 Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. Paul Theroux
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ARTICLES TO READ
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Persuading your Christmas Cactus to pump out the lush and delicately colored flowers that originally tempted you to bring them home takes a little special attention. However, with just a modicum of care, they will reward you with an abundance of color that few winter bloomers can match.
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Even in cold climates about a third of the bluebirds don't migrate to warmer climes in winter. These birds will visit feeders with the right enticement and you will both benefit.
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You're about to enter the wonderful world of orchids. You're in store for an exciting adventure! This is the largest plant family on our planet with an estimated 30,000 wild types (species) and many more man-made varieties. No other plants can compete with orchids for their power to seduce and bedazzle the most jaded plant lover with their fantastically beautiful flower colors, shapes, and textures, and heady and sensuous perfumes.
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Probably one of the most intimidating hurdles that the beginning orchid grower faces is the complex names given to orchids. When you realize what an immense groups of plants this is, you'll soon come to realize why most orchids are referred to by their Latin name rather than a common name. Actually, very few orchids even have a common name. I always use the Latin name, because that's the universally accepted name, and I add a common name, when there is one.
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Although orchids are relatively pest-free plants, an invasion of some bug or disease will inevitably be something you will have to deal with. Insect and disease problems can be greatly reduced by good plant sanitation. Fortunately, there aren't many pests to contend with and they are not that difficult to identify.
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Snails and slugs are at the top of most people's list as being one of the most revolting of all orchid pests. They have rasping mouth parts that scrape the surface of plant tissue. They can do extensive damage to the green tips of young orchid roots and stems and developing and maturing flowers.
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Lady's slippers are some of the easiest orchids to grow and among the most rewarding orchids you'll find, making them a great orchid for beginners. They present a wide range of strikingly colored, frequently glossy flowers in a myriad of shapes. Some have petals that are elegantly twisted, while others are marked with hairs and warts. All slipper orchids are noted for very-long-lasting blooms — the flowers usually last six to eight weeks. Many slipper orchids have gorgeous marbled foliage, which makes them stunningly beautiful, even when they aren't in bloom. Collectors of slipper orchids tend to be a fanatic lot — and it's easy to see why.
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SPONSORED BY THE DAHLIA EXPERT
 Dahlia Tubers (Bulbs) – FREE SHIPPING
Make 2021 the year you grow a Dahlia Garden, Enjoy the beauty of dahlias in your home garden all summer long. Quantities are limited so order today to reserve yours!
*Special Offer for National Gardening Association Friends*
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www.thedahliaexpert.com (289) 439-3084
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LOVELY PHOTO BY BAJA_COSTERO
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LOVELY PHOTO BY SKOPJECOLLECTION
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LOVELY PHOTO BY JOY
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LOVELY PHOTO BY ARCTANGENT"Vriesea hieroglyphica - an awesome specimen"
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LOVELY PHOTO BY KETSUI73
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LOVELY PHOTO BY VALERY33
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LOVELY PHOTO BY LAURAM847"Dahlia ‘Bloomquist Pumpkin’"
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LOVELY PHOTO BY DIRTDORPHINS
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LOVELY PHOTO BY HAMWILD
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LOVELY PHOTO BY ANNKNCALIF"Princess Alexandra of Kent (David Austin, 2007) from early fall 2020. PAOK completed her fifth year and is now one of my larger shrub roses at 5x5 ft. The blooms are large too at about 5 inches wide and sometimes display a peach-colored undertone. The fra"
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SPONSORED BY NGA CALENDARS
 Our NGA wall calendar makes a great gift for gardeners! The cost is only $5 each or 3 for $12 with free shipping in the US. These calendars feature winning photos from last year's photo contest. Click here to order.
Sponsored by Edmunds' Roses, Jung Seed, Totally Tomatoes, Victory Seeds, RH. Shumway's, Bluestone Perennials, Mary's Garden Patch, Hummingbird Farm, Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Roots & Rhizomes, and McClure & Zimmerman.
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ACTIVE THREADS FROM OUR FORUMS
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Thread Subject
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Forum
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Replies
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THE NUMBERS FROM LAST WEEK
1,248 members joined.
4,344 posts written in our forums.
596 photos posted to the plant database.
544 plants added to personal inventory lists.
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 Anyone who things gardening begins in spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year. for gardening begins in January with the dream.
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SPONSORED BY NGA PERSONAL ORGANIZER
 Back for the fourth year is our 2021 download-and-print planner, which is fully customizable and will suit you no matter what kind of planner-person you are. The downloadable planner is only $5. You can see more information, along with a video that demonstrates how to use it, at this page right here.
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