Sunday, August 21, 2011

I have finally acquired the seeds of the Hibiscus sabdariffa Jamaican Cocktail Red( Roselle). I have long wanted this form of Hibiscus plant. This form is extremely beneficial.

The Hibiscus sabdariffa plant is native to the Old World Tropics ( East Indies ). There are many different varieties of the Hibiscus plant. This one in particular has all the qualities I am looking for.

This extremely wide ranged plant is useful on many different levels. In Mexico they use the dried sepals and calyces to make a tea known as Jamaica Tea, pronounced ha-mi-ca, by boiling them and adding sugar. This is my main reason for wanting this plant. I tried some Jamaica Tea and fell in love with it! This Jamaica Tea is know for lowering blood pressure too which is an added bonus to its mouth watering flavor.

In the West Indies the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant is used for making all kinds of goodies. They make jelly, syrup, gelatin, pudding, cakes, ice cream, butter, wine, sauces and they flavor rum with it also. They also use the tender stalks in their salads and they use it to season their curry. They even use the seeds of the Roselle plant as an aphrodisiac coffee substitute. Talk about a pick me up! This plant is definitely a must have given all of its great uses.

Here are some pictures of my Roselle seeds and planting process.


The seeds are not very big at all.






Here are the seeds sitting in their new homes.



And finally here they are in my propagation area.



I hope you enjoyed this post and stay tuned!! See you again next time!!




Sunday, August 14, 2011

I know I just posted an update on my Rainbow Gum Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus deglupta) just the other day but I didn't post a picture of the whole tree. This Eucalyptus Tree is growing like crazy! When I planted it in March of 2010 it was only two feet tall. Now just a little over one year later my Rainbow Gum Eucalyptus Tree has soared up to about ten feet tall! If you would like to read my previous posts on this Eucalyptus Tree and view my previous pictures for comparison please CLICK HERE. For now here are two more pictures for you.

This picture is of the entire Rainbow Gum Eucalyptus Tree ( Eucalyptus deglupta).




This picture shows some more of the color changing bark!



I hope you enjoyed this post. See you again next time!!!!




It is about time to for my second update on my Bismarck Palm Tree ( Bismarckia nobilis ). I purchased this gorgeous Palm Tree about 3 years ago at the height of about 3 feet tall. It was stained from well water and needed some attention. If you would like to read my previous posts containing information and view the pictures of this Palm Tree please CLICK HERE.

At any rate my last update was June of 2008. The magnificent Palm Tree was still around 3 feet tall. Since then alot has changed. Steady fertilizer and proper care has driven my Bismarck Palm Tree to grow to a height of about 6 feet! All of the well water stain is gone and it has filled out like a champ.

Here is a picture of my stunning Bismarck Palm Tree (Bismarckia nobilis).



I hope you enjoyed this post. See you again next time!!




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I am very excited to announce my new Oncidium Orchid Plant the Mtssa. Shelob " Tolkien " Orchid. If you want to see all of my Orchids please CLICK HERE. I scored this beauty at my local big box store but at any rate scored. This Orchid caught my eye as I walked past it and pretty much dragged me in. I was not there to purchase a new Orchid Plant.

It seems to be a fitting name for this Orchid. The Mtssa. Shelob " Tolkien ". It reminded me of something out of a Tolkien book. The leaves even look like something of great fantasy, and being that it dragged me in as I walked passed, it must be magical.

Well come to find out after some research this magnificent Orchid is actually named after J.R.R. Tolkien. I am pretty sure it has much to due with the spidery looking petals and the Velvety Burgundy and yellow mixture with pink toned tongues. This aromatic Orchid is a must have for any Orchid collection.

The Mtssa. Shelob 'Tolkien ' is a hybrid Orchid made up of the genus species Miltonia and Brassia,( Mtssa. Olmec x Brassia Edvah Loo ). It enjoys medium light and medium water about 3 times per week. This Orchid also enjoys a light misting on the leaves as well. Fertilizing twice a month is healthy.

The Mtssa. Shelob 'Tolkien' Orchid can have multiple spikes all producing anywhere from 6-8 flowers per spike. The flowers range from 4-5 inches from top to bottom. This Orchid was awarded the AOS award for merit in 1998.

Here are some pictures of my new Mtssa. Shelob 'Tolkien' Orchid.


Here is the name tag.



This picture is of the whole Orchid.




This picture is of the magnificent flowers.




And this is another picture of the flowers.




I really hope you enjoyed this post! See you again next time!!!



I am very excited to post this update on my Rainbow Gum Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus deglupta). This my second update and third post. If you would like to catch up on the previous posts and view the previous pictures as well then please CLICK HERE.

My Rainbow Gum Tree is finally showing its magnificent colors in the bark. This is what I have been long awaiting. The entire reason I planted this tree. The colors showing now are green, orange, and brown. This tree must be very happy with its location because it is growing very well. Here are the pictures I have taken of my Rainbow Gum Eucalyptus Tree's ( Eucalyptus deglupta ) Beautiful color changing bark.










I really hope you enjoyed the pictures and stay tuned for more! See you again next time!!!