There’s no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to add beauty and value to your home landscape with a new tree. Trees can also provide shade and wind protection for many years to come, if given the proper start. The last Friday in April is both the national and the Indiana Arbor Day, so you have some time to plan. The first step should be thoughtful selection of an appropriate plant to match the […]
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003, […]
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003, […]
Q. We just moved into our new home in a wooded area. In 2003, I planted over 80 wild violet plants along our drive (you see them everywhere in the spring). I just love them. Well, so did the deer. I guess they thought I set up a buffet line for them. They ate them down to the heart. Then, I planted hostas, which they thought were tasty, too, I later learned. So what can […]
Gardeners are often quick to blame insects or infectious disease when their plants develop leaf spots. But, in many cases — especially with houseplants — those spots may be due to environment and cultural practices. House plants that experience extremes in soil moisture often develop spots on their leaves, called “oedema” (sometimes spelled “edema”). The spots may first appear as a blister or raised spot, particularly on the undersides of leaves, but may occur on […]
Being creative when choosing containers for your houseplants can add to the decor of a room, but make sure the pot is appropriate for the plant. Almost any container can be used for potting plants, as long as drainage of excess water is provided. Water and mineral nutrients are primarily taken into the plant through the roots. For most plant species, roots must have some oxygen in order to grow and function. If the soil […]
Q. As with most folks, we lost branches off trees, due to the ice storm. Is there anything we are supposed to apply to the area where the branch broke off to help the tree heal? — John Habermann A. Do not treat the wounds with any paint or sealant. Research shows moisture is trapped under the sealant, leading to increased rot and decay. Cleanly cut off the broken limbs and let the plant form […]
If you’re itching to get outdoors and work on your garden, now’s a good time to survey your landscape and decide what needs pruning. But keep in mind that not all plants need to be trimmed. Landscape plants should be pruned to maintain or reduce their size, to remove undesirable growth, to remove dead or damaged branches, and to rejuvenate older plants to produce more vigorous foliage, flowers and fruits. In some cases, pruning is […]
The mild weather that rang in the New Year has gardeners itching to get out their trowels, but we know this mild weather can’t last. Which makes this a perfect time to plan the spring garden! Each season, plant breeders tempt us with new, better, healthier and unique new spins on familiar crops. Here’s a look at what’s new for vegetable gardeners in 2005. Bean ‘Fortex’ is a large, 6-11 inch long French type stringless […]
Q. I have a pink lemonade honeysuckle vine. It has bloomed all summer, but the leaves are turning a powdery white and falling off. Is there a remedy to save my plant? — Sylvia R. Kline, Ferdinand, Ind. A. Powdery mildew is the name for the grayish-white powdery coating caused by a fungus growing on plant leaves, shoots and flowers. This disease is caused by a group of similar fungi that attacks a wide variety […]