Wrightwood Manor, Gardens & Orchards

04/07/2019

Sunflower wall coming in and a rescued hydrangea is already blooming

03/03/2019

Martha Stewart

Bread a can! Yes sir it’s yummy

This wholesome bread uses three different kinds of flour and is baked in a can!

02/11/2019

Martha Stewart

Me and roast chicken it’s almost magical

Whether paired with aromatic herbs, piquant spices, or savory vegetables, we’ve collected our best recipes for succulent, flavorful whole roast chicken.

03/01/2018

static1.squarespace.com

A fabulous new entrance to the Manor

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/534c3938e4b0e2dbda76399a/t/5a29ab669140b76293901553/1512680305078/12+04+2017+MHRA+HAWO+Intersection+Public+Meeting+-+PRESENTATION.PDF

09/19/2017

iPhone Photography School

iPhone Photography School

Now, this is kind of CRAZY…

But the most important iPhone camera features are completely hidden from regular iPhone users! 😲

Of course, knowing how to use the camera of your iPhone is the first step to taking incredible photos…

And that’s why I recorded this video revealing 7 hidden iPhone camera features that every photographer should use.

Watch this video to discover these 7 hidden iPhone camera features!

Then click here to find out more: https://iphonephotographyschool.com/ipa/

04/29/2017

Through the secret garden

11/07/2016

Jonathan, Your Garden Variety Realtor

Jonathan, Your Garden Variety Realtor

http://houstonparksboard.org/blog/volunteer-wildflower-planting/

09/02/2016

Wrightwood Manor, Gardens & Orchards

1 month from today.

09/01/2016

1 month from today.

08/01/2016

This little lady was busy this morning. Full of eggs she was hopping and bopping around the Pride of Barbados, firebush and Thryallis

06/07/2016

Living Fences – How To Make A Living Fence For Your Garden…

neat, bet it takes a lot of work, but neat

Fences on your farm or homestead define property boundaries and separate production zones (garden, pasture, orchard). They provide privacy and security from animal (and perhaps human) intruders. They confine livestock and protect them from predators. They guard crop areas from wild raiders (such as…

06/05/2016

Tipsy Bartender

gee i just happen to have mini melons growing in the gardens this year

05/23/2016

want to learn more about specific plants and vegetables?
here is an awesome source and the first place i go to for information.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/easy-gardening-series/

04/27/2016

BAY LEAF
The quintessential herb of many old school recipes. In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head. In ancient Greece wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, the ancient Olympics and in poetic meets; in Rome they were symbols of martial victory, crowning a successful commander during his triumph.
Better known as a seasoning, bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree that is native to the Mediterranean area. Although bay can grow into a tall tree, it is often kept smaller by pruning or by confining it in a container. Bay is a very slow grower, making it even more suited to growing in a pot. The dark green leaves are very fragrant, especially when dried. As a seasoning, dried leaves are broken or crumbled into cooking foods and allowed to permeate the dish. The leaves don’t soften much in cooking and are removed before eating. The leaves are also used to make wreaths and garlands.
When left unpruned, a bay trees can grow 60 ft. tall. However growing in a container, Bay trees that are regularly pruned will not get anywhere near that tall.
You can begin harvesting leaves when your tree is a few feet tall, but you can always use the pruned leaves in the meantime.
Bay laurel is used in stews, soups, tomato sauces, on fish and pretty much anywhere you want a subtle, earthy flavor. Break or crumble a leaf or two, while cooking. Bay doesn't seem pungent, but it can be overbearing if you use more than a couple of leaves in any dish. It is a traditional component of the French 'Bouquet Garni'. I learned that in Culinary School
It’s very important that you only grow plants labeled Laurus nobilis, if you plan to use it for cooking and eating. Other plants that go by the common name of bay or sweet bay are not necessarily edible.
Laurus nobilis‘Angustifolia’- Has narrow leaves. aka: willow-leaf laurel.•
Laurus nobilis ‘Aurea’- New foliage is yellow.•
Laurus nobilis ‘Undulata’ - Edges of the leaves are rippled or wavy.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Bay is not too particular about soil and can tolerate a soil pH from 4.5 to 8.3. However, a well-drained soil is important.
Container Grown Bay: Bay makes a popular container plant. I’ve had my bay for about 15 years now. It was a 6 inch seedling when I first got it and is now almost 6 feet. I keep mine in a 24 inch pot and bring it indoors, near a sunny window, for the winter. It could handle being in a smaller pot, but it got so top heavy, it kept getting blown over outdoors, so I needed a wider base. Bay seems to grow best when a little cramped in its pot, even to the point of roots starting to poke out the bottom. You shouldn’t need to repot more than once every 5 years.
Maintenance:
Pruning: Pruning is the biggest part of maintenance. Bay is often kept pruned, either to keep the size in check or to create a more ornamental tree. Pruning is usually done in the spring, as new growth is just beginning. You can prune as much or as little as you like, to keep the tree small or to create a topiary artwork.

Feeding: Since bay is very slow growing, it doesn’t require a great deal of food. However plants in containers need some supplemental fertilizer. Feed container grown bay in the spring and maybe again mid-summer, with a balanced organic fertilizer like fish emulsion and kelp. It also helps to refresh the top couple of inches of soil each spring, being careful not to hurt the shallow roots. Bay trees grown in the ground will not need frequent feedings, if the soil has organic matter. A feeding once in the spring should suffice.
Watering: Bay is drought tolerant, but appreciates regular deep watering. Always allow the soil to dry out between watering, so the roots don’t rot. But don’t let it sit for long periods without water.
Problems: For the most part, bay is pest free. In fact, it is often used to deter pests from other plants and in the pantry. However, scale can sometimes become a problem and there are moths that will lay their eggs between two leaves and sort of fuse them together with a cottony fluff. If you see two leaves that appear to be stuck together, gently peel them apart and remove the eggs or larva.
Freezing Temps: If your bay is hit by a light frost, the leaves will probably turn brown and dry. Often the tree will recover on its own, the following spring. However if your tree does show signs of die-back, prune the stem down to below the damage and new growth should fill in. In extreme cases, prune to about 6 inches and allow new shoots to form from the base. I have found as a fun tip is to wrap the pot and plant in Christmas lights during winter months. When temperatures threaten to drop below 34 just plug the lights in and the temperature will keep above freezing. For lower temps and longer freezes cover with a cloth and plug in.
The only trouble I’ve ever had with my bay is keeping it from drying out in the low humidity of my home. However, when it signals trouble by dropping a few leaves, I use the leaves in cooking and begin misting my tree. I have since moved the more mature Bay outside where it seems to love the Houston climate, just not the recent copious rains, so I moved it under the porch for a few days.

04/04/2016

Now for shedding a few pounds and gaining muscle mass

03/11/2016

Texas Superstar®

Texas Superstar®

Texas Superstar plants, descriptions and details

03/09/2016

15 One-Day Garden Projects Anyone Can Do

cute and whimsical for a fun bit of curb appeal or back yard garden

03/07/2016

Mexico documents big rebound in monarch butterflies - KTAR.com

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.correia.144/posts/10207448869173077

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Monarch butterflies have made a big comeback in their wintering grounds in Mexico, after suffering serious declines, experts said Frida

03/02/2016

Tomorrow's Dinner
White Bean & Chicken Chili OR WBC with Kale Stew
2 cups dried white navy beans Soak overnight, then drain and cover with fresh water and simmer until al dente and retain about 1 cup water from pan you will add to the recipe shortly
1 12 oz can whole tomatillos Drain then Pulse in food processor 4 times
1 10 oz can whole chiles Drain and dice
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stocks celery, diced Sauté onion, garlic and celery until tender
Add tomatillos and chiles stir slightly
Add 4 cups chicken stock
Add beans and juice stir slightly
Add ******* see bottom for extra recipe enhancement *******
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
Simmer 30 minutes
Add the following and then simmer 5-10 minutes
2 cups cooked chicken, diced ½ inch size
¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley (flat) chopped
¼ cup chives chopped
Add salt and pepper to taste
Serve hot
For added flavor and to make a more hearty stew with more texture and flavor
Before adding chicken
Add 2 more cups chicken stock with 1 tablespoon floor whisked into stock
1 bunch kale, collards, chad, escarole or your favorite winter green. Washed and cleaned well
Slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade)
I made the whole recipe myslef.

02/28/2016

How To Make Potato Towers - DIY Health Tips

Dont have a lot of space but have a hankering for farm fresh potatoes?

Even you don’t have a big space, you can still grow and harvest a lot of potatoes. The secret is the potato tower. It is super space-saving. And it is simple to build too. If this is something that interests you, keep reading the step by step building instructions from Iman Mefleh in the following l…

02/28/2016

How To Make Potato Towers - DIY Health Tips

Dont have a lot of space but have a hankering for farm fresh potatoes?

Even you don’t have a big space, you can still grow and harvest a lot of potatoes. The secret is the potato tower. It is super space-saving. And it is simple to build too. If this is something that interests you, keep reading the step by step building instructions from Iman Mefleh in the following l…

02/28/2016

How To Make Potato Towers - DIY Health Tips

Dont have a lot of space but have a hankering for farm fresh potatoes?

Even you don’t have a big space, you can still grow and harvest a lot of potatoes. The secret is the potato tower. It is super space-saving. And it is simple to build too. If this is something that interests you, keep reading the step by step building instructions from Iman Mefleh in the following l…

02/28/2016

How To Make Potato Towers - DIY Health Tips

Dont have a lot of space but have a hankering for farm fresh potatoes?

Even you don’t have a big space, you can still grow and harvest a lot of potatoes. The secret is the potato tower. It is super space-saving. And it is simple to build too. If this is something that interests you, keep reading the step by step building instructions from Iman Mefleh in the following l…

02/26/2016

The Best 82 Sustainable Gardening Tips From All The U.S Farmers ! David, Utah .Kat,...

The Best 82 Sustainable Gardening Tips From All The U.S Farmers ! David, Utah .Kat,...

Most gardeners have sustainability on their minds. After all, growing your own food is a huge step toward leading a sustainable lifestyle. Organic, chemical-free methods are inherently more sustainable — for human health, wildlife, the soil and the water supply — than non-organic techniques. But sus…

02/25/2016

Busy day in garden today. That two day rain is already showing results.

02/24/2016

for all you Islanders and coast huggers, another awesome Master gardener sale.

Our 2016 MG Spring Plant Sale was successful so we are having a Spring Plant Sequel also!! Thursday, February 25, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the MG Demonstration Garden located in Carbide Park at 3102 Main Street, La Marque, TX.
Fruit & citrus trees, many, spring vegetable & herb transplants, and several new flats of assorted geraniums in bloom will be available. Open to the general public; first come, first served!

02/23/2016

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension - Harris County Horticulture

For all you Chianti Drinkers out there, excellent winetr bean to grow along side your winter greens.

VEGETABLE GARDEN: Have you ever grown fava beans? Our master gardeners at the Precinct 2 garden have some in the ground.

02/17/2016

For those that have little yard space or none at all, it's time to grow up. Trellis, containers, these go great with any vining or trailing vegetables.

02/17/2016

Phase 2 done,
Tub sunk
Trellis up
Hay bales placed and fed

02/14/2016

2016 Water Feature

02/11/2016

February 11, 2016

02/11/2016

Harris County Master Gardeners

February is the month to prune your roses. The Houston Rose Society will be having a pruning demonstration Thursday February 11 @7:30pm meeting will be at Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004.

Did you know there are many varieties of roses that thrive in our Houston climate? This excerpt from the February edition of Urban Dirt explains more of our ongoing Earth Kind Rose trial.

02/10/2016

Timeline Photos