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Is Jerusalem Artichoke Invasive? Although the sturdy underground tubers of Jerusalem artichoke are edible and highly nutritious, they make the plant extremely difficult to control. Each plant produces from 75 to 200 tubers in a single growing season, and each tuber is capable of sending out up to six shoots. It’s easy to understand how Jerusalem artichoke weeds create major headaches. How to Control Jerusalem Artichokes Jerusalem artichoke develops new shoots only on tubers formed the previous year....

What’s a pond owner to do? Keep reading to learn more about how to keep plants safe from koi fish. Koi Proofing Pond Plants Koi pond owners do have options regarding the plant decimation. Some enthusiasts simply eliminate plants from the pond, opting instead to landscape the perimeter of the pond only. However, in locations with warm summers, plant cover is essential in keeping water temperature lower and koi comfortable....

What is Landscape Architecture? According to National Building Museum, landscape architecture’s professional mantra is “achieving a balance between the built and natural environments.” It is a broad-based profession that includes aspects of landscape design, engineering, art, environmental science, forestry, bioremediation, and construction. What Does a Landscape Architect Do? Landscape architects work on large and small projects. In landscape architecture and design, these professionals create the landscape blueprints for healing gardens at hospitals, green roofs, public parks, business frontages, town squares, residential developments, dog parks, shopping centers, city streets, and homeowners....

Zucchini Pests and Insects One of the most common zucchini problems is insect pests. The zucchini plant basically looks like a buffet table to a great many insects. Some common zucchini pests include: cutworms cucumber beetles squash bugs vine borers spider mites aphids whiteflies Most zucchini pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or pesticides. Since these different pests can affect the zucchini plant at different times in the growing cycle, it’s best to start a pest control regimen as soon as the zucchini plant is in the ground to avoid these pest problems on growing zucchini....

Lemon cypress in winter is a different story though. Is lemon cypress cold tolerant? Read on to learn whether you can winterize lemon cypress as well as tips on lemon cypress winter care. Lemon Cypress Over Winter Lemon cypress is a little ornamental shrub that is native to California. It is a cultivar of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) called ‘Goldcrest.’ This evergreen is charming indoors and out with its lemon-yellow leaves and delightful citrus fragrance....

How to Grow Lotus Root Cultivating lotus root for food is easy. These low maintenance water plants are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10. In Northern climates the rhizomatous roots require protection from freezing temperatures. This can be accomplished by sinking roots into deeper water or storing roots inside for the winter. Follow these simple steps for the summer cultivation of lotus root vegetable: Plant lotus root vegetable rhizomes10 to 24 inches (25 to 64 cm....

What is a Naturalized Plant? The naturalized plant definition includes two key features: It is a plant not native to the area in which it grows, and is typically from another country. It grows on its own and reproduces without a gardener’s intervention. These plants are not native but have been in the area for a long time. Many may assume they are native species for this reason. A naturalized plant can be good or bad, depending on whom you ask....

One way to avoid this unhappy result is to resist planting the items that possoms like best. Read on to learn what opossums eat. What Does an Opossum Eat? The word “opossum” comes from an Algonquian word meaning “white animal,” and some say these marsupials look like white rats the size of house cats. But they are truly remarkable critters, the females bearing babies the size of bumblebees that grow in their pouch....

How to Prevent Bud Blast The causes of orchid buds dropping can be many. In nature, orchids grow on the tops of trees in a tropical environment. There are many types of orchids, so the best thing you can do is research the specific needs of your particular variety. Most need a lot of light and humidity and don’t do well in potting soil. The best way to prevent bud blast in orchids is to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible....

Penstemon Beard Tongue Information If you have gone hiking in areas of Mexico to western North America from May to August, you will have seen these attractive flowers. Penstemon plants are related to snapdragons and come in a variety of cultivated hues for the home gardener. The flowers are perfectly shaped to accommodate hummingbirds, who spend their nesting period at the Penstemon snack bar. Each flower has five petals and they come in hues of lavender, salmon, pink, red, and white....

What is a Persian Violet? Persian violet (Exacum affine), or Exacum Persian violet, is an attractive perennial with bluish or white star-shaped flowers and shiny green leaves. These plants can be grown indoors, but they also flourish outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 11. This violet is usually purchased in full bloom and the flowers are evenly spaced over a rounded ball of foliage. The Persian violet blooms for about three or four months; after that, it can be difficult to get it to bloom again....

What is Phytophthora? Once known as phytophthora fungus, this organism is now classified as an oomycete, a life form similar to fungus but more closely related to algae. Although perhaps an insignificant distinction when your plants are ill, this new understanding may allow for better control methods in the near future. There are many phytophthora species, some that favor warmer weather and others cooler, but the majority of these oomycetes appear in the spring and fall....

Although most Christmas tree varieties are green conifers with a pyramid shape, a closer Christmas tree type comparison shows a number of differences between them. Read on for information that will help you pick your best holiday tree. Classic Christmas Tree Type When you head out to the lot to buy your tree, you’ll likely see at least several kinds of evergreens available. What are the different types of Christmas trees?...

How to Identify Plantain Herbs Native to Europe, plantain herbs are perennial, adaptable plants that grow nearly anywhere and tend to be weedy. In spite of their benefits, the hardy plants are a source of frustration for many gardeners and, as such, are more often considered weeds. The low-growing, ground-hugging plants display short, thick stems and rosettes of dark, shiny, oval, or egg-shaped leaves measuring about 6 inches (15 cm.) long and 4 inches (10 cm....

If you are thinking about dipping your toes in the water, you’ll want to select topiary varieties that are easy to shape. Read on to learn about the best topiary shrubs. Shrubs for Topiaries In theory, any bushes can be used as shrubs for topiaries since they can all be shaped to one degree or other. But given that the intention of topiary is to create a recognizable, three-dimensional form, you’ll want to pick topiary plants that have a dense branching pattern and small leaves....

What shrubs to plant in spring? Which trees do better with spring planting? Read on for information on what to plant in spring as well as some tree planting tips. Planting Trees in Spring Can you plant trees in spring? Almost any tree would do well if planted in spring, and some trees need spring planting. For example, trees with fleshy roots do best if you put them in the ground in spring....

What Plants Do Snakes Hate? Mothballs and other purchased snake repellents are not effective. The only way to keep snakes away from the home is to keep tempting habitats like rocks, woodpiles, and debris away from your house. As an extra precaution, you can install anti-snake plants. There is some controversy that even these don’t work, but they can be rewarding in other ways and can’t hurt to try. Snakes gather molecules on their tongues which they then run past their Jacobson’s organ....

About Plum Black Knot Disease Plum black knot disease is a nightmare for gardeners, since it can easily result in the death of plum and cherry trees. It is caused by a fungus called Apiosporina morbosa or Dibotryon morbosum. Most cultivated plum trees are susceptible to black knot, including American, Japanese, and European plum tree species. The popular cultivars Stanley and Damson are very susceptible. You also see ornamental cherries and plums with black knot....

A successful pond must be kept as clean and odor free as possible, and the best way to accomplish this is with mechanical aeration systems, such as pond bubbler aerators. A bubbler helps to support a healthy environment for aquatic life and keeps your water feature fresh and attractive. What is bubble aeration? Read on to learn about pond bubbler systems. Pond Aeration Benefits Pond aeration has many benefits that include the following:...

A number of resources (and people) note several benefits of using plants that attract good energy. People who spend time around plants are less likely to be stressed or depressed. They have a positive outlook on life, and they tend to be happier and more productive. Read on and learn how to generate positive plant vibes in your own home. What are the Best Plants for Positive Energy? Peace lily: This low-maintenance plant is said to purify the air, improve flow of energy, and promote a feeling of peace and tranquility....