Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

The heat doesn't slow down these 3

How're the bushes on these 3, John?

Charlie

Charlie, Cindy's Heart is the best of the three.

Impressive bushes John, great to see how they look.  Thank you for sharing!

Today's Blooms...

Farmer D

couple more...
Farmer D

Darren, that Rudolph bloom looks really big. Very nice.

The heat is really on this week. Yesterday was 102 and it's supposed to be 100 plus all week.

Right on with Rudolph, that one was almost 8".  The detail in the rays and eye is pretty amazing.  The blooms are kind of brick orange as well as reddish, but I can't wait for cooler weather in late fall and see it darken a lot.

TX has been suffering for months now with the heat.  Add the humidity and I don't know how y'all tolerate it without going crazy.  Come out to So Cal, later this week it is forecasted to be about 80 with low humidity.  It has been a pleasant summer in Hollywood with only a few days in the 90s so far.

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

Rounding it out...

Farmer D

Darren, I can't complain. I just checked and it is 107 in Dallas right now. Ouch! Only 98 here at the moment. And add to all this we are experiencing the worst drought ever.

Doll luv cindys heart.....darren really like rodeo drive and always your alcapulco gold...waiting for mine to bud up after repotting it and moving it to a sunnier area....you really do have to perfect weather!!!...I was so excited about my first green earth bloom,,,it is georgeous!.....here are my blooms from today...lynette

the last

Bridal Path, this cv looks a little different every time. High Voltage and Vin Beaujolais in the picture.

Black Dream and Voodoo Queen
Cindy's Heart
High Voltage

David that is one gorgeous Bridal Path.  Just fantastic!

John your Black Dream is darker than I ever imagined it could be.  Is the heat making BD do all sorts of unforeseen things?

Today's blooms...

Got my first Bonnie Lass bloom since the plant was completely defoliated last year by spider mites.  Very happy it has made a full comeback.

Also Picante continues to get prettier by the day.  This one has an amazing pink swirling eye with gold spotting again on the rim.  What a CV this is turning out to be...

Farmer D

A really rare shot of a falcon that lives near by in the top of a historic apartment building.  I've been trying to get a pic of it for years and yesterday it decided to pose for me behind our house while looking for dinner.

Farmer D

Darren, I was surprised also how dark Black Dream was. I'm not sure if the heat had anything to do with it since this was the first bloom I have had since spring. There are more buds and if they don't fall off due to heat stress, then I'll have a better idea if the heat is indeed causing the darker color.

Great picture of the bird Darren, it looks majestic, Kim Anh says it looks mean and if it comes looking at our flowers she's not going out to water,haha I give up sometimes.

David she might have a point as last week I had a nest of baby Mockingbird's in our grapefruit tree and this past Thursday sunset the mother bird was going crazy and since then no more babies...I believe the falcon ate well that night.

A few more blooms from today...

Bonnie Lass is in full display - a really big and fun flower
Tahitian Bronze Radiance getting better by the bloom, earlier it was streaking black throughout the bloom
Sucks to wake up to one of the main branches of Black Dream on the ground...what are these nocturnal critters doing when I'm sleeping???

Farmer D

Wow... So many beautiful blooms!

My bloomer of the day: "Frappuccino"

Deb  :D

Wow. We are off to a great start for August. Good stuff. Darren, the Tahitian Purple Splendor, where did you get. Very pretty.

Here is Gina Marie and Blue Ballerina

Wow Deb your Frappuccino is something to behold.  That is amazing!!!

Len those are two pretty blooms.  Haven't heard of Gina Marie before but that is really nice to see.

Feel free to contact me for more info on the Tahitian Purple Splendor when you have a chance.  You too Lynette - you asked previously about T Bronze Radiance... stateminian@mac.com

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

Sea of Tranquility is the highlight bloom for me today...three is so nice...

Farmer D

Thanks Darren  ;)

Your always beautiful 'biscus photos have had quite an effect on my buying habits; I see four of my most recent hibiscus purchases among your postings for today (and there are quite a few others from previous posts as well) :D

Wow, I was wondering why the forum was so quiet, then I remembered, huh, its August!  What on earth have I been up to?!  Well I have a ton of new blooms to show, I just have to get around to getting them on the computer.  Soon...

That Green Earth is way better then I thought it would be.  I have wanted a green one.  It is the only color I dont have... I think.

And That Sea of Tranquility is rockin!

All my plants are getting major sun burn!  UGH!  I hate New England sometimes!

These blooms are so pretty it would be hard for almost anyone to resist.  I would think I would grow tired of seeing them each day but are you kidding me...

Some days I wake up earlier than I planned just see what might be waiting outside...

Today's blooms...

The rest...

Farmer D

Incredibly hot today 40c but still a nice Valentines Day.

Blooms from the weekend...

Farmer D

some more....

Farmer D

1st blooms for Space Oddity...and it lives up to it's name!

Farmer D

Fantastic blooms Darren! Your yard looks like some botanical gardens. :) The heat has pretty much shut everything down here. :'( Your Prosperity should be blooming soon. Can't wait to see those pics.

Hi,

I opened the door to the greenhouse this morning and looking back at me were the two biggest eyes you would ever want to see.

great blooms everyone. here is a close twin voodoo magic

louis

Blooms from Mon - Tues...
Including first Tahitian Princess

Farmer D

a few more...

Farmer D

California Beauty

John that California Beauty is a pretty one.  Does this mean it is heat tolerant?  I hope so...

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

few more...

Farmer D

Really pretty Bonnie Lass twins today...

Farmer D

I do like that Surf City. Today I am showing my Thanksgiving for the first time, very impressed with the shape and growth of this cv,had it 3 months now and its 3 feet tall and filling out nicely, I think it will be a very big bush and has loads of buds already.

David, my Thanksgiving is also filling out nicely.  Looks like a great bush and grower, although mine is taking a break for a month or two... 

I however did get my butt in gear and get my photos on the computer.  I have some new ones for you along with some oldies.

First is Ruby Tuesday.  The first on is of its first bloom a few days ago, the other 2 are of the second that came 2 days later.

A shot I took of Saffron that I love. 

Along with a gabriel with a Simple Pleasures in the back ground.
 
Maybe one of my new favorites, everyone needs a Blue Ballerina, what a masterpiece!

And my first Delicia Amoris on a tiny cutting.  Real small, after this bloomed, I pinched all 7 buds off figuring it needed to put its energy into growing more rather then putting out these pathetic tiny blooms.  The plant is only about 5" tall...

Kristen, it's hard not to love those Ruby Tuesday colors! Also the My Blue Heaven you forgot to mention just below the Blue Ballerina photos is super pretty.

David, I'm glad to see your Thanksgiving is thriving. It's a very reliable bloomer for me.

So many fine bloom photos posted recently - California Beauty, Picante, great to see all of them!

Charlie

wow ...such nice blooms everyone...kristen that ruby tuesday is beautiful!!....your gabriel is so pretty...I have one also,but is not blooming much...does yours get a lot of sun???...and darren as always outstanding!....here are some of mine from the last couple of days..lynette

the rest.....

Very nice blooms everyone!!

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

some more...

Farmer D

My first Cosmic Gold that really looks gold. I now have it sitting under the Plumeria so its getting afternoon shade and its really paying off, great bush as well.

David your garden is looking killer!  What a splendid set up you have going there.

Your bloom is very pretty - I'm thinking that is Cosmic Gold instead of Acapulco Gold.  Coincidentally I might have my first Cosmic Gold bloom tomorrow to compare to.  Finally after 10 months of waiting...

Farmer D

Thanks Darren, I have changed it. Cosmig Gold is something worth looking forward to.

Thanks Charlie!  That MBH photo was taken using my new wide angle lens.  Just was having some fun with it.

Lynette,  I have Gabriel in the full sun.  Gets about an hour of early early morning sun, then a break for an hour, then sun till about 6.  So about 8 hours.

thanks kristen....I will be moving mine today to a sunnier  spot

Night Runner
Night Runner Triplets (Today's blooms)
Belle du Jour

Wow David Z that is some wild form on your Night Runner.  Lots of excitement there - thanks for sharing!

Today I finally got my first Cosmic Gold bloom ever and the form and colors are very impressive.  Also Rudolph is a real gem, the form and striping is so precise.  That really appeals to my tastes...

Sea of Tranquility 2nd day = that is when it is at it's best, fantastic form!

Farmer D

A couple more...3rd day Valentines Day 9"

Farmer D

Gorgeous Night Runner photos, DavidZ! Looks like you got it well staked up the way it usually needs to be.

Below are a few recent photos from the HVH greenhouse:

Tutti Frutti
Wild Allure
Glitz N Glitter
Sprinkles
Haute Couture

Charlie

 :D Hi Charlie
I really like that tuttifrutti vary nice !!

Cindy's Heart

Hi everyone, great photos and outstanding blooms.

here is one for me that was a long time in blooming. and i do believe its the correct one.

bloom is about 7 inches in dia

charlie, correct me if i am wrong.

Black Knight

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/8-13-11/black-1.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/8-13-11/black-2.jpg)

Gorgeous blooms everyone! Beautiful "Black Knight" photo Louis  :o

Here are some blooms from my stormy MI garden... Bet they are glad that they're house plants today!

Cosmic Gold
Key Lime Pie (with petaloids)
Orange Lagos
Painted Pony

Deb  :D

Deb lovely blooms.  Those are some relaxed looking blooms happy to be indoors.  Nice!!!

Today's blooms...
Late afternoon 1st day for Melon Melange seems to be the prettiest time for this CV's blooms

Cosmic Gold 2nd day really holds it's form very well

Something different for Sea of Tranquility

Rudolph day 2 great form and now more orangy

Picante is just gorgeous, early morning & early evening for comparison

Farmer D

Farmer D

It's a pretty flower, Lou, but I don't think it is Black Knight. Black Knight is an Australian cv that was sent to me from Oz and it does not have the black eye. Yours is most likely another cv named Maroon Stars. I have old photos I took of both of them. Another difference is that the growth habit of Black Knight is nicely upright while Maroon Stars tends to be floppy. Below are photos I took a decade ago, Maroon Stars first.

Red Bomb, parent of Black Knight, also has a dark eye and is a similar flower to yours but I haven't heard of anyone in the US having Red Bomb while Maroon Stars has been here for quite some time.

Charlie

hi charlie,

thanks for responding. it looks like i have Maroon Stars. and i agree.

nevertheless, its a pretty flower.

louis

The buds are more numerous now that I'm back to my preferred feeding schedule...hopefully lots more to come in the next few weeks.

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

Here is a great shot of three beauties all growing next to each other under my plumeria tree.  I hope to see a lot of this soon in my garden.

Farmer D

Hi Everyone,

A rare beauty bloomed for me today. Its name is Janys.

I first met this plant at Longwood Gardens about 15 years ago. I talked the gardener into selling me a small plant.
it flourished in my old greenhouse for years until i lost all plants to a severe winter.
i have been looking on and off for another plants for the past 8+ years and finally found one this spring.
the photo really does not do it justice, because the photo was taken at the end of the day and dark.
this is the first bloom on this plant and its 8 inches in diameter. they can get as big as 10 inches.
I am hoping the color on my plant will darken to match the older plant.

the first photo was of the original plant at Longwood Gardens,  taken,around 2000.
Looking at their web site, it looks like they still have one and you can find where it is in their greenhouses.

Honorary card member of Hibiscusoholics Anonymous

Louis

ORIGINAL LONGWOOD GARDENS JANYS
(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/janys/longwood-janys.jpg)


New Janys Plant

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/janys/janys.jpg)

My Vin Extraordinaire is proving to be a good CT cv!  Its growing nicely in this sun and heat, I have had 3 blooms on it, 2 more to come.  It is a solid winner for me.  Blooms are one day, almost to the clock!

Hi Louis,

We also have a Janys and its about to bloom for the 1st time. Thanks for the history and Pics.

Hi Kristen,
Love the Pics, especially the one with the doggie (Australian Shepherd?). Jean and I are getting closer to getting a four legged child and are torn between rescue and an Aussie. Hmmm, I wonder if they have rescues for Aussies here in LA?

We should be getting our VE soon, opted for the 6". Can't wait after seeing your pics!

Lastly, congrats on the Ruby Tuesday, they are nice and ours had twins yesterday.


Hal & Jean

Louis it is so nice to see your first bloom from your new Janys plant.  I hold that one in high regard as well and look forward to many more beautiful blooms from it hopefully in the very near future.  The plant looks really healthy too!!!

Kristen your VE is just gorgeous.  What deep colors and perfect form!!  I would park myself in front of that guy any chance I get and do whatever work I have right there.  Great shots!!

Here are today's blooms...and I must add that as I have gone back to my heavier feeding regime this last 2 weeks everything in my garden is starting to explode again with buds, growth and greenery after an experimental month long slow down.  I'm even doing a couple of new experiments with my potted ones so let's see what happens in a month or so.

Oh - David (Vietnam) we can equally enjoy the AG pic below as one of the twins is a yellow day 2 look you love and one is of the bright red day 1 look that I love!!

Happy Monday!

Farmer D

some more...

Farmer D

Louis  that janys is so pretty!!Where did you find her...kristen your vin is so beautiful...so purple!...darren you have so many blooming...wow...how often do youu feed again??...here are some blooms from today....lynette

the rest...

daren, mother with 4 :) and all the rest, great blooms. kristen, your vin is super, i can hardly wait for mine to bloom, what is the size of the flower?

took a couple of photos in the dark gloomy greenhouse today. its been pouring all day. i know, the farmers are crying for rain, at least that is what my mother used to tell me.

a very strange thing on Janys. this is the second day bloom and the color is a little more intense. HOWEVER, the first bloom was yesterday and last evening the bloom closed almost all the way. i figured a one day bloom. WOW, this morning it was open again. i have never seen a hibiscus close at the end of the day only to re-open next day.

Charlie???

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/janys2/janys-second.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/janys2/simple%20pleasures.jpg)

Hot Southern Nights showing very red today. A few other reds also today.

I haven't seen Janys for several years but used to grow and sell this variety in the 90's. Large flowers, good color, an OK if a bit floppy bush. Below is a big pot photo with lots of blooms.

Charlie

Hi Hal & Jean, thanks for the compliments!  I am in love with VE.  Got the 4" pot of it and it has been quite happy!  The bloom is about 6-7" Louis by the way.  It only lasts one day but totally worth it.

Hal, That is an Australian Shepard.  SUPER SMART!  Great loyal obedient friend.  There is an Aussie Rescue.  Here is a great website for Aussies that are thrown away at birth because of birth defects such as deafness or blindness.  25% of white Aussies are born this way due to poor breeding.  Its really sad.  I always opt to adopt.  You save a life.  http://www.amazingaussies.com/

Thanks everyone on the great comments of my VE.  It is a great one!

David your reds are so pretty!!!.....some blooms from today....

Lynnette your blooms are looking great - Simple Pleasures is always such a winner, yours & Louis' are looking so nice!

David love HSN, didn't expect some spotting there - liking it a lot.  Is the eye pink on that bloom?

Charlie I'm still amazed at the difference with our Hot Peppers.  I swear the one I got last year looks very much like the one advertised yet this year's plants look so different in bloom and leafing.  The only thing I can come up with is that mine are in strong sun almost all day and I notice that the leaves can definitely change to handle their micro-environment on all of my hibs.

Anyways here are today's blooms...bud count is really taking off now.

Farmer D

more beauties...

Farmer D

darren ..how much sun does miss congeniality get???...I have one coming next month..just wondering how much she can take...thanks

My theory is blooms with blues, greys, purples and maroon don't fare to well in the sun.  Since these are the colors in my MC I put it underneath a full sized peach tree so it only gets sun from 8 - 11am tops.  It seems very happy in these conditions and the blooms are all lasting an unbelievable 3 days.  You will be VERY happy with this CV.  The pics don't do the blooms justice - they are really intricately colored and each one is really different.

Farmer D

I agree Darren about the blues and sun...but you know if you can ever get a soft spot...it does really well in the sun and holds its color.....thanks

Hi Darren , Charlie explains hibiscus colors here
http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/misc/colors.htm

This is why my blues and purples are dark because I have them inside :) Some do hold color well like Motherof4 stated. I have soft spot and it does well so does Deep Purple. Deep Purple is really dark I have put it close to my t5 lights before and it still stays dark. If I do this with other cvs they fade. Deep Purple is outside now and it gets these white streaks on it. Moon Shadow does well in sun also.

Lynette, you were ahead of the times with Soft Spot. It is a big fine bush and even in central TX my mother told me it bloomed well for her. It didn't sell that well so I dropped it from production but then along came P's Purple, Raindrop, and Ice Fairy that are similar but have become very popular and sell very well. I guess people have awakened to the nice contrast between the green leaves and the simple blue/purple/lavender flowers. All these are exceptionally nice bushes but so was Soft Spot. I bet I still have one or more and may try propagating it again.

Kerry, thanks for pointing out that article about pigments in hibiscus flowers. Well worth a second look.

Charlie

Darren, those High Voltage are beautiful.

California Beauty

Charlie...I got my soft spot as a 4 inch about around 2 year go..maybe less..can't remember but I had it on my porch where it was getting less sun..and really was not growing much till I moved it to a sunnier spot..since then it really took off..it still small around 12 inches but always full of buds...and a very pretty bloom...I also have ps purple and raindrop and sparkling water...which I luv all but I think soft spot has the prettiest flower..I think it is worth making more

Kerry thank you for that link - that article by Charlie doesn't get any better with explaining color pigmentation.  Fantastic stuff!  I think I read that last year but maybe too much disorganized hib knowledge swirling in the brain still.

Yeah - today we get to see the first blooms of Prosperity and I am super impressed.  I'll throw in shots later today to see how it fairs throughout the day...

Lots of bright and pretty colors today - summer for sure!

Farmer D

some more summer specials...

Farmer D

OK - Prosperity close to sunset.  No color fade at all today!!

Farmer D

A little midnight download - a lot of 2nd day blooms and a first for Donna Lynn which if I recall correctly was the CV that got Charlie interested in the whole hibiscus thing??

Absolutely no color fade day 2 for Prosperity - very impressive!

Farmer D

a couple more.

Farmer D

Where is everybody?  Hot Southern Nights and a few others.

Darren, I love your Prosperity pics.
David, it's nice to see Hot Southern Nights is heat tolerant.

Black Dream

Yeah - I've been wondering the same thing David, where has everybody been?

Your blooms are just gorgeous!!  Loving Bridal Path, AG and HSN.  That is a happy place to be...

John that is quite a Black Dream, I love the pinwheel look and even in the heat it is showing it's dark side.  I love this CV, wait until the temps cool down for you...it loves it cold and gets so dark!!

Got a lot today, all the extra booster and feedings are paying off again as the buds count grows...

Check out the weird petaloid on VD, it almost looks like an another anemic flower growing out of the stem.

New Prosperity bloom days 1 & 2 and a great Hot Pepper.  

Enjoy - Farmer D

lots more...

Farmer D

and more....

Farmer D

still more...

Farmer D

Great newsletter today, loved the write up on Louis and whoever managed to buy Zulu Warrior is very lucky.
Heavy wind and rains here each evening but once I have cleared up in the morning the garden is a treat.

David, your garden is a treat to see. are you native to vietnam?

louis

Wow David, your garden is a sight to behold.  Great stuff!!!!

Louis the World Gardens article was fantastic.  You have such a lovely location there on the lake.  Thank you for opening up your greenhouse for all to see.  I wish you smooth sailing and gentle tail winds in all your traverses in the future (and a few less deer too).  Keep those beautiful blooms coming our way.

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

and some more...

Farmer D

Louis I am English, I have lived here 6 years and have had my garden for nearly 4 years. Built it all from scratch and the best thing I ever done, I spend hours a day out there and would be so lost without it.
Reading your Website on the bands that played at that concert hall brought back a lot of good memories, I have had the Kinks on this morning while watering and will have the Beach Boys on later, a great read.

Sorry everyone, been real busy lately.  Still been going out every morning to take photos.  Lots of blooms, some first blooms too.

Here are some fun ones that I have been playing with my new wide angle lens.  It distorts them, but  it is fun.

Some more
First up is an actual second day Vin Extraordinaire.
My Hardy red MONSTER!

First up Vin Extraordinaire macro with the morning dew.  A huge Simple Pleasures.  Gator Pride with 3 open blooms and many more on the way.

A couple today
Cindy's Heart and Black Dream

Awesome pics Kristen!  What lush and vibrant colors....that Bienvenue is what I hope mine looks like some day soon.  That cooler New England weather does some amazing stuff to the color depths.  Can't wait for more!

John how are the temps down there in Houston?  Any breaks yet...glad to see you're still getting some nice blooms.

Got my first ever Confection Perfection today - just gorgeous colors and Picante keeps blooming almost daily with such wonderful colors too.  Prosperity is awesome, no fade or anything on 3 day blooms = superstar!

Farmer D

rounding it out...

Farmer D

Darren, I wish there was some relief. But we are in week 4 of 100 degree plus temps. It is a real struggle to keep everything watered. Can't wait for October!

John I know I couldn't have the patience to deal with that for so long.  From what I understand it has been for much longer north of you in the Dallas area.  Hard to fathom such a long stretch...at least your area isn't forecast for a major hurricane like the east coast is now.

Oh Wow!! Confection Perfection got even more pretty as the afternoon wore on today.  A beautiful white eye now ringed by fuscia and orange - this could be my favorite bloom now.  My wife says it looks like a big stick...yummm!

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ConfectionPerfectionTwins8-223.jpg)

Farmer D

Today's blooms....

Farmer D

A few more...

Farmer D

First blooms on my Transcendent, pleased but more pleased with the bush, stays green and lush in the sun and is growing like crazy, its 3 month old and 4 feet already, in the photo its next to a 15 month old Think Pink for scale.

Had a Pink Delicious today, I moved this about 5 months ago and is budding up and growing nicely now.

On the left side of my garden I had a nice High Voltage double, Hot Pepper  Pineapple Sundae and a few others.

David, your Transcendent and Think Pink are growing true to their natures - only question is how big will they get over time. I'm very glad to see Pink Delicious bloom in your conditions and hope that continues. Nice photos all around!

Charlie

I know..but for these two first time blooms I thought it was appropriate to give them their due with some high quality uploads.

Tahitian Lavender Mist
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianLavenderMist8-24.jpg)

Living Legend
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/LivingLegend8-242.jpg)

Today is probably one of the best days I've ever had for my hibiscus.  I think this is a little taste of what I am hoping will be the case more often.  Thanks for letting me share my excitement with you.

Farmer D

some more...

Farmer D

Tremendous photos, Farmer D! Out of curiosity I checked out your weather (southern California near the coast) so far in August on weather.com and see that up until now you have been having daily highs in the 70's and lots of sun. That is the kind of weather that much of the rest of the country will get as we move into Fall and that is when they can look forward to better bloom shows as well. I also noticed that you are forecast for a jump into the mid-80's today so you may want to add some more water if it keeps up.

The weather would not help much if you did not take such good care of the plants - thanks for sharing your garden with us!

Charlie

Hi Everyone, great photos from all.

Here are a few from today. Sun has been in and out and now raining. we are expecting a major hurricane that will come directly over connecticut this weekend. batten down the hatches, grab the wife and kids and head for the wine cellar :)

Here we have a stunning Cosmic Gold, the mystery plant, Maroon Stars and a nice Janys. I mentioned before the strange habit of Janys. She opens the first day around 9 inches. It closes at night and they re-opens the next morning a little bigger albeit a bit paler. I have never seen a hibiscus close at night and then re-open the next day. charlie ???

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/8-25-11/cosmic%20gold.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/8-25-11/janys.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/8-25-11/maroon%20stars.jpg)

Louis nice blooms, your mystery plant is really nice.  Your blooms always have impeccable form and is a joy to view any of them.

I hope you, Kristen and anyone else in the path of Irene are ok.  Any worries for the greenhouse?

Here in Hollywood the weather is boring which is great for the hibiscus.   

Today's blooms...LL & Prosperity day 2's after a pretty warm afternoon of almost 90 yesterday.

Farmer D

hi darren,

luckly I am on the west side of a large hill. winds in a hurricane are from the east. the hill behind will block most of the wind. again, hopefully there will be no flying branches.

louis

Wow that is a nice complement Charlie - thank you.

I find that the Weather Channel (weather.com) is always about 5 degrees under our true temps here.  For almost all of July and Aug it has been 80-85.  In my estimation perfect weather for hibiscus with such little variation except we lack the high humidity (usually 40-60% on the avg).  Normally during summer we have those week long stretches where we push 100 and then drop down to the 80s for a few weeks but with the cooler than usual weather the last two years the summers have been very consistent which has been great for hibiscus, bad for my tomatoes and other veges that need some heat.

Hollywood is always about 10 degrees warmer than along the coast, and inland valleys (such as Hemet) are about 10 degrees warmer than Hollywood in the summer but I'm sure you already know all of this...

I just keep feeding and spraying my plants and hope to see them get bigger and healthier.  Even with the perfect conditions I still have the occasional death so sometimes there is only so much one can do except learn from their mistakes.

Farmer D

wonderful blooms everyone...darren really luv the lavender mist...it is so hot today ...around 105...blahh...her are some blooms from this week....lynette

and more...

and the rest...

Wow Lynette the colors on your blooms just jump out of the screen.  Living Legend is so rich in color and that yellow border is so vivid.  Firestorm is amazing too...does that fuscia eye really stand out against the red of the bloom in person?   That is a really soft and different look for Midsummer Night - cool! Great blooms!!!

Today got my 2nd ever Palm Sprigs bloom and first of this year.  It has such a nice bush and is finally starting to bud up a little bit.

AG pics are same bloom 2 hours apart - amazing!

Farmer D

more photos

Farmer D

and more...

Farmer D

lovely as always darren....can you believe it is 110 today.....my poor hibs....they are hanging in there though...firestorm is awesome...and yes the fushia eye does stand out...but right now it is really orange...its hard to capture that ones true beauty on camera... for some reason...its a good one though...growing very well

Here's one our plants that arrived yesterday, huge is to say the least.  Thanks Charles and Cindy.


Patrick and Donna

Here's a photo of chocolate delight.

My Cherry Glow which arrived late Thursday was huge also.

Black Dream

Here's a photo of Time for Magic


Patrick and Donna

One from me today-- an Island Queen.  :)


Gorgeous blooms everyone!  I've been missing so much lately!  Hoping to post more again now. 

Everyone, so beautiful.  I have been busy moving everything inside in preparation for Irene...  Unlike Lou, we are right on the beach, right in her path.  Most in my area will be evacuated.  You should see my house though!  Like a jungle!  The minute I got Blue Ballerina inside, she popped out 3 blooms.  I love her! 

Darren, I have to say, that very first photo you have of the re flexed AG is beautiful.  You using a wide angle lens? 

Jordan??  Is that you?  Great bloom!

Patrick, Time for magic is awesome!

Lynette, beautiful display!!

Well, I'm sick with some sort of flu, on the couch watching movies until the power goes out.  Wish us luck for tomorrow.

Lou, we are in this together.  See you when its all over!  Stay safe!  :)

Kristen,

you might consider taping your exposed windows, i did.

lou

Good luck.  I live on the Gulf coast and we have the same Hurricane dangers.  Last Hurricane (IKE) flooded us in storm surge.  We lost about half our hibiscus that we thought would be safe in the garage.  Stay safe and dont take any chances.

Lights have been dimming on and off for a little while now.  The thunder has started!  Oh boy!
Im the red dot on the map...

Hang in there Kristen & Louis...been watching the weather channel all afternoon  to see how this all plays out.  Hoping for the best for you to make it safe and undamaged.  Quite the spread of dangers with this hurricane.

Farmer D

Today's hot weather blooms....both Rainbow Sherbet & Valentines Day are 9"s

It's already Monday - how'd that happen?

Time for some blooms, we finally had our first really hot weather of the summer so the color is not popping like before...except Acapulco Gold which is just a wonderful plant!  Record 10 blooms at once today and is now 5 ft tall.

Also couple of first timers yesterday:

Best of Times
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BestofTimes8-28.jpg)

Tahitian Lavender Rainbow - pretty but no rainbow yet
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianLavenderRainbow8-282.jpg)

Enjoy...Farmer D

more goodies...

Farmer D

Darren, I am really liking Prosperity.

Compassion

John I've got nothing to say but wonderful things about Prosperity.  Great bush, good growth habit, lots of buds and a beautiful bloom.  I bought a 6" that I received in May and it was quite big already.  It has just taken off from there.

Today's blooms...

Farmer D

and some more...

Farmer D

Thanks for the photos everyone! Below are a few of mine.

Has anyone heard from Lou or Kristen since the hurricane?

Charlie

Photos:

Scintillating - very heavy textured 7 inch flower
Brassy Blonde - this one has a definite allure when seen in person
Red Flair - beautiful bright double from Love Story
Serendipity - soft colors, huge flower up to 10 inches
Ghost - pretty all white flower
Electric Orange - bright as usual but blooming with yellow spots in this weather

Very, very pretty blooms Charlie and Darren!

I emailed Kristen the day it was supposed to hit there.  Haven't heard anything yet.  I'm hoping their power is still out.  :/

Hey everyone,

Kristen txt'd me this morning and she is ok, just no electricity till probably Sept 7th.  I guess her town was hit pretty bad, by Irene. 

Thanks Chris for the update, glad to hear she's ok.  Anyone know about Louis?

Some really yummy colors today....

Farmer D

My Rainbow Sherbet bush has just exploded this season.  It is my fullest and lushest bush right now and there are buds everywhere.  Very happy with it!!

Farmer D

Any word on how Kristen is doing after the Irene?



Patrick and Donna

Over The Rainbow - spectacular, Patrick!

Charlie

Hi Everyone!

  I am back! It made me feel real special that you all were thinking of us here in CT.  Thanks for that!  Power came on yesterday.  We have power crews from all over the country and canada working around the clock.  A crew from Michigan was on my road yesterday, and got the power back.  Just got tv & internet back this morning.

  My plants thought the hurricane was pretty cool apparently... TONS of blooms!  Plus the whether after the storm has been spectacular.  Nights in the high 50's and days in the mid to low 80's.  I have many many photos to show you, but it will take a while to get them on my computer.  

Yay Kristen! So happy to hear that you made it through!!! I think we've all been very worried for you and Louis... Very glad that you're safe and back on line... And also that Michigan could lend a helping hand! :D

Now, I wonder how Louis is doing?

XXOO
Deb

Hi Kristen good to here that your ok , I had a heavy metal that was different today than usual

Look at all the spots on that Heavy Metal. Nice one, Patrick!

Charlie

Mike, I LOVE your Heavy Metal!  BEAUTIFUL!!!  My cable is going on and off one hour on several hours off, so I haven't been able to get back to you.  I will check on Lou today and let you know asap how he is. 

Deb, we all love the Michigan boys!  Everyone is such a great help!  What a mess to pick up.  about 2 dozen houses got completely swept into the ocean here!  Incredable, and the hurricane was actually downgraded!  It made more of a mess then Gloria did 24 years ago!