Samara
Tue, 16/06/09 – 11:57 | No Comment

Samara of Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
A samara is a  simple dry fruit and indehiscent (not opening along a seam).  The shape of a samara enables the wind to carry the seed away from the parent tree. Commonly …

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Design

Elements of landscape design discussed.

Pest & Disease

Plant diseases and pests examined.

Plant Care

Pruning, planting and maintenance.

Plants

Profiles and images.

Terminology

Plant-speak simplified.

Ferns »

Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Tue, 16/06/09 – 11:23 | No Comment

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This evergreen fern native to Western North America is often found in the understory moist soils of the coniferous forests. The large dark green fronds of this fern grow to 20-70 inches (50-180 cm) tall and persist for 1.5-2.5 years.

Can be used with great success in the landscape, removing old fronds yearly in the early spring will keep this native fern looking great.

Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’)
Fri, 20/03/09 – 10:51 | No Comment
Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’)

Also known as Wormwood, Ghost Plant, Mugwort this small herbaceous perennial, native to Japan, is hardy in zones 3 to 7. Growing as a spreading mound this plant matures to a height of 12″ …

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)
Wed, 10/12/08 – 16:10 | No Comment
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)

Hardy in zones 5-9 this attractive ornamental grass with fine silver-green blades will grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Maiden Grass turns a golden bronze color after the first …

Richard Preston: Climbing the world’s biggest trees
Tue, 2/12/08 – 15:22 | One Comment
Richard Preston: Climbing the world’s biggest trees

Science writer Richard Preston talks about some of the most enormous living beings on the planet, the giant trees of the US Pacific Northwest. Growing from a tiny seed, they support vast ecosystems — and …

How to Prune Lavender
Mon, 1/12/08 – 11:23 | One Comment
How to Prune Lavender

Sara Bader owner of Lavender at Stonegate Farm, details in this video how to prune your lavender to get the best results. Be sure to check out Sara’s website: Lavender at Stonegate Farm where you will find goods, information …

How To Care For a Live Christmas Tree
Sat, 29/11/08 – 17:09 | No Comment
How To Care For a Live Christmas Tree

 

When selecting a tree “go live”. When the holidays are over it can be habitat for small mammals and birds. They provide shelter and beauty not to mention clean air. It is a green choice …

Bulbs – Questions Answered.
Sat, 29/11/08 – 7:30 | No Comment
Bulbs – Questions Answered.

What should be done with yellowing tulip leaves?
These should be left in place until they’re almost completely yellow, about late June. Then use scissors and cut them to the ground. The leaves should be left …

Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
Wed, 2/07/08 – 10:15 | One Comment
Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)

 
This shade tolerant deciduous shrub grows to a mature height of 6-8 feet by 6-8 feet wide. Its upright arching habit and dark green leaf color make this a good choice for border plantings. Gray-brown …

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
Sat, 17/05/08 – 7:53 | 6 Comments
French Marigold (Tagetes patula)

The French marigold is native to Mexico and Nicaragua. In addition, it has been cultivated in Europe and the United States for its flowers and medicinal properties. The plant can grow in soil types from …

Brown Turkey Fig (Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’)
Wed, 7/05/08 – 10:29 | 2 Comments
Brown Turkey Fig (Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’)

In the past couple of weeks I have planted, along with some assistance from the kids, several fruit trees and shrubs. Working for a nursery sure has its benefits. I bought an apple, plum, cherry …

Chojuro Pear (Pyrus ‘Chojuro’)
Sun, 20/04/08 – 15:26 | 3 Comments
Chojuro Pear (Pyrus ‘Chojuro’)

Excellent variety for home gardeners with limited space. Great fall foliage color. Chojuro Asian Pear trees have beautiful, golden fruit with a rich, butterscotch like flavor when tree ripened. Medium to large fruit ripens early …