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Easy Care

Lamb’s Ear: A Beginner’s Guide to Planting, Growing, and Care

by Donna August 23, 2023

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Lamb’s Ear: A Guide for Beginners

What is Lamb’s Ear?

Lamb’s ear is a beautiful plant with silvery-green leaves that are soft and fuzzy. It’s a popular choice for gardens because it’s easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. Lamb’s ear is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry climates.

How to Grow Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is easy to grow from seed or by division. If you’re planting from seed, sow the seeds in moist, well-drained soil in the spring or fall. If you’re dividing an existing plant, dig up the rootball and use a sharp knife to divide it into two or three parts. Replant the divisions in moist, well-drained soil.

Lamb’s ear prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s important to choose a planting location with well-drained soil, as lamb’s ear does not tolerate wet feet.

Caring for Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is a very low-maintenance plant. It only needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. There’s no need to fertilize lamb’s ear, and deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth.

Problems with Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to wilting and rotting in damp soils. If you notice any wilting or rotting leaves, remove them immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.

Varieties of Lamb’s Ear

There are several different varieties of lamb’s ear available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’: This variety forms a dense mat of silvery foliage and rarely flowers.
Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’: This variety has larger leaves and woolly, purple flowers.
Stachys byzantina ‘Silky Fleece’: This dwarf variety has tiny silvery leaves and short flower spikes.

Conclusion

Lamb’s ear is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for a variety of garden settings. With its silvery-green foliage and soft, fuzzy texture, lamb’s ear is a surefire way to add interest and beauty to your garden.

Ornamental Plants

Ribbon Grass: The Ultimate Guide to Planting, Care, and Maintenance

by Donna February 10, 2023

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Ribbon Grass: A Graceful and Easy-to-Grow Ornamental Grass

Introduction

Ornamental grasses are becoming increasingly popular in home landscapes, and ribbon grass is one of the easiest and most versatile varieties to grow. With its graceful foliage and ability to add color and texture to any garden, ribbon grass is a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Varieties and Characteristics

Ribbon grass, also known as gardener’s garters or reed canary grass, is a relatively small grass that typically grows about a foot high. It has a dense mat of foliage with strappy leaves that begin with pink or white variegation. As the leaves mature, they develop green and white stripes, giving the plant its distinctive appearance. Ribbon grass is native to Europe and North America and is hardy in USDA gardening zones 4 to 9.

Planting and Care

Ribbon grass is best suited for moist soils in partial sun, but it can also tolerate drought conditions for short periods of time. The plant is ideal for planting around ponds or water features, in clumps, as container specimens, or along borders. Ribbon grass has virtually no pest or disease problems and can tolerate a wide range of light and moisture conditions. However, it is important to ensure that the plant has well-drained soil, as it can be susceptible to root rot in excessively moist conditions.

Propagation

Ribbon grass can be propagated by division every few years. Simply dig up the root zone in the dormant period and cut the plant into sections. Ensure that each piece has several healthy rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce new plants. Then, replant the clumps in designated areas or share them with friends. Growing ribbon grass in containers is also a good way to prevent it from spreading.

Maintenance

Ribbon grass is a low-maintenance plant that rarely needs upkeep. Plants that are in full sun may experience sun scorch, but this can be easily remedied by cutting back the leaves and fertilizing the plant. The plant will produce new fresh leaves in a couple of weeks. In colder zones, mulch around the root zone to protect the roots from freezing. Apply compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring to help feed it.

Controlling Invasive Growth

While ribbon grass is generally not considered to be an invasive plant, it can spread aggressively in some conditions. To prevent this, it is best to plant the grass in semi-shade areas with plenty of moisture. This will help to slow down its growth and make it less likely to spread to unwanted areas. If the plant does start to spread too much, it can be manually controlled by pulling and digging up the rhizomes.

Benefits of Ribbon Grass

Adds color and texture to the landscape
Easy to grow and maintain
Tolerant of a wide range of conditions
Can be used in a variety of landscaping applications
Provides habitat for wildlife

Conclusion

Ribbon grass is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that is perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. With its graceful foliage, easy care, and ability to add interest to any garden, ribbon grass is a great choice for anyone looking to add some beauty and style to their landscape.

Gardening

Sedum Lawns: The Low-Maintenance Alternative to Traditional Grass

by Gregory June 30, 2022

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Sedum Lawns: A Low-Maintenance Alternative to Traditional Grass

Introduction

If you’re tired of the endless work that comes with maintaining a traditional grass lawn, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are turning to low-maintenance alternatives like sedum lawns. Sedum is a succulent plant that’s drought-tolerant and easy to care for, making it a great choice for busy homeowners or those living in dry climates.

Benefits of Sedum Lawns

Low-maintenance: Sedum lawns require minimal mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Drought-tolerant: Sedum plants can survive on very little water, making them a great choice for dry climates.
Pest and disease resistant: Sedum plants are naturally resistant to most pests and diseases.
Versatile: Sedum can be used as a lawn substitute, groundcover, or even in rock gardens.

Drawbacks of Sedum Lawns

Not suitable for heavy foot traffic: Sedum plants have fragile stems and leaves that can break easily, so they’re not suitable for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.
Can spread easily: Sedum plants can spread quickly, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from taking over your lawn.

Growing a Sedum Lawn

Prepare the site: Remove any existing grass or groundcover and till the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Add 2 inches of sand if your soil is clay.
Plant the sedum: Space the sedum plants a few inches apart.
Water the plants: Water the sedum plants weekly for the first month until they have established a good root system.
Care for the lawn: Sedum lawns require minimal care. Water them occasionally during dry spells, and weed them as needed.

Established Sedum Lawns

Once your sedum lawn is established, it will require very little maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to keep it looking its best:

Fertilize the lawn: Sedum lawns don’t need much fertilizer, but you can apply a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Control weeds: Weeds can compete with sedum plants for water and nutrients, so it’s important to control them.
Remove dead leaves: Dead leaves can smother sedum plants, so remove them as needed.

Preventing Sedum from Spreading

Sedum plants can spread quickly, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from taking over your lawn. Here are a few tips:

Use edging: Edging around your sedum lawn will help to keep it contained.
Pull out unwanted plants: If you see sedum plants growing in your grass lawn, pull them out immediately.
Avoid mowing over sedum: Mowing over sedum plants can spread them, so avoid doing so.

Conclusion

Sedum lawns are a low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns. They’re drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and easy to care for. If you’re looking for a way to reduce the amount of time and effort you spend on your lawn, a sedum lawn is a great option.

Gardening Techniques

Vines: Versatile Solutions for Landscaping Challenges – A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory July 29, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Vines: A Versatile Solution for Landscaping Challenges

Introduction

Vines are incredibly versatile plants that can solve a wide range of landscaping problems. Whether you’re looking to screen your backyard from nosy neighbors, add color and texture to your garden, or create vertical interest, vines have got you covered. However, it’s important to choose the right vines for your space and to be aware of their potential drawbacks.

The Benefits of Growing Vines

Screening and Privacy: Vines can create a living screen to block unwanted views and provide privacy. They can be grown on fences, trellises, or even walls.
Vertical Interest: Vines climb upwards, adding height and dimension to your garden. They can soften harsh corners, cover unsightly walls, and create a focal point.
Color and Flowers: Many vines produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors and shapes. They can add a splash of color to your garden and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Shade and Fragrance: Some vines, such as grapes and clematis, can provide shade for your patio or pergola. Others, like honeysuckle and jasmine, release a sweet fragrance that will fill your garden with a delightful aroma.
Easy Care: Most vines are relatively easy to care for. Once they are established, they require minimal maintenance, such as occasional watering and pruning.

Choosing the Right Vines

When choosing vines for your garden, consider the following factors:

Purpose: What do you want the vines to do? Screen, provide shade, add color, etc.?
Size and Growth Habit: Vines can range in size from small to large. Choose vines that will fit the space you have available.
Hardiness: Make sure the vines you choose are hardy for your climate.
Maintenance: Some vines, such as ivy, can be aggressive growers and require regular pruning. Choose vines that are manageable for your level of maintenance.

Controlling Aggressive Vines

While most vines are well-behaved, some can become overly aggressive and invasive. Here are some tips for controlling aggressive vines:

Choose the right vines: Avoid planting vines that are known to be invasive in your area.
Plant them in containers: Growing vines in containers can help to control their spread.
Prune regularly: Regular pruning will keep aggressive vines in check.
Use barriers: Physical barriers, such as root barriers or buried edging, can prevent vines from spreading into unwanted areas.

Maintaining Vines

Once your vines are established, they will require minimal maintenance. Here are a few tips:

Water: Water your vines regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize: Fertilize your vines annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune: Prune your vines as needed to control their growth and shape.
Check for pests and diseases: Regularly inspect your vines for pests and diseases. Treat any problems promptly.

Conclusion

Vines are a versatile and valuable addition to any garden. They can solve a variety of landscaping problems and add beauty, color, and interest to your outdoor space. By choosing the right vines and following proper care instructions, you can enjoy the benefits of vines for years to come.

Flower Gardening

Helianthemum Sunrose: A Versatile and Easy-to-Grow Plant for Your Garden

by Gregory May 25, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

The Helianthemum Sunrose: A Versatile and Easy-to-Grow Plant

The helianthemum sunrose is a beautiful and versatile plant that is perfect for a variety of gardening needs. It is a low-growing shrub that makes an excellent informal hedge, singular specimen, or rockery plant. The sunrose is also very easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Description

The helianthemum sunrose is a member of the Cistus family, but it produces much smaller flowers. The foliage is evergreen and silvery green, and the flowers come in a wide range of colors, including orange, pink, peach, red, white, and yellow. Each flower only lasts for a day, but the plant produces them prolifically for constant seasonal color.

Growing Conditions

The helianthemum sunrose prefers well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in USDA zones 5 and above. In southern climates, it is best to plant the sunrose in a location where it will receive some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Care

The helianthemum sunrose is a very low-maintenance plant. It only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Fertilizing is only necessary in poor soil, and high-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided as they can promote limp growth and reduce flowering. After blooming has stopped, the plant should be pruned back by 1/3.

Problems

The helianthemum sunrose is generally a very healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in heavy clay soil. It is also deer resistant.

Propagation

The helianthemum sunrose can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall, and cuttings can be taken in the summer.

Uses

The helianthemum sunrose is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It makes an excellent informal hedge, singular specimen, or rockery plant. It can also be used as a groundcover or in containers.

Conclusion

The helianthemum sunrose is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for a variety of gardening needs. Its versatility and low maintenance requirements make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

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Shrubs

Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrubs: A Comprehensive Guide to Easy-Care Beauties

by Gregory April 20, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Flowering Shrubs: A Guide to Low-Maintenance Beauties

Introduction

Flowering shrubs add color, fragrance, and texture to your landscape, but they can also be a lot of work to maintain. If you’re looking for shrubs that are easy to care for and will still give you beautiful blooms, read on for our top picks.

Choosing Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrubs

When choosing flowering shrubs, it’s important to consider your hardiness zone and the size of your site. You’ll also want to pick shrubs that are tolerant of your local climate and soil conditions.

Easy-Care Flowering Shrubs Under 6 Feet

Fragrant Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima): This short honeysuckle bush produces sweetly scented white flowers in the spring. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and most soil types.
Hills of Snow Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens grandiflora): Known for its large white flower clusters, this hydrangea grows in mounds and prefers full sun for best blooming.
Persian Lilac (Syringa x persica): A popular choice for its fragrant spring flowers, Persian lilac is a small shrub that overflows with blooms in late spring.

Tall Easy-Care Shrubs

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia spp.): This tall shrub can reach up to 12 feet tall and produces long-lasting blooms in shades of purple, pink, or red. It thrives in full sun and attracts butterflies.
Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica): Looking for a flowering shrub for shady areas? Japanese kerria charms with unique foliage and large, yellow flowers in April. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide and is very low-maintenance.
Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria purpureus): This unusual shrub produces plume-like purple flowers and eye-catching purple-green foliage that turns fiery red in the fall. It’s very adaptable and will thrive in any soil conditions.

Tips for Growing and Caring for Flowering Shrubs

Choose the right location: Make sure your shrubs are planted in a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
Water regularly: Especially during the hot summer months, your shrubs will need regular watering.
Fertilize: Fertilize your shrubs according to the manufacturer’s instructions to help them produce healthy blooms.
Prune: Pruning helps to shape your shrubs and encourage new growth. Prune your shrubs after they have finished blooming.

Conclusion

With a little care and attention, flowering shrubs can provide years of beauty and enjoyment in your landscape. By choosing low-maintenance varieties and following these simple care tips, you can have a thriving garden without all the hassle.

Trees

The Virginia Pine: Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide

by Gregory March 1, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

The Virginia Pine: A Versatile and Hardy Tree

Introduction

The Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) is a common sight in eastern North America, ranging from Alabama to New York. It is known for its adaptability and resilience, making it a popular choice for a variety of landscaping and conservation purposes.

Characteristics and Appearance

Virginia pine trees are evergreen conifers, typically reaching heights of 15 to 40 feet. They have a pyramidal shape when young, with low branches and dense foliage. As they mature, they develop disproportionately long limbs and a more scraggly silhouette.

The needles of the Virginia pine are arranged in bundles of two and can grow up to 3 inches long. They are yellow-green to dark green in color and remain on the tree for up to three years. The cones are small, measuring 1 to 3 inches in length, and come in groups of two or four. They have a sharp prickle at the tip of each scale.

Habitat and Distribution

Virginia pines are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and abandoned fields. They are particularly well-suited to un-glaciated soil and rocky outcrops, where nutrients are scarce. This makes them a valuable species for reclaiming lumbered acreage and restoring degraded ecosystems.

The Virginia pine’s natural range extends from New Jersey and southern New York in the north to Alabama and Mississippi in the south. It is also found in isolated populations in other parts of the United States, such as the Great Lakes region and the Ozark Mountains.

Uses and Benefits

Virginia pine trees have a variety of uses, both ornamental and practical. They are sometimes used as landscape trees, particularly for naturalizing large spaces or creating windbreaks. They are also popular Christmas trees due to their dense foliage and attractive shape.

Ecologically, Virginia pine trees provide important habitat and food sources for a variety of animals and birds. Their seeds are a valuable food source for many species, and their dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites.

Growing and Care

Virginia pine trees are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH, but they can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. They are also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with limited water availability.

When planting a Virginia pine tree, it is important to choose a site with full sun to partial shade. The tree should be planted in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Water the tree deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

For the first few years after planting, it is a good idea to stake the tree and train the limbs to encourage a strong and balanced growth habit. Once established, Virginia pine trees require minimal care. They are susceptible to breakage due to their weak wood, so it is important to protect them from strong winds and heavy snow.

Conclusion

The Virginia pine is a versatile and hardy tree with a wide range of uses and benefits. Its adaptability and resilience make it a valuable species for both landscaping and conservation purposes. By understanding the characteristics, habitat, and care requirements of the Virginia pine, you can make informed decisions about planting and caring for this important tree.

Houseplants

Albuca Spiral Grass: A Unique Curly-Q Plant for Your Garden

by Donna January 28, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Albuca Spiral Grass: A Curly-Q Plant for Your Garden

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to add to your garden, look no further than the Albuca spiral grass. This fascinating plant is not actually a grass, but a bulbous plant that produces curly, spring-shaped foliage. It’s a great choice for containers or warm-season gardens.

What is Albuca Spiral Grass?

Albuca is a genus of over 100 types of plants, most of which are native to South Africa. Albuca spiralis, also known as frizzle sizzle plant or corkscrew Albuca, is one of the most popular species. Its unusual foliage grows in a spring shape and coils up from the bulb, giving it a unique appearance.

Caring for Albuca Spiral Grass

Caring for Albuca spiral grass is relatively easy, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Drainage: Spiral grass is very sensitive to overwatering, so it’s important to use a well-draining potting mix.
Water: Water your spiral grass regularly, but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Light: Spiral grass prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Temperature: Spiral grass is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10. It prefers warm temperatures during its growing season, which is winter.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your spiral grass once per month with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Growing Albuca Spiral Grass

Albuca spiral grass can be grown from seed, division, or bulbs. The easiest way to grow it is by dividing the bulbs every few years. You can also collect seeds from existing plants.

Propagating Albuca Spiral Grass

If you want to propagate your Albuca spiral grass, you can do so by division or seed.

Division: Divide the bulbs in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge.
Seed: Collect seeds from mature plants in late spring or early summer. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix and keep them moist. The seeds should germinate within a week or two.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you’re having trouble growing Albuca spiral grass, here are a few things to check:

Overwatering: Spiral grass is very sensitive to overwatering. If the leaves turn yellow or brown and the plant starts to wilt, you’re probably watering it too much.
Underwatering: If the leaves are dry and crispy, you’re probably not watering it enough.
Poor drainage: If the soil is soggy or waterlogged, the roots can rot. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.
Too much sun: If the leaves are scorched or sunburned, the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a shadier location.
Too little sun: If the leaves are pale and weak, the plant is not getting enough sunlight. Move it to a sunnier location.

Conclusion

Albuca spiral grass is a unique and beautiful plant that is easy to care for and propagate. With a little care, you can enjoy this curly-Q plant in your garden for years to come.

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