Finding Design with Chloe

Cosmos, not just a great martini!

Cottage gardens ... I adore them.  They tease your eye with staggering heights of blooms that wave in the wind.  From pristeen gardens to the relaxed informality of a haphazard design, Cosmos are the most maintenance and fuss-free flower to grow.  Put this one on your must have list!

Cosmos Facts: 

Common name(s): Cosmos, Mexican Asters

Family name: Asteraceae

Common family name: Aster Family

USDA hardiness zone(s): 7-10

Perennation: annual

Light level: sun

Flower color: red, orange, purple, white, pink

Plant height: 12 inches - 4 feet

Plant spread: 9 inches - 12 inches

Deciduous: deciduous

Growth form:

Leaf color: green

Range: Mexico

Habit: herbaceous

Special characteristics: Water-Smart Plant, Drought Tolerant

Zones 8-10

Cosmos are one of the most popular of all flowers grown in North America.  They originated in Mexico and South America. In Mexico, priests grew Cosmos in their mission gardens. The perfectly placed petals prompted them to name the flower "Cosmos", which is a Greek word meaning harmony or ordered universe. The flowers are sown easily in well drained soil after threat of frost.  Prolific self seeders, Cosmos are effortless. So once the flowers are spent and go to seed, they are easily scattered in the garden by wind and birds.  You can also save the seeds to spread in the spring. 

Dwarf, hybrid varieties of Cosmos can be grown in containers.  The taller specimens look better towards the back of the garden, so as to not shade other companion flowers.  They are exquisite additions to the cutting garden.  Their appearance is also likened to colorful, painted daisies. 

So there you have it... the easy way out!  Spread seed in a sunny location and look like the gardener extraordinaire!  Voila!

Sit back and serve Cosmos!  Yum... isn't that more fun?

 

Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door....

Early Spring When I first planted my Herb garden....

   

 After I came home from the shore this weekend... my pineapple sage was brutally burned... hopefully cutting it back and keeping it watered will bring it back

Bob Dylan may not have had my herb garden in mind when he wrote, "Knocking on Heaven's Door"... but when I came home from the shore this weekend.... it was the certainly on my mind .... WE NEED RAIN DESPERATELY... AGAIN!!!!! 

Unfortunately, when it comes to perennials or any plant for that matter, there isn't a lot you can do to alleviate sunburn.  Your only choice is to remove or cut the sunburned leaves from the plant and water like hell.  Make sure you have good drainage.  You don't want to drown the plant to death... you then have another problem.  Hope for new growth!  You can use a light fertilizer.  Now with fewer leaves you may need less water and you may want to watch and baby it a little just make sure it drains and stays moist.  Ok.... I'll let you know how my herb garden progresses.  Hopefully it didn't go too far south and will rebound.  Till then it doesn't look like I'll be having fresh basil on my tomato and mozzarella,unless I pay for it.... BUMMER!  

Herbside planter

I filled mine with oregano, lemon balm, catmint, parsley, marjoram, basil, pineapple sage, lemon balm, and my absolute favorite ( because it smells identical to lemon drops) lemon verbena! Fill yours with anything that strikes your fancy. Just remember, most herbs need sun, at least 6 hours. Snip often, this keeps them bushy. Give them good drainage! Cool huh?

How did you spend your Sunday?

 

Shop Sunday....Wouldn't this be a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon?  This shop is called Whimsy and is located in Carpinteria, California.  Carpinteria is an old fashioned, quaint and charming town with loads of antique stores, restaurants and unique shops along with a wonderful beach.  Its only a stone's throw from Santa Barbara.  This would be my dream vintage garden shop.  Don't you love the blue claw foot tub planters?   

Rocking chair Sunday...Would love to be here reading a good book...Then again, I would love to be here on a sunday afternoon, tea and crumpets anyone? Maybe an afternoon nap? Could tranquility get any better than this?

Solitude Sunday...Tranquility, a good book and a lantern... Are you game? I'll bring the wine and cheese!

Sunday Brunch...All you need here is a good cook, or a good wine then who cares Love the Black and White Stripes!

Eggs to Dye for...

Easter is the first holiday of Spring and my friend, Jae  has the perfect solution to cabin fever.   

Makes you smile, huh?  

Dying eggs has always been a favorite childhood memory.  Don't these look natural and simply elegant? Who needs  more than this to get you in the mood ?  Get the water boiling  and have fun!