Posts

D’Anjou Pear Information Shopping for pears and you are likely to see the usual suspects, Bartlett, Bosc, and D’Anjou. Still one of the best pears on the market, D’Anjou was introduced in 1842. D’Anjou pear trees are semi-dwarf trees that grow up to around 18 feet (5.5 m.) in height, which makes them easy to harvest. They are not only cold hardy (USDA zones 5-8) but also drought tolerant. Simply called Anjou, or D’Anjou, the full name for these luscious pears is Beurre d’Anjou from the French ‘beurre,’ meaning butter – in reference to the fruit’s rich, buttery taste....

Is Moonflower a Datura? Datura (Datura stramonium) is a type of plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. There are several species of Datura with many common names including moonflower, devil’s trumpet, devil’s weed, loco weed, and jimsonweed. The common name moonflower also is used for another plant. This one is known as moonflower vine, which helps to distinguish it from Datura. Moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba) is related to morning glory....

Sometimes determining sun density and partial sun patterns can be a difficult thing. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants make food that they need to thrive. Most light requirements are listed on seed packets or on the plastic inserts that are found in potted plants. These light requirements are relative to the amount of sun necessary for plant food production. What Is Partial Sunlight?...

Benefits of Putting a Container at a Downspout Under a rain gutter, containers with native plants catch runoff from the eaves and roof of your home. They filter the water and slowly release it back into the ground where it re-enters the groundwater system or aquifer. If you do it right, this is like a miniature rain garden, which traditionally goes in a depression in your yard that collects rainwater. By allowing the water to slowly filter through the garden or container, it enters the groundwater cleaner....

Early Girl Tomato Facts Early Girl tomatoes have it all: a classic round shape about tennis-ball size, speedy growth and compatibility with low-watering methods. Moreover, Early Girl tomato care is easy, and you can grow them almost anywhere, including containers. If you were putting together a book for children identifying fruit and veggies, you might well use a photo of an Early Girl to represent tomatoes. Early Girl tomato facts describe the fruit as round and red – the classic tomato....

Roman vs. German Chamomile There are two plants that are cultivated and sold commercially as chamomile. The plant considered “true chamomile” is commonly called English or Roman chamomile. Its scientific name is Chamaemelum nobile, although it was once scientifically known as Anthemis nobilis. “False chamomile” usually refers to German chamomile, or Matricaria recutita. There are a few other plants that may be called chamomile, such as Moroccan chamomile (Anthemis mixta), Cape chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatus), and Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea)....

Reducing Soil Erosion Conditions that promote soil erosion are rain, wind, physical disturbance, and overuse. Overworked soils have few large plant species to help hold soil in place and have diminished nutrient resources. That dusty, lifeless soil is prone to blowing or leaching away, leaving exposed areas that become rife with weeds and unwanted species. Preventing erosion with native plants is a common ecological practice in land management. It is a relatively easy way to conserve topsoils and prevent open areas from wearing away....

Nepenthes Pitcher Plants Nepenthes pitcher plants use their pitchers to attract insects, not for pollination but for nutrition. Insects are attracted to the pitchers by their nectar secretions and coloration. The rim and inner walls of the leaf swelling are slippery, causing visiting insects to slide into the pitcher. They get trapped in the digestive fluid, and absorbed by the nepenthes pitcher plants for their nutrients. Pitcher Plant with Red Leaves The standard color for mature pitcher plant leaves is green....

What is a Floating Flower Display? As the name would imply, floating flower arrangements refer to a display that has been created in any vessel which can be filled with water and used so that flowers or plant parts can float or be suspended within the water. These types of flower table décor are ideal because they are easy to create and require only a few simple materials to create highly stylized tablescapes....

The following article contains information on May garden tasks for northwest gardens. May Garden Tasks for the Northwest For most of the region, both nighttime and daytime temperatures have warmed sufficiently to complete planting of the vegetable garden. Before you get gung-ho though, be sure that your temps are reliably over 50 degrees F. (10 C.) at night. At that point you can move hardened off transplants outside for good....

What is Ginseng? Ginseng is an attractive perennial herb that attains a height of only 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) the first year. The leaf drops in autumn and a new leaf and stem appear in spring. This growth pattern continues until the plant reaches a mature height of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.). Mature plants have at least three leaves, each with five oval, serrated leaflets. Clusters of greenish yellow blooms appear in midsummer, followed by bright red, winkled berries....

Enjoying Apples That are Green Apples that are green have a more pronounced tart and less sweet flavor than red varieties. If you love apples of all types, green varieties have their place. They taste great when eaten raw and fresh, just as a snack. They also add a delicious crunch and fresh flavor to salads and are the perfect counterbalance in flavor to salty, rich cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese....

How to Grow Columbines Columbine plants aren’t too particular about soil as long it’s well-draining and not too dry. While they enjoy full sun in most areas, they don’t like it very hot, especially during summer. Therefore, in warmer areas like the south, grow them in partial shade and give them plenty of mulch to help keep the soil moist. Mulch will also help insulate and protect these plants during winter in other regions....

What is a Garlic Scape? Garlic scapes are curly tendrils of greenery that come up from hard necked garlic plants. They terminate in something that looks like a bud. If you let the scape grow, it will flower with a wiry white-tipped cluster of tiny blooms. Each bloom will swell at the tip and produce seeds that bloat and turn brown. The protuberances become bulbils or tiny bulbs, which may be planted and will become garlic in three to four years....

Lemon Cypress Trees Lemon cypress trees come in two sizes: small and smaller. Grown outdoors in their natural habitat, the trees can grow to 16 feet (5 m.) tall. This is quite small for a cypress. The dwarf lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest Wilma’) is the better choice for a houseplant. This small tree usually does not grow taller than 3 feet (91 cm.), making it perfect for indoor containers. The tree has many admirers, thanks to its green-yellow, needle-like foliage, conical growth pattern, and bright fresh citrus smell....

Reichenbachii bearded iris plants are often overlooked, perhaps because of their diminutive size and subtle coloration, thus growing Reichenbachii iris is more often the province of the collector. Don’t discount these little gems; however. Iris reichenbachii info tells us that these iris plants have something special to offer. Let’s learn more about these species irises. About Reichenbachii Iris Plants Reichenbachii bearded iris is a member of the species irises and, along with the more popular hybrid dwarf and median irises, grows via rhizomes....

Overall, growing verbena from seed is easy and can save you money on your annuals. When to Plant Verbena Seeds Planning on the right time to sow seeds can make all the difference in the world between success and failure. If you plant too early, seedlings may die in overly wet or cold weather. If you plant too late, you may not get flowers before the growing season ends. Verbena is cold tender and seedlings are even more prone to cold sensitivity....

Planting Woad Seeds in the Garden Planting woad seeds is the most common method of propagating this biennial. As a biennial plant, woad simply grows as a leafy rosette with a thick, deep taproot in its first year. In the second year, the plant will produce 3 to 4 foot (around 1 m.) tall stems and then flower, set seed, and die. When woad produces seed, it will readily self-sow wherever possible....

How Do Invasive Species Spread? Most invasive species spread into new areas accidentally, but many were intentionally brought from other countries. Some species spread from one area to another and are considered invasive in the new location. Both invasive plants and animals come into new areas in the ballast water on ships, in firewood and shipping pallets, and in the form of plants for sale in nurseries. Many invasive plants are considered problems because, once in the environment, they spread rapidly, crowding out native species....

About Hummingbird Feeder Pests Many gardeners view hummingbirds as very desirable guests in the backyard. Their bright colors are beautiful and it is a pleasure to watch the little creatures darting from flower to flower. One way of encouraging hummers to visit the garden is to hang out hummingbird feeders. Experts recommend that you use clear feeders with multiple feeding stations. Hummingbirds are partial to red flowers, so pick a feeder with red trim....