Debstr's Blog

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Feb 27, 2008 | 3:22 PM PST
Tags: citronella , luffa

Well, we keep getting hammered with Snow and more is on the way - sure, it looks lovely in a picture and sure would make a nice Christmas card BUT thing is ... I am maxed out on Snow. I will keep my sanity in tact by going down south tomorrow for some relief (watch it snow down there!) I made sure to add the last of my February photos to my album since March will arrive when we are gone and WARM weather I hope LOL

Check out this next photo of the Citronella plant I bought at the recent Garden Show - it has flower buds on it! I will tell you the plant does give off a definite fragrance and now we will see what these flowers do - I have to find time to research this plant a bit more. I have been looking into Lavender and dang there are more varieties then I even imaged. I am still waiting for a book to arrive that I just ordered - will turn me into the pro I am sure :-)

Ok I do have to mention "the Luffa" also here - I know some of my friends here have planted the seeds I sent and others have ordered seeds so let me offer this. Last year when I planted the seed I didn't pay much attention, just planted it, moved it several times and it did do well. This year I paid more attention and the seed I "just planted" took 3 weeks to start growing (that's a longgg time). So I planted a tray full of seeds on 2/18 and they sprouted their little heads on 2/24 ... 6 Days! I did soak them overnight AND nicked the seed with scissors - What a Difference!

I will catch up with blogs before I leave and do hope everyone is doing well and Keeping the Garden Spirit within each of us Growing...... rock on or should that be garden on?? LOL

8 Member Comments

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thequiltedgardener	Feb 27, 2008 \| 4:31 PM PST Photo would make a lovely Holiday card-but I so appreciate your need for spring! Thanks for posting the Citronella plant-you know for all the candles I have purchased for the deck it never occured to me that it was a plant! How does one use a Citronella plant? How do you get the oil I guess is what I am asking? The seedlings, those are luffa gourds? I too and going to be growing some of those-for the first time. Have a lovely time down south!
Debstr	Feb 27, 2008 \| 5:35 PM PST I am thinking the Citronella plant gives off the same kind of smell the candles do that repels insects - it is a much nicer smell from the plant though. I know in order to get oil from herbs/plants you have to distill it which is a major project. I will see if these citronella plants do a good job - will keep you posted. YES, the luffa seedlings are the ones you are thinking. They grow like crazy once they get going & will go all OVER so trellis them is a good thing since this will contain them somewhat. I love the luffa sponges, still using them in the shower daily!
AngelsGarden	Feb 27, 2008 \| 6:06 PM PST Your pictures are beautiful!!!
SheriLL123	Feb 27, 2008 \| 11:15 PM PST Brrrrrr! I don't know how you guys do it. I don't even like going to visit my Dad in Winter. He lives in KY. The snow does look pretty.... from here. Stay warm! I use to grow Citronella in my old house and I didn't notice any diff in the mosquitos. I hope it works better for you. =) Last edited by SheriLL123 on February 27th at 11:16 PM.
chattycarnation	Feb 28, 2008 \| 4:40 AM PST Yep, snow is on the ground, but it does not stay long right now.. we still have places in the shade that you can still see it, but there is hope for spring! My daffs and hyacinthsare peeking thru! How are south is your property Deb? I am south of Chicago.. central Illinois.
soaphouse	Feb 28, 2008 \| 6:10 AM PST LOVE that picture! But, I can imagine you might tire of that if it was a constant. I am lucky that we don't have that problem here in Atlanta.
yardgranny6	Feb 28, 2008 \| 7:22 AM PST Have a good visit, we will be looking for you to come back full of wisdom and looking at sunshine. Linda B
Debstr	Mar 3, 2008 \| 4:39 PM PST Thank ya'll for the friendly comments :-) Well, it rained today and guess WHAT is expected in the next few days...SNOW! Quite a mess but hey, it IS March at least. Chatty we are close to Salem, IL our trip down there takes us 5 hrs & I much rather be down there right now although I do hear a storm is moving that way.

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