Writers might (I did) start out by "writing what they know." But those of us (me) who are not experts can run out of "what we know." Then we garden writers scrounge for new material:.
In this era of growing emphasis on energy efficiency, many of us who live in temperate zones or colder are seeking ways to better seal our homes to achieve higher efficiency in heating and cooling.
The first time somebody told me about girl-leafed violets, I thought they were pulling my leg. I'd like to share some of my favorites with you, along with tips for getting them to look their best.
The result would be a leaf or branch showing up unexpectedly variegated on an otherwise green plant. Tissue taken from either variegated or non-variegated parts of a plant whose variegation is genetic will grow into plants that look just like the plant...
That's what happened with the laurel dry leaves: he got a large box, with forty bags, each containingOf course, we wondered whether we would ever sell all those bags, but since they were already there, nothing could be done.
But will he have some friends to play with? Sometimes the punishment was sweet, especially if my friend was eating some candies or cookies at the time! I remember how I always tried to run and get something "green" if I didn't have anything in my pocket,...
Flowers on a cannabis plant grow from the stem near the point where leaves originate. The initial true leaves appear opposite the stems and they appear significantly different from the cotyledons because they have serrated edges and a thinner shape.Examine...
Although wine grapes grow mostly in vineyards and home gardens, you may come across wild grapes in open woods, on roadsides, near ponds and rivers. Tendrils are essential for grapevines to climb.
It has been twenty or more years.Air temperature, rainfall amounts, food storage and the length of time the sun is in the sky every day, all play a part in leaves changing colors.The plants need three additional things to come together along with the...
Clematis are mostly woody deciduous plants, although some types are evergreen and herbaceous. Clematis virginiana, for example, has compound leaves that have three to five elliptical leaflets with toothy edges.Measure the size of the clematis foliage...
And what about those tough shady spots?When considering what to plant in your garden or landscape, look past the obvious; the glorious shapes, shades, structures, and characteristics of dozens of plants more than make up for the fact that they might produce...
Sometimes this will bring a sudden early frost, but usually it is just a gentle reminder that we need to start pulling out sweaters and flannel shirts.with their chatty morning wire sitting have flown south.
Click on photos to enlarge.Typical South Amana residence with expansive lawn and gardenBrick granary converted to residence, studio, and galleryThanks to Robin Street-Morris for permission to use her beautiful work thatcaptures perfectly the mood of my...
Their pretty flowers, neon red leaves and heavenly scents will be just a memory then. High in nutrients, this is hay to be doled out over the winter months as a treat and energy booster to my draft horses.
Color change is very spread out, from October to December and sometimes into January. Color changes in leaves are triggered mainly by decreasing daylight, though cooler weather can make colors brighter or better synchronize color change.are missing from...
Prepare athis fall, and you can have a new planting bed ready by spring, with no digging and no money needed for fancy topsoil.If you've been using only wood chips or shredded wood mulch in your gardens, it's time to experiment.
Erillas have been garden denizens for centuries among the countries of southeast Asia and, to some extent, in American gardens as well, especially during the Victorian Era.But they certainly didn't look anything like ‘Magilla!' (See my photo at right.)Taller...
A spectacle of auburn, crimson, magenta, pumpkin and mustard tones set gardens and public areas alight with one last finale of color. As gardeners, we know that fulfillment comes from our connection to the earth and what we can create from it.
They give us an endless panorama of color each fall. I place them into black trash bags and place them in a sunny location for the winter. When you stop to think about it, leaves provide us with many months of benefits each year: from the light green...
Live houseplants always complement the decor. Humans cannot be self-supporting for long in a place that is never green. Natural greens go well together, too. You never have to think about whether the.
While it is a slow grower and won't surprise you by throwing branches across your path overnight, it does need a roomy location where it can reach its potential. Fall foliage color is golden yellow.
A final note before I get into specific plants; variegated shrubs are often more shade tolerant than yellow or purple-foliaged types, making them very useful for brightening up shady areas of the garden.Black elderberry selections portrayed above include...
These shrubs blend admirably with other warm colours like oranges and reds or can be used as a strong contrast with cool colours like blues and purples. Plant breeders recognize the need for such foliage plants and every year, new selections are being...
The edges of fruit tree leaves are usually smooth like grapefruit tree leaves, or have fine teeth, like cherry tree leaves.Examine the shine on the leaves. Some leaves are evergreen, like those in the citrus family.Observe any other identifying characteristics.
Crab apple trees have this feature on both sides of the leaf. Pay attention to the shape, size, color, structure and texture. While most apple tree leaves are an oval shape, some variations due exist.
Build the pile following the usual guidelines, but keep it "fluffier." Perforated PVC pipes layered in as you build can add passive ventilation. When your bin has enough moist half rotten goodness, worms will come, make themselves at home, and stay awhile..
For the home gardener, the best way to deal with miners is through diligent monitoring, using good cultural practices, and maintaining a healthy garden environment that supports beneficial insects and vigorous plants.
