The round blossom clusters of mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are a familiar sight in gardens and backyards at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Virtually maintenance-free when planted appropriately, hydrangea bushes offer you a summer of decorative white, pink or blue blossoms without much work. These blooms are equally appealing in…
Just about any plant could be classified as a ground cover so long as it is perennial, evergreen, trailing or clumping and grows less than one foot high. Ground covers used in landscaping are automatically associated with low-lying plants that are Poisonous. Some kinds of ground covers are better suited to erosion control, while some…
Even though the U.S. Consumer and Product Safety Commission issued a last ban on the use of lead in paints in 1977, that ban did not consist of lead in ceramic glazes. Although many American potteries no longer use lead in their glazes, if you don’t have verified with the manufacturer that your piece was…
They could be little, but the fruits of cherry tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) have some things in their favor. They excel in flavor, sweetness, color and prosperity. The plants have a very long fruit-bearing season because they begin to flower about one month after they are planted, and they continue growing and blooming until killed…
Asparagus plants (Asparagus officinalis) are uncommon because they are dioecious, which means some plants are male while others are female. You may have heard that male plants are better producers of asparagus spears and, because of this, could be thinking about replacing your female plants with males. Even though this isn’t necessary if your plants…
You may find one of two kinds of monkey grass aping each other in gardens — lily turf (Liriope spp.) and mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus). Although they share a frequent name, the sizes, shapes and growth habits of those grassy lily plant family members have different spacing requirements. Two Monkeys Lily turf and mondo grass…
Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are one of the most common vegetables grown by home gardeners although they’re plagued by several insects and problems. Blossom-end rot is just one potential challenge, and it occurs with no warning, blemishing otherwise healthy tomato fruits. Epsom salt is an economical and widely available option, but its effectiveness has not been…
Palm trees help turn a normal terrace into a lush, green oasis. Potted palms may be used as an impressive centerpiece or as exotic embellishment. Based on light conditions, many palms are great choices for growing on the patio. Palms to Shady Patios Some patios get only indirect light throughout the afternoon or direct sunshine…
To add watermelon plants (Citrullus vulgaris) to your backyard, just pick a warm, sunny spot and plant seeds or seedlings in spring. Specific types are compact, bushy plants that suit smaller gardens, although the conventional watermelon grows as a vine. Irrespective of the kind you choose, providing soil conditions that are ideal to the plants…
Container growing requires special consideration for its long vines, although a summer treat, honeydew melons provide. If you provide the necessary help to train the vines honeydews can develop in containers on porches or balconies. Well-anchored trellises, such as those attached to fence or a wall, support the burden of their melons. Plant your honeydew…