For several years, I've wished to have an herb garden, of sorts, and the soil in my yard being what it is -- clay! -- I haven't done much (read: much of anything). Gardening Daughter planted some Thyme, Basil and Parsley in a small bed next to the entrance to my carport (photos here). The Basil died out after the first season, the Parsley wintered-over, is in its second and final year and is going to seed (yay! perhaps it will reseed itself there). The Thyme has flourished and I frequently pick a few sprigs for cooking. But, it's not well-placed for a satisfactory herb bed.
I have two 24" plastic pots with saucers that have, over the years contained various growing things. Those things having died out over the winter made the pots available again. During Youngest Daughter's visit, she and the other daughters (Eldest and Gardening) decided that these would make suitable container gardens for some herbs (and other stuff I like).
I now have two large containers of plants, some edible, some not.
I'm quite taken with False Dracena/Cordyline, that spiky stuff one can often see in container gardens (flower gardens, usually). I like it so much that both my pots have a red/purple variety in the middle, surrounded by, among other things (divided between the pots): Sweet Basil, Spicy Globe Basil and Purple Basil; Fennel; one Jalapeno Pepper and one Sweet Banana Pepper; Curly Parsley and Flatleaf Parsley; Catnip (you know I'm going to have a treat for my kitties); and Purple and Green Sweet Potato Vines.
Gardening Daughter told me that container gardens, whether veggie or floral, to be pleasing to the eye should have "Thrill," "Fill," and "Spill" ( Thrill - something tall and eye-catching - that would be the Dracena/Cordyline, Fill -the herbs, and Spill - the Sweet Potato Vines which will, eventually, spill over the edges.) I'm quite satisfied with the results.
Yesterday morning, examination of the pot containing the Sweet Banana Pepper revealed that some critter with teeth (squirrel or raccoon) visited this pot on Wednesday evening and evidently liked the taste of this fruit. I suppose I should be glad the plant wasn't pulled out of the pot. I've harvested only one pepper to date; this one is a goner, but there are a couple of blooms, so I may yet have some more.
The weather forecast for the last few days, and the remainder of the week, has predicted thunderstorms, albeit with only a 30% -40% chance of rain. So far - nada! I've had to water both front and back plants every day. The large pot of Million Bells by the front door must be watered twice daily. Ah, well; it's only money (for the water bill.)
Tomorrow is also a day. Perhaps it will bring some rain.
Tomorrow is also a day. Perhaps it will bring some rain.
