Purdue Garden Articles
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Creeping Charlie in the Garden
Creeping Charlie has square stems with opposite leaves. Photo Credit: Dr. Aaron Patton, Purdue University Q: I can control creeping charlie in my yard. How can I safely control/stop creeping charlie in the garden? A:I share this never-ending challenge to keep creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) out of my garden beds. Creeping Charlie is an herbaceous perennial that spreads by seed as well as horizontal, above-ground stems called stolons or runners. These runners […]
Mystery leaf identified!
Callery pear leaf and fruit. Q: I would like identification of the two leaf samples enclosed. I think the photo showing just a leaf is a sweetbay magnolia. The other I don’t know. It has some sort of fruit on it and a sample is next to the leaf. Thank you so much! – G.H., Columbus, Indiana A: The photo showing the leaf with a fruit is Callery pear (sometimes called ornamental pear). They used […]
Get Growing with Purdue Extension
Registration is now CLOSED! Join Purdue Extension Educators for a live “virtual” program on commonly asked about garden topics. This program is designed for those that want to learn a little bit about how plants grow, common garden problems, how to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and how to maintain your trees, shrubs and lawn. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. – Noon (Eastern Standard Time) January 12 – February 23, 2021 Program Schedule January 12 – How […]
December Garden Calendar
Check houseplant leaves for brown, dry edges, which indicates too little relative humidity in the house. Increase humidity by running a humidifier, grouping plants or using pebble trays. Extend the lives of holiday plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactus by placing them in a cool, brightly lit area that is free from warm or cold drafts. Houseplants may not receive adequate light because days are short and gloomy. Move plants closer to windows, but […]
Gardeners’ Glossary
Gardening enthusiasts have their own set of jargon, just like many other hobbyists. Some of these terms can be confusing, especially to the gardening newcomer. So here’s a brief list of terms that all gardeners should get familiar with. Annual — Plant that completes its life cycle from seed germination to seed production in one growing season. Biennial — Plant that completes its life cycle over two growing seasons; usually produces only vegetation its first […]