Plant Gardens 101

The botanical name for lily.

As a species name, means “native to China.” Many cultivars of astilbe, for example, have been developed from the Chinese species, Astilbe chinensis.

Setting a pot in a shallow tray of water and leaving it there long enough to wet the soil from the bottom up. Often recommended for pots of seeds or seedlings, to avoid splashing them out of place.

Plants need water for growth and healthy development. If plants are deprived of the required amounts of water, over a period they will whither and die. Unlike plants grown in soil, plants grown hydroponically in grow rooms and indoor greenhouses, are completely dependent on supplied water to meet their nutritional needs. It is therefore important that growers gain a basic understanding of certain vital aspects concerning water supply and plant nutrition.

Water is an excellent solvent and whether it is drawn from a tap, a lake, river or other natural sources, contains dissolved impurities along with mineral salts. The salts commonly found in water include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride and carbonates. Plant growth is not adversely affected as long as salinity levels (levels of dissolved salts) are not excessive, but beyond certain threshold limits it can cause extensive tissue damage. (more…)

The section of stem between two adjacent nodes.

Open land with few trees and covered with scrub and other low plants. A term rarely used in North America.

A water garden could be either natural or artificial but there are two things, which bring them together – the adding of some kind of water gardening feature and the existence of water forming the central theme. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a legendary garden of ancient times, brought into play a prominent water gardening feature.

In addition, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is also renowned for its water gardening feature. The water gardens have recaptured their importance in the landscaping area in the past few years, encompassing container based water gardens to great outdoor arrangements. They are referred by several names like water ponds, aquatic gardens, and backyard ponds. (more…)

A fungus that attacks lettuce, strawberries, and many other plants, forming soft scummy patches of gray mold. Also called Botrytis.

The spring pond season is an exciting time especially after a long, cold winter. Many pond and water gardeners are anxious to experiment and try out new products and techniques for a refreshing new look. But for many, spring also means the arrival of the dreaded “spring green.” The warmer temperatures and longer days create conditions ideal for algae that turn your pond into pea soup.

The following spring algae-busting tips will help you enjoy your outdoor space throughout the summer without having to constantly worry about algae.

Get a jump start Once algae take hold, they seem nearly impossible to rid. This may be the case if conditions that encourage aggressive algae growth are not addressed in a prompt manner. Simplify algae control by getting a jump-start. Take steps to keep algae growth under control as soon as possible – don’t wait until the water turns murky green. (more…)

The first leaves produced by a seedling that have the arrangement and appearance typical of that species.

The botanical name for horsetail and scouring rush.

A container planted with several species of indoor plants, designed to look like a garden scene.

Hydroponic gardening is one of the most popular methods for plant production. This form allows people with no land, or land unsuitable for plant growth, to produce food and flowers with ease. As you go about building your hydroponics system you will will want to invest in excellent grow lights. Many gardeners choose HID, or high intensity discharge, grow lamps because they most closely resemble natural sunlight, and this is conducive to excellent plant growth in an indoor growing situation. However, not all grow lights are created equal.

There are five types of HID lights, and they include mercury vapor, low-pressure sodium, xenon short-arc lamps, metal halide and high-pressure sodium. Metal halide and high-pressure sodium make great hydroponic lights and should be used with a specialty hydroponic digital ballast. (more…)

As a species name, means “pure, shining white.” For example, the Madonna lily, Lilium candidum, candle has glossy white flowers.

A style of espalier in which limbs are trained into a latticelike pattern.

Well, you have turned your leisure pursuit into a passion and you are at present considering turning into a master gardener and thus pursue your interest more intensely. But what exactly does this entail?

Most people make up their minds to upgrade their gardening skills and enroll for master gardener courses that extension agents and universities in Canada and America offer. These gardening programs provide the necessary information and practical experience in return for putting in volunteer hours. In that case, what sort of gardening supplies would a master gardener require for joining such a course?   (more…)

A plant that grows submerged in water, although its roots are in soil. The most common aquatics are water lilies and lotus.

Bonsai plants aren’t complex to problem for. If you have the experience of education other household plants, then you’re solid to result with a bonsai. The only difference of the bonsai foliage to other plants is they are actually ‘trees’. That being the rationale, they can be killed even if they are reserved inside during the iciness.

Nevertheless if you think that planting a hierarchy in a small container can magically favor into a bonsai, you’re wrong. It takes continual shaping and pruning. It also depends on what kind of species you have.

Caring for bonsai is like a stylist caring for his client’s coat. Not all cuts are crucial. There’s a particular cut or design that will work better. The same goes out to a bonsai.

Bonsai trees bushes and trees. Their heights are small artificially tying the brushwood using wires or pruning the roots. This system happening in China and was later adapted by Japanese.    (more…)

As a species name, means “lovely.” For example, beautybush, Kolkwitzia amabilis, has lovely pink flowers.

See watersprout.