Gardening Articles, Tips and How-tos - Dave's Garden
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Welcome to our library of articles, where you can search and browse over 2,000 articles written by our own team of garden writers. Interested in becoming a Dave's Garden writer? Submit an article to apply.
If you have a small garden but want year-round attraction, there are multitudes of dwarf conifers that can fit the bill. This is part one or a two part series on the more common dwarf conifers that mature at about 1 m in height. This article will cover some examples from the 'needled' conifer genera which include Abies, Cedrus, Cryptomeria, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Taxus and Tsuga.
Who does not love an ivy-covered cottage? An ivy-covered wall? The friendly confines of ivy-covered Wrigley Field? Even the gods loved ivy. But it seems that quite a few mortals do not love ivy at all.
I’ve been a Master Gardener for 11 years; I’ve been a DG member for 7. During that time I’ve read many posts on Dave’s Garden regarding exactly what a Master Gardener is. I believe there are a lot of misconceptions about the Master Gardener program. I'm going to clue you in on who they are and what they do.
How to water, when to water, how much to water… Watering might be the most discussed topic in African violet care. While there is no “one true way,” a look at several common techniques might help you figure out how to keep your African violets happier and healthier.
You love your new iris. The blooms are not the color you thought they should be but they are stunning. So you post a photo of the wonderful new iris blooming for the first time in your garden and someone says that is not it – you have an imposter. Where did you go wrong and what can you do?
Quince, a very popular fruit in past generations, has fallen almost into obscurity and is now one of the most under-rated fruits. It is related to apples and pears and has a pear-shaped golden yellow “pome” fruit. Quince fruit is used mainly in desserts and as fruit butters, jellies, relishes and chutneys.
The white branches reach into the winter sky, making a stark contrast to the dark gray trunks of the other forest residents. A streak of light among the dreary sameness. Like the painted ponies of the Native Americans, the Sycamore tree is an unexpected splash of excitement in the uniform monotones of the commonplace landscape.
The Caladium community is being turned on its ear by the newest varieties coming out of Thailand. There's no telling what they are doing over there, but one thing is for sure, they have developed some stunning plants that are now available in the U. S. A. Before you plunk down your cash, however, let me tell you my experience with these entrancing beauties . . .
During all the years of following my Great Aunt Bett up the mountains of eastern Kentucky searching for one illusive plant after another, I never missed a trip with her. Well, until the year I was seven.....
Ok everyone, hold up a trowel if you know what USDA Hardiness Zone you're in. As a gardener, knowing your zone is one of the most basic and important pieces of information you can possess. Your hardiness zone helps to tell you what plants grow well in your area.
Ah, the classic red rose. I would bet if you asked ten people to picture a rose in their mind, at least eight of them would picture a red rose. Men in particular seem to be drawn to red roses. Let's take a look at some favorites, old and new.
The Mediterranean climate is a marginal climate for growing palms though there are literally hundreds of species that can be grown in such climates (comparable to the drier USDA zones 9b-10a climatic zones- eg. southern France and Italy, Southern California, Sydney Australia etc.). These are all basically mild, minimally humid to nearly desert-like subtropical climates in which most truly tropical palms cannot survive, but ones where killing frosts are infrequent. Most landscapers and growers are well aware of the common and hardy palms that grow in these climates, and make good use of them frequently. However, there are other excellent choices that are less well known. And that is the point of this article, to give the reader 20 more excellent palms for their climate that maybe not too many others have and that can be potentially great landscape additions to their yards or businesses.
Do you know that the roof area of a 1500 square foot house will catch and run off 900 gallons of water during a 1 inch rainfall? The average yearly rainfall in the area where I live is 27 inches per year. If I were able to catch all of that rain it would amount to over 24,000 gallons. We may not be able to catch it all but I will tell you how to catch part of it for use in your yard and garden.
It’s hard to beat a pot of basil by the kitchen door, where its fresh flavor can be added to sauces and salads all summer long. But basil’s possibilities don’t end there. With so many varieties and cultivars available, Basil is one of the best edible ornamentals around!
Do you have a slightly shady spot where bright flowers refuse to bloom? Possibly an east facing entryway or porch, where some vibrant color is needed to welcome guests? Maybe, you are a gardener on a budget who needs a lot of bang for not much buck. There is a plant that fills these requirements, and gives the gardener a summer-long show that will delight all who see it. Plant some Caladiums. They are easy to grow and reward you with a gorgeous display
Boy meets girl, boy loves girl, and boy and girl get married, have kids, and live happily ever after…. right? Not so in the world of iris. Let’s take a little look at the ins and outs of breeding your own iris.
The truffle is an expensive, highly sought-after fungus about the size of a walnut, famous in French cuisine, and grows 15-20 inches deep among the roots of trees. (Think underground mushrooms.) They are indeed hunted with female pigs capable of sniffing out the delicate, perfumery aroma said to mimic the male pig sex hormone. Here in the United States we have recently begun cultivating truffles and have trained dogs to sniff them out. Apparently dogs are not as likely to eat the valuable crop as are pigs.
As the excitement of fresh spring bloom fades, gardeners often have to face the fact that summer weather conditions can bring real challenges to many gardeners across the country. Soaring August temperatures, drought, warm nights, dry or excessively humid air can be a challenge to the best of gardeners.
Are you confused about pruning fruit trees? It's really not that hard, but let's start with the easiest, most forgiving of all the fruit trees. Pear trees are generally easy to grow and maintain. This is one type of tree that tends to be self-thinning to save you some work.
Each year at this time of year, we begin seeing Caladiums show up for Spring planting. Most of the varieties seem the same, or similar, from year to year. Does that mean that new varieties are pretty much a thing of the past? Well, even though Caladiums have been hybridized for over 100 years, you can still come up with some that are your own unique creations. Read on and I'll show you how . . .
One of the first perennials grown as a garden ornamental were the monkshood. Hundreds of years later they still remain popular. Today there are more than just the standard blue species. Now you can get white, pale blue, various shades of pink and even yellow. However, gardeners beware! This plant has a deadly side....it is among the most toxic plants out there! Read more about this fascinating genus of plants.
Do you remember dyeing eggs with the little color tablet? It seemed that you were only limited by your imagination. Now that you're grown, are you looking for something a bit more sophisticated?
Am I seeing things, or does that African violet blossom look a little green today? Maybe it’s green with envy because that ever-blooming trailing violet has taken center stage again. Maybe it’s seasick because I’ve overfilled the water tray. Wait – check the calendar! It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and the Leprechauns have been up to mischief. That must be it. Maybe that’s why green blooms seem so magical…
From right-handed pinnate leaves to spathes shaped like a snake's tongue, here's a group of different and fascinating Aroidian flora for your viewing pleasure . . .
We've all done it - filled a small empty spot in the garden with a darling little tree or shrub. Then one day, we notice that it's not so little and no longer darling. What was used as filler has now overgrown its appointed place in the landscape. Nurseries and garden centers use the phrase "right plant for the right place." This means not only considering water, light and soil, but thinking farther ahead than the immediate future.
Pink roses are feminine, soft, romantic...and my absolute favorite. So in this article, instead of listing the most popular pink roses on the market, I'm going to share the ones that I love the most. Here is a bouquet of two dozen pink roses from my garden to yours!
As I moved on, trading has taught me many lessons as failures far outweighed successes, not in terms of the seeds reaching destinations, but the reached ones germinating as I [foolishly] desired. That led to great disappointment but the positives that resulted from all that has been a worthy outcome.
There is nothing better than sitting in the yard, enjoying a cup of coffee and having sweet scents wafting your way. Here are a few nicely scented shrubs that will survive our harsh northern winters.
Phoenix means a person or thing of unsurpassed beauty or excellence. The genus Phoenix is one of the larger in the Arecaceae (palm family) and are easily one of the most popular in terms of landscape use and commercial importance. They are very hardy adaptable palms growing in many varied climates from the extreme tropics, to the arid deserts and even in the cooler subtropical and temperate climates throughout the world. Probably, as a group, these are the most commonly grown palms in the world.... and arguably ones of unsurpassed beauty and excellence.
As winter fades to Spring, gardeners everywhere are looking at their poor, tired plastic pots. They slink by them with averted eyes, as the faded and weather-worn plastic sits unloved and unused in a corner of the basement, or garage. The dread of putting fresh and cheerful flowers in these eyesores can now be banished. There is a wonderful product on the market now that will give old pots new life.
On Saturdays, the Writer's Group would like to say thanks by presenting a "You Supply The Caption" photo. A gardening related photo will be presented, and you the Readers will provide humorous captions. The wit available on Dave's is some of the best around, so please join in the fun! This feature is not a "for compensation" article - just our way of saying Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy...now let's hear some funny stuff!
A small traffic jam forms at the door as visitors take their first sniff of the air at the Missouri Botanical Garden's Orchid Show. How I wish I could make the photos "scratch and sniff" so you could enjoy more than the pictures, as the smells are as scrumptious as the colors of the flowers. Come along as I wander through a beautiful orchid garden.
We often choose plants for their attractive foliage or flowers, or because we like to cook with herbs, or because the plant is carefree, with one of these characteristics being our main goal. But some plants combine all these qualities nicely. One of these is Garlic Chives.
It seems like every time we pick up a newspaper or turn on the news there is some type of story about water shortages. Double digit water bill increases in urban areas or threats of running out of water in the southeast United States. We all need to do our part in conserving water whether we get it from a municipal water source or from our own wells.
How do you turn that packet of tiny basil seeds into pots of lovely herbs for your garden? Starting plants from seed seems like a magical process, but there’s no great mystery to it. A few tips and pointers will help you on your way…
So, we are going to look at bearded for only one article. The big thing is what to feed them and how to take care of them. I am going to show you four of our gardeners here on Dave’s Garden who have different feeding methods and talk to you a little about each one.
Hops are primarily grown and harvested for use in making beer although historically they have been used as a medicinal herb, a spring vegetable and in many crafts. They are a very attractive vine in the home garden and an easy plant for the novice gardener.
Let me introduce you to Larry, the peacock. He's a young guy still looking for the “right” peahen. But as you can see, he already has the makings to be a beautiful piece of living lawn art. He belongs to one our local Dgers and has been a continuing source of amazement and enjoyment to all of us reading the thread for some time. And he is the inspiration for this article.
Do you ever get the feeling that a particular plant is out to get you? Seems everyone can grow it easily except you. Do you spend hours wondering what you should be doing differently, moving it from location to location, trying different fertilizers? Relax and stop worrying. You’re right; the plant hates you. Here are two roses, recent additions to the same neighborhood. And this is their tale:
In my imaginings about Aroidia the idea of technological advancement had not occurred to me. After all, Aroidia was a place of all plants, and even though two intelligent races were present, neither of them displayed any indication of technological or scientific development. Or had I just missed what was so obvious that it was totally hidden until now?
