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You can keep outdoor plants from freezing by making preparations in early spring. Keep outdoor plants from freezing with help from a certified horticulturist in this free video clip.
Despite its possible medical applications, yarrow probably isn't something you want to give to your cat. In a pinch, it might help treat internal or external wounds, but it could also make your cat vomit or get sick.
When planting in a shaded area you need to make sure that you're choosing perennial flowers and plants that can thrive under those conditions. Plant perennial flowers and plants in a shaded area with help from an experienced gardener in this free video clip.
Famous as the state flower of Texas, Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) are annual spring wildflowers in the bean family. They grow abundantly in fields and roadsides throughout the state of Texas, carpeting the ground with color in spring. They need well-drained soil to grow well. Blue-and-white flowers are closely spaced on spiky flower stalks that rise from a leafy foliage clump. Plants bloom from March into May.
The native desert cactus called queen of the night (Peniocereus greggii) blooms during the summer in the deserts of Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico. Slender ridged gray stems grow amid bushes in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Plants are hard to find except for when they bloom, producing night-blooming large, fragrant white flowers that advertise their presence to hawk moth pollinators. Names are descriptive of how and where the plants grow.
Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as Texas sage, is a tough plant often used in xeriscapes, or low-water landscapes, because it tolerates drought so well. This evergreen shrub grows up to 12 feet tall with a similar sized spread and produces fragrant flowers. Texas Ranger thrives in both high heat and bitter cold, enjoys the blazing sun but grows well even in shadier conditions. Its rugged character makes Texas Ranger difficult to get rid of if it decides to grow where it is not wanted.
Native to the United States, Uniola paniculata, also known as sea oats, is a perennial grass that prefers to grow within the balmy temperatures of USDA hardiness zones 7B through 11. Standing 5 to 8 feet tall at maturity, Uniola paniculata produces spikelets, containing 10 to 12 seed-containing florets, which open during the early morning hours. This ornamental grass grows naturally in dunes along the southeast coast of the United States, but it will also flourish when planted in a backyard landscape, provided the conditions are adequate.
Desert flowers flourish and bloom when water is most readily available, which can be any time during the year when rain falls. When it does rain, most of it is stored deep in the ground, and many flowering plants send their roots deep into the soil to reach it. Some plants take hold in shady areas where water evaporates more slowly, while others, such as cacti, have adapted to arid desert conditions by storing water in their cells.
Whether you prefer the leafy greens or the turnip itself, turnips are a cold-weather crop that you plant early and enjoy throughout the summer and fall. While gardeners in most climates start planting turnips around the same time of year, the time you stop planting turnips depends on where you live. For example, if you live in the Southern United States, you might be able to plant turnips well into the fall while the northern climate is too cold for them to thrive.
Pitayas are edible fruit, usually red in color, found on certain cactus species in North, Central and South America. The two major categories of pitaya are based on the fruits' taste, sour and sweet. Although they have been eaten by Native Americans since pre-Colombian times, pitayas now are propagated and sold regularly within the United States and Southeast Asian countries.
You don't have to be an expert if you want to draw a specific type of Hawaiian flower. Draw Hawaiian flowers for beginners step-by-step with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Not every drawing of a Hawaiian flower requires you to be an expert. Draw a Hawaiian flower for a beginner with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Also referred to as silver lace vine, mile-a-minute vine and Russian vine, Chinese fleece flower is a vine that quickly overtakes any nearby fence or trellis. A member of the smartweed family, this semi-woody perennial produces white, fragrant flowers in late summer and early fall, and can grow between 12 and 15 feet during growing season. Older vines can reach heights of 25 feet. It thrives in fertile soil and appears similar to wisteria, another climbing vine.
Arranging plants outside on your lawn, patio or walkway is a great way to add some flare to your landscaping. If you want to keep your plants organized, on top of being aesthetically pleasing, you can place them on a plant stand. If you don't have a plant stand you can make one yourself out of wood. And when you're finished, you can treat the stand so that it is weather resistant.
Earthworms are found throughout North America, from rivers to forests to backyards and gardens, with a number of species native to Texas. The earthworm’s survival is heavily dependent on the climate, and the climate in Texas makes the state an ideal breeding ground for these species. There are 16 families of earthworms. Five of these families have native earthworm species within the state of Texas.
Many different types of flowers are able to grow in the desert. Find out how to draw desert flowers with help from an artist who teaches art to children and adults in this free video clip.
Succulents encompass a range of fleshy-leaved plants that store moisture in their foliage or stems. These plants include more than 2,000 cacti species, and a variety of tropical plants. Divided into four botanical families, succulents thrive in nearly all parts for the world, including above the Arctic Circle.
Fresh foods are an important part of a tortoise's diet. Tortoise owners can grow fruits, vegetables and flowers for a source of food -- just vary your tortoise's diet to ensure that it is getting proper nutrition and does not get bored with its food.
Calochortus albus, commonly known as the Globe Lily or Fairy Lantern, grows natively only in California. This delicate lily is found in areas ranging from deep-to-light shade and blooms in the early spring into early summer, depending on the location. The seeds and bulbs are enjoyed by animals and so may require protection from wildlife when planted outdoors. The C. albus adapted to the wet spring and dry summer conditions found in their native California habitat. They do not tolerate overwatering well, especially in the summer and fall, when the plant goes dormant and the leaves die back.
Blueberry bushes are perennial, woody plants offering both ornamental foliage and edible fruit, making them increasingly popular in home landscapes, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. They can be challenging to grow, however. When your plant produces small blueberries, it may be due to one or more reasons, including variety, maturity and care.
While it is possible to get a Hawaiian hibiscus flower design on your nails in a salon, you can apply this design technique at home for less money. When choosing your colors, think about the final look you wish to achieve; one color will be used for the background color and the other will serve as the petals for the flower. Choose a petal color that contrasts greatly from the original, to create a more vibrant design.
Topsoil is vital to the continuation of life on earth. The bulk of the nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive are found in topsoil, and without sufficient plant life, animal life would soon disappear. Under the proper conditions topsoil is continuously being created in nature, adding to the existing soil. Agricultural techniques can help in the creation of new topsoil, and also destroy existing topsoil.
Scarlet Queen penstemon is a cultivar of border penstemon (Penstemon gloxinioides) characterized by dark green, semi-evergreen leaves and tubular scarlet blooms accented with white throats. The compact shrub grows to a manageable size of about 2 feet with a similar spread. The plant flowers in flushes throughout the growing season.
Hermodactylus tuberosus, commonly known as snake's head iris or widow iris, was once considered part of the closely related iris family, but is now its own genus. It grows and spreads with an underground rhizome system of tuberous roots, or bulbs, which serve as the means of its propagation. Blooms are attractive and fragrant, appear similar to irises, and are often used for cut flowers. Leaves are grassy and appear as a gray-green color while the flowers are green with vivid purple marks. The plant reaches 8 to 16 inches tall. This Mediterranean species thrives in climates with rainy winters…
Cactus plants possess a number of physical adaptations that allow them to survive in extremely arid conditions. Cacti are members of the Cactaceae family of plants, which encompasses thousands of species. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, only one of the many cactus species is not native to either North or South America. Cacti vary in size, shape and appearance, but nearly all of them have developed traits that allow them to survive in inhospitable climates.
Building an outdoor planter is a quick and cost-effective way to enhance the appeal of a deck, porch, entrance, driveway or another spot. Built from rot-resistant, pressure-treated wooden boards, the plant box withstands natural elements and decay to last a long time, allowing you to grow and display your favorite plants over hardscaping. The planter also serves as a portable container garden that you can easily move to dull or drab parts of the yard for instant color and personalization.
The cactus is an iconic image of desert environments. There are many species of this hearty plant, but one feature that most have in common is sharp spines covering the surface. These spines serve many functions, which vary from species to species.
Popping a ripe blackberry still warm from the sun into your mouth tantalizes the taste buds and provides your body with vitamin C. Blackberries add natural sweetness to cereal, oatmeal and yogurt, in addition to complementing a fresh fruit salad. Knowing how to spot ripe blackberries ensures that you harvest mature, sweet fruit, if you have your own blackberry bush, or if you visit a "pick your own fruit" farm.
Humans have been growing plants in see-through containers, or terrariums, for at least 2,500 years, according to the University of Missouri Extension website. The practice of creating miniature, self-sustaining ecosystems in containers was initiated by a English physician, who grew ferns and grass in a bottle for four years without adding water or taking the lid off. When creating your own terrarium for a shady area, choose plants that have dense but low growth. Most shade-tolerant terrarium plants need to be placed no more than 10 feet from a window.
Mushrooms add a unique taste and texture to a salad, sauce or other dish. Pennsylvania, which hosts an annual mushroom festival in Kennett Square and is home to multiple mushroom clubs, offers a wide variety of wild mushrooms. However, not all mushrooms are edible. Learning about mushrooms helps you distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms and choose the appropriate mushroom for a dish.
Landscaping with native plants makes sense in an increasingly fragile and interconnected environment. Native plants attract native wildlife. Important pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are dependent on a reliable source of native nectar to carry on their pollinating work. Plants are classified as dicot or monocot based on various seed and plant structural differences. Though most flowering plants are dicot, monocot plants include important and beautiful native lilies, iris and grasses.
Texas is a large state with winters ranging in USDA hardiness zones between 6 and 11. Coastal regions can plant crops, such as beets year-round, making the most of the mild weather. However, the farther north areas will need to wait until spring and summer to plant beets. Thankfully, beets are a fast crop ready for harvest after just 30 to 60 days. For fall planting, put the beets in the ground eight to 10 weeks before the first frost.
The diverse wetland habitats of Pennsylvania are home to 14 different species of frogs and toads. Six different genera separate the native species and they are diverse in size and appearance. Some of the species are common and widespread, while others are more rare and live in only certain areas of the state.
The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is traditionally used as an ornamental plant. Unfortunately, Virginia creeper often escapes practiced cultivation and enters the wild. Creeper will cling onto anything, but generally prefers fences and large trees. It is identified by its five large leaves with serrated margins. Virginia creeper can be controlled by hand or with chemicals if the creepers have overrun large areas. Always attempt a nonchemical control option before attempting chemical control.
Hedgerow, deliberately placed walls constructed of bushy plants, shrubs and trees, have been used, according to "Hobby Farm" magazine, since the Bronze Age to mark property lines and to control domesticated animals. Hedgerows have remained popular among homeowners looking to edge their own gardens and yards. Hedgerows are often more attractive than fences and more efficiently provide privacy, control noise, protect against the wind and attract beneficial insects. Research which plants are best for your climate and area, as there are a wide number of varieties that can be used successfully, including evergreens, boxwood, privet, willow and winter honeysuckle.
Twigs begin to develop open sores and take on a gnarled, distorted appearance. The death of the twig and tips of the branches is a likely scenario as plants of many species are attacked by twig blight disease, also called leaf blight or shoot blight. While it can be fatal, basic cultural steps can minimize the problem.
Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregano) is a mildly invasive clumping, low growing herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. This native North American species has a rapid growth pattern assisted by creeping, spreading rhizomes. Reaching heights of 10 inches, redwood sorrel has a wide, semi-open formation that resembles a mat with clover-like leaves. Redwood sorrel blossoms with white, pink or lavender colored flowers.
Texas has more than 250 native species of ants that contribute to the state habitat. These ants are original to this area. Identification helps in the event of a household invasion, and for monitoring pest control. Many imported ants have painful, harmful bites.
Bhut jolokia is believed to be one of the hottest chili peppers on earth. The plants are not readily available in most nurseries and are usually started indoors by home gardeners. They also require warm temperatures and a long growing season, making it difficult to grow them in areas with cool fall and winter temperatures. Provide bhut jolokia plants with gradual exposure to outdoor conditions before adding them to the garden. Transplant to a full or partial sun location with excellent drainage after temperatures rise in spring.
Use recycled planters to grow vegetables, such as old tires. Rather than throwing out your tires to decompose in the next few decades in a landfill, keep them for growing pumpkins. Spare tires work well for city dwellers with the space to grow pumpkins but may lack soil. Late May or early June is the optimal time to plant pumpkins for fall harvest. Water these plants more frequently in late June and early August when the plants begin fruiting.
Since most of the diseases that infect plants are transmitted by pathogenic fungi, home gardeners are wise to learn the most common fungal diseases of the plants they cultivate, such as grapevines. They are susceptible to a wide range of fungal diseases that threaten yields and the plant's health. Knowing the most common grapevine fungal diseases and their attendant symptoms helps protect grapevine's health.
The varieties of American native tree species found across North America include evergreen and deciduous trees. Trees with attractive foliage, flowers and fruits are suitable for landscaping jobs around your property. By concentrating on using native species, you help provide both habitat and food for the wildlife of your region while enhancing your landscape.
Grasshoppers come in a large variety with an equally wide plant host range. The pests are also the most difficult insects to control given their high mobility, cites the Colorado State University Extension. There are numerous natural or organic insecticides that can be effectively used for grasshopper control.
Bathroom sinks often cause odors that smell like mothballs, sewage or raw eggs. The odor comes from problems with the drain, bacteria and fungus accumulation. In the case of a mothball odor from the sink, any number of issues is to blame. Take actions to remove the smell and prevent it in the future.
A number of fungus bodies attack the growing vines, leaves and fruits of the grapevine. All of these are potential crop-ruining fungi that need careful attention as soon as you notice them. Fungi spreads rapidly through vineyards, especially in the spring, when the conditions are warm and damp and the new growth on the grapevines are tender and susceptible.
Some trees aren't all that interesting when they go dormant, but the birch puts on a second show in winter. The bark often rivals the foliage in beauty, and when the leaves drop this feature is especially prominent. Birches are probably best known because of the white-barked varieties, but birches can also have tan to almost black bark. Some barks peel, producing papery fringes that rustle in the breeze. Barks can change in color as the tree ages, too, so there may be black stems and white bark on the same tree. Weeping varieties can have nice bark and a…
Wineberry is the common name for Rubus phoenicolasius, a species of fruiting plant native to eastern Asia. It is a close relative of blackberries and raspberries, as expressed in the appearance of its reddish-purple aggregate fruit and prickly canes, which reach 3 to 10 feet in height at maturity. Like most species within the genus Rubus, wineberry propagates effortlessly using vegetative methods such as tip layering and hardwood cuttings, but it will also grow from seeds with limited success.
If you think your toilet smells like mothballs, the cause could be your toilet cleaner or deodorant cakes you may be dropping in the toilet. Mothballs, as well as some toilet cleaners and deodorant cakes, contain a toxic substance called naphthalene, which puts anyone who uses your toilet at risk.
Although it can be challenging to keep pests out of a productive garden, mothballs should never be used as a form of outdoor pest control. Not only are they ineffective at controlling nuisance wildlife, the highly toxic pesticides within them have the potential to poison pets and children, reports the website Healthy Child.org. In fact, using mothballs in a manner other than what is described on the label is actually illegal.
Weed control is one of the most integral parts of growing food plants and ensuring that they make it to harvest time. Weeds move into areas where you have cultivated food plants and compete with the food plants for finite amounts of nutrients, moisture, sunlight, growing space and other resources. A failure to control these weeds could mean that your food plants will be so starved for growth resources that their yields will suffer. Turnips, for example, are susceptible to a wide range of weeds that need to be suppressed to guarantee a bountiful turnip yield come harvest time.
