Marigolds as Food Marigolds have an extensive history. They were revered by the Aztecs and used medicinally, ornamentally, and in religious rites. The Spanish and Portuguese explorers seized upon these golden blooms, not quite gold but golden nonetheless, and brought them back to Europe. There they were referred to as “Mary’s Gold” in deference to the Virgin Mary as well as a nod to their gilded hues. Marigolds are used in Pakistan and India to dye cloth and make flower garlands for harvest festivals....

Elephant Ears Gardening Uses There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds, along walkways, or patio enclosures. Their most common use, however, is as an accent or focal point. Many are even well adapted to growing in containers. Planting Elephant Ear Bulbs Growing elephant ear plants is easy....

European Chestnut Information European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is also called Spanish chestnut or sweet chestnut. This tall, deciduous tree belonging to the beech family can grow to 100 feet (30.5 m.) tall. Despite the common name, European chestnut trees are not native to Europe but to western Asia. Today, however, European chestnut trees thrive throughout much of Europe as well as northern Africa. According to European chestnut information, humans have been growing sweet chestnut trees for their starchy nuts for centuries....

Evergreen Clematis Vines Popular in the Pacific Northwest, these vines climb by twisting stems around any support you set out for them. They can grow to 15 feet (5 m.) tall and 10 feet (3 m.) wide over time. The glossy leaves on evergreen clematis vines are some 3 inches (8 cm.) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm.) wide. They are pointed and droop downward. In the spring, white blossoms appear on the vines....

About Fatsia Plants Fatsia is a shrub native to Japan. It has a tropical appearance with bold, large leaves that are shiny and dark green. Fatsia grows 8 to 12 inches (20.5-30.5 cm.) per year and ultimately up to 10 feet (3 m.) tall and wide. In warm climates such as the southeastern U.S., fatsia makes a pretty ornamental and is an evergreen. Grow it in moist, rich soil that drains well and in areas with dappled shade for best results....

How to Fertilize Boston Ferns Boston ferns, like most ferns, are low feeders, meaning they tend to need less fertilizer than other plants; but just because they need less fertilizer doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be fertilized. Fertilizing Boston ferns properly at different times of the year is essential to growing beautiful Boston ferns. Fertilizing Boston Ferns in Summer Summer is when Boston ferns are in their active phase of growth; more growth means a higher need for nutrients....

Reasons for Ficus Tree Dropping Leaves First of all, realize that it is normal for a ficus tree to lose some leaves. A few leaves dropping off a ficus tree will not hurt it and it will regrow, but if your ficus is losing more than a few leaves, the following reasons could be why: Change in environment – The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed....

Classifying Begonias Begonias are found wild in South and Central America and are native plants in India. They can be found in other tropical climates, and they propagate by a variety of means. The sheer variety of begonias has helped make them favorites of garden clubs and among collectors. Each of the six begonia sub classes has a unique leaf that can be used to facilitate identification. Tuberous Begonia Leaves Image by daryl_mitchell Tuberous begonia are grown for their showy flowers....

Creating a Flower Arrangement with Leaves Those who have planted a flower garden have likely decided to grow many of their favorite plants. The combination of annuals and perennials can blend together for a stunning display. In deciding to pick flowers from the garden, it is easy to become enamored with the largest and most vibrant blooms. However, a high-quality flower arrangement will often include several parts. Though focal flowers are of great importance, many overlook another key component: the foliage....

About Foamflowers Foamflower plants do not get the recognition they deserve, but this may be changing. New cultivars, resulting from crosses between the Eastern and Western native foamflower plants have been marketed in recent years and gardeners are learning some of the benefits of foamflower in the garden, especially the woodland garden. Foamflower Care Growing foamflowers have a relatively lengthy bloom, often lasting as long as six weeks when properly located....

While nobody wants to bite into a rotten or diseased fruit, the fact that there are brown spots on apple skin doesn’t mean the fruit should be tossed. Read on to find out what causes this kind of frost rings, aka russeting on apples. Frost and Apple Trees Gardeners who are growing apples rely on the average last-frost date that applies to their area. But there is no guarantee that fruit trees will wait until after that date to bloom....

It’s entirely possible to be a good, efficient gardener and a caring neighbor at the same time, but it requires awareness and consideration. Read on for more ideas on garden etiquette, including lawn mower etiquette. Garden Etiquette Condensing the broad subject of garden etiquette into one phrase is easy: be a good neighbor. However, figuring out how to be a good neighbor when it comes to maintaining your property takes a little more effort....

Mice in the garden are a nuisance and a potential health threat due to the diseases these pests carry. It isn’t unusual to have mice in the garden, especially when there is a ready supply of food. If you wonder, “Will mice eat my vegetable garden?” the answer is a resounding “yes.” Mice are opportunistic and vegetable damage is one of the common mouse garden problems. Identifying Mouse Damage in the Garden Identifying mouse presence is the first step in starting garden mouse control....

Why not extend our outdoor viewing pleasure into the darkness by creating a nightscape? Garden nightscape design is easy and so much fun. There are many ways to create the nightscape of your dreams. Read on for some nightscaping ideas. How to Create a Nightscape Garden You may be asking yourself, “What is a nightscape?”. A nightscape is a garden you can comfortably dine in, sit in, and stroll in after dark....

May in California In California, the merry month of May is usually sunny and dry. In the northern half of the state, the average temperatures range from 51 to 64 degrees F (10-18 C.), while average southern high temperatures get to 10 degrees warmer. May tasks for California gardens include a lot of planting opportunities. No matter where you live in the state, May in California is a great time to plant warm-season vegetables like beans, melons and squash....

No matter what your taste, there are plants for shade that can turn a once barren patch of dirt into a cool oasis that will quickly become one of your favorite places to sit and relax. Let’s take a look at some plant options for gardening in shade. Flowering Shade Loving Plants If colorful blooms are what you desire, there are a variety of flowers that can brighten almost any shady locale....

Garlic Plant Fertilizer Garlic is a heavy feeder, basically because it takes so long to come to fruition. Because of this, it’s best to think about feeding garlic plants right from the start. In most climates, garlic bulbs should be planted in late fall or early winter — six weeks before the soil freezes. In milder areas, you may plant garlic in January or even February for late summer or early fall....

How to Store Gloriosa Lily Bulbs Over Winter In late summer, as gloriosa flowers began to fade, reduce watering. When the aerial parts of the plant wither and die, cut them back to soil level. Before the first frost in your location, carefully dig up gloriosa tubers for winter storage. Many times, as the flowers fade and the plant withers, its energy will go into producing a “daughter” tuber. Though you may have started out with only one gloriosa tuber, when you dig it up in autumn, you may find two fork-shaped tubers....

What is Gotu Kola? Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a low-growing perennial plant native to the warm, tropical climates of Indonesia, China, Japan, South Africa, and the South Pacific. It has been used for many centuries as a treatment for respiratory ailments and a variety of other condition, including fatigue, arthritis, memory, stomach problems, asthma, and fever. In the garden, gotu kola grows nearly anywhere as long as conditions are never dry and works well near water or as a groundcover in dark, shady areas....

Using a Greenhouse for Growing Herbs Using a greenhouse allows you to control the heat, moisture, and shade for your plants, giving them the most perfect environment in which to grow. Greenhouse herb gardening can protect tender annuals from the extreme summer heat while extending the season and allowing your plants to grow earlier and later in the season. The key to getting the most out of your greenhouse is in setting it up before you add a single plant....