Pink family
Caryophyllaceae
Lick’nis. Catchfly ; Campion . A genus of about 35 herbs, mostly from the north temperate zone and northward, some old garden favorites.
Description
Erect plants, often with sticky hairs. Leaves opposite, stipules absent. Calyx with 5 teeth. Petals 5, with claw at base, limb rounded or sometimes 2-cleft or fringed. Stamens 10.
How to Grow (more…)
If you want to bring out the very best in your garden this summer consider your outdoor lighting. While it’s important that exterior areas such as those areas directly outside the home in both front and backyard have fixtures to provide lighting for visibility and security (homeowners can choose from a wide range of exterior fixtures such as wall mounts, post lights); it is also a great idea to incorporate lighting into the garden. If you are thinking about doing so, remember that there are a number of options to consider.
Choices in Landscape Lighting:
Basically, there are three ways to add lighting to your garden: line voltage, low voltage and solar. And, for most homeowners, especially the do-it-yourself kind, the final 2, low voltage and solar, are, in most cases the best choices. Why? Both can be installed quickly and safely, without risk of electric shock. These lighting types are also low or no energy consumers. As far as lighting options go, with a low voltage system you can accent or create visibility lights to decks, pathways, stairs, and garden beds. You can do the same with solar fixtures; however, there may be less choice. see: http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com/outdoor-lighting.htm (more…)
The following is a hydroponics and grow lights primer covering the basics of the systems and methods commonly used for growing plants using hydroponics based systems. Our hope is to give you enough information to get you started with evaluating the different systems and with choosing the right one for you.
Hydroponic systems include: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); Drip (or Top) Watering; Aeroponic; Cloning; and Ebb & Flow (flood & drain) methods. Basically, all systems feature a reservoir and some type of container for the plant(s) to grow in, such as pots, trays, etc. What differentiates them is how the nutrient solution is delivered to the roots.
Media-based systems use some form of growing media or plant nutrients, which provide support for the roots. There is a greater selection of media-based systems to choose from to accommodate diverse plants and plant sizes. Water culture systems can be used either with or without grow media. These systems, however, require regular attention since growth rates are high. Abundant and good-quality fresh water and electricity must be readily available. Also, rapidly growing plants need to be maintained. Vines require trellising and fruit and flowers must be harvested in a timely manner. Some popular water culture systems are raft nutrient film technique and aeroponics.
The use of gnome figurines for decorative purposes for the garden has been widely practiced in different parts of the world especially in the European regions. Some people wonder of the reasons why put a gnome in your garden. The definite answer by garden gnome enthusiasts is that the presence of gnomes in the garden would help promote the natural growth of your plants. According to the folklore, the gnomes are known to be creatures that take care of the vegetation. They are believed to have good hands when it comes to growing plants. This concept is being implemented by gardening aficionados believing that this would effectively make their garden plants grow naturally.
Putting aside fictional and mythological ideas, the reasons why put a gnome in your garden is that it can create a good impression on the overall look of the garden. There are several garden gnomes available on the market today such as vintage garden gnomes, state garden gnomes, funny garden gnomes and even those which support local sports or activities. These garden gnomes especially the funny garden gnomes add design and humor to your garden. Adding such designs to your garden would create a lively effect on the impression from your visitors. You may also integrate the right type of garden gnome that would fit the style and ambiance you need for your garden. (more…)
Climbing plants are of many varieties. Good examples of climbing plants are grapevines and tomatoes. They all have weak stems in common and need support in order to grow tall and occupy less space in the home garden. Growing them next to a wall or a tree is or way of taking care of them as they climb. They do this to get sunlight. For climbing, they have developed features like tendrils and twisting leaves. They climb on fences, walls, trees etc. Unless they have man-made support like fences or natural support like trees, climbing plants will grow on the ground and will lack sunlight which is an essential aspect of growth. They will become weak and produce less fruit. They also tend to look messy in the garden.
Unless you do not like the idea, you may let these plants climb a wall or a fence that has ugly features in order to hide them. You may also plant these plants on your walls if you do not have space in your home or neighborhood. The blooms are attractive and beautify the home. The climbing plants give a natural look to a house.
The choice of a climbing plant is dependent on the desired effect. You will have to consider the growth characteristic of a plant. Look out for the species that thrive in your area before you make a decision on which to plant. Do not plant them in pots as this will hinder their growth. (more…)
Pendent or hanging, as in the branches or shoots of a weeping willow.
