Thursday, January 26, 2012

Some Summer Hanging Pants Along With Necessary

Summer season is at its peak these days so it is the best time to decorate and beautify your garden with hanging baskets. A summer hanging basket having trailing plants and vines is capable of brightening up a garden. Creating hanging baskets for summer is not difficult. You can use combination of different flowers and plants to create hanging baskets. All you need to do is to gather some information about summer hanging plants. For your convenience, I have also made a list of some summer hanging plants along with necessary information. This list is shared below.
Vinca
Vinca plants are best for summer hanging baskets because they like full sun to grow. You can purchase them in either trailing or compact varieties. They produce flowers having purple and pink color and bright green leaves. Another characteristic of these plants which makes them perfect for summer season is that they are drought tolerant.
Petunia
Another common summer plant used in hanging baskets is Petunias. Like other summer plants, they like full sun and warm temperatures. Petunias have bright colors and vining stems so they not only add color to hanging baskets but also give you a visual treat. Famous varieties of petunias include multiflora, milliflora, grandiflora and groundcover. These plants produce purple, white and pink blooms.
Lantana
Lantana needs warm temperatures and prefer sunshine so if they are planted in baskets in spring, they start flourishing in warm days of summer. Flowers of Lantana bloom in pinks, yellows and reds. Lantana stems are capable of trailing over edges of hanging baskets so plant them closer to sides of baskets so that they may adorn the baskets beautifully.
Geranium
Geraniums are popularly grown in summer baskets which produce pink, red, white and salmon flowers that bloom all summer. There are more than 200 species of this plant but the most common are ivy-leaved which trail over sides of baskets so are best for summer hanging baskets while some other varieties like Martha Washington and scented-leaf add height and richness.


 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How To Take Care Of Roses

Care of roses will require you to understand rose diseases. Black spot, ash leaf rust and powdery mildew are some of the rose diseases to be aware of when you have roses in your garden.
Roses are subject to several diseases such as black spot, ash leaf rust and powdery mildew. The most serious is rose rust, a species of rust fungus, which can defoliate the plant. More common, though less debilitating, are the rose black spot caused by the fungus Diplococarpon rosae, which makes black spots on the leaves in summer, and powdery mildew. Fungal diseases are best solved by a preventative fungicidal spray program rather than by trying to cure an infection after it is visible. After the disease is visible, its spread can be minimized through pruning and use of fungicides although actual infection cannot be reversed. Some rose varieties are considerably less susceptible than others to fungal disease.
To make sure that your prized roses remain in the best of health, simply follow these tips for care of roses.

1. Black Spots on Leaves
This disease is commonly known as black spot. Black spots appear as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They cause the leaves to yellow. Remove the infected foliage and pick up any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to prevent or treat this kind of rose disease.
2. Stunted or malformed young canes
Known as powdery mildew, this is a fungal disease that covers leaves, stems and buds with wind spread white powder. It makes the leaves curl and turn purple. Spray with Funginex or Benomyl to treat this fungal disease.
3. Blistered underside of leaves
Known as rust, this disease is characterized by orange-red blisters that turn black in fall. It can survive the winter and will then attack new sprouts in the spring. Collect and discard leaves that are infected in fall. a Benomyl or Funginex spray every 7-10 days may help.
4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers
This is caused by spider mites. They are tiny yellow, red or green spiders found on the underside of leaves where they suck juices. The application of Orthene or Isotox may help in treating this infestation.
5. Weak and mottled leaves with tiny white webs under them
This is caused by aphids. They are small soft-bodied insects that usually brown, green or red. Often clustered under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from tender buds. Malathion or diazinon spray may help roses to survive these bugs.
6. Flowers that don't open or are deformed when they open.
Thrips could be the reason behind this problem. They are slender, brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings that also suck juices from flower buds. Cut and discard the infested flowers. Orthene and Malathion may also treat this problem.
Care of roses is to remember roses are hungry feeders that require much fertilizer to become healthy bushes.
The main insect pest affecting roses is the aphid (greenfly), which sucks the sap and weakens the plant. LadyBugs are a predator of aphids and should be encouraged in the rose garden. Spraying with insecticide is often recommended but should be done with care to minimize loss of beneficial insects. Roses are also used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidopters species.A totally safe and natural product can be used to solve insect problems. This will control a variety of insects including aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, soft brown scale, psyllids, rore slugs and earwigs. One type is Safer’s Insecticidal Soap Spray. This product can be used on roses, flowers, vegtables, fruits, shrubs, trees, houseplants and greenhouse plantings. When sprayed on insects, the insecticidal soap breaks down the insect’s protective coating and causes it to dehydrate and die. Spray the soap directly on the insects when they are first sighted. Apply weekly for 2 to 3 weeks.
Care of roses is best looked after before diseases start rather than after.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Iris Are Easy To Grow

This vast family of beautiful perennials is one of the most important of all garden plants. There are hundreds of varieties ranging through almost every color, differing in size, blooming seasons, and even habits of growth and method of propagation. The two most important groups for the average gardener are (1) the Bearded Iris group and (2) the Beardless Iris group. The Bearded Iris group is commonly known as the German Iris and the Beard-less group includes the Japanese Iris.

Growing information for a Bearded Iris
Within this vast family, there are many different colors, early, midseason, and late flowering, as well as dwarf, intermediate, and tall strains. Every state in the Union, with the possible exception of Florida, can successfully grow irises. Irises demand good drainage and full sun. A good garden soil that will produce corn or potatoes will grow irises, but for the finest flowers and foliage a high- fertility level must be maintained.
PLANTING: Plant root divisions in the early spring or just after blooming. Early fall planting is successful in all but the most northern sections of the country. Divide clumps (as shown in diagram) and plant single rhizomes, spacing them 8 to 18 inches apart according to effect desired. Spade planting hole about 10 inches deep and work 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer into the soil in the bottom of the hole. If the soil is heavy, some drainage material such as gravel or broken pottery should be placed in the hole. Fill the hole with the loose soil and place the root section so that it will not be covered more than 1 inch deep. Most Beardless Irises can also be propagated from seeds.
FEEDING: Iris growers have learned that early theories about plant foods being dangerous to the growth of iris are unfounded. However, they will not tolerate fresh manure or even partly rotted manure in direct contact with the roots. Fertilizer provides all the plant food irises need from the soil for the best growth and beauty. Fertilizer should be scratched into the soil around the plant early each spring at the rate of I tablespoonful per plant (1 pint per 25 square feet of area).
DIVIDING: Most irises should be divided every three to five years. Divide when the root clump becomes crowded and the stems become numerous thin and weak.

Friday, January 13, 2012

What Does TThe Orchid Flower Mean?

Orchids are one of the most popular flower types around the world. They make the perfect gifts as they have an ability to draw attention where ever they are. But have you wondered what is the meaning of an orchid flower? What does the orchid flower mean that makes it a popular gift for various occasions like anniversaries, token of thanks, congratulatory gift, etc.
Popular Varieties of Orchid Flower
  • Ascocentrum ampullaceum
  • Acineta antioquia
  • Aerangis biloba
  • Acacallis cyanea
  • Aerangis fastuosa
  • Aerides houlletiana
  • Aerangis mooreana
  • Amesiella philippinense
  • Ascocenda Louise Gabbert 'Lovely'
What does the Orchid Flower Mean
The name orchid finds it origin in Ancient Greece. It was associated with a long history of lust, greed and wealth. Orchids are the most delicate and exotic flowers in the world and available in many varieties. The orchid flower meaning varies from country to country and different meanings are associated with thetypes of orchids. There are various meanings of orchids. Let us discuss some of them in the following paragraphs.
The meaning of orchids, in other words, orchids stand for the symbol of love and affection. It has the ability to grow anywhere and has the resistance power to bloom under any condition, that makes it a symbol of love. During the Victorian Era, it was said, the gifting a flower that was found with much difficulty, means the love has deeper affections and emotions.
The orchid flower meaning symbolizes a beautiful lady according to the Victorian era. The meaning of orchids was also associated with luxury, wealth and in ancient Greece it was a symbol of manliness. Later on, Orchids had many uses as a medicinal plant for curing diseases.
The other meanings of orchids stands for refinement, thoughtfulness, maturity and charm. The ancient Chinese interpreted the orchid flower meaning as a symbol for many children. Men displayed orchids to women as a symbol of 'wink'.
Uses of Orchids
Orchids were used for many medicinal purposes in ancient times. They were thought to have healing properties and the ability to ward off diseases. The Chinese thought orchids had a cure for heart ailments, coughs and other illness. The Aztecs used to drink a mixture of vanilla orchid and chocolate. They thought it helped give them power and strength. Today, orchids have become an indoor ornamental flowering plant.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Do You Want To Know The Meanings Of Rose Flower Colors?

Many people know that rose flowers signify romance and love as their meanings, but a specific meaning depends on the rose flower color. The great meanings of colors possessed by rose flowers convey different messages among lovers or friends. This is the kind of tradition that originated from the Victorian era which was covered with strict rules.
Romantic and passionate messages among lovers were communicated through sending a bouquet of innocent-looking rose flowers having different colors. In the passage of time, these meanings of colors have evolved, and different meanings have existed based on the original form. In fact, they have turned into intricate messages and advanced languages that are made into various floral arrangements.
Aside from that, other factors have been enhanced and modified pertaining to rose flower colors that give deeper meanings of the message to be transmitted. The number of pieces of rose flowers that are either in the form of rose buds or fully bloomed is an example of these factors that you can see in floral arrangements.
With regard to a single red-colored rose having a combination of white-colored rose buds, the corresponding message is interpreted as “I love you; however, you may be too young”. Now, let’s say there are 12 red roses given by a lover, the message would mean an ultimate love conveyed to the recipient.
Rose flower colors are composed of white, blue, black, green, deep burgundy, peach, orange, yellow, pink, purple and red; but not all of them are grown naturally. Colors that are artificially made for rose flowers enhance their meanings to become more modernized. For example, pale rose color in whatever shade that it may appear signifies friendship.
White roses symbolize pure and bright affection, which means that the recipient is so heavenly, and because of that, the suitor looks high and respects her very well. A bouquet arrangement that has red roses or mixed with white-colored roses is symbolic of unity, love, loyalty and kinship. If you want to convey enchantment and love at first sight, then, you can give out a purple rose.

In general, rose flower colors signify refinement and elegance which may come in various shades like deep pink or cerise tone. This simply means a sign of gratitude and appreciation, while light pink represents sympathy. When you see yellow roses given by a man that come in the form of a bouquet arrangement, it could mean that the giver is “trying to care”.
Roses that have orange colors epitomize a new beginning, enthusiasm and eagerness. When it comes to peach roses, they are symbolic of something that has been achieved or reached. The color of deep burgundy means that the suitor wants to relay the message that the lady has the kind of an unconscious beauty, she’s so beautiful, but maybe she’s not really aware of it.
The green color of roses has been interpreted as fertility and fruitfulness dating back to 1856. Death is represented by black roses, while blue-colored roses symbolize mystery. Therefore, based on this article, the significance of rose flower colors can be understood in several ways.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Perennials Which Bloom All Year

Do you want some perennials in your garden which bloom all year? You will definitely wish that. Year round blooming perennials produce year round flowers and beautify your garden. These specialized plants do not need to be replanted every year. Here is a list of some such perennials.
Wedelia
This perennial ground cover has glossy and dark green leaves. This is a hardy perennial that can grow well in either sun or shade. Wedelia produces yellow flowers which are quite similar to daisies in appearance. While growing wedelia, you should be very careful because being a ground cover; it spreads very quickly and is also considered invasive.
African Daisy
This perennial plant can grow up to 1 foot tall. Having a round shape, African daisy grows in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It produces showy flowers in pink, orange, red, white and yellow color all year.
African Iris
African iris is a perennial which can grow up to four feet tall. You should grow an African iris in full sun or shade in a well-drained soil. This plant has an upright shape and produces white flowers all year round.
Lantana
Lantana can grow 3 to 6 feet wide and attracts butterflies. This round shaped plant requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow. Lantana produces clusters of small flowers throughout the year. These aromatic flowers come in different colors including yellow, white, pink, purple, red and orange.
Peace Lily
Peace lily can grow up to 6 feet tall and has an encircling shape. Having an average growth rate, this perennial likes part sun or shade to grow well. Growing in well-drained soil, Peace lily produces white flowers.
Campanula
This perennial produces flowers in shades of white and blue. In cooler climates, it can be grown in full sun but it will require partial shade in areas where summers are too hot.
Red Hot Poker
Red hot poker is a tall plant and can grow up to 5 feet high. It produces multi-colored spikes of flowers in colors ranging from ivory to bright red. Red hot poker requires full sun to grow. Moreover it also requires ample space as a full-grown plant may be three feet wide.
This is my list of those perennials which can be grown to have flowers all year round. You can grow any or all of these to have beautiful blooms throughout year.