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Read on to learn more. Banyan Tree Info The Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is a fig tree that begins life as an epiphyte, germinating in the crevices of a host tree or other structure. As it grows, the banyan tree produces aerial roots that hang down and take root wherever they touch the ground. These thick roots actually make the tree appear to have several trunks. Growing a Banyan Tree Outdoors On average, these trees have high moisture needs; however, established trees are drought tolerant....

In order to properly grow grapefruit, you need to provide relatively warm conditions both day and night. This means growing them in temperate or tropical-like regions in full sun — preferably in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and up, though some success can be achieved in zones 7 and 8 with suitable care. Grapefruit trees also prefer well-draining, loamy soil. Planting Grapefruit Tree Always get the planting area ready beforehand, amending the soil if necessary....

Can You Grow a Horse Chestnut Bonsai? The simple answer is yes. Growing a horse chestnut as a bonsai is possible. To clarify, horse chestnut bonsai plants do require consistent attention, but then again, most bonsai do. Since these trees can grow quite tall, they take quite a bit of horse chestnut bonsai pruning and care. The upside to growing a horse chestnut as a bonsai is its easy availability in some regions....

What Flowering Trees Grow in Zone 6? Choosing a tree for the landscape is a big decision, not only due to the size of a tree but because its architectural dimensions will often define that area of the garden. For this reason, picking the correct hardy flowering trees will ensure year after year of gorgeous flowers and a unique microclimate provided by the tree. As you look at your options, also bear in mind the site lighting, drainage, exposure, average moisture, and other cultural factors....

Hostas are popular shade-loving perennials cultivated by gardeners for their easy care and sustainability in a variety of garden soils. Hostas are easily recognized by their multitude of attractive foliage and upright flower stems, which bear lavender blooms during the summer months. Should you use fertilizer for hosta plants? These beautiful, low-maintenance plants don’t need much fertilizer, but feeding hostas may be a good idea if your soil is poor or if your hosta isn’t growing and thriving as it should....

Care of Houseplants Light Light is an important part of indoor houseplant care. In order to provide the right amount of light for your houseplant, make sure to check the tag on the plant when you purchase it. If the houseplant is given to you, ask the person giving it to you what kind of light it needs. Generally houseplants need either high, medium, or low light. Beyond this, a houseplant may need direct (bright) light or indirect light....

What is Sagebrush? While familiar to most people, there are wonderful attributes to this plant. What is sagebrush and what are uses for sagebrush? This amazingly adaptive plant is tough enough to thrive in inhospitable terrain. It has fine hairs on the leaves that help prevent moisture loss and produces a deep taproot that dredges moisture from nearly subterranean deposits of moisture under the earth. This plant is a member of the family Artemisia, or wormwood, of which there are varieties across the globe....

In spite of all these charming details, the plant can become an invasive nuisance and foul up boat motors, clog water ways, and choke out other plants. It is also protected in many states, so it is important to know how to kill bulrushes without harming natural habitat and wildlife. Bulrush Plant Facts Most nature lovers can recognize bulrush. Bulrushes are sedges which colonize ponds, lakes, and riparian areas. There are both hardstem and softstem varieties....

There are lots of ways to organize your garden tools from purchased storage to DIY garden tool organization projects. The following article contains some ideas about how to organize garden tools. Why Organize your Garden Tools? Certainly, you have never used a garden tool and then left it behind after a project, but I have. Unfortunately, sometimes the errant tool is not found until the next season of gardening, by which time having lain out in the snow and rain, the poor tool is looking pretty beat up....

There’s really no such thing as easy desert gardening, as gardening always requires a fair amount of work. However, the following tips will help you save water, time, and money. Desert Gardening 101: Know Your Desert Deserts are defined as areas with sparse precipitation, but all deserts aren’t created equal. Low elevation deserts typically have mild winters and scorching hot summers, while high desert climates are warm and dry during the summer and freezing cold during the winter....

What is a Shallot? Many people wonder, “What is a shallot?” Although they’re often confused with green onions and the like, shallots are quite different. With their mild onion and garlic flavor, shallots are considered an essential ingredient for flavoring nearly any dish. The most distinguishing factor that sets shallots aside from other members of the onion family can be found by close examination of the bulbs. Unlike onions or leeks, shallots are made up of cloves, much like that of garlic....

Tree Grafting Techniques Tree grafting is the most common method used for grafting trees, especially for fruit trees. However, there are various grafting techniques. Each type of grafting is used to accomplish various needs for grafting trees and plants. For instance, root and stem grafting are techniques preferred for small plants. Veneer grafting is often used for evergreens. Bark grafting is used for larger diameter rootstocks and often requires staking. Crown grafting is a type of grafting used to establish a variety of fruit on a single tree....

While most gardeners and herbalists have probably heard of the excellent medicinal and culinary uses of dandelion, plantain, and purslane, cat’s ear is an oftentimes overlooked and underappreciated herb that is loaded with antioxidants. Continue reading for tips on using cat’s ear plants and learn how to reap the many cat’s ear benefits by keeping this plant around. Is Cat’s Ear Edible? Cat’s ear plant is a perennial native to Europe, which has naturalized in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other regions....

Islamic Garden Design Desert conditions and sparse vegetation dominate much of the Middle East and western to south-eastern Asia. The lack of water and pressing sun, wind, and heat require surcease and shelter from the constant weather. Walled gardens filled with trees, water features, fruits, and flowers were the answer to this need and also glorified God by surrounding the faithful with His riches. In these serene gardens, Muslims could contemplate and meditate upon nature in peace and serenity....

Japanese Maple Tree Facts In the United States, the Japanese maple is considered to be a small tree, typically growing from 5 to 25 feet (1.5-7.5 m.) tall. They prefer rich, acidic, well-draining soil. They also like partly shady settings and regular irrigation water. Drought is moderately tolerated but boggy soil is really bad for these trees. In Japan, these trees can grow to 50 feet (15 m.) or more. Japanese maples typically grow one foot (31 cm....

Pittosporum Information Pittosporum plants are moderate to slow-growing bushes with whorled leaves of either glossy green or variegated white. The plants produce fragrant, creamy-white flowers at the ends of the stems, set in clusters. At maturity, the plants may get 12 feet (4 m.) high with an 18 foot (6 m.) spread. The thick foliage makes the plant an excellent screen en masse, but it can also be an interesting single or multi-stemmed stand-alone tree....

How to Compost with Kids Children will get more from the experience if they have their own compost container. A garbage can or plastic bin that is at least 3 feet (1 m.) tall and 3 feet (1 m.) wide is large enough to make compost. Drill 20 to 30 large holes in the lid and in the bottom and sides of the container to allow air in and let excess water drain through....

Kochia Plant Info So what is Kochia? Kochia scoparia grass is also known as fireweed or kochia burning bush for a couple of reasons. The most obvious is the flaming red color that the plant takes on in autumn. The second reason for the fiery references is not so benign– when the kochia grass dries and turns into a tumbleweed, it is extremely flammable. Kochia burning bush was introduced to the United States by European immigrants who hoped to bring a touch of home into their new environment....

How do you go about growing a field of lavender? The following information explains more. Growing Conditions for Lavender Farming Lavender grows in Mediterranean climates where summers are warm and dry and winters are cool and mild. Don’t be discouraged if your climate isn’t ideal; some of America’s loveliest lavender farms are located in the rainy Pacific Northwest and the chilly Midwest. Some hardy lavenders tolerate winters as far north as USDA plant hardiness zones 5 or 6, but plants don’t do well in punishing cold winters with lots of snow....

Growing Wisteria & Wisteria Vine Care The most important factor to consider when growing wisteria is location. Wisteria is a twining vine that requires sturdy support and regular pruning to keep it under control. Open areas surrounded by lawns that can be easily mowed are ideal for growing wisteria. Wisteria doesn’t fair well in cold so make sure it receives plenty of sunlight. This vine requires deep, rich soil that is somewhat moist but will tolerate many soil conditions....