Looking Back Best Pics 2012 - Morning Glory

Since winter still has us in it's grips I've decided to look back on my pictures from 2012 and post some that I deem the best of 2012.  I hope you enjoy!

From August 2012

Morning Glory blooming in Miniature Garden

Looking Back Best Pics 2012 - Fake Rock Trough Garden

Since winter still has us in it's grips I've decided to look back on my pictures from 2012 and post some that I deem the best of 2012.  I hope you enjoy!

From May 2012

Fake Rock Trough Garden (made from styrofoam box)

Winter Project for the Miniature Garden

A great winter project is creating items for your miniature garden.  I love making gnomes and little animals for my gardens using polymer clay.   

Start with any brand of Polymer Clay and be creative.  I also like to apply a clay glaze to my items to make them even more weather resistant. 

Once you have your items formed, bake them according to the clay manufacturer's directions.

Hosta of the Day - 'Lemon Lime'

This cute little hosta is a very vigorous in my garden.  I swear every year I divide this one in half, and by fall it's back to it's spring size.  That's unusual for a miniature hosta, since they are usually not the most hardy of the hosta family.  Another unusual feature of this hosta, is that it tends to bloom more then once a year!  It has wavy, lance shaped chartreuse leaves that hold their color all season.  It's a great hosta for the front of the border, especially a shady border that you want to brighten up!  It would also work great in a container or miniature garden.

Hosta 'Lemon Lime' 2009

Hosta 'Lemon Lime' 2011

Hosta of the Day - 'Jewel of the Nile'

Last week when writing about streaked hostas I mentioned hosta unstability and reverting.  I decided to feature Hosta 'Jewel of the Nile' to show what that looks like in hostas.  'Jewel of the Nile' is an unstable sport of hosta 'Dee's Golden Jewel'.  'Jewel of the Nile' is unique in that every leaf can have a different look to it.  Some will be green with gold margins, others gold with green streaks, etc.  I have seen some beautiful 'Jewel of the Nile's which is why I decided to take a chance on it.  Below you will see mine.  In 2009 all of the leaves are green with a gold margin, but by 2011 half of my plant has reverted back to all gold ('Dee's Golden Jewel').  You can dig up the hosta and separate off the part that has reverted back to all gold, but this is a hosta that reverts very quickly compared to others.  So I am not going to tell you not to buy this hosta, but if you do, you will probably have to do maintenance on this plant to keep it from reverting back to all gold (and even that can't be guaranteed).

'Jewel of the Nile' 2009

'Jewel of the Nile' 2011

Hosta of the Day - 'Hope'

Today's hosta is another miniature hosta.  Hosta 'Hope' has green leaves with a gold margin.  'Hope' can grow to be about 8" wide, and has very cute round leaves and forms a very nice mound.  It's a little hosta that packs a lot of color.  Because of it's size, it's best to put this little guy in the front border so it can be easily seen.  It would also be great in a miniature garden.

Hosta 'Hope' 2009

Hosta 'Hope' 2011