Next in the Garden

I planted this dark purple calla lily about a week ago.  A couple of days ago, I noticed some of the leaves and a bloom had fallen and were dying.  After pulling back the pinestraw, I saw roly polys covering the base of the plant.  I called my mom to see if she had ever had them eat her callas, and she said they ate all of her cabbage this year, but that it is the first time they have ever eaten anything of hers.  I immediately pulled the calla up, combed through the roots for any more rolys and potted it up to give me time to research a solution.  Evidently, in years of population surges, they are known to move from eating decaying organic matter as usual to eating live plant roots.  It is recommended that an insecticide containing diatomaceous earth be used.  I found this bag from Garden Safe at Lowe’s.

While at Home Depot searching for the insecticide unsuccessfully, I passed by a table with some Sweet Potato Vines.  I have been wanting one for the spilling plant in my containers for years now, but never find them.  Even though my patio containers are filled for the year, I bought this one for the planter I just put by the front door.

I also found some spare washers to try on my nice 100′ water hose that has started leaking from one end.  Hopefully, the fix is as easy as replacing the washer (fingers crossed).  Next, I am terrible about fertilizing outdoor plants, but I am feeling motivated.  Mom told me to get a 10-10-10 fertilizer for the canna lilies that I intend to move in the fall.  They haven’t bloomed in a couple of years.

I’ll end with a picture of my newest houseplant.  Bradley’s grandmother sent it home with me the last time we visited.  I have never had a spider plant before, but they are supposed to be one of the easiest to care for.