As hard as it may be to accept, summer is drawing to and end here in Maine, with only a few short weeks left for growing tender annuals in the garden.Of course, hardier plants such as mums will continue to bloom well into the fall - but for those that simply cannot tolerate the cold, its time to either move them inside or take stem cuttings to grow them inside as houseplants. I've opted for stem cuttings and actually spent the day doing just that. I must admit I'm rather proud of myself because I typically wait until it's too late and then rush to save my plants. This year, I decided to try something new. I've taken cuttings of lavender, lemon thyme, basil, sage and sweet marjorum and started them in trays of soil so I can enjoy fresh herbs througout the winter. If you'd like to give it a try, clip three to four inch cuttings from the new growth on your herbs. Remove the leaves on the bottom two inches and dip the stem in rooting powder. Insert the cutting into moist soil and keep them moist until the roots have formed. I also tried my hand at taking petunia cuttings. I've heard from some who have successfully started their own petunia plants and claim they have even bloomed inside the home during the winter. I'm not sure how sucessful my attempts will be, but if even a few root and grow - yes I started more than two dozen plants - it should be worth the effort. The easiest way to root cuttings from annuals, such as begonia, coleus and impatiens is to root them in water. They make attractive plants on the window sill while rooting, and its easy to tell when and if they root. Rooting Stem Cuttings in Water
Until next time ... HAPPY GARDENING!
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 A few weeks ago I stumbled on this gorgeous planter in front of the Bobo's Chinese Restaurant on Broadway in Bangor. The planter is situated slightly under the overhang of the roof so that the flowers are in bright light all afternoon, but do not receive direct sun until late afternoon or evening. At first glance, the Lobelia appears to be floating in the breeze creating gentle waves of color. I love the way the owner included Lobelia in shades of blue, purple, white and lavender. I must admit, it never occurred to me to plant them together like this, but this planter is a definite show stopper. The appearance of rippling waves of color created by a gentle breeze is the selling point of this arrangement for me. Behind the Lobelia are carefully staggered red and light pink geraniums. Some of the geraniums look white in this picture (sorry all we had was a cell phone), but they are really a pale pink with a slight salmon tint. Although white geranium would work, it would change the dynamics of the planting. The pastel pink gives this planter a light airy feel and adds country charm. This particular planter is about 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, but the idea can be used for smaller planters. I'm already planning to build a planter between two sections of recycled picket fences to replicate the flowing mass of color with lobelia next year - that is, if I can get a little help with the construction. Until next time ... HAPPY GARDENING! If making your own planters isn't your thing, consider buying a planter now to use for next year's flowers.
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