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Knowing how to sterilize a fruit tree can minimize the untidiness, yet preserve the beauty of the plant. What is fruit tree sterilization? Sterilization is simply a method to keep trees from fruiting. What is Fruit Tree Sterilization? When you sterilize fruit trees, you interrupt their production of auxin. Auxin is a plant hormone that controls plant growth. Growth inhibitors block transportation of auxin so it doesn’t circulate through the plant and complete its purpose....

Concorde Pear Information Concorde pears, a fairly new variety, hales from the U.K. The trees are a cross between Comice and Conference pears, with some of the best features of each. These attractive pears display a rounded bottom and a long neck. The yellow-green skin sometimes shows a hint of golden russet. How to Grow Concorde Pears Plant Concorde trees anytime the ground is workable. Be sure to allow 12 to 15 feet (3-4 m....

Dutchman’s Breeches Growing Conditions Care of Dutchman’s breeches is fairly minimal when they’re located in the right spot. Dutchman’s breeches wildflower grows best in conditions similar to their native woodland habitat. Dappled shade and organic, humus soil, such as that found on the forest floor, facilitate the best growth. Acidic, moist soil is necessary for the brief bloom of the plant. Soil should dry out during dormancy for ideal Dutchman’s breeches growing....

Balsam Plant Information Balsminaceae impatiens is a common sun to partial shade flowering annual. It is easy to grow and widely available at nurseries and garden centers. Impatiens balsamina is known by the common name balsam or by the umbrella moniker of impatiens, which covers a wide variety of forms and tones. Balsam may also be found as “Rose Balsam.” The flowers bear double petals and come in an array of colors but are partially hidden by large attractive leaves with pronounced veins....

Growing Bougainvillea in Gardens Bougainvillea are thorny, evergreen summer bloomers, but their orange, yellow, crimson or purple flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts. The bracts surround the actual flowers that are tiny and white. To start growing bougainvillea in gardens, you’ll need to live somewhere warm; otherwise, container growing of bougainvillea is recommended. The plants thrive in USDA hardiness zone 10-11, and will also grow in zone 9 with adequate protection....

National Pi Day is a relatively new holiday, but its namesake is thousands of years old. While some choose to eat pie to commemorate the date, using big round flowers in arrangements is another novel way to memorialize the day. Round ball flowers perfectly illustrate the concept of pi, plus provide visual beauty that perks up any day. Big Round Flowers and Pi Mathematicians like Fibonacci, Newton, and Gauss spent much of their lives contemplating ideas like pi....

Night Blooming Cereus This cactus variety is generally grown as a houseplant in all but the hottest regions of the United States. The Cereus night blooming cactus is a tall climbing cactus that may approach 10 feet (3 m.) tall. The cactus is three ribbed and has black spines along green to yellow stems. The plant is a rather untidy jumble of limbs and requires manicuring to keep it in habit....

Seaside Garden Basics Begin planning ocean gardens with a tight hedge of tough shrubs that can take the worst of the ocean front conditions while protecting the rest of the garden. These shrubs need to withstand strong wind and salt spray. Consider using firethorn, which can create a secure, evergreen boundary around your seaside garden. Beach plum and bayberry are also good choices. All of these shrubs can take salt spray without shriveling or discoloring....

To make choosing the perfect compost bin easier for those just starting out, let’s take a look at some of the most common compost bins for the home: Basic Composter – A basic composter is a self-contained unit with a lid that keeps your compost neat. These composters are great for small yards or urban dwellers. Spinning Composter – Spinning compost units help you keep your compost rotated with the turn of a handle....

Pear Scab Symptoms Scab diseases affect many trees such as apples and pears. It is primarily a cosmetic fruit problem but some foliar and stem death does occur. Pear scab symptoms affect young growth, leaves, and fruit. Some tips on how to treat pear scab can see your fruit blemish free and the rest of the tree in good health. The initial signs of pear scab disease on fruit are velvety, olive green to black round spots....

What is Crosswort Plant? Crosswort plant is a fast-growing perennial ground cover. Reaching only 6 inches (15 cm.) in height at maturity, Phuopsis stylosa spreads to form a dense, tangled mass of plant matter. Thick, ornamental growth works to prevent light from reaching the soil, and ultimately, prevent the growth of weeds. Lush, green leaves spread the length of each stem and are arranged in a circular pattern. Commonly referred to as “skunk plant,” plants are known for their noticeable musky odor....

Why are My Cyclamen Leaves Going Yellow? It could be normal. Cyclamens come from Mediterranean countries, where winters are mild and summers are extremely dry. Many Mediterranean plants bloom in winter and sleep through the summer so that they don’t have to struggle to survive the dry conditions. When leaves are turning yellow on cyclamen as summer approaches, it may simply mean that the plant is preparing for summer dormancy. It’s not easy to bring a cyclamen back into bloom after a long summer nap, but if you want to try to save your plant over the summer, let the leaves remain in place until they fall off on their own....

If you are interested in growing this type of cabbage, read on. We’ll give you information on this variety and tips on Danish Ballhead cabbage care. Danish Ballhead Heirloom Cabbage Europeans have been growing Danish Ballhead for centuries. The early strain of this heirloom vegetable was the Danish variety Amager, named for the island of Amager near Copenhagen. It was cultivated as far back as the 15th century. Specimens of this cabbage variety were introduced to the United States in 1887 as Danish Ballhead cabbage plants....

Northeast gardening chores continue until the ground has frozen solid and even then, there are things like planning the next season’s garden that can be worked on. The following Northeast regional to-do list will help accomplish December garden tasks that will make the successive growing season even more successful. Northeast Gardening for the Holidays The Northeast gets inundated with cold temperatures and snow soon enough, but before the weather has you stuck inside, there are a number of December garden tasks to attend to....

Passion Flower Types The genus Passiflora has some 400 species, most native to tropical and subtropical regions in the Americas. They are shallow rooted and grow as understory plants in rain forests. The unusual flowers are the stand-out features and many different types of passion flower vines are grown only for their flowers. Of all the species of Passiflora, only one, Passiflora edulis Sims, has the exclusive designation of passionfruit, without qualification....

Do Plants Like Being Talked To? Many of us had a grandmother, aunt, or other relative that seemed to have a very close relationship with their plants. Their gentle murmurings as they watered, trimmed, and fed their floral darlings supposedly made the plants grow better. Don’t feel crazy if you like talking to plants. There is actually a science behind the practice. There are many studies verifying that plant growth is influenced by sound....

Why the Leaves on Amaryllis are Drooping Amaryllis is an easy-care plant, provided the basic needs are met. When they don’t get the right amount of water, fertilizer or sunlight at the proper time in their bloom cycle, it may result in limp, yellow leaves. You can prevent this situation and increase your plant’s lifespan by keeping its basic needs in mind. Water: Amaryllis need frequent watering and excellent drainage. Although some kits are designed for growing amaryllis in a water culture, with this method these plants will always be sickly and short-lived – they simply aren’t designed to sit in stagnant water all day....

About Small Conifer Trees Conifers come in all sizes, from forest giants to small conifer trees. Coniferous trees that are small come in an amazing array of dwarf conifer varieties. Gardeners love the opportunity to mix and match dwarf conifers for the landscape, creating unique arrangements and eclectic displays in pots, beds, or backyards. Growing dwarf conifer trees is rewarding and easy, but putting together a plan requires time and effort....

It’s wise to know the facts before eating chamomile plants. (Caution: Never eat any plant if you aren’t 100 percent sure!) Read on for the specifics of edible chamomile. Is Chamomile Edible? Yes, chamomile leaves and flowers are both perfectly safe to eat, with a couple of caveats. Be sure the herb hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Use chamomile with care if you’re allergic to ragweed, as chamomile may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals....

About Echinacea Plants The genus Echinacea includes a number of species, four of which are common in and native to North America. These include purple coneflower, one of the most commonly used Echinacea plants in home gardens and flower beds. Coneflower varieties are so popular in home gardens because they are easy to grow and because they provide striking flowers in beds. The daisy-like blooms attract pollinators and sit on top of tall stems, growing up to 5 feet (1....