Author: Nancy Morrow

Categories
Interesting Tidbits Memphis Gardens Uncategorized

Scenery Changes With the Seasons


This helianthus augustifolia is a shrubby weedy thing all year, but I know when everything else is waning, I’ll walk out one dreary morning and find a fountain of golden cheer.  The bees and butterflies cover it up, then when the seeds come the small birds feast!

October in Memphis is bittersweet, the annuals are over, the light is less intense and days are shorter, but the cool days are a welcome relief.  Time to pull out all the old raggedy zinnias and plant pansies, dianthus, wallflowers if you see them, chard, etc., and install some perennials before the ground gets too cold,

It is important to plan your gardens with an eye toward succession blooming so you can always have bright spots even in dreary winter days,

And speaking of planning, now is a good time to contact me to order a custom designed terrarium to brighten your home or office this winter.  Layaway for holiday gifts available.  My terries are one of a kind, not mass produced, can be tailored to suit any space and tastes, and will live for years with minimal care.  Call me at 901-828-3685 or send me a message

Categories
Interesting Tidbits

Terries at Music+Arts Studios Are So Happy, They Are Raising Their Rooftops!

This Chocolate Soldier Especia tripled in size and is started on a period of blooming bright orange flowers that will soon cover the whole plant
I went to see the space before Ward selected his terries - he had a perfect eastern exposure, slightly filtered light
I went to see the space before Ward selected his terries – he had a perfect eastern exposure, slightly filtered light

You may remember from a post a few months ago that my friend, Ward Archer, installed some terries in his fabulous recording studio, Music + Arts, over in Cooper-Young.  The below photo of the 16 inch bowl on the left shows how it looked when I dropped it off in May:

 

Piles, rabbits foot fern, heart fern, especia, and more compete for space in this 9 month old gem. It has been trimmed back once, about a month before this photo
Pilea,, rabbits foot fern, heart fern, especia, and more compete for space in this 9 month old gem. It has been trimmed back once, about a month before this photo

 

When I returned to check on the little guys in late July, I saw that they were really grooving on all the great music being recorded by people from all over the world at the studio.  Ward tells me everyone enjoys watching the microcosms grow and change.  Take a look at the new growth:

 

 

This Chocolate Soldier Especia tripled in size and is started on a period of blooming bright orange flowers that will soon cover the whole plant
This Chocolate Soldier Especia tripled in size and is started on a period of blooming bright orange flowers that will soon cover the whole plant

 

 

 

The purple pilea had grown and spread throughout the whole bowl, so I had to do a major trimming. Ward was a little reluctant to lose any of the riot of growth, but understands the importance of maintaining balance in this closed environment
The purple pilea and roving especia had grown and spread throughout the whole bowl, so I had to do a major trimming. Ward was a little reluctant to lose any of the riot of growth, but understands the importance of maintaining balance in this closed environment

 

This little tableaux in an 8 inch brandy snifter features bonsai rubber trees that needed only a slight trim to bring everything back in order. This terry is 14 months old
This little tableaux in an 8 inch brandy snifter features bonsai rubber trees that needed only a slight trim to bring everything back in order. This terry is 14 months old.

Give me a call at 901-828-3685 if you are interested in adding a Green Mansion to your life or to learn more about these fascinating creations.  Or send a message below.

I’m happy to help you select the right rainforest for your location and taste.  Custom designs are a particular favorite, and I always have a variety of sizes and environments on hand to choose from.  I’m having build your own workshops Sept 24-25, 2016, if you want to get your hands on experience in creating a world under glass.  Space is limited so sign up today!  Go to the Events page for more information.

Peace and Love – Nancy

Categories
Build Your Own Terry Classes and Workshops Events

Sept 24 and 25 – Build Your Own Terrarium With An Expert, Enjoy It For Years

The base price of $50 includes the gravel, activated carbon, sphagnum moss, and my special soil mix designed for use in terrariums, plus detailed instructions and information from the Memphis Plant Lady herself, who will always be available to answer any questions you may have as your little green friend grows and changes.  I have some very nice plastic bowls, about 8 inches in diameter, that can be included in the base fee, but glass is much more elegant.

Workshops will be conducted in my studio at 700 North Belvedere in Midtown Memphis on

Saturday September 24, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday September 25, 2016,

at 12:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.

Here’s how it works:

I collect and propagate miniature exotic tropical plants suitable for low light and high humidity conditions, for use in my living art creations, and my mini-greenhouses are popping their tops with an abundance of extras, so I’m having a build your own workshop to share the largesse. If you want to learn the art and science of designing, building, and maintaining these miniature rainforests from an expert, don’t miss this opportunity.

I’ll show you how to customize the terrarium to suit your space and taste by your choice of glassware, plants, and accessories.

Plants cost $5 to $15 each (most are $5 but for the true collector I have a few rare gems I can share).

I suggest you buy your own glass in advance for better price and selection.   I’ll have a limited variety of sizes and shapes of glassware on hand, from $10 to $60 or so dollars.  Make sure the glass is clear, no ripples or waves, and that you can get your hand easily through the opening; it should be at least 10 inches deep; it must be watertight; remember it will be much heavier going home, so not too big.

Accessories are things like geodes and crystals, petrified wood, fairies or dinosaurs. Again, bring your own to make it just how you want it, or buy some from my huge stash of little interesting things. No metal or plaster items are suitable.

You can make more than one; an additional charge for the planting substrates may apply. Send me a message at the link below or call me at 901-828-3685. Hope to see you there!  Nancy Morrow

Class10

cp6

Neoregelia - nice jungle look, looks like it would get big but not much more than this. And button fern, so sweet

 

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Space is limited to 4 people for each workshop, so sign up today, then go buy a cool glass container and come have fun playing in the dirt with us.

 

Categories
House Plants Plants Tillandandsias a/k/a Air Plants Uncategorized

Tillandsia Xerigraphica in Full Bud! Only 4 Available

Xerigraphica are like octopus plants with their mass of curled and twisting leaves.  The leaves expand and contract, too, reacting to the light and water conditions, and is a subtle pleasure to experience while holding one in your hand under a flow of water.  Or better yet, in the rain!


They only bloom after they mature,  and after blooming, usually will form a pup, which is a new plant.  I’ve seen clusters of these plants bigger than me.  Yowser!

I have four of these beauties in full bud for sale for $30 each, so if you are in the Memphis area, give me a call soon to come get one, they won’t last long.  Peace, love, and all good things to us all.

Nancy

991-828-3685