Hollyhocks and Artichokes

Please join me for another Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer.

Yes,  I am in heaven during the spring and summer.  So much is going on outside in the garden.  I walk around and see what's new.  So please come along and take a look.

That BIG BLACK spot in the photograph is a BIG BLACK BEE...... I didn't know where he was going to land. And, I was praying it wasn't going to bee on me!!!!!!!

The Hollyhocks are growing against the fence.  When the Hollyhock seeds drop to the ground I find small plants growing everywhere.  I dig the small plants up and move them to the fence area and replant them. The new plants replenish the old plants that die. Each Hollyhock plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial and for beautiful background I just love my Hollyhocks.

In July, after the blooms fade, I cut off the hollyhock stems just above the ground.I continue to feed and water the plants and the roots push out another flush of growth, which will rebloom in September.  This technique demands a lot from the plants.  I continue to feed them two or three times during the regular growing season to produce the wonderful second bloom.

In the garden the Artichoke plants are divided into two groups.  The plants in the sun produce vegetables we eat in the spring. And, the plants in the shade are used as ornamental and landscape value.  The spectacular purple-blue thistlelike flowers are cut for arrangements . It is amazing what nature produces.

Thank you for visiting me today.  Would you please jump back to A Southern Daydreamer and visit more outdoors.

Please leave a comment and be a follower.

Betty
xoxo