One Stop Garden Museum

Ornamental Pepper

Your Planter Containers – Are They Happy?

Each area that you choose for your garden planters will affect the growth and needs of every plant – just like us, they need to be in a place where they can be Happy! If your deck or patio is in a south facing position, you will need to routinely rotate the pots and garden planters so that the foliage and of course the flowers don’t face away from the sitting area where they can be seen. If you place your containers and pots right against the south facing wall, then you will not need to turn them frequently, however there are other considerations for keeping your plants happy and healthy.

If you are not at home during the day, it would be best to find a spot for your plants where they can receive some afternoon shade. Plants in afternoon shade won’t suffer from the heat as much and will be less likely to need watering in the afternoon. Deck and Patio areas that are exposed to the morning sun do better than those exposed to sun all day. The ultimate is to have morning sun and afternoon shade. You will want to seek out a site that has some afternoon sun to give the annuals the heat they crave if you live in an area where summers are cool and wet. We can take other certain measures to ensure Happy Plant Containers no matter what the conditions.

Plants grown in a windy area dry out more quickly – they lose more water through their leaves. Brown, dried-out leaf tips and tattered leaves are signs of wind damage. Try to find sheltered pockets or use upright trellises to help block out the wind and keep the scents of your flowers lingering around longer on your patio. Groupings of garden planters also cut down on the need to water. They protect each other.

There are certain areas that we would consider “hot spots” on our deck or patio or even in our gardens. Two areas may receive the same amount of sun; however, one area is protected from the wind and will be much much hotter. Reflected heat from a sidewalk or wall can also make one area much warmer than another. If you do garden where the summers are very hot and humid, it pays to know just where those hot spots are. Either avoid them or ensure that you planters and containers contain heat tolerant plants such as ornamental peppers. Of course, be prepared to water more often.

The joy of having happy Plant Containers – set your pots near seating areas and along walkways and fill them with aromatic plants. Choose plants with fragrant flowers or ones with foliage that release its scent when you brush against it. Flowers that give a fragrance are best next to benches or low seats – you don’t want to miss what they offer.
Enjoy your Happy Garden Planters.

About the Author

Marion Stewart is an avid gardener. She loves sitting on her deck surrounded by so many varied flower-packed and herb planted containers. Her continued research has found these spectacular fine quality resin planters and garden containers and offers them in numerous colors, sizes and styles. Find your best planter at the GardenPlanterStore.com

How to make hot sauce with thai ornamentals?

I have been growing a thai ornamental pepper plant for a while and ive picked lots of small peppers (less than an inch big) and dried them. I have under 20. I want to make a mini batch of hot sauce with them but im not sure how..

I have several pepper sauce recipes however, thai ornamental peppers are not good to eat in fact eating them can make you sick. They are a ornamental variety for a reason, to look at not to consume. heres my pepper sauce recipe if you still want to make some which I suggest you use a different edible pepper. Use fresh peppers not dried for hot sauces

Scotch Bonnet Marmalade
David Herzog

WARNING! This is not for those who can not handle spicy foods!

1 8 oz. jar orange marmalade (1 pt.)
6 fresh Scotch Bonnet Peppers, seeded (leave in the veins)
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
½ tsp. table salt

In blender combine salt, vinegar, and peppers, Blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Add orange marmalade and blend 1 more minute. Pour into a glass 1 pt. jar and store in refrigerator for 3 days before serving.
Note: use very sparingly! Can cause sober persons to get drunk trying to cool tongues from the heat! About 1 tsp. per gallon of chili works well for a mild to medium spice level.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when making this recipe from start to end! The oils need to be washed from your hands very well before touching any body part or other persons, food, etc. Also make this in a well ventilated area, like under the stove hood (exhaust fan) or outdoors. What ever you do, do not look into the blender even after it has stopped. The atomized Capstan will burn your eyes!

I take no responsibility for accidental mishaps from anyone preparing this recipe

Ornamental PEPPER!