… Nelumbo lutea , the American yellow lotus, is the only lotus native to the United States. Hardy from Zones 4 to 11, it grows naturally in … and lakes as far north as Ontario and south to Texas and Florida. Our true American native is not to be confused with the Old World lotus, Nelumbo nucifera , the sacred lotus of the Nile, which was introduced to Egypt in 523 by the Persians. This species is revered by Buddhists and Hindus alike, and the seeds, rhizomes, and leaves are an integral …
Type: Plant Info
… have become so ubiquitous in shaded suburban gardens that one species, Hosta lancifolia , is actually known as "the Winnetka weed." But because they are so easy to grow and so adaptable … the more colorful, pest-resistant introductions. While many hostas have attractive flowers, it is their foliage that makes them indispensable for adding shape and substance to a shady garden. … inches high. Since gardeners grow hosta more for their foliage than their flowers, leaf color is of primary importance. Plain green is a thing of the past. Leaves are now blue, blue green, …
Type: Plant Info
… or deck, in beds surrounding a patio, or on a sprawling suburban lot, the gardener’s goal is often the same: create a serene, peaceful retreat—one where you can relax, meditate, read, … pruning, mulching, or mowing and just sit, recharge, and enjoy your creativity.) “A garden is a sort of sanctuary, a chamber roofed by heaven…to wander in, to cherish, to dream through … a rejuvenating oasis, offering respite from the pressures of day-to-day activities. The garden is also a place where you can reflect on your day—or your life—and be one with nature. Here are …
Type: Plant Info
… a drawer or door front, this collection of dried plant leaves, flowers, seeds, and barks is a must-have in American kitchens: full spice racks are prized as wedding gifts and … us are working with outdated, past-their-prime products instead of fresh flavorings. January is a great time for smart gardeners—and smart cooks—to assess, re-assort, assemble, and plan for … meats and stuffings. But what lies deeper at the back of the cupboard? The first thing to do is easy: pull everything out of the drawers and cupboards for a freshness exam. Check the jars …
Type: Plant Info
… A tall-grass prairie native that adds beauty to gardens and nurtures wildlife, switchgrass is now being considered as a potential new fuel source. Divided into two types, upland and … the risk of global warming by replacing fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil). The process is a bit complicated, but agronomy professor David Bransby of Auburn University has elegantly … of turning to switchgrass for fuel. When fossil fuels are burnt, explains Bransby, carbon is removed from below ground (gas and oil wells and coal mines) and released into the atmosphere …
Type: Plant Info
… This approach implies flowers are to look at and vegetables are to eat. And fraternization is frowned on. But things are changing. To see what's happening in today's gardens, one has only … of every kind, including pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and wall planters. The idea is to use plants in completely new ways. Color As for ornamental vegetables, who would have … and eggplants would be grown for their vibrant color as well as for their taste? Color is the big news in vegetables these days, and the catalogs offer some real surprises. There are …
Type: Plant Info
… widely. The longitudinal cracks occur from the expansion and contraction of the bark that is warmed by the sun and then rapidly cooled by cloud cover or nightfall. The resulting crack may … be quite large during the winter months, but will usually close during the growing season. It is common for these cracks to reopen the following winters and close again in the summers. While these cracks can allow diseases and other organisms to infect the tree, there is no treatment specifically for frost cracking. Keeping the tree healthy is the best way to …
Type: Plant Info
… and how should I plant bare-root roses? A. Bare-root roses can be planted as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. Remove the wrapper and packing material and soak the roots or entire … the roots of the plant. Make a cone of soil in the bottom of the planting hole. If the soil is especially dry, fill it with water. When the water completely recedes, set the plant over the cone, and spread the roots out evenly. If the rose is grafted, place the plant so that the bud union is at soil level. Fill the hole with the …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I noticed roots showing around some of my perennials. Is this normal? Is there anything that I should do about it? A. It is not uncommon to see perennials heaved out of the ground at this time of the year. Fluctuations …
Type: Plant Info
… this giant agave can be found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Century Plant is a hardy survivor, tolerating both heat and drought for long periods of time. Growing roughly … can produce a painful and long-lasting contact dermatitis for gardeners! The enormous agave is a monocarpic plant. After 10 years or more — though not a century — at the end of the plant's life cycle, a lofty asparagus-like flower stalk is produced, reaching a height of 20-30 feet, with horizontal branching structures ending in …
Type: Plant Info
