Plant and climb................

Hey, it's time to plant climbing, vining beauties here in the South!

You may recall how each Summer I love to have a 'curtain' of fragrant, leafy Moonflowers providing the west facing end of the porch with some shade from the hot afternoon sun. Later the most delicious perfume wafts over the porch when the blooms open showing their nighttime beauty. As there's no soil to plant in at the side of the porch, it's our driveway, I use a large pot which does just fine.

 On Wednesday I grabbed my trusty spool of nylon fishing line - such useful stuff even for we non-fishing folk - climbed the ladder and made my 'trellis' to encourage and support the climbing vines.

Note, I've still not repainted the potting table.......I just love the way it looks with the crackled paint, such amazing colors. Perhaps next year I'll need to work on this project as the paint is peeling fast now!

The day prior to planting, soaking the seeds in warm water helps soften them. I like this gentle start rather than nicking them with sharp objects.  

Good quality potting soil tops off and refreshes the older soil from last year.

I placed about twenty Moonflower seeds in this pot..............then added a few Heavenly Blue Morning Glory seeds (also soaked overnight) which add some morning color when the Moonflowers close at daybreak.

Finally I covered the seeds with 1/2 inch of potting soil, smoothed and watered gently, and covered with bird netting to protect them from hungry birds or voracious squirrels!  Once the seedlings pop up I remove the netting and the vines are on their merry way, climbing and twirling with a little help from me!

This image is from last Summer......beautiful flowers with pretty heart shaped leaves.......easy to grow, inexpensive, and so fragrant. Plant a few in your garden, you'll love them!