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Ground Cover

Lead Plant: A Versatile and Beneficial Prairie Wildflower

by Gregory August 30, 2022

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Lead Plant: A Unique and Hardy Prairie Wildflower

Introduction

Lead plant (Amorpha canescens) is a fascinating perennial wildflower native to the prairies of North America. Known for its unusual silvery-gray leaves and spiky purple blooms, this plant has long been prized by gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

Physical Characteristics

Lead plant is a sprawling, semi-erect plant with long, narrow leaves that are sometimes covered in fine hairs. Its most distinctive feature is its dusty, silvery-gray foliage, which gives the plant its common name. From early to midsummer, lead plant produces spiky, purple blooms that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Hardiness and Adaptability

Lead plant is an extremely cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures as low as -13 F (-25 C). It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and dry soils. However, it can become invasive if the soil is too rich.

Wildlife Benefits

Lead plant is not only beautiful but also beneficial to wildlife. Its flavorful and protein-rich leaves are frequently grazed by livestock, deer, and rabbits. The spiky blooms attract a large number of pollinators, providing a valuable food source for these important insects.

Growing Lead Plants

Growing lead plants is relatively easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Sunlight: Lead plant thrives in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate light shade. However, plants grown in shade may have less impressive blooms and be somewhat gangly.
Soil: Lead plant is not picky about soil conditions and performs well in nearly any well-drained soil. However, it can become invasive if the soil is too rich.
Propagation: Lead plant can be propagated by seed or by division. The easiest way to grow lead plants from seed is to simply plant them in autumn and allow them to stratify naturally over the winter months. If you prefer to plant seeds in spring, soak them in warm water for 12 hours and then store them at 41 F (5 C) for 30 days before planting. Plant seeds about ¼ inch (.6 cm) deep in prepared soil.

Uses of Lead Plant

Lead plant has a variety of uses, both ornamental and practical.

Ground cover: Lead plant ground cover can be used to control erosion and add a touch of beauty to your landscape.
Wildlife habitat: Lead plant provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals.
Medicinal uses: Lead plant has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and skin conditions.

Conclusion

Lead plant is a unique and versatile wildflower that is easy to grow and provides a variety of benefits for both people and wildlife. Whether you are looking to add a touch of beauty to your garden or provide food and shelter for wildlife, lead plant is a great choice.

Gardening Techniques

Creeping Juniper: The Ultimate Ground Cover for Effortless Landscaping

by Gregory August 15, 2022

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Creeping Juniper: The Ultimate Ground Cover for Easy Landscaping

Introduction

Are you looking for a low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover that can add beauty and functionality to your landscape? Look no further than creeping juniper! This versatile shrub is perfect for a variety of applications, from filling in sunny areas to preventing soil erosion on slopes.

Benefits of Creeping Juniper

Low-growing and evergreen: Creeping juniper stays close to the ground, making it an ideal choice for ground cover. It also retains its green foliage year-round, providing visual interest even in the winter months.
Drought-resistant: Creeping juniper thrives in hot and dry conditions, making it a great option for xeriscaping and areas with limited water availability.
Erosion control: The dense, spreading habit of creeping juniper helps to hold soil in place, making it an effective solution for preventing erosion on slopes and hillsides.
Versatile: Creeping juniper can be used in a variety of ways, including as a ground cover, foundation plant, or accent in flower borders.

How to Plant and Care for Creeping Juniper

Planting and caring for creeping juniper is a breeze! Here are a few tips:

Choose a sunny location: Creeping juniper prefers full sun to partial shade.
Prepare the soil: Creeping juniper adapts to most soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil.
Plant at the right depth: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
Water deeply: Water the newly planted creeping juniper thoroughly.
Mulch around the plant: Mulching helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Maintenance

Creeping juniper is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:

Water sparingly: Creeping juniper is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during hot and dry spells.
Prune as needed: Creeping juniper typically doesn’t require pruning, but you can trim it back lightly to control its spread or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Control pests and diseases: Creeping juniper is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as bagworms, webworms, and fungal diseases. Monitor your plants regularly and treat any problems promptly.

Tips for Using Creeping Juniper in Landscaping

As a ground cover: Creeping juniper is a great choice for filling in large areas with a low-growing, evergreen ground cover. It can be used under trees, shrubs, or in open areas.
As a foundation plant: Creeping juniper can be planted around the base of your home or other structures to add interest and texture.
As an accent in flower borders: The blue-green foliage of creeping juniper provides a nice contrast to colorful flowers. Plant it along the edge of your flower beds or use it to create a border around a patio or walkway.

Conclusion

Creeping juniper is a versatile and easy-to-care-for ground cover that can add beauty and functionality to your landscape. Whether you’re looking to fill in a bare spot, prevent erosion, or simply add some evergreen interest, creeping juniper is a great choice. So next time you’re planning your landscape, be sure to consider this low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover.

Gardening

Basket-of-Gold: Growing and Caring for Golden Sunshine in Your Garden

by Gregory October 24, 2021

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Basket-of-Gold: A Guide to Growing Golden Sunshine in Your Garden

Introduction

Basket-of-gold plants, also known as yellow alyssum or basket-of-gold alyssum, are cheerful and easy-to-grow plants that add a splash of sunshine to any garden. Their bright gold flowers resemble tiny coins and bloom in abundance, creating a dazzling display. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow and care for basket-of-gold plants in your garden.

Plant Characteristics

Basket-of-gold plants (Aurinia saxtilis) are low-growing perennials that typically reach a height of 1 foot (30 cm) and a width of 2 feet (60 cm). They are native to Europe and Asia and are closely related to rock cresses (Arabis spp.) rather than sweet alyssum. The plants feature attractive gray-green leaves and produce masses of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, lemon-yellow, or peachy-yellow.

Growing Conditions

Basket-of-gold plants thrive in sunny locations with well-draining soil. They prefer average soil conditions and do not tolerate rich or overly moist sites. To ensure optimal growth, plant your basket-of-golds in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and has soil that drains well.

Planting

You can start basket-of-gold plants from seeds or bedding plants. If starting from seeds, sow them directly in the garden in summer or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For bedding plants, set them out in early fall. Space the plants 6-12 inches apart.

Watering

Basket-of-gold plants require regular watering, especially when they are young. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional dry spells. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Fertilize basket-of-gold plants lightly every other year or so. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or a couple of handfuls of compost scattered around the plants in fall. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can result in poor flowering and a loss of the plant’s compact shape.

Maintenance

To keep your basket-of-gold plants looking their best, shear off the top one-third of the plants after the petals drop in summer. This shearing will revitalize the plants and prevent them from going to seed. Basket-of-gold plants do not need division to stay healthy, but you can divide them right after shearing if desired.

Troubleshooting

Die-back in hot, humid climates: Basket-of-gold plants may die back in midsummer in hot, humid climates. If this occurs, try growing them as annuals or move them to a shadier location.
Root rot: Root rot can occur if the soil is too moist. Ensure that the soil drains well and avoid overwatering.
Poor flowering: Over-fertilizing can lead to poor flowering. Fertilize lightly and only every other year or so.

Companion Plants

Basket-of-gold flowers make excellent companions for spring bulbs and sedums. Their bright yellow blooms complement the colors of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. They also pair well with the fleshy leaves and colorful flowers of sedums.

Cultivars

There are several cultivars of Aurinia saxtilis available, including:

‘Citrinum’: Features lemon-yellow flowers
‘Sunny Border Apricot’: Produces peachy-yellow blossoms
‘Gold Dust’: Compact variety with bright yellow flowers

Conclusion

Basket-of-gold plants are easy-to-grow and low-maintenance perennials that add a touch of golden sunshine to any garden. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can successfully grow and enjoy these cheerful plants for years to come.

Gardening Tips and Tools

St. John’s Wort: A Versatile and Easy-to-Grow Shrub for Your Garden

by Gregory October 3, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

St. John’s Wort: A Versatile Shrub for Your Garden

Introduction

St. John’s wort is a beautiful and easy-to-grow shrub that adds a splash of color to your garden from midsummer until fall. Its cheerful yellow flowers, long showy stamens, and colorful berries make it a favorite of gardeners and pollinators alike.

Growing Conditions

St. John’s wort is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers partially shaded sites with well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate full sun and a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, rocky, and loamy soils. It adapts well to both moist and dry conditions, and even tolerates occasional flooding and drought.

Planting and Care

To plant St. John’s wort, choose a location that receives bright morning sunlight and some shade in the hottest part of the afternoon. If your soil is not particularly fertile, amend it with compost or rotted manure before planting. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moist until the plant is well-established.

Uses in the Garden

St. John’s wort is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It makes an attractive ground cover and soil stabilizer, and it can also be used as an edging or to mark boundaries and pathways. Its compact size and showy flowers make it a good choice for containers, rock gardens, and foundation plantings.

Cultivars

There are many different cultivars of St. John’s wort available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular cultivars include:

H. x moserianum ‘Tricolor’: This cultivar is noted for its variegated foliage with a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, cream, and green.
H. frondosum ‘Sunburst’: This cultivar can tolerate winter temperatures down to zone 5 and forms a bushy mound up to 2 feet in diameter.
The Hypearls series: This series includes the cultivars ‘Olivia’, ‘Renu’, ‘Jacqueline’, and ‘Jessica’. These cultivars are well-suited to hot climates.
H. calycinum ‘Brigadoon’: The flowers on this cultivar are not as conspicuous as some of the others, but it has chartreuse foliage that turns golden orange in bright sun.

Medicinal Uses

St. John’s wort has a long history of medicinal use. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, it is important to note that St. John’s wort can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using it.

Conclusion

St. John’s wort is a beautiful and versatile shrub that is easy to grow and care for. It is a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience and can be used in a variety of ways in the garden.

Gardening

Lily of the Valley: A Fragrant Spring Delight | Easy Planting, Care, and Varieties

by Gregory March 4, 2020

written by Gregory 5 minutes read

Lily of the Valley: A Fragrant Spring Delight

Introduction

Lily of the valley is a popular choice for spring gardens, known for its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance. It’s a versatile plant that can be grown as a ground cover or in containers, and it’s easy to care for once established.

Quick Facts

Botanical name: Convallaria majalis
Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 6-12 inches
Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil requirements: Adaptable
Hardiness zones: USDA Zones 2-9
When to plant: Fall

About Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley plants have slender stems covered in tiny, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The flowers have a sweet perfume and are complemented by medium-green, lance-shaped leaves.

This moisture-loving plant forms a spreading mass, producing red seed pods after flowering. These seed pods add visual interest to the plant even after blooming. Lily of the valley is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year.

Planting Lily of the Valley

The best time to plant lily of the valley is in the fall. This gives the roots time to develop before winter dormancy. When planting, choose a spot with moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Where to Plant Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of locations. It’s a good choice for:

Ground cover under trees or shrubs
Along the sides of structures
In containers on patios or balconies

However, it’s important to note that lily of the valley can spread aggressively. To prevent it from becoming invasive, consider planting it in containers or using a root barrier.

Water and Light Requirements

Lily of the valley prefers moist soil, so water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You can also use mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

This plant thrives in shaded areas with dappled light. It can also tolerate full sun or full shade, but it may need more water in full sun.

Propagation

Lily of the valley can be propagated by division. This involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections. The best time to divide lily of the valley is in the fall or early spring.

Pests and Diseases

Lily of the valley is generally pest-free. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites. These pests can be easily treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Lily of the valley can also be susceptible to leaf spot or blotch diseases. These diseases can cause brown or yellow spots on the leaves. To prevent these diseases, keep the plants well-watered and avoid overwatering.

Toxicity

Important Note: All parts of lily of the valley are poisonous if ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Varieties of Lily of the Valley

There are several different varieties of lily of the valley available, including:

Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata’: This variety has dark leaves with white to cream stripes.
‘Aureomarginata’: This variety has cream to yellow-edged leaves.
Rosea: A pink variety that is not as vigorous as the white-flowered species.
Convallaria majuscule ‘Greene’: A North American native with bluish-green leaves that provides a carpet of beauty between other native plants.

Growing Tips

Lily of the valley prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Plant in partial to full shade for best results.
Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Propagate by division in the fall or early spring.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, but these are generally not a problem.

Conclusion

Lily of the valley is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that adds a touch of fragrance and charm to any garden. With its versatility and adaptability, it’s a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

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