Plant Tips

Moist soil

2005-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, your poor container plants get dried out pretty well before you realize it. There is a new product on the market called Soil Moist that can be added to your plant's soil to help retain moisture. Apparently it's similar to a gelatinous bead that absorbs the water and then slowly releases it back into the soil. As Martha would say, "It's a good thing" and will sure save your container plantings.

Grasses are a gardener's best friend

2005-06-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Have an area in your garden that needs some sprucing up but doesn't get much moisture or gets way too much sun? Try ornamental grasses. Many grasses are ideally suited to dry gardens and produce fan-like plumes that add color and grace to the planting bed. I particularly like varieties of Pennisetum and Miscanthus but there are many many more available to beautify your yard.

New plantings

2005-05-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

When adding new plants to the garden, pour some water in the hole before you place the plant. Especially at this time of year, it won't droop so quickly and will cut down on the amount of water and time needed to establish itself.

Eco-friendly tools

2005-04-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

I found this article on ENN: Environmental News Network describing various eco-friendly gardening tools. How about lawn-aerating sandals or a recycled bucket? Great way to protect the environment and enjoy what you love most.

Rootone

2005-03-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

Want new plants but don't want to spend the bucks? Try Rootone. It's a rooting hormone that allows you to start new plants with ease. Just take a fresh cutting of your favorite shrub, wet the end of the stem and dip it in Rootone. Shake off the excess and place in a good potting mix. Keep it watered and it won't be long before you have new plants.

Tetanus

2005-02-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can get tetanus from the soil? If you're like me, this is a surprise to you. I always thought tetanus came from being punctured by a rusty nail. Not so according to the National Coalition for Adult Immunization. Apparently tetanus bacteria lives in soil, dust and manure. If you have a scratch on your hands and are working in the garden, you have the chance of contracting tetanus. I'm not telling you this to make you worry, just to make you aware. If you can't remember the last time you had a tetanus shot, talk to your doctor. Mine was proactive and asked me on my last visit so I'm good to go for ten more years. So check your medical records or ask the doc. It can't hurt. Of course the alternative is to always wear gloves in the garden, but there's always that pesky weed laughing at you when there are no tools in sight...

Lawn bling bling

2005-02-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Bling bling - took me awhile to understood what that meant. I was reading an article recently about lawns and pesticides. The reason for the pesticides was to eliminate unwanted "weeds" like clover and dandelions in the grass. Clover is actually a good thing. Yes it spreads in the lawn. But it provides nitrogen to the lawn so you don't have to fertilize as much. It also makes your grass look green in the cooler months when everything else is brown, and it stands up to doggy urine. It's better for the environment and your health than all the chemical fertilizers and weed controls, and it isn't invasive. So you have a little clover in the lawn - sit back and enjoy.

High Country Gardens e-zine

2005-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

High Country Gardens puts out such a great e-zine I thought I'd put the link here for you to visit. If you like it, sign up to receive it each month at no charge.

Looking through the catalogs

2004-12-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

At this time of year I like to curl up with my hot cocoa and all the plant and seed catalogs I have. Burpee's, White Flower Farms and Forest Farm are the ones I have right now. Once the cocoa is finished I come back to the computer and search all over again at Spring Hill Nursery, Nature Hills, and Gurney's among many, many others. I don't know about you, but I don't seem to get as many catalogs in the mail as I used to. I enjoy looking things up on the net, but nothing beats the combination of a seed catalog and hot cocoa in the winter. I have noticed many companies do have a place to order their catalog, so I plan to request a few more - you know I need them - and then I'll really get my gardens planned. Back to the net -- Burpee's has a garden wizard function now. It's a 3 step process. You choose whether you're interested in veggie/fruit or flowers, then answer a couple of other questions and they suggest plants that will work for your exposure and amount of care you want to provide. It's a cool tool so go check it out when you run out of cocoa.

Save your seeds

2004-11-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

My zinnias recently stopped blooming and all the remaining flowers browned. That gave me a bounty of zinnia seeds. How? Take the dried flowers and, using a newspaper to contain the seeds, crush the flowers in your fingers releasing the seeds. Place the seeds in an envelope, store in a dry place and, in the spring, you'll have free flowers!

It's lemon-aid

2004-11-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have some friends who have a lemon tree and every year they wonder what to do with all the lemons. The first choices are obvious - make lemonade, use them with seafood, etc. Well, here's a tip I recently came across. Use lemons to dissolve soap scum. Apparently a halved lemon with baking soda sprinkled on top will scrub dishes and stains. The juice can also be mixed with baking soda to make a cleaning paste for sinks and surfaces. This one I've heard of with oranges - put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal to freshen the drain and the kitchen. Enjoy those lemons.

Bring your tender plants inside

2004-10-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

I was watching Paul James, the gardening guy yesterday and he was talking about bringing plants inside the house that you want to protect from the winter weather. That brought back memories. I can still remember all the hours I spent bringing in my plants, throwing away dead plants, emptying terra cotta pots for the winter and storing them in the basement. The problem I always had was trying to keep the bottoms of the pots off my wood floors. I wound up finding these plastic saucers that worked like a charm and that's what Paul was recommending as well. Now the kind I used was a clear plastic but they do come in a terra cotta color as well. Anyway, the point is if you're going to bring your plants in you need to do three things: 1-check for critters - you don't want to be bringing any bugs or animals in the house. 2-clean off your pots. Wipe them down with a vinegar solution to get rid of any fungus and crud that has collected over the summer months. 3-find a spot that provides the same light exposure that the plant had outside. That way you'll be sure the plant would be too shocked as it settles into its new digs. Make sure you use those plastic saucers and you won't have to be concerned about damage to your floors or rugs.

Plant Tips

2004-09-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - clean up and prep for winter. In the northern climate, it's time to get the bulbs planted and the beds cleared out for winter. Mums are a great choice for color at this time of year and will come back again next year. Here in the south, we're planting cool-weather annuals and favorite veggies. Roses will also bloom again if all spent blossoms and hips are cut off.

Pinch 'em

2004-08-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

QUICK TIPS

Are your coleus getting leggy as the summer wears on? Do you want to see the full and healthy-looking plants you purchased? Pinch 'em. Pinch back the stems and eliminate all the flowers. By reducing the size of the plant and getting rid of the inconsequential blooms, you allow the plant to put its energy back into building leaves. Within a few weeks you'll be surprised by the difference.

Tips

2004-07-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Plants should be placed in the garden in odd numbers of 3, 5 or 7. If flowers are planted in an even number, the eye has a tendency to split the group in half. Using odd numbers will create a pleasing and filling palate for the eye.

QUICK TIPS

Are some of your plants at the end of their season and it's too hot to clean out the gardens? And of all things, there's a big garden party planned at your house? Fill in with silks. Silk plants are very realistic looking and come in a variety of flowers and greens. Get them already arranged in pots and hanging baskets and arrange in your garden. No one will know the difference and they will all admire your green thumb.

Tips

2004-07-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Some plants love the evening and provide a delightful fragrance after the sun goes down. Some good picks include nicotiana, sweet alyssum, evening primrose, and moonflower. The best way to enjoy these plants is to cluster them in pots and place out of direct sunlight. Keep watered so they don't dry out and, in the evening, sit back and smell the flowers!

QUICK TIPS

Want to add some color to your summer garden? Plant marigolds. Marigolds love the heat and are drought tolerant. Pinch off fading blooms to encourage more flowers.

Tips

2004-06-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Weeds are a gardener's thorn. Hard as we try, they continue to sprout and flourish. Did you know that many weed seeds hitch a ride on your favorite pet to spread throughout your yard? Many weeds produce seeds that stick in your pet's coat. To deter the hitchhiking, get rid of the weeds before your pets roam. Or keep them groomed so weeds can't catch a ride.

QUICK TIPS

When looking for a centerpiece for your garden party, instead of using flowers try a flowering plant. You can use one plant or a variety of containers to add interest and complement your theme. Whatever you choose, stay within a foot in height so your guests can see each other.

Tips

2004-06-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Deciduous plants lose their leaves at the end of their growing season and renew them at the beginning of the next. Semideciduous only lose some of their leaves, and evergreen plants stay ever green. When creating a private or screened garden area, plan accordingly. Many deciduous trees and shrubs such as eucalyptus or birch offer contrast in the winter through the beautiful color in their bark and stems. Paired with yews, holly, or pyrancatha you will have color and interest all year round.

QUICK TIPS

Love water gardens but hate the upkeep? Make it a container garden. Purchase a decorative sealed container, add water and a plant or two and you have a great container water garden. You can even add a small pump for the soothing sound of a waterfall. For more detailed information, visit The Water Garden. They sell everything you'd ever need for a water garden and provide a free email newsletter for your enjoyment.

Tips

2004-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Mosquitoes love to bug us in the summer and we've all heard about the dangers of West Nile Virus. But did you know our beloved pets are at risk as well? According to Drs. Foster & Smith, the nation's first documented case of a dog's death attributed to West Nile Virus was confirmed at the University of Illinois in 2002. So how do we protect our four-footed kids? Obviously, try to keep them indoors at dawn and dusk. Flea and tick products also contain pyrethrins that keep the pests at bay. So, as you protect yourself before going out do the same for your pets. They'll love you for it.

QUICK TIPS

Want information about plants that grow in your area, but not exactly sure where to turn? Look to your local extension service. They provide all sorts of resources to answer your questions and some may even provide classes to become a Master Gardener.

Tips

2004-05-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Lucky Bamboo isn't bamboo at all. It's a type of dracaena much like the common houseplant of the same name. Regardless of what it's called, the plant is undemanding and easy to grow. In fact, it grows in any type of light, adapts well to average household temps, and doesn't need fertilizer. Just give your "lucky bamboo" fresh water each week.

QUICK TIPS

Have you ever purchased plants in containers and, when ready to transplant found them rootbound? No problem. Loosen the soil as best you can and trim off any roots permanently kinked. Spread the roots out when planting and backfill. The plant will become better established and reward you with luscious growth.

Tips

2004-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Broccoli is actually part of the mustard family. It is partially frost hardy and grows best in the Spring and Fall seasons. Broccoli needs full sun, good soil, and lots of water to grow well. Like cabbage, the leaves and flowers need constantly available moisture to form their heads. To harvest, cut off the central head at its base, leaving as many leaves as possible on the plant. New baby heads will then form and grow from the original plant. Broccoli provides a large number of heads from one plant if well cared for. It's rich in vitamins A, B, and C and is full of flavor when picked straight from the garden.

QUICK TIPS

Speaking of broccoli, listen to your mother and eat your vegetables. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower are believed to reduce the risk of cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is also thought to contribute to a decreased risk of Alzheimer's. As research continues, doctors (and mothers) all agree: a low-fat, high-vegetable diet is good advice.

Tips

2004-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Certain plants can be poisonous and make you nauseous, cause rashes or make breathing difficult. They include: azalea, hydrangea, dieffenbachia, daffodil, and tulip bulbs to name a few. Be careful where you place these plants, and keep toxic plants out of reach of children and pets.

QUICK TIPS

Need to provide moisture and humidity for your indoor plants? Go to the bathroom. Steam from the bath will provide the ideal conditions for tropical plants such as ferns. And it'll give you something to look at when you're soaking in the tub.

Tips

2004-05-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Lobelia's common name is cardinal flower. The story goes that in 1629 Queen Henrietta Maria of England broke out laughing when she saw the plant, saying that the color reminded her of a cardinal's scarlet stockings. I don't know about the stockings, but it's color is crimson and the plant flowers from mid-summer into autumn.

QUICK TIPS

Cacti are fun and easy to grow, but very difficult and painful to move. The next time you need to relocate a cactus plant, use kitchen tongs. The ends are wide so won't harm the plant and will give you a better grasp of the subject!

Tips

2004-05-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Coleus makes a colorful plant in the garden. And the beauty is in the leaves. Considered an annual in northern climates, coleus offers a wide range of foliage color in reds, purples, yellows, and greens. It is easy to grow and will thrive just as well in a container as in an open bed. To propagate, remove a healthy 4-6 inch piece from the plant, place in water, and roots will develop within a few days. When the cuttings are well rooted, plant and enjoy.

QUICK TIPS

Vines are not just for climbing vertically anymore. Some climbers can also be used as ground covers. Plants such as clematis not only provide a beautiful carpet of color, but can help block out weeds. Visit Spring Hill Nursery for jackmanii, warszawska nike, crimson star, and nelly moser varities.

Tips

2004-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Green is an often overlooked color when people plan their garden. Most gardeners think of various colors such as yellows and pinks, but don't realize the number of plants that can provide a beautiful and effective garden through their green color. Examples include varigated leaves on many plants such as liriope, yellow and blue hues of plants such as hosta, and silver green varieties like lambs ear. Remember the green when creating or enhancing your gardens.

QUICK TIPS

When buying ornamental grasses, you can get two for the price of one. I usually purchase 3 gallon sizes. When I get the grass home, I take it out of the pot and lay it on its side. Using a sharp knife, I cut the root ball down the middle and separate the two pieces. Plant each section as you normally would and watch the beautiful grass grow.

Tips

2004-05-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

When planning your garden, think about its function first. Do you want cut flowers? Do you want to attract birds and butterflies? Do you desire fragrance, or will the area be used for children to learn gardening? Are you hoping for a private area away from the neighbors or a place to entertain day or evening? These things and more need to go into your plan to get the most out of your beautiful gardens.

QUICK TIPS

Use the following general spacing guidelines when planting:

small plants under 1 foot in height or at front of border space 8-12 inches apart
medium size (1-2 1/2 feet tall) should be space 15-24 inches apart
larger size (ornamental grasses, cannas, etc.) space 2-3 feet apart.

Tips

2004-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

When you purchase a plant and its tag indicates "full sun", have you ever wondered what that means? Full sun equals 6 hours of strong sun daily. Partial sun, partial shade or light shade equal 3-5 hours of direct sun per day, while full shade or dappled shade equate to less than 2 hours of direct sun. Full sun is usually the south side of the house, partial sun is the east, and full shade is the north side.

QUICK TIPS

As you build your gardens or expand them, be sure to plan access paths. Doing so will avoid compacting soil during maintenance and will also invite people to view beautiful plantings up close. Paths can then be established using brick, stone, or mulch dependent upon how formal or informal the garden may be. If the garden is large, you may also want to include a seat or bench to encourage a visitor to linger and enjoy.

Tips

2004-04-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Different varieties of climbing plants have different methods to attach themselves to supports. Ivies have aerial roots and self-cling while clematis uses leaf stalks. Other plants support themselves through twining stems or coiling tendrils. Whichever you choose to grow, make sure you have the correct support for the strength and size of the plant. Visit Nature Hills Nursery to see a wide selection of vines.

QUICK TIPS

Planning a romantic dinner in the garden and don't want to use your outside lights? String Christmas lights under your table's umbrella! Use the white mini-lights and either secure with small clips or wind through the spokes of the umbrella. Christmas lights provide just the right ambiance for a fabulous "evening out."

Tips

2004-04-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Some containers are self-watering. How do they do it? Self-watering containers have an inner pot that holds the plant and soil, and an outer one that holds the wtaer. A wick joins the two and pulls water up into the root ball as it is needed. Most self-watering containers can supply water for several days, depending on the weather.

QUICK TIPS

Ground cover plants make an excellent addition to any garden while covering up any weeds trying to grow. Ground covers also camoflauge bulb foliage as it dies down. Some great examples include ajuga, hosta, cotoneaster, phlox and dwarf juniper. Visit Spring Hill Nursery for more.

Tips

2004-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Newspaper, brown paper bags, or cardboard make an excellent weed control in your garden. It's a great way to recycle old newspapers (black and white only as colored ink can add heavy metals to the soil) and return nutrients from the wood used in making newsprint back to your garden to nourish your plants. If you don't have enough newspaper or cardboard, ask your neighbors for theirs. I'll bet they'll be more than happy to get rid of them and may be spurred to do the same in their gardens.

QUICK TIPS

Add worms to your soil to improve its quality and allow flowers and vegetables to thrive. Earthworms convert organic matter into waste called castings, which is considered the best fertilizer ever. To encourage worms to your garden, add lots of compost. Or you can purchase them and plant earthworm cocoons just as you would seeds. Visit GardensAlive for more information.

Tips

2004-04-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Flowers usually fade after pollination, so if you leave them on the plant, you're encouraging seed formation. This will rob the plant of energy as it matures seed. By deadheading, you will allow the plant to place that energy back into flower, leaf and root production. Removing spent flowers also helps extend the blooming season since most plants will keep flowering rather than stop at the first flower as they would if they had set seed.

QUICK TIPS

Make a map of your garden. Use graph paper and rough out each of your planting beds, naming what is planted in each and showing its location. In the Spring, you'll know what is planted where, what survived the winter and what didn't, and what holes you need to fill.

Tips

2004-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects every hour, and one bat will eat 6-8,000 insects each night! Not only do bats crave mosquitoes, they also love moths, beetles, flies and gnats. To attract bats to your back yard, plant trees and vines to provide areas for roosting and daytime camouflage. Grow night flowering plants such as evening primrose to invite insects and provide bats with food. You can also build a bat house as an alternative roosting site. Be kind to our bat friends and they'll happily help make your outside living more comfortable.

QUICK TIPS

Everyone hates to weed but the types of weeds in your garden can tell you what you need to do to improve your soil. Removing the weeds will not change your soil's deficiencies. However, improving the soil will change its conditions and make it easier to grow the types of plants you want to grow. Weeds such as rye, henbit and dandelion indicate low fertility while nutsedge, chickweed and pennywort point to excessive moisture. Once you understand what the problems are with your soil, you can improve it by using specific soil amendments or adding compost. Visit Gardens Alive! for more information about compost and amendments.

Tips

2004-04-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Xeriscape is a common sense way to landscape that conserves water and protects the environment. Xeriscape landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water. These include planning and design, soil analysis, appropriate plant selection, and use of mulches. In addition to helping conserve water resources, xeriscape landscaping also reduces the amount of pollutants reaching water bodies because fewer yard chemicals are used. For more information, visit Xeriscape Gardening Information.

QUICK TIPS

Love roses, but think they're too fussy to care for? Try landscape roses. They grow and bloom with minimal care and only need to be pruned to control their size. Landscape roses also don't require as much water as many other types. Jackson and Perkins offers Garden Ease roses in salmon, fuchsia and baby pink colors. They have quite a variety of roses including "Roses for a Cause" such as the Diana, Princess of Wales tea rose. Try a rose or two in your garden. You won't regret it.

Tips

2004-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

80% of all plant problems relate to poor soil. You will need to understand the following before choosing your garden plants:

soil type--sand, clay, or loam
pH - level of acidity or alkalinity
organic matter content
available phosphate, potash, and nitrogen

A visit to your local extension service will help identify your soil along with what you can do to match plants to those conditions, or change conditions for other plantings.

QUICK TIPS

Speaking of soil, the best way to treat it is through the addition of compost. Compost piles usually contain grass clippings, brush, wood chips, shredded paper, and vegetables. But it takes a period of time to break down to be beneficial to the garden. Gardens Alive offers premium compost that meets the U.S. Composting Council's standards and contains no harmful pathogens or trace metals. Compost makes a world of difference for your plants, so visit Gardens Alive soon to learn more.

Tips

2004-04-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW
When you choose flowering plants with the intent to bring hummingbirds to your garden, go with red, pink and yellow. Try planting trumpet vine, honeysuckle, scarlet sage, or red petunias and impatiens and watch them visit.

QUICK TIPS

To cut large branches of a tree, follow the rule of 3. One - make the first cut a few inches above where you want the final cut. Saw from the bottom and cut halfway through the branch. Two- cut into the top of the branch beyond your first cut, farther away from the truck. The branch will break and separate at the point of the first cut. Three-make your final cut at the base of the short branch stub sawing from the top. Following this rule will keep the cut branch from stripping bark from the trunk.

Tips

2004-04-01T05:35:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
When planning your garden, don't get your head turned by all those gorgeous plants in the garden magazines unless you know it will grow in your zone (or you're willing to baby it along). What is the hardiness zone for your area and what does it mean? A hardiness zone is determined by the average annual frost-free days and minimum winter temperatures. To find out what zone in which you are located, look on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. You'll be glad you did.

QUICK TIPS
Want to keep your handtrowels and other small tools clean and sharp? Place them in a bucket of sand. The sand will act as a sharpener and keep rust from forming. Plus you'll always be able to find them when needed. It's an added bonus!

Tips

2004-03-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Container gardening is a fun way to grow a garden anywhere there is sufficient light and access for water and fertilizer. Container gardens solve a myriad of garden challenges and allows one to change the look of their garden by using different pots. Similar pots provide visual continuity while a mix of different pots gives a more eclectic look. It's all in what you like! Check out Solutions to the right for planters and outdoor materials.

QUICK TIPS
Speaking of containers, a cachepot is an ornamental receptacle usually used to conceal a flowerpot. Some gardeners plant directly into a cachepot, but don't realize they don't have drainage holes. If you use a cachepot for your container garden, you must provide adequate drainage. To do so:

keep your plant in a pot and choose a cachepot 1-2" deeper than the pot. Put a layer of gravel or a small plant stand in the bottom so the pot will not sit in water.
To plant directly in cachepots, drill drainage holes using a 1/2 inch masonry bit and then place in a saucer to catch dripping water.

Tips

2004-03-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Solar lights are a great way to add evening light to your garden. These ingenious lights contain a solar cell that harnesses the sun's energy and converts it to electricity. The more sunlight received during the day, the longer the light will operate at night. To view different designs, click on the Yardiac icon on the right.

QUICK TIPS
I don't know about you but many of my friends receive cut roses for a variety of celebrations. The problem we all encounter, though, is that many times the blooms will wilt and begin to die within one day of receipt. A florist friend of mine shared a tip with me to keep that from happening in the future. When you first receive the roses, place them in a sink filled with water. Hold under the water and snip about 1/2" off of the end of the stem diagonally. Then bring the flower out and place in a vase with water and an aspirin. Trimming the stem releases any air bubbles that may have been caused by the first cut and will provide your beautiful cut roses with a longer life.

Plant Tips

2004-03-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
There are a variety of garden pests out there ready to nibble on your prized veggies and flowers. But, how do you know what's what and how to treat the problem naturally? Gardens Alive can provide an ecologically sensible solution for you through their comprehensive Pest and Disease Library. Click on the icon at right for more information.

QUICK TIPS
To make the best use of your vegetable garden space this year, grow up! The veggies, that is. Cucumbers and other vining crops can be trained to grow vertically, saving space and creating an attractive living screen. Other examples include squash, pole beans, and a variety of melons. Growing crops vertically also results in better sunlight and air circulation for plants as well as reduced pest damage.

Plant Tips

2004-03-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Sunflowers aren't just yellow and 8 feet tall anymore. Gurney's Seed & Nursery offers "Pastiche" a painted mix of yellow, red and buff growing to about 5 feet. "Velvet Queen" blooms in dark red petals while "Sunspot" produces 10-inch bright yellow blooms on 2 foot stems. All flower in 80-100 days after seed is started.

QUICK TIPS
Speaking of sunflowers, they are easy to grow and are actually an American native plant. With the varieties now available, you can grow a beautiful garden and watch the birds flock to your yard. Cardinals, doves, finches and sparrows, to name a few, particularly love sunflower seed and will visit at the end of summer for this treat. The best way to serve is to either just let the birds help themselves right from the flower head or you can rake out seeds and place in the birdfeeder. Either way, our bird friends will love you.

Plant Tips

2004-03-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
The pulp of a cucumber can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the air on a hot day. Florida is attributed with the phrase "cool as a cucumber." Cucumbers are quite easy to grow and vary in size from long and thin to short and fat. Several varieties are available for eating and pickling. Plant vertically for maximum space efficiency.

QUICK TIPS
As Spring approaches, everyone begins thinking of spending more time outdoors on their patios, decks and porches. As you prepare your outdoor room and shop for furniture, keep a few things in mind:

Function - how will the area be used - dining, conversational seating, or several purposes?

Materials - look for material that will withstand wear and tear, from the frame to the cushions. Several choices include hardwoods, wrought iron, and all-weather wicker.

Fabric - look for something decorative but also mildew-resistant. Store cushions in a dry place if you won't be using your patio for extended periods of time.

Plant Tips

2004-03-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Sunshine is vital for the growth of many plants. Experiments have shown that even one percent more light can make one hundred percent difference in plant growth! A tree that shades a vegetable garden at mid-day can prevent the proper ripening of warm-weather crops like tomatoes and eggplants. This is good to remember when preparing your vegetable bed.

QUICK TIPS
Often, gardeners are faced with some negative aspects that cannot be changed like a glaring wall or the ever-present trash can. While some things can't be changed, they can be camouflaged. For instance, paint the wall a color that will recede or complement your garden. You can also apply a faux finish, like stone or marble, to help it blend in. Trash cans can be screened by a shelter made of lattice. Plant a vine that will grow well in your area such as ivy, clematis or bougainvillea, and you'll have it covered!

Plant Tips

2004-03-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Barbie is now offering gardening tools made especially for children. Shovels, watering cans, hats, gloves, and a gardening apron are some of their garden accessories. What a great way to peak childrens' interest in nature. Visit Barbie.com for more information.

QUICK TIPS
Want an easy way to help your plants grow more quickly? Water container plants between 3 and 6 PM. Studies have shown that if you water too early in the day, evaporation causes water stress resulting in inhibited growth. Don't go the other way either. Watering at night can cause fungus.

Plant Tips

2004-03-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) originated in Japan and was introduced into Europe in 1816. It grows well in sun or light shade outside in northern climates and produces beautiful rosy-pink, heart-shaped hanging flowers with whitish tips. Water well when plants are in full flower.

QUICK TIPS
Bamboo is an excellent alternative for fencing. According to Bamboo Fencer, bamboo grown in managed groves is the most efficient hardwood available. Bamboo is a grass, and like lawn grass it can be harvested without destroying the plant. The poles (culms) thrust upward from rhizomes below the ground. The removal of up to one fourth to one third of the culms each year can actually improve the health of the plant.

Bamboo fences are beautiful and longlasting, and create a tremendous backdrop for setting the mood in your garden.

Plant Tips

2004-03-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
To ease the pain of a bee sting, dab the area with toothpaste or a mixture of baking soda and water. The jelly from the Aloe vera plant is also commonly used for stings and to treat sunburn.

QUICK TIPS
Raised garden planters are the solution to urban yards and gardens with problem soils. According to Bill Thomas, Educational Division Manager at Longwood Gardens, planter boxes offer several advantages. Soil dries out and warms up more quickly than the open ground in spring for earlier planting. Hand tools can be used for soil preparation, eliminating the need to own or rent bulky garden machinery. Since there is room to sit or kneel on the top edge of the raised planters, gardening is a simple, pleasurable experience for all.

Planter boxes are displayed in Longwood's Food Gardening exhibit. The boxes are constructed of lumber and rest on a bed of crushed stone for drainage. They are capped with an 8-inch ledge to hold soil in place and provide seating. About 2 feet above ground level, they enclose an area of 50 square feet. Garden soil amended with organic materials such as compost, manure or leaf mold, and fertilizer fills the boxes to provide a fertile medium for plant growth.

Plant Tips

2004-03-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Citronella, thyme, eucalyptus and clove oils, cedar and verbena are great all-natural, plant-based alternatives as mosquitoe repellents. While these products have a shorter lifespan than those containing DEET (N,n-diethyl-m-toluamide) and have to be applied more often, they are a healthier alternative and are effective against those pesky pests.

QUICK TIPS
Want to hide that ugly garden hose? You can camouflage it using color. Many people use green hoses, but black rubber can be your best solution, according to Barbara Damrosch and Elliot Coleman, horticulture experts. They are long-lasting and pleasing to the eye, while the dark color recedes into the background.

Plant Tips

2004-03-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
There is a colorful variety of cauliflower that looks as good as it tastes. Graffiti cauliflower is grown like any cauliflower and harvests heads in 80 days. Served raw, its radiant purple color brightens up any vegetable platter. When cooked, the color changes to bluish-purple.

QUICK TIPS
Make sowing those small seeds easier. Just mix them with a handful of fine sand in a grated cheese shaker. Prepare your soil and then shake on your seeds.

Plant Tips

2004-02-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW
Bypass pruners are ideal for pruning new growth or green wood. An avil pruner has a flat blade surface, but a bypass pruner has a hook to cradle and hold the branch while the blade slices through it. Bypass pruners are a great tool for cutting back rose bushes and canes.

QUICK TIPS
Want to invite birds to your garden? install a mister or small fountain to provide a bathing area for visiting birds. The sound of dripping water catches birds' attention and welcomes them to splash. Birds will avoid deep, steep-sided pools and water depths of 2-3 inches are fine for most. Wondering about a mister? Hummingbirds love the fine spray. Be sure to clean and refill your birdbath frequently in hot weather.

Plant Tips

2004-02-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW

Many plants are "self-sowers"meaning they make new plants each year without any effort from the gardener. Examples include

marigolds
coreopsis
portulaca
zinnias
cleome

QUICK TIPS

Want a great gift for someone? Gather seeds from the plants in your garden and place them in a homemade craftpaper envelope. Apply a decorative self-adhesive label with the plant name and date. Punch two holes for a bow and present the seed packets tied to a bouquet of the same flowers or, if veggies, to a basket of vegetables fresh from your garden.