We love the outdoors. Some days we spend the entire day in our yard. I start the morning off by making my family bacon, eggs and pancakes on the grill. We tend the garden and relax. Abundant gardens create a habitate for lovely, melodius birds who love to bath in our fountain. Lunch then, dinner on the patio, a glass of lovely Central Coast Pinot Noir from either the Addamo  or Letitia Vineyard and my day is almost complete. 

Into the brisk coastal evening we turn our heater on to continue the enjoyment of coastal living and love the dancing, flickering flames of romantic  candles.
 
Our patio is partially covered however approximatley 1/2 of it is in the full sun and candles just do not do well sitting out in the sun all day. So to create centerpieces which can be used throughout the patio, add more life to the garden and provide a lovely, subtle light in the evening we created these Garden Hurricanes.

The planters are made using very inexpensive products available from any garden center and craft store and can be created, if you shop well, for under $5.00. We used a terra-cotta planter, filled it with potting soil and planted it with Lewesia cotyledon which is a type of portulaca. Portulacas grow in adverse conditions, need little water and care and will bloom abundantly and colorfully for weeks at a time.  One 6 pack of portulaca will plant 2 to 4 hurricanes depending upon size and how fully you plant them. You do not need to plant the fully as they grow quickly and will fill the container in a couple of weeks.


First, start by filling the container with potting soil, then add a hurricane, followed by the plants. Add some fertilizer granules and water in. Your hurricane will be ready to use this evening.  In ours we use oil lamps available at the restaurant supply in place of candles, they are not affected by the sun, extinguish themselves if tipped over and last for many, many hours. You could also use a thick, pillar candle. A taper will melt in the sun so you will need to remove tapers and use them only in the evening. 

Other plant varieties can be used. Violets, violas and other small plants will all work well but will require much, much more care than the recommended portulacas. Have fun, and if you need any help please call the store and we will be happy to walk you through it. Enjoy our wonderful Central Coast evenings!