… The pigments that give all leaves their color are essential for the plant’s ability to harness energy from the sun and make sugars in the process we know as photosynthesis. But … and at home to investigate the importance of chlorophyll in plants? There was only one way to find the answers. I ordered the seeds and grew some variegated cat grass in our nature lab … You need: A container that will hold soil at a depth of at least 2 inches; drainage holes are best, but not necessary Variegated cat grass seeds (sold as “cat grass, variegated” and available …
Type: Blog
… in its blooms. Members of the genus Baptisia are commonly known as wild or false indigo due to their use by early Americans as a blue dye. Although "indigo" is in the common name, the … are followed in the fall by dark pods. Overall habits of the plant are broad-rounded mounds to vase-shaped and range in height from two to five feet. Baptisia are considered easy-to-grow, sun-loving, long-lived perennials with very …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… In very early spring, Abeliophyllum distichum ‘Rosea’ provides a pale pink alternative to the bright yellows and golds of the more commonly seen Forsythia shrubs that bloom at the same … shrub is a wonderful compliment to the early spring bulbs that bloom at the same time. Best grown as an open arching shrub in the landscape because annual pruning to maintain a … endangered in its native range but has not been officially added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Within cultivation, it can be found in many northern …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Froebelii spirea is noted for better heat and drought tolerance than other Spiraea japonica . Foliage emerges red-tinged and turns to blue-green as the season progresses. Blooms are bright carmine pink. The Spiraea japonica … are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy. Spireas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… A walk through the Dwarf Conifer Garden is truly a plant lover’s feast for the eyes. It’s difficult to decide where to look next; what new magnificent specimens await behind the bend in the path, … of the year, especially in winter. Download a guide for the Dwarf Conifer Garden before you visit. Considering dwarf conifers for your landscape? Read on or take a class . The American …
Type: Walks
… its pinkish red flowers are somewhat lighter than those of Anthony Waterer. It is distinctive for its twisted and incised leaves. The Spiraea japonica species includes the greatest range of cultivars available to the home gardener within the Spiraea genus. They all have a compact mounding habit in sizes … are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy. Spireas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… tipped in pink are borne at the nodes of 1-year-old upright pseudobulbs. They grow and flower best if exposed to full sun to bright light, allowed to experience a slight drying in summer, and grown in … scale insects with rubbing alcohol on a cue tip. These orchids often produce kikis (Hawaiian for babies) toward the tips of the stems. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… sun or light shade, are tolerant of clay, and can take drought once they are established. Due to their large size, they are best suited as a background plant. They become very large and leggy, and need occasional renewal pruning (immediately after flowering) to maintain their shape. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and love as table sugar. Now that you know where your candy comes from, let’s use some sucrose to make a treat. The common sugar beet, Beta vulgaris (this one is cultivar ‘Bull’s Blood’), is … for the solution are assembled and ready to go. Note: the flavoring pictured here is not the best to use, because it contains alcohol. Use an essential oil for better results. Directions … have names that end in “ose”? That is no accident. The suffix “ose” is the conventional way chemists identify a substance is a sugar. Go ahead, share that information at your next party …
Type: Blog
… is another popular orchid with collectors: it prefers high humidity and indirect light, faring best in eastern early morning light. But how do you ensure early success? Just as we learned in our first video, Repotting Orchids, Part 1: Phalaenopsis , it’s always best to repot your orchids shortly after purchasing them—the sphagnum moss in which they are sold provides too much constant moisture for the plant, and can damage the delicate, epiphytic root system. Anne Nies, a master’s degree …
Type: Blog
