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How to Grow Drought Hardy Herbs The good news about growing drought tolerant herb gardens is that many herbs hail from the Mediterranean, a region of inhospitable, rocky land that is hot and dry. Over time these plants have evolved into sturdy heat lovers that require minimal irrigation for survival. Additionally, herbs require no fertilization, especially if the garden plot has been properly prepared prior to planting, making them the perfect useful, yet unfussy, choice for a low water garden....

Smaller than store-bought strawberries, which are a hybrid of the wild strawberry and a European species, the berries are a favorite treat to many birds and animals, as well as people. Yes, contrary to what some may think, wild strawberries are not poisonous. In fact, the berries are edible and tasty. There is, however, a similar plant, called Indian mock strawberry, which has yellow flowers (rather than white), that produces berries with little to no flavor....

Do You Deadhead Black Eyed Susans? Deadheading Black Eyed Susan flowers is not necessary but can prolong the blooming period and prevent the plants from seeding all over your landscape. There are about twenty-five native species of Rudbeckia blanketing fields and meadows across North America. In nature, they efficiently go about their business of providing food and shelter for butterflies, other insects, birds, and small animals while self-sowing new generations of Black Eyed Susan plants....

Cutting crepe myrtle knots doesn’t resolve the problem. If you cut below the knot, a new knot forms in its place. The tree never reverts to its naturally beautiful shape, but through proper pruning of a crepe myrtle tree, you may be able to make the knots less noticeable. Why Knots Form on Crepe Myrtle Trees Pollarding is a European style of pruning where all of the new growth is cut from the tree each winter....

Czar Plum Tree Info Czar plum trees have an interesting lineage. It is a cross between Prince Engelbert and Early Prolific. Samples of Czar plum fruit were sent to Robert Hogg in August 1874 from the growers, Rivers of Sawbridgeworth. This was the first year of the trees’ fruiting and was yet to be named. Hogg named the plum fruit Czar in honor of the Czar of Russia who made a momentous visit to the UK that year....

Desert Trumpet Plant Info Each desert trumpet plant displays a few spindly, nearly leafless, grayish green stems (or sometimes a single stem). The upright stems rise above basal rosettes of crinkly, spoon-shaped leaves. Each stem has an odd-looking inflated area (thus the alternative name “bladder stem”). For many years, experts believed the inflated area – which measures about an inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter – is the result of an irritation caused by a larva that burrows in the stem....

Why Conifers Drop Needles A conifer that sheds its needles may cause you to panic and ask: “Why is my conifer shedding needles?”. But there is no need. A conifer shedding needles is completely natural. Conifer needles do not last forever. The natural, annual needle shed allows your tree to get rid of the older needles to make room for new growth. When Do Conifers Shed Needles? When do conifers shed needles?...

Choosing Low Maintenance Plants for Gardens Easy care gardening isn’t just about choosing from a list of low maintenance plants. It’s also about understanding your gardening environment and working with it. Plenty of plants grow wild in your area, and they don’t get any maintenance. You just have to figure out what they’re doing right. First of all, good low maintenance plants for gardens are the ones you only have to plant once....

Echeveria Plant Information Echeveria parva succulents are great little garden survivors. They tolerate heat, drought and also cold snaps, yet are also lovely, with their red-edged rosettes and dramatic flower stalks. According to echeveria plant information, the ‘parva’ species is difficult to find in commerce, but it is worth the effort. Parva offers unique coloring, with icy blue-green rosettes trimmed in blood red accents. ‘Parva’ means dwarf in Latin, so it makes sense that Echeveria parva succulents are a small variety....

Electric Fence Pest Control Using an electric fence around gardens is quicker and less expensive than building a deer-proof fence, and more effective than repellants. Unlike a tall fence, electric fence pest control won’t block your view. Still, when gardening with electric fencing, there are some things you need to consider. First, check with your city or county to make sure electric fences are permitted in your area. Some municipalities ban use of the fences due to safety concerns....

If you live in a climate where the temperatures fall drastically in winter, you’ll want more information on how this can affect your trees. We’ll also give you tips on how to prevent exploding trees. Frost Cracks in Trees When the temperatures drop well below zero, you may prefer to stay indoors, but landscape trees do not have that option. Truly cold temperatures can cause thin-skinned tree trunks to crack vertically....

About Fourth of July Flowers Many U.S. citizens adorn their gardens with blooms in hues of red, white, and blue to herald the Fourth of July. American flags may be dotted around the landscape, and patriotic bunting and other touches are displayed proudly. Fireworks came to us from the Chinese, who named their explosive shells after flowers. The resulting explosions mirrored the forms of our most lovely blooms. There are Chrysanthemum, Lotus, Peony, Morning Glory, and of course Ground Bloom pyrotechnics....

Prior to Fertilizing Strawberry Plants Strawberries are resilient and can grow in many different settings. Knowing when and how to fertilize strawberry plants will ensure a bountiful harvest but, along with strawberry plant feeding, there are a few other tasks to do to ensure healthy plants that will provide the biggest yields. Plant the berries in an area that receives at least 6 hours of full sun in well-draining soil in USDA zones 5-8....

Feeding mandevillas nourishes the growth and bloom flushes. The correct food and knowledge on how to fertilize a mandevilla will have you on the road to a glorious, season-long producer, with plenty of potential for consistent annual growth. Best Time for Feeding Mandevillas Apply mandevilla fertilizer in spring and summer every two weeks. The vine will go dormant in winter, so don’t feed at that time or you may have a flush of tender new growth that will be harmed by cooler weather....

Rock Garden Design Building a rock garden is not at all difficult. In fact, it’s basically just a variety of low-growing plants nestled into an outcropping of rocks, though they may vary depending on the space. The best way to create a rock garden design is to take a look at Mother Nature’s natural handiwork, and then copy her ideas. The first task is to go on a rock hunting expedition....

About Fothergilla Shrubs The flowers that grow on this shrub are white and showy with a delicious fragrance. They have abundant blooms in spring, summer, and fall. In the spring, the blooms are eye-catching and plentiful. In the summer, there is full foliage with the ivory-white flowers. In the fall, they show vibrant, fiery colors of purple, red, yellow, and orange. There are two major Fothergilla species: F. major and F....

Recognizing Fruit Trees with Powdery Mildew Knowing how to treat powdery mildew requires being able to recognize it. The clearest sign of powdery mildew is the characteristic spores and mycelium. They are white or gray in color and appear like a powdered substance on both sides of leaves. Less commonly you will see the powder on new shoots and flowers. When flowers are infected, the fruit will then either not set or be stunted, russeted, or will develop rough spots....

There are steps you can take toward fusarium crown rot control, however, that include prevention, isolation, and sanitation. Keep reading to learn more about fusarium crown rot disease and fusarium crown rot treatment. Fusarium Crown Rot Control Many of the symptoms of fusarium crown rot disease take place, unfortunately, underground. There are signs that affect the above ground part of the plant too. The leaves may become wilted and take on a yellowed, scorched appearance....

How to Save Garlic for Next Year Garlic originates from Central Asia but has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in Mediterranean countries. The ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed garlic with reports of gladiators consuming the bulb prior to battle. Egyptian slaves are purported to have consumed the bulb to give them the strength to build the great pyramids. Garlic is one of 700 species in the Allium or onion family, of which there are three specific types of garlic: softneck (Allium sativum), hardneck (Allium ophioscorodon), and elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum)....

Gladiolus Propagation Methods There are two gladiolus propagation methods: germinating seeds and growing new plants from divided corms. The method you choose depends on how many flowers you want to grow and how much time you’re willing to invest. If you want to grow a great number of gladiolus plants and don’t mind spending a few years doing it, gladiolus seed germination is the way to go. Leave the flowers on the stem for about six weeks after they die off....