Plant Gardens 101

As a species name, means “covered with soft hairs.” For example, feathertop, Pennisetum villosum, has fluffy white seed heads.

Looking for a garden activity for that junior gardener of yours? Here’s one that will surely be a challenge, have him/her start growing a pineapple plant. Most people think that you need live in the tropics to grow a pineapple plant, you don’t, however it is a challenge.

These plants are best started in the fall of the year and kept indoors in a bright sunny window. To begin the plant you will need to cut off the top of a whole pineapple and remove any excess fruit and skin from around the leaves. The top should then be place in a small bowl of water with ¼ teaspoon of Epson salt, being sure to keep the water level from 1/8 to ¼ of an inch above the bottom of the leaves then place the bowl in a sunny window for about two weeks adding more water as it is needed. (more…)

The botanical name for false Solomon’s seal.