What is a Rain Chain? You’ve no doubt seen rain chains but maybe thought they were wind chimes or garden art. Simply put, rain chains are attached to the eaves or gutters of a home. How do rain chains work? They are, as the name suggests, a chain of rings or other shapes strung together to channel rain from the top of the house down into a rain barrel or decorative basin....
Garden Science for Children: Adaptions Using gardens to teach science is super easy, and the great thing about nature related experiments and science projects is that children of all ages, and even most adults, find these activities entertaining and enjoy completing a project to see what the results will be. Most are easily adaptable for a majority of age groups too. Even the youngest scientist can enjoy getting outside and involved in nature related experiments....
Why is Bush Honeysuckle Bad? Bush honeysuckle is a group of non-native deciduous shrubs. Originating in Asia, these plants came to North America via Europe in the late 1800s. Not long after, they became popular landscaping and ornamental species. Bush honeysuckles are now considered invasive throughout most of the eastern and midwestern states. There are many reasons to consider these non-native honeysuckles a problem: They crowd out native species and reduce plant diversity....
What is Broccoli Rabe? What is broccoli rabe (pronounced rob)? It’s a garden vegetable with a rap sheet as long as your arm. This bad boy is also known as broccoli raab, rapa, rapini, taitcat, and Italian turnip and in some parts of the world, it’s known as rape. Even in Latin, this villain plant can’t catch a break. Some botanists label it Brassica rapa and others Brassica ruvo. What is broccoli rabe?...
Dwarf Mulberry Tree Facts Mulberries are suited to USDA zones 5-10. In the ground, mulberries grow into a large bush, but a container grown mulberry tree’s size can be kept smaller (2-6 feet (0.5 to 2 m.) tall) by pruning just after fruiting. Pruning a mulberry also encourages the plant to produce berries again, resulting in several crops throughout the growing season. Mulberries may be female, male, or bisexual. If you are growing from seed, you are more likely to get either a male or female....
What is a Self-Sowing Plant? Self-seeding garden plants drop their pods, capsules, or seeds at the end of the season. In most cases, the seeds need nothing more than the soil they fall onto, relying on natural seasonal changes to germinate and grow. Occasionally, self-seeders can become nuisance plants, so it is important to choose wisely or just adore the crazy spread of the plants. Using self-sowers to fill gardens is an old, time-honored practice invoked by modern gardeners who spread wildflower seed in disturbed or unused fields and beds....
Ornamental Sweet Potato Info The ornamental sweet potato plant (Ipomoea butatas) is somewhat different from its southern grown vegetable sibling. While it does produce edible sweet potato tubers (albeit not very palatable and bitter), the ornamental variety bears more colorful foliage, making it a popular houseplant. This plant produces vine-like stems similar to the philodendron and requires similar care to that of ivy when grown indoors. The vigorous growth and drought tolerance of ornamental sweet potato vines makes them great choices for mixed containers and hanging baskets....
Halloween Decorating in the Garden Some people have a tendency to make their garden Halloween decorations a bit too frightening, which can scare away young trick-or-treaters (and maybe even squeamish adults). Others overdo their Halloween décor to the point of overkill, which results in a cluttered, unappealing mess. So what’s the fix for this? Simple. When scouring over Halloween garden ideas, use a theme. Halloween Garden Ideas There are a number of garden Halloween decorations to consider when it comes to choosing a theme....
There are many ways to keep plants protected from cold, but to actively encourage growth they need consistent warmth. The soil that contacts roots should ideally be around 60 degrees F. (16 C.) for good growth in most plant varieties. Using manure to heat a greenhouse or garden frame is an inexpensive and easy way to apply heat to the roots. Hot bed compost made from manure takes the right amount of carbon mixed into the manure to generate heat....
What is Blueberry Mummy Berry? Mummified blueberries are caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi. Primary infections begin in the spring, arising from overwintering mummies. At this time, tiny mushroom-like structures called apothecia begin growing from mummified berries. The apothecia release spores, lots of them, which are then carried by wind to leaf buds. Symptoms of a Blueberry with Mummified Berries The first symptom of a blueberry with mummified berries is browning along the leaf veins on new leaves....
Common Immune Boosters You don’t have to be in the middle of a pandemic to appreciate the simplicity and healthiness of brewing up your own immune boosting syrup. Historically speaking, mankind has been making their own medicine practically since we took our first steps. We can learn a thing or two from our grandparents and other antecedents who knew how to keep themselves fit and hale. Pretty much all of us know about the benefits of a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and regular exercise in service of keeping us healthy....
In terms of lush, glossy green foliage, the options for indoor tropical houseplants are nearly limitless. However, many indoor gardeners may want to consider more colorful tropical plants. Specifically, those which will produce vibrant, show-stopping blooms. Learning more about the tropical flowering plants available at nurseries and garden centers is the first step in the creation of a truly memorable indoor floral display. Flowering Tropical Houseplants Aechmea – Most types of aechmea are epiphytes....
What is an Instant Garden? An instant garden is essentially a quick shortcut for making a garden overnight using potted plants, both flowering and foliage. Here is an example: Only two days before my daughter’s wedding in June, the bride-to-be appears on my doorstep with tears streaming down her soft face. “Oh mom, what am I going to do? The English Garden we were going to have the reception in has been vandalized!...
Is Ironweed Invasive? Ironweed establishes in neglected and disturbed areas. It is common throughout the United States, especially in the central prairies. This herbaceous plant produces multiple branches and bright purple flowers. Once mature, ironweed can grow 10 feet (3 m.) in height with densely fibrous taproots and rhizomes. The entrenched rooting system makes hand pulling nearly impossible and leaving any part of the root behind will result in regrowth. In large fields, herbicides combined with mowing are the recommended methods to ironweed plant control....
Is Poinsettia Hurt by Cold? In their native region, poinsettias can grow up to 10 feet (3 m.) and produce huge bushes with the characteristic flaming leaves. As a houseplant, these lovely plants are usually sold as container specimens and rarely achieve more than a few feet (0.5 to 1 m.) in height. Once the brilliant leaves fall, you may choose to move the plant outdoors… but be cautious. Poinsettia frost damage can occur at warmer temperatures than you might realize....
Why are My Jacaranda Leaves Turning Yellow? Jacaranda is a genus of 49 species of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical areas. They thrive in full sun and sandy soil and once established are fairly drought tolerant with few insect or disease issues. That said, they can, especially young and newly transplanted trees, begin to turn yellow and drop leaves. Young plants are also more susceptible to cold temperatures than mature trees....
How to Make a Keyhole Garden In a permaculture keyhole garden, plants that are used on a regular basis (and those that require the most upkeep) are placed nearest the home, for quick and easy access. By using creative patterns and designs, gardeners can increase productivity, especially with the use of keyhole garden beds. These beds can be designed in a number of ways, depending on the gardener’s needs and preferences....
Elephant ears are excellent houseplants and can also grow nicely outdoors in warm regions and as summer annuals in cooler zones. They are part of a group of tubers that produce taro, a popular food in tropical locations. While they perform well in full shade, the best exposure is where there is some protection from the hottest rays of the sun. They are heavy feeders and require consistently moist soil to present their most attractive aspect....
Can protecting and planting trees help reduce climate change? The answer is yes, but not a resounding yes. A combination of reforestation and afforestation would be needed, together with a reduction in use of fossil fuel. Read on for more information. Trees and Climate Change How can planting trees help to reduce climate change? To understand this, you need a basic understanding of what causes climate change. Humans have released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through burning coal, oil, and gasoline....
Why You Would Want to Disbud a Rose Bush? By doing the disbudding, a cluster of blooms on a floribunda or grandiflora rose bush will typically produce bigger blooms in the cluster, thus a very showy looking bouquet or spray of blooms. If the main center bud is removed from the cluster of buds on a floribunda rose bush, the other buds will typically open at the same time, thus creating a big full beautiful bouquet or spray of blooms....
