Home is where the heart is.
Unless you live in a tropical climate, then you will probably be growing the “Bearss” — also known as “Persian”– lime (Citrus latifolia), which rises in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Limes trees, such as all citrus, can create shoots at the bottom of this tree. Recognizing these and correctly…
Oxalis triangularis is also called love plant or purple shamrock. It is a low growing, bulbous perennial characterized by scores of dark purple, triangular leaflets and fragile, tiny white blooms. The leaves, roots, and flowers of this plant are edible, with the spring-blooming flowers making especially beautiful salad garnishes. The plant has a clump-forming habit…
Normally the landscaping around a house has a few shrubs and other vegetation with woody divisions, and over the years these limbs may develop long and look unkempt. To ensure a neat appearance around your lawn and keep shrubbery healthy, it’s a good idea to prune back branches and gently cut some stems to provide…
Olives trees (Olea europaea L.), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, are drought-tolerant trees after established. An established tree can withstand a lack of supplemental watering even in arid inland areas. Young olive trees should be watered frequently as they become established. If you wish to boost olive growth,…
A subtropical native of China, the loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) works well as an ornamental tree in the home landscape. This evergreen tree produces white flowers in the autumn against a backdrop of oval, dark-green leaves. Although the flowers are not much to check at, their sweet fragrance creates an inviting atmosphere. Hardy at U.S.…
A pond adds new dimension to the backyard and new challenges for many inexperienced with aquatic plants. A pond creates a ecosystem that requires more than topping it off with a hose and plunking in a couple of goldfish to avoid an algae-covered litter that needs constant maintenance. Pond plants create your water feature look…
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…