Originally published by Kathy Hummel on 09/13/2017
ROOTING HYDRANGEA CUTTINGS IN FIVE EASY STEPS
Take a cutting from a branch of the hydrangea shrub about 5-6" long. Most experts say the cutting will work best if taken from a branch that did not flower this year.
Remove the lower leaves of the bottom two leaf nodes. The leaf node is where a leaf comes out of the branch. Most roots will form at that point.
Cut largest leaves down to about half their size
Dip cuttings in rooting...
Originally Published by Sandra Mason 08/28/2007
According to plants, green is "in". Gardeners, however, add plants known for everything but green. In the gardening world purple or yellow colored leaves are "in". Sometimes a change in leaf color can be an indication of nutrient or environmental problems. If your green plants are now yellow, chlorosis may be the issue with the tissue.
Abnormal yellowing of leaf tissue is called chlorosis. Leaves lack the essential green pigment...
Originally Published by Sandra Mason on 07/26/2003
Is it a weed or a wonderful taste treat? Purslane is cursed and curried all at the same time. For most of us, it comes as an unwelcome guest. Purslane, Portulaca oleracea, is probably in your garden right now but not because you invited it to dinner.
Purslane is native to India and Persia and has spread throughout the world as an edible plant and as a weed. Many cultures embrace purslane as a food.
Purslane has fleshy...
Originally Published by Sandra Mason on 7/22/2000
The Greek goddess Iris walked a rainbow pathway through the sky and the flower named for her has a rainbow of flower colors. Iris is one of the oldest garden flowers. Iris is often seen as the only remnant of a long since abandoned home.
Iris species
Although the most familiar type of iris is the bearded iris, the genus includes 200 or more species, including some North American natives. Species are separated into two major groups...
On a recent trip to Allerton Park, I found myself dancing on walnuts. It seems to be a good year for nuts. You can interpret that statement any way you like. In horticulture, we often complain about walnuts for their ability to keep other plants from growing around them. However, walnuts do provide a nut crop that is highly prized for its rich, distinct, somewhat tangy flavor.
Black walnuts are from a common native tree unlike the English walnuts found in stores. The challenge is getting at...
