Posts

Reversion of Variegated Leaves Variegation may be the result of a natural anomaly or carefully engineered breeding. Whichever the case, variegated leaves may turn completely green for a number of reasons. The coloring results from unstable changes in the leaf’s cells. One of the most common variegated plant problems is limited chlorophyll in the leaves. Less chlorophyll means less solar energy, as it is a primary component in photosynthesis. Variegated plants are less vigorous than green specimens are....

These redbuds have become popular ornamental trees for the home landscape. Many new unique varieties of eastern redbuds have been introduced by plant breeders. This article will discuss the weeping tree variety of eastern redbud known as ‘Lavender Twist.’ Read on for weeping redbud info and tips on how to grow a Lavender Twist redbud. About Lavender Twist Redbud Trees Lavender Twist redbud was first discovered in a Westfield, N....

Shade Trees for Western Landscapes Nevada has five growing zones and California has more, so it’s key to know your own when you are out looking for western shade trees. All trees offer some shade, but the good ones have a canopy sufficiently large enough to offer shelter for those standing beneath. Not all trees that fit this definition are likely to work well in your yard though. Good choices for western shade trees are those that are adapted to the rural or urban setting of your location and appropriate for your growing conditions....

What are Everbearing Strawberries? By looking at strawberry plants you cannot tell if they are everbearing, day-neutral, or June-bearing. Therefore, we must rely on the proper labeling of strawberry plants at nurseries and garden centers to know which type we are purchasing. Unfortunately, plant labeling is not a perfect science. They can fall out and get lost, plants can be mislabeled and, much to the vexation of garden center workers, customers sometimes pull out plant tags to read them just to stick the label back in any nearby plant....

What are Floating Wetlands? Floating wetlands are container gardens that float on the surface of the water. You can plant floating pond islands with any wetland marsh plants except trees and shrubs. They make a beautiful addition to any pond. As the plant roots grow beneath the island, they absorb excess nutrients from fertilizer runoff, animal wastes and other sources. Removing these nutrients from the water reduces the incidence of algae, fish kills and choking weeds....

What are Oxygenating Plants? Submerged water plants are also known as oxygenating pond plants because they actually filter the pond water. Submerged plants also keep algae growth under control and provide oxygen. Submerged plants grow fully immersed in water and get their nutrients from the water through their leaves, not their roots like other plants. Plants that grow completely under water provide shelter for fish, oxygen to the water, and filter out pollutants....

What are Purple Potatoes? Purple potatoes, sometimes referred to as blue potatoes, are a type of potato which are native to South America. While very similar to their white grocery store counterparts, these potatoes exhibit a beautiful purple colored skin and flesh. Heirloom and hybrid purple potato varieties range from solid purple to a mixture of purple and white. Though quite the interesting addition to the garden, perceived nutritional blue potato benefits are numerous....

What are Table Gardens? Table gardens are the perfect solution for the gardener who can no longer bend down or over to plant and tend a garden. Table gardens are also used in adaptive and therapeutic gardens. Table garden design involves using a raised box bed and elevating it to accommodate a chair underneath. Raised garden bed tables are easy to tend and take up very little space, making them perfect for the patio or deck....

Are Those Wild Chives in My Yard? Wild chives are indeed so common you may have wondered, “are those wild chives in my yard?” It is very likely the case. These perennial monocots reside in the onion genus and are the smallest species of onion. They are the only Allium species native to both the Old and New World and can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Chives have been cultivated in Europe since at least the 16th century, but wild chives have been used according to Egyptian and Mesopotamian records to 5,000 B....

Like most cacti, care for cat claw cacti is minimal and highly recommended for beginning gardeners. About the Cat Claw Plant A native of the Chihuahua desert, cat claw cactus is closely related to the ferocious-looking Ferocactus but the genus is currently Glandulicactus. The cactus has been miss-classed numerous times, finally ending up with a name that stems from the Greek for ‘fishhook.’ Among the colorful names for this diminutive cactus are fishhook cactus, brown flowered hedgehog, Turk’s head cactus, and Texas hedgehog....

Understanding Crested Succulent Mutations “Cristate” is another term for when the succulent is cresting. This happens when something has affected the single growing point (growth center) of the plant, creating multiple growing points. Typically, this involves the apical meristem. When this happens along a line or a plane, stems are flattened, sprouting new growth on the top of the stem, and creating a bunching effect. Numerous new leaves appear and make the cristate plant look totally different than the standard....

What is a Honey Locust? Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a tree that is native to parts of the eastern U.S., as far north as Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and as far west as Texas and Nebraska, but it can grow in many areas. In the wild this tree will grow up to 100 feet (30 m.) and beyond, but in landscaping it usually tops out at 30 to 70 feet (9-21 m....

What is a Mirabelle Plum? Mirabelle plums are a small, sweet type of fruit most commonly grown in the Lorraine region of France. These high sugar plums are renowned for their use in various jams, jellies, baked products, and fruit brandy (known as eau de vie). Though it is possible to grow Mirabelle plums in the home garden, true Mirabelle fruit (grown in France) will not be found in the United States due to bans on the import of the fresh fruits....

What is a Mountain Hydrangea? Native to regions of Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata is often referred to as mountain hydrangea. This group, which frequently includes various cultivars of lacecap hydrangeas, is prized for its ornamental beauty and unique flower clusters. Blooms range in color from blue to pinkish red, depending upon soil pH, and feature a flattened cluster of flowers. Growing Mountain Hydrangea When growing mountain hydrangea you’ll first need to consider the specific needs of the plant....

What is Alum Used for? Alum is implemented in water treatment and other industrial applications, but food-grade alum, approved by the FDA, is safe for household use in small quantities (less than one ounce (28.5 g.)). Although alum powder has a variety of purposes around the house, the most common is to add crispness to pickles. For other applications, you can also purchase liquid forms of aluminum sulfate. Although alum isn’t a fertilizer, many people apply alum in the garden as a way to improve soil pH....

Artificial Lawn Grass Info Artificial lawn grass consists of synthetic, grass-like fibers or yarn – often polypropylene or polyethylene. Quality artificial lawn grass consists of several layers, including backing, cushioning, two or three drainage layers, and infill, which is often made from substances like recycled rubber tires or natural cork. If you are thinking about installing an artificial lawn, the pros and cons of using artificial grass for yards should be carefully considered....

What is Biophilia? Biophilia is a term coined in 1984 by the naturalist Edward Wilson. Literally, it means “love of life,” and it refers to the way we are naturally drawn to and benefit from living things like pets, and of course, plants. While walking through a forest is nice, you can reap the natural benefits of biophilia from the simple presence of houseplants in living and work spaces. The Biophilia Effect of Plants Humans benefit psychologically and physically from biophilia, and plants are a fantastic and low maintenance source of it....

Smooth Cordgrass Info If you live on the Atlantic Coast, you have probably noticed the tall feathery grasses on beaches, wetlands, and marshes. This is smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). What is cordgrass? It is widely dispersed in the southwest and eastern coastal regions. This saltwater-loving plant can be used in landscaping as an ornamental plant but is also an important wildlife cover and as a dune stabilizer. It prefers periods of submersion and consistently moist soil....

Dong Quai Plant Info Although Chinese angelica plants are attractive and aromatic, they are grown primarily for the roots, which are dug in fall and winter, and then dried for later use. Dong quai herbs have been used medicinally for thousands of years, and they are still in wide use today, primarily as capsules, powders, tablets, and tinctures. Traditionally, dong quai herbs have been used to treat female ailments such as irregular menstrual cycles and cramps, as well as hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause....

German White Garlic Info Many gardeners growing German White garlic declare it their favorite. Its claim to fame is the size of its cloves. The big bulbs have only four to six cloves, which makes them easier to peel. Exactly what is German White garlic? It’s an extremely popular type of hardneck garlic with ivory bulbs. The clove wrappers, however, are pink. This garlic is known by several other names. These include German Extra-Hardy, Northern White and German Stiffneck....