Bamboo In The Garden (China Exhibit)
There are two types of bamboos. The runners, which are more suited to cooler climates, give the plant its bad reputation, because they send out roots that will travel 10 to 15 feet a year. Some people recommend dropping a pot of bamboo into the ... [... more]
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Interview: Planning A Garden
To save money on seedlings, particularly annuals, start your own in egg cartons or biodegradeable peat pots (figure B). Do this instead of planting the seeds out in the yard so you can keep track of the plants -- and make sure the birds don't get ... [... more]
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Planting Cuttings
Cuttings require moisture and air circulation in order to root. Water alone will cut off the air circulation. That's why you should plant your cuttings in perlite or vermiculite (figure A). These sterile growing mediums will retain moisture while ... [... more]
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Perfect Pruning
Keeping your garden looking great is no easy feat... but with all that goes into garden maintenance, pruning may be the only chore that can actually be described as "intimidating." Let's face it - while planting, watering and fertilizing are ... [... more]
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Bringing Plants Home In Cold Weather
To keep your new plant as warm as possible when bringing it home, cover the entire plant, including the pot and foliage, with a plastic dry-cleaner bag. If the temperature is below freezing, double bag the plant for extra insulation. Warm the car ... [... more]
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Gardening Quick-Tip: Rooting Plant-Cuttings
A cutting is simply a plant without roots, but capable of growing roots so it can be planted later. Some plant varieties such as coleus and philodendron root easily in water. Here are some tips for rooting plant cuttings. Submerge the stem in a ... [... more]
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Kids' Gardens
Every year the National Gardening Association runs a contest that encourages children to create a garden. NGA's Charlie Nardozzi shows us some recent winners, which reflect gardening themes in children's literature. One child designed his garden ... [... more]
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Topiaries (France Exhibit)
The aptly named poodle-pompon topiary is created by gradually pruning away the parts you want to disappear. First mark them with tape or paint, and then cut away the excess. It isn't necessary to make a perfect pompon right away: take your time ... [... more]
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Hardiness Zones
Or consult a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, often printed in gardening books and seed and plant catalogs. The map was updated several years ago, and you may find that your zone has changed according to the new map. The map divides North America ... [... more]
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Quick Tip: Silver And Gray Foliage
Garden color doesn't have to be bright -- it can also come from silver, gray, and even green foliage. One fine example is dusty miller (figure A), with its silvery leaves. If you do choose to grow dusty miller, though, make sure to cut off its ... [... more]
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Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses benefit from a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and maintain even soil moisture. In areas on the northern edge of the plant's hardiness zone, mulch provides essential winter protection. The only maintenance grasses need ... [... more]
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Geraniums (Germany Exhibit)
To determine when the new plant is ready to repot, don't tug on it! Gently turn the pot upside down and look for small white roots protruding from the drainage holes. If you see any, it's ready to be repotted. To keep your geranium flowering, ... [... more]
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