Early Spring Bulbs
Nothing signals the end of winter like the first crocuses poking their heads through the last of the melting snows. Few plants are as easy to grow, or as rewarding, as the early-blooming bulbs. The only challenge is remembering to purchase and ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
The Begonia Show-Offs
Start dormant tubers in February, or buy started plants in March. Plants will be in bloom by late June Seemingly infinite variety characterizes the genus Begonia. Plants can be long-stemmed or low-growing, have fuzzy or shiny leaves, and produce ... [... more]
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Patio Gardens
Patio gardens soften the transition between indoors and outdoors by bringing plants into outdoor living areas. This might involve something as simple as setting up a few window boxes on an apartment balcony, or as elaborate as enclosing an entire ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Prolific and Terrific: Ranunculus
Remarkable for their many petals, ranunculus flowers make long lasting cut flowers. Brilliantly colored flowers are ranunculus' chief attraction, and they are indeed special. They most often come in multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper--thin ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Coping with Pest Deer
Deer have become a major pest of gardens throughout North America, from rural farms to urban parks. People and deer share habitat like never before. How can we keep our garden plants intact, yet live in peace with our hooved neighbors? When ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Spring-flowering Bulbs
In addition to their charm and beauty, the large and diverse group of plants known as bulbs have a lot going for them: They come in neat little packages, are just about 100 percent guaranteed to bloom the first year they are planted, and are ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Armadillo
In the South, you don't have to drive far to see an armadillo belly up on the side of the road. In fact, you might find them as far north as Missouri, as their range is expanding. These prehistoric-looking creatures are about the size of ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Catch Them Thinking
As time goes on, explains Diane, students take these responsibilities on themselves. "I use a number of means to assess where students are in their understanding and use of inquiry skills." For each GrowLab investigation, for instance, students [... more]
National Gardening Association |
All About Dahlias
Favorite novelty-form flowers include 'Alloway Candy' and 'Fidalgo Julie'. From cactus dahlias like bursting fireworks stopped in time to pompon dahlias with intensely colored petals, dahlias make a dramatic addition to any garden. All but the ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Avoiding and Solving Common Bulb Problems
Check bulbs before buying or planting: Make sure they're firm and free of corky lesions, mold, and soft spots. Plant in well-drained soil. Provide at least half a day of sun. Full sun is best in cool climates, but midday and afternoon shade are ... [... more]
National Gardening Association |
Synthetic organics.
Compared to most fertilizers, controlled-release kinds are convenient and predictable Gardeners shopping for fertilizer face a bewildering array of choices. There is such a variety of liquids, powders, and granules, all promising fabulous ... [... more]
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Floriade 2002
Interested in an idea for a great trip this year? Here's one for gardeners everywhere! Floriade is an international flower exposition held only every 10 years. [... more]
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