home sectionhome sectionWith its clusters of fragrant, brightly tinted flowers, garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) makes a colorful addition to sunny areas of the garden. Also known as summer, hybrid or tall phlox, this perennial thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9. When shopping for this plant, you'll often find a collection plants or seeds labeled as a tall hybrid phlox mixture. If planted and cared for properly, this mixture will provide your garden with flowers each summer.
The savannas is one of the six biomes and falls between a desert and a rainforest. Savannas are known for tall grass, sparse trees, a seven-month average wet season and months of drought in the dry season. Because of these long periods of drought, the savannas only supports a select number of plants that have adapted to these harsh conditions. Savannas are present in numerous countries and states, including Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Brazil, India, Australia and the Everglades of Florida.
Aglaonema modestum is more commonly known as the Chinese evergreen. With glossy, variegated green and cream foliage, the A. modestum grows to 2 feet in height, with an 18-inch spread. Although it thrives outdoors within zones 10b and 11 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, it does well as a houseplant. While A. modestum attracts common pests, periodically checking and washing the plant keeps them to a minimum.
While grasshoppers in large numbers will eat nearly all the vegetation available, without regard to the type of plant, in smaller numbers the pests show preferences for certain common plants and vegetables. By keeping some of these plants away from the garden, and protecting the others with netting or insecticide, damage from grasshoppers can be reduced.
Flowering azaleas grow in gardens throughout the continental United States. According to horticulturalist Christopher J. Starbuck, these shrubs produce growth throughout all seasons, from the winter foliage of evergreen azaleas to the spring buds of colorful, flowering varieties. Facts about red azalea shrubs reveal important information about their scientific classification, availability and climate suitability. Familiarizing yourself with this information may help you create a more hospitable growing environment for your azalea specimens.
Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) makes an attractive ornamental tree in temperate gardens. In the summer, the tree produces white blooms similar to those of a camellia shrub. In the fall, it puts on a show as its leaves change from deep green to yellow and red. Although stewartia is a hardy tree without any known pests or diseases, no tree is immune to these problems. Taking a few precautions will keep your tree healthy.
Aeonium is a genus of succulent plants native to the Canary Islands. They are small and highly ornamental, with leaves in shades of red, burgundy, lime green and even variegated, growing in a rosette. When the rosette matures, it produces an 8-inch tall stalk that bears clusters of flowers at the tip. Aeonium grows well in containers where it can be brought out of the cold in regions with chilly weather. Since Aeonium is grown purely for its foliage, when spots mar the beauty of the foliage, act quickly to determine the cause.
The anemone, a genus of flowering plants under the Ranunculaceae family, is found in the north and south temperate zones. It consists of around 120 species, many of which are cultivated into garden plants. Anemones are often grown by gardeners as they are one of the easiest types of garden-variety plants to cultivate.
Desmodium styracifolium originates in China and East Asia, where it has a long history of use for its medicinal properties. Grow Desmodium styracifolium for its ornamental value in the garden. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for its diuretic properties. (Never use it for medical purposes without first consulting your doctor.) Look for this plant under the common name Guang Jing Qian Cao or coin-leaf desmodium.
Hibiscus flowers reproduce in multiple ways, giving gardeners options when they want to expand the amount of flowers in their outdoor spaces. Hibiscus (Hibiscus lunariifolius) grows in a variety of vivid colors. The tropical look of the flowers is attractive to humans and hummingbirds, which may both be essential in helping the plant to reproduce.
Roundup is a well-known herbicide extensively used in many commercial and consumer applications. Manufactured by the Monsanto Company, Roundup has an active ingredient of glyphosate. Other herbicides also use glyphosate in their product. Roundup kills vegetation by destroying the root system, which ensure the plant does not grow back. Properly used, it is safe around trees.
A dichotomous key is a useful tool in clarifying the difference between and identifying species in the plant and animal kingdoms. It is a highly structured process with carefully developed steps, which lead the user through to a correct identification of flowers and vegetables.
Unless you plan on using a powerful tree stump and root killing variant of Roundup plant killer, your trees are generally safe from the herbicidal spray. There are some key tips to keep your precious trees completely safe, if only to cover all of your bases. The soil around your trees will not absorb the Roundup and tree trunks are naturally as well. Since Roundup targets the green, leafy areas of a plant, your primary goal is to avoid spraying those areas of your trees.
Jackrabbits, members of the hare family, get their name from having extremely long ears, much like a jackass. The female jackrabbit produces many litters of babies throughout the year, making it difficult to control the ever-growing population. Jackrabbits can cause great damage to vegetable gardens and flower gardens, eating foliage and fruit of many different plants. While jackrabbits feed off many different types of plants, there are plants that jackrabbits will not eat because they possess a strong odor or taste.
The bacterial infection known as fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) infects more than 130 plants in the rose family. Forsythia is in the family Oleaceae, so forsythia is not a host for fire blight. There are, however, two other blights that commonly cause problems for forsythia. Fortunately, you can control and prevent these blights with the proper methods.
A broad range of weed-killing herbicide products are sold under the brand name Roundup. The primary active chemical ingredient that kills weeds is glyphosate. Some formulations contain other chemicals, such as pre-emergent herbicides, to further control weeds in a landscape. Apply Roundup herbicides when weed foliage is dry to the touch, and preferably when rain is not expected within four hours.
Keep jackrabbits out of your garden and yard through simple exclusion and repellent methods. About the size of house cats, jackrabbits are 17 to 21 inches in length with grayish-brown bodies, long front legs, longer back legs and long ears with black tips. Damage from jackrabbits can include vegetable, herb, ornamental plant, tree and berry crop destruction. Look for signs of jackrabbits such as circular, course waste matter, and remember to keep all gates and fencing closed whenever possible.
The mustard family is a group of flowering plants called Brassicaceae; this family formerly went by the name of Cruiferae. Brassicaceae contains more than 3,700 species, including numerous weeds. A weed is an invasive type of plant that has a rapidly spreading growth pattern. Many weeds are native species, while others are established plants. Some weeds produce colorful flowers often mistaken as wildflowers. Brassicaceae has a wide assortment of perennial, biennial and annual flowering weeds.
Spiders are common pests found in every state of the United States. Approximately 3,400 different species call North America home, with an astounding 40,000 different species worldwide. You can find several different types in various areas across the state of Georgia. Types commonly found in the southern state include the brown recluse, wolf spider, black widow and trapdoor spiders.
Trapdoor spiders live in small tunnels below the ground where they wait for prey to go by. When the spider spots its prey, it will attack and bite it with its fangs and then drag it down into the tunnel. The trap door spider is closely related to the tarantula but it doesn't have a venomous bite. This spider can live for many years. If it becomes a nuisance there are easy ways to kill it.
The most common ferns are tropical, living in wet, shady spots, but the wide range of fern species reaches into just about every habitat. There are aquatic ferns, and there are ferns that grow on the bark of trees. There are ferns that grow in the wettest rainforests, and ferns that cling to rocks in harsh climates. Even with all their variation, ferns remain unlike most other plants, and a primary aspect of their uniqueness is their leaves.
Vines with milky sap serve a variety of purposes in the landscape. When grown on a trellis, they can create shady outdoor rooms within the garden. Vines hide ugly walls or fences and increase your yard's privacy by blocking unwanted sights and sounds. Flowering or fruiting vines, especially those with woody stems and dense foliage, also provide habitat and nectar for birds. Some vines with milky sap are toxic, so research species before planting in an area where children play.
Perennial ferns live for at least three seasons. When choosing these shade-tolerant plants for your landscape, determine your region's U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone, which divides North America into zones based on average annual low temperature. In zone 7, which encompasses areas in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia and Virginia, temperatures reach lows to zero degrees Fahrenheit. Other cultural factors to consider include sun exposure, moisture and soil type.
Roundup Quikpro is a powerful post-emergent herbicide designed to start killing unwanted growth in as little as twenty-four hours. Quickpro is intended to be used around fences, posts, curbs and in other areas that are difficult for trimmers and other lawn tools to reach. The herbicide is sold in a concentrated form and needs to be mixed with water prior to application. The ratio of Quickpro herbicide to water depends on where the herbicide is being applied.
The life cycle of a butterfly begins with the egg. According to the University of Rhode Island, butterflies can lay from 200 to 1,500 eggs, which hatch into larvae, or caterpillars. The caterpillar eats the leaves or other parts of the plant that it hatches on. Some species can be sustained only on one type of plant or part of a plant, while others have a variety. The caterpillar then goes into the pupal stage, forms a cocoon and eventually transforms into a butterfly.
Forsythias are deciduous shrubs that grow 3 to 9 feet tall. You can easily shear them to control growth or create hedges. Some varieties are bred for cold hardiness. Forsythia shrubs are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Gardeners desire them for their wonderful bright-yellow flowers. The yellow can vary from pale yellow to greenish yellow, but all are yellow. Some are single and some are double. A white- or pink-flowered plant commonly called forsythia is actually not forsythia but abeliophyllum, but both forsythia and abeliophyllum are in the olive family and have similar flowers. They resist…
Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide sold under several trade names, including Roundup. Wherever herbicides are used, care must be taken to make sure that herbicide residues are not allowed to find their way into water sources, since the herbicide chemicals that are toxic to plants are often toxic to humans as well. If you plan to use Roundup near a water well, it is only wise to take some time to understand the possible risks in doing so and to know how to prevent any contamination.
Roundup, with a main ingredient of glyphosate, is a weed killer that is absorbed into the green parts of plants. Though meant to kill only weeds, Roundup can inflict injury on other green plants, including trees, if the spray touches them. If you need to get rid of weeds before you plant a tree, you can use Roundup to do so. However, Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, suggests you don't spray Roundup at the same time you plant your tree.
Roundup is a broad spectrum herbicide manufactured by the Monsanto Corporation. Other manufacturers produce similar products based on the active ingredient glyphosate. Available in premixed packaging or as concentrates, the chemicals are used by homeowners and in production agriculture. The small-scale home user commonly mixes the chemical in 3- or 5-gallon batches.
Cimarron Plus is a broad-spectrum herbicide for the control of weeds in pastures and rangeland. It controls broad-leaf weed varieties. The herbicide is toxic and should not be applied to areas where the water table is exposed, directly to bodies of water or where run-off will affect local water systems. Wear protective clothing and a respirator when mixing or spraying Cimarron Plus. Prolonged contact with the skin may induce an allergic reaction. Cimarron Plus is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Cimarron Plus is absorbed by the leaves and root system of undesirable plants. Results are visible in one to two…
Forsythia is a perennial shrub and member of the Oleaceae family. This plant is commonly found in Ohio, Indiana and Virginia and grows actively during the spring and summer months. While forsythia is generally hardy, it is susceptible to insect infestations that can damage its health and appearance.
Barricade SG is a herbicide in soluble granule form for use on wheat and spring barley in the Prairie Province and Peace River region of British Columbia, Canada. Barricade aids in the eradication of broad-leaf weed species. Barricade is mixed with water and an adjuvant to encourage absorption. Barricade's effects will only be visible on weed leaves from 1 to 3 weeks after application. Barricade is a toxic chemical and all due caution should be taken when handling, spraying and storing the herbicide.
Argiope aurantia, known as the black and yellow argiope, serves homeowners and gardeners by capturing potentially devastating pest insects that could damage crops, flower beds and gardens. Although they are large spiders, they are reluctant to bite and their venom is not medically significant to humans. Their large webs and large bodies do, however, sometimes startle people.
Snails rank as one of the most problematic garden pests. Although they are small, they quickly can decimate your garden, eating away at seedlings and new shoots. While there are an abundance of chemical-based snail poisons on the market, many of them also can be harmful to your family and your pets. As an alternative, control these pests using natural methods that are environmentally friendly.
Forsythia is one of the earliest-flowering shrubs in the spring. A low-maintenance plant, forsythia easily tolerates the pollution of urban areas and enjoys the fresh air of both suburban and rural gardens. Several varieties are available, all quite hardy. Forsythia normally has little trouble with insect enemies. Some of the potential problems that occasionally pester forsythia include crown gall and leaf spot, plus Japanese weevils, nematodes and the four-lined plant bug.
Butterflies lay their eggs on "host plants." Once the caterpillar hatches, it can use its nest site as a source of food. A number of butterflies use oak trees as a host plant. When looking for butterfly eggs, look at the bottom side of the leaves or near buds. Butterfly eggs vary in color and shape, depending on the species, and may be laid individually or in groups.
Worms tunnel through soil, moving it from underground up to the surface while eating and searching for food. They secrete slime in the process of moving through the soil, adding nitrogen and enabling the soil to form tiny clumps, retaining moisture. Earthworms have no ears, eyes or legs, are cold-blooded, and are hermaphrodites, with both male and female organs, hatching their young from tiny cocoons.
Roundup is a brand name herbicide with active ingredients of glyphosate and a small amount (less than one percent) of diquat. Glyphosate is a common herbicide used to kill weeds. Roundup is available for purchase in a concentrated form. In its undiluted form, it has a shelf life of eight years. Once mixed, that life decreases to six months. However, it is convenient to mix the amount you'll need for the growing season in early spring, and have it available for immediate use.
Shrubs serve many purposes. Grown as a hedge, they offer privacy and help define the landscape. Shrubs also work well as specimens or in perennial beds. Common shrubs are generally hardy and require little maintenance.
Gerbera daisies are members of the Asteraceae family and native to South Africa. Home gardeners often choose gerberas for their lovely, colorful blooms that come in red, pink, orange, yellow and white. Gerbera daisies are susceptible to insect infestations that can affect the health and appearance of the plant.
Take a break from the ordinary and add exotic appeal to your garden. Siberian irises are easy-to-grow plants that add brilliantly colored flowers and tall, graceful foliage to the landscape. Plants require little care once planted and are adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Select an optimal planting site to plant Siberians -- they prefer to be left undisturbed for the first six years after planting.
Snails can be bothersome pests in a garden. Many species of snail are known to cause problems in Florida. However, some native plants in the state have qualities that naturally repel snails.
Ferns thrive in a variety of climates and locations. These lush, green plants make up a major portion of the native flora in high mountain forests, as well as tropical jungles. While some ferns are rare and temperamental, others flourish even with neglect. Some varieties of ferns are used as houseplants and can add living greenery even in areas with minimal amounts of natural sunlight.
The herbicide Roundup, manufactured by the Scotts Miracle Grow Company, comes in several formulations. Roundup is only effective when it comes in contact with plant leaves and stems; concentrated forms of the herbicide must be diluted with water.
Ferns thrive in loose, organic soil under shade trees. They come in varieties with textures, shapes and sizes that complement any garden plan. Ferns and hostas are a classic combination, but ferns grow well alongside most other shade plants.
Members of the mollusk family, snails glide around your garden on a muscular foot, chewing irregular holes in vulnerable plants. If your garden is plagued by snails, consider planting snail-resistant perennials.
Variations in soil type have a significant impact on plant growth and development. Before you plant your garden, always have your soil tested in order to determine its texture and structure.
Native to eastern Asia, Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows well outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5b through 8. Red Head is a cultivar with exceptionally red young foliage.
The grape fern (Botrychium) grows in woodland settings and along the edge of swamplands. It grows naturally in the northeastern regions of North America.
Worsham is a classification of soil designated by the USDA. The Worsham Series classification describes the physical characteristics and geographic locations associated with this type of soil. Worsham soil is typically found in depressions, the base of slopes or other poorly drained areas. The composition of Worsham soils includes a mixture of clay, loam or silt that often has a sandy texture. This type of soil is not well suited for growing crops and is typically found in pastures and woodland areas.
Perennial ferns return each year, growing up from their root-like rhizome structures. Evergreen species maintain their fronds over the winter. Most fern species live long lives as perennials given the right growing conditions and do very well in pots.
Soil texture, fertility and pH play important roles in plant growth and development. Before planting your garden, test the soil with a home testing kit or take a sample to the local university extension for analysis.
If your yard has an abundance of weeds, consider using the herbicide Roundup. Effective on both grass and broad-leaved weeds, Roundup can help keep your yard weedless. Roundup is a broad spectrum herbicide containing glyphosate. It will kill all vegetation it touches, so take great care when applying it. Since Roundup is sold in a concentrated form, you will have to mix it before you apply it to your yard.
Cogongrass is an invasive weed that disturbs native plants in the Southeast. This vigorously growing weed raises the risk of fire spreading, limits wildlife habitats and out-competes tree seedlings. If left in your yard, cogongrass can completely take over and harm your grass and ornamental plants. Herbicide is one of the best forms of weed control to fight cogongrass.
Most people think of fruit when jams or jellies are mentioned. However, edible flowers can also be preserved this way. Flower jellies use an infusion of the flower, while preserves and jams use the entire blossom.
The begonia family includes more than 1,000 species of ornamental plants. Growers value them for their attractive foliage as well as for their showy blossoms. Snails, however, are a common pest problem in begonia plantings.
Perennials of several families emit milky sap from their cut stems, roots or leaves. The best known may be milkweeds, of the Asclepiadaceae family. Milkweed plants have varying degrees of toxicity, notes the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Other milky-sapped plants may cause toxic reactions, including skin and eye irritation. Many of them, however, are more dangerous to animals than to people.
Many perennials with milky-white sap are members of the Euphorbia plant family. Some people may experience toxic reactions if exposed to the sap. When working in the garden, wear gloves if handling or pruning such plants. Dermatitis or eye irritation may result should sap get on the skin or into eye membranes.
The garden heliotrope is an old-fashioned favorite that's making a comeback. A plant of the borage family, the heliotrope grows as either an annual or perennial depending on your climate. It's known for its sweet fragrance and long-lasting flowers --- in fact, with care it can flower throughout the summer and into early fall. The most common colors are white and purple. It goes by at least two common names.
As any seasoned gardener will tell you, soil has an enormous effect on how plants grow. If the soil is very sandy, very soggy, very rich in calcium or very acidic, it can spell disaster for one plant and success for another. The relative acidity or alkalinity of soil, known as its pH level, is one such determining factor for plant growth. If your soil is too acidic, it's a common practice to add ground limestone to make it more alkaline.
Venus flytraps are an extraordinary and uncommon variety of plant. Because of the nutrient-deficient soil in their area of origin, Venus flytraps took on carnivorous characteristics to help supplement their growth, creating a fascinating support system, unlike that of most plants.
Capsicum is a large genus comprised of peppers, including bell, cayenne, jalapeno and sweet banana. Most peppers are easy to grow, requiring only nutrient-rich soil and regular waterings. However, there are some diseases that commonly attack members of the capsicum family. Most can be avoided by using good sanitation practices in the garden and giving your plants plenty of room for air to circulate around them.
A dichotomous key is a classification tool that allows you to identify organisms and minerals based on a series of dichotomies, or contradictions that occur between two objects. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln website, when setting up a dichotomous key, you must establish one less step -- or dichotomy -- than the total number of organisms you are identifying; otherwise you won't be able to divide the organisms evenly. So for a dichotomous key for four common garden plants, you would need three dichotomies.
If well cared for, common white jasmine -- or poet's jasmine -- may reach heights over 10 feet. Blooms are white and heavily scented. Plant this vine for its beauty or to attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
Soil, which is much more than just dirt, is composed of four basic components in differing proportions. These parts are organic particles, mineral particles, water and air. Different soils have particular colors, textures and even smells. Several characteristics are used in describing soil. Gardeners should understand the various traits of their soils, so they can make changes in their soils to ensure the best possible plant growth.
Approximately 3,000 spiders live and thrive across North America, according to the Washington State University. The temperate climate of Georgia offers an ideal home to common garden spiders. Beneficial to the garden, spiders help keep unwanted insect pests under control on garden plants. Few pose any danger to humans and most prefer being left alone.
The thuja Green Giant evergreen is a vigorous grower and has few serious disease or pest problems. It is widely available at nurseries. Landscapers often use the thuja in yard, garden and park designs. It works especially well in windbreak plantings.
Many garden spiders call Ohio home. According to Ohio State University, there are close to 600 different species living there. While spiders get a bad reputation for being dangerous, only a few contain venom harmful to humans. Rather, spiders are beneficial creatures that cut down on pests, such as mites and flies, near your home.
With its long, warm summers and mild winters, Tennessee offers gardeners an excellent climate in which to grow a variety of garden plants. The weather in Tennessee even gets cold enough to grow many bulb flowers that require lower temperatures for stratification. Whether you're planting a small urban garden in Chattanooga or improving your rural landscape, there are common Tennessee garden plants available for you.
All plants in the mustard family are edible to humans in varying degrees of taste, according to the Wildflowers and Weeds website. Some plants in the mustard family are quite common to gardens across the country, such as the radish and the turnip. Other plants in the mustard family may be identified by counting petals and stamens -- four petals per flower and six stamens.
The common or poet's jasmine (Jasminum officinale) confusingly is also known as Jasminum grandiflorum. According to the American Horticultural Society's "A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants" and online eFlora website entries, this species of jasmine used to be divided into separate natural varieties: officinale, affine and grandiflorum. Today, they are all botanically lumped into the species Jasminum officinale, although Jasminum grandiflorum still persists in name ambiguously in older print literature and garden conversation. Common jasmine is native to central Asia, from the Caucasus to western China, and is grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 11.
Snails are a common guest in British gardens. There are over 90 different species of snails populating British gardens, including the Helix aspersa, also known as the common garden snail.
Garden structures provide both a decorative and a useful touch to the landscape. A pergola provides shade and a support for climbing plants. Depending on the design, it may also provide some protection from rain. Certain components are common to all pergolas, although the materials you use determine the final design of the structure.
Gypsum, or calcium sulfate, is a common gardener's tool for manipulating soil for better plant health. While the benefits of gypsum treatments are often over-stated, using gypsum in garden projects can benefit your plants by improving the condition of your soil. Learning about the proven benefits and risks of using gypsum is an important first step before starting a gypsum project in your garden. You may also want to consider testing your soil for nutrients and heavy metals before using gypsum, so you can monitor how those levels change after treatment.
Medicinal herbs have been collected, grown and used for thousands of years in countries across the world. Many people grow their own herbs in container gardens or backyard gardens, depending upon the amount of space that they have, and use the herbs as needed to treat minor injuries and illnesses.
New South Wales is located in the southeastern corner of Australia. This area is home to a wide variety of insects and spiders. Both spiders and insects are arthropods, but a spider is not an insect. An insect is an arthropod with 6 legs. Spiders are arachnids, having 8 legs. While some insects and spiders are dangerous, many are beneficial to the garden and should not be removed.
Many garden plants are edible and safe for humans to touch or eat. However, some common plants can cause severe reactions, including death, when ingested or touched. Other garden plants will not trigger a reaction in humans, but may be poisonous to animals and pets. Before touching or ingesting a plant you are unfamiliar with, check to be sure it is safe.
Tuberose is a tropical, night-blooming plant also known as Polianthes tuberosa, a combination of Greek and Latin words. “Polios” and “anthos” are Greek for “white flower,” and “tuberosa” means “swollen” and “tuberous” in Latin, referring to the plant roots, or tubers. Tuberoses belong to the agavaceae family and are cultivated in warm climates, including India, Morocco, South Africa and Hawaii, where strung together blossoms create flower necklaces called leis. Tuberose plants grow wild in Mexico and Central America.
Mosquitoes are nuisance and big deterrent from enjoying your garden during warm summer evenings. Not only do mosquito bites itch and leave red welts, but mosquitoes can also carry diseases like meningitis. However, there a variety of plants you can put plant in your garden that will repel mosquitoes and allow you to enjoy your summer evenings bite-free.
Biennial plants and flowers have a two-year biological life cycle. They grow roots, stems and leaves their first year. In their second year, biennials produce flowers and seeds and then die. The many varieties of biennial plants provide for a garden full of colors, shapes and fragrances.
A garden filled with tall trees, thick bushes, bright flowers and succulent vegetables attracts more than human visitors. The furry, winged and four-legged creatures enjoy it, too. They eat the plants, take twigs for nests and root around for water. Not all garden animals destroy the garden, though the most common and notorious visitors often do. A garden is a place of plenty for man and beast.
Perennial hardy ferns provide an elegant green foil to complement flowering plants in the shade garden. According to the American Fern Society, there are more than 12,000 species of ferns, with varying degrees of hardiness, so there is more to this diverse family of plants than just their use as filler in flower bouquets.
Not all pretty garden plants are safe for pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is quick to test plants for toxic effects, and maintains a long list of common garden plants that are poisonous to dogs. Fence in plants that are poisonous, or put them in containers on a shelf too high for dogs to reach. You might also avoid planting poisonous plants completely.
In the language of flowers dating back to the Middle Ages, iris flowers have conveyed many meanings and emotions, with the yellow iris signifying passion. Victorian suitors displayed the depth of their feelings by including yellow irises in bouquets sent to their love interests.
Shrubs are a creative way to envelope your yard or garden area in beauty and privacy at the same time. Planting privacy shrubs in rows along the border of your yard or around your patio or deck, lends depth and interest to your garden in addition to privacy.
The poisonous yet popular plant Brugmansia, or angel's trumpet, can cause a potentially fatal illness if ingested. Prized by gardeners for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, all parts of the plant carry toxins which affect humans and animals alike.
Herbology, also known as botanical medicine, is the study and art of herbal and medicinal plants. This ancient study and practice is the basis for many common remedies in modern medicine, where scientists often synthesize active ingredients for duplication and mass production. The variety, color, fragrance and utility of herbs encourage experimentation and lend themselves to a host of fun projects.
If you are looking for an easy-growing aquatic plant that feeds many freshwater fish, look no further than duckweed. Duckweed is a free-floating aquatic plant that resembles lentils. In fact, duckweed is also known as water lentils. The plant reproduces extremely fast--often covering the entire surface of a pond in a short amount of time, according to Iowa State University Extension--and does not need much in terms of care and maintenance.
Foxtail, a weed-like grass, appears in gardens and lawns during the summer. A stubborn, herbicide-resistant plant, foxtail can be difficult to shake once it's taken root on your property. Common herbicides and weed treatments may not work immediately (or at all) on foxtail, but there are still numerous chemical treatments which can be help you get rid of this unwanted plant.
Forsythia's yellow flowers precede their leaves and have long been known as the herald of spring. Hardy from zones 4 to 9, some cultivars, such as Meadowlark, can grow up to 10 feet tall, while others, such as Sunrise, remain 4 to 6 feet tall. Even after the spring show, Forsythia's arching branches and dark green leaves provide a picturesque hedge, or a focal point in the garden. This herbaceous perennial is hardy, growing in full sun and well-drained soil. It is resistant to most, but not all, pests.
Garden bushes and shrubs make an attractive addition to any home garden. Bushes and shrubs are often used as hedges and borders in landscaping not only for privacy, but to break up areas of the yard as well. Some common garden bushes are used more frequently in landscaping, since these bushes are considered hardy plants that will grow and thrive in almost any environmental condition. Common garden bushes offer a wide selection of species to choose from and can be found in most plant nurseries and garden supply centers.
Violets are pretty and easy to grow. Their blooms are truly violet-colored and they can be grown from seed or established plants. You can grow common violets indoors or out. African violets are grown indoors.
Shrubbery is a landscaping element that helps enhance the appearance of a yard or garden. Before planting, you should learn which shrubs, or bushes, grow fast, short or tall or produce seasonal leaves and flowers.
The Pieris japonica is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 12 feet high. The plant has three species, Himalaya, Mountain and Japanese; the Japanese species is most commonly used. Certain diseases can potentially destroy the Pieris japonica.
The Gerbera jamesonii, Asteraceae commonly known as the Gerbera Daisy, is a flower that comes in a wide range of colors. When cared for properly, Gerbera Daisies rarely suffer from pest attacks (see Resources).
Roundup has been a tool in the homeowner's arsenal since 1973. While Roundup is sold in premixed containers, gardeners can mix their own to tailor the strength of the concentration to target a specific weed and to save money. Observe the manufacturer's safety precautions when applying Roundup or any other herbicide.
Salvia Officinalis, commonly known as garden sage, is a culinary herb favorite. It contains thujone in the volatile oil, which serves as an antiseptic, antibiotic and a vermifuge (expeller of parasites), and it is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Sage is a hardy perennial evergreen with several variations: icterina with gold leaves, purpurea with dark purple leaves that later turn green, tricolor with cream, green and pink leaves, berggarten with large oval leaves and minum, also known as dwarf garden sage. Native to Mediterranean regions, it is currently cultivated in many parts of the world.
Despite the controversies surrounding human and animal cloning, various forms of plant cloning are widely accepted in the agricultural world. In fact, many common foods such as seedless grapes and oranges are available because of plant cloning. While there are some dangers to consider with plant cloning, there are plenty of benefits that could prove vital to the propagation of the human species.
A butterfly has a short life cycle in which to feed, mate and lay eggs. To encourage a female butterfly to lay eggs, provide her with certain amenities in the garden, most importantly nectar plants and host plants.
The common heliotrope, or heliotropium arborescens, are plants that are easy to grow because they can handle a little bit of cold temperatures. Grow the common heliotrope in a good, fertile soil that has good drainage with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening and plant care.
A pergola is typically a garden structure that consists of pillars that support an open roof structure, such as a trellis. Pergolas are sometimes used as a transition from indoor living space to the outdoors, and commonly cover walkways or paths. Pergolas, which are somewhat similar to an arbor, are often covered in plants.
One of the largest concerns of most gardeners is protecting their garden from pests that could potentially ruin all their hard work. Two of these most common pests are slugs and snails. These pests are common across the United States, but are especially common in the North West and North East coastal areas.
Learn how to start and maintain a garden in this free gardening video.
Your garden may take up a large amount of space in your front or back yard. Maybe you don't want to plant hundreds of annuals and take care of them all summer long. But you still want a nice garden. Don't worry. There are ways to fill in your garden without annuals that still looks nice and natural. Read on to see how to fill in a garden.
