Gardening Question of the Day for Tuesday, April 22, 2008
(Via Gardening Question of the Day (from The Old Farmer's Almanac))
I live in New York City and have a three-year-old fig tree. It bore fruit for the first time this year, but it failed to ripen. Why? What is a good fertilizer? (answer).
I live in New York City and have a three-year-old fig tree. It bore fruit for the first time this year, but it failed to ripen. Why? What is a good fertilizer? (answer).
From The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Correa Species: Our Australian Fuschia
(Via Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas)
I'm not sure why we keep giving our native plants titles that reflect other species. But it seems that the term "Australian Fuschia" is more widely accepted when describing this plant than referring to it's botanical name, Correa sp. It's like we have to somehow justify its existence by calling to mind images of a plant that, in effect, has very little in common with this native plant.
I'm not sure why we keep giving our native plants titles that reflect other species. But it seems that the term "Australian Fuschia" is more widely accepted when describing this plant than referring to it's botanical name, Correa sp. It's like we have to somehow justify its existence by calling to mind images of a plant that, in effect, has very little in common with this native plant.
For me, they're Correas. And they are fast becoming one of my most sought after Aussie natives.
The reasons may not seem overtly apparent, especially when they're not in flower. Yet, if you take a quick look around the garden in autumn you will soon see how dramatic the landscape can change. These insignificant bushes that mingle with a scope of natives transform, almost instantaneously, into a candelabra of passionate colour.
While the flowers are certainly a gorgeous spectacle, one of the highlights for me is their ability to grow in most light conditions. This is a huge plus when creating a native Australian garden as most of our indigenous species are full-sun lovers. Finding plants that will grow well in spots that never see the light of day, is a task that borders on impossible.
And then there's the range. Shrubby bushes, like C. glabra, will grow to 2m and display a bounty of green winter bells. Hybrids, such as Correa 'Dusky Bells' ( quite possibly a result of C. reflexa and C.pulchella) prefer to hug the ground and will only grow about 20-30cm becoming smothered in dusky pink bells from the start of autumn.
Flowers come in a range of white, C. alba, to bright reds and pinks, C. pulchella, and those tipped with yellow borders, C. reflexa. And they never seem to get bored of producing them.
The one pictured above (my apologies for the photo) is C.puchella 'Firestorm' which I bought just last week. It will be an awesome edition to my sun-obscured border and just the exuberance I need for my garden during this dismal season. It's only a baby but maturity isn't that far off as it stretches to only 1m high.
Where will Correa's grow?
There aren't too many places this species won't inhabit. Apart from wet, tropical regions and areas where there is minimal rainfall, Correas will thrive - and with very little effort. They're not choosy about their soil conditions, although they do prefer it a little more sandy than clay, and they don't require copious amounts of fertiliser.
Correas prefer a moist soil but detest wet feet so planting them in a free-draining area will suit them wonderfully.
While Correas will grow as well in the shade as in full-sun, they do tend to become leggy where light is restricted.
Lawn Care - Granular Versus Liquid Applications, What’s Better For The Environment
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
Don't you hate spray-drifting lawn chemicals? If you are concerned about the possibility of liquid herbicides and liquid insecticides blowing around the place when your Lawn Care contractor is supposed to be looking after your lawn, then you should read on!
Don't you hate spray-drifting lawn chemicals? If you are concerned about the possibility of liquid herbicides and liquid insecticides blowing around the place when your Lawn Care contractor is supposed to be looking after your lawn, then you should read on!
Garden Water Features Bringing Tranquility Into Your Outdoor Retreat
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
Having a beautiful, perfectly landscaped outdoor garden, whether big or small, is definitely every home owner's dream. Gardens are intended to be one of the finest spot where you and your family can relax and take pleasure in the true beauty mother nature has to offer. The serene and scenic foliage, the wonderful colors of beautiful blossoms, the sweet smelling morning breeze, the joyful chirping of backyard birds, all come together forming a perfectly balanced environment. Despite all this however, outdoor gardens may still seem partial and incomplete without the presence of an exquisite and finely structured water feature.
Having a beautiful, perfectly landscaped outdoor garden, whether big or small, is definitely every home owner's dream. Gardens are intended to be one of the finest spot where you and your family can relax and take pleasure in the true beauty mother nature has to offer. The serene and scenic foliage, the wonderful colors of beautiful blossoms, the sweet smelling morning breeze, the joyful chirping of backyard birds, all come together forming a perfectly balanced environment. Despite all this however, outdoor gardens may still seem partial and incomplete without the presence of an exquisite and finely structured water feature.
Compost, Part 2 - Where Do I Put All This Stuff?
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
You have a number of choices, here. A compost bin, box, tumbler, trench or heap - all will work, its a matter of personal preference.
You have a number of choices, here. A compost bin, box, tumbler, trench or heap - all will work, its a matter of personal preference.
A Primer To Attracting Birds To Your Backyard
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
If you know someone special who cares for the wild birds or takes delight in watching birds out their window or while outdoors, bird feeders may indeed be the perfect gift. Whether the occasion is a Birthday, Secretaries day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day or Christmas, bird feeders make great gifts. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, when it comes to a bird enthusiast there is no right time, anytime can be a good time to buy a bird gift that will help them with their feeding of the birds in their garden.
If you know someone special who cares for the wild birds or takes delight in watching birds out their window or while outdoors, bird feeders may indeed be the perfect gift. Whether the occasion is a Birthday, Secretaries day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day or Christmas, bird feeders make great gifts. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, when it comes to a bird enthusiast there is no right time, anytime can be a good time to buy a bird gift that will help them with their feeding of the birds in their garden.
Growing Chillies - 5 Tips To Help Your Crop
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
Growing chilies is relatively simple and can be achieved by anyone, no matter how small a space you have even if you only have a small balcony or even only a windowsill. Below are a few tip to help you increase your crop.
Growing chilies is relatively simple and can be achieved by anyone, no matter how small a space you have even if you only have a small balcony or even only a windowsill. Below are a few tip to help you increase your crop.
