June 30, 2018 |
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Weekly news from the National Gardening Association |
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ARTICLES TO READ |
Squash Vine BorerSquash vine borers are pests of crops east of the Rockies. The adult is a moth that lays its eggs on the stems near the base of the plant in late spring to early summer. 
Ornamental OnionsYou'll know these pretty plants are in the onion family from the mildly pungent odor of their leaves when cut, but they certainly won't bring tears to your eyes! The many species and cultivars of these easy-to-grow plants add color to the flower garden from spring through fall. 
Saving Flower Seeds for ReplantingSaving seeds can be economical, since a single flower can generate dozens or even hundreds of seeds. Although the procedure is simple, there are a few techniques that will improve your chances of being a successful seed saver. 
Growing Edible Flowers in Your GardenWhile gardeners love flowers for their beauty outdoors in the garden and indoors in a vase, few raise them to eat. That?s a shame because many flowers are edible and bring lively flavors, colors and textures to salads, soups, casseroles and other dishes. Eating flowers is not as exotic as it sounds. The use of flowers as food dates back to the Stone Age with archeological evidence that early man ate flowers such as roses. Of course flowers have been used to make teas for centuries, but flower buds and petals also have been used from China to Morocco to Ecuador in soups, pies and stir-fires. Rose flowers, dried day lily buds and chrysanthemum petals are a few of the flowers that our ancestors used in cooking. In fact, many of the flowers we grow today were originally chosen for the garden based upon their attributes of aroma and flavor, not their beauty. 
How Beans GrowMost of the energy the young plant needs is stored within the seed. In fact, there's enough food to nourish bean plants until the first true leaves appear without using any fertilizer at all. 
Preserving HerbsThe most common ways to preserve herbs are drying and freezing. You can also make herb-based sauces. Try one or more of these methods so you can enjoy that fresh-picked flavor year-round. |
A Message from our friends at AHTA about their 2018 Annual Conference
Planting with a Purpose: Engaging in Horticultural Therapy Immerse yourself in the foothills of the mountainous Denver, Colorado, landscape October 5th - 6th for the 2018 AHTA Annual Conference! Pre-tours are planned for October 4th and will feature an informative behind-the-scenes look at local horticultural therapy programs and gardens. Join us to connect with horticulture and therapy-focused professionals from around the world, take advantage of professional development opportunities, and engage in interactive sessions. Visit our website to view the full schedule, reserve your hotel stay at our discounted rate, and explore our robust sponsorship opportunities. We can't wait to see you in Denver this fall! If you have any questions, feel free to email the AHTA Office or call (888) 294-8527. |
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AWESOME NEW PHOTOS FROM THIS WEEK |
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NOTABLE DISCUSSIONS FROM OUR FORUMS |
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THE NUMBERS FROM LAST WEEK: |
| 953 members joined. 6,215 posts written in our forums. 1,682 photos posted to the plant database. 2,218 plants added to personal inventory lists. |
