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Most importantly, whatever container irrigation system you choose, take time to practice and work out any problems before you leave for a vacation or weekend away. The last thing you want is to come home to a bunch of wilted, dead plants. Here are a few tips on container irrigation systems. Container Drip Irrigation Systems If you travel frequently or you don’t want to spend a lot of time watering potted plants, you may want to invest in a drip irrigation system....

About Marshmallow Peeps Yes, they may be cute and fluffy, but these sugar coated chick- and bunny-shaped marshmallows can quickly flock the lawn and garden in no time. The good news is that marshmallow peeps are easy to manage if you know what attracts them and catch the little critters early. There are different types of peeps but most fall into one of two categories: chicks or bunnies. So how do you tell which one you have lurking in the landscape?...

Epiphyllum Curly Locks Info Epiphytic plants live in trees and rock crevasses. The mother of the Epiphyllum cactus, curly locks, was from Guatemala. It was a plant that sprouted one or more abnormal curved stems. These were harvested and cloned to produce the crazy little cactus we propagate today. These plants are wonderful hanging basket specimens and make quite the conversation piece with their twisted, arching limbs. In nature, curly locks might be growing in a tree crotch or other almost soilless area....

Succulent Fertilizer Needs Along with watering, soil, and light, succulent fertilizer needs are different from other plants. In the range of natural conditions from which these plants originate, feeding is extremely limited. Succulents don’t need much fertilization. Therefore, fertilizing cacti and succulents that are domesticated should be limited to replicate their native conditions. When to Feed Cacti and Succulents Feeding succulents and cacti in most cases should be limited to just once a year, according to some experts....

Why are Forsythia Leaves Turning Yellow? Periods of rain during the warmer seasons create a humid, moist atmosphere which is perfect for the formation of fungus. Fungal spores can often live in soil for a long time and even overwinter there, bursting into infectious displays at the first sign of favorable weather. There are several fungal diseases that may be plaguing yellowing forsythia bushes. A fungicide can be helpful but it is best to try to identify the disease for more effective treatment....

Creating a Fragrant Garden Plan Keep in mind when creating a fragrant garden plan that different scents appeal to different people. Fragrant garden plants and flowers work well in nearly any type of garden, and when mood-altering plants are chosen carefully, any garden can be a fragrant mood garden. The first step in designing a fragrant flower garden is choosing the best site. Generally, creating a private, enclosed place where the fragrance of your plants can be better appreciated is preferable....

Steps to Planting a Garden in Layers Layered garden ideas are not new concepts but have been around as long as mankind has cultivated garden spaces for pleasure and productivity. The process takes some planning and time as the garden fills in, but the effect is unique at all times of the year and takes advantage of each plant’s attributes, creating a rich artwork out of the landscape. To start creating a layered garden, consider your soil, lighting, needs, and picture the effect you wish to present....

Even if the garden is filled with beautiful plants and other features, a dull or unimaginative layout can quickly turn others away. Keep reading for tips on shaping the garden and avoid any lackluster issues. Garden Shape Design Dull-shaped gardens can appear boring. For instance, a garden that is dominated by nothing but lawn can look bleak, empty, and uninteresting. However, you can transform it into something more exciting simply by adding curves and reducing lawn areas....

Bat Flower Propagation Bat flower, or Tacca, is a plant that is native to warm, humid regions of Asia. It can grow to 36 inches (91 cm.) in height and bear huge 12 inch (31 cm.) flowers. The bizarre flowers are the real conversation starter and ender. The slightly creepy flowers boast two large, leathery flanking bracts which inform the notion that the bloom is bat-like. Bat flower propagation is generally from rhizomes or occasionally cuttings....

Can Peonies Grow in Pots? One of my favorite memories as a child was picking peonies for my grandmother from the big bush that would suddenly appear each year out front. The huge blooms and intense color were her favorite cut bowl blooms. Down the road, apartments were the spaces I had to grow in, and I learned to get really creative. Container grown peonies were part of the menu, in large brightly colored pots....

Hypoxis Stargrass Information Curious gardeners may wonder, what is stargrass? The genus is Hypoxis with variety hirsuta the most common form. In their wild habitat, yellow stargrass flowers are found in open woodland, dry prairies, and meadow hillsides. They are small, yellow, grass-like plants that grow only 12 inches (31 cm.) tall and sport ¾ inch (2 cm.) sunny blooms from March to June. Flower stems are 3 to 8 inches (8-20 cm....

What are Terrestrial Orchids? The two main categories of orchids are epiphytic and terrestrial. Epiphytic orchids generally grow in trees, clinging to the branches with their tough roots. Terrestrial orchids grow on the ground. Some have roots that spread in the soil, but most grow from pseudobulbs. Some terrestrial orchids need a frost-free environment, while others tolerate frost. Some species actually need a hard freeze in winter in order to bloom the following year....

Ponytail Palm Propagation The ponytail palm makes a perfect houseplant, being tolerant of many light levels and conditions. It can also grow outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 12. These fun little plants are usually only 2 to 4 feet (0.5-1 m.) tall in containers but outdoor, in-ground plants can achieve 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.) in height. It is usually the outdoor specimens that produce the flowers and seeds....

This is just as important – if not more important – for gardeners in regions with hot, arid summers. If this is you, you may be wondering what plants are heat tolerant and, specifically, which are perennials that like the heat. We’ve made this easy by pulling together a shortlist of heat loving perennials you can rely on in hot-summer climates. Perennials for Hot Climates Some very ornamental flowers are perfect perennials for hot climates....

What is a Hemiparasitic Plant? Photosynthesis is an important process for plants everywhere, or so most people think. Smart gardeners, however, know that there are parasitic plants out there that derive some or all of their nutrients by stealing them from other plants. Just like parasitic animals feed on the blood of other animals, parasitic plants do much the same thing. There are two main types of plant parasites: hemiparasitic and holoparasitic....

Even if you don’t live in these regions, breadfruit can sometimes be obtained at specialty markets in larger metropolitan areas. If you are lucky enough to grow this tree or have access to it and are feeling adventurous, you probably want to know what to do with breadfruit. Read on to find out how to use breadfruit. About Using Breadfruit Breadfruit may be culinarily classified as a vegetable when mature but not ripe or as a fruit when ripe....

Why are Other Birds at My Hummingbird Feeder? Have you ever wondered, “Do other birds use a hummingbird feeder?” The answer is yes. If you’re seeing other birds on hummingbird feeders, it’s because they are also hungry. Compared to mammals, most birds have high metabolic rates. This means they must consume more calories per ounce of body weight each day. The sugar-water solution used in hummingbird feeders is a high energy meal....

Hybrid Fuchsia Information Hybrid fuchsia plants (Fuchsia x hybrida) are created when several different species of the plant have been crossed – Fuchsia magellaniaca x Fuchsia coccinea x Fuchsia fulgens x Fuchsia arborescens. These crosses produce certain desired traits within the plants. Some of these preferences include tolerance to cold or a specific growth habit. Hybrid fuchsia plants are more tolerant to cooler summer conditions and thrive in partial shade. This makes them an excellent choice for many northern gardeners or anyone wanting to brighten up a dark, shady area....

Identifying Wood Ear Mushrooms The Chinese have long used the wood ear jelly mushroom in recipes. It was thought to improve breathing, blood circulation, and overall health. The mushrooms are mass produced in Asia but also grow in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Mexico. It is one of the first fungi to come back to life after winter and is easy to recognize and forage. As you would expect, these fungi resemble little ears....

Local vs. Big Box Garden Center Okay, I won’t lie. Many of those big box stores with garden centers offer huge savings BUT they’re not always the best option. Keep in mind that you “get what you pay for.” Sure, if you’re an experienced gardener, you may easily be able to nurse that marked-down, yellowing plant back to health from the brink of death, but what if you’re new to gardening?...