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

A Beautiful Ride with Flowers

As you might have guessed from my new banner, I have completed the garden bicycle and it is exactly what I anticipated it to be…simply lovely!  As I blogged on my design in earlier posts of “Promise Garden Color Guide” and “A Lovely Ride” the flower bicycle is a favorite focal point for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show with lots of exclamations of “wow” with praise and “I want one”!

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A few notes:  My final decision was Turquoise as the color for the bike (see Color Guide link above) and Purple for the Herb Tricycle (photos forthcoming).  The flowers will grow out and cascade over the bicycle in several weeks which will enhance it even more.  I used many different annuals and perennials that trail, cascade and give an ever-blooming display.  Watch the blog for more on the bikes, trikes and potting tables.  The slideshow gallery for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show will be posted soon.   Be inspired to create and happy gardening!!

Oh Morning Room Peonies

Reblogged from Jay&Jacy Photography:

I am spellbound by the beauty of the blooming peonies, their fragrance and color and mood created.  At last I can begin processing and posting the new designs here and at the Promise Gardens blog.  Today is beautiful, gorgeous color, too windy for outdoor photography (30mph gusts) but the sunlight and radiance are lighting up the rooms so peonies are adding to the ambience to my delight.  

Read more… 28 more words

The gardens are almost ready...the first bloom of the peonies. . .

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