Growing Tips

Two landscape design items needing proper placement in any public landscape area are vines and window boxes. Both should be used with restraint, but when used correctly, they are effective

Hydroton is sometimes referred to as grow rocks, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This growing medium has exploded in popularity in the United States, not only among

Soil porosity is the term used to describe the amount of open space or pore space that can be found between particles of soil. Pore spaces can be formed in

You may not have heard of etiolation before, but we would bet money you’ve encountered it at some point, especially with houseplants. Etiolation isn’t a disease, but a condition caused

Furcraea foetida (fer-KREE-uh FET-uh-duh) is an evergreen flowering plant from the family Agavaceae now the Asparagaceae family. It hails from northern South America and the Caribbean. However, Furcraea is cultivated

The Foxglove Plant (Digitalis purpurea), one remarkable, distinctive flower reminiscent of our earlier childhood years. Seeing the foxglove brings us back to memories of summers long past spent in cottage gardens.

When soil requirements are specified for various kinds of gardening needs, reference is frequently made to “good soil,” “ordinary garden loam,” “good garden soil,” or “good garden loam soil.” For

Jatropha integerrima [jat-ROE-fuh in-teh-GAIR-rih-muh] is a perennial evergreen shrub from the genus Jatropha and is often trained to grow as a small tree. J. integerrima is native to the West

Do you know the Yesterday Today and Tomorrow plant? You may know it as the Brunfelsia plant – Brunfelsia grandiflora or Brunfelsia pauciflora. The plant is also known by a

These days it’s becoming harder and harder to get pure water for your houseplants.  Tap water or municipal water often contains unwanted contaminants, and even rainwater is less than perfect. 

The magnificent New Zealand Christmas Tree Metrosideros excelsa [met-roh-SID-er-oss ek-SEL-sa] is a popular plant in its native New Zealand. The attractive plant stands out when it blooms during Christmas time,

At first glance, it may seem perlite and vermiculite are very similar products and could be used interchangeably.  The fact is, they are quite different and impart very different qualities

Have you ever wondered how long you should keep the grow lights on your plants?  If so, you’re not alone. Here’s a question we received on just that topic. Question:

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Still, it is not uncommon for landscape and garden soil to be lacking in organic matter and texture allowing for good

Cyperus alternifolius [sy-PEER-us, al-tern-ee-FOH-lee-us] is one of the most popular houseplants from the sedge family Cyperaceae. The plant is native to Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and many East African states

Humus is the blood, the life of your garden soil. Every gardener’s primary concern should be to make year-by-year improvements to their soil. Soil without humus, is inactive, lacking the

All living things need calcium, yet even though calcium is an abundant mineral, it often comes in a form not easily absorbed by consumers. This same goes with plants. Although

Have you ever been asked the best way on ‘How to clean leaves on houseplants?” Here’s the deal. The common houseplant is a great way to spruce up your home

Homeowners looking for a scintillating burst of bright crimson in their garden or yard won’t have to look very far- the Euonymus alatus, or the Burning Bush is the perfect

Mother Nature has provided numerous natural ways to help plants and trees grow.  One of the most effective ways of ensuring the plants grow optimally is mulching the plant with

One of the most significant responsibilities of being a cat owner is to provide them with a healthy and safe environment to live.  This is especially true if you are

If you want your plants to grow optimally, with lush foliage and vibrant blossoms, then you have to focus on the quality of your soil.  The root systems of all

The teddy bear vine – Cyanotis Kewensis [Sy-an-NOH-tiss Kew-EN-sis] synonym Cyanotis beddomei is a distinctive houseplant native to South Africa. It has trailing or spreading stems covered with unique fuzzy,

Many beautiful plants have come to us from the tropical regions of the world. The cleome flower, or spider-flower (not the spider plant chlorophytum comosum), is one of them. Its

Is your Sago Palm leaves turning yellow? If so, you are not alone! First, understand that the Sago palm tree (Cycas revoluta) is not a true palm tree at all. In fact, it

If you’ve been gardening a while, you may have noticed a decline in the appearance of your plants.  For example, leaves may have become lackluster and yellow.  What could the

Here’s a question for you! Have you ever asked “can you reuse tea bags”? Do used tea bags have any uses in the garden? What’s garbage in the kitchen can actually

Ruellia brittoniana (Ru-EL-lee-a brit-toe-nee-A-na), more commonly known as Mexican Petunia belongs to Acanthaceae family and Ruellia genus. As the name suggests, this plant is a native to Mexico. However, it

The funny little jatropha podagrica [JAT-roh-fuh pod-AG-ree-kuh] is a great conversation starter and addition to any planter. It’s native to the tropical Americas and commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.