… Espalier is a method of training and pruning a tree or shrub, forcing it to grow flat against a wall or a … commercial apple trees are grafted onto roots from selected hardy apple trees. Some rootstock is dwarfing and will produce small trees; other rootstock produces full-size trees. If you … M27 or the mini-dwarf MAL27. You will begin with a 2- to 3-foot sapling, or whip, that is still very pliable and has not yet grown any side branches. It can be planted against a wall, …
Type: Plant Info
… plants, whose trailing stems are trained to grow around, up, and through a wire form. This is truly hands-on gardening, since the plant’s new growth is not allowed to go where it wants to go, but must be coaxed into a predetermined shape. The … personal set of growing preferences, and gardeners must make a good match between their home site and a suitable plant. Ivy is shade tolerant and loves cool conditions, but will crisp up in …
Type: Plant Info
… many years. Challenges In the erratic midwestern climate, the biggest danger to all bulbs is a treacherous thaw in mid- or late winter that tricks them into blooming too early. Not every … grasslike, and unobtrusive, most gardeners can stand to leave them alone after the bloom is done. That's a good thing, because any bulbous plant's leaves are the energy factory it … By April, they have already done their job as the heralds of spring. The most popular species is Galanthus nivalis, including a double-flowered cultivar, 'Flore Pleno'. Snowdrops multiply by …
Type: Plant Info
… – Richard Hawke, the Garden's plant evaluation manager Japanese forest grass ( Hakonechloa ) is a favorite of Richard Hawke, the Garden's plant evaluation manager. Growing about 1 to 2 feet … tuberosa ) and Coreopsis . Purple love grass ( Eragrostis spectabilis ) Purple love grass is another native plant that's useful in the front of a sunny flower bed. It forms a clump about 1 to 2 feet tall, grows in average soil, and tolerates a drought once the plant is established. The light purple flowers appear in midsummer and when several plants are grouped …
Type: Plant Info
… Pumpkin Baby Boo Pumpkin Move over, big jack-o'-lanterns. There's a new kid in town. Baby Boo is a miniature pumpkin that’s white as snow. These cuties measure 2 to 3 inches wide and 2 inches … near West Kalimantan, a province in the southern Indonesian section of Borneo. Its common name is derived from its near-black leaves, but the plant is not nearly as dark and ominous as its namesake. Monstera, Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, …
Type: Plant Info
… in height and width. Often seen in local forest preserves, woodlands or roadsides, elderberry is sometimes overlooked as a good shrub for the home garden. Give it a spot with full to part … habit, and more prolific flowering. Common Ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius ) Ninebark is occasionally found growing along streams and in dry woodlands in the northern half of … and once it’s established it can withstand drought conditions and works well in a hot, dry site. With age, lead plant becomes increasingly woody. (If deer are an issue, the plant will need …
Type: Plant Info
… scratches, soft or rotten spots, and cracks, and should feel heavy relative to its size. Shape is unimportant. There should be 3 to 4 inches of dry stem attached to the pumpkin. If you are … with dark markers or paint instead of carving your pumpkin will prolong its life. Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber, and can be prepared in a number of ways besides … roasting. The larger decorative pumpkins are not good choices for cooking, as their flesh is often bland and very stringy. Smaller pie pumpkins with sweeter, firmer flesh are preferred. …
Type: Plant Info
… garden this winter – any suggestions? A. When attempting to attract birds to your garden, it is important to know what species are in your area as well as their food preferences and feeding … to various species. Be sure to keep suet cakes cold or they may become rancid. Water is essential to birds in the winter. Placing water basins in sunny locations will often keep the … freezing. Commercial water heaters designed for birdbaths can be used to keep water open. It is important to thoroughly clean and dry bird feeders, houses, and water basins on a regular …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Do you have any suggestions for plants that can be used in a fall container? A. September is a perfect time to plant a beautiful fall container when many annual plants are beginning to … snapdragon thrive in cooler temperatures and contribute a large variety of color. Blue lobelia is perfect for unusual fall color and loves cooler temperatures. Stock, Sweet Alyssum, … for a long time and add interesting foliage texture. Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’ is an edible grown for its colorful leaves and stems. Other cool-season edibles such …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: I'd like to divide and store my Iris plants for the winter. What is the best way to do this? A: Iris plants are best divided after flowering in late spring but … to assure that the roots become adequately established before the onset of cold weather. It is not advisable to remove the rhizomes from the ground and store them indoors for the winter. …
Type: Plant Info
