The Agaves can't be too close to the bottom of the slope because we walk there, nor can they be too close to the walk-blocks between the citrus trees, because we walk there, too.
Some sort of uneven line, triangles, I am guessing. I took a piece of cardboard of the approximate size of a mature 'Blue Glow' Agave and using a little flour traced some places for them, to see how many would fit. Less than I expected. At least that is helpful information.
Walking off a little frustration, might as well check on the Sweet Peas. Growing.
The Digiplexis stopped blooming, finally, at the end of September.
Looks okay
Not underneath the foliage, though.
Lower leaves and stems had a nasty mealy bug infestation. I was out of my favorite mealy-killer, rubbing alcohol. What to use? What to use?
I assume the Mealies died happy.
Some sort of uneven line, triangles, I am guessing. I took a piece of cardboard of the approximate size of a mature 'Blue Glow' Agave and using a little flour traced some places for them, to see how many would fit. Less than I expected. At least that is helpful information.
Walking off a little frustration, might as well check on the Sweet Peas. Growing.
The Digiplexis stopped blooming, finally, at the end of September.
Looks okay
Not underneath the foliage, though.
Lower leaves and stems had a nasty mealy bug infestation. I was out of my favorite mealy-killer, rubbing alcohol. What to use? What to use?
I assume the Mealies died happy.
Oh my! Even with the post's title, that was an unexpected solution!
ReplyDeleteI checked again this afternoon. It worked good.
DeleteSpray bottle seems extraneous. Take a mouthful and spray it "organically". Everybody wins! (Except the bugs) :)
ReplyDeleteGardening under the influence?
DeleteThat's a good send off for the mealy bugs!
ReplyDeleteNothing but the best!
DeleteLOL, that's going out with style!!!
ReplyDeleteBack to the 'Blue Glow', how many specimens would you need?
I hope they enjoyed the trip.
DeleteI think I need about a dozen--which I have 22, they are just so small yet.
And here I just pulled out and tossed my Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' -- that would have filled that slope up pronto! Kidding, of course. What fun having a peek at Dustin's plan for the slope. I'd totally frame that. Don't despair, there's always Senecio mandraliscae to fill up the bare spaces until the stars bulk up. Arctotis would be a good temporary filler too. My hat is off to you and Kris, keepers of very large gardens. My general rule of thumb is a big plant, like your medio picta, is worth keeping, if only temporarily. Maybe build the first iteration of the slope around that, with the final plan in the wings when the Blue Glows are mature.
ReplyDeleteI've pulled all 3 of my digiplexis -- the leaves really stuck out, and not in a good way. Better in a flower border perhaps. And then there was the mealy bugs too. But if you drink enough Stoly, who cares about mealy bugs anyway?
Which reminds me yes, I was going to split up my big clump of Arctotis and spread it along the bottom edge, when it cools off. Thanks for the reminder.
DeleteI could look at Dustin's plan as artwork, and just stick everything I have in a pot up on the slope in my usual haphazard PBG manner...which is starting to appeal.
New slogan for Stoli: the insecticide you can drink!
A good idea to use a cardboard template to see how many fully grown "Blue Glow" agave plants will fit. Those mealy bugs sure take over, you gave them a great send off. :)
ReplyDeletexoxoxo ♡
It was helpful, the cardboard.
DeleteThe mealy bug mess on that plant was awful, I am wondering if I should just get rid of the Digiplexis. I wonder a lot about that plant. It doesn't look like it grows new stems, so will it eventually be an odd umbrella of foliage upon an ugly bare stem?
Those mealy bugs are awful, I use spiritus to rub the leaves. Has the same effect as your vodka, Is n't it tempting to take a small sip of the vodka?
ReplyDeleteSpiritus...I think here that is sold as "Everclear" and I would think it would work even better than vodka. No, vodka doesn't tempt me at all--when you live in a warm climate, on a hot day I think all you really want is cold water. Well at least that's what I want!
DeleteI had to laugh at Alan's comment, and then of course picturing you doing it. Oh to live in a climate where agaves will reach their maximum size...
ReplyDeleteI'm not that good a spitter!
DeleteIt does make Agaves tough to move when they weigh 200 lbs.
The stepping stones I placed when we first moved here have disappeared completely. Next time I will try to adopt your methodical approach. Hard for me to think ten years ahead, though. "Cramscaping" is more my style and I'm paying the price for it.
ReplyDeleteCramscaping! Ha ha ha! Good one.
DeleteI'm just attempting a methodical approach. It's not my usual way, unfortunately.
How kind of you to offer your bugs a taste of vodka! If they can't hold their liquor, why, that's their problem. Your slopes will look especially wonderful because of all of the planning you're doing!
ReplyDeleteIf they can't hold their liquor, why, that's their problem.
DeleteHa ha ha! Good one! The comments are way better than the post.