Bloom 2015 - Pansy (Viola tricolor)

Life Cycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun 

Height: 6  inches

Spread: 8-10  inches

Sowing Method: Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 12  weeks

These pansies were really a break from all the yellow/orange colors from my sunflower, zinnia, and marigolds. These small flowers reminded me of my impatiens which I have the urge to grow again. I noticed theres a black Pansy variety and I think I'll try growing some of those soon.

Bloom 2015 - Dwarf Sunflower Sunny Smile (Helianthus gracilentus)

LifeCycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun 

Height: 14-16  inches

Spread: 6-8  inches

Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 5 weeks

These Dwarf Sunflowers are going to be a must-have every year, they are amazing plants to grow for the Spring./Summer. This highly anticipated bloom was fast and easy to grow and interesting to see as it progressed to the flowering stage. The difference a larger container makes really shows when you compare the sunflower in the small coffee container with the one grown in the other square container. One thing I noticed was that it attracted a bunch of bees and other weird insects which was an issue during watering since I wasn't taking my chances and getting stung watering. This was one thirsty plant by the way, I watered it twice daily about half a liter at one point. Its past the end of its bloom duration now and I plan on harvesting its seeds for next year. 

Common Flower Gems - Classification #10 Low False Bindweed (Calystegia spithamaea)

I found this low growing white and funnel shaped flower in the Jersey Area near my job. At first I thought it was just some field bindweed but upon closer inspection I noticed it was growing straight up from the ground without any twisting vines but a low erect stalk. A pretty interesting find and a common flower gem indeed. 

Bloom 2015 - Common Zinnia: Canary Yellow Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Acidic

Water: Moderately

Height: 6-10 Inches

Spread: 12-14 Inches

Bloom Duration: 12 Weeks

7/19/15\

Really enjoyed this vivid yellow variation of the Canary Yellow Zinnia. I still don't understand why the petals aren't double flowered and round like the picture on the seed packaging. The same thing occurred last year and I thought it was a fluke the first time around but it happened again this year. Blooms still look great though and I'm OK with the results. 

7/1/15

7/3/15

7/3/15

7/14/15

7/19/15

7/21/15

7/21/15

7/21/15

7/23/15

Common Flower Gems - Classification # 9- Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

Low growing perennial, Creeping Buttercup

Haven't really seen too many of these creeping buttercup flowers in my area. Usually has 5 petals but can have up to 10. Sure its classified as a weed (its extremely toxic to grazing animals and is an aggressive grower) but when it comes to weed its survival of the fittest.

My first Bloom 2015 - Petite French Dwarf Marigold (Tagetes patula)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Borders, Container

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Slightly Acidic 

Moisture: Dry, Moderate

Spread: 10 - 12 Inches

Bloom Duration: 12 Weeks

Height: 8- 10 Inches

6/24/2015
Here's my first bloom of the season, my French Petite Dwarf Marigold. Although the bloom is still in development, this flower is a real eye-catcher and the fiery yellow and orange hues are classic for Marigolds. I'm hoping the second Marigold flower that I planted next to it in the same container is a solid gold color when it blooms that way I can see the full range of hues from my Marigold Mix.

5/29/15

6/13/15

6/22/15

6/23/15

6/24/15 

6/24/15

6/27/15

7/23/15

Spring 2015 Line Up!

For some reason things did not go well starting off spring and his was a tough year for gardening. I had quite a few unexpected set backs to say the least. To begin, my old planting pots and soil which I planned to reuse just disappeared! Then I lose a batch of seedlings I planted because I forgot to water them on an especially hot day in mid-April. I  tried waiting a few days and continued to water it but it looked pretty hopeless. I almost decided to call it quits at that point but all good things take time. So two weeks later, I take a nice stroll to local Home Depot and stock up on some new supplies: new pots, soil, fertilizer, and seeds. My girlfriend even bought me some more Burpee seeds at Target to grow this year. So all in all, this years line-up include: Forget-me-nots, Pansies, Petunias, Poppies, Marigolds, Cornflowers, Dwarf Sunflowers, Red Crimson Morning Glories (MG's are my fave so it was a must), and Zinnias. 

Crimson Rambler Morning Glory Proxy Image

Rose of Heaven Petunia Mixed Proxy Image

Oriental Poppies Proxy Image

Yellow Bird Zinnia Proxy Image

French Petite Marigold Proxy Image

Pansy Mixed Proxy Image

Bachelor's Button Proxy Image

Forget-Me-Not Blue Bird Proxy Image

The following snapshots were taken between April 19 and June 13 2015:

Planted this little guy in mid-April but like the forgetful person I am I forget to water it for one day and lost it along with the rest of my seedlings. They all dried up and wilted past the point of no return :(

My 2nd attempt and original layout after the wilting incident

Changed things up a bit to add more soil, did some re-potting, and planted more seeds

The big one is a Dwarf Sunny Smile Sunflower. My best guess for the other seedlings are either a Cornflower/Bachelor's Button or Oriental Poppy

I recognize those ace of spades shaped leaves anywhere- these vine leaves belong to my Morning Glory Crimson Rambler. I'm excited to see this one.

French Petite Marigold's 

Giant Double Cnary Bird Zinnia

Not sure. I really have to do a better job labeling these next year. For now its a ?

?

Sunflower Dwarf Sunny Smile

More recent Sunflower photo taken 6/13/15

Pushed the Sunflower aside to reveal the others neighboring flowers. Looks like its some Bachelors' buttons or Oriental Poppies 6/13/15

 Red Crimson Morning Glory 6/13/15

i can now confirm these as Pansies because of the club shaped leaves  6/13/15

? 6/13/15

On second thought this might be a Zinnia 6/13

Marigold 6/13/15

I think this is a Sunflower and Zinnia Combo 6/13/15

Random Assortment but at least this pot was intentionally mixed. I REALLY gotta label my plants next year... 6/13/15

? 6/13/15

Sorry about the confusion but some more recent photos should reveal the true identity of the seedlings. I might attempt Will confirm plant status soon!