Olivos Olive Oil and Lavender Soap Review

When your lavender harvest is not great and you cannot make your own then I would recommend that you buy Olivos natural lavender and olive oil soap because it will leave your skin feeling like silk.

When it comes to bath and body bar soap I choose to make my own, When my lavender herb plants did not provide me with an ample harvest of flowers my friend recommended that I buy Olivos olive oil and lavender herbal soap from Walmart.com

At first, I did not think that Walmart.com carried essential oil soaps that were of high quality but did not realize that online offered more than the stores. My friend told me that this lavender bath soap left their skin feeling silky soft and they recommended that I try it. She said that the soap is made from 100% extra virgin olive oil and lavender minerals This is a smooth soap that feels very moisturizing. But unlike my homemade soap, this soap does not have visible flower buds.

Normally lavender soap is aromatic, but this soap has a light scent and I would prefer a more fragrant soap.  Know that the soap does produce a nice lather and it is very moisturizing, in fact, I did not need to add a body cream after my bath. I really like the way this olive oil and lavender soap makes my skin feel. Even the rough spot on my feet was soft to the touch.

I will definitely buy this soap again and as for the lavender fragrance that I love, I will remedy that by adding two drops of essential oil to my bath water. For those of you who like a moisturizing soap that leaves your skin feeling like silk then you may want to shop at Walmart.com and buy Olivos Olive Oil Lavender bath soap.

Learn how to make lavender herbal soap here  

When to Water Seedlings or Transplants

Whenever you transplant seedlings or sow seeds to your garden the care directions are to water well and to not let the soil dry out. Today I was talking to a fellow gardener and she told me that she followed the directions for sowing seeds to an outdoor garden but the seedlings died quickly. She thought perhaps it was poor quality seeds. Know that her seedlings dying had nothing to do with the soil, the seeds but instead it had to do with the watering of the plants. My friend did not water the seedlings and the soil dried out.

Last week I planted 500 bee and butterfly flowers. I sowed the seeds into a bed of moisture control potting soil, then covered this flower garden with a light layer of mulch. I watered well after I planted them then continued to water the seedlings throughout the day. I watered the newly planted seeds four times daily. The soil never dried out and within 3 days the seedlings appeared with healthy leaves.

Beebalm seedlings with a light layer of mulch around the plant but not next to the stem. 

How much water is too much? Know that when you sow your seeds that these seeds are covered with one-fourth of an inch of soil. That soil can dry out quickly and dry soil will cause seedling stress. The light layer of mulch does help, but you must put it on thinly so as not to hinder the seedling from growing. But you must water your seedlings and water them often.

My friend watered her seedlings in the morning. The soil had dried out in a few hours, then when the sun came out and the day was hot the seedlings dried out and the plants died.

If you cannot water your seedlings four times a day then I would recommend that you set up a soaking hose and turn it on for a slow drip. Set the timer to turn the hose on and off in the heat of the day. You will need to water your seedlings or transplants in the morning before work or other activities. Then check the soil for dryness when you get home from work and water if needed. 

Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler Product Review

Keeping garden pests; wildlife, stray dogs, and cats can be difficult especially if you do not have a fenced yard. Every year I plant a vegetable garden and find that the deer and raccoon walk on the plants or eat the young vegetation. In the past, I tried protecting the vegetables with a chicken wire fence but the raccoon climbed the fence and uprooted the plants. The only product that kept the pests away was a Scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler.

I decided to install the scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler because animals are fearful of water. The high-pressure water comes out of this sprinkler and animal is in the line of fire will get stung.  I have watched the pesky raccoon run from my yard. But that is not to say the animals will not continue to try to get the vegetables in the garden. The animals will keep trying and they will keep getting stung by the water. They never reach the garden. The scarecrow will also keep deer, skunk, squirrels, and other animals away from your garden.

This sprinkler works well. I will probably keep it activated throughout the summer. If you have a problem with garden pests or stray cats or dogs then I recommend that you buy a scarecrow. I bought mine at Walmart or you can shop for this pest repellent at Amazon. 

Why Batik Irises Are a Must‑Have: Care, Colors, Growing Tips

Disclaimer: All photographs in this post were taken in my own Missouri garden. These irises are part of my personal collection, grown, divided, and loved over many years.

Many gardeners collect irises the way others collect art one unique bloom at a time. Every spring feels like opening a gallery of color, pattern, and personality. And if you’ve never added a royal blue Batik iris to your collection, you’re missing one of the most striking, conversation‑starting flowers you can grow.

Batik irises don’t just bloom they perform. Their petals are streaked, splashed, and marbled in patterns that look hand‑painted. No two flowers are exactly alike, which is part of their charm. They bring a sense of whimsy and surprise to the garden that even seasoned iris collectors appreciate.

What Makes Batik Irises So Special?

The first words that come to mind are exotic and beautiful. Each stem produces multiple blooms, and every bloom carries its own unique pattern. Years ago, I ordered the Batik iris collection online from Breck’s Nursery. I’m not sure if they still carry them, but if you ever come across Batik irises grab them. They’re worth every inch of garden space.

My Iris Collection

Over the years, I’ve gathered a small but meaningful collection of patterned and unusual irises. In my garden right now, I grow:

• Gnu Flash – a bold purple iris with wild streaks
• Royal Blue Batik – deep blue with white marbling
• Tiger Honey – golden petals with white accents
• Baboon Bottom – a soft pink and white beauty

Here is my Baboon Bottom iris, glowing in the evening light:

Growing Batik Irises: What You Need to Know

Batik irises look especially stunning when planted in groups. If you start with five rhizomes, be prepared  they multiply generously every year. Give them room to spread, or you’ll be dividing them sooner than you think.

Sun, Soil & Hardiness

• Thrives in full sun to part shade
• Not fussy about soil adapts easily
• Chokes out weeds once established
• Highly pest, disease, and deer resistant

Planting Tips for Best Blooms

Plant Batik irises with the rhizome slightly exposed they love sunlight on their backs. Water well after planting, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause rot, so lean toward the dry side.

Divide every 3–4 years to keep the clumps healthy and blooming. Late summer is the perfect time to lift, divide, and replant.

Why I Love Batik Irises

Batik irises are, without question, one of my favorite flowers in my garden. They’re bold, artistic, and full of personality. Every spring, they stop me in my tracks and that’s saying something when you grow hundreds of irises.

Do you grow Batik irises? If not, I hope this inspires you to add one (or five!) to your garden. They truly are unforgettable.

Keywords: Batik iris, patterned irises, bearded iris care, Missouri garden flowers, Gnu Flash iris, Royal Blue Batik iris, Baboon Bottom iris, Tiger Honey iris.