Xylem & Phloem

Posted by Callie at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

One of my favorite things to do is drive around Dallas neighborhoods and admire other people's gardens. I especially love it when the hand of the homeowner is visible in their garden design and plant selection. You can tell immediately when someone paid someone else to landscape their own garden versus taking the time to select the plants and design the layout themselves. There is nothing wrong with hiring a landscaping company to "plug and play", in fact it is a necessity for most. But it is refreshing and inspiring to catch a glimpse of those wondrous gardens that are the obvious handiwork of a true plant lover.

Do you have a garden bed or plant that you are particularly proud of? Send the image along with a brief description to photos@xylemandphloem.com.

Posted by Callie at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Callie at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A quiet afternoon with a cup of cappuccino and a stack of gardening books. Heaven!

Posted by Callie at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Callie at 09:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Many thanks to all the plant detectives out there that helped me to remember that these are indeed gladiola bulbs! What to do with forced gladiola bulbs is the next mystery. These might be too big for my little glass bowl... There must be a reason that I purchased these specific bulbs. I think that they are chartreuse -- my favorite plant color of late. I'm going to do a little detective work of my own to see if I can remember the particular variety that I snatched up.

 P.S. Is anyone else getting spring fever already? I've been devouring plant books lately. I'm currently planning out a new xeriscape garden that will feature ornamental grasses and perennials to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This should be a big project because I will be completely changing the face of my backyard. This process is sure to be documented here!

Posted by Callie at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

'Twas a dark and stormy night...  Okay, okay, so it was a bright and sunny afternoon, but just go with me here.

(Ahem)

'Twas a dark and stormy night in late December when the mistress of the house (that would be me) was rummaging around in the dark and dusty corners of her linen closet in search of clean face towels, when she  exclaimed, "Mon dieu! What is this?!" (Okay, enough of this...)

Wrapped in a crumpled white paper bag, I found a number of sad-looking bulbs that I vaguely remember purchasing last year. I can't remember what they are, except that they are some kind of exquisite flower that  I wanted to try out. The bulbs were severely dried out and I had no idea if they were still viable. Well-known to try anything once, I soaked the bulbs overnight in a seaweed solution, removed some of the dried outer skins, and plopped them into a sand-filled container under a window.

By some miracle of the gardening gods, the darn things have sprouted and are well on their way to glory!

Does anyone recognize the bulbs? Also, has anyone had any experience transplanting forced bulbs into the garden? (You can comment below, or e-mail me here. 

 

Posted by Callie at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)