A Growbox for the Hibiscus

 (exerpted from the Photo/History page for Hibiscus (Rosa sinensus) Brilliant)

It's not self-watering, doesn't have a gro-light, isn't even built out of wood, but, I think it will do the job of hosting the Hibiscus for a few weeks, self-draining, allows adequate air & water circulation, allows root growth without crowding the plant or restricting it...and the best part, costs under $2.00. It's just a plastic basket, with drain holes drilled into the bottom.

It certainly isn't a container designed for display, but it does give this specimen a chance to "catch his breath" after de-potting, a 30% root reduction (pruned) and re-potting in a loose potting mix that will encourage new root growth without restriction..roots can grow right out of the sides, if left untended.

The theory behind this is that this basket will allow faster & possibly less traumatic recovery for the plant, after root-pruning & downsizing..just have to wait & see, but a worth-while experiment, I think.

Just for Fun - Wk 3

 Dwarf Tomato's:

The tomato's are "bustin' out all-over", as you can see from the photos. They outgrew the 4" pots & I re-potted them in cut-down 1-Gal leftover nursery cans.

Since I didn't have any terra-cotta pots that were comparable in size, our experiment to see whether plastic or terra-cotta was better for growing tomato's has been concluded as a draw.

When I re-potted, I planted them as deeply as possible, pruning the bottom leaves (sacrificial) in order to maximize space for root growth. More roots means the plants can hold-up better against the afternoon winds & as they are on the west side of the patio, make maximum usage of the afternoon sun.

I am looking for homes for, at least 2 of these plants..any takers?

NM Hatch Chili's:

The Chili's are on the E-side of the patio & get all morning sun, as opposed to the 'maters on the West..the competition now will be whether morning or afternoon sun is most compatible for these plants, for whatever that's worth.

All 5 of the seedlings survived; 3 are potted in 4" pots, w/ the other 2 still in 3", but they will probably need to be repotted by next weekend.

Realistically, I only need 1 Chili plant, but all of the seedlings survived (Iwish I had this much success all the time). 

I'm looking forward to seeing blooms on the larger plants & that means the chili's can't be far behind.

Check back next Saturday for the next installment of "Just for Fun"

'Kohuhu' Waking-Up

 (excerpted from Photo/History page for Pittosporum tenuifolium - 'Beach Ball Kohuhu')

'Kohuhu' responded to the minor pruning yesterday, as if he had been waiting for someone to pay attention to him. I counted 22 fresh, new, bright-green buds, even though I only pruned 1/2 dozen. (pic below

I also took advantage of the opportunity to put him into a training pot. Although I would rate the root pruning as minimal, it required me to remove almost all of the potting mix, which is something I try not to do on the 1st re-pot. All seems to be going well though I did remove the tap root, while I had the chance..beyond that, minor root prune (just to even out growth).

I have no "master plan" for this little tree, but he has already shown that he is viable & willing, given the barest necessities. For now, I will just continue to provide his needs & see how he looks in a month or two.

Update: Manzanita (Arctostaphylos Densiflora)

The time has come for Baby Manzanita to leave the security of his nursery 'can' & start his progression to adulthood. Potted him in a training tray, which he will probably outgrow before fall. 

Root pruning was minimal, as is minor foliage pruning, even at this early age to keep him "within bounds"..these trees have a tendency to grow "helter-skelter" in all directions if not controlled.

You can access the full history of the Howard McMinn Manzanita here, or use the Tree Inventory Menu.

Intro: Japanese Boxwood

'Green Beauty' cultivar is a selected variety of Buxus microphylla var. japonica, which is native to the islands of Japan. While its wild ancestors thrived in the mountainous regions of East Asia, this specific cultivar was developed for its superior ability to maintain a deep, emerald-green hue even in the face of summer heat and winter chills—conditions that often cause other boxwoods to turn a brassy orange

Acquired: April 2026; Home & Garden Center: Cost: $6.00 (1/2 Off Sale)

Boxwood is often referred to as "Man’s Oldest Garden Ornamental." It was so popular in ancient Rome that Pliny the Younger famously wrote about his Tuscan villa, describing his boxwood hedges clipped into the shapes of letters spelling out his own name—the first century version of a personalized lawn sign!