Posted on: 16 April, 2005
Author: Linda Paquette
Hostas, commonly known as the plantain lily, own so many distinctive characteristics that its difficult to pinpoint which of them has pushed it ahead of the day lily (Hemerocallis) as the most sought after herbaceous perennial for the home garden in the US. A low maintenance plant, shade tolerant, and hardy in zones three through nine, there are currently over 2500 species of hostas available. Native to the Orient, hostas were first imported to Europe in the late 1700s and made their way across the Atlantic in mid 19th century. One interesting fact about hostas is that they dont reach...
Posted on: 11 April, 2005
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most ofthe United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readilyfound along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams.But it can also be found in your own back yard. It isplanted there in bird droppings from the birds who eat theberries of the plant. So how does one get rid of the rash producing plant? Hereare some tips: No matter what control method you use, be careful to avoidexposing your skin to the plant. Wear gloves, long pants,socks and shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt. For more information about ridding your yard and garden...
Posted on: 09 April, 2005
Author: Lee Dobbins
Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes, I forget that I even have them planted and then they spring up to my surprise and delight! I like to add some zip to my garden with flowers that are orange in color. They add a vibrant touch and the brilliant colors attract birds and insects. Heres some of my favorite orange perennials:Butterfly Weed This flowers in summer and can get as high as three feet. It has compact clusters of flowers and as the name implies, it does attract butterflies! Day Lily I see this beautiful...
Posted on: 06 April, 2005
Author: Valerie Garner
I have a love for funky, fun and uniquegarden plants. Here's one to try.It's called Sea Holly, and it's actually in thethistle family. Sea Holly is a perennial garden plant, which means you plant it once and it comes up year after year, somewhat depending on your climate. This plant never did fail to bring attention andcomments from people seeing my garden. It grows about3-4 feet high, very branchy and the branches are abrilliant electric blue color. It's stunning! The only drawback to this lovely plant, in the fallyou must cut it to the ground and burn or compost theplant....
Posted on: 03 April, 2005
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard
Hummingbirds feed off of plants and a few insects, but because of the speed which their wings flutter when they're in flight, they tend to burn a heck of a lot of energy. They need to eat about every 15 minutes! You can help by providing Humming Bird Food, known as Hummingbird Nectar, in your yard or garden. There's no reason to buy it from the store either, because it's just simple sugar and water. And it's easy too: 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. That's it. So, if you wanted to make 4 cups of Hummingbird Nectar, you'd...
Posted on: 26 March, 2005
Author: Gerry Fung
So youve decided to build your very own backyard water garden. You are in the process of actively planning out your design, and youre visualizing the end-result. But have you paused to consider what kind of pond construction you will be using? Do you know what kind of pond constructions exist? The majority of garden ponds utilize one of two types of constructions: a preformed shell, or a pond liner. Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60 x...
Posted on: 26 March, 2005
Author: The Gift Wizard
Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and you don't want to send the wrong message if you give them as a gift! Of course, not everyone knows what a particular flower means, but you can never be too sure! FLOWER NAME and/or COLOR -- FLOWER MEANINGS Carnations Carnation (General) -- FascinationCarnation, Pink -- Emblem of Mother's Day, I will never forget youCarnation, Purple -- Antipathy and CapriciousnessCarnation, Red -- Admiration, my heart aches for youCarnation, Striped -- No, Sorry, I cannot be with youCarnation, White -- Pure Love, Sweet Love, InnocenceCarnation, Yellow -- Disdain and Rejection Lilies...
Posted on: 24 March, 2005
Author: Abigail Baker
A rose is a rose is rose - and there are few things in the garden more beautiful. There are 5 secrets I want to share that will help you to grow healthy roses. 1. Sunshine: Plan to put your rose bush in a spot where it will get as much sun at least 6 hours of sunshine a day. 2. Water: Drops of water on the leaves can cause burning, and lead to black spot disease so always water from underneath, soaking the earth until it is damp but not soggy. It is better to water thoroughly once a...
Posted on: 20 March, 2005
Author: Jacob Farin
Many people who have seen our carnivorous plants at the Farmers Market often ask us, How do you get our plants looking so good every summer? Our secret? Yearly repotting. Repotting is very important to encourage new growth. It freshens the soil, aerates the roots and gives the plant more room to grow. Freshening the soil is important because carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-free soil. Over time, nutrients from mineral and bacteria buildup in the soil slow down the growth of carnivorous plants. This is why it is important to replace the soil every year, or every two years at...
Posted on: 20 March, 2005
Author: Linda Paquette
Its a well known fact that the marigold flower is one of the favorites in the home garden, but as well as an attractive and useful bedding plant, the marigold has enjoyed continued use for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes as well. 1.The most common types of marigold are the wild marsh marigold, the tall African marigold, and the robust French marigold. African and French cultivars frequently are hybrid to sustain longer bloom and soften their pungent aroma. The resulting plant is called a triploid marigold, which is commonly called the mule marigold because of its poor ability to produce...