Many shrubs can benefit from occasional or even routine pruning to remove damaged stems, keep the plant in size, rejuvenate for greater flower production or to maintain a formal shape. But there are a few species that should routinely be cut to the ground, at least in our Midwestern climate. Some shrubs will actually dieback to the ground most winters and then send up new twigs the following spring, effectively performing as if they were […]
This year brought a bumper crop of 11 new All-America Selections (AAS) garden flowers and vegetables judged to be superior based on their performance in test gardens all over the country. Dianthus ‘Supra Purple’ was selected for its early and prolific blooming and improved heat tolerance. The 1.5-inch, fringed, purple blooms literally cover the 12-inch plants. ‘Supra Purple’ also makes excellent cut flowers and performs best in full sun. Diascia integerrima ‘ Diamonte Coral Rose’ […]
Although the cranberry is native to the northeastern United States, it requires a rather unique acid bog habitat, which restricts its commercial production to just a few states. The ideal soil pH is 4.0-5.5, quite acidic compared to other horticulture crops. A large supply of fresh water and sand is also required. Cranberries belong to the family Ericaceae and are related to rhododendron, blueberry and heather. Known botanically as Vaccinium macrocarpon , cranberries grow on […]
What is that rhododendron doing re-blooming in the middle of October? Well, actually, it might be more correct to think of it as jumping the gun on next spring rather than re-blooming. Although it happens to some extent many years, there seems to be more reports than usual of blooming out of sequence this fall. Rhododendrons, crab apples and saucer magnolias are the most commonly reported species blooming this fall. Spring-blooming woody plants […]
It’s that time of year when visions of Halloween conjure up all kinds of ghoulish-looking gourds! While they are traditional decor at Halloween and Thanksgiving, gourds aren’t just for decoration. Gourds date back to 2200 B.C., making them among the oldest cultivated plants in history. They have been used as dippers or containers for grain storage, and other types are edible when young and tender. The term “gourd” is most correctly applied to several species […]
The hot dry weather experienced throughout much of Indiana is bringing an early leaf drop to many landscape plants. While there is potential for a rainbow of colors, the stressful conditions may make for a less-than-awesome display. For some homeowners, the annual show is overshadowed by chores of leaf raking and disposal. What’s needed here is an attitude adjustment! Autumn leaves don’t have to become trash. On the contrary, they easily can be turned into […]
If thinking about the end of summer is getting you down, start planning your spring flowering bulb show. Autumn is the time to plant crocus, daffodils, tulips and many other spring bloomers. Spring flowering bulbs are planted in fall to allow them to establish roots before top growth begins in spring. Planting too early may cause the bulbs to sprout this fall, only to be killed back by winter weather. Planting too late may not […]
Whether you’re looking to expand your planting of iris or just need to rejuvenate an older planting, late summer through early fall is a good time to lift and divide iris. Dividing every 3-5 years will help rejuvenate the planting and encourage more blossoms for the subsequent years. Most iris plants spread by means of underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes become too crowded over time, resulting in reduced flowering. By lifting and dividing the […]
As summer is nearing its end, gardeners will soon be harvesting their onions, which may just bring tears to their eyes. Onions are ready to harvest when the tops bend over at the neck. Gently lift the plants out of the ground to collect the bulbs and avoid bruising the tender skins. For short-term storage, spread the plants in a single layer, leaving the tops attached, and air dry 2-3 days in a well-ventilated […]
As you plant out your vegetable transplants and seeds in the garden, have you ever wondered what happens if you grow a zucchini squash next to a giant pumpkin? Do you end up with squashkins? Will planting cucumbers next to watermelons yield cucumelons? These two examples are not likely to cross-pollinate one another, so the answer is probably “no.” Plants of different species usually do not cross-pollinate in nature. Cross-pollination does frequently take place […]