Roses need lots of sunlight and water. Roses can grown in pots. I grew this
rose in a pot on the porch. When growing in pots make sure there is a large drain
hole at the bottom of the pot or your potted plants are going to die. The new plastic
pots are great because they are light. Some of the plastics pots do not have drain holes.
Using your largest drill bit make many holes in the bottom of plastic pots. Also, place
a hand full of rocks at the bottom of pots to help with drainage. Water run-off is manditory
with potted plants. And here is another secrete about potted plants. If the plant starts to
die re-plant it using fresh potting soil. In most cases re-planting will save the life of
any potted plant.
Tropical Plants
Some people believe that tropical plants only grow in the tropics. This is not exactly true.
I grew this 10' tall banana tree in South Carolina. This banana plant was only 3' tall
six motnhs ago. Today it's grown threw the roof! I protect tropical plants from cold in the winter
of course. In Holland the Dutch grow tropical plants in the snow. They use greenhouses. I use
make-shift greenhouses made from painters clear plastic purchased at Home Depot for less
than $ 30. And I use Kerosene heaters to keep the plants from freezing.
I purchased the banana plant from Lowes for under $ 40. In the winter months we cook oysters on the
the outdoor barbecue grill. The greenhouse is a great place for the grill because this helps keep the plants warm.
One of the most beautfiul gardens in the world
to visit is Brookgreen Gardens,
located in South Carolina at Myrtle Beach. Brookgreen is not only a huge sculpture garden, it
is also filled with poetry in bronze. Most notable of all is one that is very short and sweet:
The Garden
Poems are written by fools like me
But only God can make a tree
This tropical lemon tree survives South Carolina's cold winters because I protect it.
Plants all need the same thing - sunlight, water, and good soil. We recommend Miracle-Gro
Potting Soil. And like all living creatures plants need love. They need someone
to care about them. Someone to check on them to make sure everything is ok. You
can't leave plants on automatic with no water.
How Often to Fertilize?
The general rule about fertilizer is "if in doubt don't fertilize." More plants die every year
in home gardens due to over fertilization perhaps than any other reason. Use fertilizer about
once every six months to a year and use it sparingly. These purple petunias are one example of
healthy potted plants. I fertilize about once every year. I prefer natural fertilizer like
chicken droppings however hanging bird feeders in your garden works almost as well. Natural
fertilization allows nature to be in perfect harmony with itself, without the destructive
influence of man. It's called organic gardening. Which brings us to the subject of insecticides.
Use garden safe insecticides and only use when needed to save your plants. Insects are a
natural part of nature but a huge threat to your garden. Birds and spiders are natures way
of controlling insects. It doesn't work. Nuke them if you have to but only use insecticides
that are safe for editable plants, fruits, and vegtables.
Indoor Plants
This indoor plant lives on the Red Onyx console table at the entrence to our furniture store.
The secrete to healthy indoor plants is collect rain water for them. Chlorine, floride, and Lord knows
what else is added to tap water. Plants need natural rain water. This particular indoor plant
has a special need. You must poor water down it's throat the way natural rain does it. You
may also place your indoor plants outdoors when it rains. This is the best method. Most important,
indoor plants like all plants need sun light. You may also grow plants indoors without sun light by
using a growing lamp. But the cost of the lamp combined with the cost of the electricity is not
worth it for most home garden hobbyist. Find a window with a lot of sun light for indoor plants.
This indoor plant is about 9' tall. It lives beside the Red Onyx console table at the entrance to
to our showroom. Use potting soil on everything. That's the worst kept secrete to home gardening.
Surround the roots of all your plants in potting soil at least one feet deep. Most important
remember that if you want modern contemporary interior design, plants
are welcome inside the home.
