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The more than 180 species of honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) Contain both vines and shrubs. Honeysuckle vines are grown for their showy, fragrant flowers, which are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. The honeysuckle fruits also bring birds. Honeysuckle vines can quickly cover a trellis or fence. How quickly they grow depends on the variety, soil…
Although each species of fruit tree differs, the same general rules for caution apply to all fruit trees grown in home orchards. Fruit trees need adequate light, nutrients and water to be able to make fruit. To be able to stay healthy, fruit trees need to be planted in soil with proper drainage. Planted in…
At least two species of the magnolia genus of flowering trees are commonly known as “Chinese” magnolias. Not all magnolias have development habits or roots that are suitable for growing near water lines. The most appropriate trees of any species are the ones that are small and slow growing. As a rule of thumb, the…
Dipper gourds (Langenaria siceraria) come in a variety of sizes and shapes, even though most have thin necks and bulbous bases. Some varieties feature brief necks, or grips, but some have long or curved grips. These ornamental gourds grow nicely as annuals in many spaces which feature at least 100 days of frost-free temperatures, producing…
A sad, limp African violet (Saintpaulia spp.) Is a sorry sight, but you may have the ability to revive a wilted plant, based on the cause of the problem. African violets are tropical plants usually grown as houseplants, and they grow best in warm, even temperatures and moist soil. Even though African violets are usually…
“How the mightly have fallen” could apply with equal force to pine trees after a storm as politicians after an election. Pine trees (Pinus spp.) Are hardy North American natives but their standing for toppling in moist winter storms makes some hope to plant them. Prior to rule out upgrading your lawn with a beautiful…
No-mow grass lawns are appealing, natural, low-input alternatives to the traditional short green grass grass in the house garden. To keep the gorgeous meadow effect, keep foot traffic to a minimum. Plant shrubs, perennials, bulbs, ground cover and other low maintenance plants in borders, to ensure that regular walks through your no-mow yard to attend…
Even though African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) and phalaenopsis orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) Both require well-drained potting mixtures, their growing conditions are too dissimilar for them to do well at precisely the same sort of planting medium. Phalaenopsis orchids, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, naturally grow on tree trunks and…
Where water is plentiful and temperatures are moderate, plants have broad, thin leaves with a great deal of surface area for maximum photosynthesis. Plants adapted to drought conditions, however, exhibit several structural characteristics that prevent water loss, helping them live hot, dry conditions. In addition they have physiological mechanisms which are not directly observable and…
Herbs in hanging baskets means while herb hanging baskets are not usually full of blossoms, what they lose in ornamental value they make up for in convenience, and not needing to share your crop with snails or slugs. Snipping a few leaves from a basket hanging beyond the kitchen doorway is much easier than walking…