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Chestnut Blight Facts There is no effective method of treating chestnut blight. Once a tree contracts the disease (as they all eventually do), there is nothing we can do but watch it decline and die. The prognosis is so bleak that when experts are asked how to prevent chestnut blight, their only advice is to avoid planting chestnut trees altogether. Caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, chestnut blight tore through Eastern and Midwestern hardwood forests, wiping out three and a half billion trees by 1940....

Magnolia Tree Companions Selecting magnolia companion plants can be a challenge. If you have an evergreen variety, anything you plant under the tree must tolerate the deepest shade. Deciduous varieties have the additional challenge of managing the large, leathery, and sometimes crispy leaves that fall from the tree. If you’re up to the task, deciduous varieties allow you to plant some early spring-flowering plants that like partial or filtered sun beneath the branches....

Cucumber Beetle Identification Cucumber beetles actually come in two varieties. While the two varieties look different, their damage is the same. The striped cucumber beetle is either yellowish-green or orangeish-green with three black stripes down its back. The spotted cucumber beetle is also either yellowish-green or orangeish-green with 12 black spots on its back. Both pests are about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm.) long. Cucumber Beetle Damage Image by carol2chat Cucumber beetles will eat the leaves, flowers, and fruit of bean, cucumber, melon, asparagus, corn, eggplant, and squash plants and their larva will chew on the roots of these plants....

Dallisgrass Weed: A Good Idea Gone Bad The dallisgrass weed (Paspalum dilitatum) hails from Uruguay and Argentina. It was introduced into the United States back in the 1800’s as a fast-growing forage plant that could survive our southern climes. Its common name is a tribute to A.T. Dallis, who was an ardent supporter of its use and import around the turn of the century. Too bad he made a mistake, and his name is now attached to such a pernicious weed....

How to Protect Fruit Trees from Deer Deer feed on the tender shoots of dwarf and young trees whose lowly stature makes them easy pickings. They will also rub their antlers on a tree, damaging it irreparably. The most reliable method for deer proofing fruit trees is fencing. There are a number of fencing methods with some more successful than others in keeping deer away from fruit trees. When damage to trees is severe and there is a large deer population that isn’t likely to go away anytime soon, fencing is the most reliable deterrent....

What is a Vegetable Fern? The vegetable fern plant (Diplazium esculentum) is a species found and used in east to south Asia and Oceania. It is a cold sensitive plant suitable for the warmer regions and tender to freezing temperatures. Are vegetable ferns edible? You better believe it! It is an edible plant harvested and eaten in its native regions. The young fronds are the stars on this plant, as the tender young growth is a delicious addition to stir fries and other veggie rich dishes....

What is a Navy Bean? It’s rather obvious, but I’m going to mention it anyway – navy beans are not navy in color. In fact, they are small white beans. Why call them navy beans? Navy beans were named as such because they were a staple food in the United States Navy during the early 20th century. Navy beans and other dried beans are known as Phaseolus vulgaris and are referred to as “common beans” because they all come from a common bean ancestor that originated in Peru....

In fact, this tree can make an attractive addition with interesting bark and foliage, beautiful flowers, and nice fragrance. They do especially well in areas that mimic their native environment. Most of these trees are rapid growers, reaching heights of about 30 to 180 feet (9-55 m.) or more, depending on the variety, with approximately 60 percent of their growth established within the first ten years. Tips on Growing Eucalyptus Trees All eucalyptus trees require full sun, however, some species, like E....

How to Care for Exotic Herbs Nearly all herbs, exotic or not, require good drainage and lots of sun. With sufficient light and temperature, you can easily grow a successful exotic herb garden indoors or out. Many herbs, including exotic ones, thrive in containers. An exotic container-grown herb garden can offer flexibility in placement options and the like. Containers in just the right spot will also make it easier for others to appreciate the wonderful aromas of exotic garden herbs, not to mention their flavor....

What are F1 Hybrid Seeds? What are F1 hybrid seeds? F1 hybrid seeds refers to the selective breeding of a plant by cross pollinating two different parent plants. In genetics, the term is an abbreviation for Filial 1- literally “first children.” It is sometimes written as F1, but the terms mean the same. Hybridization has been around for a while now. Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, first recorded his results in cross breeding peas in the 19th century....

What is Interplanting? This type of gardening takes some planning, but vegetable intercropping can also reduce disease and pests when done in proper combinations. The practice involves pairing taller plants with shorter ones growing under them. It also includes combinations of companion plants, which help repel pests. Intercropping with nitrogen-rich plants, such as beans, allows them to fix nitrogen in the soil and increase the macro-nutrients availability for other plants. Cyclical plantings for consistent harvest are also an important facet of interplanting....

Psychiatric Hospital Garden As a society, we seem completely dependent on technology these days. However, in the past we relied solely on nature to feed us, hydrate us, shelter us, entertain us, and soothe us. Though we seem to have moved so far away from this reliance on nature, it is still hard-wired in our brains. In the last few decades, many studies have been made about the effects of nature on the human psyche....

Where to Hunt Down Garden Treasures Where to hunt down garden treasures, you ask? Start by scouring flea markets. Stop by a yard sale or two on the way home or pay a visit to the thrift store. There is sure to be a treasure of some sort waiting to be found among the numerous items on display. And if you’re lucky enough, you may even come across a load of free stuff....

What Were American Colonial Gardens Like? The gardens of colonial Americans reflected their diversity. They varied by national origin, wealth, and available space. One common factor was that colonists did not grow turf lawns like we use today. They mostly grew a mix of foods, including native species and those from their homelands. A typical colonial garden would be close to the house and have stone or gravel paths, including a main walkway and several spokes....

Garlic Varieties to Grow Garlic’s history is long and convoluted. Originally from Central Asia, it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for over 5,000 years. Gladiators ate garlic prior to battle and Egyptian slaves purportedly consumed it to give them strength to build the pyramids. There are basically two different types of garlic, although some folks lump elephant garlic as a third. Elephant garlic is actually a member of the onion family but is a variant of the leek....

Growing Cauliflower Seeds Cauliflower is a cool-season biennial in the Brassicaceae family. Amongst its species name of Brassica oleracea, cauliflower shares ties with: Brussels sprouts Broccoli Cabbage Collards Kale Kohlrabi Generally, cauliflower is white, although there are some colorful purple varieties out there and even a green, spiky variety called Veronica Romanesco. Cauliflower needs well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. While it prefers a soil pH of 6....

Flowering Crabapple Trees Often called “the jewels of the landscape” flowering crabapple trees create four seasons of outstanding visual impact. In spring, the tree leafs out while the flower buds swell until they burst open to reveal fragrant blossoms in shades that range from white or pale pink to red. As the flowers fade, they are replaced by small fruit that are relished by birds and squirrels. Most crabapple trees have vibrant fall colors, and once the leaves fall, the fruit stands out against the bare or snow-covered branches....

Kiwi, known as “Chinese gooseberry,” has grown wild in Asia for centuries in warm climates. Hardy kiwi plants (Actinidia arguta) present a great opportunity for cooler zone gardeners though. Although different from traditional fuzzy kiwi in size and characteristics, they are equally delicious and packed with nutrition. Hardy Kiwi Growing When you’re growing hardy kiwi plants it’s important to know about their basic needs and how to care for them....

How to Find Cold-Hardy Sun Plants When searching for cold tolerant plants for sun flowerbeds, many gardeners pay attention to the USDA hardiness zones for their location. These maps are derived from the average temperature ranges for the area. Most plant tags and online plant catalogs contain hardiness information. Sunset climate zones are a different type of mapping system based more closely on microclimates within a region. This system can give gardeners a better view of their own backyard and can be helpful when choosing full sun plants in cold climates....

Herbal Bath Bombs DIY bath bomb ideas are a great personal treat and make excellent presents. All you need for a bath bomb recipe is essential oil, baking soda, dried flower petals, and citric acid. Optional items, such as Epsom salts or witch hazel will also add to the experience. Learn how to make bath bombs with flowers and spread the luxurious and healing experience of bathing with natural essences. How to Make Bath Bombs with Flowers Flowers and aromatic oils are key to DIY bath bomb ideas....