In about two weeks we become snowbirds, which means it’s time for the ‘Clustering of the Rolling Plant Racks’ and the ‘Tipping of the Fridge.’ Our plants are now all connected to the drip irrigation system, while some are also periodically misted. Tonight’s dinner features carnitas I made and froze a month ago; other delights will be making encore appearances in the coming days.
Category: City Gardening
A recurring symbol of the season
Our Christmas cactus suddenly appeared in a nook in our home today. Now that it’s starting to flower, Dwight decided to give it this more prominent spot. We reckon the plant is over 60 years old.
It may be cold outside…
Too busy enjoying a walk and chat with friends to remember to capture a photo du jour. Instead, here’s a shot of our garden on wheels on this cold evening.
The slow drip of savings
Set up irrigation drippers in planters in outdoor spaces around our building. You can just see some of the tubes in this photo, but they will soon disappear as the plants fill out. Our building’s garden club has saved us over $30,000 in recent years by taking on some tasks that would otherwise be performed by contractors.
School’s out, but plants rest for no-one
As we do on Thursdays we compared our volunteer experiences—he in the university greenhouse, I at the school. I’m cautious taking photos at the school, but Dwight went full-throttle photographing over-the-top orchids, including this one. Today was the final day of school, but I’ll be assisting with Summer School later this month. Meanwhile, the greenhouse needs constant attention.
Push-fit fix and software re-jig
A plant misting zone had become anemic, so today I tracked down a failing solenoid valve. Swapping in a spare was easy because the electrical and water connectors are push-in, requiring no tools. Our irrigation system uses many convenient push-in water connectors, and tubes have never popped out when properly locked. More time-consuming was re-jigging the software that controls the misting zones, another item on my to-do list.
I’m orchid-sitting
Dwight’s in Fargo for Mother’s Day, so while he’s gone, it’s my job to hand-mist his orchids. We have misters on this rack, but it has currently been rolled away from the water supply and high-pressure pump.
City Gardener gathering content at Moorten Botanical Garden
Cycled down to Moorten Botanical Garden, a family-owned institution since 1938. Their extensive collection showcases plants from deserts worldwide. Dwight’s City Gardener Blog will likely feature some of his photos along with background information. Click through for the link.
Snowbirds ready for annual migration
Plants drippered, fridge tipped, bags packed. Ready for an early morning departure. (The Vikings stadium roof is visible through the far window, glowing blue. The lighting is dynamic; for example, during the Christmas season it features a candy cane design.)
Checking on an economical plant watering system for a neighbor
Checked on a neighbor’s plant watering system. I set it up for them in December, and it’s been working perfectly for six weeks. The controller (with a built-in pump), tubing, and drippers cost around $35. The only drawback is the controller’s battery, which needs recharging about once a month. An $8 smart plug allows them to remotely initiate charging from Arizona.