Thursday, August 5, 2010

Flower Power

The Magellan Zinnias were planted on June 21, 2010 and seem to be a success.  They are fed about once a week with Miracle Grow but were planted in a rich soil with Dr. Earth fertilizer.

DSC_1904_4842The practice of deadheading seems to help generate more flowers.  And right now there are loads of flowers.  I usually patrol the front yard each night and inspect the flowers.  A neighbor on her evening walk heaped praises on me for having such nice flowers.  I didn’t want to tell her that these practically grow themselves.  Instead, I thanked her for her kind words.

DSC_1897_4835This variety really bushed out and pushed lush growth once the heat was constant starting around the 4th of July.  A gathering of teenaged boys for a party across the street had me worried that they would take out their hormones on the zinnias.  Nope.  They were simply goofy, stinky boys that were pretty much harmless.

DSC_1900_4838 The colors are really vibrant.  They seem almost psychedelic.  None of these photos have been enhanced.  Everything is straight out of the camera.  I was fiddling around with camera settings but couldn’t see much difference between any of the shots.  I’m still learning.

DSC_1894_4832 Pests don’t seem to bother them.  I’m not sure if the bug here is good or bad so I left it alone.  Butterflies, bumble bees, bees, and moths flutter around all the time.  I have not noticed any snails or slugs.

DSC_1901_4839

Magellan Zinnias grow well here in zone 9, Bakersfield, California.  The only thing I would do differently next time is to grow them from seed.  A flat cost $13.00.  A packet of seeds cost around $2.50.  Save money.  Spend time.

4 comments:

Joyce said...

Just Beautiful. I love the little flowers inside of the flower. That's what I like to see with some flowers, deep inside. I've never planted these, I know what am I waiting for. I do have seeds to do next year, I won't forget. Yours are to die for. And If I walked by I would praise your gardens.....

Amy said...

Beautiful post!!

joey said...

Vibrant ... fun photos!

MAYBELLINE said...

Thanks everyone.