 Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you. -Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
|
|
Edible Landscaping - How To: Control Poison Ivy
There is no weed harder to control than poison ivy. Not only does it spread and resist repeated attempts to spray it, dig it, or mow it into submission, its sap contains the chemical urushiol, which causes severe rashes, itching, and swelling. |  |
|
|
Make Your Own Moss Pole
A moss pole is the best way to grow plants like Philodendrons and Syngoniums. Moss poles are really pretty simple to make; let me show you. |  |
|
|
Hardscapes in the Garden
Gardens are magical places. The shape of the landscape (or cityscape) and the plants set the mood and provide interest. But it is often the hardscapes that separate great gardens from good ones. Benches, arbors, patios, and other features define the space, frame the best views, and provide places for reflection in the garden. |  |
|
|
Growing Leeks
In November and December, between harvesting trips to the garden, leek growers are deciding which varieties to grow next year. |  |
|
|
Edible Landscaping - How to: Plant Root Crops
Root crops are buried treasures that can be difficult to get started, but rewarding to harvest. By root crops, I'm talking about radishes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips. I'll skip potatoes for now since they grow differently and are quite easy to grow. Check out this article on potatoes, if you're interested in growing them. |  |
|
|
Together with Farmers Defense Garden.org Subscribers, join forces with Farmers Defense! This spring, arm yourself with our flagship gardening sleeves, gloves, aprons, sun hats, and more! With UPF 50+ and comprehensive protection from scratches, scrapes, and bruises, save, and support your skin's bright and beautiful future. Shop now! Use code GARDEN15 to get 15% off your entire order—and for a limited time get a FREE pair of trimming shears with the purchase of two items or more!
|
|
Let's Learn about Imbibition
Imbibition (you might recognize the word imbibe) in horticulture refers to the critical phase in the germination of seeds where they absorb water, which is needed to start the developmental processes that lead to sprouting. When a seed is dry, its metabolic activities are largely suspended, and it remains in a dormant state. Exposure to moisture triggers imbibition, where water penetrates the seed coat and is absorbed by the hydrophilic (water-attracting) components of the seed. This absorption causes the seed to swell, which can lead to the breaking or softening of the seed coat. As the seed swells, the water also activates enzymes that were inactive in the dry state. These enzymes begin to break down food reserves stored within the seed, converting them into more accessible forms of energy (like sugars) that are necessary for growth. This enzymatic activity also leads to the production of hormones that signal the seed to start developing into a seedling! |
|
|
Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 8a -12.2 °C (10 °F) to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Plant Height: 18 to 24 inches
Plant Spread: 12 to 18 inches
Leaves: Deciduous
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: White, Other
Bloom Size: 2"-3"
Flower Time: Late spring or early summer, Summer, Late summer or early fall
Suitable Locations: Houseplant
Uses: Cut Flower
Wildlife Attractant: Hummingbirds
Resistances: Humidity tolerant
Conservation status: Near Threatened (NT)
|  |
|
|
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Ace of Hearts')
Plant Habit: Tree
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 5a -28.9 °C (-20 °F) to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
Leaves: Deciduous
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Purple
Flower Time: Spring, Late winter or early spring
Suitable Locations: Street Tree
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Pollinators: Bees
|  |
|
|
Calathea (Goeppertia kegeljanii)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade, Partial Shade to Full Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9b -3.9 °C (25 °F) to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Plant Height: 12 to 18 inches
Leaves: Evergreen
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Suitable Locations: Houseplant
Resistances: Humidity tolerant
Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots
|  |
|
|
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus glabratus 'White Surf')
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F)
Plant Height: 6 to 8 inches
Plant Spread: 18 to 24 inches
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated, Other
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Late summer or early fall, Fall
Suitable Locations: Houseplant
Uses: Groundcover, Suitable as Annual
Wildlife Attractant: Butterflies, Bees
Resistances: Deer Resistant, Humidity tolerant, Pollution
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger, Needs excellent drainage in pots, Suitable for hanging baskets
|  |
|
|
Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent, Vine
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F)
Leaves: Evergreen, Other
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower Color: White, Other
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Late spring or early summer, Summer, Other
Suitable Locations: Houseplant
Uses: Houseplant
Wildlife Attractant: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Resistances: Humidity tolerant
Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots, Prefers to be under-potted, Suitable for hanging baskets
|  |
|
|
 Photo by Neela
|
|
 Photo by Zoia
"N Tangent"
|
|
 Photo by jimk_rn
"Daylily Mardi Gras"
|
|
 Photo by Legalily
|
|
 Photo by drirastucker
|
|
 Photo by lauriemorningglory
"First year blooms. Slight sweet fragrance."
|
|
 Photo by hillbilly
|
|
 Photo by lllee386
|
|
 Photo by BlueOddish
|
|
 Photo by Sheridragonfly
"Always puts on a stunning show to behold!"
|
|
Together with Jung Seed Rose - BOGO Sale
Roses are on sale now! Buy One Rose and Get One Rose Free. This offer is available for a limited time while supply lasts. Use the code: BOGO24JUNG. Jung Seed has a wonderful selection of roses. We offer many different varieties, such as hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, antique & modern climbing roses, and disease-resistant, highly floriferous shrub and groundcover roses. Shop Now!
|
|
Active threads from our forums:
|
Thread Subject
|
Forum
|
Replies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The numbers from this week:
505 members joined.
3,512 posts written in our forums.
748 photos posted to the plant database.
1,003 plants added to personal inventory lists.
|
|
 I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. — Ruth Stout
|
|
|
