Archive for January, 2008
Monday, January 21st, 2008
HELIOTROPE
Heliotropes were among the familiar bedding plants in large-scale displays in the gardens of palaces and country houses. The deep colors of foliage and flowers contrasted strongly with the lighter shades of other plants, and complex patterns were created with them. It is still possible to see that kind of summery flower-bed here and there, but they are long past their heyday. Heliotrope is now used for a new craze - that of patio gardening. The plant is, in fact, highly satisfactory as a container plant.
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Sunday, January 20th, 2008
LION’S EAR
This South African plant starts flowering about three to four months after it was sown. It is better known as a container plant and may be kept in a cool and, if need be, dark place in winter to allow it to sprout again in spring after hard pruning. Firms specializing in plants propagated by seed or cuttings, market flowering plants intended for cultivation as annuals as early as June. Put the plant in a large pot on your patio and you will spend months imagining you are in the tropics. Provide leonotis with a sheltered, warm, and sunny position, and give it plenty of water and fertilizer to keep it flowering. The orange whorls of flowers develop from the bottom upwards on flower stems which may ultimately grow to 6 ft.
The genus Leonotis (Lion’s Ear or Lion’s-Tail) consists of about 30 species of plants in the family Lamiaceae. All but one species, Leonotis nepetifolia (native to both tropical Africa and southern India), are native to southern Africa.
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Saturday, January 19th, 2008
There are people who want to have a landscaped garden to attract butterflies so that it would add up entertainment and beauty to their garden. A butterfly garden provides a very relaxing and enchanting view your backyard.
Here are some tips and guides on a garden expert on creating a flower-filled area that will provide a lovely spot in which to linger. A covered swing, lattice panels, and a variety of perennials and shrubs give structure to the new area. As the new plantings mature, they will help add to the sense of privacy.
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Friday, January 18th, 2008
SPIDER FLOWER
This is certainly one of the most striking of all annuals. They branch widely and, at a height of 4 ft, tower above most other annuals. The flower heads, which appear between July and October, are huge - no less than 8 in in section and longer than they are wide. They also stretch in the course of flowering. Oblong seedpods are formed at their lower end, and - curiously - grow sideways on very thin stems. The stamens protrude so far that they resemble cat’s whiskers or spider’s legs. Both the flowers and the foliage are intensely fragrant.
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Thursday, January 17th, 2008
The informal growth of Browallia americana makes the plant a favorite among gardeners. Browallia americana is an easygoing annual with a long-lasting beauty. Browallia americana is stunning alone and a perfect foil for all partners. The flowering shoots tumble gracefully over the edges of pots, tubs, and hanging baskets, with their violet-blue flowers suspended like butterflies from their stems. The light spot in the center of the flowers enhances their refinement. Sow Browallia americana indoors in March-April at a temperature of about 68 °F. Pinch out young shoots to encourage bushiness and plant out-of-doors after the final night frost. They do best in poor soil, but will also grow in richer kinds. Choose a sunny position in a border, but partial shade is better if you are growing them in pots, tubs, or hanging baskets. The plants do not need much water, but the rootball should not be allowed to dry out entirely, as the plants definitely do not recover from that.
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