Your All Things Plants weekly news: April 26, 2014

There were 7 new gardening ideas posted last week:

By drdawg
April 26, 2014 What Do I Do with My Big-Box-Store Orchid?
When I lecture to organizations, I always have a "Question and Answer" session at the end. Always, and I do mean always, someone asks: "My orchid (usually one bought at a big-box store such as Lowe's or Home Depot) was in bloom when I purchased it and it has never bloomed again," or "My orchid was in bloom when I purchased it and within six months, it was dead." "What did I do wrong?" (573 words - Read the full article)
(no comments)

By Gymgirl
April 25, 2014 Tomato Transplanting Tip
The very best tomatoes grow on a healthy vine with a well-established, strong root system. Here's how to get one! (134 words - Read the full article)
(6 comments)

By wildflowers
April 24, 2014 Clinging Seeds Solution
For those seeds that are clinging to the inside walls of the plastic or cellophane seed packets, making it almost impossible to get them out, I found that rubbing the packet with a fabric softener sheet (dryer sheet) does a good job of stopping static cling.
(6 comments)

By 4susiesjoy
April 23, 2014 Growing Variegated Garden Phlox
They are sometimes startling in the contrast between their leaves and flowers, but variegated cultivars of Phlox paniculata put on a bright and colorful display in the garden. (309 words - Read the full article)
(7 comments)

By SongofJoy
April 22, 2014 Variegated Vinca Vine - Love It Or Hate It?
I seem to have a love-hate relationship with the variegated vinca vine. I know its invasive tendencies, but I still admire it for its hardiness, its striking blue-purple flowers, and its lovely variegated foliage. (281 words - Read the full article)
(17 comments)

By mcash70
April 21, 2014 Variegated Plants in My Garden
Variegated plants add wonderful variety to the garden, and one of the loveliest in my garden is the perennial Jacob's Ladder Brise d’Anjou. (330 words - Read the full article)
(26 comments)

By springcolor
April 20, 2014 Foliage Can Carry the Show
Flowers are gorgeous but they can be here today and gone tomorrow. Foliage however, can carry the show 24/7 and throughout the growing season. (304 words - Read the full article)
(13 comments)

The most popular Multi-Plant Photos from last week:

Multi-plant photo by pirl:

Multi-plant photo by indygardengal:

Multi-plant photo by DavidofDeLand:

Multi-plant photo by ge1836:

Multi-plant photo by Paul2032:

Multi-plant photo by Paul2032:

Noteworthy acorn tips given this week:
10 people gave for post #596208 in "Banner for April 23, 2014 by jon" by jon
7 people gave for the idea "Variegated Plants in My Garden" by mcash70
7 people gave for the idea "Foliage Can Carry the Show" by springcolor
6 people gave for the idea "Tomato Transplanting Tip" by Gymgirl
5 people gave for post #595350 in "Banner for April 22, 2014 by mcash70" by mcash70
5 people gave for the idea "Clinging Seeds Solution" by wildflowers
3 people gave for the idea "Variegated Vinca Vine - Love It Or Hate It?" by SongofJoy
3 people gave for post #593621 in "OT-Today I am thankful for ... # 4" by gingin
3 people gave for post #594251 in "OT - The Porch Swing [closed]" by lovemyhouse
3 people gave for a photo of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum 'Viridi Rascal') by bsharf

Noteworthy acorn tips given this week:
10 people gave for post #596208 in "Banner for April 23, 2014 by jon" by jon 7 people gave for the idea "Variegated Plants in My Garden" by mcash70 7 people gave for the idea "Foliage Can Carry the Show" by springcolor 6 people gave for the idea "Tomato Transplanting Tip" by Gymgirl 5 people gave for post #595350 in "Banner for April 22, 2014 by mcash70" by mcash70 5 people gave for the idea "Clinging Seeds Solution" by wildflowers 3 people gave for the idea "Variegated Vinca Vine - Love It Or Hate It?" by SongofJoy 3 people gave for post #593621 in "OT-Today I am thankful for ... # 4" by gingin 3 people gave for post #594251 in "OT - The Porch Swing [closed]" by lovemyhouse 3 people gave for a photo of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum 'Viridi Rascal') by bsharf

The most active threads this week:
Subject OP Area Replies

OT - The Porch Swing daylily Daylilies forum 219

April 2014 Blooms Betja Daylilies forum 52

Renewed interest in daylilies Kabby Daylilies forum 44

My What Big Teeth You Have kkaymci55 Daylilies forum 34

New member but not a newbie tedsox09 Daylilies forum 34

Banner for April 22, 2014 by mcash70 mcash70 Site Banners forum 31

Wooopie! tveguy3 Irises forum 21

Need ID for plant growing in my garden Seedfork Plant ID forum 19

Banner for April 21, 2014 by SongofJoy SongofJoy Site Banners forum 19

The most active threads this week:
Subject	OP	Area	Replies
OT - The Porch Swing	daylily	Daylilies forum	219
April 2014 Blooms	Betja	Daylilies forum	52
Renewed interest in daylilies	Kabby	Daylilies forum	44
My What Big Teeth You Have	kkaymci55	Daylilies forum	34
New member but not a newbie	tedsox09	Daylilies forum	34
Banner for April 22, 2014 by mcash70	mcash70	Site Banners forum	31
Wooopie!	tveguy3	Irises forum	21
Need ID for plant growing in my garden	Seedfork	Plant ID forum	19
Banner for April 21, 2014 by SongofJoy	SongofJoy	Site Banners forum	19

Some new recommendations from our members:

dragonfly53 recommended Plant and Gnome and wrote:
Chris has a good selection of plants and shipping is only $10.00 no matter how many plants you purchase. The prices are reasonable and the plants are well packed and arrive in great condition. He is very generous with his advice and I wish I could get to the farmers market to see his greater selections. The only caveat is that you MUST make sure the plants you buy are suitable to where you wil grow them, just the same as any larger nursery. I will order from them again!

terrafirma recommended Tropical Plants & More and wrote:
I am very pleased to be able to add my voice in recommending Tropical Plants & More. Though I've not ordered Orchids from Ken yet, I look forward to it in the near future! I have ordered supplies that I just can't find locally. My first purchase was a gorgeous piece of Portuguese Cork for mounting a baby Staghorn fern that I had acquired from a friend. The quality and beauty of this piece along with the affordable price were very intriguing. The care taken in packaging this piece was outstanding. I knew then that I'd definitely be shopping here again. Ken's passion for Orchids and tropical plants is contagious. He is always available, and he has a true desire for you to succeed in growing all these beauties. He's not just a seller; he is a teacher! He is always there to answer even what may seem to be the silliest of questions, which for a "newbie" like me, is invaluable. My most recent purchase of an 8 qt. Special Cattleya Mix was so beautifully mixed, and so generous, that I'll have to be adding to my orchid "collection" soon! Along with a sprayer/mister, that has become my all-time favorite! I know that I will be going back to Tropical Plants & More for all of my Orchid/Tropical & More needs...and wants!

jvdubb recommended Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs and wrote:
Gosh, they are just fabulous. Last year I purchased several dahlias. I had problems with several of them. I let them know and they gave me credit, even for the ones that rotted due to weather and not anything they did. I used my credit to get gladiolus this year but I did buy one dahlia. When I got my order yesterday I received a free dahlia in addition! But the best part was the wonderful hand written note from Scott, the owner. Oh, and they have a lovely monthly newsletter I always enjoy. I will definitely buy from them year after year.

virginiarose recommended Swan Island Dahlias and wrote:
I ordered 7 Dahlias a few months ago and was given a bonus dahlia for a total of 8. I did an Internet chat and was trying to add a couple of white ones, but the order had already been sent to the warehouse. The rep. did offer me half price shipping if I wanted to do a second order, so I did. I received the dahlias a few days ago and was glad they waited for good weather and did not ship at the normal time because even zone 8 still had freezing temps. I am very happy with the service and the packing. The tubers do look freshly dug, they were shipped in dry peat moss, and they look great! Highly recommended.

wildflowers recommended Logee's Greenhouses and wrote:
First time ordering - two Pineapple Guavas arrived in excellent condition, packed well and looking great! Will definitely use again.

Some new recommendations from our members:
dragonfly53 recommended Plant and Gnome and wrote: Chris has a good selection of plants and shipping is only $10.00 no matter how many plants you purchase. The prices are reasonable and the plants are well packed and arrive in great condition. He is very generous with his advice and I wish I could get to the farmers market to see his greater selections. The only caveat is that you MUST make sure the plants you buy are suitable to where you wil grow them, just the same as any larger nursery. I will order from them again!
terrafirma recommended Tropical Plants & More and wrote: I am very pleased to be able to add my voice in recommending Tropical Plants & More. Though I've not ordered Orchids from Ken yet, I look forward to it in the near future! I have ordered supplies that I just can't find locally. My first purchase was a gorgeous piece of Portuguese Cork for mounting a baby Staghorn fern that I had acquired from a friend. The quality and beauty of this piece along with the affordable price were very intriguing. The care taken in packaging this piece was outstanding. I knew then that I'd definitely be shopping here again. Ken's passion for Orchids and tropical plants is contagious. He is always available, and he has a true desire for you to succeed in growing all these beauties. He's not just a seller; he is a teacher! He is always there to answer even what may seem to be the silliest of questions, which for a "newbie" like me, is invaluable. My most recent purchase of an 8 qt. Special Cattleya Mix was so beautifully mixed, and so generous, that I'll have to be adding to my orchid "collection" soon! Along with a sprayer/mister, that has become my all-time favorite! I know that I will be going back to Tropical Plants & More for all of my Orchid/Tropical & More needs...and wants!
jvdubb recommended Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs and wrote: Gosh, they are just fabulous. Last year I purchased several dahlias. I had problems with several of them. I let them know and they gave me credit, even for the ones that rotted due to weather and not anything they did. I used my credit to get gladiolus this year but I did buy one dahlia. When I got my order yesterday I received a free dahlia in addition! But the best part was the wonderful hand written note from Scott, the owner. Oh, and they have a lovely monthly newsletter I always enjoy. I will definitely buy from them year after year.
virginiarose recommended Swan Island Dahlias and wrote: I ordered 7 Dahlias a few months ago and was given a bonus dahlia for a total of 8. I did an Internet chat and was trying to add a couple of white ones, but the order had already been sent to the warehouse. The rep. did offer me half price shipping if I wanted to do a second order, so I did. I received the dahlias a few days ago and was glad they waited for good weather and did not ship at the normal time because even zone 8 still had freezing temps. I am very happy with the service and the packing. The tubers do look freshly dug, they were shipped in dry peat moss, and they look great! Highly recommended.
wildflowers recommended Logee's Greenhouses and wrote: First time ordering - two Pineapple Guavas arrived in excellent condition, packed well and looking great! Will definitely use again.

Some numbers from last week:

92 new members.
223 new threads.
5,949 new posts.
1,452 new images to the plant database.
34 new comments in the plant database.
15 new Multi-Plant photos.