My Garden Pictures

Parrots Beak

2011-08-29T12:53:00.001-05:00

Lotus Vine
Parrots Beak

Lotus maculatus

Also called 'Amazon sunset'. Photo taken at National botanical garden. Is actually a ground cover in zones 9 to 11. Great plant for hanging baskets and groundcover.

Stromanthe

2011-05-27T08:20:00.000-05:00

Stromanthe sanguinea

'tricolor'

Photo is taken at botanical Gardens in Wash. DC. This is a plant that will catch any eye and start a conversation about it. It is a tropical for zones 9 to 11. From what everyone says it is, once established, a tough plant and will grow outdoors.

Wollemi Pine

2011-05-15T08:02:00.001-05:00

Wollemi Pine

Wollemia nobilis

I took this picture at Wash. DC Botanical Gardens. Later to find out it has recently been rediscovered in Australia in 1994. According to National Geographic they are introducing the plant in North America now to help establish it again. It almost feels like a fern and not a pine which it is not technically.

Brazilian Snapdragon

2011-05-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

Brazilian Snapdragon

Otacanthus caeruleus

Synonyms: Amazon blue

Photo from National Botanical Gardens in DC. This plant is of course native to Brazil but will grow fine in Hawaii. A perennial that has fragrant blooms. Grows to 4 feet tall in partial shade.

Yellow Passion Flower

2011-05-04T08:14:00.001-05:00

Yellow Passion Flower

Passiflora lutea
Synonyms: wild yellow passion flower, passion flower, passionvine

Photo was taken at the National Botanical Garden in Washington, DC.

Crawford Lettuce

2011-04-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

Crawford Lettuce

Lactuca sativa 'Crawford'

Started in San Antonio Texas. Named after a resident of this city. He actually introduced the plant from relatives that passed them on to him. If left alone will produce many seeds per plant. The leaves are tasty and tender and will grow year round here in south central Texas.

Star Jasmine

2011-04-18T08:06:00.001-05:00

Star Jasmine

Jasminum multiflorum

Photo was taken at National Botanical Garden in D.C. Grows best in zones 8a to 11 in full sun. It is slightly fragrant. People tell me it does freeze back but show back up the following spring.

Sweet Woodruff

2011-01-30T10:56:00.001-06:00

Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum

Synonyms: Our Lady's Lace, Asperula odorata, Sweetscented Bedstraw,wild baby's breath; master of the woods

Photo is from lowjumpingfrog at flickr

This plant is considered a perennial that is a groundcover as well as a herb. Known to grow to 12 inches or 15 to 30 cm. Hardiness zone is from 4a to 8b in sun to full shade. Puts out lovely spring white blossoms that are fragrant. Will tolerate soil pH from slightly acid to neutral.

Has to have moist soil at almost constantly. Many consider it invasive but will die during most winters. Propagate by seed or dividing rootballs.

Rose of Sharon

2011-01-18T09:44:00.001-06:00

Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus

Synonym:Althaea syriacus

A beautiful shrub that grows anywhere from 4 to 10 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. Best grows in zones 5a to 9a. A decideous shrub that needs full sun for maximum beauty and blooms from late spring to late fall. The optimum pH is slightly acid to neutral. Seeds are the choice for propagation and some people will claim it is invasive.

Desert Willow

2011-01-13T10:32:00.001-06:00

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

Desert willow, that will grow as a bush or little tree, is at home throughout desert arroyos. An arroyo (creek in Spanish) happens to be an typically dried up creek bed or narrow gorge which briefly floods with water following heavy down pours. Every rainfall provides the desert willow a solid watering plus it reacts with a sudden discharge of new development and brand new flower clusters right at the end of its limbs. It might get 2 or 3 growing bursts throughout a damp summer season.

Desert willow can be propagated with seed, softwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings. Propagation with cuttings may be the only way to make plants with similar flower color to the parent plant. Plants created from seeds possess random blossom color. Desert Willow will grow as a deciduous good sized shrub or little tree that may achieve twenty five feet tall and twenty feet wide.

Perhaps even without having the well known green leaves throughout the wintry months, the shape of Chilopsis linearis is unique on the western horizon during the early evening hours. The limbs appear to zigzag their route to the edges of the leaf cover, when lengthy, thin, papery pods dangle decoratively and discharge their cherished seeds to eager birds through the entire winter months.

Desert willow has turned into a favorite scenery plant in the Southwest. It will grow quickly whenever frequently watered, but additionally can handle long stretches with no water which makes it a great low-maintenance plant. Plus, its gorgeous flowers enhance its overall appeal. The flowers are often creamy colored with a touch of purple, however cultivars are generally picked with colorings which range from white-colored to profound purple.

The desert willow shrub is usually selected and planted early in the year. The trees may be to some extent susceptible immediately after they are planted, therefore it will pay for people to let them have a complete summer to their 1st growth. Officially, the plants may endure without the need of watering when its roots are totally established, but when they get more water, they begin to develop sooner, therefore many people suggest watering them regularly till they get to an appealing size.

Dichondra

2010-12-05T08:27:00.002-06:00

Dichondra argentea
'Silver Falls'
Synonyms: Kidneyweed, Dichondra repens

Originally from Northern Mexico and SW United States. Is a perennial groundcover and grows best in zones 9a to 11.

Dichondra argentea (Silver Dichondra) - Found in Texas and the Mexican states of Durango and Michoacan. This beautiful groundcover that has round leaves are silvery and silky on both sides. Plants grow to just a couple inches tall and spreads by way of adventitious runners to build a solid cover from spring through late autumn but is partly to fully deciduous in winter. Plant in light shade to full sun in a well drained soil and water occasionally. Silver pony-foot (Dichondra argentea) also called silver nickel vine and aluminum vine. In Mexico, its favorite environment is the eruptive substrates.

Mint Marigold

2010-10-18T08:45:00.003-05:00

Mint Marigold

Tagetes lucida

A native of Mexico that is widely used as a tea and cooking spice. Is used in place of tarragon spice. Normally blooms in the fall. Perennial.

Some interesting facts.

Tagetes lucida, to a great degree described as a powerful psychedelic form of the marigold flower, was first referenced by the Aztecs.

The Tagetes, or marigold, species dispersed quickly all around the globe as ornamental plants. They started in the Americas, coming from its native North American southwest scattering to Argentina

Numerous species of Tagetes are accessible in many cultivated kinds and forms, and are frequently hard to differentiate from one another.

The Aztecs utilized all the species of Tagetes for healthful purposes like with a tea cooked from the extract of the fresh herbage to the treatment of hiccups and diarrhea.

In India, a juice made from its recently pressed leaves is dispensed to treat eczema. In Argentina, the extraction of water-soluble drug substances by boiling of the leaves is drank for coughs, and when used locally on the skin, it is known as an insect repellent. In Mexico, juice that has been pressed from the herbage or crushed leaves are mixed with water or wine and drunk as an aphrodisiac.

In Mexico, they are known there as flores del muerto, or “flowers of the dead.”

Sea Hibiscus

2010-10-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

Sea Hibiscus

Talipariti tiliaceum

also known as - Beach Hibiscus, Cottontree, Mahoe, Coastal Hibiscus,
Green Cottonwood, Native Hibiscus, Native Rosella, Cottonwood Hibiscus, Kurrajong, Sea Rosemallow, Norfolk Hibiscus

Synonym: Hibiscus tiliaceus

Cigar Plant

2010-08-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

Cigar Plant

Cuphea ignea
Originated in Africa.

Synonyms: Firecracker Plant, Cuphea platycentra

Grows best in zones 8a to 11. The blooms are red to reddish orange. Seems to self seed.

The Cigar Plant, Cuphea ignea, and also its particular family member the Mexican Cigar, Cuphea micropetala, tend to be somewhat delicate, in basically the the southern part of north america. A few hummingbird landscapers have them in garden greenhouses all winter months, getting them outside as pot plants following the risk of frost has passed. Blossoms of Cigar Plant are reddish colored and tubular; the ones of Mexican Cigar are usually yellow-colored to orange having red-colored tips.

Cigar plant is a quick grower and even needs very little particular attention. However it may get your consideration as a get together spot for various butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow scores of cigar plants close to a window or even the outdoor patio for you to appreciate viewing lots of contented hummingbirds that come to feast about the gorgeous spread that you've placed for them.

Cuphea has additionally been demonstrated to enhance farming crops in The United States if employed in crop rotation. Crop rotation is often utilized among the farmers to boost soil quality, manage host particular unwanted pests, and reduce the usage of fertilizers as well as pesticide sprays. As soon as cuphea had been released to the crop rotation of wheat and corn, experts in the Agricultural Research Service from the USDA discovered that the gain of cuphea experienced beneficial results on the next harvest, which includes a greater yield of crop and vegetation which are elevated in protein. This kind of investigation discloses exactly how cuphea may be used in farming to improve the productivity of crops such as corn and wheat.

Naranjilla

2010-08-02T09:13:00.001-05:00

Naranjilla

Solanum quitoense

Synonyms: Solanum angulatum, Quito orange, Golden Fruit of the Andes, Bed of Nails and Lulo

The naranjilla is a subtropical perennial plant from northwestern South America. The juice is slightly green and is used as a fruit drink. The ripe fruit is very yummy, but must be gathered when entirely ripe if not they can be rather sour.

The plant is fascinating, with large heart-shaped leaves up to 18 in. in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are blanketed in short purple hairs. They are fragile plants and must be shielded from intense winds and direct sunlight.

The Naranjilla Solanum quitoense is a tomato relative native to northern South America and it is raised commonly at high elevations, between 3 and 7 thousand feet. The plant might grow to heights of 6 to 10 feet with extra large spiny leaves, sometimes measuring 18 inches long, and 5 to 8 in. wide or larger. The dark green leaves bear purple veins on the upper surface and whitish or purplish on the lower side.

The pear-shaped berries are covered with short, stiff hairs that are pretty promptly deciduous so that they are hairless or almost so when they reach the marketplace. At prime the fruits, 2 to 3 in. in diameter, are orange, which is accountable for the Spanish name meaning "little orange." The flesh or pulp of the fruit, nonetheless, is green. The aroma and flavor are uncomparable, but many individuals have swore a likeness to a mix of strawberries and pineapple, Other people swore to that of citrus. The fruit is loaded in vitamins A and C.

It likes regular watering and can withstand short temperatures below freezing. It is easily grown in a container, and is frequently done so in regions with nematode problems as it is open to root nematodes. The plant is believed to be a abbreviated day plant, and might only set fruit if there are 8 to 10 daytime hours.

Danger in the handling of the plant might cause skin irritation or allergic response. It has spines or sharp edges; use utmost care when handling. The plant has white or near white bloom color in the middle of summer. Can be propagated from seed or dividing the root ball.

Lemon Balm

2010-07-14T09:24:00.001-05:00

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Use Lemon Balm in herbal teas as well as adding handfulls to regular sweet tea. It gives a container of sweet tea a nice, fresh lemony flavor without having to buy lemons or lemon juice.

This plant is in the mint family and grows with all the vigor and zest you would expect from a mint. The foliage makes an interesting enhancer against other plants but it needs to be planted either in shade or around hardy shrubs that won't be overwhelmed by its growth habits.

Very invasive, however it is said to have medicinal uses. Fresh or dried leaf tea was used as a folk remedy for fevers, painful menstruation, headaches, colds and insomnia. Used as a mild sedative. The leaves were pulverized for treating sores, tumors and insect bites.

While it is used in tea breads & herbal teas, and as a garnish for fish dishes & lemonade, the lemon scent is more in line with lemon furniture polish than true lemon. It does, however, make a nice perennial addition to the herb garden, either as part of a lemon-scented herb collection or as a part of a shady bed.

In order to keep this plant from becoming an invasive pest, remove all the flowers before they fade & set seed.

Lemon balm is a wonderful herb grown for its strong lemon flavor and aroma. Plants grow up to two feet tall with white unnoticeable flowers. The leaves can be used in teas, salads, and cooking. Its leaves will loose flavor after drying so it’s best to use fresh.

Plants grow quickly and it spreads to form large clumps, which some gardeners consider to be invasive. Deadheading after flowering is recommended because seedlings can be a nuisance to control. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Propagation Methods:

From nonwoody stem cuttings

Seed Collect: Allow seedheads to dry on plants

Additional info:

This plant attracts bees, butterflies and birds

Flowers are fragrant

Drought-tolerant; suited for xeriscaping

normal Water Needs; Water on a regular basis; do not over water

Requires constant moist(not wet) soil; do not let dry out between watering

Self-sows In a free manner; deadhead if you do not want unwanted seedlings next season

Bloom Time: Mid Summer-Early Fall

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a - 9b

Forsythia Sage

2010-06-23T08:01:00.001-05:00

Forsythia Sage

salvia madrensis

This plant is from Northeastern Mexico that blooms in the fall or winter in mild areas. Grows to about 6 feet and seems to be invasive in some regions. May die back in the cold winter but with mulch will come back profusely. Some say grows best in part shade, some say in full sun. Hummingbirds love this salvia if they stay late in the fall. Try propagating from softwood cuttings or simple layering.

Caladiums

2010-06-13T08:55:00.003-05:00

Caladium bicolor

'Carolyn Wharton'

Normally a tropical plant but can be grown in most of southern USA.

Caladium is actually a variety of blooming plants in the arum family. It is usually identified through the popular names elephant ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. You can find more than one thousand termed cultivars of Caladium bicolor in the primary South American perennial.

The variety Caladium contains 7 species, that are native of Brazil and also to nearby regions of South and Central America. It will grow within open regions of the woodland as well as on slopes of streams and also turn inactive throughout the dry period. The actual wild plants mature to 14 to 40 inches (38 to 95 cm) in height, with leaves largely 5 to 15 inches (16 to 44 cm) in length and width.

Farming and Functions

Many species tend to be developed as decorative plants because of their huge, arrow head shaped leaves noticeable in various designs in pink, white and red, to some degree resembling the not related coleus, and been around in farming in Europe ever since the 19th century. The 2 varieties most generally grown are known as fancyleaved and lanceleaved. The first kind may be the more normally noticed and is the original caladium of development. The leaves tend to be heart-shaped. These offers lance-head-shaped leaves. The majority of Caladiums in farming grow to approximately 25 inches (65 cm) in heigth and 25 inches (65 cm) widespread, even though dwarf types have reached cultivation.

Quite a few cultivars are picked, a lot of them, 130 produced from C. bicolor. The lanceleaved types are produced of C. schomburgkii.

Caladiums develop from solid swollen underground bulb-shaped stem and may be spread by separating the tubers. These are sturdy just to the USDA hardiness zone 11; in cooler locations, they're usually developed as raw bulbs or as house plants.

Throughout their growing time, they require significant amounts of water and must not be permitted to dry up. Many types favor part to total shade, though sun-resistant kinds have reached cultivation. Around 95% of most caladium bulbs are usually come from Lake Placid, Florida.

Inside temperate locations, they need to be removed prior to the 1st frost. The corms become dried out and stashed away because of the winter season any time temps drop to 60 F (16 C), and kept reasonably dried out over the winter with temperatures somewhere between 55 F (12 C) and 60 F (17 C).

Many components of the plant are usually deadly. These must not be consumed and could aggravate delicate skin.

Community Exhibits

Each and every August, an event is done in Florida, the place to find most our planet's caladium areas. The favorite function is a visit to the areas of caladiums, the merchandise of neighborhood farmers. Just about every July from 2003, a Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, have exhibited the Florida Caladium Showcase, one of the most important outdoor and indoor show of these plants, which includes brand new types.

Tulips

2010-06-03T08:42:00.003-05:00

Darwin Hybrid Tulips

Tulipa 'Gudoshnik'

Picture is of tulip farm located close to Seattle Washington.

Facts About Tulips
By Alex Sakota

Some of the people, mostly from Holland undergoing this craze of Tulipomania had to even sell some of their fortunes.

Tulips are very popular spring flowers, and the third most popular around the world next to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. There is a large variety including; different colours, different heights and different flower shapes. Some of which have even fragrance.

'Tulip' is thought to be derives from the Turkish word 'tulbend' for turban. It was discovered by a known Austrian biologist Carolus Clusius. In the year 1,000 AD, the Turkish growers cultivated tulips for the first time. There are over 100 different species, which mostly came from the Central Asia where the tulips grew wilder.

Facts about the Tulips

• There is now available over 3,000 different varieties.
• Each year billions are cultivated, some of which are grown and brought from Holland.
• In the past, Europe symbolized as a flower of the Ottoman Empire.
• Sign of imagination, dreams, ideal lover and declaration of love.
• Tulip bulbs are a good substitution for onions when cooking.

Classification of Tulips

They are classified in three categories; early, mid and late season flowering.

• Early Flowering: This kind of Tulips normally blooms in March and early April. Early Flowering are Species Tulips, Kaufmanniana (eg., Waterlily), Fosteriana (eg.,Red Emperor), Single Early(eg., Apricot Beauty ), Double Early, Greigii, etc.
• Midseason Flowering: This kind of Tulips bloom in April and early May. Eg. Triumph, Swan Wings, Darwin Hybrids, Parrot Tulips.
• Late Flowering: The latest kind of Tulips will bloom in May. Eg., Single Late, Double Late, Viridiflora, Lily-Flowered, Fringed, Rembrandt, Multi Flowering Tulips.

View full selection of tulips online. Providing flower delivery service worldwide since 1989.

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Lemon Verbena

2010-04-13T07:53:00.002-05:00

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla

Also known as Verveine Odurante. A herb perennial that is highly aromatic.

Herb Garden Plants - Lemon Verbena, Fragrance Divine

By Pete Steel

Aloysia triphylla (Lippia citriodora) Verbenaceae

Appearance:

One of the lesser known but truly essential herb garden plants, lemon verbena commonly grows to about 1.5 to 2m tall with a wide spread. Our 30 year old lemon verbena now dwarfs the house and needs frequent trimming. The pale green leaves make a lovely showing and afford shade to smaller plants. Standing close to the plant will immediately reveal the origin of its name.

History:

Prized for centuries due to the pungent lemon like fragrance exuded by its leaves, this is amongst the most fragrant of herb garden plants; it was brought from South America by the Spanish around the seventeenth century. Lemon verbena was given its name for its aroma, and it is a name that has persisted. One wonders if the citizens of South America call our lemon something like "verbena fruit" in return.

Usage - everyday:
Originally imported mainly for its oil, lemon verbena is prized for several other virtues:
An aromatic addition to finger bowl water.
The dried leaves retain their scent for a very long time and can be used in potpourri.
Branches and fresh leaves of these herb garden plants can be put into airing cupboards and wardrobes to keep clothes and linen freshly aromatic.
Crush lemon verbena leaves in almond oil makes an oil used for aromatherapy massage.
Blending with other fragrant oils for handmade cosmetics.
Add to bath water in a sachet for an aromatherapy experience.
Hang branches in saunas to permeate the wood paneling with a wonderful fragrance.
The leaves may be finely chopped for use in hot drinks, cakes, puddings and jellies.
Chopped leaves work marvelously well sprinkled on fish while cooking; or add a small sprig to give bland foods like oatmeal and rice a lift.
The shrubs attract butterflies to the garden and they often grown as herb garden plants for this purpose alone.

Usage - medicinal:

Leaves can be infused to make a gentle sedative tea to soothe chest and nose congestion, indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps and nausea. Use about 10 leaves to a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey and drink after meals.

Cultivation:

Lemon verbena loves sunshine as well as a bit of shelter. (A sunny corner is ideal.) These semi-hardy herb garden plants are grown mostly in greenhouses or indoors in colder climates. Protect outside plants with a light covering in regions susceptible to frost.

Ideal soil is sandy, tending to alkalinity and having good drainage. Lemon verbena thrives in poor soil.

To propagate, take summer cuttings with a small heel and trim off all but the topmost leaves; place these firmly into a moist sandy growing medium. Keep in a cool shaded place and keep soil slightly damp. Plant out into hessian or plastic bags when rooting has taken place and allow to grow until well established but not bursting at the seams. Plant out to between 1 and 2m. Regular pruning will encourage growth and produce a healthier plant.

Harvesting:

One of the least demanding herb garden plants, you can harvest lemon verbena leaves at will. Branches are a bit brittle and will benefit from trimming back to prevent breaking in high winds or from sheer weight.

Pete Steel has grown herbs for 25 years in several different climates and soils. He grows lemon verbena and writes about herb garden plants and herb usage.

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Lady Banks Rose

2010-03-31T08:49:00.004-05:00

Lady Banks Yellow Rose

Rosa banksiae 'Lutae'

Photo taken March 26, 2010. Beautiful presentation, little aroma, this rose will only bloom once this year. The show, though, is spectacular. BE SURE TO CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

The Lady Banks Yellow Rose, Yellow Banksia, Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'

Rosa banksiae, typically called the Lady Banks' Rose, truly a species of Rosa indigenous to central and western China, they will grow in the mountains located at altitudes of 1700 feet.

It's a rushing shrubby liana developing intensely more than other shrubs to 3.5 ft. high. Contrary to many roses, it really is almost thornless, although might have a few prickles up to 5 millimeters long, especially upon stout, sturdy limbs. The leaves are generally evergreen, 5 to 7 cm long, along with 3 to 5 leaflets 2-5 cm long which has a serrated perimeter. The plants are compact, 2 to 3 cm in diameter, white-colored or soft yellow.

There are 2 types:

Rosa banksiae var. Flowers are semi-double or double, along with several petals exchanging many or the many stamens; a cultigen created inside the Chinese home gardens.

Rosa banksiae var. normalis Regel. Blossoms are single, with 5 petals; the pure wild type of the species.

The rose is given its name after Lady Banks, a wife of the prestigious botanist Sir Joseph Banks.

Cultivation and functions

Rosa banksiae has probably been evolved in the gardens of China for centuries. The species had been unveiled in European countries by William Kerr, who was directed on the plant-hunting trip by Sir Joseph. He acquired the very first Lady Banks' Rose, eventually called the 'white Lady Banks' coming from the well-known Chinese Fa Tee nursery in 1807. The quantity of additional types were eventually found developing in China, The white, small flowered R. banksiae var. normalis is actually regarded as the "wild" kind; 'banksiae Lutea', the 'yellow Lady Banks' Rose, possibly the most well-liked and R. banksiae 'Lutescens', the rose with gentle yellow blooms. All of Lady Banks' roses are generally claimed to smell of violets to various amounts.

Usually will be 6-8 ft.(1.8-2.4 m) but will get to much more.

Have been claimed to be growing from USDA Zone 6a to USDA Zone 11.

Propagation Methods are from softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, by grafting and budding.

Even though it flowers for just a couple of weeks in early spring, the creamy clusters of scentless, double yellow-colored or white-colored blossoms almost cover the plant. Almost evergreen and thornless, it is very energetic.

Wildflowers 2010

2010-03-28T09:31:00.002-05:00

The yellow wildflowers give off a honey aroma-intoxicating!

Each wildflower (or wild flower) is really a flower which grows in the wild, which suggests that it was never deliberately seeded or selected and planted. However "wildflower" fields of several blended varieties can be bought in seed packages. The word "wildflower" is made hazy by professional seedsmen that have an interest in marketing much more flowers or seed products more expensively compared to whenever tagged with just its name and/or source. The word means the plant most likely is not a hybrid or a chosen cultivar which is by any means not the same as the way in which it seems like in the wild like a native plant, quite possibly when it is growing where it might not normally.

Native plant is often a name to explain plants endemic (indigenous) or naturalized to some offered region in a geologic period.For example plants which have produced, happen naturally, or been with us for several years in an location.

A few native plants get modified to restricted, uncommon surroundings or really severe environments or extraordinary soil conditions. Even though some kinds of plants for these reasons occur just inside a limited range (by virtue of originating or occurring naturally), some could live in varied places or by adaptation to various surroundings.

Bluebonnets and phlox

2010-03-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

Wildflowers

2010-03-28T09:27:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers in southcentral Texas. Picture taken March 10, 2010. We have been overcome with the aroma of honey with these wildflowers. I have added several photos taken at the same time.

Northwest Native Plants Include Wildflowers

By Bobbie Hamilton

Northwest is one of the regions in the United States that can take pride in its diverse selection of wildflowers. The wild flowers come in distinct look and structure that definitely makes the Northwest region more interesting and more colorful than the usual.

There are a couple of dominant species of wildflower that can be spotted in the region. These prominent Northwest native plants consist of Evergreen Violet, Trillium, Hooker's Fairy Bells and Vanilla Leaf.

· The Evergreen Violet is also known as the Redwood violet. It commonly grows on rock gardens and is identified only as a small shrub.

· A Trillium is a Northwest wild flower that comes with three large petals. Also known as Wakerobin, Triflower and Birthroot, the typical Trillium in the Northwest starts as a white flower. As spring passes, these white petals gradually turn to purple. Of all the wildflowers in the region, the Trillium is among the most noticeable because of its bold and clean appearance.

· Another wild flower is the Hooker's Fairy Bells. These northwest native plants are also known by the name drops of gold. The Hooker's Fairy Bells are found in areas that are moist and shady. The flowers of this plant hang from the tips of its branches. Per branch, it usually produces one to three flowers at a time. Sometimes, this plant comes with hairs on it veins and edges.

· Vanilla Leaf is an interesting native of the Northwest. This wildflower grows in forests that are moist and shady. It produces a relaxing vanilla aroma when the plant itself is dried.

On the other hand, there are also invasive wildflowers found in the Northwest. Examples of these flowers are European Holly and Morning Glory.

· The European Holly is the wildflower that is common during the Christmas season. In fact, as another name for the European Holly, it has the popular name of Christmas Holly. This is because it can also be used as an ornament for the season. Its deep green leaves are complemented by the red fruits that it bears in bunches. It's a truly festive plant for a merry season.

· The Morning Glory is another plant that is a plant of its own kind. Its flowers only bloom for a short time: from the morning and withers in the afternoon. Its flower can last a little longer when the weather is cloudy. The common colors of the Morning Glory are blue, pink and purple.

To your enjoyment of the beautiful of our northwest native plants!

Find out more of Oregon's native plants and the species available in the state by visiting http://www.schollsvalley.com/.

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Salad Burnet

2010-03-16T09:33:00.002-05:00

Salad Burnet

Sanguisorba minor

A herb plant. Easy to grow from seed and will re-seed itself. Has a good taste in salads of cucumber flavor. Grows almost anywhere in the USA.

Salad Burnet - Wild, Free and Cucumber Taste
By Martin Miller-Yianni

Coming from western, central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Salad burnet is a common herb that not many people are aware of even though it grows under their noses in many instances. It is great for salads as it's name suggest and can be made into either a useful vinegar or a lovely alcoholic cocktail with a unique taste.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant growing to nearly 1 metre high and can be found mainly in dry grassy meadows with limestone based soil. It is very resistant to drought grows throughout all seasons.

It is used not just in salads, but can be used as an ingredient to dressings. The flavour is essentially of a cucumber. The salad burnet is an excellent substitution for mint leaves in many dishes. If you use the fresh young leaves these will give the best results otherwise you may get a bitter edge to older tougher parts of the herb.

It also has been marked in history for being Francis Bacon's favourite herb and was introduced to the New World from the first English colonists. Salad burnet also has medicinal qualities in fact the same benefits as the medicinal burnet.

The salad burnet or sometime know as the great burnet it distinctive in looks has erect stems with globular red flower heads. These have purplish quality with feather like stigmas and sepals; it has no petals. The leaves are rounded with toothed characteristic mini-leaves.

If the leaves are crushed it will give the smell reminiscent of cucumbers. The herb forms in large colonies and attracts all types of insects. It will seed freely and cover big areas. It is a good plant for a short meadow type land as it can withstand mowing. Because it can tolerate drought it is good resource to have with global warming here and worsening.

Seeds are cheap and freely available in many online gardening sites. It is well worth having a few clumps of salad burnet you can pick all year round once established just before you mow the land.

I have given a recipe that I had made it the UK a few times. It was a great favourite of my grandmother who used to make it and gave me the recipe. She said, "It make hairs grow on your chest," but this is not to be taken seriously of course.

Grandma Charlotte's Burnet Liquor Cocktail

Ingredients:

* Salad Burnet, around 5-6 plants crushed or liquidised

* 700cl white wine medium to sweet

* 500ml sherry

* 1/2 lime or 1 lemon thinly sliced

* 1 litre soda water

Method:

Simply mix all the ingredients except the soda water together really well and leave in the fridge for a few hours or preferably overnight. Just before serving add the soda water and add sugar to add more sweetness if required.

Martin Miller-Yianni

http://www.bulgarianslivatree.com
http://www.herbsways.com

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Zinnia

2010-03-08T08:01:00.002-06:00

Zinnia

Profusion

A very colorful plant that seems to grow best in the fall. Grows almost anywhere.

Growing Zinnia Seeds in the Home Garden

By Lauri Smallwood

Zinnias are flowering annual plants native to warm areas of North America. Gardeners value the plants for their large, showy blossoms that are often used in cut flower arrangements. Easy to grow and care for, zinnia plants are frequently grown directly from seeds. They produce abundant flowers throughout the summer and early fall when provided with the proper culture. Zinnia flowers are great for use in flower beds, borders and edging.

How to Start Zinnia Seeds

Start zinnia seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost-free date in your area or direct seed in the garden after the soil has warmed to a workable temperature and all danger of frost is over. If direct seeding, cover lightly with soil, water and wait for germination, which takes about one week. If starting zinnias indoors, cover seeds lightly with high-quality soil starting mixture, keep moist and provide with indirect light until ready to set out.

How to Grow Zinnia Seeds

Once the plants have been set out and/or the seeds have germinated, water about once per week until established. After this, water only during dry periods or when temperatures are extremely high. Feed once or twice per month with a liquid fertilizer made for flowering plants and pinch the tops of the plants after they've grown at least 4 inches to promote bushy growth.

Zinnia Cultivars

When purchasing zinnia seeds, you have a wide variety from which to choose. There are more than a dozen actual species of zinnia, but only a few are regularly planted in gardens. Following are some of the most popular types.

Zinnia elegans - This is the most common cultivar with solid- and multi-colored flowers that bloom in all different shades. Numerous hybrid varieties exist.
Zinnia augustifolia - This cultivar features smaller, golden-orange flowers with yellow stripes and reaches heights of up to 12 inches with a 2 foot spread.
Zinnia pauciflora - This is a rarer cultivar that produces single flowers in shades of red or yellow. It is often used for cutting when available.

Lauri Smallwood is a Master Gardener, freelance writer and blogger from Little Rock, Arkansas. She has over 10 years of experience raising and growing flowers of all kinds and creating unique flower gardens for clients. In her spare time, Smallwood can be found tending her own flowers and helping others with their gardening blunders.

More detailed information on growing zinnia flowers can be found on Lauri's blog, Flower Scapes.

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Red Cascade

2010-02-26T19:08:00.000-06:00

Red Cascade Rose

Miniature

Floribunda Rose

2010-02-17T08:44:00.001-06:00

Rosa 'Trumpeter'

Very colorful rose bush. Found that it was introduced in 1977. Is resistant to rust, black spot and mildew.

Floribunda rose

Rose breeders easily noticed the significance in crossing polyanthas together with hybrid teas, to produce roses which bloomed with the polyantha profusion, however with hybrid tea floral elegance and color variety. In 1909, the very first polyantha/hybrid tea combination, 'gruss an Aachen,' was produced, with features half way among each parent classes. Since the bigger, more shaped flowers and hybrid-tea-like development routine divided these brand new roses from polyanthas and hybrid teas as well, a brand new class had been produced and called Floribunda, Latin for "many-flowering." Normal floribundas feature rigid shrubs, scaled-down and bushier compared to the typical hybrid tea yet much less thick and rambling versus typical polyantha. The flowers in many cases are small compared to hybrid teas but they are carried in large sprays, offering an improved flower result inside the garden. Floribundas are found in every hybrid tea colors along with the vintage hybrid tea-shaped bloom, occasionally different from hybrid teas simply inside their cluster-flowering routine. Nowadays these are even now found in huge bedding techniques in public recreational areas and other alike places.

Mexican Tarragon

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-06:00

Mexican Tarragon

Tagetes lucida

Synonyms: Mexican Mint Marigold, Spanish Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, Sweet Mace, Yerbis Anis

A herb that has a good taste but can become leggy.

Aloe Vera

2010-02-04T08:33:00.002-06:00

Aloe Vera blooms

Aloe vera

Synonyms: Medicinal aloe, savila

These blooms seem to be hard to find. We have plenty of the plant but to get a bloom is rare.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits - Natural Homemade Lotion and More
By Susan Katchur

Aloe vera juice comes from the aloe vera plant, a short stemmed or stemless plant. This plant grows in regions that are dry and barren, with little rain or support for vegetation, such as: northern Africa, the Canary islands and the Cape Verde islands.

There have been many conflicting scientific studies regarding this plant. It is well known for its use as an herbal type of medicine. The juice from this plant is used in a variety of ways. It can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, sunscreens, soaps, face tissues and other household products.

Some topical aloe vera juice benefits include:

- Anti-bacterial & anti-fungal agent

- Improves skin regeneration

- Soothes sunburns

- Reduces redness

- Reduces itching

- Helps improve eczema & psoriasis

- Softens skin

- Helpful for acne

- Reverses scarring

- Strengthens joint muscles

-Improves joint flexibility & movement

- Alleviates pain & inflammation of arthritis

- Rich in vitamins C, B12 and E

- Provides overall feeling of energy and health

With all of these skin care benefits it is no wonder that it is so popular! This juice can be found in many homemade skin care products including natural: homemade soap, homemade lotion, homemade face cream, homemade shampoo and much more. It helps to soften and soothe many different skin types such as: dry itchy skin, dry flaky skin, sensitive skin, sunburns and more. It can improve skin regeneration helping with wrinkles, acne or scarring. It can help a variety of scalp problems or scalp conditions. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation from arthritis, sore muscles and joints. There are a large variety of benefits offered in natural homemade skin care products. You can improve multiple skin care needs with the benefits of aloe vera juice.

Find aloe vera juice benefits in natural, homemade, lotion and more at: http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/aloe-vera-juice-benefits.html

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Japanese Maple

2010-01-27T09:37:00.002-06:00

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

Native tree of the orient. Noted for its beautiful red leaves. Mostly used in Japanese gardens. Needs special attention to grow successfully.

4 Great Tips on Growing Your Own Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree - Part II
By Mike D. Andrews

My earlier document on looking after your Japanese maple bonsai focused entirely on fertilizing, appropriate light requirements, water needs, and humidity requirements. This Part II will concentrate on pruning, re-potting, root pruning, and the winter care of your Japanese maple.

Pruning

The Japanese maple bonsai is formed, in part, as a result of careful and planned pruning. You can prune leaves, branches and roots with additional internode pinching. Fall is the ideal time of year to prune a Japanese maple due to the fact you'll find it easier to see the form of the tree when there are no leaves, but more significantly because the plants bleed heavily if pruned at the beginning of spring. This bleeding will be minimized if the tree's roots are pruned before you prune it's branches. All wounds resulting from pruning the tree's branches should be sealed with a wound dressing available at your nearby garden store or nursery. If you are going to prune the tree's roots and carry out some branch pruning the best time of year is to do both in the fall.

Top-notch bonsai specimens feature fine branches. The method to create fine branches is to prevent long internodes. On a branch of a tree you will find there's space in between one pair of leaves and the next pair of leaves. This is whats called the internode. To shorten the internode you'll want to regularly pinch back all of the new growth throughout the growing season. You'll want to pinch back new shoots by pruning them back to just two sets of leaves (internodes). When you pinch off new shoots it creates a shorter internode on the next shoot, and when the internodes are shorter the foliage is usually denser.

Pruning the leaves on your Japanese maple (removal of leaves during the growing season), also called defoliating, can be carried out every other year at the beginning of summer to encourage smaller leaves. Leaf pruning results in all of the tree's leaves being removed, but being very careful to leave the leaf's stem connected to the branch. By removing the leaves in this manner the tree thinks it is fall and it will then produce a second set of leaves that will be smaller than the first set produced in the spring.

When to Re-Pot Your Japanese Maple

As a general rule most bonsai trees need to be re-potted every two years. This helps in avoiding the roots from being overcrowded. The optimal time of year to re-pot your bonsai is in the fall. The primary reason that you want to re-pot every few years is to give yourself the opportunity to prune the roots of your tree. The effect of root pruning is going to be to stimulate healthy new growth. It will be easier to prune the roots if you rinse them off with water once you have removed the plant from it's pot. Be sure to carefully examine and get rid of all dead or damaged roots. The ideal potting mixture consists of loam, peat, and coarse sand in a 1:1:1 ratio. For all styles except a cascading style, you need to use a shallow pot. This will compel the roots to spread out and will create a stable root base.

When and How to Prune the Roots on Your Japanese Maple

The pruning of your Japanese maple's roots ought to always be combined with branch pruning so that the root system is not over-stressed seeking to supply water and nutrients to the plants branches and leaves.

Root pruning should be carried out about every other year for young plants, and then every two to three years for older plants.

Whenever you prune the trees roots it loses some of it's capability to transport water up into the trees branches and leaves. For this reason fall is the best time to prune the roots because the tree is slowing it's processes of moving water and nutrients through the tree anyway. Late fall or early spring would be the times that are the least stressful for the tree.

As soon as temperatures start going down the Japanese maple will begin to shut off its supply of water to it's leaves. The roots of the Japanese maple will remain active long after all of the leaves have dropped off, as long as the temperature remains above 55 degrees. The roots will still have an opportunity for new growth if you have pruned them and the temperature stays above 55 degrees.

Caring for Your Japanese Maple During the Winter

The roots of your Japanese maple continue to be absorbing water and nutrients even while the final leaves fall so you'll want to give it a good watering before the temperature dip. Relocate your tree to an area where it's going to be sheltered from extreme winter winds. Winter winds can damage your Japanese maple if left exposed. The reason is the wind will rapidly dry out the soil in the bonsai pot. Your Japanese maple bonsai doesn't need to be watered on a regular basis during the winter, but that doesn't mean you don't need to check on it occasionally. Give it a drink of water when it looks to be drying out, typically once a week will do. You should also make sure that your tree's roots don't freeze during the winter. You can protect the roots from freezing by placing loose straw over the bonsai pot. This can also safeguard it from frost.

Bonsai gardening is a hobby that is fascinating, affordable, and easy to get involved in. Bonsai can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and can last a lifetime. Click this link to learn how to grow your own amazing Japanese maple bonsai tree, and sign up for your FREE 7-part introductory mini-course on how to grow miniature bonsai trees. Or, to get started growing your own bonsai trees trees right away check out the highly regarded "how-to" bonsai book "Beautiful Bonsai Secrets."

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Blue Anise Sage

2010-01-22T09:40:00.000-06:00

Blue Anise Sage

Salvia guaranitic 'Black and blue'

Synonym: Brazilian Sage

Hummingbirds love it. Can be very invasive but with a little effort can be controlled.

Amaryllis

2010-01-18T09:53:00.001-06:00

Amaryllis XL

Many species are out there. Some people throw out after one season, but I will hold on for as long as it lives and produces.

Gardening Bulbs - Discover How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs and Grow Amaryllis

By Andy J Thomas

When spring comes to Cape Province in South Africa in September it covers the lifeless desert with the flowering green carpet for the short period of time. There is the native land of Amaryllis belladonna - very beautiful and big flowers.

Majority of the flowers from that area are perennials. They grow and flourish during two months only. That blossoming plain becomes the lifeless desert again when summer comes. Only bulbous plants can live in such conditions! Stem and leaves will die off, all roots will dry off, but there is a life in a bulb!

Amaryllis can be propagated by the seeds, but you may be waiting for a long period of time before you will see flowers. Amaryllis will bloom in 6-8 years usually, if you use this method of propagation.

Using bulbs and side - bulbs is the most well - known and wide - used method of Amaryllis reproduction.

Side - bulbs must be separated from parent bulb only after overground part of the plant will dry out. And you do not need to cut died and dried leaves, because all organic nutrients from them will pass into the bulb.

Gardening bulbs must be done in open soil in June - July. Dormant period will finish by that time usually. Depth for planting must be kept about 20 - 30 centimeters and the planting distance between the bulbs must be about 30 centimeters.

Before planting you should make soil light, and add fertilizer to it as well. Soil must be well drained.

Plants from the newly planted bulbs and side - bulbs will blossom in 3 - 4 years.

Amaryllis requires plentiful watering in hot summer months.

If you live in the area where can be frost - you need to protect the bulbs by covering them by adding mulch, peat or any suitable material.

Amaryllis is the plant that does not require often transplantation. Some sources recommend doing this once in 4 - 5 years.

Each bulb produces one or two flower-bearing stems. Each of them has height of 30 - 60 centimeters. Flower-bearing stems come out earlier than leaves. Each flower-bearing stem has inflorescence that has from 2 to 12 funnel - form flowers. Flowers can have different tint. It may vary from white to pink. You may see even red and violet colours. Flowers are from 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter and they consist of 6 petals.

Sometimes your Amaryllis can be attacked by the bacteria that has name Botrytis cinerea. In this case you will notice grey spots and grey velvety bloom on the leaves. Of course you may get rid of this disease using special fungicides, but it is easier to destroy infected specimen.

It is highly recommended to follow the same procedure, if you have the same problem with the bulbs. In this case it is easier to destroy infected bulbs than trying to treat them with the chemicals.

Aphid can cause deformation and yellowing of the plant. In this case you may use chemicals from your local shop to get rid of them.

Andy is an enthusiast and professional gardener who enjoys not only working with flowers but also loves helping people to create beautiful gardens by sharing his knowledge. When you will visit Gardening Bulbs Master - you will find many pages of helpful recommendations about gardening bulbs, useful tips, techniques and professional advices how to plant, grow and look after your bulbous flowers, ideas about garden designs.

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Dame d'coeur rose

2010-01-12T09:51:00.000-06:00

Dame d'Coeur Rose

Hybrid tea

A.k.a 'Queen of Hearts, Red Peace, Dama di Cuori, Herz-Dame

Very fragrant, introduced 1958. Grows best in zones 6-10.

African Blue Basil

2010-01-11T10:27:00.001-06:00

Ornamental Basil

Ocimum purpursecens x kilimandscharicum

'African Blue'

A very beautiful herb. Will flower when fairly young. Nice fragrance.

Perennial Basil - Two Great Varieties & How to Propagate Them

By Lisa Summerfield

Basil is known to be an annual herb, but some varieties like African Blue and Thai are termed perennial basil because they keep producing new leaves year after year. Both species are raised in tropical areas where the climate is warm and humid.

Warm, tropical zones can enjoy fresh perennial basil like African Blue and Thai all year round while areas with colder climates present some challenges when it comes to raising perennial basil, but it is not impossible if you keep it sheltered throughout the winter.

African Blue Basil does not propagate from seed. This hybrid cross produces sterile seeds but it is easy enough to propagate this type of perennial basil from cuttings. Simply snip off some tips, no more than 5cm long. It is important to strip away most of the leaves leaving only the top 2 or 3. Once the cut ends have been dipped into some rooting hormone these cuttings are simply pushed into some good quality potting mix in a container. I prefer to dip my basil cuttings in honey: it is not a root promoting agent but it is a fungicide.

African Blue is a great landscape plant and a must have in any herb garden for its color and fragrance. It produces attractive purple blushed flower spikes and makes an eye-catching display. You can also cut some African Blue basil for herb bouquets and for garnish at the table.

Thai Basil is another variety of perennial basil and is also known as Thai holy basil. It is an important ingredient of many Asian cuisines and has a more assertive flavor than the common sweet basil; its spicy aroma is a cross between cinnamon and aniseed and that is why it is sometimes referred to as "anise basil" or "licorice basil". This type of perennial basil grows into a vigorous bushy plants with pretty reddish purple buds and produces seeds that can be sown in spring for propagation.

Thai basil will grow to a height of two to three feet and after four full leaves appear, one can begin harvesting by pinching the leaves. Harvesting frequently and removing flowers gives the plant better growth as well as ensuring that the leaves will retain their fragrance and full flavor.

By providing the right conditions perennial basil will add beauty to your garden and delight your palate all year round.

Are you a first time gardener? Are you looking for resources to help you grow some herbs at home? L. Summerfield is a freelance Expert Author and garden lover who is caring for her herb garden. Confronted with little spare time and shortage of space L. Summerfield came up with some solutions in order to grow herbs easily. Learn more about perennial basil on her herb garden website. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 10-part herb gardening email course at no cost.

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Castor Bean

2010-01-03T09:41:00.002-06:00

Castor Bean

Ricinis communis

As they did for Jonah in the Old Testament the leaves will furnish much needed shade. Castor oil is made from this plant, I remember that stuff as a kid. The Hebrews used the oil in some of their ceremonies.

Rainforest Plants - Castor Bean

By Tony Mandarich

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Ricinus

Species: communis

Common names: castor bean, palm of Christ, mole bush

General Description: Castor bean is native to the tropics of Africa and Asia, but is cultivated as a garden and landscape plant throughout the world. This shrub (or small tree) is large and evergreen, growing in zones 10 and 11. In cooler regions, Castor bean is grown as an annual. It is considered an ornamental, and may be planted indoors as well as out. It is herbaceous, but when it matures, it becomes woody.

Uses: Castor bean is a member of the Euphorbia (Spurge) family. Like most Euphorbias, the sap is highly caustic and is considered a poison. The pollen is an allergenic. However, appropriately processed there are a number of valuable uses for this plant. Castor oil is derived from castor beans; it is used extensively in medicine, and in various applications in the industrial world (varnishes, paints, polyurethane coatings, plastics, transport, cosmetics, textiles, leathers, lubricants and lamp oil) as well as numerous other industrial and manufacturing processes. Castor Oil Pomace is a substance that results from crushing the bean; the Pomace is used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. In medicine, Castor Oil is a cathartic and been used for many years to induce labor.

The leaves of the Castor bean are big and star-shaped-a very attractive plant. It has been referred to as the 'mole bush' because of its natural ability to repel moles. Castor bean is grown widely in the southern United States, where it was introduced and naturalized several decades ago. Florida's Nursery Grower's Association Board of Directors voted to no longer propagate, sell or use Castor bean in Florida. This is one of 34 species upon which such action was taken in 2001. Because Castor bean flowers throughout the year, it is difficult to control and has become invasive in fields and along roadsides in disturbed areas below 1000 feet.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Tony Mandarich

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Maroon Cotton

2010-01-03T09:10:00.001-06:00

Maroon Cotton Plant

Gossypium hirsutum

An unusual variety of the most planted cotton plant in the U.S.A. Origin is Central America and a member of the Mallow family.

Tahitian Bridal Veil

2009-12-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

Tahitian Bridal Veil

Gibasis geniculata

From tropical America. Photo taken at San Antonio Botanical Garden. Information I have found on the net shows a lot of confusion of what this plant really is. I am going to trust
SABG.

Easy Livin Rose

2009-12-24T10:49:00.001-06:00

"Livin' Easy" Rose

floribunda type

Roses all seem to be quite cold tolerant.

Fourth of July

2009-12-22T09:01:00.000-06:00

Fourth of July Rose

A climber rose with a fragrance.

Mrs. Oakley Fisher Rose

2009-12-20T08:29:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Oakley Fisher

Hybrid Tea Rose

A very fragrant bloom. It is resistant to rust, mildew and black spot. Grows best in zones 6 to 11. Photo San Antonio Botanical Garden.

Curly Parsley

2009-12-18T11:36:00.001-06:00

Curly Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

A gorgeous herb that grows best in zones 5 thru 9.

Curly parsley is precisely as it's name suggests: curly. Curly parsley is a biennial plant, so the most beneficial leaf development is in the first year. Curly parsley is most commonly encountered in the USA. It is much more beautiful on a dish, but does not have as much taste.

Leaves

Leaves can be applied fresh, refrigerated, frozen or dried. Leaves are dark grayish-green in color, and light pink flowers bloom at the tops of the stems in summertime.

Cooking

The most common utilization of parsley is as an additive to soups, salads and dressing to lend a bit of freshness to the dish. Cooking the parsley almost doubles its Vitamin K. There is a great deal of hokum said about how substandard curly parsley is to flat-leaf parsley. Cooking with any herb improves all things from the tremendous aromas coming in from the kitchen to the taste sensation of the food.

Flavor

When cooking pasta, as an alternative of adding salt to the boiling water, lend flavor to the water with chopped parsley. Fragrant and spicy that is almost peppery. Extraordinary with grilled pizzas, poultry, tomatoes, vegetables and salads. It is best used with whole leaves or divided. Great with: baked potatoes, egg dishes, soups, sauces and fish. Trim with scissors for best results. Flavor is fresh and grassy; plumy leaves used in pickle brine. Great with: omelets, tuna salad, seafood dishes, vegetables and yogurt dressing for cucumbers.

Seeds

Seeds gathered from 2nd year plants and dried completely will keep for 2 to 3 years. Seeds should be planted at least a quarter inch deep. Seeds can be planted straight into the garden or in containers to yield transplants from September thru February.

Curly parsley is a very loose relative to flat leaf parsley and may be described as having a younger, tarter flavor which leans to be less pleasing than Italian Flatleaf Parsley. Curly parsley is usually used as a dish trim. Curly parsley is distinguished by its clinched bunches, bright green leafage and a milder flavor and uniformity.

Grandma's Yellow

2009-12-14T11:32:00.000-06:00

Grandma's Yellow
(Formerly Nacogdoches)

Was named after mother of the creator. She loved the plant so much. Hardy in zones 6-9.
Fragrance is light and spicy. Forcasted to become the official yellow rose of Texas. Taken at the San Antonio botanical gardens.

Belinda's Dream

2009-12-13T09:44:00.000-06:00

Belinda's Rose

'Belinda's Dream' Rosa

A beautiful fragrant rose that blooms nearly all year long in warmer areas. Lives in zones 5 to 11. Picture was taken at San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

Umbrella Plant

2009-12-11T15:23:00.000-06:00

Umbrella Plant

Cyperius alternifolius

Synonyms: Umbrella Papyrus, Umbrella Palm, Cyperius involucratus

A tropical plant for zones 8 to 11 requires plenty of water and can take part shade to full sun.

Papyrus

2009-12-08T10:33:00.002-06:00

Papyrus

Cyperus papyrus

San Antonio Botanical Garden. Zones 9-11. Needs much water, so grow in water garden.

Interesting fact: Exodus 2:3 And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.

Papyrus normally grow 6-8 ft.(1.8-2.4 m) tall. Papyrus was first recognized to have been used in ancient Egypt, however, it was also used across the Mediterranean region. Ancient Egypt used this plant for baskets, boats, mats, mattresses, rope and sandals.

Papyrus is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Cyperaceae. The three-angled stalks reach 15 ft. in length; they are thick and have scale-like leaves near the base. The leaves of the vegetative shoots look like narrow-lancelike blades.

Egypt was significant for papyrus in 2 details. First, papyrus plants grew virtually solely in the area of the Nile delta. Secondly, the dry weather of Egypt made it feasible for papyri to last, in numerous cases, for over 2 millennium.

Hardiness Zones 9a to 11. Grows best in full sun but tolerate part shade. Foliage is evergreen. Grows indoors but needs plenty of water which makes it suitable for water gardens.

Collect seeds and plant in well drained soil or divide the bulbs

Polyantha Rose

2009-12-07T10:48:00.001-06:00

Polyantha Rose

Rosa 'Caldwell Pink'

Synonym: Found Rose

This photo taken at San Antonio Botanical Garden.

Euphorbia

2009-11-27T18:45:00.000-06:00

Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'

This plant makes a great ground cover in sun to part shade with continuous blooming. Grows best in zone 10 but with milder winters in zone 9 and even further north.

Pacific Chrysanthemum

2009-11-24T09:31:00.001-06:00

Pacific Chrysanthemum

Ajania pacifica

Synonyms: Gold-and-Silver Chrysanthemum, Silver and Gold Chrysanthemum

Grows best in zones 5 thru 9a. A real gorgeous border plant that should be in sun until about 3pm then partial shade.

Chrysanthemum (Indicum Group) 'Fuego'

By Alex Sakota

The big and flashy strong leaves and the fleshy stem make it particularly suitable for export. This bicoloured chrysanthemum is very popular, especially in Eastern Europe where large flowers are popular.

The Chrysanthemum is a very old plant. Regarding the birth of this eastern beauty, circulate many various stories. Linnaeus gave this plant the name of Chrysanthemum Indicum, which means 'golden flower coming from Indonesia'. Although the first Chrysanthemum came to the Netherlands from Batavia (now known as the Jakarta, capital of Indonesia), but the plant probably originated from China or Japan.

The colour of the outer filiform petals tends to go from the yellow to the pale yellow while at the bottom they have a shade of brown and orange. One can also see a dark red colour in the inside, because the petals are open only a third. This creates beautiful veins. This beautiful fireball can reach a diameter of 10-11 cm. The name of 'Fuego' in Spanish, fire, is therefore well suited for this flower.

The chrysanthemum is conquering the market, the advertising campaigns and this is affected by the big range of colours that somewhat are improving the image of this flower. In Holland the Chrysanthemum is available all year-round and after the rose it is the most important cut flower for sales and cultivation.

Symbolism of the Chrysanthemum:

In Japan the chrysanthemum is a symbol of long life. For ten centuries, the imperial emblem consisted of a 16-petal chrysanthemum. Even the soldiers during the "dynasty wars" wore a yellow chrysanthemum as a symbol for their virtue on their uniform. Nowadays the chrysanthemum is still the Imperial symbol of Japan. Indeed the red circle on the Japanese flag is the heart of a chrysanthemum without petals.

The chrysanthemum is also the symbol for autumn, just as the cherry blossom is for spring. In Holland the red chrysanthemums express "I love you", the white ones stand for the truth and the yellow for a little crush.

Get to know more about all type of type of flowers at international flower delivery website. Offering service same day flower delivery worldwide.

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Golden Thryallis

2009-11-22T09:38:00.002-06:00

Golden Thryallis

Galphimia glauca

Synonyms: Gold Shower, Shower of Gold, Rain of Gold

Best grown in full sun to keep blooms at their maximum. Photo was taken at San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

Golden Thryallis, Galphimia gracilis is considered a small shrub growing from 4 to 6 feet tall. When planting, space about 4 to 6 feet apart in full sun to part shade and it grows best in the USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11. You will see the evergreen foliage and the lovely yellow blooms doing its thing from the middle of summer to the middle of fall. Soil requirements are normal watering needs but not too much and in mild acid to mild alkaline ph.

A gardener from Florida claims she planted in good soil and watered regularly while fairly young. Mulched with 3 inches of pine bark mulch. The story here is that it froze heavily one year and it lost all its leaves but came back with new leaves and new sprouts near the base and is doing fine now.

And a gardener from South Carolina in zone 7 claims also the plant with a bunch of straw as mulch survived and 8 degree cold and came back the following spring. A place where this is not suppose to happen.

From Austin Texas and Bartow Florida, gardeners say this a brittle plant. Plant away from active areas of people because bumping into will break branches.

A lady from San Antonio Texas loves this plant. Has nothing but nice things to say about it. For example, blooms all year long, a fast grower, is low maintenance, drought tolerant and pest resistant.

Angel's Trumpet

2009-11-16T08:28:00.000-06:00

Angel Trumpet

Brugmansia x insignis

Photo taken at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

Sweet Potato

2009-11-15T11:21:00.002-06:00

Sweet Potato

Ipomoea batatas

Synonyms: Ornamental Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Vine

I planted 2 tubers and got great results. This fall I have found 7 plants throughout the area.

Health Eating - Root Solution - Sweet Potato
By Eric J Smith

The plant family, Convolvulaceae, holds the lineage for the Ipomoea batatas more commonly known as Sweet Potato. The edible tubers come in a range of coloured cultivars with the most recognised being the traditional Orange. Colours also include white, orange, and purple.

A mildly distant relative of the traditional potato. Some areas recognise the potato as a Yam but a true yam is more distinct in appearance than a Sweet Potato. It has also been called Sweet Orange Potato in some Countries.

Sweet Potatoes are native to Mexico through to South America. Its use in America dates back to at least the middle of the 15th Century where the American Indians were recorded as growing them for food.

Columbous brought the Potato back from the West Indies on his first Voyage there. The Spanish were believed to have traded the potatoes with the English where King Henry VIII was known to enjoy them.

The Sweet Potato can be grown Organically and is available from Certified Organic Growers. It has many health benefits and nutritional qualities. The Potatoes are high in Protein, Carbohydrates and Dietary fibre. They are low in Fat and high in Calcium. They are a rich source of Potassium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Zinc. They contain a natural source of sodium. Vitamins A and C are also dominant.

Sweet Potato contains significant amounts of, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), Vitamin B6, and Folate (Vitamin B9).

As an extremely useful vegetable, the Sweetpotato can be seen as a regular inclusion in many households around the world. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes.

Roasted with a mixture of traditional potatoes, carrots and onions, the sweet orange potato makes an excellent addition with your favourite piece of roast meat.
Sweet potato can be used as a replacement to traditional potato or in addition to it. Potato bakes can be made from Sweet potato or layers of a combination of traditional and sweet potato.
As a vegetable in stews and casseroles sweet potato adds a nutritious filler and extender to boosting quantity and flavour.
It can make an excellent nutritious substitute to traditional French fries or chips
The leaves of the plant can also be used, though not as common as the tuber.

In addition to its many uses as a plate vegetable. Sweet orange potato can be found in many Super food powders and Nutritional supplements. It is high in Antioxidant properties and provides much nutrition when taken as a supplement for diets lacking in quality nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Eric describes himself as being "Passionate about Organics". Eric is Married and has 2 Children. Eric and his wife Narelle represent Miessence Certified Organic Skin Care, Cosmetics, Home & Nutritional Products. www.buy-organic-products.com Certified Organic Sweet Potato is an ingredient in In-Liven Probiotic Superfood

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Variegated Japanese Pittosporum

2009-11-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

Variegated Japanese Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira 'variegata'

Synonyms: Japanese Mock Orange, Japanese Cheesewood, Australian Laurel

This shrub is slow growing and is evergreen here in south Texas.

Vinca

2009-11-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

Vinca

Cantharanthus roseus

Synonyms: Rose Periwinkle, Cayenne Jasmine, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid

Have had these in the garden for many years and they always come back on their own. I have dark pink (as shown), light pink and white.

Silver Dollar Gum

2009-10-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

Eucalyptus tree

Eucalyptus cinerea

This tree is about 8 years old and only about 10 feet tall. The foliage is beautiful that lives up to its name - silver dollar. The bark is a rusty looking rough grain.

Wheatstraw Celosia

2009-10-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Wheatstraw Celosia

Celosia argentea var. spicata

What a beautiful plant and different type flower. Seeds were given to me and easy to grow. I am told it will die back during winter but come back 10 fold. It reseeds itself.

Norfolk Pine

2009-10-26T12:42:00.000-05:00

Norfolk Pine

I took this picture on the island of kauai in Hawaii. It was growing everywhere and I am told it is easy to grow in most southern states.

Texas Maroon Bluebonnet

2009-10-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Texas Maroon Bluebonnet

Lupinus texensis 'Texas Maroon'

Planted these seeds one year and received a small bunch, took the seed and replanted the falling fall but never grew. Gave up on the adventure.

The State Flower of Texas - The Bluebonnet

By Brober Jhon

Texas is an epic land that's known as The Lone Star State. It's a place that's filled with tall tales and people who pride themselves in where they're from. What the cowboys and ranchers didn't manage to accomplish, the oilmen certainly did. All of them worked together to build a powerful economy that now holds three major metropolitan cities. Texas has a huge population, but an even larger area of land to its name.

Bluebonnets

The Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and with one look, you'll see why. It's a gorgeous addition to an already beautiful state landscape and paints the land in a pretty blue color in the springtime as it blooms across much of the land. Since it's a genuine wildflower, the bluebonnet has not been regularly cultivated on a mass scale. You can recognize the bluebonnet by it's blue color, obviously, but you'll also note that it fades from darker blue to closer to white near the tip.

The leaves of the this flower are in the shape of a star which is fitting considering that it comes from The Lone Star State itself. During the spring months, if you drive through the Texas country sides you'll see entire fields and hillsides covered in these vivid blue flowers. It's a sight that's sure to cause you to catch your breath. Each season that they appear, you'll see Texas out collecting some for their kitchen table vases or even taking photographs it's a particularly fruitful year.

Unfortunately, the gorgeous blooms of the bluebonnet don't last long. Their blossoming season lasts only from spring until summer when they fade out. However, while they bloom all of Texas seems to glow from their brilliant hues. If you hear anyone tell you that it's illegal to pick bluebonnets, don't worry that's just another tall Texas tale.

Growing Bluebonnets

If you're looking to grow bluebonnets you might be surprised to learn that while they're one of Texas' more hearty plants, they don't do too well in the garden. If you plant the seeds or transplants early in the Autumn, they may grow by spring time as long they can establish a network of roots. Make sure their soil is well drained and that they have full sunlight all day.

Find out more about National Flower and State Flower of Texas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brober_Jhon

http://EzineArticles.com/?The-State-Flower-of-Texas---The-Bluebonnet&id=2632823

Ornamental Pepper

2009-10-17T08:35:00.000-05:00

Ornamental Pepper

Capsicum annuum 'Medusa'

This sweet to mild tasting pepper seems to last one season, making it an annual. However, the novelty of it is worth the effort of replanting every year. Can you imagine a cluster of these together?

White Plumbago

2009-10-15T09:52:00.001-05:00

White Plumbago

Plumbago zeylanica

Synonym: Cape Leadwort

I have both white and blue plumbago and the white version does a lot better in blooms and growth.

Common Yellow Oxalis

2009-10-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

Common Yellow Oxalis

Oxalis stricta

Synonyms: common yellow sorrel, upright yellow-sorrel, lemon clover, sourgrass and
yellow sorrel.

Grows wild here in south central Texas. Hard to control to make a flower bed of them. A plant that can be eaten with a tangy flavor.

Lady Banks Rose

2009-10-08T08:58:00.001-05:00

Lady Banks Yellow Rose

Rosa banksiae Lutea

Synonym: Yellow Banksia

My plant has bloomed every year but blooms only once per year for about 4 weeks.
Petite yellow bunched blooms.

Ruby Grass

2009-10-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

Ruby Grass

Melinis repens

Synonyms: Natal Redtop and Rose Natal Grass

zones 10 to 11. When swaying in the breeze and in bunches this is a very beautiful picture.

Orchid

2009-10-03T08:32:00.002-05:00

Hanging Orchid

Photo taken in a Hawaiian (large island) nursery of all orchids. Why I did not copy the name of it is beyond me. If you know please use comment segment of this blog.

How to Identify Exotic Or Rare Orchids

By David E. Carlson

What makes an orchid rare anyway? Being hard to find makes an orchid rare. One of the reasons many orchids today are hard to find is because their natural habitat has been destroyed by humans. While they are adaptable, they do have certain basic needs. When the rainforest is destroyed, the orchids have nowhere to live. If the soil, air and water are polluted, orchids will die. It's interesting that those species that have become scarce because of the actions of man are the orchids most prized by man. If an orchid is only found in a very small area, a fire or a bulldozer can put an end to an entire species in a matter of minutes.

Color is often an indicator of an exotic orchid. The rarest species often have the most unusual coloration. The Phal Amboinensis flava, one of the rarest orchids on earth, is albino and has a very long stem and no pigmentation whatsoever. The rare Red Orchid, or Red Moon Orchid, or Phalaenopsis corningiana Is one of the rarest orchids in existence. It is known for it's red striped flowers.

Ladyslipper orchids that grow wild in Great Britain are very rare today as due to over harvesting. Maxilliara Mombarchoenis and Epidendrum are only found on the Nicaraguan Mombacho mountaintops. Habeneria Psycodes is located in the Southern Applachians and is rarely seen. Bulbophyllum Hamelini is dying off due to the deforestation of Madagascar.The rare Ghost Orchid, grows only in the State of Florida. It is the subject of the book The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean.

Orchid smuggling is also causing the loss of many species. National laws and international treaties today protect many varieties. The greatest protection comes from the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna Treaty. It was signed by over 120 nations and stipulates that any plant or animal that is endangered cannot be commercially traded.

Orchid smugglers can make lots of cash smuggling rare and endangered species. Growers are attracted to wild orchids as they seem to have an exotic aura that nursery grown orchids do not. Smuggling raises an interesting question: if a rare and threatened species of orchid is in demand, does this mean that, no matter how rare it is, that someone will attempt to preserve it? Paradoxically, the illegal smuggling of the plant may help to encourage growers to propagate that species. However, there are many species that are further threatened by this desire of smugglers to make a buck by endangering the plants. It adds up to an interesting debate.

Don't think that all orchids are particularly beautiful, or that you would want to have them in your home? An article on msnbc.com proclaimed "Stinky New Orchid Species Discovered." In 2007 a botanist named Alison Colwell discovered an orchid that only seems to live in the wet meadows of Yosemite National Park. It is called Platanthera yosemitensis. What distinguishes it from other orchids? Its fragrance. If you can call it a "fragrance." Alison Colwell says it smells like sweaty feet.

David E. Carlson is a longtime gardening & orchid enthusiast. For more information about orchid identification visit Orchid-Flower-Care.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_E._Carlson

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Trumpet Vine

2009-09-28T10:14:00.001-05:00

Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans

Synonyms: Trumpet Creeper and Cow-itch vine

This plant is one that you either love it or hate it. Grows well in zones 4 to 11. I have mine in full sun and on a old swing frame. It survives drought and freezes.

Purple Oxalis

2009-09-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

Purple Shamrock

Oxalis triangularis

We started out with 2 plants in the garden. It will propagate itself and spread pretty rapidly. Here in zone 9 it lasts all year round and blooms several times especially after a good rain. Does best in zones 8 thru 11. Likes the partial shade best. Keep mulched and you have a friend for life.

St. John's Wort

2009-09-25T08:26:00.002-05:00

St. John's Wort

Hypericum hidcote

This is a plant that is mainly evergreen, blooms from mid spring to mid fall in full sun to partial shade. Best in zones 5 to 8. We can grow here in San Antonio, Tx area in part shade. Has been used to reduce depression.

St Johns Wort Herb
By Richard H. Walen

St johns wort herb, also known as Hypericum perforatum is a plant that is subject to much controversy in the herbal and nutrition world. It has been used in Europe for centuries to treat medical conditions such as depression. Currently, it is sold as a dietary supplement in Canada and the United States in the form of pill or liquid. On one end of the spectrum, you will find a plethora of information and studies proving its efficacy for treating depression. However, as far as other medical conditions are concerned, there are not many studies available. Nevertheless, I will present what evidence is available, and you can decide if this is something that you should add to your daily regime.

St johns wort herb studies suggest this plant can raise levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These important neurotransmitters regulate your mood. Individuals that suffer from depression suffer from low levels of these neurotransmitters. Additionally, this herb is known to increase libido, due to the improved mood. There are dozens of studies comparing the effects of St johns wort herb versus a placebo and most of the studies showed positive results. Side effects were also much less compared to standard medications such as SSRI's.

On the other hand, there has been some tests on individuals that have ADHD and a recent study conducted back in 2008, proved that it had no effects versus a placebo - This is not something that should be in stone, but serves as a reminder that herbs cannot heal everything. One particular method that many individuals do is to combine herbs and vitamins together to help create a synergistic effect. For example, you can combine St johns wort herb, tyrosine, and choline. These three particular ingredients are effective for increasing neurotransmitters in the brain that can actually help with ADHD problems and depression. In any event, if you do decide to purchase st Johns, look for a product that standardizes the dosage to 0.3 percent of hypericin (this is the active compound).

One particular product that comes to mind is called Focus Fast. This product contains St johns wort herb in addition to over 38 ingredients that can help improve your mood, focus, and memory. If you would like to find out more, Click Here

Note: This article maybe used for your website or blog provided that the article remains in its full entirety including the links and the author resource box.

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Tulips

2009-09-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

Tulip varieties

Picture taken on a tulip farm in Washington state. My daughter-in-law sits in the midst of all the beautiful flowers.

Fire Bush

2009-09-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Fire Bush

Hamelia patens

Synonyms: Dwarf Mexican Firebush, Firecracker shrub, Scarlet bush, Hummingbird bush

Needs sun to partial shade. Grows in USDA zones 8b to 11.

Cocoa Beans

2009-09-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

Cocoa Beans

A cocoa pod has a leathery rind. The seeds inside make our beloved chocolate minus the fat. The seeds number approximately 50 to a pod. This picture taken in Kauai, Hawaii.

Hibiscus along San Antonio River Walk

2009-08-27T11:41:00.003-05:00

Exact name of this hibiscus is not known to me. Any idea?

Growing Hibiscus Plants

By Graeme J Olsen

With more and more people enjoying their gardens, keen gardeners are trying to find different plants to grow. A very simple but very pretty plant to grow is a hibiscus plant; they take very little care but have great results. Although they are classed as tropical plants, they require very little extra care when planting them in your greenhouse or garden.

Hibiscus plants are traditionally associated with Hawaii and Asia and are the national flower of Malaysia. Over the years hibiscus plants have spread to other parts of the world. This plant can be found in several different colors and according to hibiscus researchers there are over a thousand different colors available. Even though there are such a large number of colors available, blue and black cannot be grown. The sizes of hibiscus plants vary and the size with determine the type of plant. They vary from two to twelve inch blooms, and typically the flowers will be found on bushes that will grow by up to two feet a year. A hibiscus bush has been known to grow as much as fifteen feet in prime conditions, and can live for as long as up to fifty years.

To grow this plant well you will need to ensure the climate is correct, the temperature will have to be just right. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere blessed with the sunshine then it may be possible to grow the plants outside. If not then you will need to grow the hibiscus plants in a greenhouse. In temperatures over 70 degrees it will flower all year round. You can plant the hibiscus plants in pots which will help if you need to bring them indoors at night, to avoid frost and lowering temperatures. You will need to change the soil and fertilizer often, as they gain all of their nutrients from the soil you provide for them. Dry fertilizers are the best for these plants, as they have a low phosphate content. Phosphates can damage your plants if exposed over a long time, so trying to ensure that your fertilizer is low in them will benefit all of your plants.

Insects love hibiscus plants and you will need to check your plants regularly. If using an insecticide then you will need to water your plants well beforehand, as this reduces the shock to the flowers. Pruning your hibiscus plant is recommended; it helps to enhance the growth of the plant and also helps to manage the size of the bush. Getting rid of any dead leaves or flowers is important to keep your hibiscus plant looking its best.

Saplings or seeds can be bought easily from the internet or in your local garden centre. Seed germinated plants will have the same coloring as their parents. However shop bought seeds might contain lots of different varieties from different parents meaning you will get varied growth. Whatever way you choose to buy your seeds, with a little care and the right climate, you will grow your very own piece of a tropical garden. Hibiscus plants add a touch of beauty to any surrounding they are grown in.

Graeme Olsen writes for USA Flowers On Line.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Growing-Hibiscus-Plants&id=4260970

Yucca bloom

2009-06-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

Yucca ?

Not sure what the name of this plant. It grows wild in this area. The bloom lasts about two weeks in mid spring.

Update on Roses

2009-04-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

This is an update on my roses that, until lately, were not doing that well. Secret to new beauty is the addition of foliar spraying with a product from Medina Ag. Medina Plus. Just pour into ortho sprayer half solution with half water and drench the plant.

Click on image for larger view.

Hummingbird Moth

2009-04-15T08:35:00.001-05:00

White-lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth

WOW! This was such a surprise to find fluttering around in my garden. I had to share the photo with everyone. My camera is not good enough to get a real close-up but with picasa I was able to pinpoint it in the photo.
Click on photo for larger image.

The Hummingbird Hawk-moth is spread over the north " old world " from Portugal to Asia, however it actually lives solely in warmer areas like north European countries, Northern Africa, and areas east. It can be highly migratory and can be seen almost anywhere in the hemisphere during the summer time. Nevertheless it hardly ever makes it through winter months in northern latitudes, that is, north from the Alps in Europe, north from the Caucasus within Russian federation.

Moths in the Hemaris genus of the family Sphingidae are usually called "hummingbird moths" in the usa, and "Hawk-moth" inside European countries, which usually leads to a misunderstanding among this species as well as the North American genus.

HUMMINGBIRD HAWK-MOTH

Maturation

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth which is what the adult is called, in France there is 2 plus broods developed every year. The adult might be found anytime of the season, particularly in the southern range, in which there might be 3 or 4 broods. It overwinters being an adult inside a crack between rocks, trees and shrubs and structures. With really warm times it might come out to feed in the middle of winter.

Eggs

The shiny soft green eggs tend to be round with a one millimeter diameter. These look like the flower buds of the particular plant Galium, which is the location where the female lays the whole bunch. They will hatch six to eight days after laying. Around two hundred eggs might be produced by 1 female, each one using a separate plant.

Adults tend to be especially partial to flowers with a lot of nectar like jasmine, butterfly bush, tobacco plant, primrose, pansy, mock orange, Verbena, blue thistle, Phlox and dead nettle. They're claimed to trap-line, that is to say, go back to exactly the same flower beds at about the same time period daily. This insect pollinates numerous favorite garden blossoms that form tube-like parts that contains nectar.

HUMMINGBIRD MOTHS

Hemaris is a ecozone genus of sphinx moths, including seventeen species, 4 that fly within Northern and Southern America. Their particular host plants are herbal plants and shrubs of the Teasel and Honeysuckle families. Moths within the Hemaris genus are generally known as Clearwing Moths or Hummingbird Moths in america, and Hawk-Moths in Great Britain.

Mature Hummingbird Moths feast upon nectar coming from a variety of flowers, the same as hummingbirds. A few of their preferred include Japanese Honeysuckle, purple clover, swamp blueberry, field thistle, wild roses and blackberry bush.

Hummingbird Moths make use of a lengthy, slim, needle-like mouthpart known as a proboscis to eat. The actual proboscis remains coiled up such as a garden hose till it's time to put it to use. Once the moth draws near a flower, it unwinds its proboscis and dunks it deeply into the flower from where the nectar will be.

Attackers of Hummingbird Moths consist of birds, mantises, spiders, bats, along with other moth and caterpillar eaters, but they most likely get some good security from appearing similar to hummingbirds.

Kangaroo Paw

2009-04-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos flavidus

Synonym: Cat's Paw

A subtropical plant that comes in maroon, brown and yellow. Perennial. My first year with this plant so my knowledge about it is just what I read.

Angelonia

2008-12-22T09:09:00.003-06:00

Angelonia

Angelonia gardnerii

Synonyms: Summer Snapdragon

A hardy plant that has bloomed all spring to fall. I will definitely get more.

Angelonia is yet another one particular plant which has existed quite some time with no excitement till breeders started to use them and made a number of new and enhanced hybrids. At this point angelonia, often known as summer snapdragons, may be the ideal plant if you have hot, damp summers and want a little something light and gentle for flowerbeds and baskets. It's going to bloom just about all summer with minor particular attention from the garden enthusiast.

Angelonia tend to be heat-loving plants which will develop most intensely and bloom most beneficial once the heat is around. They're plants ideal planted in mid-spring or after, because they will not really develop before temps warm-up. Angelonia may endure wet feet along with a reasonable quantity of drought.

Angelonia is a South American low-growing woody shrub or perennial with woody base that's raised as an annual in northern areas. One feature of the plant is that it's abnormally heat tolerant and demands very little attention. Blossoms are beautiful and orchid-like upon tall spiky stems. Leaves can also be pleasant, and don't wilt.

Angelonias have got abnormally good existence as cut flowers in the vase inside. Cut flowers might survive 15 to 20 days in a bright area inside. The leaves and stems are protected with glandular hairs giving the plant a unique scent. These types of hairs help make the stems and leaves irritatingly sticky, however this has absolutely no impact on the plants.

Although related to the snapdragon, Angelonia is really a summer time specialty annual. Development and growth tend to be associated with warm weather, and even though it is hardy in Florida plus some regions of the southeast, it really is much better to consider it as an annual. Contrary to the snapdragon, the stems are much slimmer, and also the plant includes a looser-mounding development habit. However much like the snapdragon, Angelonia is a superb cut flower having a lengthy life expectancy and a enjoyable grape soda smell. This particular part of Angelonia is going to be getting lots of thought later on, until then...

Copper Canyon Daisy

2008-11-11T09:42:00.002-06:00

Copper Canyon Daisy

Tagetes lemmonii 'Compacta'

This plant is almost invasive but is easy to prune and seems can be done at any time. Gorgeous.

Synonyms: Shrub Marigold, Mexican Bush Marigold, Mount Lemmon Marigold

Facts About Copper Canyon Daisy

Copper canyon daisy are scientically known as Tagetes lemmonii, Tagetes alamensis or Tagetes palmeri.

Common known names are Shrub Marigold, Mexican Bush Marigold and Mount Lemmon Marigold.

This plant is a Perennial

this plant is nearly invasive but is easily pruned and appears can be done whenever.

Can grow to about 6 feet (1.8 m)

copper canyon daisy--a lot of bright marigold-like blooms in the fall.

Will grow best in Zones 8a to 11

a strong scent that is memorable but hard to identify, maybe fruity, woodsy, suggestive of mint or lemonlike.

Needs Full Sun.

It is in the marigold family.

Bloom color are a gorgeous gold, maybe yellow-Orange.

They, if left alone, will be prolific spreaders.

is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds

takes its common name from its home place in mexico, close to the copper canyon.

Because of it being drought-tolerant it is desirable for xeriscaping

It has become a new backbone of the drought resistant garden in Texas.

The daisy grows quickly soon after the last frost and then flowers start in early fall till the 1st freeze.

It has shown to be an significant color perennial for deer resistant gardens. When deer have changed their standards of grazing pick because of the drought and over population, there are negative reports of the eating the daisy so far. Utilize copper canyon daisy as a protection to plants that may be appealing to deer.

The foliage can be used as a flavoring in cooking or in teas.

Can be propagated from From herbaceous stem cuttings, woody stem cutting, softwood cuttings and semi-hardwood cuttings.

Some call the copper canyon daisy the pride of Thanksgiving since it is constantly in bloom for this holiday

A copper canyon daisy bloom is about 1 inch across.

To correctly collect the seeds, let pods dry on the plant then open up to collect seeds

Copper canyon daisy (tagetes lemmonii) is a fall garden favorite for good reason: it pumps out pure gold flowers in late autumn and winter when other perennials have closed up shop.

The copper canyon daisy still has a lot of blooms on it and of course still smells great when you brush up against it.

Texas Star Hibiscus

2008-09-21T11:17:00.001-05:00

Texas Star Hibiscus

Hibiscus coccineus

Synonyms: Swamp Hibiscus, Scarlet Rose Mallow, Scarlet Hibiscus

Growing here in Floresville Texas. Grows best in zones 6a thru 11.

Oncidium

2008-04-29T08:48:00.002-05:00

Oncidium Gower Ramsy
'Hawaii"

Propagation Methods:By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs. Grow indoors.

Orchids 6

2008-04-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

Orchids 6

Orchids 5

2008-04-27T09:21:00.001-05:00

Orchids 5

Orchids 4

2008-04-25T08:15:00.001-05:00

Orchids 4

Orchids 3

2008-04-23T09:24:00.001-05:00

Orchids 3

Orchid 2

2008-04-21T08:37:00.001-05:00

Orchid 2

Orchid 1

2008-04-20T08:54:00.001-05:00

Orchid 1

Next many pictures will be of Orchids found in Orchid Nursery in Hawaii. Sorry specific names are not known.

Yellow Tabebuia

2008-04-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

Yellow Tabebuia

Just a closer look at this beautiful tree.

Yellow Tabebuia

2008-04-18T08:40:00.001-05:00

Yellow Tabebuia

Tabebuia aurea

Synonyms:Tabebuia argentea
Tabebuia caraiba
Tecoma caraiba
Tecoma argentea

Absolutely beautiful. Was about 20 feet tall and expanded to about 20 feet. All flowers, went back by this tree 1 week later and the leaves were forming. Kauai Hawaii.

Synonym: Caribbean Trumpet Tree, Yellow Tabebuia, Paraguayan Trumpet Tree, Silver Trumpet Tree, Tree of Gold

Tabebuia aurea is a species of Tabebuia native-born to South America in Suriname, Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay and northern Argentina, hence the usual English name Caribbean Trumpet Tree is deceptive. It is a little dry season deciduous tree maturing to 24 feet tall. The leaves are palm-shaped compound, with 5 or 7 leaflets, each leaflet 6 to 18 cm long, green with silvery scales both above and below.

Additional info:

Hardiness ranges are Zones 10a to 11

Takes full sun

Bloom color is bright yellow

Bloom Time is from late winter or early spring

Is a deciduous tree

Needs just average water needs

Soil pH is 6.6 to 7.8

Propagation is from seed; direct sow following last frost

Nasturtiums

2008-04-17T08:11:00.001-05:00

Nasturtiums

Tropaeolum majus

This plant is a heat-loving annual. Flowers are used in salads and other dishes. We found this plant growing wild in many parts of Kauai Hawaii.

Sugar Cane

2008-04-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

Sugar Cane or Sugarcane

Saccharum

A lot of fields have been cleared for coffee, but I suspect with ethanol demand it may come back to the fields like it was.

Sunset In Hawaii

2008-04-14T07:43:00.001-05:00

Kauai, Hawaii Sunset

In Texas we don't have this beauty especially in San Antonio. In Kauai all beaches are free and open to the public.

Spider Lily

2008-04-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

Spider Lily

Hawaiian variety

Spider Lily blooming

2008-04-11T12:06:00.001-05:00

Spider Lily blooming

Crinum augustum

One of many species of spider lilies, this one is located at Allerton Gardens-Kauai, Hawaii.

Hibiscus Red-Orange

2008-04-10T08:55:00.001-05:00

Hibiscus, red/orange

Red Ginger

2008-04-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

Red Ginger

Different colored gingers are found all over Hawaii.

Poinsettias Hedge

2008-04-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

Poinsettias

Euphorbia pulcherima

The showy colored parts of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers are actually colored bracts (modified leaves). In Hawaii folks grow all year round and like this picture shows a hedge of them.

Pink Plumeria

2008-04-07T09:29:00.001-05:00

Pink Plumeria

Plumeria rubra

One shade of pink that was found in Kauai, Hawaii.

Hibiscus, Pink

2008-04-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

Pink Hibiscus

Ginger, Pink

2008-04-04T19:10:00.001-05:00

Pink Ginger

Genus: Alpinia

There are many varieties of the blooming gingers growing in Hawaii.

Orchid Tree

2008-04-02T08:48:00.001-05:00

Orchid Tree blooms

Bauhinia purpurea

Taken in Waimea Kauai Hawaii where they line the main street of downtown. At full bloom they look gorgeous.

Synonyms: Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree, Mountain Ebony, Geranium Tree, Purple Bauhinia

Orchid tree is native to Southeast Asia and is well adapted to hot tropical climates as well as more mild ones. Known as Bauhinia blakeana in scientific parlance, the Hong Kong orchid tree is something of an enigma. Orchid tree is used as a street tree, shade tree, specimen or focal tree in tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Blooms

In late winter, it explodes with the blooms that give rise to its common English name – Hong Kong orchid tree – and which have been adopted as the emblem of Hong Kong. The beautiful display of orchid-like blooms makes the tree so desirable for the landscape. The beautiful, white, three to four-inch-wide, orchid-like blooms appear in abundance from spring through summer and are followed by flat, dark brown seed pods.

Fruit

Fruit is often juicy, with a subtle sweet taste somewhat resembling to an apple. Orchid trees drop fruit, small branches and leaves periodically so some people consider it a messy tree. The fruits turn black when they mature. Flowers are followed by 6-12", woody, pod fruit. The deep red fruits are food for wild animals.

Leaves

Leaves are bold, dark green, resembling a spread-out wing of a bird. Leaves are bright green and delicate like those of cypress. Leaves are rigidly subcoriaceous, glabrous and are divided into 2 lobes with almost angular tips.

Seeds

Seeds are in pea-like brown pods, which may be 15 to 30 cm long. Hong Kong orchid trees are propagated from cuttings while Purple orchid trees are propagated from seeds. Pre-soak the seeds by soaking overnight in hot water.

Soil

Orchid trees do best in acidic soil and suffer under limey conditions. Water the orchid tree when the soil is dry, generally every week to two weeks. They're deep-rooted plants so they don't like to be transplanted but they will tolerate hot, exposed positions and dry soils.

Multi-colored Bogainvilleas

2008-04-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Bougainvilleas

Someone has probably placed several plants in one place to get this result of several colored bougainvilleas. Picture does not do it justice.