Growing Rhododendrons In Pots...

I have always enjoyed rhododendrons.

I love the garden varieties that grow into beautiful large shrubs and trees.

Fabulous if you have a large garden!

But then I discovered they are incredibly easy to grow in pots.

There are many varieties available now with dwarf or small shrub status which are the best for using in pots.

Vireya rhododendrons can become waterlogged planted  in the garden,

and I have found these do particularly well in pots too.

I give my plants a spray using a general insecticide once in the spring,

and two or three times over summer to treat and prevent bug infestations like spider mite and mealy bug.

The beauty of growing Rhododendrons in pots is you can easily move them.

If you think it's not liking a certain position, 

move somewhere new, until the plants happy condition and growth let's you know you've got right!


Rhododendron and Azalea Care List:
* Use a good quality potting mix
*Use a long life fertiliser pellet 
*Water regularly
*Spray with an insecticide in Spring and summer.
*Repot every two years.

And to thank you,

you will have a profuse blooming season.

Azaleas also grow exceptionally well in pots too.

I treat them the same as the rhododendrons,
with a spring and summer insecticide spray.

They need a lot more watering in the summer months,
but once they bloom you will be so happy.

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#Rhododendrons #Plantsforpots #azaleas

Follow Your Soul...

I have told y'all before I am a quote addict!
Why?

Because they are such wonderful nuggets of wisdom.
In a few words, a quote can inspire, motivate, touch your heart, build positivity or simply make you feel good on a bad day!

Enjoy today's newest addition to the quote collection.
XOX

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you can join for free HERE.

#quotes #quote #soulquotes

Rake Head Bird Or Butterfly Feeder...

Let's create a rustic upcycled bird feeder...

 I found an old rake head in the shed...
(you can source these at yard sales, or goodwill stores).

What better way to upcycle it than to use it as a bird feeder?
(Butterflies would enjoy this feeding station too...)

 I positioned the rake head on top of the old picket fence...

 Then used two large staple nails to attach it. 

Added some tangelo orange halves dripping with sweet juice...

The bird life instantly approved!

It turned out to be a most popular addition,

 to the many bird feeding areas in Mia Bella Gardens.

No butterflies yet as it's winter in Mia Bella Gardens.
But I hope they will come for a visit in the summer.

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by joining for free HERE.

#diy #rake #upcycle #birdfeeder #diybirdfeeders

You are enough.

I'm quite fond of inspirationals.

There is nothing more inspiring than looking up at your mood board and reading your favourite quotes.

This one is extra special...

because we all have moments of self-doubt.

You are enough.

Yes, you are!

Just remember that, my friends.

And to remind yourself of this,

print this floral, pretty quote frame or pin to your mood board.

For updates about the latest blog posts,

you can join for free HERE.

#flower #quote #inspirational 

DIY Coffee Table Succulent Bowl...

As y'all know it's winter here in the southern hemisphere,

so I'm always on the lookout for some greenery in the decor.

Succulents in a bowl are a much needed pop of nature during the cold, bleak wintery days.

I selected two baby succulent plants from the garden centre.

This fish bowl was in the blog bit's and pieces I might need one day cupboard.

I gathered some stones from the garden path...
and placed those in the base of the glass bowl

The next layer was a quality potting mix, 
into which the little succulents were planted.

This one is a baby plant off a succulent in the garden.

The next step once the plants were in the bowl was...

To add a layer of white decorative pot plant stones.
The bowl was placed on a wooden tray with a shabby green paper base.
(I got this from The Warehouse for $12 in a sale).
Just remember there is no drainage in a planter like this,
and the plants are succulents, so minimal watering is required.
These plants get afternoon sun for 5 hours, sited on this table.
You need to move them to a sunbath area regularly if sunlight is limited. 

Some wonderful living decor for the winter months.

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#succulents #succulent planter #indoorgardening

Dream Then Do It!

Oh, am I totally crushing on yellow roses at the moment.
Especially the beautiful 'David Austin' varieties.
I admit they are my ultimate favourite in rose varieties.
Scented, multi-petaled gorgeousness!
And beautiful to photograph.

Dream it - then do it...
The latest mood board inspirational features a yellow Austin rose.

This rose has been in the garden for years, but I am not sure of its name.
You might find it here on Wairere Nurseries list:
http://www.wairere.co.nz/Roses/Austin
I have bought mail order roses from them for many years,
with the rose plants arriving cocooned in wrap, ready to plant.
I would highly recommend Wairere online service to New Zealand gardeners.

Dream it - then do it...
I might create another rose garden!

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by joining for free HERE.

#quotes #rosequote #quote #davidaustinroses

Posh Up A Pillow...

I saw this idea in one of those posh interior shops...

you know the ones that have cushion covers for sale at $40, 

and then the inner is another $50!

OUCH!

So I thought - I could make that.

My very good quality and stylish cushion was $12.

 A navy blue marl fabric is on one side...

And a wool handknit on the other side.

$12 for the whole thing!

We are talking cover and inner.

(Found at 'The Warehouse'.)

I had some creamy white wool.

So I simply made the wool lengths into 4 ply chunky.

 And crocheted a simple chain.

Crochet 101 have a video tutorial HERE.

They make the chain quite loose because it is the base start for a crochet project.

But because you are making the chain to use as is, 

you need to do it quite tight.

Once you have made the chain long enough to shape into a heart,

finish end.

Make a tassel for the bottom if desired.

Place the chain into the desired heart shape, and pin in place.

Hand stitch onto cover.

And there you go...

one posh pillow without the posh price tag.

I love the way it picks up the blues in this duvet cover

(sourced from Bed Bath & Beyond sale for $20!)

Your Own Kind Of Beautiful Inspirational...

A sweet macro shot of a daisy flower centre with a fabulous message:

Be your own kind of beautiful.

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you can join for free HERE.

#quotes #quote #flowerquote

Super Sweet Caramel Lamingtons...

And when I say 'super sweet'

that is what I mean!

Super Sweet Caramel Lamingtons are not for the savoury fans...they are especially for those with a 'SUPER SWEET TOOTH'!

All you do is cut your homemade 
(I used the New Zealand Edmonds Cookbook sponge cake recipe)

or store-bought rectangle sponge into ten pieces.

The caramel icing mixture uses a caramel topping in the ingredients.
I used Delmaine Caramel Topping.

All you do is make a runny icing:
25 grams melted butter, 1/4 cup caramel topping, 
4 tablespoons boiling water and 1 1/2 cups sifted icing sugar.
Mix to smooth.
Dip your sponge portions quickly into this 
and coat each one in coconut (about 2 cups required).

Place on a baking paper lined plate, and chill for an hour.

Slice each portion in half and fill with whipped cream.
Drizzle with more caramel topping.

Or you can make mini fingers that have no cream filling.

Great party dessert treats.

Or simply to satisfy the sweet tooth craving.

#lamingtons #caramel