Busch Gardens . . . October 2010 photos

The Captain and I have spent quite a bit of time at Busch Gardens this month which means lots of photos.  The following video is more of an overview of the gardens and some of the animals.

More videos are coming on specific Busch Garden themes.

The park in October is one of the most enjoyable months to visit since the weather is starting to get a little cooler, not as humid and for some reason, attendance seems to be lower this time of year.  The only negative is that the park closes early (6:00 pm) since Howl-O-Scream (a night event) runs the entire month of October.  All in all, this is my favorite time of the year to visit Busch Gardens.

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Screening with container plants

Container gardens can add a green privacy screen to a balcony or an open area.

A trellis gives vines a structure to grow on and stakes added to the bottom of the trellis help support it on the outside of the planting box. Trellises and stakes should be attached to the containers with galvanized bolts.

Water-sealed redwood and cedar are good choices for planter boxes. To help them last longer, line boxes with landscape fabric which has the added benefit of preventing soil from washing out the drainage holes. After the fabric is in place, add a mixture of half potting soil and half compost. Fill the box to within 10" from the rim.

Select a fast-growing evergreen vine to cover the trellis. Once you've selected a vine, remove it carefully from the nursery container, and place the back of the stake supporting the vine against the trellis. Cut away the plant ties from the support stake, and disentangle the vine. Tie each stem to the trellis, fanning out the stems as you go.

If you like, add other plants to your container for additional color and interest. Make sure the additions have growing requirements similar to those of the vine.

Choosing containers

Containers should complement the style of your home and the appearance of the plants you intend to add to them. As you select containers, keep in mind the mature size of the plants that will inhabit them.

Poured-concrete containers with the look of stone are popular and well suited to a formal setting. They're very heavy, so once planted, they should be considered a permanent part of the landscape.

Terra cotta comes in a huge selection of shapes and sizes. Over time these pots acquire a beautiful aged look . . . as clay pots age, algae appears on the outer surface, as well as mineral salts from fertilizer and water. Some people like the appearance of an old clay pot; others find it unsightly. The disadvantages of terra-cotta pots are that they allow the soil to dry quickly, which means plants will need more frequent watering, and in cold climates they may crack as soil expands and contracts.

Some of today's plastic containers resemble terra cotta. They're lighter in weight but will never attain the attractive aged, mossy look of the real thing. Plastic containers retain moisture better than clay, which is an advantage in hot or dry climates but a disadvantage if you tend to overwater plants. Plastic pots are less expensive and readily available in many designs. They're lighter than clay pots and may topple if plants are top-heavy.

Fiberglass containers are lightweight and long-lasting and may have the "aged look" built in. They can be made to look like terra-cotta pots, wooden containers or even bronze or copper containers, with a finish that resembles those metals' natural patina. They won't crack if left outside for the winter.

Wood is an excellent traditional choice and comes in a variety of styles, from redwood buckets to upright square boxes with feet. Wood dries out more quickly than other materials and may not last as long. Some plastic planters look a lot like wood and last practically forever.

The standard pot is as wide as it is tall, so one with a 6" diameter is generally about 6" tall. A standard-shaped pot is a good choice for most plants. Make sure that all containers have drainage holes.

Dark-colored pots absorb more heat than lighter ones; roots stay cooler in lighter pots. If you live in a cool climate and want to grow cacti, choose a dark pot; if you live in a warm climate and want to grow tender annuals, select a light-colored container.

Happy gardening :)

Watering Tricks for Container Plants

Container gardening is my preferred method of gardening these days since my paradise has turned into a jungle that will take some time to get under control. In the meantime, I've been turning my carport into a container jungle just by taking pieces of plants and putting them in containers.

Keeping container plants healthy and watered can be a challenge, especially if you don't have much time on your hands.

One of the things I do to keep my plants healthy naturally is to dilute left over coffee and water my plants with it . . . I've sprinkled used coffee grounds in the containers. My plants love it! They also love water that vegetables have boiled in . . . I never use salt in the water. With the carport being right outside my kitchen, these practices have been very convenient for me.

A homemade self-watering device will care for your plants while you're on vacation. A thick piece of cotton cord placed in the drainage hole of a container will act as a wick and draw water from a reservoir such as a 1-gallon plastic milk jug. When you don't need the device, coil the cotton cord inside the saucer so it's out of sight.

Before you plant the container, cut a piece of cord 2 1/2' to 3 1/2' long. Place one end through the drainage hole of the container, then fill the pot with a few inches of soil. The cord should be visible on the surface of the soil before you set the plant in place. Coil the cord around the top of the soil. Set the plant in place, and fill the pot with the remaining soil. When you're about to leave town, place the long end of the cord emerging from the drainage hole into a gallon jug filled with water. The cord will act as a wick to draw water from the jug.

Another method--often used with miniature African violets--is to use a shorter piece of cord and set the plant on top of a reservoir. Both plant and reservoir can be placed in a larger decorative container so that the wick and reservoir are hidden. Check the reservoir at least once a month to see whether you need to add water. If you like, add fertilizer to the reservoir.

Strawberry jars are very difficult to water. To make the job easier, place a wire cylinder filled with gravel inside the pot. Fill the container with soil and plant as usual. When you water, place the hose directly into the cylinder. It will deliver water all the way to the bottom of the jar. Another method is to drill holes in a piece of PVC pipe and place it in the center of the pot before planting.

If you enjoy hovering over your plants, use clay pots, which dry out quickly. With terra-cotta pots, you won't have to worry about overwatering. If you prefer self-sufficient plants, choose plastic pots, which help the soil retain moisture longer so plants don't need watering as frequently. Gardeners who forget about their plants should consider self-watering pots with a reservoir of water that's available to the plants as needed.

Beginning gardeners often make the mistake of thinking that all plants require the same amount of moisture. In fact, some require a lot of moisture, whereas others prefer soil that's on the dry side. To keep each plant happy, you'll need to know its water requirements. A good plant encyclopedia or manual can help.

To determine whether a plant needs water, stick your finger in the soil. If it's dry down to the first knuckle on your index finger, add water. If the soil is damp, don't water. Or purchase a moisture meter at a garden center or nursery. After being placed in the soil, the meter's probe will indicate whether the plant should be watered.

There is an awesome product on the market that is a glass ball on a spikey stem that you fill with water and stick in the container to keep your plants watered. I'll try to find the link to where you can buy these or post a photo, they are very decorative and functional.

Every time I see the commercial on television, my minds starts going on some home made designed items using the same concept. Just haven't had the time to play around with it, but will post photos when I get around to making some.

You are welcome to post your watering tricks for container plants in the comments section.

Happy gardening :)