Kitchen Window: 02/2010

My kitchen window makes me smile:)

~smile~

The Kangaroo fern (on left) is new.

A Valentine's day treat.
The cute 'Spring' angels remind me spring is on the way.
(I actually saw a robin!!! Spring is on its way.)
My little "No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted" is a wonderful reminder.

L to R:
Thin succulent (aka rhippsalis capilliformis)
Mini African Violet,
And a new (Valentine's day treat) Croton tag says "Banana", looks more like a corkscrew to me.
This new combo (since 10/09) is doing well.
I'm probably going to add the 'corkscrew' in this pot later.

L to R: Two Crotons: Purple leaf and Gold dust, Angel Wing Begonia, Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen

As dreary as it is outside, something colorful pleases my soul.

*Tomorrow is supposed to be 57, partly sunny,
NO wind.
I can't wait to go out and play.
(actually it is CLEANING I have planned,
but it will feel like playing)
How do you people up north stand it?

Fertilizer Friday

Show and Tell

Kenaf Hibiscus

One plant that really did well for me this year was this new to me plant, Kenaf Hibiscus.

The seeds I bought were few, so I was really excited when these two plants grew and flourished. No extra water or fertlizer. They fell over, but kept right on growing. One plant has more "pot" looking leaves, the other plant has more heart shaped. I'll be keeping seeds from both. Because growing a plant that looks like a pot plant (especially in my county) is a major concern of mine, I'll be planting the heart shaped leaves next season, if my seeds ripen. Below are the two plants, one in front of the other. Well over 20ft tall, with beautiful huge light yellow flowers.
My online research shows this plant is used for its oil (seeds), fiber (stalks), and food. Much research is being done to see if it warrants replacing the tree paper industry. VERY easy to grow.

Below information taken from:

About the Kenaf Plant

Tomorrow's Paper Today Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Kenaf revolution underway. Buyers exercise power of purchasing. Public approval ratings up. Fiber of the future available today! Kenaf cannot run wild across the country like a weed, because in almost all parts of the U.S., kenaf seeds cannot mature. Kenaf is a 4,000 year old NEW crop with roots in ancient Africa. A member of the hibiscus family (Hibiscus cannabinus L), it is related to cotton and okra, and grows well in many parts of the U.S. It offers a way to make paper without cutting trees. Kenaf grows quickly, rising to heights of 12-14 feet in as little as 4 to 5 months. U.S. Department of Agriculture studies show that kenaf yields of 6 to 10 tons of dry fiber per acre per year are generally 3 to 5 times greater than the yield for Southern pine trees, which can take from 7 to 40 years to reach harvestable size. While the flowering can last 3 to 4 weeks, or more, per plant, each individual flower blooms for only one day. The stalk of the kenaf plant consists of two distinct fiber types. The outer fiber is called "bast" and comprises roughly 40% of the stalk's dry weight. The refined bast fibers measure 2.6mm and are similar to the best softwood fibers used to make paper. The whiter, inner fiber is called "core", and comprises 60% of the stalk's dry weight. These refined fibers measure .6mm and are comparable to hardwood tree fibers, which are used in a widening range of paper products. Upon harvest, the whole kenaf plant is processed in a mechanical fiber separator, similar to a cotton gin. The separation of the two fibers allows for independent processing and provides raw materials for a growing number of products including paper, particle board, animal bedding and bioremediation aids. At the end of the growing season, the kenaf plant flowers. After blooming the flower drops off, leaving a seed pod behind. In almost all parts of the U.S. the seeds can never mature. Because of their African origin they require an additional 60-90 days of frost free conditions to reach the point of germination. This means kenaf cannot run wild across the country like a weed. It also presents some interesting challenges for developers to insure a consistent supply of seed for next year's crop. Much research work is being done in the area of seed development, with leading edge companies like Vision Paper developing innovative and environmentally sound solutions. Illustrations by Heidi Smith All art © 1998 Vision Paper

Have a great weekend!!!!
Go to My Romantic Home for more Show and Tell today:)

Where In The World Is BILBO?? Lake Fork, Texas!!

Today's Show And Tell will be by World Renowned Blog Star Bilbo.

Hello from the Lone Star State, where EVERYTHING, including ant hills, is bigger!!

Fresh from my visit in the state of Florida (state most left bottom of map),
where I partied with Darla of the More Family and Flowers blog,

I arrived re-freshed and ready to go!

Texas, the Lone Star State, USofA is a large state with something for everyone.
West Texas has its desert area...

The top of Texas, also known as the Panhandle, is very prairie.

This area is known as the Hill Country, San Antonio, Houston, Austin area.
Austin is the capital, it and west Texas,
is the area most people think of when they think Texas.

Then there is the coast, great beach frontage.

Don't forget the Metroplex, Dallas Fort Worth area!!

But, I was headed to East Texas.
The Piney Woods.
The Lake Area of Texas.

VERY Piney!!
See me in the top right pic???

No, not BIG A*S, it says BIG BASS!

Lots of longhorn cows and buffalo.
(Milk cows too, but trust me the fields were so muddy and nasty,
you DO NOT want to see them)

Love this tree...

Trust me, I don't need a sign to relax and enjoy!!

Ahhhhh, lake life....
Almost every town, big or small has its own lake...
I could sit out here all day...
I make this look good...

Gift time!!
A gentleman always gifts the hostess, and gift I did!!
Thanks to Darla for helping with these treats!!
The first night we gathered around the fire light,
and I told my new friends all about my travels all over the world...
Of course, they were spell bound...

Everyday, I had tea time with the local ladies.
They couldn't get enough of me...
(Ladies, you know you are each so special to me...)

I had the whole guest house to myself...

Perfect for this Super Star...
(BIG thanks to Darla's daughter for the wonderful pillow)

Due to almost non-stop rain, and flooding, and loss of Internet access,
my stay was extended,
and I was upgraded to the castle quarters.
I'll say the castle is the way to go!!

Thank goodness I arrived!!!
These people SO needed my help!!!
I organized the meals-on-wheels...
(had BIG fun hanging out with our helper Kim!!
Kim, love ya girl!!! (said in Tex-speak))

I used my gardening skills to help the lady of the house make much progress on FarmTown and FarmVille...

I led the grands in filling and organizing the new sewing chair.

Very comfortable by the way...

The lady of the house and I 'tour'da'yard',
and I was able to give her valuable info,
and ideas for improvements ...

I suggested the grands paint these squash for Halloween,
sorry I won't be there for the final product.

We checked things at dirt level.

Trust me, I know dirt...

I suggested the blocks were added to the fall decorations,

Much, much, better...

"Boo"

I spent time with Queen Uno.
She is a lovely monarch.
Such beauty and grace.
We discussed world matters.
I know she really has benefited from my wisdom.

I feel like my mission here is accomplished.
Where in the World will Bilbo go next???


Declaration:
This blog post has been reviewed and approved by Queen Uno.

~Long Live the Queen~

Thank you so much to the Dirt Princess for this!!! So much fun!!! Due to almost non-stop rain, local flooding, and loss of internet (ugh), the Bilbo post was delayed. If you would like this fellow to visit you, say so in your comment and I will draw Sunday, in order to mail out Monday!!
To find out more about Bilbo, check out April, the Dirt Princess, at Trials and Tribulations of a Southern Gardener!!

Have a great weekend!!!!
Go to My Romantic Home for more Show and Tell today:)
Check out Camera Critters to join in or see others:)

Bilbo Rules:

RULES
#1) COPY & PASTE these rules into your post on Bilbo if you receive him. The post must be titled WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BILBO: (your city). If everyone copies the rules, then the person you send it to will know what to do. If each post is titled the same, we can keep track of Bilbo and follow him on his adventure. PLEASE do not forget to copy and paste these rules into your post if you receive Bilbo.
#2) In order to participate you MUST leave a comment on the post about Bilbo with the blogger that has him. That blogger will draw names from the people who left comments on that post. Once the winner is selected Bilbo will be on his way to see your garden.
#3) When you receive Bilbo please take a photo (or photos) of him in your garden as well as a photo of yourself with Bilbo.
#4) Rules are linked to http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/ . Please leave a comment on The Dirt Princess' page so she can keep track of him and let other bloggers know where Bilbo is, and post where bloggers can see his latest travel.
#5) Please try to get Bilbo out the door as quickly as you possibly can. If at all possible please try not to keep him more than 7 days. We want to get him to as many places as we can in 6 months.
#6) Bilbo will travel for 6 months, April 21, 2009- October 21, 2009. If you have Bilbo at the end of this 6 month time frame, you will ship him back to the Dirt Princess at http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.
#7) When Bilbo arrives back with the Dirt Princess, there will be a great post letting everyone know where Bilbo has been, when he visited as well as links to the bloggers posts that had Bilbo.
#8) There will be a list enclosed with Bilbo for each blogger to sign once they receive Bilbo. That list will be sent back to the Dirt Princess.
#9) Should anyone have any questions please contact Dirt Princess at
http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.
#10) The blogger that is has possession of Bilbo is responsible for shipping him to the next blogger. Please handle him with care. He is ceramic.
#11) Bilbo may be shipped to countries outside the United States. We want everyone to join in on the fun!
#12) If you would like to throw in a little something with Bilbo to ship the next blogger, please feel free. Add to the excitement. See what Bilbo brings you when he arrives at your door step.