Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Mango Challenge

Join us in the Mango Challenge. Also, check out my etsy shop Brandy's Botany Bay Seed Shop



June Update

The hardest thing for me about gardening in Iowa, is getting my plants in the ground so late.  I am used the the conditions from zone 7 (Atlanta) and I usually get my plants out by the end of February.  But, since the winter is much more brutal in Iowa I am finally able to finally start planting at the end of May or beginning of June.

I've only lived in Iowa for a year so I have to learn how to grow in these condition.   To be perfectly honest, Iowa is full of farmers so I just have to learn the tricks of the trade.  Last year I grew tons of plants but only a few of them reached full maturity.  This year I pray I will have better success.   If I can't beat the cold snap, I will have to get a grow light to continue indoors.

Please check out the video of my son and I giving you our June update.  If you are familiar with gardening in the Middle America please feel free to leave a suggestion.  Also check out my etsy shop we have items heavily discounted as cheap as one dollar.  Brandy's Botany Bay Seed Shop



Garden Planning/ Garden Journal

Gardening is a hobby for a free spirit.  To garden you always are expecting the element of surprise.  Although we all know that nothing is ever set in stone with gardening, documenting your journey can help you to avoid mistakes.

 Not only do you learn from your mistakes, but you can keep records on how long it takes a plant to germinate, how tall or wide your plant will grow or when will you recieve fruit or flowers.  There are even unfortunate circumstances that you should record.  Such as when you have an invasion of pest, noxious weeds or drought conditions.

You might not see yourself as a scientist, but in a sense you are a scientist.  Gardening is a great science that doesn't end and can give you great outcome.  When you are growing heirlooms you are preserving a species that may be endangered, growing healthy vegetables can give you the knowledge as great as any nutritionist,  and having knowledge of herbs can bring knowledge that is expected of a pharmacist.



Do not discount yourself and assume the knowledge that us gardeners know isn't more valuable that what can be taught in a university.  Gardening requires research and for you to be intuitive.  Please check out my video on Garden Journaling.  It shows a very basic way to record your garden endeavors.  Happy Gardening and please subscribe to my youtube channel I have a lot of great knowledge I would love to share.  Also, check out my etsy shop we have lots of seeds on sale as cheap as 1 dollar . Brandy's Botany Bay Seed Shop

Noxious Weeds

There are plenty of ways that seeds are spread.  Some seeds are structured in ways that make them airborne, float or attach to people and animals.  Either way for the sake of survival seeds always seem to adapt and find a way to grow.  Unfortunatly these persistant seeds aren't always welcome and they can be labeled as noxious weeds.

In Council Bluff, Iowa I experience wild dandelion like airborne seeds that are covering the ground.   I do not know the name of this pesky weed.  The seeds are so abundant that they cover the ground and still are carried by the wind.  The reason this is a problem for me is because these seeds land into my pots and make a home with the seeds that I have planted.


Check out my video of the noxious weed and see how invasive these seeds can be.  If anyone knows what kind of weed this is please feel free to leave a comment.

Also Check out my seed shop we have seeds on sale as low as one dollar Brandy's Botany Bay Seed Shop

Lauritzen Botanical Garden

I attempt to visit A Botanical Gardens or Nature Preserve in every state that I visit. The Lauritzen Garden of Omaha, NE  is a beautiful 4 acre garden that includes a elaborate greenhouse.  It has a variety of themes that change every couple of months and is rather interesting.  I just happen to visit during a Leggo exhibit.  There were Legos that represent beautiful woodland creatures as well as benefical insects.

They also provide transportation through the garden which have a variety of themes .  My favorite is toy train exhibit which has a very large train track that roams through the garden.  There is also a real train exhibit that takes you through the history of how the railroad system was important to Omaha.

If you want to heighten your senses check out the rose garden.  There are tons of beautiful roses that are in bloom with various smells, color and species.   Check out the photos of my family and I enjoying our time at this peaceful retreat.  Also check out my seed shop we have a lot of great seeds on sale @  My Seed Shop: Brandy's Botany Bay






Summer Update

This summer is off to a good start.  The weather is good and I  have been growing some rare and unusual plants.  Check out my videos of some of the fun I have had.   Also check out my etsy shop we are having a end of summer sale.  Brandy's Botany Bay <---- Just click the link.  We have items on sale as cheap as one dollar.