Sharing my new garden transformation
almcclur Amanda z9a San Antonio
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (12)
bostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
4 years agoloreleicomal
4 years agoRelated Discussions
List lovers in zone 5 - sharing my garden with you
Comments (5)Want to expand your z5 semitropical and "tropical" options? Indiana Rick's website is inspirational! So many usefulul ideas there. I agree don't give up until you've tried it 3x and tested some tricks! Hardy Tropicals for Zone 5 !!!!! http://www.manchestergardenclub.com/rick/Tropicals/Tropicals.htm ________ Mulched here now in my more "gentle" z8b, until I have a backup clump stored to go "cold turkey". No the impressive Canna 'Durban" = 'Tropicanna' doesn't throw lower red spires! That's a compact Lobelia 'Starship Red' which has nice contrasting rich green leaves. This Cardinal Flower was easy to grow from seed* (as are Canna) and gets the hummingbirds darting all around to enhance the tropical theme. I like L. 'Vulcan Red' as well to for contrast. Dark maroon leaved and also more compact than L. 'Queen Victoria' with no staking needed. * After using many over the years, the best seed starting method that I've used over the years is a biodome and sponge block system or similar. Works best with heatmats and bright plant light. Effective, efficient, durable, flexible, and small footprint. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4412727/looking-for-a-reliable-seed-starting-system...See Morehelp me transform my 1970s-era (but new to me!) kitchen
Comments (27)Hi Roulie, I was looking at the beautiful blue kitchens in your thread about painting your cabs, and went looking for this thread for more pictures and info about your kitchen. (I would try the SW Naval from Deb's island on one of your trial boards, it just rocks!) I have an opinion about the hole in your counter. I love the idea of using stainless, and if the Jenn-aire that was removed is the griddle next to the big Garland, I would suggest that you have someone come and fabricate a stainless steel cover that simply butts up to the range and covers the whole counter top surface, front overhang and all, for the length of counter top hole in the wood. That will give you a bulletproof landing spot for messy cooking. YOU may not need it, but you have at least one young person, and a messy spill on your butcher block with a stainless steel insert in the hole in the wood will be a lot harder to clean up than on a seamless sheet of steel. Have the fabricator match the finish as much as possible to that of the Garland, and it may not seem so much like another added texture in the room. It also occurred to me, looking at the photo, that there does not seem to be a range hood. Is that a problem for you, or do you not put a lot of grease into the air when you cook? A metal fabricator could fashion one to fit below that cabinet, and you could put the guts in the cab. Just something to think about if you have someone out to see about the hole in the counter. I went looking for your thread about your butcher block counter refinishing. The problem with wood near your sink area made me think of old porcelain 1920s to 1930s sinks as a solution. In my first search result I saw the one linked below, and it fit the one in my mind's eye perfectly. Something like this will better protect that beautiful refinished counter of yours. It prevents any more deterioration where the wood meets the back splash, as well, and does not go very far up the wall. Check out the link below. I think I am interested in your project because it reminds me of my own. I refinished a used bead board kitchen almost three years ago.I have an island top that is 25 years old sitting in my garage that is very similar to your butcher block. I did not use it when I bought it with my Green Demolition kitchen. I refinished my beaded-board oak cabinets from GD by hand sanding and re-staining them with a creamy oil-based stain that my local Sherwin Williams mixed up for me. I could not get a "pickled" stain in water-base. My routed-out lines were far closer together than yours, but you have a LOT of cabs to do, too. If I had to do it again, I think I might paint. I do not have tons of wood grain around like you do, and really like the grain peeking through, so staining was a good choice for me at the time. My problem was in getting the stain to stick to end grain. All my rounded edges exposed me to end grain, but I did not realize that this was my problem at the time. Stain did not stick well on the perimeter of all of my 34 doors and 20 drawers, and I have a rubbed-through look in places. I also have a few pieces that are a different color. Don't know if it was a stirring problem, a real color difference in the first stain can, or what. By the time I was done, I just did not want to know! Part of my problem is that I have asthma and had to wear terrible face masks to keep the VOCs out of my lungs. I had to work outside because of the fumes, too. In the steamy heat of the summer of 2010, I had little patience for problems and just let the color differences get by me. I just wanted it DONE. If you can paint with latex, it is a lot less bother and mess than what I went through! Oil-based stains are still the most common with wood. Here is a picture of my doors before I refinished them. If you want to see my kitchen (minus the missing cab door that we found in the carpenter's shop 6 months after I finished staining everything else), you can go to my website and see it at www.pbase.com/nancyb/image/127230055 Here is Here is a link that might be useful:...See MoreAnyone willing to share with a new gardener some great seeds and tips?
Comments (2)Val is offering seeds @ [Newbie Seed Project - March 2018[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/newbie-seed-project-march-2018-dsvw-vd~5169192?n=10). You might try this first....See MoreSharing My Garden Photos
Comments (14)Brothergarm, once again it's gorgeous! It looks similar to my sister in law's pool area but she has less plants but interestingly she has a palm tree included. They have to bring the palm in since it won't make our winters here in NY. I think roses are hardest to master but I've had the best of luck and experience with Lyda Rose, Earth Song and Colorific all pictured. I'm especially happy with Lyda rose I'm trying to find space for one more. I also added knockouts, I know not everyone cares for knockouts but I think they can be great in the mix....See Morecooper8828
4 years agoVulture61
4 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoroselee z8b S.W. Texas
4 years agoshellshok
4 years agoWalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
4 years agoalmcclur Amanda z9a San Antonio
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoshellshok
4 years agoalmcclur Amanda z9a San Antonio
4 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING FOR BIRDSWild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life
How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana
Full StoryHOUZZ CALLShare Your Summer Garden and Outdoor Living Upgrades
We want to hear about how you’ve made — or you’re planning to make — your patio, porch or yard more enjoyable and usable
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGarden Levels Transform a Steep Slope in Australia
From unusable to incredible, this outdoor area now has tumbled travertine, water features and mod greenery
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNSee 3 Gardens Beautifully Transformed by Native Plants
Wildflowers, native perennials and grasses dazzle in gardens that celebrate their diverse ecosystems
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESExperts Share 13 Common Gardening Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
See how to avoid overwatering, spacing out plants incorrectly and other landscaping pitfalls
Full StoryINSPIRING GARDENSPerennial Borders Transform a Lake House Garden
Dynamic new planting beds turn an upstate New York landscape into a sanctuary for butterflies and bees
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNThe Garden Edge: Rethink Your Garden Pathways
The right plant choices not only frame your paths with distinction, but they also take you on a journey of the senses
Full StoryEVENTSExplore Inspiring Private Gardens With The Garden Conservancy
Take a peek into exceptional landscapes usually closed to the public or dig deeper by attending a garden workshop
Full StoryEVENTSSee ‘Chihuly in the Garden’ at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
The glass artist’s work is well-sited to complement and contrast with beautiful plantings. His new installation opens Saturday
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGardening Fun: Plant a Fairy Garden
It’s hard not to be captivated by the charm of a miniature garden in a pot. Here’s how to make one of your own
Full Story
almcclur Amanda z9a San AntonioOriginal Author