Midsummer I planted two ornamental sweet potato vines in shallow pots at the base of the large wood box in the back garden. They are gradually spreading down the incline and are climbing up into the box. I love the dark color of the leaves since they contrast with the green of the surrounding ferns and bromeliads. The sweet potatoes are rooting in the ground, so they will reappear again next spring even if there is a strong freeze this winter. Growth has slowed since temperatures are cooler and there are fewer rains, but they continue to look healthy. Next summer I will add some of the light green variety. I see them used often as a ground cover so will tuck them into a section of the garden on the side. I’ll probably start them in pots as I did this year and will let them spread from there. For more information about ornamental sweet potato read Ipomoea spp on Floridata.
Letting New Citrus Grow
We put in three small citrus trees in June 2010. Although there were a few flowers and fruit on the trees when we planted them, we didn’t get any flowers or fruit in 2011. I knew they would take time to get established but I thought I might get some fruit this year. The Tampa Bay Times garden section last Sunday said differently however. It said that young citrus trees should not bear fruit for at least 4 years so even if flowers appear they should be picked so the fruit do not develop. This is to allow the roots to be well established before the tree begins to fruit. Guess I will continue to buy my citrus fruit in the supermarket for another year or so. I think our squirrels will be unhappy also since they loved the few oranges that grew the first summer.
Bottle Biology Environments
Students started their terraqua columns in early December. Most of the plants are doing well, but as expected, there were some problems. We discussed the varying water needs of the plants when students started the terraqua columns, but although they knew that the succulents needed less water than other plants, many of them were over-watered resulting in rotting roots and dropped leaves.
A few of the others were under watered resulting in wilted plants.
Students needed to balance the amount of light and water for the plant in the top of the terraqua column with the light requirements of the wisteria in the bottom of the column. The wisteria in most of the columns was growing and a healthy green color.
Students took their terraqua columns home at the start of the Christmas holiday. They will report their results during the next few months. They are beginning to learn that different plants have different requirements. This understanding will help to guide the conversation later on about habitats and environments.
