Stuff

[dancerjodi]

Thanks for your reviews of Angie's list! I went ahead and signed up for a membership. After thinking about it, I don't want to bug my cousin Jim to plant that Lilac bush for us. He does this for work all day, and though I'd love to save some cash and I know he wouldn't mind, I'd rather not take advantage of the situation. We'll see what kind of estimate we get from the company I found on Angie's.

I began working on the Lady Tusken last night. The pieces are cut out, and the main dress is assembled save for one sleeve, and gathering the neckline. The thing is HUGE, because its got to be quite gathered in the skirt: http://www.tk7602.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=119&pos=376 . We'll tackle the cape/cloak thing Wednesday (or at least start tackling it). Ashton is making the bag, and it looks like its held on with a fabric sash (so I won't need a belt). I located some cheapie canvas shoes that I can glue strips of ugly fabric onto for my feet. Brian has finished the mask. We're also going to pick up some knock off camelbacks to wear underneath in FL to keep hydrated (I guess there are some for only around $20 at Wallmart - I hate shopping there, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do). I tell you, the next thing I sew will be something more flattering and stylish, and feminine! :) It was nice to get the craft room in order and spend some time in there last night - its been far too long!

Its Tuesday, so its a dance studio night. We'll be trying on the ballet costumes, fitting ourselves for leotards needed to go under silver sequin jackets for the tap numbers, and the piano guy will be up to run through music for the various routines. It will be a L O N G night. Here's hoping we can stay motivated and not sit around chatting too much. I'd like to get out of there as early as we can! If anything, its good exercise.

Comments

[roaming.livejournal.com]

You want to hire a professional to plant a bush? Unless it ginormous, you can do that yourself! It's easy!

Or, ask cousin Jim to do it AND offer to pay him something close to what another professional would choose. Or ask Cousin Jim how to do it, he'll tell you it's easy. It just requires some muscle. You and B have thost, yes? Consider it a workout! :-)

P.S.

[roaming.livejournal.com]

Check out Helpful Gardener. And below some other answers I got from another site.

I don't know, there's a lilac in my yard on the shady side and it seems to do quite well for itself. Not enough blooms, since there's no sun, but even then it does bloom.


Pruning Lilacs

Q. I have a very old lilac which has gotten too tall (15 feet) and many branches appear to be dying. It has very few blooms this year. It was a transplant about 18 years ago. Can it be severely pruned or has it outlived its beauty?

A. You can cut this old shrub right down to ground level if you like and it will rejuvenate it. However, the best time to do this is when the plant is dormant in the early spring. If the plant looks bad though, I'd cut it down, spread some granular fertilizer around the base, water well and it will probably come back to life quickly.

Lilac Doesn't Flower

Q. I have had a lilac bush for many years. However, it does not bloom. There are three very large old bushes across the street and they bloom every year. What can I do to make mine bloom? I live in a seaside area with well-drained soil and lots of rain, fog, and salt spray.

A. I don't know why your plant won't bloom without seeing it or knowing where you live. It also might depend on the variety of lilac you have. Different varieties have different blooming abilities -- some older varieties don't always bloom very well, especially if they aren't getting full sunlight, summer heat, and winter cold. My thought, without seeing the plant, is that you have a very old-fashioned variety that isn't blooming due to its environmental conditions.

Cutting Back Lilacs

Q. I have a lilac bush that was planted by the previous owner. Last spring the leaves came out. However, it did not bloom the entire season. This spring it seems the same: leaves but no blooms. It is small and a bit scraggly. Should I cut it down now to see if it fills out during the growing season?

A. Lilacs make their flowerbuds in early summer, right after they finish blooming. If you cut the plant back in autumn, then you cut this year's flowerbuds off the plant. If you wish to do pruning and see the shrubs bloom, only prune immediately after flowering (or when lilacs normally flower in your area). Is your lilac growing in a spot with full sun? If not, moving it to a sunny spot will help it grow less scraggly and encourage better blooming.

Two Lilacs?

Q. I have just bought a lilac bush. A friend told me that in order to get great blossoms, I need to plant two of them. How close should I plant them for the best results?

A. You do not need to plant two lilac bushes for more flowers. They are self fertile and do not need be planted in pairs. If you do plant two, space them about 10 feet apart.

Lilac

[dancer.livejournal.com]

It is ginormous - 5 feet. Given the price of a plant that size, I don't want to screw with it and end up killing it :)

Re: Lilac

[roaming.livejournal.com]

I hear that. They ARE pretty hardy, though. They take a long time to get blooming, I've heard, but once they do. . . .