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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...
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Complete Container Herb Gardening - a book review


Complete Container Herb Gardening: Design and Grow Beautiful, Bountiful Herb-Filled Pots by Sue Goetz. Cool Springs Press (December 22, 2020)

I find it pretty amazing that an entire book could be written on the topic of container herb gardening. I would struggle to come up with two pages but author Sue Goetz has produced a 192 page book that covers every aspect on the topic. Beginning gardeners will find everything they need to know here and even experienced ones will surely pick up some new pointers in the process. I know I did.


Each chapter covers individual aspects and include:

  • Choosing the right kind of pots - there are terra cotta, concrete, metal, plastic, wood, vintage and repurposed. The various pros and cons of each are covered.
  • Location - Light needs and microclimates are essential factors to consider and then there are topics on placement (balcony, rooftops, entries, patios, decks, living walls, and growing herbs indoors.
  • Container garden design might be not a topic of consideration by the author opens your eyes to the possibilities of choosing containers for color and style, composing pots for pleasing arrangements and grouping plants for color, form and texture. 
  • Descriptions of the major herbs as well as varieties used for exotic flavorings.
  • An entire chapter on herbal beverages that covers herbs for garnishes, simple syrups, and teas.
  • Herbs used for healing properties and aromatherapy. Lemony herbs are profiled individually.
  • Herbs for household uses and beauty treatments like foot soaks and cleansers.
  • Pollinators (plants to attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies).
  • Cultivation (choosing plants, soil types, watering, maintenance, harvesting).
  • Propagation techniques.

The book is nicely illustrated with hundreds of photos.


 

 

I was provided with a review copy from the publisher.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy


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