Some Like It Hot — Peppers in Containers

Peppers, Peppers & More Peppers

Remember those peppers I planted last year? You may remember my discussion about where and how to plant and I shared that I plant mine in containers, planters, and baskets on my porch where they get 100+ sunny temps and grow like crazy. Alas, I am posting a photo I shot last year when I harvested the first batch. They are gorgeous and really yummy hot! I plant them everywhere and this year my planting included a few new varieties, including, “Hot Hot Cherry Red Peppers” which I love especially for breakfast with eggs and bacon. (Yes, I am truly a Southern gal)!

We know tomatoes, herbs and other veggies can grow quite well in containers. I grow all of mine in them and I would not do it any other way since they are in planters right off the kitchen and allow me to “grab” what I need for dinner in seconds. I also like the easy care of them. You can see my older posts here when I first started out in this process of vegetable container gardening for more information. Just click on “categories” link for the posts.

Give them a try and if you like “hot and spicy” food like us “Cajun, Creole, Southern and Southwestern” cooks do, try some of these for instant gratification.   Enjoy, Chef Jacy

Promise Garden Color Guides

The Promise Garden color scheme for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show is taken from the image below and the beautiful image of  Alma-Tadema.  [see posts below]  I created a color guide from the images to show those colors that will be used in the decor, flower pots, containers, hanging baskets, furniture, potting & garden tables, benches and more.   Several of  the statuary will be painted in various hues of these colors as well.  The large Lydia in the main Promise Garden is already in the beautiful color of turquoise with silver overlay (images forthcoming).  I will also add shabby chic furniture and draping in off-white.  The secret garden and shabby chic gardens will also have other variations of the colors from this scheme. I am inspired!  I hope it inspires you for your gardens as well.

…Inspiration in Art to the Gardens…

Beautiful inspiration for garden planning is to spend a leisurely stroll online viewing beautiful art for color, composition, perspective and placement of objects.  The gorgeous art of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema serves as a wonderful inspiration for me and I am fascinated by the pastel colors in his work.  I have used “like”color in my home.  As I complete the designs for the gardens, I will use the colors in this wonderful work for one of my floral displays.  Picture it… baby blue skies, purple, orchid, lavender, yellow, mauve, cream, shades of green.  Isn’t it lovely?  Are you inspired to create your own garden color inspirations?

Source: Uploaded by user via Jacy on Pinterest

Oh My Hyacinth!

“Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.”_CarlSandburg

The lovely colors of lavender, purples and orchid will be the prime color of the Promise Garden container gardens this year. It is also one of the selected colors for the new garden bicycle. There is nothing so beautiful as the varying hues of hyacinths and spring flowers as the garden palette. You can guess from the site header that these are my 2012 color choices!

Garden Design on my Mind…

I am in the city this week but the Promise Gardens are not far from my mind.  I am so excited about the recent finds to complete the new Secret Garden and Shabby Chic outdoor studios.  The bicycle posted below became a quest for me and at the most unexpected place, I found the perfect bicycle.  I will not describe but will surprise you when completed and in its proper place in the gardens.

Colder weather has brought low temps at night but the roses are screaming to bud and I believe they will be earlier this year.  Did you see them last year?  Here’s an image from one of the rose gardens last year which I have uploaded to my Pinterest.  This is the antique rose garden and the wonderful Rosa Munda has preeminence.

Source: Uploaded by user via Jacy on Pinterest