Note:
Copyright © 2018 Lonnie D.Watkins
Restoration Of My Garden 2018
During September 2014, I moved into this apartment. As time went by and I got accustomed to these new digs, I decided to go to work on a long-term garden. This "MAIN" page is a discussion of where the garden is as of today,: the plants I am working with and how things will go during this year 2018. Have been recovering from some serious health issues. Am feeling much better after a lot of work and some serious motivation. Have blogged about how I was feeling, here, yet am focused upon my garden inside this post. While I was ill and lethargic my garden did not receive the care it needed to thrive, and therefore, I earned a terrible die-back. Lost three new high-dollar hybrid rose bushes and it appears that I lost two of three potted shamrocks. Lost my white-star jasmine. Wowzers!! Am going to re-establish my fine garden using the lessons I have learned by trial and error throughout the years. Have included many of my gardening images at this blogger address in earlier 2016 and 2017 posts (the links for those years are over to the right) and I am directly linking many images with this post, if any of you gardeners are interested in seeing what we can do in an arid environment like Vegas. Am highly motivated; just love to garden and it is very therapeutic.
Hybrid Opuntia Blossom - 12apr17
The image below emphasizes the spikes that protect this genus of cactus. Awesome blooms, awesome spikes. In addition to punctures, these cacti have an irritant type poison included with the stab wounds that is quite uncomfortable. In my opinion any animal will remember not to touch this plant more than once. Discovered a Wikipedia page specifically about glochids and spines to again emphasize caution around cactus.
"Spines"
Slowly, yet surely, am adding additional information to this blog. Do not have any idea how to complete this blog because my garden is living, breathing and growing. Below is a table of contents directing any desert gardeners (anyone at all for that matter) to additional information that may be needed to complete their own planter and garden. This additional information is what I have encountered as I learned, "How to Garden," and may be of some help.
| Page Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduction | "Main" Page | Currently Viewing |
| Old Garden 2012 | Soil preparation at my old apartment |
| Noxious Weeds Removal | Removing Bermuda Grass from the new planter |
The "MAIN" page of this four page blog.
This image below opens my first blog of 2018 and is the lead-in to why I am here... my garden. New plants, new efforts, and a bit of work. In my years of gardening, have noticed that people will buy plants already grown, plant them, and then call themselves gardeners. Some will purchase fertile soil instead of turning their dirt into soil. I use a fertilizer treatment named Scott's Miracle-Gro along with home-made compost. For me this is best. Mix the powder with water and pour. Simple enough.The link above asks a reader to sign up for their newsletter. The newsletter is region specific. The treatment is still man-made and i work to better my soil, yet people I know water each time with this fertilizer because it does not build up and ruin the plants. Is very nice.I am using Miracle-Gro on this sprout below to enhance its chances for survival. It had already sprouted before I removed it from a landscape, so the smaller roots were damaged. It may not survive, I want to help it, and will try hard to help it survive. There are more seedlings where this one came from. .
Leucophyllum candidum - 29dec17 (Texas Sage)
The full thick lush shrub below is being used as a landscape application. I don't know how old the plant may be but must be some years. The assistant manager of the store where this plant is located gave me permission to harvest the sprout above. A two-and-a-half quart specimen runs $7.98 at a local home center while a three-and-a-half gallon specimen costs $23.00 at the same store. This is what I intend to gain by caring for the sprout. "Purple Sage" will make a nice addition to my xeriscaping.
Leucophyllum candidum - 2011 (A Full-grown Texas Sage Used In A Landscaping Application)
There are many images of the garden I need to share. Am just trying to figure out the best way.
Overview of Water and Temperature
My home is Las Vegas, NV. For a serious horticulturist research of an area is most important. For instance, the Las Vegas Valley Wiki taught me that we receive just under five-inches of rain per year. This article mentions the raw intensity of the sunlight in passing. Anyone planning to cultivate here should focus on how dangerous the sunlight's intense radiation is to specimens. Also important is the USDA hardiness zone for your location in the Valley (There are two different zones in our valley). I specifically work with my new plants during the late Winter to early Spring. The garden is just waking from a period of cold weather dormancy. New plants have a chance to adjust in sync with the weather if planted at the correct time of year.The temperatures included in the Wikipedia Article cited above are broken down like so:
| temperature | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Highs | day 52-60º F | day 100-110º F |
| Lows | night 34-42º F | night 72-80º F |
Have lived here for ages and I am quite familiar with what to grow inside this desert environment. The Wikipedia article linked above speaks of the limits on the amount of water Las Vegas receives from the Colorado River at Lake Mead and the exponential population growth in our Valley. Alongside the five whole inches of rain we receive, there has been a prolonged drought here, so I am very conscious of the water economy. My plants do not need much water. Choosing the right plants to grow is an important responsibility working hand-in-hand with water conservation. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has done studies of which plants are wise to grow here and the studies include ways to protect plants from the sun's radiation. In addition, it is easily determined by plain observation. My garden is (is going to be) made up of the plants that attract me as well as plants that require very little water. I have grown at least nine genera/species of cactus from "pads" and "pears." One thing that is important to note: it is illegal to remove native plants from our beautiful desert. As you will notice I have focused upon cactus at this current garden. The cacti are my highest achievements so far... my peanut cactus being a highlight. Three other varieties have blossomed as well.
Echinopsis chamaereus - 27apr17 - Peanut Cactus In Full Bloom
The peanut cactus colony above is about seven years old. I colonized this five gallon pot with three or four broken off "stems." Making sure to bury the correct side down (the end or side that was attached to the finger-like parent when it fell off), I just placed the stems to a shallow depth and basically watched them grow with little or no maintenance, watering once in a while to keep them hydrated. Cactus stems, pears and pads store water for use later. This storage of water allows them to thrive in dry to drought-like environments.
As shown by the first image below, it is obvious that the peanut cactus to the left of the yellow five-gallon bucket of Aloe is overgrown and needs cleaning up. The stems have gotten very long and stretched. This stretching is very obvious. Comparison to the thickness of the new growth with the longer older stretched growth is pronounced. The second image below is a small Echinopsis chamaecereus. This peanut cactus has rooted into the soil and I am studying how its growth progresses. Even though it needs tidying up as well.
Over-grown peanut cactus - 29jan17
Of the three larger pots, above, the square ice chest painted a creamy white has an over-grown specimen exhibiting the stretching of the longer stems. Wind-blown debris has collected around the excess growth, but because this is the longest the stems have grown since starting to raise these cactus, I will do some clean up and research this phenomena. Would like to see the stems long, healthy and vital. Of the three larger pots, the round five-gallon planter is the same cactus shown above, "Peanut Cactus In Full Bloom," and also in this image there are three other genera: small terra cotta pots containing ornamental Thimble Cactus, and to the far left, my last remaining cylindropuntia in front of the almost hidden red polka dot prickly pear. The "Succulentopedia" has an excellent, and short, comprehensive discussion about the Cactaceae family of plants. The article is well worth reading. As a matter of fact, reading the link just cited will make coming to this post worth the time because it is a very informative article. A world-class presentation and composition.
Peanut Cactus Overgrown and Rooting - 29dec17
To the bottom of this second image of overgrown peanut cactus above can be seen where the cactus is taking roots in the soil. This is really neat! The main reason I leave the refuse and dust-blown debris is to protect my outdoor plants from a freeze. Warmth as well as conservation of water lost to evaporation. Am in the desert and economic use of water is key. This particular cactus was grown from a piece (pup) of my Mom's peanut cactus. In addition, the container was given to me from my Mom as a gift. My mother passed away during 2006. Nuff said. Other than saying, "This makes the cactus colony in the pot above at least eleven years old!"
Overview of Soil and Composting/Mulching
Below is an image of the all-important mulch/compost bed included with my gardening effort. This is a very young mulch bed, only two years old. A good compost bed is worth gold. I add anything organic that is removed from my garden as weeds and other unwanted pests, table scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds. I intend to gather a huge bag of leaves to add before I turn the mulch with a shovel. Am going to raise it up another level. A nice expansion. Temperature (1) and water economy (2) as well as weed control (3) enter into a discussion of desert composting. I put down chicken wire and raise it a couple of inches using cinder blocks to repel cats. May just be this area but I have a real problem with them. My Thomas cat,too! I think he accompanies me just to learn the choicest areas.
- Temperature:
- Water Economy:
- Weed Control:
- Conclusion:
The high temperatures in Las Vegas during the summer are roughly around 100-110º F, although, not always but these are the temperatures to be considered most important during the Summer. The other variable in the high temperature equation here is intensity. Because of the intensity, I have seen thriving plants die because of the heat absorbed by the ground. Cooking the roots. Soil so hot that you cannot hold it in your hand. Uncomfortably and intensely hot. I cannot over emphasize this fact. Next to a house it will be cooler and in other areas of a garden area the soil will be cooler. Out in open unsheltered areas a good ground cover (mulch) is very beneficial to plants. I use the compost that is created in my beds as a mulch ground cover. Do not know what the scientists would call this but I know from experience this works for me.
One thing I have noticed in a lot of articles is they teach people to use newspaper, cardboard, shredded plastic, and other types of processed material. I don't know how many of you have ever driven or walked past a paper mill but the smell is disgusting. Processing the paper pulp involves bleaching, and chemical cleaning. Adhesives must be used to strengthen the fibers. Do not want this in my garden. Rubber and plastic are disgusting to me also. Even if the material decomposes, I do not want the chemicals in my garden. With my compost, I want the soil to have a lower temperature and lower radiation intensity because the roots are shielded from the sunlight. And I have learned that a good solid compost will shield the plant's roots from over-night freezing. The soil absorbs heat during the day, and will release heat slowly so that by the time the sunrise comes around the ground is still warm. Because the compost acts like a blanket.
This year I may try to add earth worms to my garden. Or maybe it is too soon. Have only been adding nutrients to the soil in the form of genuine care for about two-three years. I may not have created the correct environment, yet. This is another benefit of compost and water economy, earth worms. I do not know the special care worms would need,yet am aware they need moisture and nutrition. With the dryness, would have to find a way to keep the soil moist.
Quite soon, because this is the correct time of year, will start on a new bed up against the far wall. Will use concrete stakes and wood to border a bed. The soil is a conglomerate of hefty stones combined with soil, so will dig down and sift the dirt like the old bed across the street. When completed the soil will be prepared leaving the task of finding earth worms. How about going to a tackle and bait shop for worms? Will keep this bed wet and insulate it with a good mulch The compost/mulch combination will prevent excessive sunlight intensity and thereby protect the roots. The compost/mulch combination will prevent excessive water evaporation as well. Over the next year or two I will transfer my mulch up against the apartment to the bed up against the wall.The blog linked above will aid interested gardeners in preparing their own planter. Voila.
This is a very easy task for me to illustrate using words. Work, labor, and removing weeds by hand,time spent weeding is key. Time can be "saved" by using a poison, yet there are drawbacks labelled on every container of poison. There are even Federal Government Guidelines required on each, which has led me to believe, over the years, that the drawbacks out-weigh the benefits.
The benefits of not using poisons will "save", also. To someone interested in gardening and weed control... read the blog that I linked above in the "water economy" discussion. Preparing the soil under the plants is key. With Bermuda Grass going deep into the soil to remove the rhizomes is important. Then the gardener's pest won't return. When the area is dug out, replacing the soil with something natural will be vastly superior to poisoned, compacted soil with rhizomes still being a part of the planter bed.
I have done my best to describe the interconnection of soil, water, temperature, and natural plant care for serious gardening. Bermuda/Crab grasses can be quite a problem,also. This turned out to be a bit long and tedious for one blog post, yet with the images to illustrate the results, maybe it will be enough. Follow through by visiting the links I have shared as well as researching Mojave Desert for yourself. If you are planning a garden in our dry climate? "It" is about follow through with solid research.
Combination Mulch and Compost Planter - 29dec17
Over the years, I have read tons of information about mulching and composting. Here is a post discussing mulch and compost differences. I plan on using a processed and cleaned manure along with a new big bag of leaves to finish off this area. Will add both and turn it to let it rest until next year. I water it regularly.
Thimble cactus is another easy desert plant to grow. It is very ornate and compact. Some sites recommend it as a bedding/ground cover cactus, but I have only grown it using containers. The blooms are a pale yellow... impressive structure yet small. For me, the ease of care and the star-shaped aureole of thorns are awesome. Prolific growth. Have decided to try to build a raised bed for some of my plants. Not a terrace but island. Along the lines of a terraced platform. The soil I am stuck with here is terrible. Packed, sterile clay with the remains of rock used as a weed control mulch years ago. Yep. Will have a bed of Thimble Cactus just as I read about. Added this photo below to emphasize the striking beauty of the thorns protecting thimble cactus
Mammillaria gracilis var. fragilis - 16mar16 - Thimble Cactus
The "Succulentopedia" article about the cactus family explains the taxonomy in detail. Thorns and flowers grow from the aureoles along the top edge of the stem ribs. Apparently, like flowers, thorns are very complex parts of a cactus. They help radiate excess heat and cool the plants. The thorns provide shade from the intense desert sunlight, provide insulation during the cold desert nights and help retard water evaporation.
Thimble Cactus In Bloom - 16mar16
After viewing the images above, one can see for themselves why this is a favourite of mine. Have done some reading about this plant. The piece that falls off if you touch it when planted are formally named "Pups." The cactus is a native of Mexico, also. Need to go water my "puppies" in a few minutes. Just think that is a really cool name.The image below is of the same cactus that is in bloom above... one-and-a-half years later.
Thimble Cactus - 9dec17 - Overgrown Container
Comparing the image above with the image below shows why I am going to try a planter bed cover of Thimble Cactus. One major factor being the availability of specimens to practice this project. Plenty of new exciting projects for the new year. Am ready.
A "Pup"
In the image above, A Pup, and there are three Thimble Cacti on the patio. Every cactus gardener that I have met has the obligatory Aloe Vera, which is a succulent as is cactus, also. Do not know why yet it may be because Aloe is just as drought tolerant as cactus. I like the plant for its red inflorescence (I do not know the sub-species name), and the plant grows like a weed for me. There are claims of medicinal value for skin care and other things. Do not know if science has checked it out though. The photo below of Aloe Vera in bloom shows the vibrant red inflorescence.
Aloe Planter In Bloom - 12mar17
The image below is the Aloe planter prepared for Winter. The plants over-grown like this will help protect them from a desert freeze (over-night usually) and will act as a mulch by conserving water and protecting from excessive heat. Have not decided where to go with this abundance of plants nor what to do with so many offsets. There is also a container out back that is very over grown, so I had better figure something and "soon."
Am uploading all of these images because I want someone special to see my garden because I talk about it so much. I love gardening here in the desert. Just want to share some of my images of my garden. Hope it doesn't take too long to load on phones. Am going to remember to capture an image of the aloe planter above when it is in full bloom this year. I think at one time last March or April there were about 40-45 stalks of flowers, but I forget the count.
The First Flower Of 2018 - 5jan17
Was out tidying my garden on the fifth of January 2018 and ran across this little fellow. The very first flower of the year. Kind of broke my workflow to post this image but wanted to illustrate the pace of gardening here at my apartment. Have been here about three years and the plants are beginning to acclimatize because of the time they have had for themselves to just grow, naturally, alongside TLC. No buying already grown and established plants for me. It is a combination of G-d's creation and nurturing that produce a healthy garden.Below is an image of one of my cactus planters. This is below one of my windows for burglary prevention, and to deter other crazy thoughts. I love my neighbors in this very poor and rough area and keep them in my thoughts a lot of the time.
A Cactus Bed - 29dec17
When first getting this bed established the cats took a liking to the loose, easy to dig, and clean soil. Spent quite a bit of time getting the soil prepared for the plants to thrive. Would have liked to have some leaves to add when putting the soil back, or maybe some proper cleaned and processed cow manure. Instead the soil was just returned into the hole. The landlord has two bougainvillea shrubs, so I utilized the "thorny" branches to create a kind of net. This is still visible after two to three years. When there is time, I will go "into" this bed and clean up the debris. For now this is fine.
A Cactus Bed - 8may16
The image above describes two genera and three species of cactus. The cinder block to the left is the mulch bed discussed above in this post. The bigger prickly pear is the hybrid opuntia. An image of the big reddish-orange blossom that opens this post is a child of this hybrid. Alongside and surrounding the hybrid are cinnamon and white polka dot bunny ear cactus. The reddish cacti are cinnamon and the whitish cactus to the right is white polka dot prickly pear There are two images of the "cactus bed." Wanted to show the differences time makes. The two Microdasys varieties are clear in both. Below is an image of the Cinnamon coloured Bunny Ear cactus and the growth is obvious from 2016. Much thicker and higher. With the image below, wanted to emphasize the barbs and complete makeup of the glochids.
Opuntia microdasys v. rufida - 23mar16
Have read a little about these cactus and most times protecting our eyes from exposure to glochids is emphasized. Gathering the information to write this post has taught me of unapparent danger. Serious stuff! Because of the size of the barbs... our senses tend to ignore the initial sensations yet the irritant is inside our eye socket and causes infection. Wow. The Wikipedia Article even has quotes from Medical texts. This just shows the importance of learning and this is just one "small" example.The danger is easier to imagine after viewing the image below.
Opuntia microdasysy - 10jan18- Zoom detail
Just barely even touching this pad above or being close during a strong gust of wind could dislodge even a dozen of these thousands of minature barbed spines. Am just astounded that I did not know the seriousness of the danger to our eyes. Although one of the pleasant aspects of this "bunny ear"cactus is that rough contact with the plant or pad is not very uncomfortable.There was a rainstorm last night which covered the surface of the pad with water. Am so thankful for a solid rain. The water authority says it will take years for us to recover from our current drought.
Reminded myself, there is a page feature Here offered with Blogger. Am interested in this because of the length of this blog. There are 19 images and one table.Will test to see if this is how it works.
Copyright © 2018 Lonnie D.Watkins
TOP
No comments:
Post a Comment