Blue is the New Black It is the insects and other pollinators such as moths, for whom flower colors really exist and not for us. Pollination, and fruit production, is the main purpose of most flowers. The color we see in flowers is actually the result of reflected light from various plant pigments. There is […]
May 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Michelia Figo (Banana Shrub) Banana shrub does not produce bananas at all and is not edible. It is a member of the Magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. This traditional creole plant is a southern favorite introduced to the US around 1700. The small fragrant flowers look like mini magnolia flowers. Michelia figo, Magnolia fuscata, or Banana shrub
April 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Poppies Papaver species is a member of the poppy family. All should be planted in rich, perfectly drained soil high in sand and organic matter. Sow poppy seeds in ground in fall for winter and early spring blooms. Transplants can be put in during early spring. Space 8-12 inches apart. Poppies are used for cut
March 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Cool Season Flowers Cool season plants add color to flower beds at this time of the year. By planting some of these hardy bedding plants such as dianthus, hollyhock, pansy, petunia, sweet alyssum, viola, snapdragon and stock, gardeners can bridge the color gap before warm season plants begin to thrive. Petunias can be planted now.
February 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Sweet Olive, Tea Olive, Fragrant Olive Osmanthus fragrans, commonly known as Sweet Olive, Tea Olive or Fragrant Olive is an evergreen native to China. This plant was cultivated for home gardens and temple gardens. Grown here before 1800, Osmanthus has been cultivated in China for about 2,500 years, and is still of importance there today.
January 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
