Whether grown as an annual or hardy perennial, it is a low maintenance garden workhorse that remains a picture of health and beauty throughout the summer.Common names: Firebush, Mexican firebush, firecracker shrub, scarlet bushSize: 8-12 ft.
Provide feeders in various locations in the yard, using a sugar water mixture. Arriving between the last week in August or the first week in September, these mostly female and juvenile male birds visit feeders and plants while en route to warmer winter...
Our family has taken cuttings from this plant for decades and it grows in a number of states as a reminder of our heritage. In the beginning, you'll need to train it to the support because it doesn't cling like a number of other vines, but after it is...
New plants grow quickly from seed.In northern zones, tubers should be dug and stored for winter just like any other bulbs and tubers in northern gardens.Marvel of Peru likes loamy but well drained garden soil.
Great for new gardeners, lazy gardeners and busy gardeners. They are generally very inexpensive and often a friend or neighbor will simply hand you a few 'chicks' if asked. They may wither a bit, but if given a drink, they'll bounce right back with no...
I went to the computer to pull up a list of gemstones. They left a few days ago for southern climes... Rightie, always nervous and rarely sitting to feed, has to dash in and hope Leftie doesn't see her.
Sprinkle the zinnia seeds between three and six inches apart and lightly cover them with soil. Work the ground to about 6" deep after danger of frost has passed, removing rocks, grass and weeds.
However, it will produce flowers on shady sites, and moderate salt tolerance allows it to grow near bodies of salt water. The red buckeye seems immune to most pests and diseases.Following the flowers, round, one- to two-inch brown seeds develop.
Many people do not know that hummingbirds have a diet other than nectar. It's range is all across the eastern half of the US and up into Canada. Or, to make your own hummingbird food, simply combine 1 part white sugar to 4 parts hot water.
Many new gardeners are starting to plan their first adventure into our crazy, wonderful world. If your cross is successful, a pod will start to grow when the flower falls off. Without a little guidance from seasoned veterans, they often choose seeds and...
The following is a short tale of my journey to matrimonial insanity and back. When I got married about two years ago, I racked my brain to come up with a good party favor that would be meaningful to my husband and me, as well as be something the guests...
Bill Hilton Jr. is one of those individuals who delight in passing on his hard-earned tips and knowlege to people who want to aid in hummingbird conservation. Hummingbirds likealso.
North of Zone 8, firespike is best grown as an annual or in containers that can be moved to protected places during the winter.Firespike is both heat and drought tolerant, but is not a good choice for areas where salt tolerance is a factor.
Fertilizer is usually not necessary, although it is never a bad idea to work a couple of handfuls of compost around the plant as flower stalks develop. Looking for beautiful, colorful plants that can take hot, dry conditions, need little care and attract...
Gardeners often encounter unique and colorful insects in their gardens. The trick is to know which ones are friends and which ones are foes. This series of articles will help identify some of the most unusual ones and give you a peek into their lives.
Do not use honey, brown sugar, or any alternate sweeteners, they go rancid faster, and can potentially harm the hummingbirds. Migratory and songbirds are protected by the Federal Government and it is illegal to catch or cage one without a permit.“What...
This presents no obstacle to the hummingbird, since it can beat its wings in a figure-eight pattern, staying aloft as long as necessary to feed. Besides the ruby-throated hummingbird, other types of hummingbirds summering in the U.S. include the black-chinned...
Some compare the pleasant aroma to root beer, mint or licorice.his striking hyssop grows well in either part sun or full sunand can reach 12 to 18-inches tall with a 1 to 2-foot spread.Coronado Hyssop combines attractively with other plants in containers,Our...
Some enjoy exhibiting the results of their efforts in Standard Flower Shows. Some of the author's favorites are shown below. Place cut stems in a container of water and allow them to stand overnight or for several hours.
In general, bird pollination does not occur in Europe and Asia, north of the Himalayas.Hummingbirds mainly breed in South America and north, to Alaska. Studying your flower blooms is a.
Continue reading to learn how to attract hummingbirds in zone 9.Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. As they sip this hard to reach nectar, they also collect pollen that they take with them to the next flower.ensures that narrow tubed flowers...
Every so often I have to dig up my Irises and daffodils and need to divide them. There is nothing more special than sharing your harvest. Place the herb butter in a basket with a loaf of crusty bread for a delicious gift anyone would love.Remember all...
Use your judgement, although I will say that my three children and a dog have never shown any interest in eating any of my indoor plants. Some of theover the years are due to mass production leading to poor quality nursery stock.
The next step was to plantyou can find lists of such plants. They are all small, dainty creatures with delicate wings. I am positive that fairies have a sense of humor.Now imagine what other creatures the fairies might enjoy and you may come to the same...
A minor point but one that some readers may find importantMoney Tree art at left by the incomparable "Inky" Used here with permission, Thank you! Inky Art not to be used elsewhere without express permission of the creator.
Ruby throated hummingbirds may be native to the area and are year-round denizens. Instead of the high maintenance hummingbird feeder, planning a garden that has long season appeal to the birds is an easier option and one that affords you the opportunity...
Slip the end of your cord through the loop at the bottom and pull up on the top cord that is still sticking out of the coil. Jute is good, as is this nylon clothesline. Mark this point with a piece of tape or safety pin.
