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A stunning climbing rose with clusters of ruffled red flowers, "Don Juan" (Rosa "Don Juan") can cover a trellis or fence with color all summer long. When your "Don Juan" doesn't put on the show you expect, with fewer flowers and sparse growth, pruning is the likely cause. Treating "Don Juan" as you would a regular rose or a traditional climber won't give you the best result since "Don Juan" blooms on both old and new wood.
Daffodils are a great, colorful opportunity to really decorate your yard and grow flowers at the same time. Decorate with daffodils with help from a garden professional in this free video clip.
Gardeners are climbing the walls ... literally. And it’s not extreme weather, poor soil or tender leaves nibbled to lace by pesky insects that’s pushing them to new heights. Instead, it's a strong concern for the environment. Called bio walls, green walls or vertical gardens, this expanding horizon of the horticultural world takes your garden and plants it up on the wall. The benefit: Vertical gardens help the environment by reducing urban heat, delaying storm water runoff and improving indoor air quality.
Fuchsia are often seen dripping over the side of hanging planters, their flowers, leaves and branches drooping toward the ground. These trailing fuchsia aren't the only ones in cultivation -- more than 100 species are in the genus and an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 cultivars. Among these are the upright fuchsias, whose branches and flowers point toward the sky.
Gardening is a common pastime because many people find it both relaxing and rewarding. When you grow a garden, your hard work is rewarded with beautiful flowers or delicious fruits and vegetables to eat. Before you get digging in the dirt, it is a good idea to come up with a plan on paper so you know exactly where your garden will be placed and what types of things you will plant. If you have never built your own garden before, focus on growing either a flower or vegetable garden.
Rutgers Gardens, the public gardens located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a variety of collections, including many hardy, tropical shrubs. New Brunswick lies in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6 and experiences winter temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The gardens use winter mulch and sheltering to protect the most vulnerable plants from deep frost.
A terraced garden is a suitable option for growing a garden on a hill, which typically is not an ideal situation for planting a garden. Terraced gardens look like steps and provide green foliage and flower hues that make your yard attractive. Growing a terraced garden requires creativity and strong manual dexterity when arranging the terrace’s parts.
Lentils are a grain legume that is high in protein, fiber, amino acids and folate. The process of growing lentils is more involved than that of many other crops, but worth the effort for those who want to experiment with their gardens or grow herbicide-free pulses. You need a large plot to grow enough plants to achieve a sufficient yield. Yields range from 350 to 3,000 pounds per acre, depending on the growing condition and the lentil variety you choose. One positive aspect of growing lentils: pests are not a major threat to the crop.
Cattails are tall wetland plants that can grow up to 10 feet in height. Gardeners plant cattails as a way of contributing ornamental interest, establishing a border and creating privacy. It is important that gardeners to grow their cattails in a wet area. These plants need "wet feet" for most of the year to thrive. There are two ways of obtaining cattails: Buying transplants or collecting seeds to grow plants. Transplants are planted right in the ground, while seeds must be cleaned before young cattails are ready to plant.
Orchids are beautiful flowers that are known as temperamental; for this reason they generally are grown in controlled environments. But orchids can grow, and thrive, in your garden – they just require a higher level of care than your average plant. Contrary to popular belief, orchids are very versatile and particularly enjoy environments with high humidity. You have plenty of orchids to choose from – there are more 30,000 species, and that doesn't count the hybrids available. While there are some general practices for growing orchids, for best results learn the specifics about those you cultivate.
Trillium flowers are native to North America and Northeast Asia. They are a wildflower that is most commonly seen in wooded areas where the soil is moist but drains well. Trillium plants have three lobed-leaves, and the flowers have three petals. Trillium plants are best purchased from garden centers where they are grown from seed or divided from other plants. Growing Trillium from seed takes five to seven years. Digging Trillium plants from forests may be illegal depending on the species and the area you try to take the plant from.
Many residential septic systems will include a drain field as a component of the system. Since the drain field is where all the waste water used by your home is drained into surrounding soil, it is crucial to prevent damage to your drain field since drain field failure can lead to foul-smelling and expensive repairs to the septic system. Properly landscaping over the top of the septic drain field is one of the keys to avoiding damage to the field.
Garden sorrel is grown for its large leaves, which boast a refreshing lemony taste when used in soups, salads and sandwiches. Grow green sorrel as a perennial bedding plant in areas with minimum temperatures of minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder areas, it can be grown from seed as an annual.
Certain flowers are better than others when you intend to plant them in a cutting garden. Learn about the best quick growing flowers for a cutting garden with help from a certified horticulturist in this free video clip.
Marigolds have come a long way since the days of using them around the vegetable garden to keep aphids away from tomatoes. Now there are so many colors, heights, shapes and styles they are right at home in any type of flower garden. The traditional annual marigold belongs to the genus Tagetes and includes the showy French marigolds and African marigolds among others. Hybrids have been developed that combine qualities from more than one species. All marigolds share the ability to grow fast and trouble-free with very little effort. If you get them off to a good start in the…
The kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), also known commonly as the fragrant ginger lily or Indian ginger lily, is enjoyed for its tropical appearance, fragrant flowers and easy-to-grow nature. Although the kahili ginger is a threatening invasive in certain warm-climate places, such as New Zealand and Hawaii, this wild ginger generally requires some amount of care and protection when grown in cooler areas as an ornamental.
Impatiens rate highest in popularity when it comes to bedding plants grown in the United States, according to the Iowa State University Extension. Gardeners have multiple selections in varieties of double impatiens. Varieties include Impatiens wallerana "Fiesta," Impatiens hawkeri, Impatiens sultanii and Impatiens balsamina. Many problems associated with growing double impatiens are due to improper planting and care. Pest and disease problems occur when growing conditions are poor.
Owning your own home and garden invites the opportunity for growing roses. The most difficult aspect of rose gardening might be choosing which plants to grow. There are many varieties, colors, sizes and growing habits from which to choose. Some people prefer the hybrid tea roses, which grow easily in rows of bushes, or tucked in amongst other plants. Others like climbing roses, where wires may come into play. Typically, wiring is only needed for arranging.
A garden doesn't need acreage to bring enjoyment. Just grow up -- up a wall, that is. Vertical gardens that take advantage of bare walls and fences need very little space. Equate this style of gardening with hanging pictures on a family room wall. They add decoration without taking up floor space. Wherever yard space is limited, a vertical garden is one way to add living color and texture.
Asters bloom much later than the majority of perennial species, with most flowering in late summer or early fall until the first frost of the season prevents any further blooming. North American parent species and cultivars are available for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Along with the orchid family, the aster family is the largest of all plant groups, so plenty of varieties exist.
Picking peppers at the right stage can make the difference between bland and flavorful roasted peppers. Italian roasting peppers are made from ripe Italian sweet peppers. The peppers, coated with olive oil and oven-broiled, darken and soften, at which point the skin is peeled to reveal the roasted fruit of the pepper. Roasted Italian peppers are consumed as appetizers, bread spreads and salad or entrée toppings. Examine the Italian sweet peppers in your garden to assess their readiness for roasting so you can create farm-to-table dishes.
A tropical, flowering plant that includes both annual and perennial versions, hibiscus plants are popular because of their massive flowerings. Their long growing period as well as variety of majestic colors means they can add beauty to any area for longer than some other plants, and if they are cared for properly they can enhance the beauty of your home or garden for years to come.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) produce spikes of colorful blooms on plants that may range in size from 6 inches to 4 feet high. This old-fashioned plant is often used in annual beds, although its sweet fragrance and long-lasting blooms make it a good choice for cut flower arrangements, as well. Unlike some annual flowers, snapdragon seeds do not have a hard seed coat or require any special preparations prior to planting. Optimal growing conditions and germination times vary depending on zone.
Lycoris radiata, commonly known as red spider lily, is a favorite passalong plant in the southern U.S. It is so prevalent in the South, that it was thought to be a native plant, though it originally hails from Japan. Every fall, the bright red flowers erupt from the ground in a glorious show of color, just when summer flowers are fading away. One of the best things about red spider lily is that it produces bulbs so quickly and prolifically that gardeners are never short of plants to share with friends and neighbors.
Roll-out flower beds consist of seeds distributed in an organic matter mat. The mats are watered, the seeds germinate, the mat disintegrates and the flower plants grow into the underlying soil. Seed mats eliminate the hand planting of tiny seeds, ensure the seeds are adequately spaced and eliminate plant thinning. But it is usually more expensive to buy seed mats than packages of seeds. The type of flower seeds inserted into the mat determines how long it takes the flower bed to grow.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) is a versatile, perennial shrub with glossy, dark-green foliage and large, brightly colored flowers. Hibiscus comes in a variety of species, some of which are tropical plants that are cold-tender and others that can withstand northern winters. The many types vary in leaf appearance, flower color and growth habit. This plant has a natural sensitivity to many chemicals, so gardeners may prefer some of the natural pesticides available for pest problems.
Amaranthus plants produce dark red or green flowers. The flowers bloom on erect stalks that can sometimes drape over the plant toward the ground. These flowers are common in arrangements. Using bleach on amaranthus flowers will make them last longer in cut flower arrangements. The bleach kills germs growing in the water used for the arrangement, and it also helps keep the water looking clear when you add plant food.
Decorate with a theme that shows your love for balloons with tiles throughout your home. From back splashes to counters and artwork to coasters, create custom pieces that express your personality. Order custom hand-painted tiles for your projects or make your own. Ceramic tile can be painted and look good, with a little time and quality paint. Use removable decals in areas that will be changed later on, like in a child's bathroom.
Vine rot, commonly referred to as black rot, is a disease that affects many species of vining plants, such as grapes and tomatoes. Vine rot is caused by fungus, which is spread by splashing rain. The fungus thrives in hot, humid conditions, when plants are moist due to heavy rainfall.
Whether a tree, shrub or edible crop, plants exhibit various sizes and shapes, no matter their type. When only a narrow planting space is available, a grower has many options for tall plants that make use of vertical space.
Making plants flower better allows each plant in your garden to grow with as much vigor as possible. Make plants flower better with help from a landscape designer and horticulture writer in this free video clip.
A plant is considered an invasive weed when it shows a persistent tendency to move into unwanted areas and compete with cultivated plants for moisture and nutrients. Species of buttercup, for example, are sometimes grown as ornamental plants or ground covers, but are often considered an invasive weed requiring effective control methods.
Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) may not sound appetizing, but the flowering perennial has long been a staple in the diet and medicinal practices of northern Native American tribes. From its ability to provide essential nutrients to its ornamental purple-pink blossoms, the many uses of bitterroot led Montana legislators to make it the state flower in 1895.
Double impatiens are commonly planted in shady flower beds, because of their vivid colors and blossoms that look like miniature roses. They require no more watering than the simpler, five-petal version of their species. Both types of Impatiens walleriana need soil that is consistently moist, but not soggy.
Italian peppers can actually be a few different varieties. This category can include Tuscan peppers, Greek peppers and pepperoncini. Each of these varieties of Italian peppers can be used in different recipes to help enhance the flavor of your food and bring an interesting flavor combination to the dish. You can also choose to chop up Italian peppers and eat them raw or add them to a salad. Before you can enjoy Italian peppers as part of a meal, you need to learn how to pick out a ripe one.
Azalea "Cadis" (Rhododendron "Cadis") is a hybrid azalea developed by Joe Cable of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. Cadis has large leaves that are smooth on the underside. Other azalea species have scales on the bottoms of their leaves. Cadis grows in a rounded form 6 to 10 feet high and 6 to 10 feet wide.
Choosing which types of flowers to plant in your garden and lawn can be tricky. One way to narrow down your options to choose from is to pick a type of flower you like and choose a color scheme. There are 20,000 species of daisies some of which have yellow petals and black centers.
If you don't have much horizontal space to spare in your landscape but want to grow shrubs, choose narrow conifers. These evergreen shrubs produce conical seed pods, or cones and keep their foliage year-round. Narrow conifers vary widely in height, color and texture, but many grow in columnar, conical or pyramidal forms. These dense shrubs can provide summer shade, block cold winter winds, line walkways or border planting beds.
The common garden abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is a result of crossbreeding two species of abelia native to eastern Asia. The cultivar Kaleidoscope originated as a variegated mutant branch from the Little Richard abelia cultivar from Locust, North Carolina. Horticulturist Randall Lindsey rooted, propagated and patented the Kaleidoscope, which is a compact, mounded shrub that matures 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6b through 9.
The sights and scents of the spring season are eagerly awaited and greatly appreciated when winter is finally over. Anticipated blooms may seem reluctant or stalled in their progression, and the rewarding colors and aromas appear to take forever. Disappointment is often caused by unrealistic expectations, and may sour one's attitude toward gardening. Putting growth rates into perspective will grant insight into the flower life span and garner appreciation for the varieties available.
Mandevilla a genus of attractive vines, belong to the Apocynaceae, or dogbane family of plants. Native to tropical regions, the Mandevilla genus contains about 100 species, some grown as ornamentals in the United States. Gardeners often display these plants trellised in pots to give them support and highlight their showy blooms.
Astilbe bulbs grow best in filtered shade and moist but not boggy soil, so as long as you have the right essential conditions you'll find it easy to plant and nurture these new additions to your garden. Acquaint yourself with astilbes in this free video on growing and storing plant bulbs.
Vines grown indoors decorate doorways, walls and trellis just as they do outdoors. However, they need special care. Prune fast-growing vines in the spring after they flower and then again in the fall. Monitor soil moisture and avoid overwatering. Fertilize vines during the spring and summer when they actively grow. The roots need plenty of room. Repot in the spring, going up two pot sizes at a time.
Shrubs come in many sizes and shapes with varying flowering times, foliage characteristics and other features that make each species stand out. You can dress up your front walkway with flowering dwarf shrubs, or choose tall shrubs to create a privacy fence around your yard. Select native species or robust shrubs that grow well in most areas.
Daisies have been a favorite cut flower for many years. Some of these daisies may be wildflowers that reseed and return every year, and others may need to be planted year after year. Regardless of whether they are annuals or perennials, daisies are perfect as cut flowers, and the blooms remain fresh for several days.
Commonly called the sacred or edible lotus, Nelumbo nucifera is an aquatic perennial plant native to the shallow, muddy soils of lakes and ponds across southern Asia to northern Australia. Arguably the most ornamental feature is the large, fragrant, waterlilylike flowers that appear on tall stems above the water's surface in the summer. Even if no flowers or seed pods are present, the sacred lotus' leaves warrant inspection and admiration, especially if splashed with beads of water.
While most plants characterized as "small" actually grow up to 6 inches high, certain varieties of truly miniature plants only grow about 3 inches tall. These are great for rock gardens or terrariums where plants need to stay small. Plants considered ground covers tend to be small, because their growth habit is to spread outward rather than upward. Many desert succulents are also quite short, and miniature versions of common plants like begonias, ferns or herbs have been developed for container gardens.
Griffonia simplicifolia is a plant native to Ghana, Liberia, Togo and the Ivory Coast. It is grown for its medicinal properties, which include mood enhancement, sleep assistance and reducing the appetite. Also known as 5-HTP, the properties in this plant are thought to increase serotonin levels. It has been used to treat depression, panic attacks and insomnia. It is a stout, climbing shrub with greenish flowers and black pods.
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to flavor foods, for cosmetics and perfumes, and as the basis for many medicines, including many medications that are manufactured and sold by prescription today. The most economical and convenient way to ensure you have a supply of medicinal herbs handy is to start your own herb garden. Herb gardens don't take up a lot of space and can be successfully cultivated in containers, or indoors, if desired.
Squash is usually an easy crop to grow, needing only rich soil, moisture and sunlight to produce a bountiful crop. Occasionally, though, squash may shrivel and drop from the vine due to disease or cultural problems. Summer squash grows quickly and is less susceptible to disease and insect damage than winter squash, which requires a long growing season.
With its lovely shape, multiple color options and easy preservation, hanging amaranthus is a good choice for flower gardeners who want a plant with dramatic trailing flowers. Dried amaranthus flowers are often used in floral arrangements, and the flowers are commonly known as hanging amaranthus. Other names for amaranthus plants include amaranth, love-lies-bleeding, flaming fountain, Joseph's coat and tassel flower.
The beauty of hollyhocks is often marred by the presence of rust fungus. Powdery-orange pustules, usually seen on the undersides of the leaves, are accompanied by larger, yellowish-orange spots on the upper sides. Symptoms usually appear at midsummer, but wet springtimes can bring them on even earlier. While rust does not usually cause the plants to die, it can affect their growth and vigor. Hollyhock rust can be prevented from season to season, however, and it can even be controlled at midseason to prevent the withering of severely affected plants.
Daises are one of the many species of wildflower that have been domesticated and moved into the backyard landscape. Most common are the white-petaled daisies with the yellow centers and the distinctive black-eyed Susans, but for those looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of other options out there in the shape of these very traditional wildflowers.
Several diseases can lead winter squash fruits to rot. You do have some options to help control the spread of these diseases. Plant resistant varieties whenever possible. Water your crops at ground level, and encourage good drainage and air circulation. Work with your plants only when they are dry. Generally, you should rotate winter squash and any similar crops -- including cantaloupe, watermelon and cucumbers -- so they grow in the same patch of ground only every three to four years.
Amaranthus caudatus, sometimes called love-lies-bleeding or tassel flower, is a tender perennial believed to be indigenous to South America. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 11, but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. Amaranthus caudatus is a low-maintenance plant that can be used to brighten both gardens and patios.
Amaranthus is an ancient food crop once cultivated by the Aztecs and indigenous North American people. It is a seed crop that is used as a substitute for flour to make breads and anything else usually made from grains. The plant is quite attractive when in bloom, and the drooping form, Amaranthus caudatus, is often used in professional floral displays. The common name is Love-Lies-Bleeding due to the crimson color of the tassel-like racemes. This is a full-sun plant that is most often propagated on site by seed. Amaranthus is an annual plant but consistently re-seeds itself for continued seasonal…
Around 10,000 years ago, human civilization learned to cultivate food crops to sustain tribes, villages and towns. Without the benefit of agriculture, humans would need to hunt and gather their food like every other animal on the earth, eating enough to sustain but not enough to thrive. Population growth, settlement and free time resulted from learning to cultivate food. Nothing happens without consequence, however: Agriculture also leads to habitat loss and soil degradation.
Sweet pea is an old-fashioned favorite in the flower garden. It is appreciated for its clusters of curly flowers and its sweet fragrance. The spring-flowering annual sweet pea is easy to grow, making it a great starter flower for the beginning gardener. If you want sweet pea in the heat of summer, take a look at perennial sweet pea.
Understanding soil is an important part of gardening. It can make the difference between a successful garden and a mediocre one. But the terminology can get confusing. With gardening sites calling for topsoil, loam, sandy loam and loam with clay, it is easy to see why novice gardeners (and sometimes even experienced ones) can be confounded by dirt.
It's important to be alert for spiders while standing at a urinal, as some spiders can be venomous and will poison you if they feel attacked. Spiders do not initiate an attack for no reason: they will not harm you if they believe that you do not want to harm them. For this reason, it is best to leave a spider alone if you see one. Nonetheless, knowing what types of spiders to expect to see will help prepare you for the shock of seeing one, and hopefully the knowledge will help you keep your cool.
Ginger plants can be grown in your garden in a very specific way. Grow ginger plants with help from a landscape designer and horticulture writer in this free video clip.
Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Paphiopedilum and Oncidium are orchid species that are simple to cultivate in the home, according to the University of Tennessee Extension Service. These types of orchids bloom at least once a year, but you can get them to bloom more frequently by manipulating their nutrients, temperature, sun exposure and irrigation to simulate the seasonal cues necessary to stimulate blooming. With just a little bit of botanical trickery, you can have your orchid blooming again in approximately four to six weeks.
One of the many Robin Hill azalea hybrids developed by Robert Gartrell of New Jersey, "Hilda Niblett" is a low-growing plant with a spreading habit. The plant produces large flowers in purple along with various shades of pink, and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 9 and American Horticultural Society heat zones 8 through 5. Hilda Niblett was named a Plant of the Year by the American Rhododendron Society in 2005.
While most summer-blooming annuals require several hours of bright sunlight every day, impatiens are one of few annuals that thrive with little light. Although impatiens are low-maintenance plants, proper watering is critical as impatiens have fleshy stems that wilt when the plants become too dry. Without water, impatiens become stressed and blooming decreases.
Apples come in a variety of colors, flavors and names and are available for purchase at most grocery stores, farmers markets and produce stands. Once purchased, apples can be stored in a refrigerator or on a counter for several days, and up to a week or more, before the apple starts to decay. The reasons why an apple will start to rot depends on several factors and may influence how long the apple lasts, or even how it tastes over time.
Plants contain air spaces in their construction. These air spaces in plants are necessary for the plant to exchange gases for respiration and photosynthesis. While the human body has an elaborate centralized system of gas exchange, plants don't have a specific organ for respiration. Instead, they use several methods to transport gases, particularly diffusion through the outer surface cells via pores, spaces called stomata.
If you want to fill those dry, sunny spots in your garden with color, choose drought-tolerant annuals and perennials. Many of these sun-loving species thrive in bright, hot areas and require little irrigation once established. Before planting flowering plants in hard, dry soil, amend the site to a few inches deep with organic materials such as compost. After planting, add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture.
People often offer flowers as a sign of love and affection, which shows a certain appreciation of the purpose of the flowers to the plants on which they grow. A plant's flowers contain its reproductive organs, and the petals are often beautiful and fragrant to attract insects that can help it pollinate. That same beauty and fragrance make flowers attractive to people, who exchange and value them as symbols of the fertility of nature.
Carnation is a plant variety within the genus Dianthus. Dianthus carnation varieties are grown as a perennial in warm climates and as an annual in colder areas of the country. There are over 300 varieties of the genus Dianthus, ranging in colors of red, lavender, pink and white. Many varieties are bi-colored and all have the characteristic serrated or fringed edge which gives them their common name of "pinks". All varieties of Dianthus carnation grow well in soil enriched with organic matter in a garden area of full sun to partial shade. They are a deer resistant plant that attracts…
A member of the honeysuckle family, weigela is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that sprouts colorful blooms every spring on the previous year's growth and later in the season on the new woody stems. Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 4 through Zone 8, weigela is a low-maintenance and colorful addition to any garden.
Shrubs serve many purposes in the landscape. Shrubs with dense foliage can be grown as privacy screens or hedges. Tall shrubs block sun, wind and unwanted sights and sounds, while lower-lying species define pathways, borders and beds and can even be used as natural fences. For an extra addition of color and texture, choose shrubs with glossy, yellow and green foliage. When used judiciously, such shrubs add a splash of visual interest to the landscape.
Almost anyone can grow a healthy plant, as long as you expose it to the right growing conditions. Plants have evolved in all corners of the globe, growing in virtually every climate and type of soil. Whatever the growing conditions in your garden, you can find a plant variety to thrive. Grow a plant correctly by keeping an eye on light levels, type of soil and required amounts of water and fertilizer.
Unlike your standard vegetable garden or backyard landscaping, the front garden of your home is viewable to every visitor and passerby. Thus, it makes sense that you want your front garden to be as attractive as possible. If you want a front garden that is inviting for visitors as well as easy to navigate, you must plant it accordingly. Aside from making the best plant selections, planting a front garden is just like planting a garden in any other area of your yard.
Plants that only grow 2 to 3 inches in height can make excellent borders for flower gardens, landscaping and walkways. Depending on your need and location, you can select seasonal flowering low-growing border plants or year-round small plants that have interesting foliage. Low-growing border plants offer a visually pleasing transition to the area beyond.
Vines with purple flowers are usually diurnal. This means that the flowers open during the day so they can be pollinated by bees, birds and other insects. Flowers that are nocturnal, or open at night, are usually white so they can easily be seen and pollinated by moths and bats.
Zucchini and other summer squash give gardeners an enormous produce return per plant. Heirloom varieties of zucchini, along with some of the more productive modern hybrids, grow on long vines that can eat up a large amount of garden space. Cultivating zucchini on a trellis, or opting for space-saving bush varieties, can be a more efficient option for gardeners with modest-sized growing plots, but if you have the space for vines, it is not necessary.
The Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider, has the reputation of being the most venomous in the world. The brown spider often stows away on produce imports of bananas when it inadvertently becomes picked up from its home beneath the banana plant during harvest. The spider can be found across Central and South Americas. Within the genus, at least five species can be found with similar appearance and characteristics.
Ants, flies, cockroaches, moths and other bugs can be a real nuisance in a home. They damage plants, carry diseases and spoil furniture and upholstery. Pesticides in the form of powders, sprays and liquids can be effective in killing household bugs, but they can be dangerous to pets and children and can be expensive, too. To kill bugs with natural substances, reach for a few household products you already have on hand.
Saffron thistle is a tall and gangly weed that grows in pastures throughout Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Successful management of the noxious weed requires a combination of several control measures to prevent growth.
Vines help soften hard corners of buildings, dress up fences and archways, create screens and act as a ground cover. Flowering vines provide a splash of color to the greenery. One of the most sought after colors for flowering vines is purple, a color associated with magic, mystery and affluence.
Container gardening is ideal for those gardeners with limited space or those who want a spot of color in a place where it's difficult to grow plants. Containers can hold a single plant or a miniature garden of contrasting or complementing colors and shapes. The containers in which these gardens can grow are as diverse as the plants they can contain. Flowers can be grown in anything that holds soil, but it's not always wise. Especially in warmer climates, heat-tolerant containers help keep your container garden healthy, lush and blooming.
Gardeners grow hanging baskets of impatiens for different reasons. Some gardeners have limited space, and hanging plants maximizes that space; others like incorporating baskets into their gardening scheme drawing attention to certain areas or to complete a color scheme. Many impatiens varieties are improved to tolerate the particular growing conditions of hanging baskets. Like all impatiens, those growing in hanging baskets are sensitive to changes in heat and water.
Moon plants, commonly known as moonflowers, are a variety of flowers in the Ipomoea genus, which contains more than 500 species. Moonflower plants bloom in white flowers, which are full and resemble the moon. They are vigorous growers, ideal for garden walls and trellises, and when properly cared for, can grow up to 15 feet. You can grow moonflower plants in a Northern garden as an annual or in a Southern garden as a perennial.
Argylia radiata, also known as Argylia canescens, is perennial flower native to Chile. Bright golden-orange blossoms decorate the lacy, fern-like foliage from June to August. While grown from seed, the plants form tuber roots as they grow. Each winter, the flower and foliage disappear and the tuber root remains dormant through the winter. Argylia radiata is not a widely distributed plant, and seeds are easier to find than started plants.
Conservatories are not mere greenhouses, although many do provide spaces for late winter starts for summer annuals. They are descended from the Wardian case, an early terrarium created to display tropical specimens in Victorian homes throughout the dreary chill of the English winter. The conservatory is a Wardian case on a grand scale, designed for collection of garden flowers, appreciation and relaxation.
Luminaire trailing snapdragons are praised for their many colors, long branching stems and big blossoms. However, seed cannot be purchased for these flowers. They are hybrids of the common snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and are grown from unrooted cuttings that garden centers purchase from the Luminaire series license holder, Ball Horticultural Company. As the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service notes, patent law makes it illegal for other commercial growers to propagate a licensed plant without purchasing cuttings from its license holder.
Spider mites can be treated and taken care of in a few different ways. Learn about alternative spider mite treatment for plants with help from a registered herbalist in this free video clip.
The flowers of the edelweiss plant are a symbol of the Alps. You can find edelweiss in other areas also at high elevations where its long fibrous roots protect it from winds and the climatic extremes. Picking the perennial flowers greatly reduces the plant's capability to reproduce and increases its chance of dying. The actual flowers are not blossoms but modified leaves such as you might find on poinsettias.
You don't have to be a lifelong expert to grow a vegetable garden. Get vegetable gardening instructions for beginners with help from a registered herbalist in this free video clip.
Azaleas, part of the rhododendron family of plants, are flowering shrubs that produce blooms in a variety of colors. The flowers appear in shades of pink, red, yellow and white. Certain characteristics of the shrub, such as bloom and leaf size, will not vary from year to year. The size of the azalea shrub itself varies based on age and the pruning practices used by the gardener.
There are many varieties of perennial daisies for gardeners to enjoy. Flowers typically bloom starting at the end of spring or beginning of summer, and last until September or the first frost. Daisy cultivars grow as herbaceous perennials, dying back after blooming in the next season from their root-stock. Perennial daisies are members of the Asteraceae biological family.
Fertilizers are one of the most important tools at the disposal of any successful gardener. Every soil is rich in some nutrients and deprived of others; using a fertilizer can supplement the nutrients that your soil otherwise lacks and increase your chances of successful growth of myriad types of plants. There are two basic types of fertilizer -- organic and chemical (which is synthetic or inorganic). Understanding the differences between each type is essential to knowing which one is right for your gardening needs.
Edelweiss is one of the much-beloved wildflowers found in the Swiss Alps. Edelweiss is a low-growing, spreading, herbaceous perennial plant. It has attractive gray-green foliage and produces an abundance of pale yellow flowers that appear in the center of daisylike white leaves. A favorite in rock gardens, edelweiss is a little fussier than some alpine garden plants, requiring superior drainage and protection from excess moisture. You can plant edelweiss from seed indoors about two months before spring.
The red headed azalea caterpillar (Datana major) is a common insect pest attacking azaleas. Azaleas are the preferred species, but they also feed on blueberry, red oak, andromeda and apple trees. These pests cause extensive cosmetic damage to azaleas in the Southeastern United States during August and September. Azalea enthusiasts use chemical and mechanical control methods.
Nothing brings a smile to a person in a hospital, adds elegance to table settings, or says "thank you" to dinner hosts and "I love you" to your sweetheart like a cut flower arrangement or bouquet. By planting your very own cutting garden you can use flowers you've grown to make floral arrangements special, meaningful and personal. The best flowers should be easy to grow and have strong stems that bear healthy flowers.
Shrubs contribute to a landscape. Besides adding texture and color, shrubs provide habitat, shelter and food for beneficial wildlife, such as birds, butterflies or bees. Shrubs help define boundaries within a garden and around planting beds. Small shrubs with aromatic blossoms or foliage add fragrance to your landscape without taking up too much space. Before choosing shrubs, determine the moisture, soil and light conditions in your garden space.
Oleander is a nice-looking bush with thin, long leaves and flowers that bloom in the spring. They are typically planted along property borders so that they can be kept away from the house. This is due to their high toxicity levels that harm animals as well as humans. If you have an oleander bush, place it in an area with full sun and prune it as it grows to create a full, well-rounded plant.
Buildings in earthquake-prone areas, such as California, have been updated in the last few years to comply with new building codes. However, certain types of buildings still fall more quickly in very strong earthquakes. Knowing which buildings are prone to collapse and arming yourself with knowledge will protect you in case of a large earthquake.
Rocky terrain can be difficult to clear properly. For that reason, many home gardeners choose to work with rocks rather than get rid of them. In fact, cultivating a rock garden has many benefits. Plants that grow in rocks are usually drought tolerant and hardy, which means that the home gardener will spend less money on water and less time caring for the plants.
Crown flowers (Calotropis gigantea), also known as giant milkweed, grow on tall tropical shrubs. In Florida you can expect your crown flower shrub to reach 6 feet, while in the tropics it can get as tall as 16 feet. No doubt attracted by the nectar-rich, purple-tipped white flowers, monarch butterflies flock to the crown flower shrub. Not at all frost hardy, crown flowers grow in zones 10b through 11 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone map. Patience is required when rooting crown flower cuttings as they can be a challenge.
Commonly called Leontopodium alpinum, edelweiss plants are herbaceous perennials that grow up to 12 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. Native to the Swiss Alps and mountains of Europe and Central Asia, the low-maintenance, pest- and disease-resistant alpine plant blooms from spring to midsummer in rock gardens and containers alike. It thrives in areas of full sunlight and produces white flowers and silvery-gray leaves. Edelweiss plants thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 9 in well-draining soil and tolerate drought when established.
Alstroemeria flowers are perennials also known by their common name, Peruvian lilies. There are approximately 30 species of alstroemeria flowers, all native to South America. The plants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 7 to 10 and do well in the garden or in a container.
Sinharaja is the last expanse of lowland evergreen rain forest that has remained undisturbed on the island of Sri Lanka. The reserve's name means "Lion (Sinha) King (Raja)," an ode to the legend that the Sinhala people of the island are descendants from the union of a human princess and the forest's lion king. Many flowers call Sinharaja home, and for some it is the only home they have ever known.
Perennial daisies, with their bright blooms and lush, green foliage, are long-flowering, sun-loving landscape workhorses. Shasta daisy cultivar Becky's immaculate, white yellow-centered flowers on multiple, 3-foot high stems earned it the Perennial Plant Association's recognition as the 2003 Perennial of the Year. Becky, however, is only one among hundreds of perennial daisy varieties that provide reliable garden performance and color year after year.
The beauty and color of flowers make them an inspiring addition to any garden. Still, not all flowers are suitable for gardening in groups. Different types of flowers bloom at different times of year, with some only blooming once and others year after year. The art and science behind creating a lush garden that teems with floral life involves selecting flowers for the garden that interact well with one another.
Flowering vines add beauty to your garden and some, like the hummingbird flower, attract unusual wildlife. They can be planted to grow up a trellis or the side of a shed or garage. There are over a dozen different varieties of flowering vines in the United States, and approximately half of them have purple flowers. The key to identifying the species of a vine is by examining the flowers, petals and vines of the plant.
Most gardeners like plants that grow fast and produce flowers within one or two seasons. While these plants are lovely, they also require a great deal of upkeep, including pruning, raking and watering. For those who want an effortless garden that does not even require watering, the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is the plant for you. The saguaro cactus is the slowest growing flower plant in the world.
Freshly cut flowers add color and fragrance to a room when they are displayed in a vase or other arrangement. These flowers are cut from plants that are grown around the country and are shipped to local flower stores. Customers choose the arrangement that suits their style and bring it home to have a bit of nature on their table.
Hippeastrum papilio, commonly known as the butterfly amaryllis, is a relatively recent discovery. The plant grows from a bulb and takes its name from its exotic maroon- and pale green-striped flower petals, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. In cultivation in the United States and Europe, the butterfly amaryllis blooms between late winter and early spring.
Miniature azaleas only grow 2 or 3 feet tall, unlike other varieties that can reach a height of over 12 feet. This makes them a good choice for those who want to grow azaleas but don't have much room.
Flower gardens, full of brightly colored blossoms and visiting bees or butterflies, add to the value of your property and are very enjoyable. A successful flower garden depends on finding an appropriate location and choosing the right plants for your climate. While flowering plants all require different amounts of sunlight, water and temperatures, some basic types of flowering plants are the best for a garden setting.
Winter is known for a being a cold and dreary time, when landscapes become barren. But there are plenty of flowers that bloom in the winter, giving your yard or garden a pop of color. People who live in a region with mild winters have more possibilities for winter flowers, but some varieties can even survive snowy landscapes.
All flowers have their own characteristics, but some are known for being particularly fast growing. When the seeds for these flowers are planted, blooms can appear in as little as two weeks. If you want to have a beautiful garden quickly, these flowers are good choices.
Fragrant shrubs produce smells that gardeners find appealing. The fragrance usually comes from the flowers themselves, but some shrubs produce fragrant foliage, roots and stems. The smells come from reactions in the nostrils to volatile compounds that plants release in the air. These plants release the compounds by producing essential oils. The essential oils used in aromatherapy often come from these shrubs.
Flowering vines are commonly used as attractive coverings for fences, walls, arches and gazebos. Many popular flowering vines such as bougainvillea and confederate jasmine only thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. However, gardeners residing in zone 7 who wish to plant flowering vines have several enticing choices as well. Zone 7 includes much of North Carolina, Arkansas, southern Oklahoma, western South Carolina and eastern Virginia. It also extends across the northern parts of Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Average annual minimum temperatures in this region range from 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Having living things around children in our high-tech society brings nature back into the picture. Additionally, living flowers and plants actually have healthful impacts on humans of all ages, according to a 2005 article published in the journal "Evolutionary Psychology." The authors conducted three studies in which they found that flowers promote positive feelings. With this in mind, you may be considering making a special garden for your child.
Verbascum thapsus, also called common mullein, is a biennial plant that occurs naturally along roadsides, forest edges and in wastelands. It towers above many other plant, reaching heights of up to 10 feet. Verbascum tolerates a wide variety of growing conditions but does not do well in heavy shade. The plants produce flower stalks lined with bright yellow blooms from June to September.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is considered a weed by many North American gardeners. However, it is eaten in Mediterranean countries and prized for its nutritional value and taste. Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids than most other commonly grown leafy vegetables. Germinating purslane seeds for planting is done through a method known as imbibing the seeds. The seeds drink in water, activating their nutritional components and enzymes and allowing formation of seedlings. Imbibing should be done six to eight weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date. Purslane seeds also need a period of cold darkness to successfully germinate.
Especially in areas with harsh, cold weather, a greenhouse increases the options for gardening throughout the year. It is not always essential to run costly heating appliances in your greenhouse, however, as a number of plants can be grown in greenhouses in cooler, winter months that may only require minimal heat during freezing spells. Organizing your greenhouse space and growing calendar will allow you to produce fresh vegetables throughout the year and grow a variety of plants from seed to stock your garden beds in spring and summer. Greenhouses are also useful for overwintering tender perennials.
Daisies are usually perennial plants that will come back year after year on their own as long as the growing conditions are favorable. There are some that are annuals that must be planted anew each spring and many that are not winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones below zones 8 or 9. Those that are not hardy in the colder regions, are grown as annuals and re-planted every year. Regardless of the planting zone or type of daisy, the plants will not re-seed themselves unless the flowers are left on the plant to go to seed.
The flowering vines appropriate for the growing conditions found in USDA plant hardiness zone 5 are a varied group. Growing to different lengths, these vines are often suitable for training on an arbor, trellis or building, while some grow in a sprawling manner over the ground as ground cover. The flowers these vines turn out usually yield some sort of fruit, which often proves ornamental and adds to the vine's landscaping appeal.
Golden giant amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is an ancient, multipurpose crop easily grown from seed. This plant reaches 6 to 7 feet tall and sports golden ornamental flowers with bird-attracting seeds. The flowers are attractive, but the plant itself has food value. The leaves can be steamed or eaten raw in salads, and the high-protein grain can be ground into a flour, popped or flaked.
The astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii) is a flowering perennial plant that originated in Asia. The plant features compound leaves with double-serrated edges and small multi-petaled blooms. The size of Astilbe can vary widely: The plant typically grows to between 1 and 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, according to Ohio State University's website. The astilbe grows in USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Astilbe planting times may vary depending upon the area and the weather.
Desert flowers thrive in the sandy or clay-like soils of the deserts of California, Arizona, New Mexico and other regions of the United states. These flowers have adapted to extreme temperatures, but not all desert flowers bloom throughout the year. Desert flowers typically make their appearance in the spring or fall but wither away in the summer and winter.
The things you can do around the garden in December vary wildly depending on where in the nation you are. South Texans may plant for spring, while in Montana the house might be buried halfway under snow and little to nothing can be done in the garden. Some December garden activities, however, span much of the nation.
When looking for a means of improving your garden's health and productivity, select from a range of fertilizer types, each with distinct benefits and drawbacks. Whether your concerns are environmental, economical or related to productivity, familiarize yourself with the properties of each type of fertilizer before selecting a particular form.
Shrubs are used in landscaping to frame doorways, add permanent foliage and create hedges. Some gardeners prefer hedges that will quickly grow to their full potential, filling the space they are allotted. This is particularly important of shrubs that will be groomed into hedges for privacy. The sooner they fulfill their purpose, the sooner the owner will have privacy in their yards.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) naturally grows in a bushy form. To train it to be a tree, you need to remove all the branches except for one, which will become a trunk. The best time to prune oleander is after it blossoms in the fall.
The toxic chemicals in many weed killers can enter your water system through storm water sewers. By eliminating the use of these chemicals, the environment and the water supply will not be compromised. Clover, which can invade gardens and can creep between patio bricks, can be killed with a combination of some household supplies found in the kitchen pantry. Diligent use of these household products and techniques will keep your garden clover- and chemical-free.
Variegated weigela is a deciduous non-native shrub that is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. The Variegata cultivar of the weigela florida is a shorter and less broad variety of the species that sports variegated white and green leaves and pink flowers.
Squash is a warm-season vegetable from the cucurbit family that also includes pumpkins, watermelons and cucumbers. Squash comes in a variety of shapes and colors, including yellow, and grows on prostrate vines with bright yellow flowers. A fungal disease causes the vegetable to start rotting on the vine.
Craspedia globosa, a perennial in the sunflower family, has a number of common names: Billy Button, Bachelor's Button and Drumstick. Native to New Zealand and Australia, this yellow flowering plant is noteworthy in the garden and as a cut flower.
Impatiens, or Impatiens walleriana, are annuals that grow and flower all summer long, and die back in the fall. Popular as bedding plants, they also do well in both hanging and standing pots and planters. Impatiens require specific soil, sunshine and water conditions.
Oleanders bloom throughout the summer months. Flower color ranges from white and yellow to pink and red, and the blossoms are produced in large clusters. These tall, flowering shrubs cannot survive temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit and they grow best in areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 20. While beautiful, every part of the oleander is toxic, so some care must be taken when cultivating this plant. These shrubs only require minimal maintenance to grow and bloom in most gardens.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, boasts an arid-continental climate with low humidity, mild temperatures and plenty of sun. Although fall brings thunderstorms to the area, temperatures remain warm enough for many fall flowers and shrubs.
Zinnias are loaded with vibrant color that livens up any garden. They germinate easily and quickly and can be sown indoors in peat pots as zinnias do not transplant well.
Ranunculus, or buttercup, is a genus of flowering plants containing about 600 species found worldwide in temperate zones. All flowering plants, including ranunculus, produce flowers for the same reason -- reproduction. Their function is to produce fertile seeds, ensuring the survival of the plant species over time.
Hibiscus is a tropical shrub known for its bright, colorful flowers. The Hula Girl hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Hula Girl') is a cultivar known for its bright yellow flower with a red throat. Understanding the ideal hibiscus culture is key to growing healthy plants.
Perennial vine plants with purple flowers offer long-lasting, green foliage as houseplants or as garden plants. Purple flowering perennial vine plants come in many hues to complement many garden color schemes.
Widely planted in well-drained coastal areas, oleander (Nerium oleander) is a popular landscaping plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 11. Although considered hardy in zone 8, temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit can cause oleander to die back to its roots, but complete die-off is rare at these temperatures. You can easily prune the oleander into a rounded shrub, a multistemmed tree, or a single-trunk standard. Its flowers can be white, yellow, peach, orange or red, and are either single or double.
Shrubs serve several purposes in the garden. They provide definition, color and texture for the landscape, and they also form screens for privacy and against the wind. Deer, however, find shrubs very tasty. To discourage their foraging, plant deer-resistant species.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has been used for cosmetic, culinary and medicinal purposes since early civilization. Chaucer and Shakespeare have written about the plant's unique structure and properties.
Ohio's countryside and home gardens provide a home to many different plants. A few are native to Ohio. You can find others in other states, but they remain abundant in Ohio as well. From common but beautiful weeds to plants whose fame is bigger than they are, Ohio contains an interesting variety for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Star anise is a small evergreen tree native to China and Vietnam. It grows up to 16 feet tall with a spread of 9 feet. The tree is frost tender and only hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8. The fruit of the tree is harvested right before it is ripe and allowed to dry. The star anise fruit is similar in taste to anise and used in the same way.
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are among the most popular flowering shrubs in South Carolina, according to Clemson University. Numerous varieties of azaleas grow and bloom well in all parts of the state. Most azaleas bear funnel-shape flowers of white, pink, red, purple, salmon or orange. Spring is the most common bloom period, but some azaleas flower in summer or early fall.
Oleander, Nerium oleander, is a flowering shrub that grows well in climates with mild winters with few or no frosts and freezes. Oleander shrubs typically grow 8 to 12 feet tall, gaining 1 to 2 feet of growth each year. They blossom in large, showy flower clusters from early summer until midautumn. Oleander's vigorous, multi-stemmed growth habit makes pruning necessary for training and maintaining a desired size and shape.
Kaleidoscope abelias are a cultivar of Abelia x grandiflora. Desirable for its fragrant flowers and showy appearance, this plant is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6. Kaleidoscope features bright red stems that contrast nicely against leaves variegated in green, yellow and cream. In the spring and early summer, the shrub blooms with a profusion of white, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Organic gardening refers to the growing of fruits and vegetables without the use of harsh pesticides, fungicides and non-organic fertilizers. Practice soil conservation with help from a gardener in this free video on organic vegetable gardening.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a native North American wildflower with bright pinkish-purple, daisy-like blooms, each with a dark brown, raised center. Coneflower isn't difficult to grow and can tolerate heat, bright sunlight and will grow in poor, dry soil as long as the soil drains well. Coneflower is a good choice for a butterfly garden, as butterflies are attracted to the colorful blooms. Coneflower blooms work well in a cut flower bouquet and can be dried for use in dry flower arrangements or floral crafts. Although coneflower requires little maintenance, timely pruning will keep the plant looking its best.
Hibiscus trees can die from various causes, including freezing temperatures, diseases and improper cultural practices. Identification of the problem helps you find out whether you can save your hibiscus tree and determine a course of action.
Easy-to-grow foxgloves add an airy, old fashioned look to the garden. Blooming in shades of purple, white, pink, red and yellow, foxgloves range in height from about 2 to 6 feet. Almost all types of foxglove begin blooming the year after they are started from seed. Because foxglove is the source of heart medication and all parts of the plant can be deadly if ingested, it's better not to grow the plant where children might be tempted to touch or pick it.
Most garden crops need a lot of sun to produce well. Plants that don't get enough sun tend to be spindly, thin-leaved or poor-fruiting. On average, most vegetable gardens need at least six hours of direct sun daily, but this can vary depending on the individual vegetables in the garden. Choose bright, sunny areas whenever possible and plant according to the amount of light available.
More than 7,000 varieties of fuchsia flowers can be found today, growing in a wide array of colors. Fuchsias generally bloom between June and the first fall frost. During summer months, fuchsias must be watered every day. On days when the temperature reaches above 80 degrees, fuchsias should be watered twice. Fuchsias grow best in a well-drained, light soil. Fuchsias thrive when given a slow-release fertilizer each season. Partial shade with access to the first rays of sunlight is ideal for fuchsia growth.
Sand does not hold moisture well and tends to lose nutrients along with water, but flowers do grow in sand and sandy soils, and some flowers actually prefer sand as a growth medium.
Plants in the hibiscus genus produce bright blossoms. A hardy hibiscus usually refers to the moscheutos variety or hybrid species such as the coccineus, militaris or laevis. A few hibiscus plants are technically trees or herbs, but hardy hibiscus varieties are shrubs.
Buttercup is a troublesome perennial weed for gardeners and farmers. The plant is poisonous to some animals including cows. The weed belongs to the Ranunculaceae family of flowering plants. Over 1,800 species of buttercup exist. Approximately 93 of those species grow in the United States and Canada. Integrated management programs that include the use of a few key herbicides are most effective in controlling buttercups, based on agricultural extension reports in some states.
Perennial flowers are considered the heart of a garden because they grow year after year, without the need for reseeding, to provide ever-changing garden views. Include fall-blooming perennials in your Texas garden to color the landscape when most other flowers become dormant. Depending on personal taste, grow your favorite perennials in flower beds or in containers to move to covered patios when temperatures fall.
Oleanders are classified as the species Nerium oleander and are low-maintenance flowering shrubs that grow easily in regions with mild winters. Oleanders are very tolerant of drought, heat, salt and wind, making them excellent shrubs to grow in coastal landscapes. With little care, your oleander shrubs can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, depending on the cultivated variety.
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants is relatively simple in Tennessee. This area has naturally fertile soil, but some soil preparation still may be needed to ensure the survival of your plants. The University of Tennessee says fall is the best time to plant ornamental plants, but you can also plant vegetables and flowers in the spring. Choose a mixture of plants that are native to Tennessee or simply grow well in the area.
A trellis can be an invaluable tool for decorating in the garden. The proper vines can be trained to climb the trellis and will cover it with full, lush foliage or flowers. While there is a wide variety of vines to choose from, some are easy to grow, easy to maintain and will remain full and lush through the growing season.
Just as there is a food chain in nature, there is a "company chain" in how flowers are sold. There are companies that grow flowers. There are companies that import flowers from all over the world. There are companies that function as suppliers who purchase the flowers from growers. The suppliers sell the flowers to wholesalers. The wholesalers then sell the flowers to retailers, who then sell the flowers that grace the tables of homes across the United States.
Eggplant is a vegetable available at nearly every grocery store and market. Some home gardeners may want to grow their own eggplants, giving themselves a fresh and ready supply. One key aspect of growing eggplants is to make sure you don't plant them before the last frost of your region. Eggplants thrive in warm climates, and a cold snap or frost can be very damaging and can kill the plants in your garden.
The flamingo flower is one of almost 1,000 species of anthuriums. Anthuriums are native to tropical climates like Mexico and Costa Rica. In the United States, the flamingo flower grows better indoors than outdoors due to its intolerance of low temperatures. Keep the flamingo flower out of the reach of children and pets. The flowers and greenery of the flamingo plant are poisonous. Eating any of this plant will cause irritation to the digestive system and mouth.
If your garden has particularly moist soil and you live in a warm climate, you may want to consider growing camia flowers. These beautiful blooms are an elegant, tropical addition to your garden that will also make lovely home decor.
The rhododendron genus commprises a number of different flowers, plants, trees and bushes, including many types of hybrid plants. They are found all over North America and are often easy to grow, depending on the type.
Green beans comprise a large variety of species that share a distinct hue and familiar pod appearance. They usually grow in vines, which yield pole beans, and bushes that yield bush beans. The problems that plague these plants are very similar, despite the differences in species.
The moon flower (Ipomoea alba) is a fast-growing vine. It produces bright, white flowers that typically measure 5 inches across. Moon flowers bloom in the evening. Each bloom lasts only one night. Moon flowers are difficult to transplant, so gardeners tend to grow them from seed rather than purchasing plants from a nursery. Gardeners in cooler climates experience greater success by starting the plants indoors six weeks before the date of the last expected frost.
The midwestern U.S. state of Ohio is home to myriad native wildflowers that grow in many of its state parks, such as Hocking Hills and Salt Fork. Many of the Buckeye state's plants produce berries and fruit from their flowers. Some of them, including the mayapple, produce edible fruit for human consumption. Ohio's wildflowers typically bloom from late spring through summer.
Watercress is a peppery-tasting plant that can be harvested nearly all year long. The plant requires a lot of water -- to successfully grow watercress, be prepared to ensure its constant saturation in water. The hardy plant is most potent before the plant blooms, and the flavor is generally considered at its best during times of low temperatures. Aside from its irrigation necessities, watercress is a relatively low-maintenance option for your home garden.
Its position along the Gulf of Mexico makes Alabama a hot, humid state vulnerable to hurricanes and tornadoes. Comfortable winter temperatures and annual rainfall averaging from 57 to 65 inches -- from north to south -- give gardeners a growing season between 200 and 250 days. A wide range of native flowers provide four seasons of color, from the 2,400-foot Cheaha Mountain in east central Alabama to the East Coastal Plain's gentle hills and flat expanses.
Irises are a popular perennial garden flower, grown for their showy, colorful flowers along with their resistance to diseases and other problems. Growing irises can add a great deal of beauty to a garden. The ease of raising iris flowers makes them ideal for gardeners with limited time to spend on the garden, or for inexperienced gardeners. The most common type of garden iris flower is the bearded iris, grown from tuberous roots called rhizomes.
Successful gardeners are known for their patience, carefully nurturing a prized bush or flowerbed to maturity, year after year. But there are some plants that might test even a seasoned gardener anxious for a glimpse of a flower. In India, the Netherlands and the American Southwest, some shrubs, succulents and showy spring flowers are reluctant and occasional bloomers.
Plants form the basis of life on Earth by converting energy from sunlight into chemical energy usable by not only the plants themselves but organisms higher in the food chain. Although they manufacture their own energy, however, plants need more than just sugar to survive and absorb 13 different mineral nutrients from the soil with their roots. In order to grow a healthy and vibrant flower garden, your plants must receive the correct amounts of all of these nutrients.
Flowering vines climb over almost any type of fence, trellis or support structure to enhance interest at varying eye levels and fill the area with attractive blooms. While upright flowers add masses of color to flower beds or garden soil, flowering vines create colorful vertical walls that help frame an attractive view or keep out an unwanted one. Consider low-maintenance, hardy and easy-to-grow flowers for planting along a fence that livens up the particular spot.
The dianthus caryophyllus -- more commonly known as the carnation -- is a cultivated garden flower that contains both male and female reproductive parts. Carnations are capable of growing alone or in a clustered form of a cyme. Because of its special anatomical qualities, knowing the carnations parts does not come as second nature for hobbyists and those with elementary knowledge of botany.
If you want to include exotic flowers from parts of India or China in your garden, the pink lotus is a good choice. The flower grows in aquatic areas like ponds and swamps and can enhance the look of your garden.
Flowers that grow singly, with each stalk or branch of the plant producing one bloom, grow in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. Many single flowers are perennials that bloom year after year, creating vibrant additions to flowerbeds and borders or in front of shrubs and around trees. They are also stunning planted in masses or small groups to create sweeping drifts of color and texture in the landscape.
Greenhouse gardening is an excellent way to continue the growing season even when your outdoor climate is not cooperating. The greenhouse needs to be situated where it gets lots of light, have a gravel base or good drainage area, and have lighting, ventilation, heat and shelving. It also needs an electric source and water nearby. After these necessities have been seen to, greenhouse growing has lots of potential. Plants can be started and grown to fruition in a greenhouse, either in pots or hydroponically. You can grow an entire vegetable garden or specialty plants.
Some species of small and narrow shrubs naturally take on an upright, columnar shape. Other hedges and shrubs can be trained into narrow, small-statured specimens with proper pruning techniques. Whichever type of shrub you prefer -- from flowering evergreen to conifer to drought-resistant specimens -- choosing a shrub suitable for your garden's growing conditions will determine how well it thrives.
If you have a home garden and want to keep beautiful blooms in the space all year, you'll need to know which flowers are in season during the month of December. These flowers are able to withstand the cold weather conditions in December, including dryer soil or lack of sunlight.
Camellias grow as medium-sized landscape shrubs. They provide evergreen foliage and flowers in fall and winter when few other plants are putting on a show in the garden. Camellia plants thrive in areas with mild winters with little freezing, such as in the southern United States and some coastal areas. Grow camellia flowers from healthy plants purchased from a nursery, as these shrubs are rarely started from seed. Proper planting and care helps ensure that your camellia produces a profusion of blooms each year.
Glossy abelia (Abelia --- grandiflora) is a hybrid shrub that is cultivated primarily for its clusters of heavily fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. Gardeners interested in cultivating the plant have a host of varieties to choose from, including numerous variegated cultivars as well as the shrub's original parent species, the Chinese abelia (Abelia chinensis).
Fungus can attack yellow squash and cause the fruits to turn black. These garden problems are harder to identify and not as well understood by home gardeners as some other problems, such as weeds and insects.
Dogs will chew and ingest plants for unknown reasons, leading to the concern about a plant's toxicity. Dogs may chew on plants and grass because of a nutritional deficit, an illness or boredom, acording to the ASPCA Virtual Behaviorist.
Eggplant is a sensitive summer crop, disliking both excessive heat and cold weather. There are two main factors affecting blossom drop, one that gardeners can fight and one that they cannot.
Two groupings of plants are associated with the name amaryllis: it's used primarily for plants in the botanical genus Hippeastrum (which are native to Central and South America); there also is a South African botanical genus named amaryllis that is consists of only one species. Both groups are perennial plants that grow from underground bulbs and produce large, ornate six-petaled flowers that catch the eye of florists and gardeners alike.
Verbascum plants were first brought to the United States in mid-1700. Originally used as a fish poison in Virginia, common verbascum has been hybridized and bred to create colorful varieties that grow as either perennials or biennials. While Verbascum thapsus is considered an invasive species in some areas of the country, other verbascum varieties add color to flower gardens.
Grow a lush flower garden in hot conditions by choosing from among the many bright and hardy plants that tolerate -- even thrive in -- such weather, and which also spread liberally. Many of these plants were once considered "wildflowers," but gardeners have discovered their value and are filling their beds with these self-sufficient bloomers that come in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Shrubs with thorns can cause painful scratches if they are not handled with care. Many shrubs grow thorns as a self-defense mechanism, keeping animals that would otherwise feed on them at bay. Dense-growing shrubs that develop thorns are often grown as living barriers to deter unwanted intruders, as attempting to penetrate a hedge consisting of thorny shrubs can cause injury. Gardeners sometimes plant flowering shrubs, despite the fact that their thorns make them difficult to handle and manage, because they enjoy the flowers that the shrubs produce.
In the northern hemisphere, autumn, or fall, lasts from September to November. This season of harvest may be best known for the change of colors of leaves from green to shades of yellow and orange. Autumn also brings different kinds of blooming perennials that vary in shapes and colors that you may grow in your garden or use for special floral arrangements.
The Kansas State University guide to valerian describes the western valerian variety, known as Valerian sitchensis as having strong medicinal activities, and notes that the plant should be cultivated rather than harvested from the wild. If you've grown valerian, you can harvest and dry it so that you'll have a ready supply for use throughout the year.
Miami occupies the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 10. A tropical region, it rarely suffers any winter chill. The average low winter temperature averages 30 to 40 degrees F. A subtropical climate provides plants with a year-long growing season and no dormancy period. Flowers in the city appear to bloom endlessly with abundant blossoms flourishing every month.
The genus Primula includes over 450 species of plants, including primroses and cowslips. The name Primula means "dear little first one," according to the American Primrose Society, which also describes these plants on its website.
The peppermint carnation is a variety of bi-colored Dianthus species. The flower is red and white, like its namesake. Peppermint carnations are popular garden specimens, often used as massed border plantings. In addition to bringing color to the garden, they are prized for their heady clove-like perfume. The peppermint carnation is available in standard, miniature and dwarf varieties.
Swampy wetland conditions are a death sentence for most flower species, which will quickly succumb to fungus and root rot. Flowers that grow naturally in wetlands and streams, however, will thrive in these extreme conditions, producing their most beautiful blooms. Gardeners that have a boggy, swampy garden have a selection of lovely flowers that will flourish in wet conditions.
Choose which flowers to grow during the winter with a grow light based on the environmental factors in your home, such as temperature and available space. Large flowering plants, such as hibiscus, take up a lot of room and usually need to be on the floor. Smaller plants, like orchids, require little space and will fit on a windowsill or tabletop. Some plants will not tolerate cool temperatures, while others require them to initiate flowers.
California's USDA Plant Hardiness Zones range from 6a to 10a, and the weather patterns are often described as Mediterranean. Its warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters make flower growing easy in all but the highest mountain terrain. Many California home gardeners grow native shrubs and flowers that do well in areas with water shortages. There are several plant species that bloom in January.
A shrub is a woody perennial plant that can be considered a short version of a tree. The plant's three main components all perform essential functions that contribute to the shrub receiving nutrients and continuing to grow. Just as some trees are poisonous so are shrubs. According to gardening website Yardener, many parts of some shrubs including the leaves, stems, flowers and roots can be poisonous if ingested.
Lilies are perennial flowers found in flower gardens around the world. They emerge from bulbs and typically bloom in late spring and early summer.
Peppers are described as sweet (bell) or hot (jalapenos). Pepper heat is rated in Scoville units, named after the man who developed a way to test their hotness. Jalapenos actually rate low on the heat scale.
Flowering almonds produce double flowers that bloom pale pink in early to mid spring. These small trees grow up to 12 feet tall, and shorter dwarf varieties work well as shrubs for use in borders. Flowering almonds do not produce edible nuts like other almond trees do; instead, they are prized for their blooms and summer foliage. Flowering almonds require proper care, as they are susceptible to insect and disease infections when they are under stress.
The Jasminum grandiflorum vine, commonly known as Royal Jasmine, grows up to 40 feet in length. Gardeners prize the plant for its ability to grow quickly and cover trellises and fences with evergreen foliage and small, white flowers. All parts of the plant present medicinal properties; Asian and Indian peoples used Jasmine traditionally as aphrodisiac, antibiotic and anti-fungal treatment. Scientific research has confirmed Jasmine's antibiotic properties and cites evidence of its diuretic and emmenagogic properties.
Gardeners in England grow flowers to decorate their gardens, provide cut flowers for the home and attract butterflies and bees. Experienced gardeners increase the number of blooms their plants produce by placing them in a sunny, well-drained spot with good shelter. Feeding plants with a general purpose fertilizer during the growing season also helps to maximize flower growth.
Though herbal anise flavoring comes from a different plant, the Illiciaceae family of anise shrubs are popular as accent plants or hedges. Planting shrubs in this family helps to create beauty and a pleasant aroma in a garden. These flowering shrubs have pretty, fragrant blooms and evergreen foliage. Very low maintenance and easy to grow, anise shrubs prefer shade and do well in USDA zones 7 through 9.
Hybrid hibiscus plants come in many varieties and range greatly in size and shape. Some hybrids grow low to the ground while others can reach a height of 20 feet. They all produce attractive flowers, making them a popular plant choice for many gardeners. The hybrid hibiscus is susceptible to certain diseases and pests, however, and novice gardeners may find it difficult to grow.
Choosing flowers for gardens in Albuquerque can be challenging due to the desert climate and strict water restrictions placed on residents. Although many flowering plants will thrive in the warm, sunny climate, choosing native plants is the best option when planning a garden in the Albuquerque area. Many native flowers are suitable for gardens in Albuquerque, being both beautiful and naturally adapted to the soil conditions and dry weather characteristic of the area.
The bright colors and potent fragrance of lantana flowers make them a popular choice for many plant lovers. Lantanas are tropical flowers originally grown in tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, although they can now be purchased through most major garden centers. Lantanas are fairly low- maintenance and easy to grow, making them a good choice for novice plant enthusiasts.
Berberis, sometimes called barberry, is a dense shrub with thorny stems. Often you see several plants, which produce yellow flowers in spring, growing next to each other as an ornamental hedge. Berberis requires little pruning, but when you trim your shrub, take care not to remove previous years' growth, because the plant’s berries sprout on them. However, if you’re growing your shrub for the foliage only, or you want to shape it, shear the plant as needed.
Hydroponics is the method of growing plants in water that has nutrients and oxygen added to it instead of growing the plants in soil. The roots of the plants must be placed in a material to hold them in place, such as sand. Hydroponic plant growth has been used since the 1930s, and hydroponic vegetables were given to Allied troops during World War II. There are a few techniques to growing hydroponic plants.
Elegant flowers stand out above many other species because of their soft petals and delicate shape. Roses and rose-like flowers are often considered elegant because of their beauty. Many brides pick roses for their wedding because red roses symbolize love and sheer sophistication. However, many other flowers are also supreme beauties that are prized for their elegance.
Most of Germany's climate is similar to the northeastern United States. Summers are temperate and warm while winters can be quite cold with snow. In the spring, flowers beautify the country. However, the types of flowers you will see in Germany differ if you're visiting the Alps or are in the heart of Frankfurt.
Lupine flowers are easy-to-grow perennials. Lupines feature tiny, round blooms in a wide range of colors such as pink, blue, lilac, red, white, and yellow. Common garden-variety lupines can reach up to four feet in height. These flowers bloom in the summer months of June and July on long stems with vibrant spikes. Lupines can be found in the wild or sown from seeds directly into the garden.
Mexico is home to 10 percent of all the organisms on the planet and has the fourth largest number of plant species after Brazil, Colombia and China, with an estimated 22,000 different types. Mexico spreads over eleven different vegetation habitats, from scrubland and grasslands to pine, oak, tropical, fir and mountain cloud forests.
Connecticut falls in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and 6. Plants growing in the state's Northwest and Northeast regions need to tolerate minimum temperatures of minus 15 to minus 20 degrees F. If your garden is in Central Connecticut, grow species that can survive at minus 10 degrees F. Southern gardens require crops that are hardy to minus 5 degrees F.
Nelumbo, also known as lotus, produces round, 2-foot-wide leaves. Fragrant flowers complement the foliage, blooming in midsummer. The pink or white blooms have a diameter of up to 10 inches. This water-loving plant prefers to grow in bogs and ponds within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 11, where winter temperatures do not fall below 10 degrees. With proper care, the mature nelumbo will grow to 2 to 7 feet tall.
The rose is one of the national emblems of England -- a fitting symbol, since you don't have to go very far to find an abundance of beautiful flowers in England. Flowers grow in the many gardens cultivated in English cities and towns, and grow naturally in fields, ditches and meadows.
Plants might not be happy if they are sprouting new shoots from the bottom of the plant, if there are several brown areas or if it looks stressed. Learn how to determine if your plants are happy in a garden of perennial plants and flowers with help from an experienced gardener in this free video on growing perennials.
Rhododendrons are popular shrubs for growing in your garden. Well-liked in the spring for their bright, colorful flowers, some species of rhododendron retain their deep-green leaves during the winter. Like any plant, though, rhododendrons are susceptible to some diseases that affect their leaves, so it's important to be able to recognize these diseases and know how to prevent them.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists dozens of plants with "trumpet" in their common names, but the "trumpet plant" generally refers to a species of flower known as angel's trumpet (Brugmansia). Angel's trumpet has stunning white flowers, up to 20 inches long, which droop down toward the ground. The plant is a perennial in warmer climates, but prolonged freezing temperatures will kill this tender tropical. As a member of the nightshade family, all parts of angel's trumpet are toxic and can be harmful if ingested or come in contact with mucous membranes.
Many farmers and gardeners rely on fertilizers to help them grow plants, flowers or crops. Given the demand for food crops across the globe, it is no surprise that there are many forms of fertilizers available. Although fertilizers have many benefits, they also have disadvantages that are worth considering prior to their use.
All over India, a plethora of beautiful flowering shrubs flourish. Many of these shrubs were brought to India from other countries, but have since established themselves a place in the garden or now grow wild throughout the countryside. In addition to their beauty, some shrubs have medicinal qualities.
Tropical shrubs add a touch of exoticism to your landscape. Add deep purple to pinkish-purple flowers to contrast with the dark green leaves of your tropical plant and you have an eye catching addition to your garden. Most tropical shrubs grow as perennials in warm climates and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, but you can grow them as an annual if you live in a cooler climate.
Not all plants are equal. While some are "early risers," pushing out of the ground even when there's snow on the ground, others are heat-seekers, thriving only in the summer months. Those early bloomers would most certainly die when the mercury soars during the hot months. If you live in an area with intense summers, there are several flowers that are best for your garden.
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum superbum) were developed by Luther Burbank, who created a quadruple hybrid daisy that took more than 15 years to produce. Shasta daisies attract butterflies, which make any Shasta daisy variety a must for gardeners who want a butterfly garden. Daisies are a perennial flower that grow best in northern climates during the summer, though they can be grown as an annual in the hot, humid temperatures in the South. With minimal care and maintenance, Shasta daisies will brighten up any garden or patio.
A member of the Rhododendron family, azaleas are a genus of flowering plant, of which there are over 6,000 varieties, according to the Azalea Society of America. Azaleas originated in Asia but are commonly cultivated in American gardens because of their hardiness and attractive blooms. Azalea varieties come in many sizes, including dwarf plants that reach maximum heights of 6 feet or less.
The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) has divided the nation into zones according to each region’s approximate average minimum temperature. You can see these zones and find out which one you live in by viewing a U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zone Map, a helpful resource for gardeners. While different varieties of flowers are bred to be hardy in even the coldest zones, growing flowers can be harder in the colder zones.
The Southern magnolia is a large evergreen tree. In summertime, its flowers often develop a white coloring. Certain adult Southern magnolias can reach 9 meters in height, while some can even grow larger. To help ensure these trees grow to maximum capability, it's important to fertilize Southern magnolias on a proper schedule, particularly in the first three years of a tree's existence.
Gardeners maintaining a lawn or flowerbed may find themselves fighting an annual battle against the invasive chickweed. Chickweed can grow and thrive in almost any type of soil and growing condition. Whether you have chickweed growing among your flowers or your grass, the most effective way to eliminate chickweed is to pull it by hand before it begins to flower. If you remove chickweed before the seeds spread from the flowers, you can keep chickweed from spreading.
Flowers are attractive additions to a house, classroom or garden. However, caregivers, especially those of small children, need to be aware that some kinds of flowers may not be suitable for children to be around. Some contain poisonous stems, thorns, leaves or heads. Oxalates produce a sap that contains crystals shaped like small needles. These flowers can be quite dangerous if handled, chewed or swallowed. However, there are several kinds of flowers perfectly safe for children.
If you want to add a burst of color to the front of your home, consider planting impatiens. Among the most popular bedding plants, impatiens come in a variety of colors and will add depth and design to your garden. These flowers do not require much sunlight. In fact, protecting impatiens from direct sunlight, providing a humid atmosphere and having fertile soil are three sure-fire ways to grow a beautiful summer garden.
Versatile viburnums have what every gardener wants: a sturdy, shrub-like habit; delicate flower heads in a variety of colors; berries for birds; and best of all, maintenance free beauty. For novice gardeners, there’s a bonus: You don’t need a green thumb to successfully transplant them.
If you ever run into a black bat flower, or Tacca chantrieri, as it is known scientifically, it will most likely be in a densely shadowed tropical forest in China. According to researchers at Yale University, the plant has several clever ways of attracting pollinators: The long “whiskers” that extend from the flower are a method of getting the attention of insects and birds. The plant can also mimic the smell of rotting flesh, which draws flies. If you don’t live in the tropics, you can still grow your own black bat flower indoors.
Soil pH affects the health of plants, determining how they handles available nutrients. Each plant has its own pH preference, one the plant evolved in its native habitat. Learning a flowering plant's pH helps a gardener adjust soil for success.
Topsoil is the outermost layer of soil. It contains organic matter and serves as a nutrient reservoir for plants. There are three types of soils: clay, silt, and sand. A combination of the three produce a soil called "loam." Gardeners recommend loam topsoil for most plants.
Snapdragons are hardy annuals that thrive in cool weather, and bloom not only in the spring and early summer but again in fall, providing welcome color and fragrance as summer blooms fade. With their long flower spikes, unusually-shaped blooms and graceful stems, snapdragons impart a feeling of old-fashioned romance and charm to any garden. It is easy to see why they were once believed to restore youthfulness to women. Snapdragons, or "snaps," as gardeners affectionately call them, are capable of blooming lavishly; with the proper care and feeding, you can ensure that they do.
Flowers don't have to put a dent in your budget. In fact, there are many types of inexpensive flowers you can buy to create a fantastic landscape. It's important to think about what flowers grow best in your region. Native plants are not only low maintenance, but they also are generally cheaper. Conduct some research about your growing zone and compile a list of flowers before buying.
Astilbe plants do not like full sun and should be planted in a shaded area. Learn how to properly grow astilbe plants with tips from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on gardening.
To grow honeydew melons, you'll need a large area to grow them because of the big vine that these melons make. Grow your honeydew melons correctly with advice from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on gardening.
Bitter melons are just like any other melon that grows on a vine, and they're really easy to grow. Find out how to grow your bitter melon from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on gardening.
Streptocarpus is beautiful plant that's closely related to African violets because it grows in similar conditions. Care for your streptocarpus properly with advice from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on gardening.
We often think of flowers as only blooming during the spring and summer, with a few fall favorites as well. Even in more northern climates, there are some flowers that bloom in January.
Once you understand the needs of Japanese iris, they are a relatively carefree perennial. Japanese iris need plenty of water, and they are a good choice if you need something for a wet area of your garden. They grow best in full sun, but they are somewhat flexible with light conditions. Japanese iris prefer slightly acid soil, about 5.5 or 6.5.
Hydrangeas are shrubs native to Asia and North and South America. About 30 species and over 100 varieties of hydrangeas exist. Different varieties prefer different climates, but hydrangeas typically grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Plant your hydrangeas in the spring to enjoy them all summer.
Miracle-Gro is a brand of plant food and fertilizer that contains a mixture of nutrients to improve the size of plants--as well as the fruits, flowers or vegetables they produce--when applied at the proper times during the growing cycle, according to gardening-tips-idea.com. Knowing the time to use Miracle-Gro in your garden and the proper product to apply can have an impressive impact on your gardening.
Its invasive habit has made purslane (portulaca oleracea) the bane of many a gardener's existence. This creeping succulent with bright yellow flowers deserves a better reputation. High in potassium, beta-carotene and magnesium, purslane is a valued food in some cultures, and the University of Illinois recommends it as a salad and sandwich ingredient. Nurseries now carry seeds for upright strains of purslane that are easier to harvest and more friendly than their wild counterparts.
Fresh flowers bring a breath of the garden inside the house. Flowers can be expensive purchased from the florist, grocery store or roadside stand. The variety is limited. And there's the issue of how fresh the flowers are. Once cut, most flowers live only a week to 10 days. A cutting garden as part of your landscape provides fresh flowers that will last at a very reasonable cost.
After growing Physalis, this Chinese Lantern plant can be one of the funnest plants that you can have in your garden. Grow this fun plant in your garden with help from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on outdoor plants.
Growing Cranesbill is almost the same as growing geraniums, and they need just a few things to survive. Find out the best way to grow Cranesbill with tips from a third-generation flower grower in this free video on flower gardening.
Pruning a cranesbill plant simply requires trimming back spent flowers, eliminating any dead leaves and then chopping back one-third of the plant. Prune a cranesbill to encourage new growth with helpful information from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing plants.
Although it may sound like an activity done by the followers of The Grateful Dead, deadheading is actually a gardening practice that encourages plants to flourish. Deadheading flowering plants such as peony, iris or hibiscus can remove fading flowers that are past their bloom and encourage the plants to grow taller.
Several species of Dianthus plants are called "carnations". The edges of the flowers appear to have been cut with pinking shears, a type of scissors with a zigzag cutting edge. The small plants work well in a rock garden, in a mass along the edges of flower beds, or in containers. The flowers are excellent for cutting and are used alone or in flower arrangements.
Some of the most popular flowers in America can be found growing wild in almost any region in the country. Besides flowers that are easily grown in America, these popular flowers are also some of the most popular to send in delivered arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries or funerals. Roses, lilies, tulips, orchids and daisies are some of the most popular flowers in America. Roses and lilies are popular for their majestic petals and strong and appealing scent. daisies are the more casual but charming of the most popular flowers. There may not be a scent to a daisy, but the…
The flowers that can grow well in grass are violets, oxalis, daffodils, crocus and puschkinia, all of which have small enough bulbs to plant in the grass easily. Incorporate colorful blossoms into a grassy area of the yard with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on garden plants.
Many home gardeners are now planting their own cayenne pepper plants in their backyard gardens or in pots on their patios. The plants are very handsome and when the peppers start changing from green to red, the display is very striking. You will want to know when the best time is to harvest these fiery peppers for the best flavor and texture.
Cosmos flowers grow native in Mexico, so they prefer extreme heat, poor soil, arid conditions and very good drainage. Start cosmos plants every spring from the seed with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
When planting a hibiscus plant, be sure to thin out the browning foliage to encourage new growth when the roots get established. Find out how to successfully transplant a hibiscus plant with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
Healthy azaleas can be grown in a raised bed underneath a canopy of pine trees, as they need moisture but will rot out if the ground is too wet. Learn the tricks to growing azaleas with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
Bells of Ireland flowers prefer dry and arid conditions, as they originate in Turkey and Iran, so they do not survive well in colder climates or harsh winters. Find out how to start bells of Ireland from seeds with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
Amarilla flowers can be grown in a container and brought indoors for the winter, or it can be kept outside in a mild climate. Find out how to grow a blooming amarilla flower with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
To prune carnations, simply trim back the parts of the plant that look brown, ratty or wilted, which will encourage new and healthy growth. Get rid of dying parts of a plant to keep it thriving with helpful tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing flowers.
Ferns make a lovely, feathery addition to any garden.
Snapdragons, or antirrhinum majus, are self-seeding annuals loved by both gardeners and florists for their signature "dragon" blooms, which are large, fragrant and long-lasting. This member of the foxglove family was once thought to have magical powers, providing protection from witchcraft and restoring beauty and youth, but is now a favorite garden plaything for children. Most plants grow 1 to 3 feet high, but some dwarf varieties grow less than a foot tall. They range in color from white to bright crimson and orange. Snapdragons normally bloom in spring and early summer, but a little extra care can provide another…
Gibberellic acid is a growth hormone that occurs in many plants naturally. It is also produced commercially to improve plant growth, flowering and fruiting.
The easiest flowers to grow do not need much care, can survive if you miss a watering or two and can take just about any type of soil. That does not mean they need no care, just less than others, but it would take a lot of neglect to have a big adverse effect on the flowers. The easiest flowers to grow are a good way to get children interested in gardening. They will not get discouraged and still will learn what it takes to be a good gardener.
Foxgloves are bell-shaped flowers that grow along stems that are up to six feet tall. They're biennials, so that means they won't make flowers until they are 2 years old. The first year they'll grow a rosette of leaves that will die down to the roots over winter. The second year they'll send up a flower spike and long, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers will bloom in late spring and early summer.
A field of daisies is absolutely stunning with its white leaves and yellow center against a green contrasting background. A Shasta daisy garden will make an excellent cover as a border for your yard. The Shasta daisy is a hardy plant and once it becomes established it will produce year after year. The flowers will grow between 1 and 3 feet tall. Butterflies, birds and bees are attracted to a Shasta daisy garden. The perennial plant will bring you many years of enjoyment blooming from June to July.
There are many people who would love to be able to grow a garden, but find that they are limited on space to do so. Rentals, duplexes, apartments and townhouses do not often provide much area to cultivate, if any. Some rentals may have large yards, but also have restrictions on tilling up the ground or building raised beds for planting. There is another option that will still allow you to grow a garden without needing to till up the soil or even have a yard of your own.
Delicate pale blue, or sometimes white and pink, forget-me-nots are a welcome sight after a long, snowy winter. Establishing forget-me-knots in your garden or yard is an easy task with great rewards. Forget-me-nots produce fantasy-like clouds of light blue that can provide quite a show-stopping display. They are a hardy perennial that will spread throughout your garden with very little effort on your part.
Some spectacular flowers grow on the thin-stemmed vines of the Clematis. These vines are mostly deciduous (lose their leaves in the winter). But when they come into bloom in the spring, they make the wait more than worthwhile. Here are some suggestions on how to grow the Clematis in the garden.
Pretty flowers and plants can make for a beautiful yard, but adding an eye-catching structure can take your outdoor environment to the next level. For a practical and personalized structure, consider a garden arbor, which will add a beautiful finishing touch to any yard or garden.
Known botanically as Chaenomeles speciosa, flowering quince is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with serrated leaves and red, white, pink or orange blossoms that blanket that plant in the late winter or early spring. Flowering quince shrubs make attractive hedges or ornamental specimens in gardens and home landscapes in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. For all its showy beauty, flowering quince has relatively simply cultivation needs.
Leptospermums, more commonly known as New Zealand tea trees, are small ornamental flowering trees or shrubs that are closely related to myrtles. Native to Australia and New Zealand, leptospermums prefer warm climates, such as those found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Add these charming shrubs to your garden or home landscape and enjoy the tiny, wild-rose-like blossoms that cover their graceful branches in the spring and summer.
Growing a garden in a bed without soil is inexpensive and much easier than wondering if your soil will grow a garden.
The Hibiscus (Mallow) family has a number of marvelous flowering plants. Here is some information on how to grow the Hibiscus and some different Hibiscus related flowers.
When you raise an urban garden, you may need to employ unconventional methods and take precautions that suburban and country gardeners don't face. Poor soil, lack of space, dodgy access to water, intruders and pests all present challenges. A touch of creativity, persistence, flexibility and a few green-thumb tips make growing food and flowers in an urban garden a rewarding endeavor.
There are several hundred species of wildflowers that grow in Ireland. Flowers can be found all over the island, from the mountains to the sea. Some flowers indigenous of Ireland include the Irish orchid, Kerry lily, love-in-a-mist, flax fairy and groundsel.
Nothing tastes better than homegrown vegetables. You don’t need 40 acres to enjoy the benefits of taste and freshness of a perfect salad. You can grow lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes with a flower box planter and a pot or hanging planter.
Growing mandeville flowers involves planting them in a warm but shady place, providing a trellis for them to grab onto and taking them indoors during the winter. Grow mandeville flowers, which are a climbing vine, with tips from a professional gardener in this free video on gardening.
When growing vanilla, be sure to keep the plant in a warm environment and remember to pollinate the first flowers. Grow vanilla through patience and warm climates with tips from an experienced gardener in this free video on gardening and growing herbs.
In order to grow ginger, make sure the environment is never lower than 40 degrees, and try to grow it in the hottest and sunniest spot available. Grow ginger, a plant with beautiful red, yellow and orange flowers, with tips from an experienced gardener in this free video on gardening and growing herbs.
Ranunculus flowers are usually sold and planted as rhizomes. Sometimes these are mistakenly referred to as bulbs or tubers. The plants are native to South America. Plant the ranunculus rhizomes one and a half to two inches in well-drained soil, with the tips of the rhizomes pointing down. Cover with soil. Water well. During the growing season, the plants can be fed once with fish emulsion or other organic liquid fertilizer when the flower buds appear.
The Chinese forget-me-not plant, or cynoglossum amabile, is a biannual plant that won't give blooms until their second year. Grow Chinese forget-me-not plants to a height of 20 inches with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video series on flower gardening and plant care.
The cardinal flower, or lobelia cardinalis, is a flower that is native to the eastern part of the United States. Grow cardinal flowers in wet conditions and part shade with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video series on flower gardening and plant care.
The coleus plant doesn't have a spectacular flower, but it is a plant that is known for its foliage. Grow coleus plants as a house plant or an outside garden plant with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video series on flower gardening and plant care.
The balloon flower, or platycodon grandiflorum, has balloon-shaped flowers up and down the plant's stems. Start growing a balloon flower by seed in the spring with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video series on flower gardening and plant care.
The blanket flower, or gaillardia grandiflora, are plants that prefer a full, hot sun and really dry summers. Cut the blooms of the blanket flower off as they fade with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video series on flower gardening and plant care.
Amethyst flowers, or browallia speciosa, grow well in warmer climates and need to be reseeded every year after dying in the winter. Plant amethyst flowers, which make very pretty bedding plants, with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video gardening.
Pink roses are beautiful flowers to grow in a garden or in a container, or to give as a gift that symbolizes grace, gentility, happiness and young love. Provide pink roses with full sun and lots of water, pruning them down one third in the fall, with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video growing roses.
Zinnias are annual flowers that come in a wide variety of exuberant and colorful blooms. Extremely versatile, zinnias can be used in floral arrangements or to bring life to window boxes and walkways. Ranging in size from miniature to giant, narrow-leaf and common zinnias are excellent for filling gaps left by dormant spring bulbs, while creeping zinnia makes for excellent ground cover or gorgeous hanging baskets.
Flowers grow in soil. When you see a flower apparently growing out of a rock, that flower has found enough soil in the cracks of the rock to be able to grow there. To understand how it does this, we need to understand the process of erosion.
The amarilla flower is a tropical plant from South Africa. It is also called the amaryllis bulb or Belladonna lily. The plant grows from a bulb, the leaves are star-shaped and the flowers are funnel shaped with six petals. The amarilla flower comes in shades of pink, crimson, white and purple and is a popular flower for the holidays. The amarilla plant is easy to force into bloom. They are usually planted in pots and thrive in warmer weather.
You can make your garden into a magical experience after dark with scented flowers. There is something truly delightful about sitting in a garden aglow with warm nighttime lighting and the fragrance of night-blooming flowers filling the air. By planting scented flowers in your garden you can create a romantic experience or sensual retreat to enjoy and share after dark. Here is some information on how to grow a night-scented garden.
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are self-propagating flowers from the daisy family. These flowers add color and depth to any garden, reseed by themselves and require little care once established. Coneflowers are appropriate for all zones except South Florida and the Keys. They will grow to 24- to 42-inches-tall and will bloom well from mid-summer to the first frost. Some varieties will not bloom until second season.
Droopy-headed roses occur when the flower weight gets so heavy that it begins to hang over, and the best way to enjoy the rose for as long as possible is to make a cut that will cause the bud to go off in a new direction. Trim a rose that is drooping over to produce more flowers with help from an urban horticulturist and gardening adviser in this free video on growing roses.
Magical, mystical moonflowers never fail to delight. These fragrant flowers open up at night, and provide a beautiful backdrop for a garden during the day. Moonflowers are actually vining plants that feature 4- to 6-inch white or pink flowers, and grow well on a trellis or next to a fence. They are easy to grow and can get as high as 12 to 18 feet within a year. You will be amazed to see how the flowers open at night and close at the first sign of sunrise. These plants are not very susceptible to bugs or disease.
You've just moved into a new home and you would like to plant a flower garden, but you don't know anything about raising flowers. Don't worry. There are many flowers that are quite hardy and easy to grow. Before planting the flowers, however, here are things you should do to make your flower-gardening experience enjoyable in the long run.
To grow an organic flower garden, avoid using any pesticides, fungicides, weed killers or insecticides, and concentrate on improving the quality of the soil using organic matter. Grow flowers organically with advice from an experienced horticulturist in this free video on gardening.
Growing a flower garden requires picking out healthy plants, determining which prefer shade and which need sun, spacing them out in a planter or a raised bed and fertilizing them almost every week. Grow a flower garden in any space limitations with advice from an experienced horticulturist in this free video on gardening.
Lamb's ears, or stachys byzantina, can handle cold temperature and will grow in diverse conditions. Learn about the silver leaves and purple flowers of lamb's ears with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening tips.
Spider flowers, or cleome hasslerana, are plants from the tropics that can be treated like an annual in colder climates. Cut back spider flowers in the fall with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on flower gardening and plant care.
Flower fertilizer typically contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer is often labeled with a series of three numbers, such as 5-10-5. The first number indicates what percent of the fertilizer is nitrogen, the second number indicates the percentage of phosphorus and the last number tells its percentage of potassium.
From the smallest potted flower to a lush flower bed, all flowering plants can benefit from fertilizer. Fertilizer is a chemical substance that provides plants with added nutrients that encourage plant growth. Fertilizers are not created equally, and there are many different mixtures for different plants. Fertilizers for grass have more nitrogen, while fertilizer for landscape plants and flowers contains more phosphorous. Most flower fertilizers also contain potassium for root development; they contain manganese and zinc for healthy growth.
If you find yourself with very limited space, but a burning desire to grow a garden, think vertically. In an area as small as 2 feet wide, you can build a garden that provides food to satisfy your taste buds and flowers to nurture your spirit. Get creative with your vertical support materials and the intensive garden space can serve as an outdoor work of art, too.
Now is the time to prepare your survival garden to help put food on the table during these tough times. Here are some ideas on what crops are best.
If you plan ahead, you can grow your garden with the goal to use the plants as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. By the time the special occasion arrives, you will be ready to give a lush or flowering plant that your loved one will truly appreciate. Here's how to plan and grow a gift-giving garden.
There are many common flowering plants, both beautiful and easy to grow, that reseed on their own each year, producing a never ending supply of free plants. By knowing which flowering plants to grow and what the young seedlings look like, it is possible to have flowering plants every year, without a costly trip to the garden center each spring.
Attracting butterflies to your flower garden can be a lot of fun, especially when you know which species of butterflies you’re likely to lure by the plants you acquire. To start with, choose an area that gets plenty of sunshine. And keep in mind you will have to supply caterpillars and butterflies with the things they like to eat and drink. Soon you will be astounded at the abundance of these magical creatures that come for a visit.
Few people realize that lobelias come in more than the edging plant with purplish-blue flowers. Actually, there are over 400 species of lobelia. The cardinal flower is one of them. This herbaceous plant can grow upwards to 4 feet tall. It has bright green leaves with sprays of bright red flowers. Cardinal flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and people alike.
Grow any of the plants from the succulent species and you will learn how self-sufficient they are. Succulent plants come in a wide variety to choose from, whether for potted plants, area landscaping or a rock wall. Grown in its natural habit, these plants enjoy the sun and an arid environment. Many sport needles or spines, while others are adorned with beautiful flowers.
Boxwood is a standard in many gardens and if cared for correctly it can last for generations. Pruning boxwood is an essential part of that continual care. Pruning not only keeps the shrubs from looking untidy, but it also stops them from becoming vastly overgrown. Large overgrown bushes need slightly more drastic pruning, but even that can be done by a homeowner if you take some basic things into consideration.
Learn about the dangers of comparing gardens in this free gardening video about growing your perfect garden.
Learn about the easiest gardens to maintain in this free gardening video about growing your perfect garden.
Star of Bethlehem flowers, or Ornithogalum umbellatum, is a perennial with small, delicate white flowers. It's native to parts of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, but grows well in many areas in the United States. The plant is generally 6 to 12 inches in height and it blooms in the spring.
Platycodon or balloon flowers, get their name from the balloon-like shape of the blossom before it opens in late summer and early fall. Growing in USDA zones 3 to 8, these perennials go upwards to two feet tall, in a range of blue shades, although white and pale pink flowers are available as well. Balloon flowers are easy to grow and will create a conversation piece in any garden.
How to cultivate your Mexican sage grown from cuttings; get professional tips and advice from an expert on growing your own plants and flowers in this free gardening video.
Container gardening has come a long way since the days of keeping a few starter plants in a wine jug or brandy snifter. Designer conservatories--architectural wonders of glass that are faceted like jewels--are making the art of keeping miniature plants more creative and rewarding than ever before. With a little planning, and some clever plant selections, these enclosed environments will sustain plants indefinitely.
The crown flower (Calotropis gigantea) is a large tropical shrub whose stems are covered with a white powdery bloom like that on grapes. It sports distinctive star-like flowers that are said to be sacred to the Hindu people. Also known as the giant milkweed, the crown flower was a great favorite of Hawaii's last queen, Lilioukalani. Although native to India, Iran, China and Tibet, it is a popular landscape plant in tropical locations such as Hawaii. This plant is very hardy and does well under normal cultivation or even under conditions of neglect.
Mandeville flowers are some of the most beautiful flowers around, and they come in several striking color varieties as well. A couple examples are the Pink Alice Dupont Mandeville flowers and the Dark Red Ruby Star Mandeville flowers. If you have just recently obtained these types of flowers as a gift or want to start a Mandeville flower garden, here are some instructions on how to properly grow and care for them.
Ghost orchids are a delicate, beautiful and difficult to grow species of orchid. This is one plant that will take some tender loving care and a green thumb, but the beauty of the flowering orchid makes it well worth it. We're going to look at some ways you can make your flower a success.
Learn how to start growing a garden from a gardening expert in this free gardening video.
Learn what to grow in your garden in this free video on low maintenance gardening.
Edelweiss flowers are an alpine plant and are perennials that are native to the Alps of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France. Edelweiss flowers are quite rare in the wild and, in many areas, are considered endangered in several countries. These famous flowers, subject of songs and legends, grow naturally in rocky crags in the Alps and are best cultivated in a rock garden that mimics their natural habitat. Grown in partial shade, these plants will develop beautiful woolly flowers which, with a ring of silvery white leaves surrounding them, look rather like large snowflakes. Edelweiss flowers are reasonably easy…
A flower garden that blooms from spring through the first frost is every gardener’s dream. Flowering plants come in a limitless array of textures, sizes, colors and varieties. Successful gardening happens by following a few simple rules. Getting your flower garden to produce an abundance of colorful, fragrant blooms is no different. Read on to learn how to grow flowers.
Wild flower gardens do not have to be well planned or mapped out, and many times they will crop up on their own. Growing a wild flower garden is a relatively easy endeavor that will add years of beauty and enjoyment to any yard. Read on to learn how to grow a wild flower garden.
Mandevilla is a gorgeous vine, growing in popularity because of its showy flowers. The plant comes in four delightful colors; a pink named Alice Dupont, a yellow called White Delight, a red named Red Riding Hood, and a darker red, Ruby Star. When you buy it, it usually is already started on a small trellis. You can leave it in the pot when you get it home or if you live in sub-tropical or tropical parts of the world, you can plant it in the ground against a trellis so it can start its journey up the trellis. You can…
Moonflowers. Heart-shaped dark green leaves on long trailing vines with pure white flowers that exude a gorgeous fragrance. Also known as Calonyction aculeatum), they are a favorite of many gardeners. Moon flower vines can grow upwards to 20 feet with 6-inch-wide blossoms that open from evening until the following midday. Once established, they require little care. If you have a sunny location and something for the flowers to grow on, then grab a package of moon flower seeds and get started.
Yellow Star Thistle is an invasive plant. It is not native to the United States. The plant was accidentally introduced to the western states over a century ago. Now found in 41 states, the noxious plant crowds out native species and is toxic to horses. Star thistle grows quickly from 6 inches to 5 feet tall. As it matures, the yellow-flower weed loses its leaves and grows nasty spikes that puncture skin. As the plant spreads into backyard and city lots, it becomes a nuisance to children and pets. The plants can be poison to dogs and other animals. Star…
Gladiolus x hortulanus, also known as gladiolus or gladiola, are favorites of many gardeners. Their easy maintenance and amazingly colorful blooming habit make gladiolus an excellent choice for seasoned and amateur gardeners alike. Grown from corms and tolerant of most soil conditions, gladiolas are a welcome addition to any flower garden.
Brassica oleracea, also known as flowering or ornamental kale, is an attractive choice for the fall garden. Flowering kale is a good complement to other fall bloomers, including pansies and chrysanthemums, and can be used in garden beds as well as containers. The plant is available in pink, purple and white cultivars.
With this article you will learn how to grow a garden that will produce some of the biggest fruit and vegetables you've seen. I will also give tips on companies that have good gardening seeds as well as good prices to match.
Cucumbers are a relatively easy vegetable to grow, even if you are a beginner at gardening. Whether you're growing them to make pickles, to add to a salad or to eat as a natural, low-cal snack, here are a few tips on getting them to grow their best.
If you do not have a yard to grow a garden in, or if your gardening space is limited, you might want to consider growing a rooftop garden. Both flowers and vegetables can be grown well in containers. If you have a roof that is strong enough and flat enough to support a garden, that is a wonderful place for growing a container garden.
The dwarf flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that can boast single or double blooms. The pink or white flowers appear in profusion in April on graceful stems that soon are decked with green, oblong leaves. Follow these tips to add this springtime sprite to your garden.
Looks can be deceiving with the flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa). Most of the year this shrub is a mass of tangled, thorny branches with mundane foliage. But, in spring the beast becomes a beauty with showy single or double blossoms. In October we are rewarded with apple-like fruit that makes a great marmalade or jelly. Add this fairy tale shrub to your garden by following these easy steps.
Planting flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) in your garden is one habit you won't want to break. Nicotiana's lovely tubular blooms attract hummingbirds with their colors and gardeners with their evening fragrance. Its undemanding nature is always appreciated and flowering tobacco has become a favorite annual for flower beds, planters and window boxes. Flowering tobacco will light up your garden if you follow these easy steps.
Succulents are easy to grow, require little water and maintenance and usually have vibrant blooms. Succulents thrive specifically in arid conditions, but can be grown almost anywhere, under almost any conditions. If you don't have the greenest thumb, succulents are a great choice and come in a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes.
If you have a flower garden or even just a few potted flowers in the window, it's an inevitability. At some point, many flowering plants need to be transplanted. Having to transplant flowers, is usually a sign that your doing something right and with a little know-how, it doesn't have to be a tricky process.
For wet, shady conditions, no annual (a plant that lives just one year) beats monkey flower. It gets its name from its funnel-shaped flowers that have two lip-like petals that remind some of a grinning monkey.
Flowering kale and cabbage are classics in the fall garden, adding intriguing autumnal colors to both flower and vegetable gardens. Flowering kale and cabbage need full sun and do best in the cooler temperatures of fall.
Elegant, airy spider flower is a striking plant to put at the back of the border or anyplace you need tall plants. Growing 3 to 6 feet, depending on growing conditions, this annual (grows just one year) has 4-inch clustered flower heads with elongated stamens and long seedpods. It comes in pink, lavender and white.
One of the most popular of all annual flowers, floss flower is an excellent choice for growing along the edges of flower beds, where its short stature and small puffball flowers can be appreciated. It comes in blue, pink and white and generally grows about a foot high, though some dwarf varieties are available.
This native North American perennial (meaning it comes back year after year) brightens up the flower and shrub border with its scarlet flowers. It grows single stalks that are 3 to 4 feet high, with flowers appearing along the top half of the stem in summer and early autumn.
Also called star flower or sapphire flower, amethyst flower is one of the few colorful annuals (blooms for one year, then dies) that does well in shade. It does best in light shade, growing 12 to 18 inches tall in a neat mound and producing charming star-like flowers in blue, violet or white.
