Q. I moved to the country 15 years ago, and started planting oak trees then. I have a problem with my white oaks, but not the reds. The leaves are severely curled up and wilted; new growth comes on and looks good for a short while, then it curls also. The tips are especially affected. The trees are growing, but slowly and look awful. Any idea what to do? A. This sounds like a case…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Pomanders are easy and fun and make great gifts that bring the scent of the garden indoors to brighten cold winter days. Today, most pomanders are ornaments made of glass, ceramic or fabric filled with a mixture of fragrant herbs and spices. But, originally, pomanders were made from pieces of ambergris, a fragrant, waxy substance passed from the intestine of the sperm whale. The word pomander comes from the French “pommed ‘ ambre, “meaning “apple…Read more about Pomanders Make Fragrant Gifts[Read More]
Daffodil (Narcissus) Narcissus is a genus of about 50 species of bulbous perennials which produce between one and 20 flowers on each stem. They have erect, strap-shaped, mid-green leaves, 6 to 30 inches long. The flowers are 1-1/2 to 3 inches across and trumpet shaped. Each flower has a perianth composed of 3 sepals and 3 petals, surrounding the cup or trumpet. The perianth is usually yellow or white; the cup or trumpet may be…Read more about Daffodil (Narcissus)[Read More]
Many gardeners will continue to see the effects of recent storm activity for many weeks to come. The immediate effects include breakage of tree and shrub limbs and other plants. Branches that were damaged but not broken off completely may continue to dry out and die back over time. It’s best to prune out affected branches by cutting back to a side bud or branch. Also related to recent storms is the drying effect of…Read more about Stormy Weather Affects Landscapes and Gardens[Read More]
Dear Gardeners, Here’s a rebellious break from the usual question-and-answer format of this column! With mixed emotions, I’m retiring as head gardener of the “ In The Grow” column. I’ve enjoyed discussing topics from hated weeds to beloved plants with you all for the last 18 years, but I’m ready to move on to new pursuits. By far, the most common question to this column is, “Why doesn’t my ____ bloom!” If your ______ doesn’t…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
When you cuddle up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa during these chilly fall days, you might be pondering where chocolate comes from. Chocolate comes to us courtesy of the cacao plant (pronounced ca-cow), Theobroma cacao. The name Theobroma is an appropriate one as its translation is “food of the gods.” The plant is believed to have originated in the Amazon area of South America at least 4,000 years ago. The Aztecs and other…Read more about Where Chocolate Comes From[Read More]
(Released: 03 October 1996) By B. Rosie Lerner Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist Six new garden plants have been awarded the prestigious honor of being an All America Selection (AAS) for 1997. These new cultivars have been judged as superior in their class based on their performance in test gardens all over the country. Zinnia angustifolia ‘Crystal White’ is not your ordinary everyday zinnia! Crystal White has a daintier texture, with small, pure-white, daisy-like flowers that…Read more about Outstanding new plants announced for 1997[Read More]