tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69008181890735668552024-03-05T15:42:31.022-08:00Gardening hintsI have just discovered my hobby - gardening! I love taking care of each and all of my plants, planting, weeding, mulching, and all activities you can think of - but I'm close to nil in terms of experience.
I've started this blog as a means to get all the interesting information in one place - so no real plan, just a collection of my favourite links/information/pictures from all over the web. Feel free to reuse as much as you like!SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-28079105490296009112014-04-12T06:03:00.001-07:002014-04-12T06:03:46.356-07:00Growing Parsley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Parsley</h2>
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From: <a href="http://m.almanac.com/plant/parsley">http://m.almanac.com/plant/parsley</a></div>
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Botanical Name: </div>
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<i>Petroselinum crispum</i></div>
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Plant Type: </div>
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Herb </div>
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Sun Exposure: </div>
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Full Sun </div>
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Part Sun </div>
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Loamy </div>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end --><strong>Parsley</strong> is a biennial plant with bright green, featherlike leaves and is in the same family as dill. This herb is used in soups, sauces, and salads, and it lessens the need for salt in soups. Not only is it the perfect garnish, but also it is healthy; it's rich in iron and vitamins A and C.<br />
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Planting: </div>
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<li> For a head start, plant seeds in individual pots indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost. For better germination, you can soak the seeds overnight.</li>
<li> Plant the seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost because parsley is a slow starter. (The plants can handle the cold weather.) It can take up to 3 weeks for the plants to sprout.</li>
<li> Plant the seeds in moist, rich soil about 6 to 8 inches apart. For thinner plants, plant about 6 to 10 inches apart. Try to pick an area that is weed-free; that way, you'll be able to see the parsley sprouting after about 3 weeks.</li>
<li> You can use a fluorescent light to help the seedlings grow. Make sure it remains two inches above the leaves at all times.</li>
<li> To ensure the best growth, the soil should be around 70ºF.</li>
<li> Plant parsley near asparagus, corn, and tomatoes in your garden.</li>
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Care: </div>
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<li> Be sure to water the seeds often while they germinate so that they don't dry out.</li>
<li> Throughout the summer, be sure to water the plants evenly.</li>
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<li> Stem rot</li>
<li> Leaf spots</li>
<li> Black swallowtail larvae</li>
<li> Carrot fly and celery fly larvae</li>
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<li> When the leaf stems have three segments, parsley is ready to be harvested.</li>
<li> Cut leaves from the outer portions of the plant whenever you need them. Leave the inner portions of the plant to mature.</li>
<li> One method of storing the parsley fresh is to put the leaf stalks in water and keep them in the refrigerator.</li>
<li> Another method of storage is drying the parsley. Cut the parsley at the base and hang it in a well-ventilated, shady, and warm place. Once it's completely dry, crumble it up and store it in an airtight container.</li>
<li> If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, replant a parsley plant in a pot and keep it in a sunny window.</li>
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Recommended Varieties: </div>
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<li> Flat-leaf varieties in cooking because they have better flavor and are easier to work with than curly-leaf parsley</li>
<li> Curly-leaf varieties when you want a pretty garnish</li>
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SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-60798461585866226042014-03-25T10:30:00.001-07:002014-03-25T10:30:46.585-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am actually copying this from here, for my own reference/memory: <br />
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<a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/natural-weed-killer-made-with-basic.html">http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/natural-weed-killer-made-with-basic.html</a> - if I'm breaking any copyright rules, just let me know.<br />
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I got this frugal, yet extremely effective, way of killing weeds from my
neighbor. He was out spraying his weeds a couple of weeks ago and I had to
inquire what he was using because all I could smell was vinegar. I love that it
is safe for my family and the environment. I also love the price!<br /><br />I have
googled this recipe and there are a million and one different variations so I
thought I would share what I used and show you how well it worked.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0ijbUjFcZkteunLZu_p8lH0-et12qXmSBPE29TH9wanddBxzgdjtdy2Ms_Oup9s855g7IO-kFH4aaHMjjgpYrhcJkSosll-S0Ctvv_TN9kyoZEGEI3l-W8lsoYuNDflkCdW7ubGchrE/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4009" sizset="false" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0ijbUjFcZkteunLZu_p8lH0-et12qXmSBPE29TH9wanddBxzgdjtdy2Ms_Oup9s855g7IO-kFH4aaHMjjgpYrhcJkSosll-S0Ctvv_TN9kyoZEGEI3l-W8lsoYuNDflkCdW7ubGchrE/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>spray bottle (I had a <b>34 ounce</b> one I purchased at the $ store a while
ago)
<li>Pickling vinegar (It works better than regular vinegar because the acetic
acid % is higher)
<li>Salt (1/2 cup for m size bottle)
<li>Dish soap (a squeeze) </li>
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</li>
</li>
</ul>
<br />That is it!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj_lXs0ZR1ECjfs3TLtO6i4I9QregXy8S_0I8PWVzB9P7pp25oe2-Hs0AMlS3gOBp0uK8h6ooR0UEFStDZPi0v_xifkm25QCVKSgBsQPJX6ozFyw30pNu_2WATjkZhaRQDxloACC1qp4/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4022" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" jquery18201210968619977606="6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj_lXs0ZR1ECjfs3TLtO6i4I9QregXy8S_0I8PWVzB9P7pp25oe2-Hs0AMlS3gOBp0uK8h6ooR0UEFStDZPi0v_xifkm25QCVKSgBsQPJX6ozFyw30pNu_2WATjkZhaRQDxloACC1qp4/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>Method:</b><br /><br />Fill a spray
bottle almost full with Pickling vinegar. Since my spray bottle wasn't huge, I
added only 1/2 cups of salt. If you spray bottle is big, add more salt. Squirt
in a dash of dish soap into the bottle. Close the bottle tight and shake, shake,
shake. You are done!!!<br /><br />Go outside on a bright sunny day and spray those
weeds. I found the sun sped up the process so try to pick a good day to do it.
Remember though, this will also kill your grass and plants too. So don't get
trigger happy like me and kill other things around the garden :)<br /><br /><b>Here
are the before images:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ru9Y8_NQn19uwnOI7TAhtqPYLWdd73PCUlE3JrM-5Nnd6mIowKmI_YmoPxKdfXXtvzBRS90FfJ5ejvwsKLNsrJXXY2OvxAOJfgPdRVGq66hg0QbOOCQcp37tCz7aN_WP1fvDg77y3k0/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4035" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ru9Y8_NQn19uwnOI7TAhtqPYLWdd73PCUlE3JrM-5Nnd6mIowKmI_YmoPxKdfXXtvzBRS90FfJ5ejvwsKLNsrJXXY2OvxAOJfgPdRVGq66hg0QbOOCQcp37tCz7aN_WP1fvDg77y3k0/s320/IMG_9800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDRAf6eLiY1Lty8fXBqijg_oDtSZ2eSuYkZb-dF9F2Wf_3jvEau2RIPYwSTEmC4nvu9WC0kgKAEdPjTNmjtmVzJmYC4BYsicEHFKqIYfjb6wz8g6NlcaiYEQTWd_5HeaOAkDPhTUk6G0/s1600/IMG_9810.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4038" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDRAf6eLiY1Lty8fXBqijg_oDtSZ2eSuYkZb-dF9F2Wf_3jvEau2RIPYwSTEmC4nvu9WC0kgKAEdPjTNmjtmVzJmYC4BYsicEHFKqIYfjb6wz8g6NlcaiYEQTWd_5HeaOAkDPhTUk6G0/s320/IMG_9810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Here are the
images after 1 hour</b> (see how the color is out of the plants and they are
starting to wilt)<b>:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfCCbBz13XUW4UNXUnbLa5UPTIZ8iB15ks_hUhbTnsr0TUaKhQEfCuk3XfBz6XLDTSqve9-HBLLtvQfkuUsuAnBVZMsSp1ecAEN8VlVo8XjWQCWRHLT8uwx86npHkjgfWdd9Jg7zhnAg/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4044" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfCCbBz13XUW4UNXUnbLa5UPTIZ8iB15ks_hUhbTnsr0TUaKhQEfCuk3XfBz6XLDTSqve9-HBLLtvQfkuUsuAnBVZMsSp1ecAEN8VlVo8XjWQCWRHLT8uwx86npHkjgfWdd9Jg7zhnAg/s320/IMG_9813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThgSjF5F5L1PcVgmL0tPyhzm5CjlvyN9Hu4_GiN86WByfBcR4P1sen3BFxGHahNOiqdeV7QCUY7_5fgJT7fILAL-BuvGct1QOj-07rKXjBEGM8SqZTwh5z-Gf-_KgDUWZbkxY4OHHMIo/s1600/IMG_9828.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4047" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThgSjF5F5L1PcVgmL0tPyhzm5CjlvyN9Hu4_GiN86WByfBcR4P1sen3BFxGHahNOiqdeV7QCUY7_5fgJT7fILAL-BuvGct1QOj-07rKXjBEGM8SqZTwh5z-Gf-_KgDUWZbkxY4OHHMIo/s320/IMG_9828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Here are the
after/end result images </b>(I just now use a wire brush to get the dried up
weeds out of the cracks)<b>:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN2qVkEirtLtESFT9SyOMiMBdSFvxulRWoz_uYMxlMqtr3LU75ZJ9iJzIu_cUMYg1Aebm16uUSZJhtqXUDtOC3ktXOfAOr4V4U38Ft8ijAghfJOyLq6rU959f_9ZTqr3p6HrLAZcz19g/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4053" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="11" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN2qVkEirtLtESFT9SyOMiMBdSFvxulRWoz_uYMxlMqtr3LU75ZJ9iJzIu_cUMYg1Aebm16uUSZJhtqXUDtOC3ktXOfAOr4V4U38Ft8ijAghfJOyLq6rU959f_9ZTqr3p6HrLAZcz19g/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGye1d8JG81o00acxMjGUBxV9eSBXXkcWHaoOm5nFAym9DUzsmMxL0XpHtGN-ZYdd9sUQuutzLMiK3Y7Q0tAIdrHFQM44FfYurZsklXtNeOgedpxGt6KrUiOTAx32LyaBXZPV9azlaMow/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4056" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGye1d8JG81o00acxMjGUBxV9eSBXXkcWHaoOm5nFAym9DUzsmMxL0XpHtGN-ZYdd9sUQuutzLMiK3Y7Q0tAIdrHFQM44FfYurZsklXtNeOgedpxGt6KrUiOTAx32LyaBXZPV9azlaMow/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Just to show you
how well it works, here is an image where there is a weed still alive and the
rest killed. I would like to say I did this on purpose to show you all how well
it works but I actually missed this weed :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueQQcaRWOARlOabdqA52x6747ihSmXT6mql4PgWgwdzRLgXYEP7eBoEY1xKinq7FdfOMM51UFlLXQu2dHgoOYBx9bXMSwHi57x5ete4woFi2E2dvI5hZsoTFZmF64bJ76D0kWo0NFyHQ/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache05979998902114539="4 7 4060" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" jquery18201210968619977606="13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueQQcaRWOARlOabdqA52x6747ihSmXT6mql4PgWgwdzRLgXYEP7eBoEY1xKinq7FdfOMM51UFlLXQu2dHgoOYBx9bXMSwHi57x5ete4woFi2E2dvI5hZsoTFZmF64bJ76D0kWo0NFyHQ/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The grand total
was $0 since I had all the materials on hand. What more could you ask for..costs
nothing, not bad for the environment and it gets rid of pesky
weeds.<br /><br />Happy spraying.</div>
SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-88856687518650743682013-08-10T07:51:00.003-07:002013-08-10T07:51:44.752-07:00Dianthus barbatus - Garofita<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
Garoafa - Dianthus Caryophyllus</h1>
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 1" border="0" height="212" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Dianthus_Caryophyllus_img10111485421.jpeg" style="height: 205px; width: 257px;" width="277" /></div>
</td><td style="border: 0px dotted currentColor;"><img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) ca plante de bordura" border="0" height="221" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Carnation_Can_Can_Scarlet.jpg" style="height: 205px; width: 164px;" width="165" /></td></tr>
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<u>Denumire populara</u>: <strong>garoafa</strong>, <strong>garoafa de gradina</strong><br /><u>Familie</u>: Caryophyllaceae<br /><u>Inaltime</u>: 45-60 cm<br /><u>Diametru</u>: 38-45 cm<br /><u>Expunere</u>: plin soare<br /><u>Sol</u>: 6,6-7,5 (neutru), 7,6-7,8 (usor alkalin)<br /><u>Udare</u>: medie - nu exagerati; la intervale regulate<br /><u>Perioada de inflorire</u>: primavara tarziu - vara<br /><u>Foliaj</u>: verde, verge-albastrui<br />
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 2" border="0" height="236" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Z910-0901020321.JPG" style="height: 168px; width: 421px;" width="555" /></div>
<u>Descriere</u><strong>Garoafele</strong> sunt un gen de plante care infloreste anual, de doua ori pe an sau in continuu. <strong>Garoafa</strong> are frunze ascutite, lanceolate, de culoare gri-verzui, asezate de-a lungul tulpinii; frunzele se intorc usor in afara. Florile pot fi parfumate, simple sau duble, de mai multe culori. Exista multi hibrizi de <strong>garoafa</strong> care nu au parfum, dar au o varietate mai mare de culori. <strong>Garoafele</strong> infloresc mai ales in perioadele cu temperaturi mai scazute ale anului, la inceputul iernii. Sunt plante perfecte pentru gradina, dar si ca flori taiate. Daca sunt ingrijite corespunzator, <strong>garoafa</strong> rezista in glastre chiar si o luna.<br />
Originare din Eurasia, <strong>garoafele</strong> sunt unele din cele mai populare flori de gradina si se numara prin cele aproape 300 de specii de plante anuale, bianuale sau perene ale genului Dianthus. Exista sute de varietati si hibrizi. In limba greaca, "dianthus" inseamna "floarea lui Zeus" sau "floarea divina".<br />
<strong>Garoafele</strong> pot atinge 60-90 cm inaltime, desi majoritatea varietatilor cultivate in gradina ating 25-50 cm.<br />
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 3" border="0" height="196" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/img316139b02gnqn3.jpeg" style="height: 155px; width: 196px;" width="254" /></div>
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 4" border="0" height="196" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Dianthus_Caryophyllus_img10111485526.jpeg" style="height: 156px; width: 198px;" width="243" /></div>
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<u>Ingrijire si cultivare</u><strong>Garoafa</strong> este printre cele mai cautate flori; ele au atat valoare comerciala cat si ornamentala. Gradinarii nu stiu in general tehnicile de cultivare a garoafelor si conditiile de care au nevoie acestea. <strong>Garoafele</strong> sunt potrivite ca plante de bordura, in straturi, in gradini cu rocarie si chiar in ghivece. Ele se gasesc intr-o varietate de culori cum ar fi rosu, caramoziu, portocaliu, violet, galben, roz, alb, crem, etc.<br />
Garoafele au nevoie de pamant fertil, usor alkalin sau neutru din punctul de vedere al pH-ului, usor drenabil si de 4-5 ore de plin soare, zilnic. <br />
Pamantul trebuie sa fie umed. Evitati sa udati in exces florile, pentru ca acest lucru va duce la ingalbenirea foliajului. Pentru ca sa infloreasca in continuu, <strong>garoafele</strong> trebuie tratate usor cu o substanta fertilizatoare lichida (10-10-10), la fiecare 6-8 saptamani. Florile trecute, ofilite, trebuie inlaturate repede pentru a incuraja inflorirea continua.<br />
Un alt aspect important este ciupirea florilor. <strong>Garoafele</strong> trebuie ciupite pana au numai 6 noduli pe fiecare tulpina - aceasta operatie incurajeaza dezvoltarea tulpinilor laterale, ramificatia tufei in general. La fel, si tulpinile laterale trebuie ciupite. Nu uitati ca daca tufa are mai multe tulpini, va avea si mai multe flori. De asemenea, la inceput, planta trebuie legata de un bat pentru a creste dreapta. Daca se doresc flori mai putine, la capatul unei tulpini lungi, atunci garoafa se ciupeste o data, cand are 15 cm inaltime, si apoi inca o data cand tulpinile laterale au 10-15 cm (cam la 4 saptamani dupa prima "ciupire"). Odata plantata, garoafa trebuie udata la fiecare 5-7 zile. In ghiveci, udarea trebuie facuta la 3-5 zile.<br />
Daca <strong>garoafa</strong> este crescuta la planta de apartament, trebuie sa aveti mare grija la conditiile de temperatura si umiditate din incaperea in care este asezat ghiveciul. Aerul prea uscat dauneaza foarte mult garoafelor; acest lucru se poate regla prin stropirea frunzelor si asezarea ghiveciului intr-o pozitie in care sa nu fie expusa la surse de caldura sau la soare direct. <br />
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 5" border="0" height="295" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Dianthus_Caryophyllus_1772.jpg" style="height: 261px; width: 218px;" width="244" /></div>
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<img align="middle" alt="Dianthus Caryophyllus (garoafa, garofita) 6" border="0" height="273" src="http://www.gradinamea.ro/_files/Image/articole/original/Dianthus_Caryophyllus_cary.jpg" style="height: 261px; width: 170px;" width="166" /></div>
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<u>Metode de inmultire</u><br />1. <em>Seminte</em>. Pentru a colecta semintele, lasati capetele garoafelor sa se usuce pe planta, dupa care se taie si se aduna semintele. Daca sunt curatate corespunzator, acestea pot fi chiar pastrate mai mult timp. Se pot planta in interior, inainte de ultimul inghet, la 3 mm adancime, intr-un amestec usor drenabil, primavara sau la inceputul verii. Compostul trebuie sa fir umed dar nu exagerat de ud. Eventual, stropiti cu apa pentru a-i mentine umiditatea. Semintele vor germina in 2-3 saptamani. Cand rasadurile au crescut destul de mult, garoafele pot fi transplantate in ghivece sau drirect in pamant. Ele vor inflori in 6-9 luni sau chiar un an.<br />
2. <em>Butasi</em>. Acestia se recolteaza de la orice <strong>garoafa</strong>, dar cei mai calitativi sunt cei de pe plantele de un an, dupa ce aceasta a inflorit. De fapt, tulpina florii este de cele mai multe ori singurul element din care garoafa isi va dezvolta o alta tulpina destul de lunga, capabila sa infloreasca la randul ei. Butasii se preleveaza cel mai bine la inceputul toamnei. Ei vor prinde radacini de la nodul umflat ascuns sub fiecare frunza. Faceti o taietura inclinata (nu dreapta!) imediat sub un nod si indepartati partea de sus, lasand inca un nod din care sa creasca tulpina noua. Butasul se infige intr-un ghiveci cu pamant usor drenabil, sau intr-o rasadnita.<br />
3. <em>Marcotaj</em>. Este cea mai simpla metoda de inmultire a <strong>garoafelor</strong>, aplicabila numai cand planta s-a maturizat complet. La o tufa de garoafe, cautati tulpinile care stau desprinse de grup sau care cad inspre pamant. Este posibil ca acestia sa fie deja inradacinati, dar daca nu, iata ce trebuie sa faceti: aplecati tulpinile pana ating pamantul si fixati-i cu o piatra sau, mai bine, cu un carlig de fier; taiati toate florile care cresc pe tulpina respectiva. In cateva saptamani, veti vedea ca garoafa a prins radacini. O alta metoda, usor diferita este ca tulpina sa fie putin ingropata in pamant. Odata de radacinile ating 10-12 cm lungime, taiati noua planta si transplantati-o intr-un ghiveci sau in gradina, in pamant usor drenabil.<br />
4. <strong>Garoafele</strong> mai pot fi inmultite prin divizarea radacinilor. Scoateti din pamant ghemul de radacini si impartiti-l cu grija, cu mana sau cu o foarfeca de gradina. Fiecare segment de replanteaza intr-un amestec usor drenabil, care trebuie mentinut mereu umed.<br />
Lavinia Rorich<br />Gradinamea.ro</div>
SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-40957681983485127852013-05-11T02:45:00.001-07:002013-05-11T02:45:53.802-07:00Growing your own tomatoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Growing your own tomatoes can be very rewarding - the resulting tomatoes are much more tastier, you always have fresh fruits, and you have a high level of satisfaction by eating your own product.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, it's not completely free of issues either. I was looking for some good advice about growing your own tomatoes, and found this great link:<br />
<a href="http://www.tomatogardeningguru.com/planting.html">http://www.tomatogardeningguru.com/planting.html</a><br />
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Last year I didn't follow much of these advices, but did take care to provide them with a lot of water, plant them in the sun, and remove the weeds as much as possible. This is how it looked like:<br />
<br />
<br />
and the crop:<br />
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I had to fight some tomato warms, but applying a solution helped solve the problem rather quickly.<br />
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So start planting and enjoy it!</div>
SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-73951268493577482452013-05-01T02:43:00.001-07:002013-05-01T02:43:58.303-07:00Hedera helix (common ivy)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em><em>Hedera helix</em></em> (common ivy)</h1>
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<!--SS_BEGIN_ELEMENT(region1_element1)-->A woody climber native to Europe, common ivy has long been collected for winter decorations and is an important food-source for wildlife. <!--SS_END_ELEMENT(region1_element1)--></div>
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<span><!--SS_BEGIN_ELEMENT(region1_element3)--><em>Hedera helix</em> (common ivy)<!--SS_END_ELEMENT(region1_element3)--></span> </div>
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Species information</h2>
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<li><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Hedera helix</em> L. </li>
<li><strong>Common name(s):</strong> common ivy, English ivy </li>
<li><strong>Synonym(s):</strong> <em>Hedera poetica</em> Salisb. (nom. illeg.), <em>Hedera poetarum</em> Bertol. (nom. illeg.), <em>Hedera helix</em> var. <em>vulgaris</em> DC., (nom. inval.) </li>
<li><strong>Conservation status:</strong> Not assessed according to <a href="http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/search-rescue/mapping-plants/plants-at-risk/iucn-srli-explained/iucn-red-list-index/index.htm" title="Find out more about IUCN Red List criteria">IUCN Red List criteria</a>; widespread, abundant and not considered to be threatened. </li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> Woodland and hedgerows. </li>
<li><strong>Key uses:</strong> Ornamental, medicinal, traditional uses. </li>
<li><strong>Known hazards:</strong> Ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset; may cause skin allergy on contact or via airborne allergens. </li>
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Taxonomy</h2>
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<li><strong>Class:</strong> Equisetopsida</li>
<li><strong>Subclass:</strong> Magnoliidae</li>
<li><strong>Superorder:</strong> Asteranae</li>
<li><strong>Order:</strong> Apiales</li>
<li><strong>Family:</strong> Araliaceae</li>
<li><strong>Genus:</strong> <i>Hedera</i></li>
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Common ivy is a popular ornamental, valued for its ability to thrive in shady places, provide excellent groundcover and cover unsightly walls, sheds and tree stumps. Many cultivars are available, including variegated forms that can be used to brighten shady depths of winter gardens.<br />
Long collected for winter decorations, common ivy is associated with Christmas and frequently features in festive designs. It is also an important source of food and shelter for wildlife during winter.<br />
Ivy is not a parasite, does not normally damage sound buildings or walls, and is rarely a threat to healthy trees. Regular trimming can prevent ivy becoming too heavy, a problem that can be exacerbated by the additional weight of rain and snow.<br />
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Geography & Distribution</h2>
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<em>Hedera helix</em> is native to western, central and southern Europe. Its distribution extends from southern Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) in the north to Latvia and the Ukraine in the east and southeast to Bulgaria, western Turkey, Greece (including Crete) and Cyprus. It is found up to about 515 m above sea level.<br />
Common ivy is an invasive species in Australia, New Zealand and western USA.</div>
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Description</h2>
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<!--this imgParsing include can be found in kew_website_cacheIncludes.htm in the KEW_WEBSITE component. --> <img alt="Juvenile leaves of Hedera helix (common ivy)" src="http://www.kew.org/ucm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=kppcont_065947&Rendition=Medium&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased" title="Juvenile leaves of Hedera helix (common ivy)" /> <br /><span class="image-name">Juvenile leaves of <em>Hedera helix</em></span> </div>
<strong>Overview:</strong> A woody climber (liana) with distinct juvenile and mature stages, both with evergreen leaves; the juvenile stage usually has lobed leaves and rooting stems, and the mature stage has rootless, flowering shoots with unlobed leaves. Stems are purple-green.<br />
<strong>Juvenile leaves:</strong> Dark green, leathery, 3–5-lobed, the two basal lobes reduced in size to give the typical ivy-leaf shape. Dotted with white, star-shaped hairs.<br />
<strong>Adult leaves:</strong> Unlobed, markedly narrower on shoots exposed to light.<br />
<strong>Flowers:</strong> Borne in spherical clusters, each held on a stalk (peduncle), with a proteinaceous scent. From September to November.<br />
<strong>Fruits:</strong> Yellow-orange to black berries, up to 9 mm in diameter, each containing five seeds.<br />
<em>Hedera helix</em> f. <em>poetarum</em> is a form with dull orange fruits, found in the Mediterranean and known as poet’s ivy or Italian ivy.</div>
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Common ivy and wildlife</h2>
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Ivy berries are a favoured winter food for blackbirds and if not eaten remain on the plant until spring, providing an important food-source for young birds. Branches and leaves of <em>Hedera helix</em> also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, and a ready supply of insects can be found living on and around them.<br />
<em>Hedera helix</em> flowers open late in the year (September to November) and are pollinated by insects such as wasps and moths. They are an important source of nectar and pollen for bees when other sources such as heather are not available.</div>
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Uses</h2>
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<!--this imgParsing include can be found in kew_website_cacheIncludes.htm in the KEW_WEBSITE component. --> <img alt="Hedera helix 'Pennsylvanica'" src="http://www.kew.org/ucm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=kppcont_065946&Rendition=Medium&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased" title="Hedera helix 'Pennsylvanica'" /> <br /><span class="image-name"><em>Hedera helix</em> 'Pennsylvanica'</span> </div>
Common ivy is a popular ornamental, and many cultivars are available, including non-climbing ones for ground cover and compact forms for potted plants. Being evergreen and shade-loving, ivy is perfect for winter gardens and can form an attractive covering for garden structures. Ivy was a fashionable ornamental in Victorian Britain and represented fidelity in the ‘language of flowers’.<br />
<em>Hedera helix</em> is frequently used in cut flower arrangements, particularly in winter displays. The custom of decorating homes with ivy and evergreens dates back to pre-Christian times when they were associated with the power of the eternal and represented continuation of life through the winter.<br />
Early herbalists, having seen common ivy smothering grape vines, held the belief that ivy berries could counteract the unwanted side-effects of alcohol consumption. <em>Hedera helix</em> has in the past been used in the treatment of verrucas, warts and corns.<br />
Ivy wood has been used as a substitute for boxwood (<em>Buxus sempervirens</em>). The glossy, cream, ivory-like heartwood is sometimes used in flower arrangements.<br />
Young twigs were formerly a source of dyes, and it is said that a red dye can be obtained from the berries when boiled with alum.<br />
Ivy is browsed by cattle and sometimes used as an emergency winter fodder.</div>
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Common ivy as a symbol</h2>
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In ancient Rome, ivy was a symbol of intellectual achievement and ivy wreathes were used to crown winners of poetry contests. They were also given to victorious athletes in ancient Greece.<br />
The Roman custom of hanging a branch with leaves (often ivy because it was readily available, and the leaves, being evergreen, lasted a long time) on a pole to indicate that the premises sold wine or ale spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages and became known as an alepole or alestake.</div>
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Millennium Seed Bank: Seed storage</h2>
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The <a href="http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/save-seed-prosper/millennium-seed-bank/index.htm" title="Millennium Seed Bank Partnership">Millennium Seed Bank Partnership</a> aims to save plant life worldwide, focusing on plants under threat and those of most use in the future. Seeds are dried, packaged and stored at a sub-zero temperature in our seed bank vault.<br />
Five collections of <em>Hedera helix </em>seeds are held in Kew’s <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst/garden-attractions-A-Z/Millennium-Seed-Bank.htm" title="About the Millennium Seed Bank">Millennium Seed Bank</a> based at <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst/index.htm" title="Visit Wakehurst">Wakehurst</a> in West Sussex.<br />
See Kew’s <a href="http://data.kew.org/sid/sidsearch.html" title="Kew's Seed Information Database">Seed Information Database</a> for further information on<em> Hedera helix</em> seeds.</div>
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Cultivation</h2>
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Where ivy is grown on structures, it should be clipped over every other year to ensure the growth does not become too heavy.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Hedera-helix.htm">http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Hedera-helix.htm</a></div>
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SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-64482621510282735672013-05-01T02:29:00.000-07:002013-05-01T02:29:10.502-07:00Allium Sphearocephalon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2>
<em lang="lt" xml:lang="lt">Allium sphaerocephalon</em></h2>
<img alt="Allium sphaerocephalon " src="http://webassets.rhs.org.uk/content/Media/Images/Plants/AlliumSphaerocephalon2_LW?width=510" title="Allium sphaerocephalon " />
<br />
<span>T</span>his green to purple summer-flowering ornamental onion looks
great planted in combination with <em>Nepeta </em>'Six Hills Giant',
<em>Centranthus ruber </em>and <em>Rosa </em>'Gertrude Jekyll' ('Ausbord') AGM.
Its oval flowerheads stand about 60cm or more tall - insects love them, and they
add movement and interest to borders.<br />
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<h2>
Vital statistics</h2>
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<dl>
<dt>Common name </dt>
<dd>Round-headed leek </dd>
<dt>Family </dt>
<dd><em>Alliaceae</em> </dd>
<dt>Height & spread </dt>
<dd>60 x 90cm (2 x 3 ft). </dd>
<dt>Form </dt>
<dd>Bulbous perennial </dd>
<dt>Soil </dt>
<dd>Fertile, well-drained soil </dd>
<dt>Aspect </dt>
<dd>Full sun </dd>
<dt>Hardiness </dt>
<dd>Fully hardy but may be tender when young </dd></dl>
<br />
Round-headed leek is easy to grow. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply, in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Once established the plants are fairly drought-tolerant. It grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. It should not be planted near alfalfa, as each species affects the other negatively. Plants often divide freely at the base.</div>
SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-40562751132801341802013-05-01T00:34:00.001-07:002013-05-01T00:34:57.618-07:00allium neapolitanum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Allium Neapolitanum, which is often referred to as the Naples Onion, or the Star Of Bethlehem, and goes by a number of other names as well, is a member of the allium genus, a huge genus, consisting of many different species. It's commonly believed that not all of the species of allium have yet been discovered or classified. Many species, certainly most species, grow wild. Others are grown as ornamental plants, and yet others, such as leeks, onion, and garlic, are found in vegetable gardens or grown commercially for food. Allium species range from the Giant Allium with its blooming heads reaching nearly a foot across, to many small species, some of which are quite invasive.<br />
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<a href="http://www.garden4less.co.uk/prodimages/garden-bulbs/allium/allium-neapolitanum.gif" target="_blank" title="allium neapolitanum"><img alt="allium neapolitanum" class="pic" height="68" id="1390237" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:UfkeqvURlZIu0M:" title="allium neapolitanum" width="54" /> </a> Like many members of the Allium genus, Allium Neapolitanum grows from bulbs. It is hardy only in USDA Zones 7 and above, and is found primarily in California, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, though it can be grown in pots elsewhere. Allium Neapolitanum attains a height of between 12 and 18 inches. The flowers are white, and somewhat delicate, branching out from the stem in a globe-like pattern. This allium species will grow in most soils and is somewhat drought tolerant. It is primarily propagated from bulbs and bulb offsets, but can also be grown from seeds, which may be collected once the blossoms have died back. The Allium Neapolitanum plant is native to Southern Europe, including Italy (Naples) and also native to North Africa.</div>
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<a href="http://courses.nres.uiuc.edu/hort344/Perennials/Bulbs/Bulb%20Pictures/Allium%20neapolitanum.jpg" target="_blank" title="allium neapolitanum"><img alt="allium neapolitanum" class="pic" height="65" id="1390238" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:lTUwqzr57R1zeM:" title="allium neapolitanum" width="68" /> </a> The allium in general is easy to grow, and most varieties, though not Allium Neapolitanum, are quite hardy. Over time the plants tend to become somewhat crowded. They are then usually lifted from the ground and divided. When cut or bruised, most allium plants have the familiar onion odor. The blossoms on the other hand can be quite pleasantly fragrant. While most species grow from bulbs, a few grow from rhizomes and others from tuberous roots. There are several species which do not form bulbs or rhizomes at all, but are propagated either from seed or by leaf cuttings. All varieties and species are relatively easy to propagate.</div>
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<a href="http://beautifulgardens.shootgardening.co.uk/uploaded/images/plant_allium_cowanii_1_79.jpg" target="_blank" title="allium neapolitanum"><img alt="allium neapolitanum" class="pic" height="62" id="1390239" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cC4QgRbx0n-lIM:" title="allium neapolitanum" width="68" /> </a> Allium Neapolitanum may be forced indoors in a pot. If this species is not suitable for the climate you live in, there are so many species of allium, most of which have white blossoms, that to find an acceptable substitute may not be all that difficult. If you must have this species however, growing it in pots indoors or in a greenhouse may be the answer.</div>
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SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-39293402354905822372013-05-01T00:25:00.001-07:002013-05-01T00:25:11.812-07:00Allium oreophilum - ceapa decorativa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Allium oreophilum, grows 2 to 8 inches tall and blooms in dainty heads of pinkish purple flowers. Blooms in June. Allium is a bulbous plant with linear leaves and blooms in flowers with umbels on the top of a sturdy stem. Several of the species have foliage which is unpleasant smelling. They will not release their smell unless they are walked on. <br />
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<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="SLIVSdhS45ZnPM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTL8odR_JkCCb0r2Zd4Uy4TO325oRuFqB0UoEGwUXI2GsCwiiAykQ" style="height: 174px; margin-left: -1px; margin-top: 0px; width: 147px;" /><br />
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<b>Characteristics</b></div>
<span class="menu_2" id="8" style="padding: 0px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 12px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">Cultivar:</td><td class="bbottom">n/a </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Family:</td><td class="bbottom">Liliaceae </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Size:</td><td class="bbottom">Height: 0.17 ft. to 0.67 ft.<br />
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft. </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Plant Category:</td><td class="bbottom">annuals and biennials, bulbous plants, ground covers, landscape, perennials, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Plant Characteristics:</td><td class="bbottom">columnar, dwarf, edible flowers, low maintenance, seed start, spreading, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Foliage Characteristics:</td><td class="bbottom">fragrant, medium leaves, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Foliage Color:</td><td class="bbottom">green, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Flower Characteristics:</td><td class="bbottom">erect, horizontal, long lasting, showy, unusual, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Flower Color:</td><td class="bbottom">pinks, purples, </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top">Tolerances:</td><td class="bbottom">deer, rabbits, </td></tr>
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<b>Requirements</b></div>
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<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">Bloomtime Range:</td><td class="bbottom">Early Summer to Early Summer </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">USDA Hardiness Zone:</td><td class="bbottom">4 to 9 </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">AHS Heat Zone:</td><td class="bbottom">Not defined for this plant </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">Light Range:</td><td class="bbottom">Part Shade to Part Sun </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">pH Range:</td><td class="bbottom">6.5 to 7.5 </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">Soil Range:</td><td class="bbottom">Sandy Loam to Loam </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" class="bright" valign="top" width="50%">Water Range:</td><td class="bbottom">Normal to Moist <br />
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SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-58705647925166171942012-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:002012-07-08T13:52:10.258-07:00Is my soil good for the plants?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I was wondering if my soil is actually any good for growing any kind of plant. It looks like having a lot of clay, and it has a tendency to turn into big rocks... Any chance to make it good finally?<br />
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So I've stumbled over this article, describing what is a good soil:<br />
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http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenprimer/a/Amending_Soil.htm<br />
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I just need to add the right amounts of nutrients, some humus, and ... hope to get it in better shape. Will let you know if I've made it ;-)</div>SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-85954910022473282032012-06-17T08:08:00.001-07:002012-06-17T08:39:02.987-07:00Plants that thrive without water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, while I don't have a real water issue - I'm a rather lazy person and don't like to spend my evenings watering the garden. So I was looking for some plants that would be happy even if rain does not fall so much during the summer.<br />
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Here are a few of my selections, planning to have them in my yard next year:<br />
<strong>Lavender</strong> - looks great (blue color0, smells great, and it will make everyone want it in their gardens( <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/herb/lavender/">http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/herb/lavender/</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/Lavender.htm">http://whatscookingamerica.net/Lavender.htm</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfFpXz8JR-JCBXbwzuy4jV1HeamkOMWidV2-SXpv3h5t8F00DwgvwdVSfwz9i_sF6e1UzvwEtHzC3Ah61AyEKwpy-D4A6DN3cQfzQUCsCQJ05u8X5dIHd2BZcvIc0ZVZ-6ZpVbbgjQT_Y/s1600/tips-on-growing-lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfFpXz8JR-JCBXbwzuy4jV1HeamkOMWidV2-SXpv3h5t8F00DwgvwdVSfwz9i_sF6e1UzvwEtHzC3Ah61AyEKwpy-D4A6DN3cQfzQUCsCQJ05u8X5dIHd2BZcvIc0ZVZ-6ZpVbbgjQT_Y/s320/tips-on-growing-lavender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Yarrow</strong> ("coada soricelului" - achillea) - various colours, and can be easily grown, and it's also a perennial (<a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/yarrow/">http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/yarrow/</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjvvY1JCNSdUVcOh87z7_NGiUJZhoJopcBIlHINyjpUdGGUNK8JJPNzzBhmr9dtVfRCi-ThkHZDIBxlfmSKKxPqjnFs1ihSkz2Qo6_OImCn4YXFuXuqOSlxi2cK1seFNMZFVOt_Ow4NI8/s1600/yarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjvvY1JCNSdUVcOh87z7_NGiUJZhoJopcBIlHINyjpUdGGUNK8JJPNzzBhmr9dtVfRCi-ThkHZDIBxlfmSKKxPqjnFs1ihSkz2Qo6_OImCn4YXFuXuqOSlxi2cK1seFNMZFVOt_Ow4NI8/s320/yarrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Agastache</strong> (desert sunrise) - orange bloom, with pink and lavender tints; but beware - it wants a lot of sun and dried land<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kdyz_jtjZY8hSu96Mieu_Bj9x76OMzK9qLrSzZvzN2OKYy0JEtnB-EmIDWxCWfO2OT0pg5-lwaeYJZ8uozH4UQPIZ5M1BWAuZA8bupCpnlBENhlt_Snihx4C3TtMymCLqu56MEnjJloN/s1600/agastache_apache_sunset_3x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kdyz_jtjZY8hSu96Mieu_Bj9x76OMzK9qLrSzZvzN2OKYy0JEtnB-EmIDWxCWfO2OT0pg5-lwaeYJZ8uozH4UQPIZ5M1BWAuZA8bupCpnlBENhlt_Snihx4C3TtMymCLqu56MEnjJloN/s320/agastache_apache_sunset_3x4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Sundrops</strong> - yellow bloom, but it looks like it can be quite aggressive in the garden...<br />
<strong>Russian</strong> <strong>Sage</strong> (<a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/russian-sage/">http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/russian-sage/</a>) - tall plant, with lavender like colour and silvery foliage<br />
<strong>Salvia </strong><strong>- bush/meadow/mojave sage</strong> - yes, the aromatic version as well, seems to be a great plant for the dry gardens<br />
<strong>Lamb's ears (urechi de iepure)</strong> - grows quickly, and can be quite invasive - but looks really great, in pictures at least<br />
<strong>Pine-leaf penstemon</strong> - looks like a great one, with its scarlet red flowers and almost ever-green.<br />
<strong>Blanket flower (gaillardia)</strong> - in blooms quite a lot, and looks really great with its bright shadows of yellow and red.<br />
<strong>Purple coneflower (echinacea purpurea)</strong> - mauve-purple blooms the whole summer, and a perennial as well.<br />
<strong>Amsonia (amsonia tabernaemontana)</strong> - looks like an unknown plant, although amazing through its blue colour, and the yellow shades in autumn.<br />
<strong>Sedum</strong> - pure pink flowers in autumn... although there are many other types of sedum that have different colours as well.<br />
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So plenty of options - now I need to choose which ones to pick... tough one indeed!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S.: The photos on the page have been taken from web, so if you own any of those and want them removed - please let me know.</span><br />
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<br /></div>SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900818189073566855.post-55220087049094799522012-06-06T12:15:00.003-07:002012-06-06T12:21:49.886-07:00What is mulching?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've just started gardening this year - and I must confess: I'm completely blind in this area, so I need a lot of coaching/training/education about what to do and how to do in order to get the perfect looking garden.<br />
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Here is my first big question mark: what is mulching?<br />
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So, organic mulch can described as: shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, cocoa shells, buckwheat hulls, shredded bark or wood chips, and finished compost.<br />
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These guys <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/mulch/the-best-mulches/#page=1" target="_blank">here</a> have a complete guide on mulching. Here are the mulch types they describe:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>shredded bark</li>
<li>leaves</li>
<li>grass clippings</li>
<li>straw</li>
<li>compost</li>
<li>pine needles</li>
<li>pine bark nuggets</li>
<li>wood chips</li>
<li>cocoa hull mulch</li>
<li>gravel or river rock.</li>
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I just realized that I've bought some foil that could do just fine for mulching (at least for my hedge) - but did not use it, as I could not see its utility. Now it looks like it could be the solution to all the weeds that have grown around...<br />
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SeniorPMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774902510870716684noreply@blogger.com0