What is Greek Oregano? Compared to other varieties of oregano, there really is nothing remarkable about Greek oregano from an ornamental viewpoint. It simply has hairy, dark green leaves with small white flowers. However, whatever aesthetic shortcomings this Mediterranean native may have, it compensates for in culinary value. You may not be aware of this Greek oregano info, but while there are many varieties of oregano, Greek oregano is considered the “true oregano” and is typically the oregano that graces the standard supermarket spice rack....

What is Katuk? Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) is a shrub, indigenous to Southeast Asia that is cultivated in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. It thrives in tropical climates in lowland rainforests where it grows between 4-6 feet (1 to 2 m.) tall. Additional Katuk plant info describes it as an upright bush with multiple stems and dark green, oval-shaped leaves. In tropical climates, the plant stays green year-round, but in cooler climes, the bush will likely lose leaves in the winter only to regrow in the spring....

Bold flavor profiles lend the plants’ use to imaginative and creative kitchen recipes, as well as in traditional favorites throughout the world. For this reason, basils such as the licorice basil plant are long-time favorites among traditional gardeners and herb aficionados alike. What is Licorice Basil? Licorice basil is a strong, flavorful variety of basil which grows into vibrant green plants with hints of purple on the foliage. A type of Thai basil, these plants are not only beautiful, but reward growers as an immensely fragrant addition to the home garden....

Interest in the fruit has revived somewhat thanks to improved varieties that can be eaten fresh, but quinces are such a minor player in the agricultural economy that the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn’t track them. For those that are interesting in growing quince, however, it helps to know more about good quince care to get the most from your plant. What is Quince Fruit? Quince is a very fragrant yellow fruit used to make jams and jellies....

About Red Fescue Grass What is Red Fescue? Creeping red fescue grass (Festuca rubra) is a perennial lawn grass in USDA planting zones 1-7 and an annual grass in zones 8-10. Native to Europe, this cool season grass needs moist soil until it is established. However, once it is established, it has a very deep root system and is very resistant to wear and drought. Red fescue has very fine blades and a very attractive emerald green color when well irrigated....

Do Squirrels Harm Trees? Squirrel tree damage is generally limited on healthy trees. However, although it is uncommon, removal of too much bark around the circumference of a branch can block movement of sugars and the branch can be damaged. Bark may also be damaged if fungal infections enter the damaged wood. Broad-leaved trees are most vulnerable to damage by squirrels. Again, tree damage by squirrels isn’t a common occurrence....

Bottlebrush Plant Problems When your bottlebrush plant (Callistemon) won’t bloom, your entire garden looks less joyful. Several different bottlebrush plant problems can result in a situation where bottlebrush won’t bloom. What are the most common reasons for bottlebrush not flowering? If your bottlebrush won’t bloom, it’s probably something you are doing wrong in caring for it. Light Reasons for a bottlebrush not flowering usually begin with a lack of sunshine. The first thing to consider if you notice that your bottlebrush won’t bloom is where it’s planted in your garden and if it gets enough sunshine....

Lawn Care in Winter The most important and active steps in winter lawn care actually take place before winter sets in. As the first frost approaches, gradually lower the blade of your lawnmower with each mowing. This will ease your grass into a shorter length that will discourage damaging rodents from taking shelter in it over winter. Just before the first frost, aerate your lawn to relieve compaction. Then apply a lawn fertilizer....

Trees That Turn Yellow in Autumn While there are a number of trees that can provide wonderful yellow fall foliage, these are some of the most common trees seen in home landscapes and some good ones to start with. Nothing is more exhilarating than enjoying these beautiful yellow and golden tones on a crisp fall day. Big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) – Big-leaf maple is a large tree with huge leaves that turn a rich shade of yellow in autumn, sometimes with a hint of orange....

Adzuki bean nutrition is off the charts with loads of fiber and vitamins. The beans are fairly easy to grow but require a long season, so start them indoors in short-season climates. Growing adzuki beans in the home landscape will help you harvest the health benefits of these small beans and add some interest to the family dinner table through their diversity. What are Adzuki Beans? Legumes are good for the body and good for the landscape....

About African Basil Plants Native to Africa and South Asia, African blue basil plants have long been grown for the medicinal and culinary uses of the leaves. It is related to the common basil that flavors so many dishes but grows as a shrub rather than a leafy herb. The shrub grows up to 6 feet (2 m.) tall and looks a little weedy. You can trim and shape it to look tidier though....

How to Plant Agapanthus Agapanthus planting is best done during the fall or winter in warm climates. Agapanthus makes a lovely back border or focal plant due to its height, beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers, and leaf texture. For a dramatic effect, plant a large grouping throughout a sunny garden spot. Agapanthus flowers can also be used in container plantings in cooler regions. Growing Agapanthus requires a sunny to partly shady location and regular water....

Identifying Invasive Plants The best way to avoid problems in the landscape is to become familiar with what plants are aggressive. Identifying invasive plants is key to controlling them. Invasive plants seem to swallow everything up in their path. They wind their way around other vegetation, spread wildly, and seem nearly impossible to tame. Many plants that are known to be aggressive spread by underground rhizomes. Propagation of this nature makes keeping plants confined difficult at best....

Agrimony Plant Info Agrimony belongs to the rose family, and the spikes of sweet-scented, bright yellow blooms are an attractive addition to the landscape. In days of yore, fabric was colored with dye created from the blooms. Historically, agrimony herbs have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, menstrual problems, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, snake bites, skin conditions, blood loss and jaundice. According to various sources of plant folklore, witches used the agrimony herb in their spells to ward off curses....

Algerian Ivy Information Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis or Hedera canariensis) is also commonly called Canary Island ivy, Canary ivy, or Madeira ivy. It is an evergreen vine native to western regions and islands of Africa. Algerian ivy is hardy in zones 7 through 11. It will grow in full sun, but it may be stunted and will need frequent watering in full sun. It prefers to grow in part to full shade....

Christmas Tree Options Of course, an option to chopping down a fresh fir tree for use as your Christmas tree is to utilize one of the many synthetic trees available on the market. While the upside to this is that the tree can be used year after year, the downside is that the composition of these trees is less than eco-friendly and you need space to store it. Still, this is, of course, an option and trees are available in a multitude of sizes and materials (including 100% recyclable cardboard) suitable to even the smallest habitude....

Fortunately, there are several suitable alternatives to peat moss. Read on to learn more about peat moss substitutes. Why Do We Need Peat Moss Alternatives? Peat moss is harvested from ancient bogs, and most peat used in the U.S. comes from Canada. Peat takes many centuries to develop, and it’s being removed much faster than it ever can be replaced. Peat serves many functions in its natural environment. It purifies water, prevents flooding, and absorbs carbon dioxide, but once harvested, peat contributes to the release of harmful carbon dioxide into the environment....

How Do Houseplants Benefit Humans? Did you know that houseplants can actually increase the humidity in our indoor air? This is especially important for those of us that live in drier climates, or that have forced air heating systems in our homes. Houseplants release moisture in the air by a process called transpiration. This can help our indoor air humidity stay at a healthier level. The more plants you have grouped together, the more your humidity will increase....

Can You Grow Bluestar Plants in Winter? Native bluestar amsonia plants grace plenty of gardens as low-maintenance, easy to grow perennials. If you plant them in full sun or partial shade in moist soil, the shrubs provide dense clusters of spring flowers and golden fall foliage. But can you grow bluestar plants in winter? That depends on a comparison of amsonia cold tolerance to the coldest temperatures in your region in winter....

Anthracnose Symptoms in Avocado Unlike many avocado diseases that are basically cosmetic, anthracnose is often difficult to see and can selectively ruin fruits, leaving all other plant parts untouched. You might notice some leaf spots, but it’s far more likely your first brush with this fungal pathogen will occur while your fruits are ripening. Avocados will suddenly sport small dark spots that expand rapidly, within just one or two days, as the fruit ripen....