Christmas Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera bridgessii
Common Name: Christmas Cactus
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Requirements: Part Sun – bright light but not direct sunlight
Zone: 10
Growth Rate: Moderate
Height X Spread: 1’ H x 1‘ W
Bloom Time: Based on light, temperature and water regulation
Bloom Description:  Tubular pink, purple, orange, red, or cream
Foliage Description: Green flattened leaves, scallop-edged margins
Soil: Rich, well drained
Water: Regular, water when top half is dry, water less in winter
Tidy: Pinch off at joints to encourage more branching
Fertilizer: Balanced (10-10-10) liquid houseplant fertilizer
Fertilizing cycle: Spring - at first sign of new growth
Special Maintenance: Control environment to encourage blooms
Propagation:  Cuttings of flat-joined stems inserted into vermiculite
Pests & Diseases: Flower drop from too much or little water, or radical change in environment

Notes: Christmas Cactus is a winter-flowering houseplant native to the Brazilian rain forests. Even though it’s called a cactus, it’s not a desert cactus and will scorch in direct sunlight. It’s available in a wide variety of colors including red, purple, orange, pink, fuschia, and cream. In general, it’s an easy to care for plant. However, it does require three things to bloom: long nights, cool temperatures, and limited watering.

To encourage a Christmas bloom, start controlling your plant’s environment about 6 weeks before Christmas by placing it in a dark closet overnight (for about 14 hours). During the day, keep it in a cool 50-55 degree room in indirect light.  Reduce watering during this 6 week period so that the plant is on the dry side. Once you see buds start to form, resume regular watering.  To keep your Christmas Cactus happy, give it some humidity by placing a cup of water nearby. Or, fill a waterproof tray with pebbles, and add water to the tray about half way up the pebbles. Then, place your plant on top of the pebble tray.

Christmas Cactus is sometimes confused with Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) which have slightly different leaf and bloom characteristics.

Crape Myrtle for Outstanding Fall Color

In June 2008 I planted a semi-dwarf Crape Myrtle in my front yard with the intention of adding some summer color to my otherwise mostly green landscape.  I was taking a bit of a chance since I live in the Northeast and wasn’t really sure how well this plant, typically seen in the south, would do in my area.

So far it’s been a great success.  During the summer months of July and August it was in full bloom with large hot pink flowers.  But, the real show started about a week ago when the leaves turned bright yellow and orange.

If you’re looking for a shrub or small tree with outstanding fall color, try Hopi Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Hopi'.

Italian Garden at Planting Fields Arboretum

Well I finally made time to visit the newly restored Italian Garden at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay New York and it was well worth it.

The quarter-acre garden has been under renovation for eight years and was finally re-opened this past spring. 

They’ve done a wonderful job.  I sat on a bench under a shade tree, closed my eyes, and listened to the mesmerizing sound of the fountains.  After I snapped myself back to reality, I took a stroll around the perimeter and then made a pass around the pool.  Even in late September there are quite a few blooming plants.  I plan to make a return trip in a few weeks to see the fall color and get ideas for my own garden.  This time I'll bring lunch!

Art Exhibit at the BayShore-Brightwaters Library

If you’re going to be in Suffolk County New York this September, stop in at the BayShore-Brightwaters Public Library to view the work of fine artist Schery Markee Sullivan.  The exhibit will include the “Mother and Child”, “Downtown”, “Floral” and “Abstract” groups and will be on display for the entire month of September.  Contact the library for directions and library hours.

BayShore-Brightwaters Public Library
1 South Country Road
Brightwaters, New York 11718
631 665 4350 

About the Artist:
Schery Markee Sullivan began her formal training studying with abstract painter Robert Kaupelis at NYU.  Her watercolors are defined by a dynamic expression of color, line and vibrant energy.  Ranging in scope from elegant florals to intricate mask collages, to abstracts and primitive creature pieces or powerful figurative paintings, the work is a diverse spectrum of creative force. Read more…

Identifying Weeds

Most of us can spot a weed in our garden. But, sometimes a new plant will pop up that you’re fairly certain you didn’t put there. Is it a weed? Or, is it an ornamental that was dropped in your garden courtesy of Mother Nature.

Last spring I had a bunch of "weeds" pop up. I started to pull them out but stopped when I realized that they were a little more attractive than the average weed. My neighbor (who has a beautiful garden) just happened to be passing by. She told me they were Snapdragons. Then it hit me. I planted a Snapdragon last year, which in my area is an annual. I pulled it out at the end of the season. But apparently it had set seed.

So, next time you’re weeding and come across a plant that you’re not sure about, look it up on one of the following sites that help with weed identification.

Iowa State Weed Science
National Gardening Association Weed Library
The Organic Weed Management Website
Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide
University of California Weed Photo Gallery

Hibiscus syriacus

Botanical Name: Hibiscus syriacus
Common Name: Rose-of-Sharon, Shrub Althea
Plant Type: Shrub or Tree
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Part Shade
Special Attributes: Deciduous
Zone: 5-9
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Height X Spread: 8-12’ H x 4-10’ W
Bloom Time: June - September
Bloom Description: Red, Pink, White or Purple Flowers
Foliage Description: Dark green ovate leaves, 2-4 inches in length
Soil: Average, Acid, Well Drained
Water: Regular (moderately drought tolerant)
Tidy: Pick off leaves that show signs of leaf spot
Fertilizer: Acid
Fertilizing cycle: Spring
Propagation: Cuttings
Pests & Diseases: Leaf spot, cankers, rust, aphids, spider mites

Notes: Rose-of-Sharon is an easy to grow upright flowering shrub in the Malvaceae family. It’s a slow grower that can reach up to 12 feet in height. There are approximately 220 cultivars that bloom in many colors, but the ones most commonly seen at your local nursery have a flower color that is red, pink, white or purple. Flowers stay open for one day and then close at night. Blooms form on new growth so pruning and shaping can be done at any time, however the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring. Rose-of-Sharon can tolerate a hard pruning. Frequent hard pruning results in fewer, but larger, blooms. Infrequent pruning results in many smaller blooms. Rose-of-Sharon can also be shaped into a small specimen tree.

Heuchera “Can Can”

Botanical Name: Heuchera "Can Can"

Common Name: Coral Bells "Can Can"
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade
Zone: 4 - 9
Growth Rate: Moderate
Height X Spread: 12" H x 12" W
Bloom Time: May - June
Bloom Description: Bright pink flowers
Foliage Description: Redish purple curley edged leaves
Soil: Average or Moist, well-drained, neutral pH
Water: Regular
Tidy: Remove faded flower spikes
Fertilizer: All Purpose
Fertilizing cycle: First sign of spring growth
Special Maintenance: Divide in March-April
Propagation: Division
Pests & Diseases: Black Vine Weevil

Notes: This plant is a great choice if you want to add a little color to a shade garden. Heuchera will grow in moist soil, but doesn’t like to sit in water so make sure the soil is well-drained. It will grow in full sun, but prefers a little shade during the hottest part of the day. The foliage may discolor or die back during very hot spells in full sun. It stays low to the ground so it can be placed in the front of the garden bed. Heuchera is an easy to grow, low maintenance plant.

How to Design an Environmentally Friendly Garden

Over the years, more and more homeowners are becoming aware of the fact that when designing their garden, there is the environment that they also need to take into consideration. Rather than designing the layout of the garden with only aesthetics in mind, it is a good idea to also consider sustainability. As a result, you can make sure that you not only have a beautiful but an eco-friendly garden as well. Read the full article.

This article was contributed by Emma Spivey – SolarWaterFountains.org

Hydrangea quercifolia ''Snowflake''

Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia "Snowflake"

Common Name: "Snowflake" Oakleaf Hydrangea

Plant Type: Shrub
Light Requirements: Part Sun, Part Shade
Special Attributes: Deciduous
Zone: 5-9
Growth Rate: Moderate
Height X Spread: 8’ H x 6’ W
Bloom Time: Early summer through fall
Bloom Description: Creamy white 15 inch dense panicles of double flowers occurring on old wood
Foliage Description: Dark green oak-like leaves with a coarse texture. Leaves become shades of purple in fall.
Soil: Moist, Well Drained, Acid
Water: Average
Tidy: Prune after flowering to maintain size. Prune out weak or damaged stems in early spring.
Fertilizer: Acid
Fertilizing cycle: Twice yearly – once in early spring, again after flowering in summer
Special Maintenance: In zone 5 plant in sheltered location and protect in winter.
Propagation: Take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
Pests & Diseases: No serious problems. Occasional leaf blight or aphids.

Notes: The Oakleaf hydrangea is one of the few hydrangeas native to the United States. This large deciduous shrub is great in borders or as a focal point. It is a low maintenance plant that needs little pruning and does well in sun or shade. Although they can tolerate more sun than the typical Hydrangea, plant in an area with some afternoon shade for the best results. The irregular peeling bark on the stems provides winter interest.

2010 Horticultural Events - Northwest Region

Boise Flower & Garden Show
Boise, Idaho
March 26-28
208-343-8649

Sand & Stone Raking Workshop
Portland, Oregon
March 28
503-223-1321

Early Bloomers Plant Sale
Seattle, Washington
April 10
206-325-4510

Washington Native Plant Society Sale
Bellevue, Washington
May 8
425-452-2750

2010 Horticultural Events - West Coast Region

San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
San Mateo, California
March 24-28
415-684-7278

California State Flower & Garden Show
Sacramento, California
April 8-11
877-696-6668

Growning Proteas in Bay Area Gardens
San Francisco, California
April 24
415-661-1316

Spring Plant Sale & Garden Tours
Occidental, California
April 10-11
707-874-1557

2010 Horticultural Events - South West Region

New Leaf Plant Sale
Tucson, Arizona
March 27
520-326-9686

Cactus & Succulent Show & Sale
Phoenix, Arizona
April 16-18
480-941-1225

National Public Gardens Day
Albuquerque, New Mexico
May 7
505-848-7112

Spring Bulb Show & Competition
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 17-18
801-585-0556

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
St. Louis, Missouri
April 2
314-577-5100

Tulip Time Festival
Topeka, Kansas
April 10 – 26
785-368-2437

Spring Plant Sale & Gardening Festival
Austin, Texas
April 10-11
512-232-0100

Garden Symposium
Monroe, Louisiana
April 19-20
318-387-5281

2010 Horticultural Events - North Central Region

Cincinnati Flower Show
Symmes Township, Ohio
April 17-25
513-872-5194

Basics of Composting
Chicago, Illinois
April 24
312-746-5100

Spring Fever Mini-Symposium
Madrid, Iowa
April 17
515-795-3216

Ann Arbor Orchid Festival
Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 17-18
734-647-7600

2010 Horticultural Events - Southeast Region

Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens
Savannah, Georgia
March 25-28
912-234-8054

Orchid/Bromeliad Expo & Sale
April 3-4
Davie, Florida
954-473-2955

Flower & Garden Expo
St. Augustine, Florida
April 17-18
904-829-3295

21st Century Plants from Grandmother’s Garden
Belmont, North Carolina
April 17
704-829-1252

2010 Horticultural Events - Mid-Atlantic Region

Camellia Society Show & Sale
Wheaton, Maryland
March 27
301-962-1400

Virginia Daffodil Society Show
Richmond, Virginia
April 3 – 4
804-262-9887

Wildflower Celebration
Greenville, Delaware
April 25
302-239-4224

Rare Plants & Garden Ornaments
Monkton, Maryland
May 1
410-557-9570

2010 Horticultural Events - North East Region

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens Spring Festival
Buffalo, New York
March 20 – April 11
716-827-1584

Boston Flower & Garden Show
Boston, Massachusetts
March 24-28
617-933-4900

Early Spring Specimens
Bristol, Rhode Island
March 28
401-253-2707

Connecticut Horticultural Society Spring Plant Auction & Sale
Vernon, Connecticut
April 30
860-529-8713

Emily Dickinson’s Garden
Bronx, New York - New York Botanical Garden
May 1 – June 13
718-817-8700

2010 King County Master Gardener Plant Sale & Learning Fair

If you live in the Seattle area you may want to attend the Master Gardener Plant Sale and Learning Fair. It’s being held at the Center for Urban Horticulture on May 1-2.

• Plant Sale – edibles and ornamentals marketplace
• Ten-Minute “show and tell” demonstrations
• Bring-a-Plant-Problem diagnosis
• Personal shoppers and advice from 100 Master Gardeners
• Garden art
• Children's activities
• Preview Party on April 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. ($35 fee)

Visit their website for more details.

2010 Mississippi Garden Shows

If you live in the Mississippi area you may want to attend one of these garden & patio shows.

Biloxi
February 26-28
MS Coast Coliseum

Hattiesburg
March 12-14
Lake Terrace Convention Center

Jackson
March 19-21
MS Trade Mart

Visit the Mississippi Nursery & Landscape Association website for details on admission hours, price and directions.

Protect Your Shrubs From Winter Damage

This week in New York we had a major storm that dropped about 16 inches of snow in our area. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the light and fluffy kind. It was the wet heavy kind that has the potential to damage plants. The following photo shows my Arborvitae which are bent over under the weight of the snow.

I’ve read that you shouldn’t try to remove the snow because you might break the branches. I don’t agree. I use a soft broom to gently shake the snow off the branches. If you’re careful, you won’t cause any damage. I do the same thing for most of my shrubs. I’ve never had a branch break while removing the snow. The worst that happens during the shaking process is that I end up with a lot of snow down my jacket and in my boots.

Don’t Forget To Fill Your Bird Feeder

Last summer I installed a bird feeder in my garden with the hope that the birds would eat the bugs that munch on my plants. I’m not really sure if the birds are eating the bugs. They are, however, eating a ton of bird seed. My husband and I decided to keep the feeder going throughout the winter. Here’s a shot of a male Cardinal taking a short break from his feeding frenzy.

Plant Profile: Liriope Muscari Variegata

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Botanical Name: Liriope Muscari Variegata
Common Name: Lily Turf
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Full Shade
Special Attributes: Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Zone: 5-10
Growth Rate: Average
Height X Spread: 12" H x 18" W
Bloom Time: August - September
Bloom Description: Purple stems with spikes of violet flowers. Dark purple berries in autumn.
Foliage Description: Dense clumps of linear dark green leaves edged with white.
Soil: Well drained, average to acidic soil
Water: Regular
Tidy: Shear in early spring
Fertilizer: All Purpose
Fertilizing cycle: Early Spring and Mid Summer
Divide: In spring
Propagation: Spreads naturally by rhizomes. In spring, sow seed in containers outdoors or divide plants.
Pests & Diseases: Anthracnose, leaf spot, root rot, and slugs

Notes: Liriope is an easy to grow, low maintenance plant that works well as an edging plant or ground cover. It tolerates a wide range of light and soil conditions and also tolerates heat, humidity and drought making it a great choice for any garden.

2010 Carolina Home & Garden Show

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) presents the 44th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgrounds Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14, 2010. This is the largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands with over 300 construction, home improvement, and outdoor products exhibits. Educational seminars are free with your admission. Visit their website for more information.

Plant Profile: Stachys byzantina

Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina
Common Name: Lamb’s Ear, Wooly betony
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Requirements: Full Sun (afternoon shade in very hot climates)
Special Attributes: Drought tolerant

Zone: 4-7

Growth Rate: Spreads quickly

Height X Spread: 12” H x 24” W

Bloom Time: Early Summer

Bloom Description: Pink/Purple flowers (rarely flowers)

Foliage Description: Oblong elliptic wooley gray-green leaves

Soil: Moist well drained soil is best but will survive in average to dry soil

Water: Regular

Tidy: Clean out dead foliage regularly

Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Fertilizing cycle: Spring at first sign of growth

Divide: In spring

Propagation: Division of the root mass; often self-seeds

Notes: Lamb's ear is a low growing, mat-forming perennial in the mint family that is grown for its velvety white wooly leaves, rather than its flowers. The leaves are 2-4 inches long. Flower spikes appear in early summer and are 12-18 inches high. It is often used as edging in garden design. There are approximately 300 species of Stachys.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Historic Garden Week is the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the nation and is sponsored by The Garden Club of Virginia. Billed as “America’s Largest Open House”, the 2010 event takes place from April 17th through April 25th. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit more that 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks. Beginning in February 2010, a guidebook will be available to provide descriptions of houses and gardens included in the event.

For more information about tickets, tour highlights and garden schedules visit the event website.

What's In a Name: The Binomial System of Names

Did you ever wonder how a plant gets its scientific name? If you have, then you’ll enjoy reading the Master Gardener Foundation’s discussion of Plant Names. This well written and easy to understand article explains the Binomial System of Names, why we have it, and how it works.

I recently came across this site while I was researching one of the plants in my garden, Timeless Rose. I knew the botanical name was Rosa x JACecond, but it wasn’t until I read this article that I learned that the small ‘x’ between the genus and species name means that this is a hybrid rose.

This article is a great way to get your feet wet in the area of plant names before going on to some of the more complicated references.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Enjoy gardens, flowers, topiaries, educational events and live music at the 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. It takes place from March 3rd through May 16th at Epcot Center in Orlando Florida. Festival highlights include:

• Community Garden – Disney character topiaries.
• Herbs and Vegetables Home Grown – Learn how to conserve water wisely.
• Green Garden – Use native plants and recycle.
• Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Topiary garden designed for children ages 2-5.
• Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden – Colorful foliage and free-flying butterflies.

Visit the Walt Disney World events site for more information.

Philadelphia International Flower Show

The 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show will take place on February 28th through March 7th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Attractions include:

• 150 FREE gardening presentations
• Educational displays
• Full-scale garden and floral exhibits
• Gardening products
• Culinary Demonstrations
• International Wine and Spirits Garden
• International Dessert and Coffee Bar
• Daily Live Performances by Brazilian singers and Bollywood dancers

Visit the show website for detailed information on tickets, location and hours.

This is an amazing show. Don’t miss it!