Flower Basics

Louisiana is a beautiful state, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the south, Texas on the west, Arkansas on the north, and Mississippi on the east. The state elevations go from sea level to 535...

Research shows that flowering plants grow thorns on their stems or, in some cases create the appearance of doing so, for self-defense.

Careful gardeners prune back outdoor plants in the fall to prepare their garden for winter. If you're new to gardening, there are some basic maintenance measures that will get your plants ready...

Hybridizing your flowering plants is a great way to create custom landscape designs filled with flowers that meet your exact specifications. For centuries, gardeners have used hybridization to...

Water features in yards can include any thing from a lavish waterfall to a small tranquil koi pond. The sounds of flowing water contribute to a luxurious backdrop that can be elevated by the...

Short-term exposure to extremes will not kill houseplants but extended time spent in below freezing temperatures, extreme high temperatures, drought, flood or malnourishment will cause damage....

You can grow medicinal plants at your home, or in your office. It is important to make sure that you can produce and harvest seeds from your medicinal plants so that you can continue to have...

When epsom salt is mixed with water and used to water your household plants, not only does it provide hydration and nutrients, it also helps to flush away any toxins or fertilizers that have...

Watering your house plants sounds easy right? But so many house plants comes to an early demise due to under-watering or, the most prevelant, over-watering. Knowledge is power and after you read...

The acronym LED stands for "light emitting diode." LED lights are commonly used to encourage plant growth. There are many benefits derived from using LEDs to provide light for plants. They are...

Because soap contains oils and fats, it leaves a film on whatever it touches. Plants breathe through their leaves and stems, taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide. When soap is applied...

Science has not been able to prove definitively why flowers close at night. There are, however, two main theories, both of which have to do with the preservation of reproductive organs and...

Whether you are an interested hobbyist, a curious gardener or a burgeoning botanist, finding a unique seed can spark a quest for knowledge. Seeds fuel the horticultural world around us, bringing...

Since the early stages of society, man has known that plants grow when the sun shines. Although most of our energy and light comes from the sun, plants can grow without sunlight. Certain types of...

If you are looking for a use for the water collected in your dehumidifier, try recycling it. Sometimes called gray water, this dehumidified water is not potable, but you can use it to water plants...

Planting accent plants around your garden bed and under bushes will add another layer of beauty to the space. Contrasting colors bring out each other's distinctive qualities and help showcase the...

Variegated hoya is an evergreen vine with waxy leaves and tiny delicate flower clusters. Healthy plants make beautiful hanging baskets. Hoya plants, also referred to as wax plants, are vulnerable...

The water hyacinth is a plant that is often used in pond gardens because it is easy to grow and once planted will usually continue to grow back every year. The main problem with the water hyacinth...

A garden is a wonderful thing to witness. It brings joy and satisfaction to those who see it and, in some cases, can even heal those who are ill. Perennials never fail to bring with them each...

Flowers and plants that are native to the Pacific have been admired and valued for centuries. From California to Washington state, all the way up to Alaska, you can find bold, leafy plants and...

The poinsettia plant is recognized as the Christmas flower. During the holiday season potted poinsettias are readily available at the supermarket and used to help decorate for the holidays. But,...

The million bells plant is also known as the Calibrachoa. It strongly resembles a miniature petunia plant in appearance. It blooms heavily from spring to late fall. Million bells can be grown...

Flowers offer one of the easiest ways to identify plants. Determining the number of flower parts is the first step toward positive identification. Many flowers with seven or more petals are part...

The blue daisy, categorized as a perennial, is a beautiful flower that can be planted in any type of garden and still coordinate with the plants around it. Blue daisies should be spread out among...

Bird of Paradise plants (Strelitzia reginae) are considered easy to grow and almost never suffer from attack by disease or pests. They produce brilliant orange and blue flowers on tall stalks,...

You can install a simple drip irrigation system that waters your outdoor plants when you're away from home. Attaching the system to a timer and setting the timer frees you from finding a garden...

As awareness of water conservation grows, drought-resistant plants are a natural choice for conscientious gardeners. Drought-resistant Kniphofia Flamenco plants have few care requirements and add...

Borage is a small flowering herb that has wrinkly, grayish-green leaves and bright blue or purple flowers. Borage is used in salads and stews for cooking and is also used for medicinal purposes....

Being able to send your favorite plants to your friends or family can be exciting. Preparing your plants is a learning experience that the whole family can enjoy any time of the year. While...

Keeping your houseplants lush and growing healthy can sometimes seem like an impossible challenge. But really all that is required is a small bit of knowledge regarding the specific needs of your...

Your favorite flowers can adorn a wall or overflowing pedestals, or in some other wire containers with a coco mat. Planting flowers with a coco mat is an easy way to give a landscape an...

Geraniums are, according to the International Geranium Society, one of the most "universally popular" plants on Earth. And with good reason. Not only do geraniums add a bright punch of color to...

Indian blanket flower (also called firewheel, gaillardia aristata or grandiflora) is a perennial or annual that's easy to grow and drought-tolerant. It has daisy-like flowers in bright colors...

I learned a new trick from Glenn about roses. His tips and mine combined are sure to help with any transplanting. It works with veggie' s as well as trees, your favorite flowers. I tried this new...

Many people may not realize the importance of fertilizing your plants in the winter. This is something you want to think about if you want to see your plants return in the spring. Plants that have...

Plants have a variety of ways in which they reproduce. There are plants that reproduce by seeds and some that do not. If a plant reproduces using seeds, then there are specialized structures in...

Geraniums are brightly blooming garden and container plants. They make great hanging baskets as well as porch or deck potted plants. Geraniums are sun-loving plants, requiring up to 6 hours of...

Pansies' name comes from the French word "pensée," meaning "a thought or reflection." This form of viola plant received the name because each five-petal pansy bloom resembles a human face and...

Popular for their beauty and diversity, begonias are one of the one of the most widely cultivated ornamental flowers. Most varieties of begonia are relatively easy to keep and maintain, but...

Lilacs, roses, peonies, lavender--what do all these flowers have in common? Besides being visually beautiful, they entrance us with their fragrance. A flower's perfume may seem elusive, but it is...

Flowering plants are a focal point of landscapes and gardens during the spring and summer; despite their abundance, not all flowers are the same. Annual plants are the most common type of plant...

The species Sedum, or stonecrops, are hardy perennial plants. Sedum are beautiful plants, with clumps of stems growing up from the ground and succulent, round leaves growing up the stem. They grow...

During the colder months of the year, many flowers are susceptible to the lower temperatures and they can freeze as a result. After the ice melts, your blossoms may develop a mushy texture and a...

Growing iris plants is a relatively simple process for anyone who has a naturally "green" thumb. These flowering plants grow from rhizomes (fat roots, or bulbs). Rhizomes are available at lawn and...

Adding flowers to your landscape is like putting icing on a cake---flowers offer decorative color and beauty as well as providing visual focal points. With a careful selection of plants, your...

Container plants, though beautiful on decks and in gardens, have root systems that are extremely susceptible to freezing during harsh winter conditions. Their leaves, stems and branches are...

Plants grown in afternoon sun receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Because this time of day generates the most heat, choose plants that will not dry out. Find out how much sun each area...

Red Lily Beeles are a soft, beetle like creature that insect enthusiasts would find rather pleasing to the eye. Those that grow Red Lilies would likely have a different opinion. The Red Lily...

Canna lilies are large plants with big, bright flowers. The leaves resemble the leaves from a banana tree, and they are actually in the same family as banana and ginger plants.

When you eat a fruit or pick up a pine cone, do you ever wonder about its function? We eat fruit and decorate with pine cones, however; plants produce them for specific functions other than our...