Your All Things Plants newsletter for May 6, 2012

• 68 new members.
• 168 new threads.
• 3,416 new posts.
• 1,289 new images to the plant database.
• 182 new comments in the plant database.

There were 11 new gardening ideas posted last week:

By gardengus May 6, 2012 A great display tip Hosta leaves make great backgrounds for displaying small cut flowers. (one comment)

By Sharon May 6, 2012 Garden Tours: Marilyn We are on our way to northern Kentucky to take a look at Marilyn's gardens. Be sure to click on the images so you'll see the whole picture; you don't want to miss anything! (1,056 words - Read the full article) (11 comments)

By goldfinch4 May 5, 2012 A quick 'time' tip Plant low-maintenance plants to reduce the amount of time you spend gardening. Sempervivum, lavender, hosta and most native plants are just some examples. (no comments)

By gingin May 4, 2012 A quick tip about squirrels I have a big problem with squirrels, AKA tree rats or varmints, getting into seedlings or cuttings. When I trim the rambling rose I put the trimmings around the babies to help deter them from getting dug up or eaten. Not 100% squirrel proof, but it does help. (6 comments)

By Bubbles May 4, 2012 Grow your own turmeric from the grocery store If you've ever eaten East Indian food, you've probably tasted turmeric, the bright yellow, pungent spice. It's usually found in powdered form, but can also be eaten freshly sliced from the root. Would you believe you can grow it yourself from tubers that are found in most international markets? If that doesn't catch your attention, you can also grow these same tubers/rhizomes into lovely blooming gingers for your summer garden before you harvest the roots in fall for turmeric. (715 words - Read the full article) (25 comments)

By wildflowers May 3, 2012 Clean your houseplants House plants with large leaves and smooth foliage, such as shefflera, philodendrons, and rubber plants benefit from periodically washing the leaves to remove dust buildup, helping to keep the leaf pores open. (3 comments)

By threegardeners May 2, 2012 Keep the blooms coming Deadhead your spent blooms to promote a second flush of flowers. (3 comments)

By Trish May 2, 2012 Winchester Gardens' fertilizer: A review (part 1) Winchester Gardens was excited to showcase their new line of fertilizer products to the best gardeners in the world, who are, of course, distinguished members of All Things Plants. Allow me to make the introduction. (926 words - Read the full article) (5 comments)

By plantladylin May 1, 2012 A quick tip When working in the sun always wear a hat and sunscreen. (17 comments)

By LarryR May 1, 2012 This isn’t the color it was supposed to be You buy a young potted plant at your local garden center that is not yet in bloom. The tag in the pot pictures a beautiful blue-colored flower. Much to your later dismay, the flowers aren’t blue at all, but a purplish lavender. What gives? (1,690 words - Read the full article) (15 comments)

By Horseshoe April 30, 2012 A quick tip Got earwigs? Nope, folks, not small toupee’s one wears on their ear bones but rather small brown bugs, usually scary looking because they sport pincers on their hind end. Although they normally eat decaying plant matter and certain insects they’re also known for feeding on lettuce, corn and potatoes. Try trapping them in a section of bamboo laid in the garden. They’ll crawl inside for cover and then you can dispose of them any way you choose. (16 comments)