The Cosmic Garden

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A South Africa native closely related to the banana, Bird of Paradise produces spikey orange and purple blossoms throughout the year. During the summer it should be watered often, while in the winter the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilization is essential to making it bloom (Source: University of Florida Environmental Agriculture Department).

The rooftop Bird of Paradise was most recently given organic plant food mixed with compost on 15 Sept 2007.

Lemon trees should be thoroughly watered about twice a week, and allowed to dry out between waterings (Source: UCB Botanical Garden Forums). Prune annually, removing up to a third of the new growth (Source: eHow.com). Use a fertilizer intended for citrus, usually with a high nitrogen content. The plant's container holds about 80 gallons of soil, or about 11 cubic feet. The Meyer lemon tree was last given citrus fertilizer on 4 March 2008.

Expect fruit during the winter months. Three lemons are enough to make a batch of lemon bars.

Gardening supplies are kept in or near the white cabinet under the stairs and include

• Hose on reel.
• A lot of trash, including an old manger from the 2004 Christmas play.
• Rusty trowels.
• About a dozen tarps.
• Paint and paint thinner. Why?