Category Archives: Container Gardening

Yellow Shrimp Plant with Two Companions Make The Perfect Trio in Two Pots

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Foliage Lasts Throughout the Season

One year, these three plants were used in two pots and the foliage rich result was eye-catching.

One of the benefits of focusing on plants for their foliage features is foliage lasts throughout the growing season.  In many cases, annual plant blooms will wither away towards the end of the summer from heat exhaustion or repeat blooming.

So when you use foliage with a captivating thriller plant, like the yellow shrimp plant, you result with a stunning combination which is easy to assemble and maintain.

Echoing Foliage Colors

Notice how the dark purple plum like color (violet-red color on the color wheel) of the sweet potato vine’s heart shaped leaves are repeated in a band of the same rich purple plum color in the leaves of the Coleus ‘Kong Rose’ plant.

Repeating a color of one plant in another plant is a way to add impact to a design. This holds true in containers, patio pots, and in gardens of the ground.

Complementary Color – Yellow and Purple

The yellow shrimp plant’s yellow parts (technically bracts) represent a color opposite to purple on the color wheel so they seem to pop near each other.  This is especially true when two plants with pure yellow and purple colors are used together in a container garden – but either way – what I loved about this trio is how lush and full they got and stayed all summer long with little to no problems.

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The plants used in these two pots are what I consider reliable performers.

Reliable Performers

The ‘Ace of Spades’ sweet potato vine just kept growing and growing, dangling over the rim of the pot to the ground and even down the railing. It served as a “spiller” in the container gardens.

The Coleus ‘Kong Rose’ has very large leaves; and is an exceptional “filler” in the container gardens. I would have to say the ‘Kong’ cultivars are one of my fav’s as well – because of their lush leaves.

Then, of course, is the shrimp plant, the “thriller“, with its amazing yellow bracts and white blooms. The flower structure is fascinating, so the minute I saw some available at a local garden center, I grabbed two that year.

See the Yellow Shrimp Plant during the Winter

Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield, Massachusetts; you will spot this plant there growing in their greenhouses filled with fluttering butterflies. The butterflies love the blooms, and the tropical like feel in this place is perfect for growing this tropical to sub-tropical loving Peruvian shrub.

Yellow Bracts with White Flowers

As I noted in my prior blog post about spotting this plant there, you can see why it is called a golden or yellow shrimp plant.  The flowers are not the yellow parts you see here; these are the bracts.  The white tubular flowers extend from the yellow bracts, and in my container garden, the hummingbirds and butterflies loved them.

Long Lasting Blooms – Feeds the Butterflies

Another bonus of the yellow shrimp plant’s blooms are they are long-lasting in summer, and grow upright and tall – you really notice them, plus they are a bit unusual or nontraditional – and are definitely exotic looking in my book. If you are looking for something out of the norm – this is the plant to try.

Part to Full Shade or Full Sun to Light Shade – Easy to Grow

Yellow shrimp plants enjoy part to full shade and this worked out well because its companion plants in this container gardens do as well. Although I found if situated in part sun – it didn’t do much harm at all.

This plant combination was featured in the GMPRO magazine in 2008, titled “Foliage Fanatic.”
Check it out to read the exact growing requirements.

2008 Stunner

2008 Stunner

Other plants similar to the yellow shrimp plant are Jacobinia carnea (pink shrimp plant, Brazilian plume) and Pachystachys coccinea (cardinal’s guard). They are not hardy to our Connecticut planting zones, so just be sure to wait to put them out in season when things are warmed up appropriately during the summer months – which is far away at the moment, but viewing these photos gives us inspiration until then.

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Cathy Testa

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Don’t forget to note the May 2015 dates for Cathy T’s Container Garden Workshops:
May 16th and May 23rd, 2015

ContainerCrazyCT 2015 Calendar (2)

Flashback Friday – Crocosmia Perennial with Fire Red Blooms in a Whiskey Barrel

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Good Day Everyone!  

For this week’s ‘Flashback Friday,’ where I select photos from a prior blog post, here is a perennial from the genus Crocosmia in full bloom in the middle of summer.

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It was planted in a container garden the size of a whiskey barrel and placed behind a bench in a small garden area by my house. Shown here is the cultivar ‘Lucifer’, and it impressed me quite a bit during the summer of 2013.

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“It will flower in the late summer with VIBRANT wands of scarlet and yellow pops of color.  When most annuals tend to fade away from the summer heat, this tall, spiky foliage perennial plant provides a big thrill , and it may be transplanted into your garden in the fall to reuse.” – CT

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How could you not adore these vivid red and yellow flower buds and funnel shaped flowers?  They are really eye-catching. The bees and hummingbirds visited often that year, and it was fun to stop by to take photos of them. In addition, the plant’s sword-like foliage is really striking, tall, and makes a showy full thriller in a big container or patio pot.

Photo by C. Testa

Photo by C. Testa

Do you ever wonder if the bee sees the end of the camera and thinks, “please stop taking my photo! I’m busy.”

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This perennial is truly grand and enjoys sun to part sun conditions. It makes a wonderful cut flower in floral design arrangements (re-cut the stems and use lukewarm water in a vase to keep the color intensity).

Additionally, this perennial is deer resistant – another bonus!

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And best of all – it returned in my container for two straight years, but on the third year, it was hurting a little bit with reduced growth, which was a sign it required better growing conditions, refreshed soil – or a new home – into the ground.

As a perennial here, a Zone 5-9 plant, it will survive in a garden bed for years to come.

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To see more details about this plant, visit my blog post complete with videos and reference links:

Crocosmia – It will Rock On in your Container Gardens

TGIF Everyone, Cathy Testa

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See the 2015 May Container Garden Workshops themed this year Perennials with Power in Container Gardens.

 

 

What do Horticulture People do during January? Plan and Rest, or Rest and Plan!

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Around this time of year, I see people in the horticulture industry either vacationing somewhere tropical for a much needed rest before spring arrives, placing their plant orders, preparing calendars for the upcoming growing season, and attending conferences to keep learning more about growing, selling, and sharing their plant passions with garden enthusiasts.

Thus, in January, our minds are very busy with planning and hopefully taking some time to rest – because in the growing season, it is a busy time and non-stop.

Container Crazy CT’s 2015 Monthly Snapshot Calendar

A calendar depicting activity underway on my calendar for my clients and gardening friends has been posted on this blog, under the “Nature with Art Programs” drop-down menus. Or you can see it here:

ContainerCrazyCT 2015 Calendar (2)

WORKSHOPS

You will see, there are a lot of fun gardening shows and conferences underway. I’ve already ordered my plants from my local Connecticut grower for the upcoming spring season, specifically for Cathy T’s May Container Garden Workshops scheduled on “two” dates this year – May 16th and May 23rd.  SAVE THE DATES!  And for visits to local farmers markets.

CATHY T CLASSES

In April, there is an Eclectic Wind Chimes Making Class – and we are very excited to have lined up a very special guest artist, Laura Sinsigallo, whom is originally from the Broad Brook / East Windsor, CT area. Click the links above to see the details. We already have sign-ups – it will be a fun way to kick off spring.

ContainerCrazyCT 2015 Calendar (3)

GARDEN WALK AND TALK TOURS

The 2nd half of the 2015 year will bring on Garden Walk and Talk Tours, which were started up last year, and are FREE. Save the Dates – first will be an amazing vegetable garden in Willington, CT by another talented artist and garden lover. More details will be posted, but to learn more – visit the drop down menus on the top banner of this blog page.

GUIDED TOURS

In September, a Guided Tour of the Brimfield Antique Show is on the schedule as well – Yup, you can go with Cathy T – and let me tell you – this is such a fun event to attend, and at the end of the season is a good time to get the best bargains and try to haggle with the sellers – something I’ve learned to do over time.  Want to go? Save the Date, Click the above drop down menus for the details and contact forms.

ARTISTS INVITED

If you are a local artist interested in showcasing your products and sharing your skills with a captivated audience, feel free to contact me. The theme is creating with Nature and Art.  Don’t be shy – reach out!  We’d love to hear from you.  Same goes for anyone interested in sharing their garden with us – it is really a great way to network, meet new friends, learn tips you have used in your own garden – big or small – we are in!

Email: containercathy@gmail.com or containercrazyct@gmail.com.

Happy Hump Day Everyone,

Cathy Testa
ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9743

Flashback Friday – Golden Head Planter with a native Autumn Fern

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For this week’s Flashback Friday

Brilliance Autumn Fern in a Golden Head Planter

Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’
Zone 5-8/9; Perennial and Native

Head Planters ContainerCrazyCT_0001

In season, this fern’s upright fronds remain a dark green color, as shown in the photo above when it was growing in the container during the early 2012 summer. The beautiful golden face planter with splashes of black was a find from the Pottery Barn store. Knowing it would glimmer in the summer sun, there was no hesitation to get one. Placing a fern in it was a good choice because the planter did not have a drain hole, and this fern can take moist conditions. I did not want to risk cracking this pot so a drain hole was not drilled into the bottom, as typically done so the roots may breath and not rot from overly wet soils. However, ferns can withstand moist conditions with appropriate controlled watering in pots. If I felt the soil was too wet from a rainfall, I would tip the pot to let the excess water drain out.

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The fern’s name includes the word ‘Autumn.’ I’ve read this is because when the plant is young, it is a copper color, but it also takes on highlights of copper later in the summer season. Here it was moved to a shadier spot on my deck that season because this fern prefers dappled shade.  It was easy to grow in a container garden (or head planter). Some perennials will return in stored containers – which is a topic I will be teaching in detail in the 2015 season when two Container Garden Workshops are scheduled in May.

Head Pots (3)

The golden color of the head pot is really rich.  As it was sitting next to another container garden with mixed plantings, including the thriller – a dark leaved Colocasia (elephant ear or taro), which was the cultivar, ‘Diamond Head,’ the effect was gorgeous. Colocasias are plants I plan to include in my plant ordering list every year. I love foliage and love how the big leaves toss from side to side in the wind and the plant will last all the way into the fall season, up to the last frost date, plus they are easily stored over the winter for regrowing every season here in my Connecticut planting zones (5-6).  By the way, the plant with yellow and red leaves in-front of the elephant ear is called Amaranthus tricolor – it was noticed during a “Walk and Talk” Pond Garden Tour last summer in my friend’s planter near her three-tiered water gardens which everyone seemed to like it and asked what the plant was. It really stands out in the right situations and has a unique look to it.

This particular Colocasia cultivar was not too big for its pot, even though its leaves reached about 3-4′ tall, because it has a compact habit.  While the Autumn Fern is a semi-evergreen perennial (hardy to zones 5-9 – and native), the elephant ear is a tropical type plant (not hardy to CT), but hardy to zones 8/9-10.  The Colocasia is a sun to part sun/shade plant so the exposure was fine next to my beautiful and elegant golden head planter with faces all around it.

So, again, the two pots near each other in a shady spot on my deck was a good combo for they enjoyed the shady mornings and dappled sun later in the day.  By the way, Autumn Ferns are deer resistant – good for gardens with deer eating issues. Most ferns grow best with a high organic matter content in the soil when grown in the garden.

Head Pots (2)

The following year, I planted a succulent in my golden head pot, a Kalanchoe. But, because I was unable to drill a drain hole, I inserted the plastic pot it was in into the golden head pot so water could drain freely below it without creating a overly wet base.

Kalanchoe plants prefer the opposite exposure of ferns.  They enjoy sun and dry soils, able to withstand drought like conditions, within reason, in a small pot. Ironically, the leaves on this plant also highlighted some copper to red coloring on the edges. Matching plants to pots should not be exact matches (what I call matchy-matchy) but connect to the pot somehow perhaps in a subtle way – as done with this fern and succulent because the pot of golden to copper colors highlighted the copper tones of the plants used – it just worked – at least for me – I loved the look!

Why Use Head Planters?

Head pots make heads turn – When used in your gardens as art, or in special pots as decor elements in your outdoor spaces, and inside the home during the winter season.  And when you change up the plant in a pot – you change up the feeling, look, and affect of the pot or planter itself.  A big fern like plant gives it an exotic hairdo style, a smaller succulent may keep the head pot looking tidy and neat – it is fun to play with and – thus – I will share more in my ‘Flashback Friday’ posts about my head planters of other styles soon.

Happy Friday Everyone – T.G.I.F.

Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com

“A Blog to share Container Garden Passions and Nature Combined with Art”

For more information about this fern shown in my new Flashback Friday posts, see the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.

Have you been to the Chicago Flower Show?

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Got a question for my fellow garden and plant related bloggers out there –

Which Garden Shows have you been to, if you don’t mind sharing?  And have you ever attended the Chicago Garden Show held in March at the Navy Pier?

Reason I ask, is I read some not so pleasant reviews about the Chicago Flower Show – and just wondered, if you have attended, did you find it of value, could you rate it or give some insight to what it was like – and what to expect?

As far as flower shows go, I’ve been to:

Philadelphia Flower Show – HUGE – I spent two days each time attending, and stayed in an adjacent hotel – perfect!  This show is spectacular but tiring – on your feet for hours with thousands of people (so if you don’t like huge crowds, forget it), but a super treat if you don’t mind hours of viewing with tons of passionate fellow gardeners (check out the Man Cave at the show there if you go – rest your feet and watch t.v. guys!). My hubby took me to this show, and and we make it an adventure – taking the train from home, and visiting other local attractions in Philly. Fortunately, the train stops in a town next to us – so, we didn’t mind the journey from here to Philly at all – it was fun. The Philadelphia Flower Show entrance always amazes me – there are moments at that show I will never forget – huge, gigantic aw-inspiring displays and a HUGE wine tasting event – everything is absolutely grand at this one. To see my post in 2012 of my visit to this show, themed tropical and Hawaiian style, click HERE.

Love going to the Philadelphia Flower Show when I can!

Love going to the Philadelphia Flower Show when I can!  Photo from my 2011 Visit to the show.

The Hartford, CT show – known as the “CT Flower and Garden Show” – Of course, I can not miss this one – it is in my area, and I know some of the speakers, and take my gardening friends along.  It is very nice, and well-done, like it – but no where as big as Philly – one of the largest in the world I believe, so to compare the two – well, that’s not appropriate, but I would recommend this show to anyone.  It has speakers each show day on an upper level above the show floor exhibits – all free presentations, and very nice landscape displays with a balance of vendors.  So it is not too commercially oriented, and offers a great deal to see and enjoy in the middle of February. Many Connecticut nurseries showcase there, and there are restaurants in town to enjoy along with other features in Hartford, CT (e.g., The CT Science Center in downtown Hartford, CT). To see a post about my visit to this show, well, you know – click HERE.

Rhode Island Flower Show – It is held the same time period in February as the CT Flower and Garden Show – and that kind of irritates me!  Of course, you could do one and head to the other, but still, I just wish they weren’t on the same exact dates. Still haven’t been to this one. It’s on my list however.

Boston Flower Show – I’ve attended this one three times, once via bus with a group of CT hort people, and twice with a friend. It was loads of fun cause its held in a CITY and the food choices at nearby downtown restaurants are wonderful (if you go, check out Boston Legal Seafood “Harborside” where you can sit at tables facing the water – food is outstanding). The Boston Flower Show is bigger than Hartford’s show, and has a very nice balance of plant related displays as well as garden related vendors. It’s a keeper, especially when you can book a hotel room which is walking distance to the event so you can go back and forth to unload you fun gardening purchases. To see my post when I visited this show in 2013, click HERE.

BUT WHAT ABOUT CHICAGO’s SHOW – DO YOU RECOMMEND IT???

Anyhow, my intent was to get some specific feedback on the Chicago show – If you have attended, what did you think of it – how would you compare it in regards to size, etc.?

Did it offer plenty of plant related displays and information, or was it more commercially oriented – like having things non-related to gardening and plants?

In the windy city – gosh, it can be very cold in winter – so to trek out there – for me would require a flight, hotel, and all that blues music in surrounding venues – thus, interested VERY MUCH in your feedback – Comment Away!! Thank you!

Cathy T of ContainerCrazyCT

P.S.  The show in Seattle, WA looks AMAZING, titled the Northwest Flowers & Garden Show.  I fell in love with their FB posts on it last year, their seminar topics were incredibly well done and seemed in sync with the current gardening trends and times, BUT talk about far for moi to travel to do that one — It is across the country for me from Connecticut, but heck – side trip to Hawaii??

Perhaps some day!! Wink-wink.

Me in 2010 at the CT Flower Show as a CT Hort Society Volunteer. Don't you just love the green vest! Their display won awards, every year at this show!!

Me in 2010 at the CT Flower Show as a CT Hort Society Volunteer. Don’t you just love the green vest? Their display has won several awards. I love the big red banana plant in the left corner in a container garden (Ensete)!

Container Gardens with Evergreens – Spice Up Your Space for the Holidays

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I’ve worked on cold and windy days to install festive holiday container gardens with evergreens and decor this time of the year – but I have to say, yesterday was probably the coldest day ever experienced outdoors while doing so.

Checking the weather beforehand wasn’t on my list – I knew it was going to rain today, so I thought, I need to get this done first thing on Monday.

The truck was loaded up with evergreens and decor supplies by sun up. Sometimes, having an early start is nice because all is quiet before shops open up for the day.

So off I went.  Within the first 45 minutes tho – my hands were frozen.  It was much colder than I expected. It was like 22 degrees out!

But because I enjoy the process of installing container gardens for the holidays, ignoring the tips of my finger tips getting cold in my not-warm-enough gloves was somewhat easy – at first.

As the owner of a business showed up to unlock his store, he said, “You picked a terrible day to do this. It’s freezing out.”

So, I responded with, “It is suppose to rain tomorrow, and it is time for the seasonal change up, so here I am!”

He agreed, indicating this is his favorite container of the seasonal change outs, and how he is looking forward to the holidays.

After completing his two big barrels at his store front, I went for a coffee and returned to the house for warmer socks, gloves, a neck warmer, and warmer ski like hat – it was THAT cold out.

Back out I went and finished two other jobs, taking a lunch break in between to – yes, warm up again.

Luckily – these are local clients – for which I am very thankful for their business.

Check them out – The Sweet Spot Bakery in Broad Brook, CT offers freshly baked cupcakes, cakes, and more – and they are yummy. In fact, I had them make a kissing ball cake for my latest class – it was much fun as everyone didn’t realize it was a cake at first.

KB Cake by The Sweet Spot Baker (Photo by HomePlaceBlogger)

KB Cake by The Sweet Spot Bakery of Broad Brook, CT (Photo by HomePlaceBlogger)

Then there’s the huge and popular package store, Joe’s Fine Wine & Spirits, on Rt 140 in East Windsor, CT.  When I looked around at the supply of wine and beer, during my warm up breaks in the store yesterday, I thought – “Gosh, what Leslie and his staff has done for this place is amazing.”  They offer a huge selection of wine and beer — and they hold holiday festivities during the year, like wine tastings, and several important fundraising benefits to help raise funds for community efforts.

Barrels in-front of Joe's Fine Wine & Spirits by Cathy T

Barrels in-front of Joe’s Fine Wine & Spirits by Cathy T

After finishing the decor at Joe’s Fine Wine & Spirits, it was off to a local hairdresser’s shop, next to the new TRX exercise studio, which is another small local business to support. The salon is called Carol Jean’s Hair Salon at 144 North Road, East Windsor, CT. Michelle is a great person and offers local salon services.

Container Garden Dressed Up by Cathy T at Carol Jean's Hair Salon

Container Garden Dressed Up by Cathy T at Carol Jean’s Hair Salon

All of these business owners tell me the festive container gardens outside their businesses adds a welcoming environment – and their customers really enjoy seeing them each season, and talking about them with the business owners.

Container Gardens outside of storefronts and businesses lets everyone know – customers are important to their small businesses, and they want to share the holiday happiness too!

If you are interested in an install job for container gardens, call me this week while supplies last.  This is the best time of year to dress up your outdoor store front environment, whether it be a container garden stuffed with greens and decor or a holiday kissing ball or wreath hung on your front door. Tis’ the Season!!

His and Her's Elves Grace the Steps of THE SWEET SPOT Bakery in Broad Brook, CT.

His and Her’s Elves Grace the Steps of THE SWEET SPOT Bakery in Broad Brook, CT.

And, by the way, I’m super glad I went out yesterday, despite the freezing cold, instead of today. I hear the ice is slick out there today – black ice, my husband warned. He already e-mailed me from his office to say be careful stepping out on to the driveway today. It is slick.

I think I’ll wait for the sun to come out and warm up everything – this time!

Cathy Testa

http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

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Custom Orders for Evergreens – Or Make Your Own by Appointment This Week!

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Ho, Ho, Ho Everyone!

What fun we had on Saturday! Just look at these beautiful ladies with their evergreen handmade holiday creations from Saturday’s class at ContainerCrazyCT’s workshop.

Attendees at ContainerCrazyCT's class - Photos by HomePlaceBlogger

Attendees at ContainerCrazyCT’s class – Photos by HomePlaceBlogger

Advanced Kissing Ball Makers (returning each year) are really rockin’ their creations – lights were added to balls and wreaths, their bows are coming out fantastic, and each has new ideas every year.

Attendees at the 5th Annual Class Hosted by ContainerCrazyCT

Attendees at the 5th Annual Class Hosted by ContainerCrazyCT

Making Your Own by Appointment – Open Studio Days

If you are interested in making your own, you may do so during Cathy T’s Open Studio days this week from Dec 9-12th, any time, just book an appointment, come to her workshop in Broad Brook, CT and get one-on-one private instructions on how to make your very own kissing ball, wreath, or candle centerpiece with fresh greens.

First Time Attendee Makes a Gorgeous round and square wreath!

First Time Attendee Makes a Gorgeous round wreath – Great Job!!

Place a Custom Order Soon!

Too busy for Open Studio Days?  Place a custom order today, and Cathy T will make an item for you.  Custom orders for a large kissing ball, wreath, or candle centerpiece are available. Prices range from $35-$45 based on items selected and decor.

Container Gardens With Evergreens at Home or Business Locations

Also, remember Cathy T installs container gardens at outdoor locations stuffed with greens and decor.  If you need an item for your home or business, call her today or text: 860-977-9473 or email: containercathy@gmail.com. See also the contact form below.

A Box of Greens – Is a Box of Jolly!

Do you need a stock of evergreens to dress up your home?  Another option available is to purchase a box of greens.  Pickup at Cathy T’s Broad Brook, CT location is required – so if you are local, give a holler at 860-977-9473. The box will include Balsam, Silver Fir, Golden Arborvitae, Yew, Cedar, and more. For information and prices, please contact Cathy T.

A Great Big Thank You!

I’d also like to take this quick opportunity to thank all the attendees for making my Christmas season kick off so much fun.  The appetizers you brought, the cheer, and special attendees giving their own demo’s (Maryse – Bow Queen!, Eilene – Light Queen!) during the class.

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Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473 (cell)
containercathy@gmail.com

 

Giving Thanks for another Great Gardening Year

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Container Garden Install

Container Garden Install

Another gardening year has passed quickly.  It was filled with lots of plant-loving activity, including garden talks for garden clubs and farmers markets, ‘walk and talk’ home tours of friends’ special gardens, and several classes hosted by guest instructors and Container Crazy Cathy T related to combining nature with art.  And along the way, I had many moments of thankfulness.

Now arrives the week of Thanksgiving.  A day approaches when we share time with our families to count our blessings – and enjoy home cooked meals. We may say a few words during these events to express our gratitude or a hug may suffice as you welcome your treasured family members and friends to your home and table.

As this fourth Thursday of the month approaches, I reflect upon many opportunities for which I am grateful.  Some may seem minor in the scheme of life, but each is something which helped me along my way and thus, here it goes, my “Give Thanks” List:

My, My – What a Beautiful Summer

We were blessed with an amazing summer where almost every weekend provided sun and comfortable temperatures.  I know this because I pay attention to the weather forecasts, especially for weekends where garden events are scheduled.  And, on every single summer weekend, the weather cooperated for my special events – how lucky am I!  Even on the only day when I had my family over for a summer picnic and pool time, well – that day was the warmest of all – it was perfect timing.

There were so many summer weekends when I looked to the skies and said, “Thank God it is beautiful out this weekend!” So, thankfulness prevails for cooperative weather. Hopefully, one more blessing will happen for good weather at my annual holiday evergreens class on December 6th to cap off the year. Please, no big snowstorms.

Supportive Gardening Friends and Family

As I look at the history of growing my small business, many times, it is friends and family members suggesting ideas to help improve processes and my classes.  And, it IS mostly friends and family members attending my gardening events. However, each new season brings new faces too – and thus, new gardening friends.  One of the best parts of working with plants is communication is almost universal in the gardening world – you don’t need to speak the same language or have the same gardening style to appreciate the beauty of nature and how to bring more of it to your surroundings. Thus, I am very grateful and thankful for all supportive people, new and old, and how they help me along the way. Each and every client is appreciated as well – and many are treasured friends and family members. Thank you for hiring me this gardening season and attending my events.

Healthy Me and Healthy Parents

This year, Thanksgiving Day falls one day before my big 50th birthday. Sure, I have more aches and pains than I did in my 30’s, but I am really thankful there have been no big health problems.  Truly a blessing – and good health becomes more important as we get older – the importance of health – not only for ourselves, but for our family members is of the utmost priority in life. And, for those who have struggled with tough health issues this year, I pray they are always getting better and feeling healthy once again. I’m thankful for when those prayers are answered.

As for my parents – gosh, they are elderly, yet both very healthy and still with us – Every single moment I spend with them, I thank God for sharing these two beautiful people with me.  And to be spending the upcoming Thanksgiving Day with them warms my heart and soul. They, along with my extended family, are a blessing for which I am grateful – and glad I can continue to have them in our lives to share special moments.

Small House with a Big Yard

The home I share with my husband (he is another blessing in of itself) may be somewhat on the small size, but it is cozy with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. I’m so thankful for the day we were told of this home being for sale, and that we snagged it up over 20 years ago. I’m thankful for a solid roof over our heads, and a large outdoor space we enjoy with our animals, plants, and trees.  Years ago, when we stood on our former small 4 by 4 deck to toast the purchase of our new home, we knew it was what we wanted, because it had a big yard – but we had no idea how it would grow into so much pleasure as our personal daily destination – right in our backyard. When we sit to admire our space around us filled with plants and nature – we always think about how thankful we are for our own little place on earth, and how we love to share it with our friends and family.

Chicken Coop Pen at Cathy T's

Chicken Coop Pen at Cathy T’s

Thankful for Likes

One day, my niece told me how happy she was when someone liked her drawing on an artwork related social site, and, I thought to myself, “Do we give too much stock to the “likes, shares, and positive comments” of social media?” But in the end, yes – sometimes it is important.  As we share things we are proud of, often helping to inspire others, we are thankful when someone hits like or share.  For the followers, sharers, likers in my social world – thank you so much for taking the time to notice and for appreciating my efforts.

The Sun’s Rays upon My Face

Lately, I’ve been taking time to sit in the sunniest place available at my home to face the sun during the mid-afternoons before the sun sets. Especially during winter, this is a much needed therapy activity for me because the winter blues has potential to creep upon us as the days are darker and temperatures are colder.

Each time I feel the sun’s rays upon my face, I give thanks for the sun and all it offers to our world. It is such a powerful force – giving life to us, our plants, and our surroundings. Without the sun, we would have nothing, so thus I say, thank you Sun.  You are my Goddess, and I worship you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone,

Cathy Testa
www.cathytesta.com
www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
(860) 977-9473 (cell)
containercathy@gmail.com

Cathy T at her home in East Windsor, CT

Cathy T at her home in East Windsor, CT

Hypertufa Making Class – A Great Way to Enjoy a Chilly Fall Day

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On a very cool and rainy Saturday, 12 ladies gathered to hear a professional hypertufa making artist talk about the how to’s and secrets of making hypertufa pots.

“Hypertufa is a very lightweight natural material that looks like stone,” stated Jim Kandik of Ancient Gardens Hypertufa.

And he should know. He has been handcrafting planters and garden art in hypertufa style for years and offers them for sale at various garden and art shows, such as the Boston Flower Show, Newport Flower Show, and Celebrate West Hartford show – just to name a few.

We all felt lucky to have Jim give us the low-downs on how to make hypertufa planters and containers as we wore our cozy sweatshirts and hats to ward off the slightly chilly air coming through the garage doors of Cathy T’s large classroom.

And if the fall clothing didn’t work, a cozy outdoor fire pit and hot coffee spiced up with pumpkin flavoring and whipped cream was offered to the attendees to warm up their fingers before they began their work of assembling their first hand-made hypertufa pots under the careful direction and guidance of Jim as our guest instructor.

As Jim explained in his class handouts for the attendees, “Tufa stone, a form of limestone, was used in olden times to form troughs on farms.  It is now so rare that “Hypertufa” was created to duplicate its look and function.”

Jim has refined his hypertufa recipe and process to create the finest hypertufa available.  And this refinement is not an understatement as it was apparent to us all attending this class that Jim has a love for making these handcrafted pieces of art.

He makes beautiful birdbaths, planters, fairy houses, mushrooms, and sundials.  Even a gorgeous planter was showcased as part of the day’s activities.  Each is made with good lines and bones, so to speak.  The edges are clean and forms are nearly perfect, but each is unique.

Hypertufas are very lightweight, so they can be easily moved around as features in your gardens or as planters for a table top.  They are easy to care for as well.

Any plant can go in them, from houseplants to succulents, and you may even elect to add a bit of mini garden art or delicate small stones to the top after planting them.

As Jim of Ancient Gardens Hypertufa stated, “Hypertufas need no other special attention and can last for many years.” But he strongly advises you should always move them under cover by bringing them inside during the winter, as standing water will freeze and crack the pieces.

Jim explained his passion of vegetable gardening from years ago, and how a special Aunt was an avid grower of roses.  She was so involved in the process of growing roses, she was eventually a judge at one time for the American Rose Society.

His love of making hypertufa pots and art is in his genes.  It was all passed on via the love of gardening by people like his Aunt. He remembers the first time he saw a hypertufa in friend’s garden and how he was drawn to it immediately and wanted to learn how to make them.  Once he learned the process, it was, well, all hypertufa history from there!

“Cement is an ingredient in hypertufas, but it is not technically accurate to call cement a hypertufa,” stated Jim during his lecture portion of the class.

He went over the other key ingredients to use in correct proportions by volume to achieve the correct mix and showed everyone exactly how to add water appropriately so you do not have too much or too little.

Mixing water into the hypertufa mix is an art form, similar to how one must master the art of watering plants in container gardens.  There’s a bit of science and art to the process, and our special guest instructor, Jim, was sure to show and tell this aspect very well to the attendees.

“Hypertufas are porous, not as dense as cement,” explained Jim further during his lecture and demo.  “Cement is very fine (like talcum powder), and it is extremely important to get it well mixed thoroughly as it absorbs water, and it must be evenly distributed during the mixing process.”

Jim adds other special ingredients to stabilize the mix and make it stronger, which he shared with the attendees of this class, and also provided lots of tips and the “secrets” of success.

After Jim of Ancient Gardens Hypertufa went over all the specifics, tips and tricks, and details of the mix components, he showed us exactly how to mix up a batch, explaining his mixing process is similar to how masons do it for masonry work, using the appropriate mixing tools as well. He also showed the exact consistency and what to look out for as you prepare your batch.

As soon as things were mixed just perfectly, the attendees began assembling the mix into their molds.  This class was designed to teach the process, so the molds were on the smaller to medium size, just perfect to understand and learn the process from a master.

When making hypertufas, it is important to remember the mixing process is critical as well as the correct ratio of the components used in the mix, and then the last step, the curing process is critical.

After made, they are not ready to be used for a few weeks.  A few days of setting is involved, then removal from the molds, and followed by another period of curing and drying.

Depending on where this takes place, such as in a garage or inside a workshop in the home, the temperature and air environment will affect the amount of time required.

Also, the materials used to make the hypertufa can have an affect on the pH of the soil put into the pot, so Jim provided a tip on what to do if this is a concern for the type of plants used in the hypertufa container.

Jim of Ancient Gardens Hypertufa was very generous by offering us all his insider tips which he has learned and mastered over the years, and giving wonderful fall discounts on some of his pre-made hypertufa pieces of art.

And last but not least, he made us laugh too – what more could you ask for in a presenter?! We truly appreciate his expertise and hope to visit with him again soon at his upcoming art shows.

Here are some photos taken during the class.

To find out more about Jim and his products and exhibits, visit www.formedforyou.com. Also, his products will be available at online stores via Amazon.com soon.

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Cathy Testa
http://www.cathytesta.com
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473 (cell)
containercathy@gmail.com (email)

Upcoming Workshop:

5th Annual“Holiday Kissing Ball and Evergreens Creation Class” is scheduled.

Date:  December 6, 2014 (first Saturday in December)
Start time:  11:00 am 

To Request Your Seat:  

Fill out the Contact Form by clicking on the top menu bar of this blog, or here:
Cathy T Classes-2014 Kissing Ball and Holiday Creations Class.

Autumn Begins On Monday – Time to Move In Your Plants

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Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to remind you to think about that statement I made at the Big Container Garden Party in May:

Do not let your succulent plants, cacti, or houseplants with tender foliage in your outdoor container gardens and pots stay out in the cold damp weather too long.

It has been my experience if you let that soil stay cold, and it remains wet – and then you move them inside, two things typically happen.  The tender soft foliage of these types of plants start to rot at the base, or sometimes the damp wet soil invites little critters to take residence in the pot.

So as noted on your handouts from the May Big Container Garden Party class titled, “The 7 MUST NOT DO’S WITH SUCCULENTS & CACTI“, is that you should not leave them out beyond summer when we start to get continuous cold evening temperatures.  (Try this test: Touch the side of your pots – if Terracotta or glazed, they are chilly right now – even in the sun.  The type of container may contribute to cold soil at this time of year, despite the nice warm sun we are having.)

This week has been nice and sunny during the day, so if for some reason your soil in your pots is really damp/wet, give it some sun, don’t water, and let it dry out a bit – then start to move them in soon.  Frost typically happens early to mid-October, so there is still time to enjoy other plants, as follows:

Canna, Elephant Ears, and Banana Plants

As for the Canna, Elephant Ears, and Banana plants – they can handle this weather a while longer into early October before the first frost of Autumn hits.

If you wish to keep the Canna, Elephant Ears, or Banana plants in their pots inside the home – my advice is reduce the watering now – it will dry out the soil a bit, makes the pot lighter to move, and kind of the same theory as above, the soil won’t be damp when it is moved inside – reducing your risk if critters moving into damp soil. Pick a sunny window in the house from that point forward.

If you wish to store the Canna, Elephant Ear, or Banana plants base or storage organ, such as the rhizomes under the soil for the Canna, you may allow it to get hit by the fall frost – The foliage will turn black and soft – and you can cut that all off and then work to remove the rhizome or corm for the Canna and Elephant ear respectively.  For the Banana Plant, refer to my blog where I posted all the steps.

There is also choice #3 – if you want to keep the Canna, Elephant Ear, or Banana plants in their pots and you have a basement to move them into – this is also a technique for overwintering them.  Again, pick a spot, don’t water it much now, and let it look tattered over the winter but just hanging in there. For basement option, must do before frost as well – which probably will happen in mid-October.

Elephant Ear - Colcocasia

Elephant Ear – Colcocasia

Brugmansia (Angel Trumpets)

Another plant sold at the Big Container Garden Party was the Brugmansia (Angel Trumpets).  These should not be hit by frost.  I recommend you move them in to the home if you wish as a houseplant before frost hits, or into your basement to go dormant.  In the basement, most of the leaves will fall off, it will look tattered over the winter, but will bounce back (usually!).  Also, Brugmansia (Angel Trumpets) may be pruned back hard if you wish – pruning off all the stems and part of the stalk, but then you would not have the tall height next season if you wish to keep it tall.

Succulents, Cacti, Alpine Plants

Also, a reminder about another “do not do’s” with the succulents, cacti, and alpine like plants – do not put them in dark rooms, or between curtains in the house.  Do not let them sit in water catch trays.  Do not put them in a very shady spot in the home, or by really cold pockets. They need a bright sunny window, and reduce watering them regularly.  South or West facing windows are typically best. Refer to your handout on more details about how to water them in the winter months.

Hens and Chics

Hens and Chicks – Sempervivums

Hypertufas with Hens and Chick Plants

Hypertufas!  Did you buy one in May?  Well, the good news is they can remain outdoors – the material of the pot is pretty tough – but I say move it to a protected outdoor location, the hens and chicks in the pot will come back next season.  You may want to put it under your porch steps, or if you have a woodstove, heck, put it by the foundation wall near that area outdoors.  Or bring it in and place in a sunny window to treat as a houseplant, reduce the watering, etc.  The plants will look like they are not alive at some point, but they hang in there – believe me – they bounce back.

Mini-Crimson Mandevilla

Mini-Crimson Mandevilla

Mandevillas

Mandevilla – These too can be stored over the winter in somewhat of a tattered state, cut the vines back, and put them in the basement, they will loose leaves over the winter, but will hang in there.  More information can be provided if you have any further questions. This tropical like vine will be showy for a while more too – but don’t let it get hit by frost.

Perennials – Some of the plants were perennial and you may remove them from your container gardens and transplant them into the gardens of the ground, or often they return in the pots if you move them to a protected location over the winter (i.e., garage), especially if you used a big pot with lots of soil mass as your container garden when you put these together in May.

Thank you, and for those registered for the Octobert Hypertufa Class – I’ll see you soon!

Cathy Testa

P.S.  The “Evergreens Kissing Ball & Holiday Creations” class date has been noted above and on the side bar of this blog.  It is Saturday, December 6th, 2014.