Sunpatiens and Strawberry Bread in September...

 O.k. friends....I have a new favorite flower!  It has only been around a few years but it is just about the easiest flower I've ever grown and I. LOVE. IT!

Meet Electric Orange Sunpatiens....

It is mid-September and my window  boxes still look like this...I have to admit, I'm impressed with myself - just kidding...I'm really impressed with this flower.  These window boxes don't look a bit tired from the summer heat and stress of long hot days.

Things that you need to know in selecting this easy plant for your garden next year...
1) They don't like to be fertilized a lot - I've only fertilized them three times since the end of April!
2) They do like a lot of water - especially when it is really hot!
3) They love the sun and/or shade...
4) Well...that is about it! They are practically maintenance free!

I mean....How Easy is That????

No deadheading needed...they just bloom like crazy people...crazy..blooming... flowers!

 

Of course you learn by doing and I did make a mistake when I fixed my window boxes this year.  I had this flag that was my color inspiration...it was orange and pink.  So I decided to pair pink ivy geraniums with my sunpatiens...big mistake.  Why? you ask.  Well geraniums LOVE fertilizer and not much water...right the opposite of the sunpatiens.  I knew better. Oh well, I won't do that again.

And honestly...the sunpatiens get so large...there really is no need for other flowers because they pretty much outgrow all the competition! 

And the orange is so pretty, I think I'm going to leave them through fall - I don't have the heart to pull them up yet!

Window Boxes for Spring 2016 - I'm not sure the color - but they will definitely be filled with SUNPATIENS!

Now for the Strawberry Bread recipe I promised I'd share with you.  This is my mother-n-law's specialty so we are going to call it:

Sara's Strawberry Bread

2 c. or 2 pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed (Oh do try and use fresh berries, it makes all the difference)

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 c. oil

1 1/4 c. chopped pecans (optional)

3 c. Self Rising Flour (sifted)

       (or you may use 3 c. AP flour, 1 tsp. soda, 1 tsp. salt)

3 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. sugar

Sift flour and mix in other dry ingredients, then make a well in center...

 Mix wet ingredients in bowl.

Add wet ingredients to flour mixture and stir to dampen (do not over mix)

Lastly add delicious strawberries which have been cut up.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour.  Makes two loaves (one large, one small)

Extremely easy - incredibly delicious!  You are going to love this!

 The countdown to the fall season is on.  It is only going to be 70 degrees here in KY this weekend!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend wherever you are!

Cathy