The Lechuza, "Self Watering" Plant containers were a hit at the Independent Garden Center Show, Chicago.

 

Garden Center TV: Post #5

 

The reason why I have failed with some of my container plants is because of improper watering.

Sometimes I over-watered my plants and "killed them with kindness" and other times I didn't give them enough water and they died a slow, thirsty death.

Sound familiar?

 

I was intrigued when I saw an ad in a garden trade magazine for "self-watering" plant containers by Lechuza.

I wasn't paying attention to the  self watering feature at first, I just liked the way they looked.

 

Once I noticed that the planters were designed with a sub-irrigation system, I was curious to see them  up close.

Take a look at this short video where I interview Anton Van Zevenbergen, of Lechuza.  

 Anton explains how the planter works.

 

When used correctly, the planter can maintain a plant for up to 12 weeks with no human intervention!

 

The Lechuza self watering containers come in different styles, sizes and shapes and are available at your independent garden centers throughout the country.

 

 The planters are lightweight and very convenient to use.

 

Watch the whole video series of  Garden Center TV posts!

Post #1: "Monrovia Growers: Would You Like Some Design Inspiration to go with that Plant?"

Post #2: "Hort Couture Plants for the Plantonista?"

Post #3: "An Indoor Plant Named "Tweed that Looks Like Weed!"

Come visit me again at Eden Makers Blog,

 

Visit the Garden Center TV website and community to preview new garden products from around the world and share your opinion about them!

 

Garden Center TV

 

Post #3 Independent Garden Center Show 2008, Chicago

I saw a new indoor plant from Kraft Gardens with a tag that read, "Fool the Police with this Look-Alike!"

I had to take a closer look at the suspicious looking plant to understand the tag, so I made my inspection.

I couldn't believe the uncanny resemblance this vining Anthurium polyschitum (cleverly named "Tweed") had to Cannabis sativa- commonly known as "weed!"

This was not your ordinary, innocent-looking anthurium. 

 

 

 

   

Kraft Gardens, vining Anthurium, "Tweed" is a hybrid from the Netherlands

 

 

I'm not a fan of any kind of weed myself, but I really like the way this anthurium looks.

The Tweed anthurium is a tall, lush vining plant that can be placed in a bright spot indoors, though direct sunlight is discouraged.

Tweed is comfortable in 65-80-degree rooms, just as I am, so I think we will get along just fine!

 

Anthurium, is a large genus of about 600- 800 (possibly 1,000) species, belonging to the arum family and is native to Central and South America.

A tropical plant, the anthurium is equally at home in the sheltered greenhouses of Netherlands, where this special variety is grown.

Unlike other anthuriums, Tweed is grown for its foliage and not flowering habit and is very elegant.

 

At the very least, it makes for a great ice breaker!

 

 

 

Watch  my Garden Center TV  video coverage of this new indoor plant.

 

 

   

I also previewed a new line of Dracaena marginatas from Kraft that boast "beautiful legs" like this "Marginata Candelabra Colorama" with candelabra shaped limbs.

 

 

Many Indoor plant fans are familiar with the tall foliage plant, dracaena marginata,  often used as a specimen plant to soften corners, large walls and anchor plant groupings.

The dracaena makes a great focal point, but I'm not a fan of the way it grows, exposing it's lanky bare limbs.

I must not be the only person who feels this way, because  Kraft Gardens has introduced a new line of dracaenas that boast decorative, shapely legs that will help me overcome this objection. 

 

Kraft Gardens "Marginata Braid" dracaena

 

 

 

 

Kraft's "Marginata Candelabra Red Prince" dracaena

 

Dracaena marginatas do well in a shady spot in the room-areas that usually need a little oomph!

The dracaena is relatively easy to care for as long as you keep the soil moist at all times and can tolerate slightly cooler room temperatures- around 55*F or so. 

I envision some of these sculptural dracaenas against contrasting colored walls.

Kraft Gardens offers a variety of variegated leaf colors ranging from reds, greens and cream.

The dramatic foliage makes an art statement and is an alternative to nonliving art with the added benefit of helping to purify the air.

Have you seen "Tweed" at your independent garden center or the beautifully limbed dracaenas?

Have you bought any of them?

What's your opinion on these plants?

 

 

Watch the whole video series of  Garden Center TV posts!

Post #1: "Monrovia Growers: Would You Like Some Design Inspiration to go with that Plant?"

Post #2:  "Hort Couture Plants for the Plantonista?" 

 

 

Come visit me again at EdenMakers Blog and please subscribe to receive updates!

On my recent trip to Maui, I had the opportunity to witness tropical plants such as bromeliads, heliconias, spathiphyllums, crotons, and cordylines in their natural or “naturalized” habitat.

To some of you, these plants are strictly seasonal container plants or houseplants.

Not in Maui!

Bird of paradise plant

The  Bird of paradise plant, (Strelitzia reginae) can be planted in the ground in humid, mild winter areas such as Florida and other parts of the country.

If you follow the Sunset Garden Climate Zone Guide, you should be able to grow  the Bird of paradise in zones 22-25, 27, and in Hawai in zones H1, H2; marginal in zones 9, 12-21.

Those outside these climate zones can enjoy the Bird of paradise as an indoor houseplant, just be aware that it is a poisonous plant if eaten.

Keep the kids and pets away from this one!

Bird of Paradise Care as an Indoor Plant

 

It is not surprising that the Bird of paradise  has some  specific climate requirements as an indoor plant.

Indoor temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, are ideal for your “Bird.”

Place your plant in a bright light area, (it should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight everyday) and do not allow it to dry out!

The Bird of Paradise plant should be kept moist at all times, but not “soggy!’

Start by watering your plant once a week and monitor the soil moisture level.

You can adjust your watering schedule depending on how fast the soil dries.

More Resources

If you are extremely busy, you may want to consider planting your house plants in  a self watering container.

I love Lechuza planters.

Lechuza planters are stylish and can keep your plants watered for up to 12 weeks once established!

The message board over at GardenWeb has some interesting talk about Bird of paradise if you would like to explore some more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Maui,  the “no watering, no feeding and no leaf shining” regimen, did not stop these plants from thriving.

Wild and Beautiful Tropical Plants!

Do you recognize some of these understory plants growing in the tropical rainforest?

 

 

I see ferns and heliconias!

 

 

Monstera plant, the “green Swiss cheese” of the gardening world!

 

There were cordylines of every hue and color..

.

 

… lining the road to Hana!

 

Do you carry a torch for exotic plants?

Which ones?

Believe it or not, there are some indoor plants that are almost impossible to kill!

Sound to good to be true?

 

Watch this video for suggestions from garden designer, Shirley Bovshow.

Container gardens that catch the eye are luscious "eye candy" for the container garden enthusiast!

 

 

Orange tumbled glass adds color to my bromeliad while I wait for it to bloom!

 

 

Metal Figure Model + Common Annuals= Uncommon Combo!

 

"Sacred Succulent Gardens" 

Create your own meditation or reflection garden.

 

 

"Simply Sorbet!"

Stack shiny ceramic pots in lime green and cantaloupe.

 

 

Earthy Textures and Statuary for Your "Meditation Garden"

 

 

Zinc Planter Trio- "A Garden Within a Garden"

Stack three zinc containers, all different sizes and shapes for a self contained vignette!

 

 

The bunny figurine makes this simple planting combo special!

 

Design Tips For Container Gardens 

 

• Add statuary and garden decor in your containers to infuse a little personality or to create a mini-themed garden.

 

• Stack contrasting colored pots or pots of the same color for added dimension and drama

 

• Use colored recycled glass as a mulch for your container plants for year-round color

 

• Don't be afraid to experiment and add your personal stamp to your garden!

 

Show me your special container garden design.

It’s time to ditch those Poinsettias! When Christmas rolls around, Poinsettias of every color and hue are an ubiquitous choice for many people for their home and garden decor. That’s okay if you have no other options, but Poinsettias are not the only plants that can be used indoors! There are a variety of landscape plants, commonly used outdoors that do very well indoors, whether your climate is mild or cold.

Take a look at this video segment  from NBC’s iVillage Live show, where I demonstrate some creative and colorful options for you’re indoor plant selection. (You can view this segment and other titles on my website as well.)