Gardening Question of the Day for Wednesday, April 16, 2008
(Via Gardening Question of the Day (from The Old Farmer's Almanac))
We've had trouble with moss taking over parts of our lawn. How can we stop this from happening this summer? (answer).
We've had trouble with moss taking over parts of our lawn. How can we stop this from happening this summer? (answer).
From The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Perennial flower identification shouldn’t be a chore
(Via Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas)
When confronted with millions of different plant species throughout the world, it's no surprise that flower identification can be seen as 'Mission Impossible'. Even with the advent of the web and thousands upon thousands of images now at your disposal the task is not becoming any easier. In reality, it's probably becoming harder.
When confronted with millions of different plant species throughout the world, it's no surprise that flower identification can be seen as 'Mission Impossible'. Even with the advent of the web and thousands upon thousands of images now at your disposal the task is not becoming any easier. In reality, it's probably becoming harder.
Perennial flower identification can be the hardest to undertake because once they've been dropped from the fashion set they can be hard to find. People stop growing them and knowledge about such plants begins to dissipate.
In previous posts I've offered tools for plant identification - most of them web-based - which can really help decipher your plant's name. But using these tools highlights some important considerations. That is, the more information you can supply, the better chances you will have of successfully identifying your perennial.
Here are some questions you should be able to answer when seeking others help;
- Height and Growing Habit - is it tall, small, dwarf, columnar, bushy, groundcovering etc?
- Foliage - is it an evergreen or deciduous? What patterns do the leaves display that might make identification easier?
- Flowers - not just the shape and colour but also the flowering season and if it flowers more than once per year. Also make note of the number of petals, whether pistils are displayed or not and even how the flowers emerge
- Your climate - mention any important climatic conditions. Do you live near the coast? Is it a cold-climate with regular frosts? Even your garden zone would be helpful?
- Soil - are you growing this plant in a loam, sand or clay soil?
- Age of the plant - also important may be where you sourced it from ie. a nursery, propagated by a friend or you found it growing on the side of the road
I, like many bloggers, are inundated with requests for information that could help identify garden perennials. The ones that I've been able to solve for most people are the ones where they have supplied an image and answered many of the questions listed above. The reason is because it gives context to deciphering what plants it could be and which ones it definitely won't be.
Fourteen Tips For Growing True Mints
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
True mint plants are easy to grow in your home garden, or you may prefer to grow the plants in containers. Some quick tips will have you growing healthy true mint plants.
True mint plants are easy to grow in your home garden, or you may prefer to grow the plants in containers. Some quick tips will have you growing healthy true mint plants.
Grow Organic Herbs On A Window-Sill - Easily
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
We have particular plants in mind when we think about houseplants. Let's consider other plants that can be grown indoors, especially organic herbs that you can use to flavor your food. There really is nothing that perks up a recipe more than the use of freshly picked, organically grown herbs from your own garden. Think of the herb you will use most. That should apply whether they will be grown indoors or outdoors in your organic garden. Grow things that you would use all the time in most of the dishes you like to prepare. Don't grow them for the sake of growing them, although that is fun too. All those new things you have to try.
We have particular plants in mind when we think about houseplants. Let's consider other plants that can be grown indoors, especially organic herbs that you can use to flavor your food. There really is nothing that perks up a recipe more than the use of freshly picked, organically grown herbs from your own garden. Think of the herb you will use most. That should apply whether they will be grown indoors or outdoors in your organic garden. Grow things that you would use all the time in most of the dishes you like to prepare. Don't grow them for the sake of growing them, although that is fun too. All those new things you have to try.
Kumquat - A Lot More Than A Beautiful Dwarf Citrus Tree
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
The more we dig deeper into the hidden potential of the garden, the more value we extract from it. The beautiful Kumquat tree serves as a good example of this.
The more we dig deeper into the hidden potential of the garden, the more value we extract from it. The beautiful Kumquat tree serves as a good example of this.
An Aquaponics Explanation
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
The farming method known as aquaponics is becoming more studied and developed, possibly helping to create a better, more healthy, and more personally accessible method for growing your own fish and vegetables. With the current food crisis and the safety of our food in question, this is the perfect time to start planning for your food and health for the future.
The farming method known as aquaponics is becoming more studied and developed, possibly helping to create a better, more healthy, and more personally accessible method for growing your own fish and vegetables. With the current food crisis and the safety of our food in question, this is the perfect time to start planning for your food and health for the future.
Organics, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Home Depot, and your local independent nursery
(Via The Blogging Nurseryman - The Art of Running a Small Garden Center or Nursery)
My friend Angela at Garden Bliss asked some questions of me in the comment section of a recent Garden Rant on Scotts Miracle-Gro support of the GWA Garden Writers of America. She wanted to know if independents garden centers have a co-op that could buy organic fertilizers and sell them at a price that [...]
My friend Angela at Garden Bliss asked some questions of me in the comment section of a recent Garden Rant on Scotts Miracle-Gro support of the GWA Garden Writers of America. She wanted to know if independents garden centers have a co-op that could buy organic fertilizers and sell them at a price that [...]
Caring for Your Indoor Bonsai Plant
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
It is hard to argue the beauty of a bonsai plant. The beauty of bonsai is one of the reasons that so many people opt to care for an indoor bonsai plant. If the thought of keeping an indoor bonsai is appealing to you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Indoor bonsai plants will need additional care since they will not be receiving as much sunlight and natural weather. It is also worth noting that some variety of bonsai are not as hardy as others and may...
It is hard to argue the beauty of a bonsai plant. The beauty of bonsai is one of the reasons that so many people opt to care for an indoor bonsai plant. If the thought of keeping an indoor bonsai is appealing to you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Indoor bonsai plants will need additional care since they will not be receiving as much sunlight and natural weather. It is also worth noting that some variety of bonsai are not as hardy as others and may...
