S is for Setcreasea

Found this plant at the garden center last summer: Setcreasea pallida ‘Purple Heart.’ Looked good in the pot next to Dusty Miller and the bright orange begonias. This was the first day that we planted it at home.

One day the plants were visited by a praying mantis. I was so excited! Finally, something to help control the aphids!

The little pink flowers last maybe half a day. Sometimes only a few hours.

Later in the summer, everything was growing over the sides of the pot.

At the end of the summer, I had to cut it back before I attempted to bring it in for the winter. These cuttings lasted for a couple weeks in the vase. This was surprising because they seemed delicate and I had assumed they would wilt quickly.

Now, I’m not sure if the plants are still alive. I think they are, but I won’t be sure until it’s warm enough to put them back outside. During the winter, the leaves turned green, which I read was normal when they don’t get enough sunlight. Many parts of the plants have died off, but I think there are still a few vines of life clinging to the pot. Time will tell.

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I’m participating in the A to Z Challenge for the month of April. The idea is to post every day, except Sundays, and end up with one post for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a good challenge to help me to blog every day.

H is for How’s It Hanging?

The cucumbers grew much better last year climbing up the fence. In previous years they had been planted in the bed opposite the walkway, with plenty of space to creep along the ground. Things went OK but never any spectacularly good crops. They flourished, however, when given the opportunity to climb that chain-link fence last summer.

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I’m participating in the A to Z Challenge for the month of April. The idea is to post every day, except Sundays, and end up with one post for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a good challenge to help me to blog every day.

All That Remains

My springtime friend, lovely ranunculus. Even your shadow was enticing. But not just to my camera and me, to the aphids as well.

I didn’t know it was happening until it was too late. There was no hope of undoing what had so swiftly taken place. Your second bud would never know the warm sun on its open face.

I looked at you, but I did not see. I gave you water but not what you really needed. I brought you home, and I let you down.

Now all that remains is a shadow of a memory.

Roses in Sunshine

This pot of roses was given to me a few years ago. It died that same season. This is the opposite of what you would see out on my balcony right now (grey skies and snow).

My First Home-Grown Okra

I was happy to pick my first okra pod! The seeds were an experiment this year, and a happy surprise because I didn’t think they would do well in a container.

I also picked a bunch of cherry tomatoes (which are actually the size of blueberries) and some green zebras.

The okra flower was very pretty, but only lasted a day.

This was the growth the next day.

I missed photos of days 2 and 3, and I picked it on day 4.

There are always ups and downs in gardening, and this one of this year’s high points for sure.

Zucchini Beginnings

We all start out somewhere.

Overdone Broccoli

This probably should have been harvested by now. I bet it looks pretty when all the flowers bloom.

Another Day, Another Web

By noon, the web was already partially destroyed because my spider friend had caught some lunch! Smart move setting up shop next to the flowering basil. There’s a constant stream of little bees and critters buzzing in and out of those.

Photo Challenge: Close Up–Container Garden Finds

From the ittiest, bittiest cherry tomatoes (some smaller than a peppercorn at this point)
To the soft and mysterious Dusty Miller

I haven’t tried to grow okra before, just picked up the seeds on a whim this spring.

To the beginnings of an okra flower, these are busy days in the little balcony garden.

Things change in a matter of hours: tomatoes ripen, peppers swell, the occasional morning glory shows itself, mint tries to creep in every other pot it can find, kale leaves disappear into the mouths of voracious cabbage butterfly caterpillars.

Some changes are better than others but they are all interesting to watch.

In response to this week’s theme Close up

The Summer Half of the Color Wheel

Orange, yellow, and green — three colors showing one of the best things that summer has to offer.
These cherry tomatoes are tiny, but they are filled with summertime flavor and make me happy. I love stepping outside for a little snack, and watching the colors change from green to yellow to orange.