Lawn Weeds - Oxalis Weeds in My Lawn!

All right. I hate to admit it, but my front lawn has been taken over in parts by Oxalis weeds. It is also called Yelllow Woodsorrel, but I just call it ugly.

Plus, on top of that, I am pretty sure I have myself to blame for it getting into my front yard to begin with. Yes, I do live in a windy area, and seeds could have easily come in that way, or a dozen other ways, namely my neighbor's weed patch next door, but I think I spread it from the backyard to the front myself.

I know to clean my lawn mower blades and its underside after I mow the back, and before I mow the front because pieces of weeds will cling and drop off, but seriously, who is going to do that when you're in the middle of Saturday yard work?

I also know better, and should have been keeping up with simple hand weeding when I noticed the first small patch take hold. But I didn't. I also know that if I had been composting my lawn a few more times a year, and given it more nutrients, it would not have been so readily taken over. But these things are hindsight. No whining, I need to address the problem at hand. Stiff upper lip and all that you know?

So, since I have the problem, I am going to post my weekly saga as I battle my Oxalis lawn weeds. After all, I bet you've had this problem at least once in your life, and now is a good time to do it; while the weeds are actively growing. Plus, it will be interesting to see who wins!

Stay tuned folks!

Nertera granadensis - caring for house plants

I don't know how many of you are familar with Netera granadensis or what some people call a "Bead Plant" but I don't see them often enough to think of them as "Common." That being said, I thought I would share my bead plant with you while it is showing its berries.

I like so many things about this plant it is hard to know where to start! First of all it has super neat, and compact foliage. When it's not showing its white flowers or red fruit, it still is a very attractive plant. In fact when it is just green, it looks a lot like Baby's Tears, or Soleirolia soleirolii.

It is easy to take care of, it likes bright light with some sun, but it likes it cool. Some people put their bead plant outside in the spring, in a sheltered spot with some sun and they leave it there until the berries form, then they bring it in the house.

I leave mine in the house year-round, in the coolest room, the kitchen where it gets bright light and filtered afternoon sun. If the room is too warm, it will grow fine, but not produce any berries.

Bead plants like to be kept moist, so I keep mine standing on a saucer of damp pebbles to keep the humidity up. Let the surface of the soil dry out a bit before rewatering.

To add humidity, you can also spray it daily from the time the flowers begin to open until the berries have formed, then just water as usual

They will produce small greenish white flowers in early summer, followed by long-lasting orange-red berries.

You can propagate them by division or take tip cuttings in the spring. If you can find it, you can grow them from seed.

Anyway, if you ever get the chance to get one, try a bead plant, I know you'll love it!

Gardening Idea - Rod-Iron Gate

Murphy and I like to walk the neighborhoods and take a look at what other people are doing in their yards.

This house is so incredibly beautiful; it sits right on the Pacific Ocean. I hate to think what is costs, but the owners have added some very creative features to it.

They have this rod-iron gate that looks just like kelp floating and growing in the water. What makes it so perfect, is that about 15 feet from the edge of the house is real kelp growing, and it fits the atmosphere of the location to a tee.

I thought it would be good to show, because there are all kinds of gates you could make to match your perfect location.

Give it some thought, and see what creative things you come up with!

Potting Succulents - Hanging Baskets

I found another different idea that I thought people might like to try. Now admittedly, I'm not a huge succulent fan, but I thought this hanging basket was really nice. They had created something that had great color contrast, different textures, shapes and sizes.

A succulent hanging basket would also be really good for someone who isn't that "plant oriented." They are easy to transplant, and easy to care for.

Heck, if you know someone who has a lot of succulents, and is willing to share, you just need a few cuttings here and there and they will root quickly and easily.

Anyway, I hope this gets your creative juices going!