Tag Archives | Canna

Gardening On My Rooftop….6 Months Later

I originally wrote about Starting Over in the context of creating a new rooftop garden this past spring in Tel Aviv. At that time, I had a few containers, views of others rooftops, some pretty hefty rain storms, and a desire to design a private haven.

Photos on March 10, 2011 017

Photos on March 10, 2011 012

Back then, I promised that I would keep you posted on the garden’s progress.

Now I understand why most folks with terraces in Israel have a limited amount of containers; and practically all have irrigation systems. When I mentioned my watering dilemma, Pam of Digging, who is  a seasoned Texas gardener (and magnificent photographer and landscape designer), suggested that I use succulents and a drip irrigation system. Well, no one has ever said that common sense is one of my strongest character traits. I watered those frigging containers  every morning before the sun was in ‘full shine”over my rooftop for most of the day. Pam, you were 100% correct. Never again will I hand water! Drip irrigation is next on my list of things to do.

Rooftop Garden on 80611 001

Continue Reading →

Comments { 15 }

GGW Plant Pick of The Month- Colocasia

As I have addressed in previous posts, much of the attention my corporate design work (e.g. Gardens at the Bank of Springfield) receives can be attributed to my use of tropicals in the mixed border. It is unexpected to see lush tropical foliage flourishing in central Illinois. This season I have installed a truly subtropical garden complete with several species of palm, banana, croton, ginger, canna, fern and the like.

In seasons past I have had great success growing elephant ear (Colocasia). Not surprisingly, they are an important part of this year’s display. Named for the leaves, which are shaped like a large ear or shield, June’s GGW Plant Pick of The Month instantly adds an exotic touch to any container or garden. Continue Reading →

Comments { 10 }