Living Birdhouses
Hens & Chicks - Living Birdhouse
(Sempervivium)
History - During the invasion and occupation of the British Isles and Netherlands by the Roman armies. The homes of local residents,roofs were covered with "chicks & hens" to help keep the roofs water tight and well as to ward off evil spirts.(Too bad it didn’t help with the Roman hoard!)
Impressed by the hardiness, prolific growth and life span of these plants the Roman invaders in honor of the plants gave them the Latin name: Sempervivum," long life, long living".
What to expect - Chicks and hens will continue to produce "pups" and give a crowded over grown look to the roof spilling over the edge. Sedums will continue to grow well below the house, trim as needed for desired look. "Chicks & hens" will continue grow ( fill in ) to create a look that will become more beautiful and unique.
Easy Care - Bird houses can be enjoyed indoor or outdoor, year round. As leaves naturally dry at base, remove them by plucking out with fingers or tweezers for a more finished look. Feel free to harvest "chicks" to re-populate living bird house planter or use to start a new planter. Or for your garden as well as share with a friend.
Indoors - Light: Direct sun, sunny to bright location. Water: Take birdhouse, soak throughly in sink and spray with kitchen nozzel. Or place in shower for 3 to 5 min. Tempid water, do not use full force of spray .
Outdoors - Full sun up to tempatures of 85°F, above 85°F then allow to be in AM morning cooler sun or afternoon partail shade to shade.
Winter hardy to 15°F, if temps fall below enjoy as indoor planter until temperatures stabilize above 15°F. Introduce Living Bird House planter to outside winter tempatures gradually. Best to keep indoors during winter for added beauty and growth.
Water: Throughly soak when watering, allow planter to dry between waterings not dry out Remember, water is stored in the leaves, these plants are very similar to cacti.
Feeding: Suggest once a month (spring / summer) with liquid food such as Miracle Grow, once every 3 month (fall / winter). We use Miracle Grow & Super Thrive with lots of success.
Contact / Support - phone or e-mail at any time for more info and inquiry on custom work. 208-713-9147 or KindaSortaZen at Yahoo.com
Shipping - Living Bird Houses ship very well. Check for current Ordering Information.
Current Designs & News -- Check out The Bird House Blog
