On the Hunt

Still checking out my garden Asiatic lily plants everyday. Today an entomologist from the University of Manitoba came for the second time to collect any lurking red lily beetles and the larvae. Lots of larvae this time and last, but only two beetles. If I don't squish those larvae....more beetles on the way!
The entomology department is doing a study and dna testing on these samples with hopes of discovering a parasitic insect somewhere in this world that would devour these beetles/larvae. They also note exactly which genus,species and variety of lily they are discovered on. Fortunately, every time I plant any lilies I use a metal plant marker with the variety and planting date. I like to do this particularly when I must dig and separate/thin the lilies and replant or giveaway.

Succulent Living Wall

Planted a succulent living wall today--my first attempt. I am using succulents hardy to Zone 3, planting them in an old wooden box with a back and landscape wire covering the top. I mixed the soil myself using approximately 1/3 soil,1/3 perlite and 1/3 coarse sand. I tore apart the succulents and took off all the soil and left a little stem to poke into the wire squares. Made this process easier by using a pair of scissors to move the soil back to where I had put in the succulent stem.
I am leaving my 'wall' laying flat for 3 to 4 weeks until the succulents root and then will be hung without fear....hopefully...of any falling out.
The pictures tell the story.

Gardener's Challenges

The challenges with gardeners are never ending. Even being a Master Gardener I am not without many failures and this picture points to this spring season in Winnipeg....cool and wet. Coleus plants hate this kind of weather and it will maybe teach me to not plant them so early.

Have a succulent summer - Winnipeg Free Press Homes

Have a succulent summer - Winnipeg Free Press Homes

Planting Time

With the oodles of seedlings and plugs that I have been growing it was now time to plant this past week both at home and at the cottage.
The picture shows my 'cold frame' when it is warm enough to put them outside and subject them to higher light and humidity. The inside grow lights just do not work as well.
I have had two of these in spring operation for a number of years. The benefit is that they disassemble readily and can be easily stored. One I set up on my back deck and this one is 'portable' placed on a wagon so that it can be wheeled inside the garage when temps. dip too low. Both have worked beautifully for me.