Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera, is native to the mountains of south-eastern Brazil.  It likes shade and high humidity.  It can be recognized by its leaf-like pads and pink flowers which flower only around Thanksgiving or Christmas (hence the name).

Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus:

1.  Keep away from direct sunlight, drafts, heat vents, or fireplaces.

2.  Provide a source of humidity.  You can put a tray of water next to the plant so that the water evaporates and provides humidity.

3.  Do not overwater.  Once a week should be enough.  And if you can, don't water from the top.  It is best to put the plant in a tray of water and allow water to seep through holes in the bottom of the container.

4.  Prune your cactus one month after blooming.  

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brook Lodge

Brook Lodge, located in Auguste, Michigan, was the former home of Dr. W. E. Upjohn, founder of the Upjohn company.  It is now a hotel and conference center belonging to Michigan State University's Division of Housing and Food Service.

While it may seem a little odd to visit a conference center's gardens, they are really quite beautiful and definitely worth seeing.  The property covers 637 acres and contains trees, waterfalls, and many beautiful flowers, including irises and peonies.  Brook Lodge is a popular site for weddings, and if you visit, you will see why.

The grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Anderson Enrichment Center and Lucille E. Anderson Memorial Garden

The Andersen Enrichment Center and Lucille E. Anderson Memorial Garden are located in Saginaw, Michigan.  If you like roses, this is definitely a place to see.  It contains hundreds of them. Other things to see include perennials, a brick walkway, and a fountain that features Marshall M. Frederick's sculpture, "Flying Geese."

The center itself promotes the arts and entertainment of the area and can be rented for weddings.

The garden is open from dawn to dusk.  Admission is free.

Liberty Hall Historic Site and Gardens

Liberty Hall Historic Site and Gardens is located in Frankfort, Kentucky.  The gardens cover nearly three acres and are on the grounds of a Federalist-style mansion.  (There are a lot of these types of mansions in Kentucky!)

It features the largest formal boxwood garden in Kentucky.  It also has many beautiful perennial and annual borders, and a large variety of roses.

 The gardens are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.  Tour prices to view the house are $4.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. 




One thing before I go:  I went to Book 'Em North Carolina and met Diane Wolfe, my publisher at Dancing Lemur Press.  It was great to meet her. She works very hard! If you're one of her authors, know that she is doing a lot to promote your book!

Hunt-Morgan House and Gardens

 

The Hunt-Morgan House and gardens, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a Federalist-style house that was built in 1814 by John Wesley Hunt.  It is reminiscent of the days when Lexington was known for its affluent lifestyle.  Today, it serves as a Civil War museum.

After you tour the museum, you can visit the small, but lovely garden which features hydrangeas and a gazebo. It is often used as the setting for wedding pictures.  In fact, the entire facility can be rented for weddings.

The museum is open from March 1 through mid-December.  Tours are offered Wednesday - Friday, and Sunday from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM each hour.  On Saturday, tours are from 10:00 - 3:00 PM.  There is a small admission fee.

Farmington Plantation Home and Gardens

The Farmington House and Gardens are located in Louisville, Kentucky.  This red brick Federalist style mansion was the childhood home of Joshua Fry Speed, who is considered to be Abraham Lincoln's closest friend.  In fact, one of the interesting facts about this place is that Abraham Lincoln slept here.  The other interesting fact is that it was designed by Thomas Jefferson.

The eighteen acres surrounding the house contain many formal gardens, as well as an apple orchard.  It's really a nice place to visit!

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.  Admission for adults is $9.00, and $4.00 for children.

Big Bone Gardens

Big Bone Gardens is located in Union, Kentucky across from Big Bone Lick State Park (which is a great place to hike if you're in the area).  It's a six acre private garden that includes 7 water gardens, an herb garden, and an adorable gnome garden.  

The garden is open to the public on weekends from mid-April through mid-July.  The hours are from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Admission is free.