Following the death of...the passing...croaking of the fern, I am somewhat pleased to announce the arrival of a new plant. I use the term "somewhat" since nothing can immediately replace that cute, little sassy fern, which stole my heart! There was something about the way she/he grew in that special fern-ish medium a.k.a. dirt with those unique-ish delicate fronds extending from the earth....
Enough mourning.
As I wrote a new plant, a schefflera, has joined the household. I've always admired this specie when passing through the garden centres with its umbrella-like leaves plus it was on sale at Walmart for $2.29. One i.e. me, wonders how 'they' arrive at these weird prices for items. Like $9.97 or $3.39... Be that as it may it was too good a bargain and opportunity to pass up.
One doesn't just pick up the first plant that one lays eyes on because in my humble opinion, the weak species are always placed in the front by store personnel who receive their orders from plant growers.
"Dear Store Clerk or whoever is reading this," they most probably write. "Please note that in spite of our efforts to produce flaw-less species, some of our plants are rejects. To maximize their chances of being sold to suckers...plant lovers, please place this houseplant and others similar in appearance in front of your display."
We're talking here about feeble plants or those with spider mites that will live on average a couple of months (most times less), after which they croak and then you feel guilty and assume the blame when in effect, it's all a big plot to unload those that don't make the grade. Believe me - I know!
After ten to fifteen minutes of looking over, picking-up-and-replacing many plants, finally the decision was made and the dye cast...whatever. The law of gravity even came into play. Pots/containers turned upside down to examine the underside of leaves will result in the falling of earth everywhere. Do scientists know about this?
According to various houseplant sites, raising schefflera is simplicity personified. There is one little downside to this plant, however (isn't there always?): spider mites! Seems that these absolutely ghastly insect interlopera love scheffies (I've already personalized our relationship)! Yesterday as a preventative measure I washed each and every leaf on scheffy, however, if there are any of the usual tell-tale signs of infestation i.e. weeny spider webs, I'll have to switch to insecticide soap. Of course I always use the environmentally-friendly stuff but as someone once mentioned: how friendly could it be given the end result. Always with the guilt.
Here's some garden-friendly sites worth visiting:
http://www.icangarden.com/document.cfm?task=viewcategory&categoryid=266
http://www.perennials.com/
http://gardeninglaunchpad.com/
Suggestions of your favorite gardening sites welcome!!!
www.jrslater.com/forum
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