Something is blooming... My first cactus blooms

Cactus's are something I have never really thought about growing! In the past year or so, I have been picking one up here and another there. I have also started buying succulents as well.

I received a Christmas Cactus over the holiday! I love how pretty they are.

I love how green they are. The leaves are flattened with scallop like edges. This Christmas Cactus has a bloom that hasn't opened yet! 

The flowers are so pretty! I love how they shoot out from the plant. The flowers are about 3 inches long. The flowers are so red and vibrant with a little pink tongue sticking out at you! I did notice the blooms last longer when they are near light!

I look forward to trying to keep this cactus alive. I am not very experienced in cactus's. Although I am learning! Learning is the fun part of growing plants!

From what I have learned they like rich well drained soil and bright indirect light. Christmas Cactus's are not drought tolerant and like to be watered. Let them dry out between waterings. Over watering can lead to root rot. Water less in the winter time!

Do you grow Cactus's? What are some of your favorites? Do you have any advice for me on keeping this baby alive and thriving?

Happy Cactus Growing!!!

Dreamy Red Swiss Chard, A bolt of Color for any Garden!

Swiss Chard has become one of my favorite leafy greens! I love the lush green leaves with its bright red veins. It screams a vibrant, Boom Boom Pow to the dull greens that surround her in the Garden! Am I being extreme? Maybe, or maybe im not saying enough about this vibrant green! They say Swiss Chard is the new Spinach! I say Swiss Chard deserves to shine on her own! I just love the look of Swiss Chard in the Garden!

I usually start my Chard directly into the garden! I toss a couple packets of seed in its designated spot! I try to plant the seeds a couple inches apart in a wide row, near other lettuces and leafy greens with a few scallions tossed through out! You can usually start harvesting your Chard in about 60 days! Its a fast growing food that you can see and enjoy early. I usually let mine grow about 5 to 6 inches from the ground and cut it about an inch above the soil. The more you harvest the more it grows back! Swiss Chard just keeps on giving. Another great tip, keep your chard cut back. Dont just cut the large outside leaves, they are the oldest of the plant, yet still good to eat. Cut back the whole plant to about an inch from the ground. You will see new tender leaves in a few days and produce another harvest within a couple of weeks!

As you can see, I have Chard growing with some Spinach. There are some great ways to enjoy Swiss Chard. Chard tastes great in green salads, stir frys and you can cook it down like other greens!

If you havent grown Swiss Chard, try it! Its a gourgeous leafy green with flair. If anything you have added color to your garden. You can also try adding some Chard to flower beds for extra green foliage.

Happy Gardening!