in many of your favorite recipes.

The following links provide additional WSU information on growing garlic and Elephant garlic.

Enjoy!!

https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/Product/ProductDetails?productId=4282

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/…/Growing-Garlic-in-the-Home-Garden11…

Article Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

06/20/2021

Happy Father's Day to All Fathers from the Master Gardeners.
Enjoy your garden with family and friends today as you celebrate Father's Day,

Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

05/11/2021

Ready for Rose Season!

I love all flowers and I especially love roses! If you are a fellow rose enthusiast you may also know how easy it is to find a reason to add another rose bush to your flower garden. I admit that I find every way to find some extra space to add just one more rose. If you are looking to purchase a rose now is a great time to shop.

As an alternative, space can be created by adding containers. Using containers provides a viable method to expand your rose garden. Select a 22 to a 24-inch container or larger to plant a standard-sized rosebush. Fill with potting soil or add compost to your regular garden soil to make a well-drained nutrient-rich soil. Follow planting directions as printed on your bare root container. Plant at the same depth as the soil level in the planted pot if you decide to buy a potted rose.

Plant bare-root roses as soon as they are available and before new growth begins. Potted roses may also be planted at this time. For best results perform a soil test to find out if your chosen soil has any nutrient deficiencies.

Fertilize your rose bushes before new growth begins. Apply fertilizers containing only the deficient nutrients as indicated by soil test results. Take particular care with fertilizers containing phosphorus (phosphate) including bone meal because phosphorous runoff is a problem in Washington State. Do not use these fertilizers unless test results indicate a need.

Pruning roses in the spring is part of the regular maintenance needed to keep roses healthy and attractive. Prune your roses around the time forsythia (bright yellow-flowered shrub) blooms as per rose pruning instructions.. Forsythia bloom times vary across the state, depending on climate and temperature, but they are better indicators of pruning time than using a calendar date. If you have not pruned your roses yet then you can prune them now.

More information will be posted about rose care in future posts. The following link provides great information about growing roses as published by WSU. Happy reading and have fun finding your next rosebush.

https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/growing-roses-in-washington--rose-care-calendar-home-garden-series

Enjoy!

Article Submitted by KH
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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