Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you. -Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
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Edible Landscaping - How To: Control Poison Ivy
There is no weed harder to control than poison ivy. Not only does it spread and resist repeated attempts to spray it, dig it, or mow it into submission, its sap contains the chemical urushiol, which causes severe rashes, itching, and swelling. | |
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Make Your Own Moss Pole
A moss pole is the best way to grow plants like Philodendrons and Syngoniums. Moss poles are really pretty simple to make; let me show you. | |
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Hardscapes in the Garden
Gardens are magical places. The shape of the landscape (or cityscape) and the plants set the mood and provide interest. But it is often the hardscapes that separate great gardens from good ones. Benches, arbors, patios, and other features define the space, frame the best views, and provide places for reflection in the garden. | |
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Growing Leeks
In November and December, between harvesting trips to the garden, leek growers are deciding which varieties to grow next year. | |
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Edible Landscaping - How to: Plant Root Crops
Root crops are buried treasures that can be difficult to get started, but rewarding to harvest. By root crops, I'm talking about radishes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips. I'll skip potatoes for now since they grow differently and are quite easy to grow. Check out this article on potatoes, if you're interested in growing them. | |
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Let's Learn about Imbibition
Imbibition (you might recognize the word imbibe) in horticulture refers to the critical phase in the germination of seeds where they absorb water, which is needed to start the developmental processes that lead to sprouting. When a seed is dry, its metabolic activities are largely suspended, and it remains in a dormant state. Exposure to moisture triggers imbibition, where water penetrates the seed coat and is absorbed by the hydrophilic (water-attracting) components of the seed. This absorption causes the seed to swell, which can lead to the breaking or softening of the seed coat. As the seed swells, the water also activates enzymes that were inactive in the dry state. These enzymes begin to break down food reserves stored within the seed, converting them into more accessible forms of energy (like sugars) that are necessary for growth. This enzymatic activity also leads to the production of hormones that signal the seed to start developing into a seedling! |
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Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 8a -12.2 °C (10 °F) to -9.4 °C (15 °F) Plant Height: 18 to 24 inches Plant Spread: 12 to 18 inches Leaves: Deciduous Flowers: Showy Flower Color: White, Other Bloom Size: 2"-3" Flower Time: Late spring or early summer, Summer, Late summer or early fall Suitable Locations: Houseplant Uses: Cut Flower Wildlife Attractant: Hummingbirds Resistances: Humidity tolerant Conservation status: Near Threatened (NT)
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Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Ace of Hearts')
Plant Habit: Tree Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 5a -28.9 °C (-20 °F) to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) Leaves: Deciduous Flowers: Showy Flower Color: Purple Flower Time: Spring, Late winter or early spring Suitable Locations: Street Tree Wildlife Attractant: Bees Pollinators: Bees
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Calathea (Goeppertia kegeljanii)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade, Partial Shade to Full Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9b -3.9 °C (25 °F) to -1.1 °C (30 °F) Plant Height: 12 to 18 inches Leaves: Evergreen Bloom Size: Under 1" Suitable Locations: Houseplant Resistances: Humidity tolerant Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots
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Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus glabratus 'White Surf')
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial or Dappled Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F) Plant Height: 6 to 8 inches Plant Spread: 18 to 24 inches Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated, Other Bloom Size: Under 1" Flower Time: Late summer or early fall, Fall Suitable Locations: Houseplant Uses: Groundcover, Suitable as Annual Wildlife Attractant: Butterflies, Bees Resistances: Deer Resistant, Humidity tolerant, Pollution Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger, Needs excellent drainage in pots, Suitable for hanging baskets
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Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent, Vine Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial or Dappled Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F) Leaves: Evergreen, Other Flowers: Showy, Fragrant Flower Color: White, Other Bloom Size: Under 1" Flower Time: Late spring or early summer, Summer, Other Suitable Locations: Houseplant Uses: Houseplant Wildlife Attractant: Hummingbirds, Butterflies Resistances: Humidity tolerant Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots, Prefers to be under-potted, Suitable for hanging baskets
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Photo by Neela
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Photo by Zoia "N Tangent"
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Photo by jimk_rn "Daylily Mardi Gras"
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Photo by Legalily
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Photo by drirastucker
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Photo by lauriemorningglory "First year blooms. Slight sweet fragrance."
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Photo by hillbilly
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Photo by lllee386
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Photo by BlueOddish
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Photo by Sheridragonfly "Always puts on a stunning show to behold!"
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Together with Jung SeedRose - BOGO Sale
Roses are on sale now! Buy One Rose and Get One Rose Free. This offer is available for a limited time while supply lasts. Use the code: BOGO24JUNG. Jung Seed has a wonderful selection of roses. We offer many different varieties, such as hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, antique & modern climbing roses, and disease-resistant, highly floriferous shrub and groundcover roses. Shop Now!
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Active threads from our forums:
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The numbers from this week:
505 members joined.
3,512 posts written in our forums.
748 photos posted to the plant database.
1,003 plants added to personal inventory lists.
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I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. — Ruth Stout
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