What's Bloomin' Round Here? Summer 2012

A lot of you have been wondering what we have blooming this summer. Here are some of our very own flowers on display for you! Do you have a favorite summer flower? Post it in the comments, on facbook, G+, or twitter! We'd love to hear from you!

PTG - Gaston Property

Wondering what we've been up to lately? Now you can check out some of our work. Here are some pics of Planting the Seed's services at the Gastons! Thanks, Gastons for choosing Planting the Seed!!

Like what you see? Head over to the About Us page and give us a ring!

Name That Plant!

Can you name this flowering plant? If so, you could win a complimentary spot at our next container gardening seminar! Just post your answer in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Photograph by Brandon McLeod

Photograph by Brandon McLeod

Photograph by Brandon McLeod

Plant in Spotlight - Aloe

Anyone who beaches it up during the summer is familiar with this plant. Aloe (aloe vera is the most common species) is a succulent native to Africa; and in the summer, it can be your best friend.

Have you ever seen aloe bloom? This is the first stage. It forms a large stalk from the center with the buds coming out from several small stalks on the side. 

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Kingdom:                Plantae

clade:            Angiosperms

clade:                   Monocots

Order:              Asparagales

Family:    Xanthorrhoeaceae

Subfamily: Asphodeloideae

Genus:                            Aloe

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Aloe very blossoms are loved by many pollinating insects, but also the beautiful hummingbird, 

Photography by Brandon McLeod

The blooms!

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Photography by Brandon McLeod

Aloe has been used for healing burns and cuts for thousands of years. However, did you know that it's also a healthy drink?

from asianfoodgrocer.com

Be careful though! You don't want to rip off an aloe leaf and try to eat it. Raw aloe contains aloin which is a natural laxative! Be sure only to consume processed aloe, which does not contain aloin!

The Delicious Bouquet - Edible Flowers

Did you know you can have your garden and eat it too?

We're not talking about just fruits and berries. There's a how bouquet of flowers that you can eat from your garden. 

From whatscookingamerica.net

Here is a list of a few edible flowers that look beautiful both in your garden and in your salad!

• Marigold*
• Roses
• Pansies
• Zinnias
• Daylilies
• Honeysuckles
• Camellia
• Hibiscus
• Geraniums
• Gladiolas
• and more!

*Not All Varieties - only Calendula Officinalis 

Now that you know a few of the edible plants you can find in your yard, here are some rules before you go chomping down. 

• For many flowers, only the petals are edible. Be sure to check with a field guide before putting leaves, stems, or pollen in your mouth!
• Do not anything that has been treated with chemical pesticides. As a general rule, if it's poisonous enough to kill bugs, it's probably not the best for you either!
• Never eat flowers from the side of the road or from a garden or field you do not know the pesticide and fertilizer history of. 
• Avoid eating any blooms that have been treated with chemical fertilizers or preservatives.
• Don't over do it! As with any new food, add it into your diet gradually. We don't want any upset tummies!