What is Lilac Mist Sedeveria? Sedeveria plants are hybrids of sedum, a diverse and large group of drought-tolerant perennials, and echeveria, a large group of stonecrop succulents that also has a lot of diversity of color and shape. By crossing these two types of plants, you get a whole range of new succulents in exciting colors, textures, growth habits, and leaf shapes. Sedeveria ‘Lilac Mist’ gets its name from the color, which is grayish green with a lilac blush....

What is a Trailing Verbena? Several types of verbena flower exist, all of which vary greatly in terms of adaptability to climate and weather conditions. Trailing verbena flowers are a popular bedding annual that thrives in regions where temperatures remain relatively mild. Though the plant may not be able to be grown throughout the entirety of summer in some regions, those who experience hotter temperatures can enjoy the plant from late winter and into spring....

What is a Virgin Mary Garden? If you haven’t heard of a Mary-themed garden, you might ask what it is. The tradition of naming flowers after the Virgin Mary began centuries ago. For example, during the Middle Ages missionaries in Europe began to unite plants named after Mary in “Mary Gardens.” Later, gardeners in America picked up the tradition. Virgin Mary Garden Ideas Creating a Mary Garden of your own isn’t difficult....

Oxblood Lily Info Oxblood lily (Rhodophiala bifida) is a fall blooming plant which goes dormant in summer. The blooms look similar to amaryllis, but the two plants are not related. Each bloom is only open for 2 to 3 days, but the flowering clump will produce for up to a month. The bulbs are not common in many parts of North America but can be found quite extensively in Texas where they were first introduced....

What is Branch Flagging? The condition called tree branch flagging occurs when a tree’s branches turn brown, wilt, or die. Usually, the branches are not all grouped together. Rather, you may see them scattered around the tree’s crown. Flagging in trees can be due to cicada insects. The females use a sharp appendage on their abdomens to break open the bark of small, new tree branches to deposit eggs. The damaged young branches can then break off in the wind and fall to the ground....

Brown Goldring Info What is Brown Goldring lettuce? Its name leaves something to be desired (who wants brown lettuce, anyway?), but this plant has deceptively sweet, tasty leaves and succulent, golden hearts that are ranked among the most delicious by gardeners. Its name comes from the Goldring family of Bath, England, who first developed the variety. The “brown” comes from the color of its outer leaves, which are streaked with brown veins and copper colored along the edges....

What is Crisphead Lettuce? Crisphead lettuce is mostly grown in cooler, northern climates. It needs a bit more maintenance than the loose-leaf varieties and has a characteristic flavor and texture not found in those types. They bolt in summer but can be started in fall or early spring, producing at least two seasons of produce. They also need a longer growing period as compared to the upright or loose-leaf varieties. Some crisphead lettuce info will help you navigate this more picky but definitely worth growing head lettuce....

Emerald Oak Lettuce Info What is Emerald Oak lettuce? This cultivar is a cross between two other lettuce varieties: Blushed Butter Oak and Deer Tongue. It was originally developed in 2003 by Frank and Karen Morton, owners of Wild Garden Seed, who over the years have bred countless new kinds of greens. It is apparently a favorite on the Morton farm. The lettuce grows in dense, compact heads of rounded leaves that are a shade of bright green you could easily describe as “emerald....

What is Fertigation? The name might give a clue as to the definition of fertigation. Simply put, fertigation is a process that combines fertilization and irrigation. Fertilizer is added to an irrigation system. It is most commonly used by commercial growers. Fertigation rather than traditional fertilization approaches is purported to target the plant’s nutrient deficiencies more effectively. It also reduces soil erosion and water consumption, reduces the amount of fertilizer utilized, and controls the time and rate it is released....

Giant Sacaton Info Giant sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii) isn’t as well known as other big grasses like pampas, but it has both winter and drought tolerance that make it a star in the garden. The perennial, warm season grass is relatively maintenance and disease free. In fact, giant sacaton care is so minimal you can practically forget the plant is there once it establishes. Giant sacaton has several seasons of interest and is deer and salt resistant....

If you live in an area where you can’t grow traditional cherry trees, don’t despair. There are a few fruiting trees in the Myrtle family which produce cherry-like berries. The Grumichama tree, with its dark purple, sweet tasting fruit is an alternative for the Bing cherry. What is Grumichama Also known as the Brazil cherry, this berry producing tree is native to South America. The Grumichama cherry can be cultivated in other tropical and subtropical climates, including Florida and Hawaii....

What is Timber Rot? Tomato timber rot, also known as sclerotinia stem rot, is a fungal disease caused by the organism known as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It appears sporadically around the time tomatoes start to flower due to the favorable conditions that heavy tomato foliage cover creates. Timber rot of tomatoes is encouraged by prolonged periods of cool, wet conditions caused by rain, dew, or sprinklers and the high humidity that builds between the ground and the lowest tomato leaves....

Bad soil can restrict the water and nutrient uptake of plants, as well as restrict the root development causing plants to yellow, wilt, dry up, be stunted, and even die. Fortunately, poor soils can be amended with soil conditioners. What is soil conditioner? This article will answer that question and explain how to use soil conditioner in the garden. What’s in Soil Conditioner? Soil conditioners are soil amendments that improve the soil structure by increasing aeration, water holding capacity, and nutrients....

Papaya Black Spot Symptoms Black spot of papaya is caused by the fungus Asperisporium caricae, previously referred to as Cercospora caricae. This disease is most severe during rainy periods. Both the foliage and fruit of papaya may be infected with black spots. Initial symptoms appear as small water-soaked lesions on the upper side of leaves. As the disease progresses, small black spots (spores) can be seen on the underside of leaves....

About Bird of Paradise There are five species of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), named for Queen Charlotte, George III’s wife. It grows wild in the Eastern Cape along riverbeds and coastal bush, an area of mild temperatures and frequent rains. Often used as a cut flower in the floral trade, bird of paradise is a common ornamental in Southern California and Florida which can be grown in USDA zones 10-12 and with adequate protection in zone 9....

An evergreen is a tree that keeps its foliage year-round. There are two types of evergreens – narrowleaf or needled, such as pine and yew; and broadleaf, such as azalea and boxwood. The narrowleaf evergreens are usually sought for their foliage, while broadleaf evergreens are typically planted for flowers, fruit, and foliage. Trimming evergreen bushes can be minimized with the selection and placement of the proper plant for the space....

Wildflower Gardening Most wildflower and native gardens are planted in borders and beds, sometimes along tree or property lines. A quick scan of your property and surrounding landscape will enable you to see exactly what plants thrive in your area. These plants and others with similar attributes will be the ideal choices for your desired wildflower gardening planting scheme. How to Use Wildflowers and Native Plants Typically, you’ll find the most wildflower species growing within woodland environments, and these are often the more commonly planted....

Below is a breakdown of vegetable gardening in winter for both northern and southern gardeners. Southern Vegetable Gardening in Winter If you are lucky enough to live in an area where hardy plants can survive winter temperatures, growing a winter vegetable garden is one alternative. Hardy vegetables which can be planted in fall for a winter or early spring harvest include the following: Bok ChoyBroccoliBrussels sproutsCollardsKaleKohlrabiLeeksMustard greensPeasRadishSpinachSwiss ChardTurnip Winter Maintenance for Veggie Gardens If you decide not to vegetable garden over winter or if you live in a northern climate, winter maintenance for veggie gardens helps prepare the garden for the spring planting season....

Plants for Winter Interest Just because winter days are cold and cloudy does not mean you cannot have colorful displays of shrubs with winter interest that lure birds into your backyard. Nature always manages to offer variety and beauty in the garden with sunshine, rain, and snow. Ideal winter plants for gardens thrive in the backyard when the cold settles in, creating texture and surprises in the landscape when summer shrubs are dormant....

Wintergreen Houseplants If you’ve ever seen wintergreen growing outdoors, you know that it is a gorgeous plant all year long. Like a holly tree, the wintergreen’s glossy leaves do not wilt and die in autumn. Wintergreen plants are evergreen. These shiny leaves contrast winningly with the plant’s flowers. The blossoms look like tiny, dangling bells. Wintergreen flowers ultimately produce bright Christmas-red berries. As you can imagine, all of these elements in a small pot on your holiday table looks festive and merry, indeed....