Rosie Lerner

rosie@purdue.edu
Rosie Lerner's website
Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
Purdue University
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
625 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette IN 47907-2010

Voice: 765-494-1296
Fax: 765-494-0391

720 articles by this author

Article List

Celebrate ‘The Year of the Sunflower’


1996 has been proclaimed ‘The Year of the Sunflower’ by the National Garden Bureau, an organization that promotes gardening throughout the United States. The sunflower is enjoying renewed popularity as an ornamental these days, but sunflower remnants found in its native North America have been estimated to be in existence as early as 3000 B.C. The sunflower has long been used as a source of food. Native American populations ground the seed into a flour […]
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February 1996


Q. This past summer, bugs ate the leaves off my turnips, squash, rutabagas, etc., in a short period of time while I was away from home. I had applied wood ashes mixed with water and dishwashing soap. What should I use rather than a toxic chemical? Also, should I transplant evergreens in the winter or early spring? When is the best time for transplanting? I also have several locust seedlings to move. I have a wood-burning […]
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Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ is 1996 Perennial Plant of the Year


The Perennial Plant Association has selected Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ as its 1996 Perennial Plant of the Year. Members of the association, generally professional plant growers, select a perennial each year to educate the gardening public and promote planting of perennial flowers. The Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is not widely known to the American public despite the fact that several species of this plant are native throughout the United States and Canada. Penstemon digitalis […]
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Gardening Online at Purdue University


Gardeners will find a wealth of information at their fingertips from the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. And the best part is, thanks to the Internet, this information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays! Several departments at Purdue have Web sites of interest to gardeners. Horticulture offers a broad range of information on the Consumer Horticulture Web site, including current news releases, Extension publications, upcoming events and a list […]
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January 1996


Q. I have been told that applying lime around pecan trees will increase nut size. Is this true? If so, how much and how often should it be applied, or what should the pH be? Are the pH requirements the same for other nut trees? Do English walnut trees leave toxins in the soil as black walnuts do? Can an old English walnut be replaced with a young one at the same site? I have some […]
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Repotting Houseplants Good Winter Activity


For gardeners who are itching to get their green thumbs dirty, repotting houseplants can be a good wintertime activity. But not all plants will need, or even benefit from, repotting. Fortunately, there are several indications to look for to determine if your plant needs new living quarters. The main reason for repotting is to give the roots more room to grow. Perhaps one of the most obvious signs is when the plant is physically too […]
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Gardenia: A Gardener’s Challenge


Gardenias have a well-earned reputation for being difficult specimens for even the experienced indoor gardener. They are usually in great shape when selected at the local greenhouse, where growing conditions closely match this plant’s needs. Bright light, high humidity, and an even supply of moisture and nutrients bring out the best in gardenias. Its glossy leaves and heavenly scented blooms just about cause the plant to leap into your arms, whether it’s a gift for […]
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Care of Christmas Cactus Important After Holidays


While the poinsettia remains the most popular of the holiday plants, a healthy Christmas cactus in full bloom is a great gift idea for that special gardener. But along with that bounty of blooms, send these tips for keeping the plant looking its best. Most blooming plants will keep their blossoms longer in cooler temperatures. Keep the plant in a well-lit location away from drafts from heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. […]
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December 1995


Q: I have been trying to raise tomatoes on trellises for several years with not too much success. I tried shorter trellises, several different fertilizers and ground-up eggshells for copper and calcium. My plants grew tall vines, went above the trellis by about 3 feet and fell over, ruining my pepper plants next to them. Also, I had brown spots on the tomatoes. I tried different varieties, so variety isn’t a factor. Could you enlighten me, […]
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November 1995


Q. How do I get rid of these small, round, red-orange bugs that look like ladybugs? They are swarming on our screens, doors and porches trying to get in the house, and many of them succeed. Nothing seems to discourage them. If you happen to smash them, there is a terrible odor. I don’t know if they damage anything, but they sure are annoying. Thanks for all your useful answers. – Ellen Roe, Crawfordsville, Ind. A. I […]
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