When my sister was in town last weekend she brought me a garden sign with my favorite quote on it. Yes, she painted it herself! She is quite an artist! She gave me 2 different size stakes to use since I don't know for sure where I will put it-I can stand it tall, or low. Isn't it pretty!
On the blooming front, my lavender is blooming again. This is Lavandula pinnata. The leaves have a fern like look. It's cloudy today-I can't get the flowers to show very well.
This is better I think..I took a picture from the other side.
The plant grows up to 2 feet and the flower stems can grow 2-3 feet. Flower spikes are in 3 parts and resemble a pitchfork. According to plant information, the flowers should bloom continually through October, but mine were sparse in July and August. They say the flowers will bloom even when the temps dip just below freezing. I can't imagine , but wouldn't that work out well with our warm Texas winters!
This type of lavender does not have the strong fragrance like some of the others, but it does smell good when you brush the leaves. Did you know you can float lavender in your birdbath and keep algae from forming? It works! I always pick off a small stem and toss it in mine. The birds really enjoy their aromatherapy bath!
17 comments:
Nice picture. And great tip!!!
Your sister is so sweet and talented. The sign is BEAUTIFUL!! I'm looking forward to pictures when it gets settled :-)
Oh wow! That plague is SO beautiful. Just my style-lots of bright colors and pretty blooms. Your sister is very talented. Pretty blue on the lavender.
What a cute sign Linda, your sister is quite the artist. Should add some whimsy & a bit of color to your garden year round. :) I love the tip for lavender in the birdbaths. Another reason I need to grow it next year!
That's an interesting tidbit about lavender keeping the birdbath clean. Mine could really use it cause it is pretty nasty. Of course, the birds don't seem to mind. The bluebirds flock to it everyday around 5 or so in the afternoon. It's like clockwork. I guess they are getting gussied up for the late night dates.
Your sister is quite talented. That sign is great! It's going to make a great addition to your garden.
I'll have to try that variety of lavender. I love it but never seem to have much luck growing it for some reason. I'll add it to next year's plant list!
Bird bath...now that was on my list of things to do this year. I must seriously think about it soon. It must be lovely to watch.
Thanks mr! It really works!
JJ-I'm so glad you got to meet my sister AND my mom! I think I will wait until spring to put the sign out--maybe I'll decide on a home by then.
Tina-thanks! My sister IS very talented. I already think I need another sign--don't you think? :)
(Kim--are you listening??)
Racquel- You should try lavender. It adds such texture to the garden, not to mention the wonderful fragrance. The flowers are really pretty in a cut arrangement too, and last a long time.
Glad you like the sign--I need to find the perfect place for it!
Susie, you need to start with a clean birdbath, the lavender will not get rid of what's there. I use a wire brush to clean mine, but you're right-- the birds don't seem to mind a little algae. I love watching them, especially the cardinals.
Hi Nola--I have tried other varieties, but they never seem to last. This one has worked so well. I think I got it at either Home Depot or Lowes.
Lottie-yes, you need a birdbath! You will need to change the water about every 2 days (mosquito problems!), but it is so worth the effort if you love birds like I do!
Yup, you need another and I need one! You've inspired me to do one this winter. Hope it turns out half as good as yours.
Great idea Tina! We always need something to do in the winter.
What do I do? I count the days until spring!! :)
I wonder what it is in the lavender that suppresses the algae growth in the birdbath? I empty and refill mine regularly, but I don't scrub them enough.
northenshade--I don't know why the lavender works. I can't even remember now where I read it as it has been a while. I rinse the birdbath out every 2 days because of mosquito problems anyway, but in the hot summer that doesn't help with the algae problem--and lavender does help! :)
I did not know that about the birdbath! Thanks for the tip. I never seem to have very good look with lavender. It wimps out on me every summer. Can't figure it out.
Brenda
i did not know that about lavendar in the bird baths. that is great to know. what a great sis to bring you such a special sign for your garden. you are gonna love having that to remind you of her.
Hi Brenda--lavender seems to grow better in south Texas, but this variety does well here I think. I've seen it in other gardens around here, so it would probably work for you too.
marmee--glad you liked to tip about lavender! Yes, I will always think of my sister when I see that sign. She is so talented!
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