tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47087963265350738612024-02-18T20:02:06.617-08:00a gardening lifeCommenting on gardening lifestyles for love, enjoyment and happiness.flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-80524494417925734882015-01-27T09:41:00.000-08:002015-01-28T09:42:46.219-08:00Vertical Gardening Ideas 2015<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/42919152@N04/6854393545/in/photostream/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/42919152@N04/6854393545/in/photostream/</span></a></td></tr>
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Nowadays there are so many options for creating a vertical garden. We’ve seen everything from a simple <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/diy-ladder-planter#slide-1" target="_blank">ladder with planks</a> to a <a href="http://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/five-ways-grow-edibles-vertically" target="_blank">custom-built wall corner</a> installed in the yard. Vertical Garden Towers are great when you don’t have a lot of space. Just like cities, go tall with your plants and veggies. Today we’ll be exploring some of the newer and more unusual solutions that exist for vertical gardening.<br />
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<a href="http://deris.towergarden.com/content/towergarden/en-us/what-is-tower-garden.html#.VMe-Ai4eoRQ" target="_blank">Tower Garden™</a>, the aeroponic vertical gardening system, is a neat way to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs. Working with water, air and specially formulated nutrients, the Tower Garden is perfect for sunny rooftops, patios and balconies. You can probably put this on casters for rotating and easier relocation.<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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The PVC Pipe idea is really fun. <a href="http://www.backyard-gardening-fun.com/strawberry-tower.html" target="_blank">Backyard Gardening Fun</a> has a great tutorial that shows how to create and install a strawberry tower that will yield a whole lot more than one plant in the ground.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.sunset.com/garden/backyard-projects/how-to-make-vertical-garden-tower" target="_blank">Vertical Sunset Garden Tower</a>, which we recently discovered, is another interesting idea. With a more architectural look, this includes a basin at the top that drains down to supply your plants with irrigation.<br />
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Have fun exploring all the different options and create a fabulous tall garden this season. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EVpry_0eDXBOeJoo_UEdLwYMDxpQ46u-tPMx1rH1WE_3L9H-f9ftF5V-86YR8MoxACqxeitQpqPm6QbIQSTJueKgys-VDmxSSAKefJn1J4qs77gYG8BTbZhzjVjmf4qn-qpgjP1wg1xz/s1600/Tower+grid+vert+garden+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-88705715438070177772013-11-25T10:53:00.000-08:002013-11-25T10:53:37.547-08:00It's That Time of Year Again!<!--[if !mso]>
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<![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Preparing
to Shop For Your Christmas Tree</span></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We’re not here to
tell you what kinds of trees there are, what kind of tree you should get or any
of that. You might already have a favorite variety that you purchase every
year, or you believe in Love At First Sight of Perfect Tree and choose randomly
from year to year. We’re here to review the logistics of getting organized for
bringing your tree home.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Before you go
shopping…</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">SCOUT OUT THE
PERFECT SPOT IN YOUR HOME. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">AVOID PLACING YOUR TREE NEAR HEAT SOURCES. You’ll want
to keep your tree away from radiators, fireplaces, heating vents and even
overly sunny windows. Measure the ceiling height and width of the space you
choose. Don’t forget to consider your tree topper when measuring.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">MEASURE MEASURE
MEASURE. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Once
you’ve decided where you want to place your tree, be sure to measure the space,
write down measurements and take them with you to shop for your tree. This will
make for an easier set up once you get home with your tree. Take your tape measure
along with you to confirm measurements when shopping. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">TREE STANDS.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Make sure your tree stand will accommodate the size of your tree. It's also a good idea to have a stand that holds a generous amount of water. (We love the Cinco tree
stands.) This will cut down on your need to replenish water while you have your
tree, which can get tricky once it’s surrounded by gifts.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokANFO4A_VmIrt7zTKloMj6aX283hAELeRUID4q2ryRW2dc1Ee5-9AFmi18xtX0RWODyYKSdyTebbRHFna3zDHNftVzi5XVKk7XxllI6rrMCehdSj3hatgqUEdjSIq4DrCAsFgIW4_wrE/s1600/cinco+tree+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokANFO4A_VmIrt7zTKloMj6aX283hAELeRUID4q2ryRW2dc1Ee5-9AFmi18xtX0RWODyYKSdyTebbRHFna3zDHNftVzi5XVKk7XxllI6rrMCehdSj3hatgqUEdjSIq4DrCAsFgIW4_wrE/s200/cinco+tree+stand.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinco Tree Stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">PICK A WINNER</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">. When selecting
your tree, be sure it’s fresh. Needles should not be discolored, nor should
they fall off with a brushing of your hand. Needles should be bendable and not
snap when you test them. If the lot you’re shopping at seems to have all duds,
don’t feel bad. Just wish them a Merry, Merry and check out another lot. You
want your tree to be perfect and special. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">TRANSPORT IN
COMFORT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">.
Consider taking an old blanket to lay out in your car/van for transporting your
tree. Also, take a pair of heavy duty gloves for handling your tree. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">WELCOME HOME, TREE!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Consider leaving a
bucket of lukewarm water waiting to welcome your thirsty tree. And have your
tree stand on stand-by. A little eggnog might also be a nice reward for
<i>yourself</i> for getting your newest (temporary) member of the family through the
door!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">MAINTENANCE.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Water your tree
daily the first few days. You may even need to water twice a day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">OTHER TIPS: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Decorating
Guidelines.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">
For trees up to 8’ tall, you’ll need about 100 lights per foot. Increase to 150
lights per foot for trees over 8’. Depending on the size of the ornaments, you
can use 20 to 50 ornaments per foot of tree.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Keep your
poinsettias well-hydrated and away from warm or cold drafts.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Poinsettias are
tropical and sensitive. They like to be well-hydrated and not too cold or too
hot. Keep in mind, if you under-water, the plant will wilt and lower leaves
will drop. If you overwater, the lower leaves will turn yellow and then drop.<span style="color: green;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hang your outdoor
lights before it snows!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Might make the job a little easier to hang lights
pre-snow. Watch your local forecasts and seize the best weather day! </span></div>
flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-83160565087893200052013-11-06T08:29:00.000-08:002013-11-06T08:29:03.668-08:00Xeriscaping<b></b><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1290589/6604af536ab0e8a3021590b4937deedf/image/jpeg" data-icontact-resized-width="83" data-icontact-width-flexible="215" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1290589/6604af536ab0e8a3021590b4937deedf/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 97px; margin: 0px; width: 83px;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
Xeriscaping symbol was developed by many employees at Denver Water (the
water department of Denver, CO), where the term was coined. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b>The
concept of xeriscaping was created for the purpose of minimizing the
use of water. Although originally conceived as a response to the drought
of 1977 in our western states, it has become popular across the nation.
In light of the extreme weather conditions we've been experiencing
these past few years, we're all more and more aware of what a precious
commodity water is and we're continuing to make changes to preserve and
use it wisely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you'd like to read more about this topic, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07228.html" href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07228.html">Colorado State University Extension</a> is a wonderful place to start.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1290589/3d50fb619a5217a3f5bc1f1e08639111/image/jpeg" data-icontact-resized-width="271" data-icontact-width-flexible="200" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1290589/3d50fb619a5217a3f5bc1f1e08639111/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 203px; margin: 0px; width: 271px;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A fine example of xeriscaping can be found at the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.luriegarden.org/" href="http://www.luriegarden.org/"> Lurie Garden</a> in Chicago's Millennium Park.</div>
flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-43909866868171855592013-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:002013-09-24T09:17:54.855-07:00Fall Is Fabulous<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fall is here and with it comes lots of color, great flavors, wonderful smells and the sounds of crunching leaves and children laughing. Enjoy the season! </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/westendflorist/boards/">Follow us on Pinterest! </a>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-53045696094578648462012-03-26T07:15:00.000-07:002012-03-26T07:15:01.526-07:00Demystifying Soil Amendments - Continued<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Garden Bed Amendments V – Specialty Products for Garden Soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil amendments are anything you can add to the soil to
improve its nutritional value, water retention, drainage, structure and
aeration to create a better environment for plant root development or increase
or decrease drainage or slow soil erosion.
Soil amendments can also be considered products that you can use on top
of the soil to retain moisture, slow erosion, manage weeds, moderate soil
temperature, increase aesthetics and aid in plant growth. They can be either organic or inorganic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always follow the label for all products. We strongly recommend you get a soil test
before adding any nutrients to your soil.
This will give you a clear understanding of what might be missing from
your garden’s soil. You can use a
company like Agricultural Soil Management, Inc. in Champaign, IL to do your
soil test or go to <a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/</a>
for a listing of companies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the following products are easy to find at your
local Independent
Garden Center
but others may be difficult to find stocked.
Some of these products have suitable substitution that your local Garden
Center experts can suggest for you, but if you really have your heart set on one
product or a brand of product, you can talk to them and they may be able to
special order it for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_1u6hKtl9aANuWCFbwAHctPB0-zeNukjVeXIQtSlymtoZMzdtRWDvdTjwqyjgDb_z-al67IqGalBTdVu1iRPIHWNcBtFfj8HJSppydDwKyBxBygD9s_b-ahLEviVi_YTCZOxhaejzm5G/s1600/soil+moist+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_1u6hKtl9aANuWCFbwAHctPB0-zeNukjVeXIQtSlymtoZMzdtRWDvdTjwqyjgDb_z-al67IqGalBTdVu1iRPIHWNcBtFfj8HJSppydDwKyBxBygD9s_b-ahLEviVi_YTCZOxhaejzm5G/s200/soil+moist+%281%29.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soil Moist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil Moist</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Is a name brand for one type of
polymer with water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
storing capabilities to help reduce waterings</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We
recommend this to be added to containers that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
are in a lot of sun</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
We also recommend this to be used
in plantings where</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
regular watering may be difficult </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Mycorrhizae</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN">Are microscopic fungi that help the root
structure of plants take up water and nutrients for healthier plants that
resist disease and insects </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can be
found as a granular or in a water soluble (i.e. Brand name Thrive) form</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
This product does not have any
direct beneficial nutrition; however, it increases the plant’s ability to
access nutrients in soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diatomaceous Earth for the Garden</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qIehXSrb0gvtqyB7WmZnkGZ736XJ0XWfSO3Ys0uBPuoGCgoy5vZfWNtD0NK4TKYx04xdxDqEwAhdtyrrppvFJ1ppLjwdrx8PDasEa2SomxEdWGSK_7TuUWjVCkUW8RvcOaKtafLAlgwn/s1600/diatomeceous+earth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qIehXSrb0gvtqyB7WmZnkGZ736XJ0XWfSO3Ys0uBPuoGCgoy5vZfWNtD0NK4TKYx04xdxDqEwAhdtyrrppvFJ1ppLjwdrx8PDasEa2SomxEdWGSK_7TuUWjVCkUW8RvcOaKtafLAlgwn/s200/diatomeceous+earth.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diatomaceous Earth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inorganic –
but a natural mineral that is mined</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
all over the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Used as a pest management tool but
will kill</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
beneficials too (it dries out both hard body and soft</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
body insects by
getting into their respiratory systems, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
and for soft body pests such as slugs,
it is like sharp</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
glass to them)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Used on top of the soil and as a
line barrier</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use in dry
weather</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often used
in organic gardening practices</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Milorganite</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a
biosolid</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Is a fertilizer that is natural
5-2-0 slower release</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It won’t
burn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may
deter deer and rabbits </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as a
top dress for both gardens and lawn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top dress – to apply product on top of the soil or garden
surface to either add nutrients, limit weed seed germination or weed growth,
retain moisture, deter soil erosion, increase aesthetic beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaching – Water soluble plant nutrients are lost due to
over watering or the soil’s inability to hold on to those nutrients for later
use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH – is the measure of acidity to basic from #1 to #14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral – is in the middle of the PH scale at #7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Acidic – to lower the PH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Basic - To sweeten the soil, to raise the PH often
associated with lime products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N-P-K – Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are often
depicted as number on plant fertilizers (i.e. 10-10-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.squarefootgardening.com/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br />
<a href="http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur"><span style="color: black;">http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.usethrive.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usethrive.com/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten"><span style="color: black;">http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.soilmoist.com/products/landscapers.php</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-84817598057356996822012-03-22T07:00:00.000-07:002012-03-22T07:00:11.109-07:00Demystifying Soil Amendments - Continued<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Garden Bed Amendments IV – Products that change soil
structure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil amendments are anything you can add to the soil to
improve its nutritional value, water retention, drainage, structure and
aeration to create a better environment for plant root development or increase
or decrease drainage or slow soil erosion.
Soil amendments can also be considered products that you can use on top
of the soil to retain moisture, slow erosion, manage weeds, moderate soil
temperature, increase aesthetics and aid in plant growth. They can be either organic or inorganic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always follow the label for all products. We strongly recommend you get a soil test
before adding any nutrients to your soil.
This will give you a clear understanding of what might be missing from
your garden’s soil. You can use a
company like Agricultural Soil Management, Inc. in Champaign, IL to do your
soil test or go to <a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/</a>
for a listing of companies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the following products are easy to find at your
local Independent
Garden Center
but others may be difficult to find stocked.
Some of these products have suitable substitutions that your local
Garden Center experts can suggest for you, but if you really have your heart
set on one product or a brand of product, you can talk to them and they may be
able to special order it for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rice Hulls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Renewable resource that is not
environmentally disruptive. However, it is usually produced outside the U.S.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Decomposable</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creates air
pockets and increases porosity for both air and water channels</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases
drainage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has some
water holding capability</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lightweight</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some brands
have OMRI label for organic growing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeps soil
loose and not compacted but for a short period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Green Sand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Inorganic – but a natural mineral
that is mined </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
May be used in Organic Gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It is rich in trace nutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Helps loosen compacted soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Will not burn plants and can be
used at any time of the year either incorporated or as a top dress</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a
slow release fertilizer supplying micronutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Horticultural Charcoal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people
say it may absorb impurities; there is very little evidence for this claim</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Used in the garden will improve
drainage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often used
in terrariums or indoor houseplant containers that have no drainage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pebbles/Stone</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inorganic –
but occurs naturally in nature</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as a
top dress to lessen weed growth and help soil erosion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases
aesthetic beauty as a decorative soil covering</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creates
drainage or increases drainage both in the garden or in containers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as
pathway material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will add
weight to lightweight containers to keep them from tipping over</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vermiculite (Garden Grade only)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Inorganic – but a natural mineral
that is mined </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Comes in fine, medium, and coarse
(medium and coarse are usually what is used in gardening)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Square Foot Gardening” practices
made famous by Mel Bartholomew requires it in his method</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Lightweight</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Adds no nutrients to the garden but
Retains added nutrients for later use by the plants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Retains moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Increases drainage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Keeps soil loose and not compacted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perlite</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inorganic –
but a natural mineral that is mined all over the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slow to
break down</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
retain moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creates air
pockets and increases porosity for both air and water channels </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lightweight
great for rooftop gardens</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adds no
nutrients to the garden</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeps soil
loose and not compacted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inert</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peat Moss</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Naturally
occurring organic substance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You want to
purchase peat that has been harvested in a sustainable manner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Improves
water movement and air circulation of soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holds
twenty times it weight in water and slowly releases</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can be used
to bind sandy soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reduces
leaching of nutrients by holding them until it is used by the plant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeps soil
loose and not compacted for a certain period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can also be
used as a top dress for new seeds such as lawn or wildflower areas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly
acidic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coir</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SCyV7fUo3OafP3yFQ53gARdu2KrTfZ5mJDURXWeIwvbk5xAP5OSC4blQhb3LKUjHTM7VuVaK7O051QFM5xhJ35zrJZilE4DtXjI-YmvVgiIOaBosiqMHogcOcSDAglmQYwTWVpyEk2g/s1600/coir+coco+moss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SCyV7fUo3OafP3yFQ53gARdu2KrTfZ5mJDURXWeIwvbk5xAP5OSC4blQhb3LKUjHTM7VuVaK7O051QFM5xhJ35zrJZilE4DtXjI-YmvVgiIOaBosiqMHogcOcSDAglmQYwTWVpyEk2g/s200/coir+coco+moss.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coir Coco Moss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fibrous
pulp from the husks of coconuts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Renewable resource that is not
environmentally </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
disruptive. However, it is usually produced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
outside the U.S.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Free of bacteria and fungal spores</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Slightly acidic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Will retain moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Keeps soil loose and not compacted
for a certain period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Creates air pockets and increases
porosity for both air and water channels</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Can be used to line containers or
baskets to hold a potting medium in the container</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Does have some minor nutritional
benefit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not
peat moss but is a perennial plant that grows back</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renewable
resource</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sourced in
the United States</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holds
twenty times its weight in water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repels
bacteria</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as a
soil covering for container plants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used to
line baskets or containers to hold potting media in the container</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used to
create a nice aesthetic look that is very natural</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as all
or part of the potting media for some container plants such as orchids</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2I-OaXGZNID9c6A7OEUAZcxDdGKLYZhH_BMXf-7CcR2ZrZknhJzMzZL7rVhPPt6QOqzRFhfcyX18wHrzihMI2ELF6A9mCDppo4Q6T1nZdqzRlgnSk4XQWWqMjrx8KltTO2nbwHO5cE-p/s1600/sand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2I-OaXGZNID9c6A7OEUAZcxDdGKLYZhH_BMXf-7CcR2ZrZknhJzMzZL7rVhPPt6QOqzRFhfcyX18wHrzihMI2ELF6A9mCDppo4Q6T1nZdqzRlgnSk4XQWWqMjrx8KltTO2nbwHO5cE-p/s200/sand.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a naturally
occurring material comprised of</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
rock and some minerals</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It
increases drainage and helps break up clay soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Creates air pockets and increases
porosity for both air</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
and water channel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Used as a top dress</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top dress – to apply product on top of the soil or garden
surface to either add nutrients, limit weed seed germination or weed growth,
retain moisture, deter soil erosion, increase aesthetic beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaching – Water soluble plant nutrients are lost due to
over-watering or the soil’s inability to hold on to those nutrients for later
use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH – is the measure of acidity to basic from #1 to #14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral – is in the middle of the PH scale at #7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Acidic – to lower the PH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Basic - To sweeten the soil, to raise the PH often
associated with lime products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N-P-K – Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are often
depicted as number on plant fertilizers (i.e. 10-10-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.squarefootgardening.com/</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur"><span style="color: black;">http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.usethrive.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usethrive.com/</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten"><span style="color: black;">http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.soilmoist.com/products/landscapers.php</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-2575227628410238032012-03-19T06:45:00.000-07:002012-03-19T06:45:00.022-07:00Demystifying Soil Amendments - ContinuedGarden Bed Amendments III - Compost<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil amendments are anything you can add to the soil to
improve its nutritional value, water retention, drainage, structure and
aeration to create a better environment for plant root development or increase
or decrease drainage or slow soil erosion.
Soil amendments can also be considered products that you can use on top
of the soil to retain moisture, slow erosion, manage weeds, moderate soil
temperature, increase aesthetics and aid in plant growth. They can be either organic or inorganic. Some of the following products or components
can have multiple tasks that they perform in your soil. However, I have tried
to categorize them into their main function.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always follow the label for all products. We strongly recommend you get a soil test
before adding any nutrients to your soil.
This will give you a clear understanding of what might be missing from
your garden’s soil. You can use a
company like Agricultural Soil Management, Inc. in Champaign, IL to do your
soil test or go to <a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/</a>
for a listing of companies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the following products are easy to find at your
local Independent Garden Center but others may be difficult to find
stocked. Some of these products have
suitable substitution that your local Garden Center experts can suggest for you,
but if you really have your heart set on one product or a brand of product, you
can talk to them and they may be able to special order it for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaf Compost</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreBlCeBfTJhwIa0nDZe1yS1uoZIt3-amAtPPShT6di_rFfyDaBpUujlYDMtFFj7hLTDZCoG2K6rit240J16WpLeANV92tP_aOlxG0eSUM0vA652K63Xty3cyAv7ak6hJnOgSV5jnysNhM/s1600/Leaf+compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreBlCeBfTJhwIa0nDZe1yS1uoZIt3-amAtPPShT6di_rFfyDaBpUujlYDMtFFj7hLTDZCoG2K6rit240J16WpLeANV92tP_aOlxG0eSUM0vA652K63Xty3cyAv7ak6hJnOgSV5jnysNhM/s200/Leaf+compost.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf Compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be
purchased or you can make your own</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It adds
organic material to soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Creates air pockets and increases
porosity for both</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
air and water channel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Retains
moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Keeps soil loose and not compacted
for a certain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as a
top dress mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cotton Burr Compost</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loosens
clay soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
neutralize PH in soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
increase the beneficial Microbes in the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Improves
water movement and air circulation of soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases
water retention<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comes from
all sorts of sources</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Cow is the most common, but can
include all sorts of herbivore animals like rabbit or goat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dehydrated,
Composted or a Slurry are the various forms of manure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may
contain high levels of nitrogen and other nutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Provides food for good microscopic
bacteria to feed off </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It may burn plants if not used
properly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Adds organic material to the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Manure that is properly composted
should not smell</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manure Compost Blend</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Is a blend of manure and other
organic material mixed together (i.e. manure and composted peat)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Adds organic material to the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It may contain high levels of
nitrogen and other nutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mushroom Compost</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicR0EgxVa22WCD9jeaPRZRWwjneVG8CONG2xNdNutPDkoAfvIBCEPI3Gwfu83T_kl0CespcySob-k2CS1a9qXgMNT3ZRoH0tEVaLxMVSIwlpnkq8Tejtkbj2SKK-X-0W5_gK-jDW4G1MA/s1600/mushroom+compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicR0EgxVa22WCD9jeaPRZRWwjneVG8CONG2xNdNutPDkoAfvIBCEPI3Gwfu83T_kl0CespcySob-k2CS1a9qXgMNT3ZRoH0tEVaLxMVSIwlpnkq8Tejtkbj2SKK-X-0W5_gK-jDW4G1MA/s200/mushroom+compost.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom Compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It is the growing media used to
grow mushrooms at</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
mushroom farms once they harvest the mushrooms</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It consists
of horse manure, straw, peat moss and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
other organic material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Adds organic material to the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It may contain high levels of salts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It may burn plants if not used
properly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Composted Chicken Manure/composted poultry manures</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very high
in nitrogen and contains phosphorous and potassium</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Extremely
important to use thoroughly composted product</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It may burn plants if not used
properly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Adds organic material to the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Composted peat/humus</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is slightly
acidic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is
decomposed plant material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It adds
organic material to your soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
retain moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Creates air pockets and increases
porosity for both air and water channel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top dress – to apply product on top of the soil or garden
surface to either add nutrients, limit weed seed germination or weed growth,
retain moisture, deter soil erosion, increase aesthetic beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaching – Water soluble plant nutrients are lost due to
over watering or the soil’s inability to hold on to those nutrients for later
use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH – is the measure of acidity to basic from #1 to #14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral – is in the middle of the PH scale at #7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Acidic – to lower the PH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Basic - To sweeten the soil, to raise the PH often
associated with lime products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N-P-K – Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are often
depicted as number on plant fertilizers (i.e. 10-10-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.squarefootgardening.com/</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur"><span style="color: black;">http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.usethrive.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usethrive.com/</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten"><span style="color: black;">http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.soilmoist.com/products/landscapers.php</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-41250353350884505822012-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:002012-03-16T09:34:00.118-07:00Mulch Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOQbaXLM7izPy744x0HI4PEz5GC2NJRb8i_OCF5yPQmkCUOFopFkAeeb8PJTkPHPk2AtMixkLjDG66j6SWBgXCygmIY1173mmzCmlrOphEXTWoSxSALhnfD6v746nwfPqU3SqHKp2u0Nu/s1600/mulch+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOQbaXLM7izPy744x0HI4PEz5GC2NJRb8i_OCF5yPQmkCUOFopFkAeeb8PJTkPHPk2AtMixkLjDG66j6SWBgXCygmIY1173mmzCmlrOphEXTWoSxSALhnfD6v746nwfPqU3SqHKp2u0Nu/s640/mulch+chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-86310902688313215132012-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:002012-03-15T07:10:00.100-07:00Demystifying Soil Amendments ContinuedGarden Bed Amendments II - Mulch<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil amendments are anything you can add to the soil to
improve its nutritional value, water retention, drainage, structure and
aeration to create a better environment for plant root development or increase
or decrease drainage or slow soil erosion.
Soil amendments can also be considered products that you can use on top
of the soil to retain moisture, slow erosion, manage weeds, moderate soil
temperature, increase aesthetics and aid in plant growth. They can be either organic or inorganic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always follow the label for all products. We strongly recommend you get a soil test
before adding any nutrients to your soil.
This will give you a clear understanding of what might be missing from
your garden’s soil. You can use a
company like Agricultural Soil Management, Inc. in Champaign, IL, to do your
soil test or go to <a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/</a>
for a listing of companies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the following products are easy to find at your
local Independent
Garden Center
but others may be difficult to find stocked.
Some of these products have suitable substitutions that your local
Garden Center experts can suggest for you, but if you really have your heart
set on one product or a brand of product, you can talk to them and they may be
able to special order it for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most mulches will help regulate soil temperature by keeping
the soil underneath it cooler.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bark Hardwood</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is
made from the bark that comes off of the trees from lumber mills </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use as a
top dress mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slow to
break down but then can be incorporated into the soil as organic material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NqAQB1Bc-k6XwvN2OZGgS833pOPEchdsQU443LCazhe2gQ9f_ugoe7zJSZfUZlZkjdwqtgwz611LB8dBXwgUXjUYiCR7sZE0zWjsil3CSK1su7BGMGm4XUrdOX1hvAwLJGqsonIKmroU/s1600/cedar+mulch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NqAQB1Bc-k6XwvN2OZGgS833pOPEchdsQU443LCazhe2gQ9f_ugoe7zJSZfUZlZkjdwqtgwz611LB8dBXwgUXjUYiCR7sZE0zWjsil3CSK1su7BGMGm4XUrdOX1hvAwLJGqsonIKmroU/s200/cedar+mulch.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Mulch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shredded Cedar Mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is
made from the cedar tree remnants </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from lumber mills</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use as a
top dress mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slow to
break down but then can be incorporated </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
into the soil as organic material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cypress
Mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is
made from the cypress tree remnants from lumber mills</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use as a
top dress mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slow to
break down but then can be incorporated into the soil as organic material</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Landscape Fabric or Weed Barrier</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fabric that
may be biodegradable</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It keeps
weeds seeds down by not letting weeds germinate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May slow
erosion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May help
soil retain moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaf Compost</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTP6kT-jQY_UCRbuU-iw43rBFyJFUxtoB4dnDk_D28AA4-j3t0lTdxZssbpSwJiA5ZN6raBS_tsBeKUFkNzj9cHU8rxskUAKzOrCpQE-dkQHy8lqEGwe3Waddk7l6bfSwZyZnt-KUoJ3b/s1600/Leaf+compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTP6kT-jQY_UCRbuU-iw43rBFyJFUxtoB4dnDk_D28AA4-j3t0lTdxZssbpSwJiA5ZN6raBS_tsBeKUFkNzj9cHU8rxskUAKzOrCpQE-dkQHy8lqEGwe3Waddk7l6bfSwZyZnt-KUoJ3b/s200/Leaf+compost.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf Compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be
purchased or you can make your own</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It add
organic material to soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Creates air pockets and increase
porosity for both air and water channel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Retain
moisture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Keeps soil loose and not compacted
for a certain </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as a
top dress mulch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cotton Burr Compost</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loosens clay
soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
neutralize PH in soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
increase the beneficial Microbes in the soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Improves
water movement and air circulation of soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases
water retention</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aged Pine Bark</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPPGainvIDAGXybWDi1CaFqtXL1ovIXnqSl2IqX3k3Z1PR2n6amNRaQzUvyiGkhRMYbn8423KiJCMMfYDRbG28l0jTUv7BU5icpIaoAdDZxoQ3Yq9urg07PIRJnTQ5N6CSJU_8o1Xzd8B/s1600/pine+bark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPPGainvIDAGXybWDi1CaFqtXL1ovIXnqSl2IqX3k3Z1PR2n6amNRaQzUvyiGkhRMYbn8423KiJCMMfYDRbG28l0jTUv7BU5icpIaoAdDZxoQ3Yq9urg07PIRJnTQ5N6CSJU_8o1Xzd8B/s200/pine+bark.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Bark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used as an
organic soil conditioner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Decreases
nitrogen leaching</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Improves
water movement and air circulation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases
water retention</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeps soil
loose and not compacted for a certain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
period of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will last
longer as a substantial mass than</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
peat moss</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Properly
aged pine bark can be difficult to find for</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the average gardener</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly
acidic </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be
applied as a top dress</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spanish Moss</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Is not
really a moss, it is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphyte" title="Epiphyte"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times","serif"; text-decoration: none;">Epiphyte</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">
(air plant)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Usually used as a top dress for containers, frequently is used in the floral industry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> In the South, it is sometimes used as a top dress mulch </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top dress – to apply product on top of the soil or garden
surface to either add nutrients, limit weed seed germination or weed growth,
retain moisture, deter soil erosion, increase aesthetic beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaching – Water soluble plant nutrients are lost due to
over-watering or the soil’s inability to hold on to those nutrients for later
use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH – is the measure of acidity to basic from #1 to #14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral – is in the middle of the PH scale at #7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Acidic – to lower the PH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Basic - To sweeten the soil, to raise the PH often
associated with lime products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N-P-K – Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are often depicted
as number on plant fertilizers (i.e. 10-10-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.squarefootgardening.com/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br />
<a href="http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur"><span style="color: black;">http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.usethrive.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usethrive.com/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten"><span style="color: black;">http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">http://www.soilmoist.com/products/landscapers.php</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-32807577200162559732012-03-10T13:14:00.000-08:002012-03-10T13:14:03.414-08:00Nutritional Amendment Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3JkTRrdOby7M1-YJjyG_IpTG2cNffpQERUcjD5A_w3fSoGn9PW1EKr_al2UeBhf2ZzxwQal8R0woTOlGpJLAMQDvUJtZxquyYZC2Pm8lb6DEm4oDLVBplzAkp-jkUhBGC2XDs0O_RKss/s1600/nutritional+amendment+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3JkTRrdOby7M1-YJjyG_IpTG2cNffpQERUcjD5A_w3fSoGn9PW1EKr_al2UeBhf2ZzxwQal8R0woTOlGpJLAMQDvUJtZxquyYZC2Pm8lb6DEm4oDLVBplzAkp-jkUhBGC2XDs0O_RKss/s640/nutritional+amendment+chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-76541482177776396032012-03-10T12:24:00.001-08:002012-03-10T12:24:38.580-08:00Demystifying Soil Amendments<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following blogs are going to be a five part series on Soil Amendments and Components. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Garden Bed Amendments I – Nutritional Amendments</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soil amendments are anything you can add to the soil to
improve its nutritional value, water retention, drainage, structure and
aeration to create a better environment for plant root development or increase
or decrease drainage or slow soil erosion.
Soil amendments can also be considered products that you can use on top
of the soil to retain moisture, slow erosion, manage weeds, moderate soil
temperature, increase aesthetics and aid in plant growth. They can be either organic or inorganic. Some of the following products or components
can have multiple tasks that they perform in your soil; however I have tried to
categorize them into their main function.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always follow the label for all products. We strongly recommend you get a soil test
before adding any nutrients to your soil.
This will give you a clear understanding of what might be missing from
your garden’s soil. You can use a
company like Agricultural Soil Management, Inc. in Champagne IL to do your soil
test or go to <a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest/</a>
for a listing of companies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the following products are easy to find at your
local Independent
Garden Center
but others may be difficult to find stocked.
Some of these products have suitable substitution that your local Garden
Center experts can suggest for you but if you really have your heart set one
product or a brand of product you can talk to them and they may be able to
special order it for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aluminum Sulfate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is a
chemical compound</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lowers the
PH or increases acidity of gardens that are not used for edible plants </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h_Abu8qD_SaAXi5IQ5jQ6XemlkNdOcZAbrpasvOPnsk79J41-awnsIlDoDPCyoOz0BRMlWNDuQDAM0nNSevdh-1Ac9ryl4eD_xz9nrbQtTYTIRzmnnAW9JEvgqjntoGFFScMZ0OY7veB/s1600/aluminum+sulfate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h_Abu8qD_SaAXi5IQ5jQ6XemlkNdOcZAbrpasvOPnsk79J41-awnsIlDoDPCyoOz0BRMlWNDuQDAM0nNSevdh-1Ac9ryl4eD_xz9nrbQtTYTIRzmnnAW9JEvgqjntoGFFScMZ0OY7veB/s200/aluminum+sulfate.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It increases the amount of
nutrients that the plant takes up through its roots system from the surrounding
soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can be used
as a soil additive or top dressed</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Always
follow the directions, do not apply to foliage</span><br />
Used to change certain hydrangeas colors typically to a<br />
blue shade
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Garden Sulfur</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natural
occurring element</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lowers PH
or increases acidity in soil and can be used<br />
with edibles </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used often
in Organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We
recommend this product in blueberry production in<br />
our area</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Agricultural Lime/Garden Lime/Agricultural Limestone</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
It provides a source of calcium
which is an important micro nutrient especially for plants like tomatoes and
fall mums</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It improves the plants ability to
uptake other nutrients such as Nitrogen, Potassium and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Best to add lime to the top of the
soil in fall or before planting in spring</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e56w9pOiKRLLIf9znrtBlprA3QPXr7RfmIi-qZWKo1LBWc_1232-CJsphX4bx2WqUUNXBHLQHRoRc6kWff0Qg1XJzMypeEnnlJaVacsf5GTjUutNbydxRoohs0dR0K0mMgRz-YHzTIgO/s1600/garden+lime+espoma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e56w9pOiKRLLIf9znrtBlprA3QPXr7RfmIi-qZWKo1LBWc_1232-CJsphX4bx2WqUUNXBHLQHRoRc6kWff0Qg1XJzMypeEnnlJaVacsf5GTjUutNbydxRoohs0dR0K0mMgRz-YHzTIgO/s200/garden+lime+espoma.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raises the
PH in soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Phosphorous (N-P-K) in
acidic soils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
Naturally occurring mineral –
Limestone ground</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It increases water penetration into
soil media</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dolomitic Lime</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similar to
Agricultural lime</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is a
naturally occurring mineral that is mined</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raises the
PH of your soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Is a carbonate mineral composed of
calcium magnesium carbonate </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Both calcium and magnesium are
necessary nutrients for some plants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hydrated Lime</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Calcium
Hydroxide is an inorganic compound created from limestone and water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raises the
PH quickly in the soil, but may burn the roots of plants where it is used</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please make
sure your follow your instruction, we recommend Agricultural Lime instead</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ammonium Sulphate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is an
inorganic salt compound</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lowers PH
or increases acidity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contains
Nitrogen and Sulfur</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quick and
fast release of Nitrogen, be careful not to burn the plant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To do this
the organic way and slower we would recommend Blood Meal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Magnesium Sulphate/Epsom Salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inorganic
chemical Compound naturally coming from the Earth (Epsom, England)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
correct chlorosis (yellowing leaves) of plants, it will make them more green</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May be used
to correct magnesium deficiencies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lowers the
PH or increases acidity of your soil slightly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helps
plants absorb naturally occurring phosphorous in the soil and other nutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often used
in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gypsum</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is a
sulfate mineral naturally occurring and can be created as a byproduct of<br />
sulfide oxidation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May counter
act salt spray damage from deicing agents applied to roads for winter
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7abZEW_9YcQZusINXZNYkhMm9hyphenhyphenQF0gPWqXud-ZsWsKn4CN1WmxUsJww-lEWvXfgUONpgd2QGc1Gj1gGvliGK-mtXozuJxpljpeCBQ9luwmeH3GVc-MlNyjHXjGupWElpF5ha89euMRvJ/s1600/gypsum+espoma+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7abZEW_9YcQZusINXZNYkhMm9hyphenhyphenQF0gPWqXud-ZsWsKn4CN1WmxUsJww-lEWvXfgUONpgd2QGc1Gj1gGvliGK-mtXozuJxpljpeCBQ9luwmeH3GVc-MlNyjHXjGupWElpF5ha89euMRvJ/s200/gypsum+espoma+%281%29.JPG" width="150" /></a>Helps bind organic matter to
nutrients in the soil to prevent leaching and be available to the plant for
later use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral
(7.0) but does help correct overly alkaline<br />
(high PH) or “sweet soils” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loosens
clay soils by allowing air and water to flow easier through</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe used
in organic gardening </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lessens
soil erosion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adds
calcium</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Won’t burn </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dried Blood/Blood Meal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZjFkPaNzvtfD57BqxlRoh52EsXt2GpQBRAmeHaJgfi5HJ3m9daLPzis142vFS6vmey3rXHkNxim9ho0jviTZBZ3m3QlRwOBi3aECH4Tb0ilpRCmJya6-kiETUSeMCrB9-dad5zADjM9b/s1600/dried+blood+espoma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZjFkPaNzvtfD57BqxlRoh52EsXt2GpQBRAmeHaJgfi5HJ3m9daLPzis142vFS6vmey3rXHkNxim9ho0jviTZBZ3m3QlRwOBi3aECH4Tb0ilpRCmJya6-kiETUSeMCrB9-dad5zADjM9b/s200/dried+blood+espoma.JPG" width="150" /></a>Releases nitrogen over four months
so perfect for one season crops, please follow the label to avoid plant damage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Provides a
natural source of nitrogen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great for
nitrogen hungry crops like leafy
vegetables<br />
(lettuce, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
spinach, corn, brussel sprouts)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apply
during growing season</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Lowers PH or increases acidity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May act as
an animal repellent such as deer and rabbit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Do not apply to beans or legumes (i.e.
soybeans) or other crops that take nitrogen out of the air and put it in the
soil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
May be used in organic gardening</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Often used in compost pile</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Please follow the directions and do not over apply</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span>Iron</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you
have iron deficiencies you usually have high PH</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C0gGQbLI03xr7H5MpR972-8sCWpLbGubpR11Lmx7GKVbHNx2gNmXsAa5gmPz1X2ABsQRqfFxRpjrLdmRvGXZVSxqklPQZsd0n-wguRL5d8mKjNRSJ8vvj9lITKR3r3imjsyDn8XFHc6C/s1600/iron+pelleted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C0gGQbLI03xr7H5MpR972-8sCWpLbGubpR11Lmx7GKVbHNx2gNmXsAa5gmPz1X2ABsQRqfFxRpjrLdmRvGXZVSxqklPQZsd0n-wguRL5d8mKjNRSJ8vvj9lITKR3r3imjsyDn8XFHc6C/s200/iron+pelleted.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lowers PH
or increases acidity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It can be applied as a spray
(liquid form is equally effective and is more commonly available) or a pellet
which is usually commercially available</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #232323;">Chelated Iron</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #232323;"> Is
often in a soluble form for spraying</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #232323;"> Slightly
</span>Lowers PH or increases acidity<span style="color: #232323;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #232323;"> Is
used as temporary fix for high PH soils</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #232323;"> Used
to treat deficiencies causing chlorosis</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Urea</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
This is often one of two nitrogen
sources for commercial fertilizers (Ammonium Nitrate is the other but it is not
sold by itself)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Promotes rapid greening and growth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
This releases nitrogen very rapidly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Potash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is the name
nickname for the old fashioned way of soaking plant ashes in a water pot</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Various
salts that contain potassium either mined or manufactured</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Source of
potassium for fertilizers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Potassium helps the growth of the
plant, keeps the plant circulatory system healthy, and helps maintain the
plants overall healthiness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bone Meal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is made
from crushed bones</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is often
used in organic gardening </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Often used for bulbs, roses and
tomatoes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It is a good source of phosphorous
and calcium for your plants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It is a slow release fertilizer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fertilizers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4IRfMVAQrpr2LaB8UFkl9PlpNH9FrlIGkQUV8qBCOxkjWkbj4ic2yaIYyGZq9YiuEVSdW5QnAkUAa-FKr5GdEsHz0QQ6HC5eXcaFG2YWHrrXptd58EKJKDsTUaT3QfExNT3MeRtVysrb/s1600/west+end+slow+release+fertilizer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4IRfMVAQrpr2LaB8UFkl9PlpNH9FrlIGkQUV8qBCOxkjWkbj4ic2yaIYyGZq9YiuEVSdW5QnAkUAa-FKr5GdEsHz0QQ6HC5eXcaFG2YWHrrXptd58EKJKDsTUaT3QfExNT3MeRtVysrb/s200/west+end+slow+release+fertilizer.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This topic
will be covered at a later date thoroughly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
May be organic, inorganic, natural
or synthetic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is often
added to the soil to supply nutrients to plants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can be a quick release, time release or slow release formulas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It contains the following macro and
micro nutrients</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>six macro nutrients: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen" title="Nitrogen">nitrogen</a> (N), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus" title="Phosphorus">phosphorus</a>
(P), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium" title="Potassium">potassium</a>
(K), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium" title="Calcium">calcium</a>
(Ca), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium" title="Magnesium">magnesium</a>
(Mg), and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur" title="Sulfur">sulfur</a>
(S);</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>seven micro nutrients: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boron" title="Boron">boron</a> (B), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine" title="Chlorine">chlorine</a> (Cl), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper" title="Copper">copper</a> (Cu), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron" title="Iron">iron</a> (Fe), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganese" title="Manganese">manganese</a>
(Mn), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molybdenum" title="Molybdenum">molybdenum</a>
(Mo), and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc" title="Zinc">zinc </a>(Zn).</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corn Gluten Meal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Made from
ground corn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Various Universities including Iowa
State University believes it could be used as a natural pre-emergence herbicide</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpnppSo25b56jifbhK-_ikiTAZEaWSCAg8IE7Xq_KACU4YLViLiE3wxBRngQOoHGhIyGVj90fOHgaU9L_k9_ouBd1aBGw8H4v-v964kbLsZabLc8QgReyNNnBPhjimW9bC1qQdr6z2Bn4/s1600/P3100587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpnppSo25b56jifbhK-_ikiTAZEaWSCAg8IE7Xq_KACU4YLViLiE3wxBRngQOoHGhIyGVj90fOHgaU9L_k9_ouBd1aBGw8H4v-v964kbLsZabLc8QgReyNNnBPhjimW9bC1qQdr6z2Bn4/s200/P3100587.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly
releases nitrogen and is often used on lawns</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitions:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top dress – to apply product on top of the soil or garden
surface to either add nutrients, limit weed seed germination or weed growth,
retain moisture, deter soil erosion, increase aesthetic beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaching – Water soluble plant nutrients are lost due to
over watering or the soils inability to hold on to those nutrients for later
use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH – is the measure of acidity to basic from #1 to #14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PH neutral – is in the middle of the PH scale at #7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Acidic – to lower the PH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slightly Basic - To sweeten the soil, to raise the PH often
associated with lime products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N-P-K – Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are often
depicted as number on plant fertilizers (i.e. 10-10-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Informational Links:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.squarefootgardening.com/</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/fafard-veriflora-certification-peat-moss-peatlands.aspx</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.michiganpeat.com/about.htm</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm"><span style="color: black;">http://www.greeneem.com/cococoirpeat.htm</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usu.edu/cpl/PDF/CoconutCoirPaper.pdf</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx"><span style="color: black;">http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/getting-to-the-coir-of-the-matter.aspx</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: black;">http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur"><span style="color: black;">http://www.garden.org/calculators/?q=form&type=sulfur</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: black;">http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/soil-care.html</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usg.com/rc/brochures/agricultural-gypsum/sofn-soil-gypsum-lawn-garden-brochure-en-IG220.pdf</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/dc6794.html</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.usethrive.com/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.usethrive.com/</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten"><span style="color: black;">http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html"><span style="color: black;">http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html</span></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: black;">http://www.soilmoist.com/products/landscapers.php</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-43865263971383298322012-02-24T10:32:00.000-08:002012-02-24T10:32:28.253-08:00General Houseplant Care<br />
<div style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-image: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; padding: 0in 0in 4pt;">
<div class="MsoTitle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
While taking care of houseplants can vary greatly between
different varieties, there are some general guidelines that apply to most
houseplants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two general
types of houseplants: the “green” plants and the “blooming” plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Green plants are generally grown for their
foliage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some examples of green plants
are philodendron, ferns, dracena, peperomia, and schefflera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not considered “blooming plants”, most
green plants do flower. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in a
home situation this is generally rare or nearly unnoticeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blooming plants, on the other hand, are known
for large or showy floral displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blooming plants can often be grown after they finish flowering and will
flower again if given a good healthy environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some examples of blooming plants are
cyclamen, kalanchoe, African violets, spathiphyllum (peace lily), anthurium,
bromeliads, and orchids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Green Plants </span></b></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZmKCjU6fh5ErJOO8nr7NAvAgYg9jOUmkcyadVPdEvFn1vL6VtgQD5wlr-noQUi4I26j-QJT52OESmcjc0Yt7NGohM3M2wlfXnlKO49N9KlNsFqtbiUrKEVtWjQ2OMKV455yo_DAEsAV/s1600/P1020556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZmKCjU6fh5ErJOO8nr7NAvAgYg9jOUmkcyadVPdEvFn1vL6VtgQD5wlr-noQUi4I26j-QJT52OESmcjc0Yt7NGohM3M2wlfXnlKO49N9KlNsFqtbiUrKEVtWjQ2OMKV455yo_DAEsAV/s200/P1020556.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In general, caring for a green plant is a simple process that requires a small amount of work every few days. Selecting the proper location for your plants is a good way to reduce the amount of care that they require and can increase the overall health of your plant. This includes choosing a plant that will grow well with the amount of light that it will receive in the location in the house. The largest part of caring for your green plants is watering. Improper watering habits, both over-watering and under-watering, are detrimental to plant health. The best way to tell if your plant is watered correctly is to stick your finger into the soil near the plant’s root system and feel if the soil is moist an inch or so below the surface of the soil. Visual signs of both under- and over-watered plants include wilting and generally droopy plants. Over-watering a houseplant can lead to an increase in soil born insects and diseases as well as a reduced root system. Under-watering a house plant can lead to stunted or no growth and excessive leaf dropping. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br />
Most green plants are fairly light feeders and thus only need to be fertilized every 8-10 weeks during the active growing season and every 10-12 weeks during the fall and winter.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br />
Beyond watering and fertilizer, green plants require a bit of quick cleaning in order to keep them looking their best. This would include a gentle dusting with a damp cloth and the removal of dead, dying, or damaged leaves. As your houseplant grows larger it may occasionally outgrow its container or location. Depending on the type of plant, there are a couple solutions to this. If the plant requires repotting, a larger container may be used. Some plant species may be divided and placed into 2 or 3 separate containers if a single larger plant is not desired. Other plant species can be cut back to prevent them from overtaking their location in the house. Please talk to a plant professional about any questions regarding trimming or dividing your houseplants. </div>
<br />
<h2 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Blooming Plants</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE-y30rH17NhlERTuiADYSI3Us7WasnyliPv9TDB_fffXDqzrKzOrx_wfZ5f5GECFxXkbMaAyPX2xUOqQpf8EiS8dIyATV6rduwMPv57NSUsw_I45g2ii8UI3TkftULthRfqZnHHEc0mp/s1600/anthurium+112011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE-y30rH17NhlERTuiADYSI3Us7WasnyliPv9TDB_fffXDqzrKzOrx_wfZ5f5GECFxXkbMaAyPX2xUOqQpf8EiS8dIyATV6rduwMPv57NSUsw_I45g2ii8UI3TkftULthRfqZnHHEc0mp/s200/anthurium+112011.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Blooming
plants require much of the same care as described above for green plants. Due to their flowers, there are a few added
things that need to be done to keep a blooming plant looking its best. As individual flowers finish their life cycle,
they can be removed to keep your plant looking healthy. This process is often referred to as “deadheading”. Depending on what type of plant you are
growing, deadheading will take on a slightly different process. A plant professional can give you specific
advice as to how, when, and where to remove old flowers. By maintaining your blooming plants properly,
you can often extend their blooming and encourage growth and re-blooming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Because
of the added energy that producing flowers requires, blooming plants often
require fertilizer more often than green plants. A good baseline for how often to fertilize
blooming plants is once a month, however, variations in fertilizers and plants
can change that. </span></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-62295227985258324902012-02-01T10:14:00.000-08:002012-02-01T10:14:26.725-08:00Salt Tolerant Plants for the Midwest<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Even though we haven’t had much snow in our area this
year and we don’t live by the ocean, we still think about </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Salt Spray Damage</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> and how to
prevent it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salt spray off of busy
highways can travel up to 60 feet away from the road.</span></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some
things you can do to prevent salt spray damage to your plants this winter:</span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve drainage. <br />Plant salt tolerant plants (see listing below).<br />Put up barriers, either natural (i.e. berm) fencing or burlap.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Gypsum can help
bind the salt particles and slow its uptake through the plant.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Calcium and
dolomitic lime are also believed to help.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Flush plant area
with water after area has been in contact with salt.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>If possible, don’t
use salt at all. Use as little salt as possible, or use a salt substitute like calcium
chloride.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Use a sand deicer
mix to increase traction.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some
signs to look for when trying to determine if your plants have salt spray
damage:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Either outer
burning or scorch.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Moisture sucked out
of leaves or needles.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>When the plant
takes the salt up into the vascular system it can cause toxic effects or tissue
death.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Browning or
yellowing plants.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Witches broom or
deformed growth on the tips, lack of vigor.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Stunted growth.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Plants are more
susceptible to disease and/or insects.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Death of plant.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">List of Salt-Tolerant Plants<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQWT4CjU9fRQlYjUrwCDkhElOe-UM9tkegG9MWk0TEMKD2jOTpZDnu_x9qHXtoYAUoBzsLiXHTmuGEx99njtqW1cRZ04Ki6AyL-h3jvP5yPRvjy9-11y_JyOzmKpm0Ooz2dSYuLL4QQS0/s1600/P2010581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQWT4CjU9fRQlYjUrwCDkhElOe-UM9tkegG9MWk0TEMKD2jOTpZDnu_x9qHXtoYAUoBzsLiXHTmuGEx99njtqW1cRZ04Ki6AyL-h3jvP5yPRvjy9-11y_JyOzmKpm0Ooz2dSYuLL4QQS0/s320/P2010581.JPG" width="252" /></a><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vines</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">English Ivy –Hedera helix<br />Honeysuckle - Lonicera<br />Virginia Creeper - Parthenocissus quinquefolia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Bulbs</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daffodil – Narcissus</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Grasses</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Lyme Grass - Leymus arenarius<br />Little Blue Stem - Schizachyrium scoparium<br />Miscanthus – Miscanthus sinensis<br />Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum<br />Fountain Grass - Pennisetum setaceum<br /><br /><strong><u>Perennials</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Giant Hyssop – Agastache foeniculum<br />Artemesia – Asteracea<br />Blanket Flower – Gaillardia<br /><span>Blue Star – Amsonia<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Butterfly Weed –
Asclepias tuberosa<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Candytuft – Iberis sempervirens<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Creeping Phlox – Phlox
subulata<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Daylily –
Hemerocallis<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Dianthus - <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Spindle Tree -
Euonymus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hens & Chicks –
Sempervivum tectorum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hibiscus hardy –<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hosta - <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Ice Plant -
Delosperma cooperi<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Indigo Plant -
Baptisia australis<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Lamb’s ear –
Stachys<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Lavender Cotton – </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Santolina chamaecyparissus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Leadwort – Plumbago<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Border Grass - Liriope
spicata<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Purple Cone Flower
– Echinacea purpurea<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Red Hot Poker –
Kniphofia<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Russian Sage –
Perovskia <span class="st">atriplicifolia</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Salvia - <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Elderberry - Sambucus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Sea Thrift –
Armeria<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Sedum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Goldenrods - Solidago<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Yarrow – Achillea <span class="st">millefolium<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Trees</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black Gum – Nyssa sylvatica<br />Black Locust – Robinia pseudoacacia<br />Catalpa - Bignoniaceae<br />Eastern Red Cedar – Juniper virginiana<br />Ginkgo -<br />Hawthorn - Crataegus species<br />Hedge Maple – Acer Campestre</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Honeylocust – <span class="st">Gleditsia triacanthos</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hophornbeam -
Ostrya<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hornbeam - <span class="st">Carpinus caroliniana</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Kentucky Coffee
Tree – <span class="st">Gymnocladus dioicus</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Magnolia - <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Mock Orange - <i>Philadelphus
x virginalis</i> 'Natchez'<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Pawpaw – Asimina
triloba<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Quaking Aspen - Populus
termuloides<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Purple Leaf Sand Cherry – <span class="fn">Prunus X Cistena</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Serviceberry -
Amelanchier<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Shagbark Hickory –
Carya ovata<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Sweetgum - <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Liquidambar
styraciflua</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Witchhazel – Hamamelis<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evergreens</span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Austrian Pine –
Pinus nigra<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Blue Spruce – Picea
pungens<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>European Larch – Larix
decidua<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Jack Pine - <span class="st">Pinus banksiana</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Mugo Pine – Pinus
mugo<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>White Fir - <span class="st">Abies concolor</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>White Spruce - <span class="st">Picea glauca<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Annuals/Tropicals</span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>African Lily - Agapanthus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Aspargus Fern - <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Asparagus densiflorus</span></em><span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (Sprengeri group)</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Canna Lily - <span class="st">Canna x generalis</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Coleus - <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Coleus</span></em><span class="st"> blumei</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Blue Daze - Evolvulus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Gaura - <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gaura</span></em><span class="st"> lindheimeri '</span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whirling Butterflies</span></em><span class="st">'</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Heavenly Bamboo – <span class="st">Nandina domestica</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Joseph’s Coat –
Alternanthera<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Mexican Heather – <span class="st">Cuphea hyssopifolia</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Moss Rose - <span class="st">Portulaca grandiflora</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>New Zealand Flax - Phormium<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Oleander - Nerium<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Pentas – Pentas
lanceolata<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Purple Heart –
Setcreasea pallida<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Autumn Sage - Salvia
gregii<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Verbena <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">- <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Verbena bonariensis</span></em><span class="st"> </span></i><span class="st">(tall), Verbena x hybrid (short)</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shrubs – hardy Zone 5<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Alpine Currant - <span class="st">Ribes alpinum</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Beautyberry – Callicarpa<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Chokeberry
Brilliant - <span class="st">Aronia arbutifolia</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCID_sQ1U9uOMvaeLfd5EKHwoHnl6O0cWE0333FSj0rf1IuPl5huk1vjMlKSvx80ceNk6NMvbk9KX1RCjMEUrES7fn7w5mfyF4vF_3qnYnLsmDGUyrWbBeg_8Tm0ZuDCMnqzWbS4eMtOXN/s1600/P2010582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCID_sQ1U9uOMvaeLfd5EKHwoHnl6O0cWE0333FSj0rf1IuPl5huk1vjMlKSvx80ceNk6NMvbk9KX1RCjMEUrES7fn7w5mfyF4vF_3qnYnLsmDGUyrWbBeg_8Tm0ZuDCMnqzWbS4eMtOXN/s320/P2010582.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Clethra – Clethra
alnifolia<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Cotoneaster - <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Japanese
Spindle/Green Spire - Euonymus japonica<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Forsythia<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Mopheads - Hydrangea
macrophylla<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Japanese Barberry -
<span class="st">Berberis thunbergii</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="st"><span>Chinese
Juniper</span></span><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">- <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Juniperus chinensis</span></em><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Lilac - Syringa<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Cinquefoil - Potentilla
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Firethorn - Pyracantha
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Rugosa Rose - Rosa
rugosa<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Rose of Sharon - <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hibiscus syriacus</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Mountain Ash - Sorbus
domestica<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Spirea<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>St. John’s Wort - <span class="st">Hypericum perforatum</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Sumac - Rhus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Viburnum <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Weigela florida<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Willow – Salix<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.bartlett.com/resources/Salt-Injury-to-Landscape-Plants.pdf"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bartlett.com/resources/Salt-Injury-to-Landscape-Plants.pdf</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bartlett
Tree<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/stateline/011213.html"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/stateline/011213.html</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> University of Illinois Extension</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<br />flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-19192360003568372092012-01-23T11:47:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:01:44.691-08:00Feed the Birds<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently, one of our Customers had a discussion with me
about feeding the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he was not envisioning
the scene from Mary Poppins, the Disney Classic. He wanted to create a backyard
that welcomed our feathered friends to visit him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In order to attract birds you have to create a hospitable environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little birds especially like some dense brush
or foliage to hide in or rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
gives them a little more security from birds of prey and other wildlife and it
also provides shelter from the elements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Evergreens are great to have in your backyard bird sanctuary because it
provides winter interest to you and cover for the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plants like Chamaecyparis ‘Gold Mops’, Arbrovitae,
Pines, Junipers and other evergreens have interesting foliage but are well
loved by the homeowner and the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plants
that produce very thick branching are also liked, such as spirea, viburnum, stephanandra
and among many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a big
area you could also provide bird houses or hollowed out tree stumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, plants also provide great
nesting material for their homes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As everyone knows, houseguests like to be fed and the birds are no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food is an important lure to keep our flighty
friends within sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food generally
means seeds, but don’t overlook leaves and nectar, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer in our vegetable garden I thought
I had the world’s biggest slug devouring my Swiss chard bright lights, but we
had no visible signs except for the holes in the leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every morning I would go out and look
feverishly for the slime trails that my unwelcomed guests should have left
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One morning, I came in
exceptionally early and spied two pairs of Gold finches having Swiss chard for
breakfast and then we noticed that they came back for lunch, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure they probably would have liked a
little spinach, also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nectar plants are
mainly for our Hummingbird friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nectar plants (include but
not limited too)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhbyfVRBZmvTTBXFR7LFPAH2cjWFfoyrNJg5oOMleFKhsY1XRK_gpaVnoeGF6iYfdzd9Bvxf4lA-XqhqWk7_Efx9743HccOpF6cDIPEuJwbb81DntPNR-a7BKJ1oZ7s4eOyRhsMm7NAAO/s1600/monarda+pink+delight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhbyfVRBZmvTTBXFR7LFPAH2cjWFfoyrNJg5oOMleFKhsY1XRK_gpaVnoeGF6iYfdzd9Bvxf4lA-XqhqWk7_Efx9743HccOpF6cDIPEuJwbb81DntPNR-a7BKJ1oZ7s4eOyRhsMm7NAAO/s200/monarda+pink+delight.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarda Pink Delight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bee Balm, Monarda (perennial)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Butterfly Weed (perennial)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cardinal Flowers (perennial)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cardinal Vine (annual)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fuschia (annual)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hoya (tropical)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Impatiens (annual)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penstemon digitalis (perennial)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phlox (perennial)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salvia (annual varieties)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Silver Lace Vine (perennial)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trumpet Vine (perennial)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaves for food (primarily
our finches in this area)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OQ7px5Z47jNV4_B0aOy1wbCNJmqtSHYDkyOP0HuOHMhbxPoNOxrHsmrR34LWPRIglKcYABGwUQJlSb56mQJbIbl2S2GSlxoK4ondGnXQ68bBa64CyVfmj_-_HZXECXnuXDZ0VpAiTi3T/s1600/swiss+chard+bright+lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OQ7px5Z47jNV4_B0aOy1wbCNJmqtSHYDkyOP0HuOHMhbxPoNOxrHsmrR34LWPRIglKcYABGwUQJlSb56mQJbIbl2S2GSlxoK4ondGnXQ68bBa64CyVfmj_-_HZXECXnuXDZ0VpAiTi3T/s200/swiss+chard+bright+lights.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Chard Bright Lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Celery<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maple flower buds - Acer<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pepper<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spinach<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strawberry<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunflowers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swiss chard<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeds<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">American bittersweet – Celestris scandens<o:p></o:p></span><br />
A<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ster<o:p></o:p></span><br />
B<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ig Blue Stem – Andropogon gerardii<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blackberry - Rubus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blazing Star - Liatris</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjsLXRgqTyGYsVoIx8TUMM2RQM5_Jd-hFtutG8EHe_45TqxhsIBX2yh-MyK1PC-mJmdmtT64YOU2VNOWXuvj367Bp7XMZCv-4MY_IMyNjvNso6Xr_hFTOJdm7Fx5ZostkOkQYFf73cCxb/s1600/beautyberry+callicarpa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjsLXRgqTyGYsVoIx8TUMM2RQM5_Jd-hFtutG8EHe_45TqxhsIBX2yh-MyK1PC-mJmdmtT64YOU2VNOWXuvj367Bp7XMZCv-4MY_IMyNjvNso6Xr_hFTOJdm7Fx5ZostkOkQYFf73cCxb/s200/beautyberry+callicarpa.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautyberry </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blueberry – Vaccinium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Callicarpa – Beautyberry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chokeberry - Aronia arbutifolia<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cotoneaster<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currants – Ribes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dogwoods gray and red - Cornus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elderberry - Sambucus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gooseberry – Ribes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grapes – Vitis<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hackberry – Celtis occidentalis<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eYIcItKn3ALglkyw8yHQq1zz619JIWZknulhss2bDysQRBejtaiVuGqQc5IyhmYdwHjVpuxtOT5tUiR-zrPV1ntKl4F6VNlMaGWXfQJhyGaEoJkh4lJQUMwiCB3ZJtTN3oyQSBUG7-wY/s1600/liatris+spicata+kobold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eYIcItKn3ALglkyw8yHQq1zz619JIWZknulhss2bDysQRBejtaiVuGqQc5IyhmYdwHjVpuxtOT5tUiR-zrPV1ntKl4F6VNlMaGWXfQJhyGaEoJkh4lJQUMwiCB3ZJtTN3oyQSBUG7-wY/s200/liatris+spicata+kobold.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liatris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hawthorn – Crataegus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holly – Ilex<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joe Pie Weed - Eupatorium<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Juniper – Juniperus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
L<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ittle Blue Stem – Schizachyrium scoparium<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oaks - Quercus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Purple Cone Flowers - Echinacea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rasberry - Rubus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serviceberry – Amalanchier<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strawberry wild and hybrid - Fragaria</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sumac – Rhus<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunflower -Helianthus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tickseed - Coreopsis<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Viburnums <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Virginia Creeper – Parthenocissus quiquefolia<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winterberry – Ilex<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JzIktM-HlYRcPBytOvM98AdciMnujkOxuo_2Kvgdrh4HOdeUtfIIb0N8_ZNAFjtW1fxedBhhQBHDkez1hKo2XMR7-n-suHKHYgcARSdLygcFNe5uxQr11A2fbgF8rURw7r5EzXT8bucj/s1600/heated+bird+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JzIktM-HlYRcPBytOvM98AdciMnujkOxuo_2Kvgdrh4HOdeUtfIIb0N8_ZNAFjtW1fxedBhhQBHDkez1hKo2XMR7-n-suHKHYgcARSdLygcFNe5uxQr11A2fbgF8rURw7r5EzXT8bucj/s320/heated+bird+bath.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfgIkfLrpL8h5hJIzlz-OBghn2TfBQ7Nsu2TUhZm5HD1mWcHaZqnAkrQ0GhPDa0s73gRzyGszIPMRo7utkl54YkmcW9K9cVzpigatwQ0rvhFo04tz_9hcoeMjxbBhbh4UdoXWxblc8DEb/s1600/serviceberry+ripe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfgIkfLrpL8h5hJIzlz-OBghn2TfBQ7Nsu2TUhZm5HD1mWcHaZqnAkrQ0GhPDa0s73gRzyGszIPMRo7utkl54YkmcW9K9cVzpigatwQ0rvhFo04tz_9hcoeMjxbBhbh4UdoXWxblc8DEb/s200/serviceberry+ripe.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serviceberry perfect for the Robins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only do we need to provide food and shelter, water is a
critical component to keeping our feathered friends visiting our
backyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know in winter it is
difficult to do this but you can get heated bird baths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can find these locally at Wild Birds Unlimited in Glenview IL (</span><a href="http://glenview.wbu.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://glenview.wbu.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> ).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, this spring feed the birds and they will provide hours
of entertainment while they visit your backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The previous lists are a great place to start
but you are not limited to these plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you have noticed your birds feeding on other types of plants, please
let us know our Facebook page: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/westendevanston"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.facebook.com/westendevanston</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nwf.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.nwf.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>National wildlife federation where you can
certify your backyard as a National wildlife habitat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://midwestnativeplants.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://midwestnativeplants.org/</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.for-wild.org/land/wibirdpl.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.for-wild.org/land/wibirdpl.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-34285622178362742302012-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:17:31.461-08:00Air Cleaners = Plants, Simple<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NASA has done some pretty cool stuff that we encounter daily
whether it be innovations like water purification designs or actual inventions
like LEDs and memory foam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NASA in the
80’s did a study with the ALCA (American Landscape Contractors of America) on
air cleaning plants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone knows that plants Photosynthesize which means plants use
Carbon dioxide (which we produce upon exhaling among other sources) and the
suns energy light source to produce energy (sugars) for the plant to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This action makes the plants produce <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a byproduct called oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which we breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness for Rainforests, Nurseries,
Greenhouse and Christmas Tree Farms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now NASA and all their really smart scientists wondered if plants
did other things beside create oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In this Study they found out those bad toxins from the air like Benzene,
formaldehyde and trichloroethylene were scrubbed from the air through the
plants <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leaves,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stems, stalks and roots systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also discovered that certain plants
create symbiotic relationships with microorganisms in the soil that also remove
toxins out of the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now some plants
are better at this than other plants and because there are millions of plants
to choose from the following list are the plants that were included in the
study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxhXXlBAf4ebaMZJam1fartPxFt9owz_nkmtzFgmESmG-zdJbKmywjn4KBHv2zD-BxTwqO_oSRqub_buGi39so_SEkyfpJHifTpkwklafKpN70F-RHpE8WvUiOGcQ6Bx3fYOWxAcepFBm/s1600/P1020561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxhXXlBAf4ebaMZJam1fartPxFt9owz_nkmtzFgmESmG-zdJbKmywjn4KBHv2zD-BxTwqO_oSRqub_buGi39so_SEkyfpJHifTpkwklafKpN70F-RHpE8WvUiOGcQ6Bx3fYOWxAcepFBm/s200/P1020561.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aloe
Vera - Aloe Pictured right <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bamboo
or Reed Palm – Chamaedorea sefritzii<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana
Tree – Musa oriana<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chinese
Evergreen <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Aglaonema modestum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corn
Plant – Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elephant
ear philodendron or Spade leaf Philodendron – Philodendron domesticum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLMQ3zWShL6z4CkvrOb6ltWg2A2kQZrl9neqxPqOVGqGPbTSj9lXieooAFUnHZaKarGYye46FOhA8qFdKtwh6uUpXIAQvZYST9QUVQHptzZdpWw8CsqxZbsOvf9QwoXfFEuOEYDahV47_/s1600/P1020564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLMQ3zWShL6z4CkvrOb6ltWg2A2kQZrl9neqxPqOVGqGPbTSj9lXieooAFUnHZaKarGYye46FOhA8qFdKtwh6uUpXIAQvZYST9QUVQHptzZdpWw8CsqxZbsOvf9QwoXfFEuOEYDahV47_/s320/P1020564.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Ivy Topiary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">English
Ivy – Hedera Helix <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gerber
Daisy – Gerbera jamesonii (blooming plant)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janet
Craig dracaena – Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lacy
Tree Philodendron – Philodendron selloum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
P<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">eace
Lily – Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’ (blooming plant)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philodendron
heartleaf – Philodendron scandens ‘oxycardium’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pot
Mum or Florist Mum – Chrysanthemum morifolium (blooming plant)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pothos
golden or Devil’s Ivy – Epipiremnum aureum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red
Edge Dracaena or Dragon Tree – Dracaena marginata<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkHbhvm9YGIU71atfASrYBLuyfaZMA_yyex3fb02A21lBmpiKGspY6YVQ1ImJuyv5I2P39Pm9An_ZeHsWdpq5eN9J-UpWLVZ6j3hpocRUDFk8_YmstH6bLBkBDKTava2NgHAG1EzFrfpv/s1600/P1020559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkHbhvm9YGIU71atfASrYBLuyfaZMA_yyex3fb02A21lBmpiKGspY6YVQ1ImJuyv5I2P39Pm9An_ZeHsWdpq5eN9J-UpWLVZ6j3hpocRUDFk8_YmstH6bLBkBDKTava2NgHAG1EzFrfpv/s320/P1020559.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snake
Plant or Mother in Law’s tongue – Sansevieria <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trifasciata <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spider
Plant – Chlorophytum comosum<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warneck
Dracaena – Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weeping
fig – Ficus benjamina<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other
notable plants that I would also consider great air cleaners<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #292929; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Arrowhead vine – </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Syngonium<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Begonia<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Several varieties
(blooming plant)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Boston Fern - </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nephrolepis
exaltata cv. Bostoniensis<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dumb Cane - Dieffenbachia<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ficus Ali or Saber Ficus - </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ficus
binnendijkii 'Alii'</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kimberly
Queen Fern - Nephrolepis obliterata <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="st1"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">King of hearts or Silver thread - </span></span><span style="color: #292929; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Homalomena wallisii</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #292929; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lady Jane, Painter’s Palette or
Flamingo Flower – Anthurium (blooming plant)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Macho
fern or giant Sword Fern - Nephrolepis biserrata <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86YEV68zodKiAhxl4kfFrxfL9POGtLP7tno6ixVQo_r3Wvam7A-hGFmxRcAyJYvPAs2QNMnlZt-k2d-GIblR-1UGmTUncuqaszg3JWmqF8C9nypYQqwq6wrqWWFkJrwVsBVMsNb7RtrT6/s1600/P1020568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86YEV68zodKiAhxl4kfFrxfL9POGtLP7tno6ixVQo_r3Wvam7A-hGFmxRcAyJYvPAs2QNMnlZt-k2d-GIblR-1UGmTUncuqaszg3JWmqF8C9nypYQqwq6wrqWWFkJrwVsBVMsNb7RtrT6/s320/P1020568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moth
Orchid – <span class="st1"><span style="color: #222222;">Phalaenopsis orchid
(blooming plant) Pictured right<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #292929; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peacock plant - </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Calathea makoyana</span><span style="color: #292929; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philodendron
– several more varieties<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philodendron
‘Rojo Congo’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prayer Plant - </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Marantaceae<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rubber Tree Plant - Ficus </span><span class="st1"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">elastica</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Umbrella tree - </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Schefflera arboricola <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn6yz3z7r2LCqmPcnljOKRswoHaReWqe1sYdX4DSmhkdkulzxraIsuLoD6KHTjm7R4BXr9Ur6_Hh0VyEc5HAQVmkNYfHjsR936gAd_xK-WHeWliJ_uuuqA34Qr1ClTeCfM9OAov31OtFD/s1600/P1020556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn6yz3z7r2LCqmPcnljOKRswoHaReWqe1sYdX4DSmhkdkulzxraIsuLoD6KHTjm7R4BXr9Ur6_Hh0VyEc5HAQVmkNYfHjsR936gAd_xK-WHeWliJ_uuuqA34Qr1ClTeCfM9OAov31OtFD/s320/P1020556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Ivy Growing on the wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only do plants help keep toxins out of
our lives they also enlighten our mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So make yourself feel good on the inside bring a plant home today.<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077_1993073077.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077_1993073077.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
NASA study<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/index.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/index.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NASA Spinoff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/feb/06/breathe-easy/">http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/feb/06/breathe-easy/</a>
- improve your mood<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-69223522531422646822010-03-17T13:08:00.000-07:002010-03-17T13:08:30.310-07:00Voila!Voila - The Final Presentation<br />
<br />
Garden #3 - Sun and Moon -- Miss Saigon & A garden for the day and night <br />
<br />
<br />
The largest display in the show, this garden space recreates a suburban backyard complete with deck, play area, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and multiple water features, including a meandering stream. Incorporating various water reclamation technologies, the garden also demonstrates how exterior lighting and the proper choice of plant material can make a garden as satisfying at night as it.<br />
3 Points of Interest: <br />
1. Reclaim rain water to irrigate, wash your car, and make your water features self sustaining <br />
2. Rain exchange systems are perfect beneath permeable patios and can be made in any shape <br />
3. Gardens should be enjoyed day and night (Reprinted from <a href="http://www.chicagoflower.com/gardens.cfm">http://www.chicagoflower.com/gardens.cfm</a>)<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garden Collaborators</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">West End Florist and Garden Center</div><div style="text-align: center;">J and E Nursery</div><div style="text-align: center;">www.je-nursery.com</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aquascapes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Collegiate Landscaping</div><div style="text-align: center;">The DeckYard</div><div style="text-align: center;">DGS Consulting (lighting)</div><div style="text-align: center;">and don't forget</div><div style="text-align: center;">Special Events Management and Their Team!</div><br />
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</div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-68389767662661909112010-03-03T08:09:00.000-08:002010-03-17T13:06:09.034-07:00Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2010 Build Out Day 3Day 3 of Build Out of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2010 is progressing niceley. But we are still chugging right along. So I will let the photos do the talking.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now Back to Work!</div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-69190754602373236082010-02-28T07:03:00.000-08:002010-02-28T07:03:25.965-08:00Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2010 Build Out Day 2Day 2 of Build Out of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2010 is going steadily. We have made great progress in our garden. Other garden builders are also progressing in their masterpieces.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our Garden is still "Large and In Charge"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLl1zsMIGPZOwD_2j4usOAQd04Iz9zXc-butuGPKYbaODuP23tHeVXR_n2Gx5MivvbwN98f_IiplkWz3Q8NuVPhKH9FGpN63S3IlDHUsQanrYp4bCTymdAJeC2qyameCOXnWBBJ5UqODo/s1600-h/ariel+7+2nd+day+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLl1zsMIGPZOwD_2j4usOAQd04Iz9zXc-butuGPKYbaODuP23tHeVXR_n2Gx5MivvbwN98f_IiplkWz3Q8NuVPhKH9FGpN63S3IlDHUsQanrYp4bCTymdAJeC2qyameCOXnWBBJ5UqODo/s320/ariel+7+2nd+day+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+011.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other Gardens </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lUyt_-zTFluTJeEEVJkZn8nRHeI0gyGn-vi_5HRGWINnNBTqnKNkMF1n2NEBIRxEw-E7RmSHVRHjGxX4NoFbiETPXjkWPtCdmE8h97_YhDuzC5PLWCpEUCDYqEprPCcNkZvRbtZFFu7Z/s1600-h/2nd+day+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lUyt_-zTFluTJeEEVJkZn8nRHeI0gyGn-vi_5HRGWINnNBTqnKNkMF1n2NEBIRxEw-E7RmSHVRHjGxX4NoFbiETPXjkWPtCdmE8h97_YhDuzC5PLWCpEUCDYqEprPCcNkZvRbtZFFu7Z/s320/2nd+day+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+012.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Come back soon to see the miracles unfold!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garden Collaborators</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">West End Florist and Garden Center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">J and E Nursery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aquascapes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Collegiate Landscaping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The DeckYard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DGS Consulting (lighting)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and don't forget</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Special Events Management and Their Team!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-15789504200791154112010-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:50:50.559-08:00Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2010 Build Out Day 1Day 1 Build Out<br />
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These are the days that we become miracle workers. We render a very large vacant, sterile area into lush gardens that gardeners dream about in their own backyards. Yes, we are talking about the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, March 6th- 14th 2010. Where dreams bloom and creative juices overflow in the green industry. It is a testament to all who partake of their skill and passion for gardening. <br />
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This segment is going to be a journal of our journey from vast space and concrete to thriving facades of green and imagination. I have always found inspiration in what a few people can do in a short amount of time. Thank you for joining me on the journey and we hope you will join us at the Pier this March.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13wsenN6lefYYZUDoJoFnfCwGyscbqhvSnI3Jd9H_XDngac5pnjyNSigBLjOKSCjxYvhHOZGkeG8wQSsOukvziUkHuVrGQMucrKEr28UTi9Ozk2mzTNgmpNCLUvw2NowXmAwEsmplCHVh/s1600-h/1st+day+east+view+garden+show+2010+construction+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13wsenN6lefYYZUDoJoFnfCwGyscbqhvSnI3Jd9H_XDngac5pnjyNSigBLjOKSCjxYvhHOZGkeG8wQSsOukvziUkHuVrGQMucrKEr28UTi9Ozk2mzTNgmpNCLUvw2NowXmAwEsmplCHVh/s400/1st+day+east+view+garden+show+2010+construction+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking East at Navy Pier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77HgyWPMl5YavR8Cm02HcAhTdQvuo7-gaQIIfNwE7oyk3_QXl_-W9UGFGEmH7BYM9ULUtEIpTChM7oOXY6cy3W6r9I0bY4fSpXLYnFU4BtnYx-18tCRgHChWD7U_fPwRv8ZT0AaqgZPyZ/s1600-h/1st+day+looking+west+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77HgyWPMl5YavR8Cm02HcAhTdQvuo7-gaQIIfNwE7oyk3_QXl_-W9UGFGEmH7BYM9ULUtEIpTChM7oOXY6cy3W6r9I0bY4fSpXLYnFU4BtnYx-18tCRgHChWD7U_fPwRv8ZT0AaqgZPyZ/s320/1st+day+looking+west+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+035.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking West in Festival Hall A</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5TT-nxl1Kg29zMQsyQPkHZd2lmXiMp_6QHkUg80Vec005Vm6vb8XsowxiisKsEwWWMUvl6FCJDptRuLKxKxbBVrJXNxjp3xA_uVYM3dps5wKVKQwQoQNPNZgUANsqnJdOPiAY9zAhBY/s1600-h/1st+day+sand+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5TT-nxl1Kg29zMQsyQPkHZd2lmXiMp_6QHkUg80Vec005Vm6vb8XsowxiisKsEwWWMUvl6FCJDptRuLKxKxbBVrJXNxjp3xA_uVYM3dps5wKVKQwQoQNPNZgUANsqnJdOPiAY9zAhBY/s320/1st+day+sand+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+036.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pile O Sand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-DUd2OkcQqs08qLnEaxt1mbb5tiPocQgqJGcIvT2YbSGphx5g2VGLfyJPHj_kNzP9LMaIoCLV226dh6vbi_oBrJeiAo4eG7yE6uXRTSWWsNAZqbhNmUji91UgPyO1EeaIVzsCJT3DfvU/s1600-h/1st+day+sand+2+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-DUd2OkcQqs08qLnEaxt1mbb5tiPocQgqJGcIvT2YbSGphx5g2VGLfyJPHj_kNzP9LMaIoCLV226dh6vbi_oBrJeiAo4eG7yE6uXRTSWWsNAZqbhNmUji91UgPyO1EeaIVzsCJT3DfvU/s320/1st+day+sand+2+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+038.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big Machines for the Big Pile O Sand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj912V0vw1gSDnLFXtqMaC5wMpi6EoiCrHMyzbN24Vf0iq8ah0NfpaZMuAYwO7IMTOrYBPND9KpmfGvoPeNMFftKzQHakaDay1SU_HkVs2CbaX7gdj3XU8P6W-ksi5rDOVCW1Tdijk5jcxI/s1600-h/1st+day+Aquascapes+truck+garden+show+2010+construction+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj912V0vw1gSDnLFXtqMaC5wMpi6EoiCrHMyzbN24Vf0iq8ah0NfpaZMuAYwO7IMTOrYBPND9KpmfGvoPeNMFftKzQHakaDay1SU_HkVs2CbaX7gdj3XU8P6W-ksi5rDOVCW1Tdijk5jcxI/s320/1st+day+Aquascapes+truck+garden+show+2010+construction+004.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pond Guys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSyncVcpuW4bZET2XMnRfPHtxu4UJVTMe7rN9yBCmcVpZ2XjgRU8zPAdYwg3iTfZ7SS8h_ZF79VkMxy1hLYlWDb6E_W55LRKNL5ncO9IODZAbJcgyYGjZDdPJN3GtCylSWMvuhKdWsyrf/s1600-h/1st+day+booth+3++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSyncVcpuW4bZET2XMnRfPHtxu4UJVTMe7rN9yBCmcVpZ2XjgRU8zPAdYwg3iTfZ7SS8h_ZF79VkMxy1hLYlWDb6E_W55LRKNL5ncO9IODZAbJcgyYGjZDdPJN3GtCylSWMvuhKdWsyrf/s320/1st+day+booth+3++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+017.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Plastic Visqueen flooring is the footprint of our Garden. It is the largest Garden at the Show this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8A04j3844npDlmOddUAtAiCltQPEZDQ3vFUYgzMxINllwztxtlKfmJBj__kr-TxX5L2VjouJpqgEgG0ilaah5YR9-kthuWCTpuPxDF-s1MOqT4Y64NS7j7dEWIRJ0SPs1TPrDOyf0Ex0/s1600-h/1st+day+brick+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8A04j3844npDlmOddUAtAiCltQPEZDQ3vFUYgzMxINllwztxtlKfmJBj__kr-TxX5L2VjouJpqgEgG0ilaah5YR9-kthuWCTpuPxDF-s1MOqT4Y64NS7j7dEWIRJ0SPs1TPrDOyf0Ex0/s320/1st+day+brick+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+009.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The various types of hardscaping that is going into garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4HuyWnOP3ciI0XVru2FXZvOcIwSPsHBCBuryJcc1SdH6l6lXZIOFUejUi1BLrTTrIs037lY0vW6v7hD61Q0eqvKwdBYu6-36g_3lH1t3-INddFJqAO0X7fNTfwLakENHJpYJC3PA2aAn/s1600-h/1st+day+decking+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4HuyWnOP3ciI0XVru2FXZvOcIwSPsHBCBuryJcc1SdH6l6lXZIOFUejUi1BLrTTrIs037lY0vW6v7hD61Q0eqvKwdBYu6-36g_3lH1t3-INddFJqAO0X7fNTfwLakENHJpYJC3PA2aAn/s320/1st+day+decking+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+013.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The decking being installed by the DeckYard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8XFJ_uR_KMnkT8DXu5Rpy9p1LZmO5SzrsDLPpFiRDnWPcajrqZHhyphenhyphenH5ftj1vG9qWQcQT4lKRP-nSDVrafMyTFpgZZB_7RZ7RULkXpHn7pThbHA6jxI3v5uRnRzrTMEC9HBdeAJvNU5fI/s1600-h/1st+day+decking+2++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8XFJ_uR_KMnkT8DXu5Rpy9p1LZmO5SzrsDLPpFiRDnWPcajrqZHhyphenhyphenH5ftj1vG9qWQcQT4lKRP-nSDVrafMyTFpgZZB_7RZ7RULkXpHn7pThbHA6jxI3v5uRnRzrTMEC9HBdeAJvNU5fI/s320/1st+day+decking+2++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+021.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbteYPOCmMjzPL77UhppzKUJm0lsfjoK0Yr9E6dCoLi0OFlCZSIJY-IFDJWu4r1SJ1ldgEXgqD4xKEidv9y14g8rZPVX3w1ju9jxu3qfVXpId9yJoXaMk1ypp1wS7fpq7iDmGS-oNRh8eL/s1600-h/1st+day+aquablock+underlayment+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbteYPOCmMjzPL77UhppzKUJm0lsfjoK0Yr9E6dCoLi0OFlCZSIJY-IFDJWu4r1SJ1ldgEXgqD4xKEidv9y14g8rZPVX3w1ju9jxu3qfVXpId9yJoXaMk1ypp1wS7fpq7iDmGS-oNRh8eL/s320/1st+day+aquablock+underlayment+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+020.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aquablocks are very versatile. They are great for pondless water features and handling of excess rain water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72VokySg1Zrrbh_Zs9eUVVXFsIovZCgpFvnGvMmssmx9mKho3aOPk3Uvnhso0aNy61jMyZSsRYqsVZVKHMtYKWzz4jXbjkEmUNeFGP1pitVTLm99Xkv8kKrkXjPv-IxuqvFBw0PhxvJFO/s1600-h/1st+day+aquascapes+granite+module+bricks+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72VokySg1Zrrbh_Zs9eUVVXFsIovZCgpFvnGvMmssmx9mKho3aOPk3Uvnhso0aNy61jMyZSsRYqsVZVKHMtYKWzz4jXbjkEmUNeFGP1pitVTLm99Xkv8kKrkXjPv-IxuqvFBw0PhxvJFO/s320/1st+day+aquascapes+granite+module+bricks+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+011.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These granite stones were custom cut for Aquascapes for building Ponds. They are beautiful and really show off the quartz that lie in the material.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7hC0S4I3aIY6Xmj0eeWiz2JlJbeyrZVF4KkXiJ9xaIH8wL3zGl36uKDok3geyItQJR11_MlaK8v-2szYaXbB-3gcgJjjXs3hZFfZDwM7BEkzyWlRVEIyOMyvhCX0YT9GN2FoeUNWqJu4/s1600-h/1st+day+Aquablocks+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7hC0S4I3aIY6Xmj0eeWiz2JlJbeyrZVF4KkXiJ9xaIH8wL3zGl36uKDok3geyItQJR11_MlaK8v-2szYaXbB-3gcgJjjXs3hZFfZDwM7BEkzyWlRVEIyOMyvhCX0YT9GN2FoeUNWqJu4/s320/1st+day+Aquablocks+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+016.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Tools of the Trade</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2FyA4GYEE8AQac6dxPvj4XXx_SV3KaCm6jo91eJLwRlf2Fvx7rMJY_iNO-sph5UNBlctaNM0OltePQNjGvYUdx67z-xKjKHnihdfAMOYOFDpaGwNgWxBudHpWsdNe5ko-CekoVmd-dPm/s1600-h/1st+day+overhead+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2FyA4GYEE8AQac6dxPvj4XXx_SV3KaCm6jo91eJLwRlf2Fvx7rMJY_iNO-sph5UNBlctaNM0OltePQNjGvYUdx67z-xKjKHnihdfAMOYOFDpaGwNgWxBudHpWsdNe5ko-CekoVmd-dPm/s320/1st+day+overhead+1+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+023.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow! This is a Big Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwOQjTBpUDRbY2v5vDl3MsIOoW-xTPvmTL87gLC-eBsNanH6ZGV08qbLWhkIafq8H937mOUU5wjdIwfRHjmmJ4TLqm-PGdgF0WA5SvJv2m0L7VFFmCwvNrY4Slz6iPFmzwIPVikl0D-vV/s1600-h/1st+day+overhead+3++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwOQjTBpUDRbY2v5vDl3MsIOoW-xTPvmTL87gLC-eBsNanH6ZGV08qbLWhkIafq8H937mOUU5wjdIwfRHjmmJ4TLqm-PGdgF0WA5SvJv2m0L7VFFmCwvNrY4Slz6iPFmzwIPVikl0D-vV/s320/1st+day+overhead+3++flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+025.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXQ_6NSfSnw7HtfVJYkM-SeWmo43EcT0ixeub7hN-nEX4rm1j90ehLefUpO5dNg0B2rkP_S_twa46HO3Q_QANQrTeqb-vDrlE8S1_Kwyqo27B41nbgeI0QRTSK9kg1zIC3BCdOIfQHLR3/s1600-h/1st+day+overhead+2+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXQ_6NSfSnw7HtfVJYkM-SeWmo43EcT0ixeub7hN-nEX4rm1j90ehLefUpO5dNg0B2rkP_S_twa46HO3Q_QANQrTeqb-vDrlE8S1_Kwyqo27B41nbgeI0QRTSK9kg1zIC3BCdOIfQHLR3/s320/1st+day+overhead+2+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+024.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBtGR6pgzle5KxReEr6K_W48IETXpZcl98wk6Ky7dPMfa54F3XkYHtkWns-oi6PRCxaIfb7AuQpWPLc4gTT02wQWn1eM5VuM2kJrW_QG1G2emzuUZazrmpYQlxvIqbIjsjoAnmku5PBES/s1600-h/1st+day+overhead+7+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBtGR6pgzle5KxReEr6K_W48IETXpZcl98wk6Ky7dPMfa54F3XkYHtkWns-oi6PRCxaIfb7AuQpWPLc4gTT02wQWn1eM5VuM2kJrW_QG1G2emzuUZazrmpYQlxvIqbIjsjoAnmku5PBES/s320/1st+day+overhead+7+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+031.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It is still a big garden.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G48JbR1Ns2ChURoAg8BfGa2NNQsZFAEbrtOu0NHIzwz0h9BdXBUm1-snxsD6p_aJANcDWv2RynDTB26OyzAz_6fffp-RxWxcZa2wZAxqZGw1YpYJhskStQ4M3mPWbWgJd5QUVBJJOw20/s1600-h/1st+day+stone+4+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G48JbR1Ns2ChURoAg8BfGa2NNQsZFAEbrtOu0NHIzwz0h9BdXBUm1-snxsD6p_aJANcDWv2RynDTB26OyzAz_6fffp-RxWxcZa2wZAxqZGw1YpYJhskStQ4M3mPWbWgJd5QUVBJJOw20/s320/1st+day+stone+4+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+022.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">You can't have wonderful waterfalls without <strong>big</strong> boulders.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHBz6DbZ9MYy5EfMHsQnMoMbrIC2xiRN-qwZoi1IUExQXHYBORR2e-_xFck_-vIz1Ztr-aY3kQ1nRnwL0IXEiIpXyzs7fbp8CibWsU9PJ1v9Z3S2cFLwH90PApM61PPbfMIkffKktzlW5/s1600-h/1st+day+overhead+5+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHBz6DbZ9MYy5EfMHsQnMoMbrIC2xiRN-qwZoi1IUExQXHYBORR2e-_xFck_-vIz1Ztr-aY3kQ1nRnwL0IXEiIpXyzs7fbp8CibWsU9PJ1v9Z3S2cFLwH90PApM61PPbfMIkffKktzlW5/s320/1st+day+overhead+5+flower+and+garden+show+2010+construction+027.jpg" /></a><br />
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You can really see the vastness and emptiness of the hall.<br />
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Catch our blog tomorrow for another pictorial update of the <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2010 Flower and Garden show Buildout at the Pier.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-62311389743479473322009-12-14T10:45:00.000-08:002009-12-14T10:45:55.686-08:00Hydrangea 101: Part IIIPart III<br />
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These last three types of Hydrangeas are special not just because most bloom off of old wood but because you can manipulate the color by changing the PH in the soil. In Chicago these hydrangeas will be very happy being some shade of pink. To make them more intense pink you can add lime (raise the PH over 7) and that would make varieties like ‘Lady in Red’, ‘Glowing Embers’ and ‘Homigo’ really pop with bright pink or red color. Lower the PH (under 5) and your ‘Nikko’, ‘Endless Summers’, ‘Blue Billows’ remind you of summers in Martha’s Vineyard. In Chicago it is a battle to keep your hydrangea more towards the blue side. So I do encourage people to know that pink works well here. You can change your PH with sulfur, coffee grounds or my favorite is aluminum sulfate (because the plant takes it up faster and you get better results). However, I personally like the purple flowers, those are the plants that I see that have set flower bud and are about ready to open, so I quick put aluminum sulfate by the roots. <br />
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Mophead Hydrangea, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Mac Hydrangea, Hortensia Hydrangea, Florist Hydrangea are all Hydrangea macrophylla. These are what people traditionally envision with the large blue spheres of color gracefully adorning the front of Colonial East coast homes or the masses of pink puffs in front of Midwest Victorian mansions. These are the flowers that many brides adore but cause so much heartache to even the seasoned gardener in the Chicago area. Deep within the industry some of these varieties have nicknames that I will not divulge, because “if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all”. The core of the heartache is caused by the lack of reliable blooms. Most of these varieties bloom off of old wood only. And old wood often dies here during the winter. It is a must for gardeners to provide winter protection such as leaves or straw over the entire plant to maintain the growth from the previous summer to the next spring. However, there are some notable ones that say they bloom off of old and new wood such as the ‘Endless Summer’ ‘Let’s Dance’ and the ‘Forever and Ever’ Series. We tell our clients that you should still give protection and that these varieties have a tendency to bloom off of the new wood very late in the season. If you are willing to take the necessary precautions you do open up the door to more interesting varieties. ‘Glowing Embers’ will strive to be a vivid pink even in a low PH setting. The ‘City line’ series from Proven Winners are smaller more manageable plants. ‘Homigo’ noted for its constantly changing colors, no two blooms will be alike on this plant, a truly unique gift from Mother Nature. ‘Nikko’ is my favorite and long time running variety that when given the proper PH conditions it has brilliant blue color. <br />
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Hydrangea macrophylla normalis are an off shoot of the mophead varieties but have some infertile flowers that do not open creating a laceier look, hence why they are called Lace Caps. ‘Twist and Shout’ is part of the ‘Endless Summer’ Series and well received for it blooms off of old and new wood. ‘Lady in Red’ was created by Michael Dirr and has great fall foliage and striking red stems, but she really needs winter protection in Northern Illinois because she is a Southern Bell. <br />
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Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) like my ‘Blue Billows’ which I am always praying for a miracle that they will bloom even though they see no winter protection and every spring I am disappointed. If given all the right conditions I would have large Lacey round blues spheres of color that would looks so magnificent in front of our red brick Colonial. I should really call my maintenance crew to pour some leaves on them. <br />
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Now that you have been bombarded with all this information, (I thought this would be an easy blog to write, my staff laughed at my naivety) I will work on a chart for more clarity. Remember “Hydra(te)” is part of Hydrangea so they like to be given consistent moisture but hate to sit in standing water. Please contact me or comment on my blog if you have questions, I would love to help.flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-76691300271785333502009-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:002009-12-03T09:16:19.838-08:00Hydrangea 101: Part IIPart II<br />
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The long awaited part two of our hydrangea series is here. Just in time to kick off the holiday season.<br />
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Oakleaf Hydrangea, (Hydrangea quercifolia) a native plant to the United States include varieties such as; ‘Alice’, ‘Snow Queen’, ‘Pee Wee’ and ‘Sikes Dwarf’. The flowers on this plant are spectacular white changing to pink but the foliage also turns a rusty red in the fall. This plant has wonderful exfoliating bark in the winter. However, it is subject to winter die back in the Chicagoland and may have large sections of the plant that may die completely therefore affecting its blooming ability. Because of this minor detail we do recommend that you cover your Oakleaf Hydrangeas. You can do this by building a cage with chicken wire or burlap and filling the structure with either dry leaves or straw this will prevent the freeze and thaw and protect the plant from wind damage. This plant blooms off of the old wood or second year growth which is why only maintenance pruning is suggested. ‘Alice’ and ‘Snow Queen’ are very large majestic specimens growing to 6’-10’. If you need a smaller variety ‘Pee Wee’ or ‘Sikes Dwarf’ gives you the three seasons of interest but in a smaller package. <br />
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) are a must for that shady vertical gardening fix. Not known to be speedy growers but patience will be rewarded when these beauties start to flower white lacey flowers everywhere. They can reach up to 50 feet. They like to reside on the North or East sides of structures with moist ground. They can be pruned easily because they bloom off of new wood similar to the ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, however they grow slow.flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-36639649706217844622009-11-14T09:59:00.000-08:002010-02-26T07:51:53.756-08:00Hydrangea 101<strong>Hydrangea 101</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TBOfN6UFPGrN7Mx4AzXO6YvFK31ykcKyRSvT8nGSn-QvhhyPdbQtzZFiPdj-ZbV77GZbiYW0zSyb7gABibcG91e0PWQKh0PW2g4TqUPitCVmdFTYAJUAXsFFSRorqL45DhAoQuveQfda/s1600-h/hydrangea+macrophylla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TBOfN6UFPGrN7Mx4AzXO6YvFK31ykcKyRSvT8nGSn-QvhhyPdbQtzZFiPdj-ZbV77GZbiYW0zSyb7gABibcG91e0PWQKh0PW2g4TqUPitCVmdFTYAJUAXsFFSRorqL45DhAoQuveQfda/s200/hydrangea+macrophylla.JPG" /></a></div> Everyone loves hydrangeas but there are so many varieties and so much to know about them. When they bloom, how they bloom, old wood new wood, to cover not to cover, to cut back or stake, sun requirements, water requirements, zone requirements. All sorts of questions go along with these majestic bloomers, its hard to keep it straight. All the ones I will discuss work well for our zone 5 (Chicago Area), however there are a few that might need additional care to make them happy in Chicago, don’t worry I will give you tips for those. This will be a three part series.<br />
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<strong>Part I</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIPUtxUCXx44YSgtG-o6Xn-SFqenme0Z8REGuMmKSqNX71IiZBrr_VTq7Q1A3bgd5mnHwxAnrG4jad-6maevY6EkMarcivI_cx9-pj5S9Q70cWf14oTUUQMyFyKYKjs_oYgZBLbej1Ssy/s1600-h/annabelle+hydrangea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIPUtxUCXx44YSgtG-o6Xn-SFqenme0Z8REGuMmKSqNX71IiZBrr_VTq7Q1A3bgd5mnHwxAnrG4jad-6maevY6EkMarcivI_cx9-pj5S9Q70cWf14oTUUQMyFyKYKjs_oYgZBLbej1Ssy/s200/annabelle+hydrangea.JPG" /></a></div> ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) are big white round flowers (up to 10” across) that bloom profusely in the Chicago area. These bloom off of new wood so they can be cut back. However, their seed heads do add winter interest to the landscape so pruning can also be done in early spring. These hydrangeas prefer morning sun or filtered sun all day. They like adequate moisture, they want to be moist but not wet, and they fail in drought conditions. Other arborescen varieties include ‘Invincibelle Spirit’, ‘Incrediball’ and ‘White Dome’. ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ is the first pink blooming hydrangea aborescens which purchase also benefits breast cancer research. ‘Incrediball’ Hydrangea blooms a flower which is over 12” wide and on sturdier, stouter stems so it’s less floppy than ‘Annabelle.’ Unlike Mophead, flower color is not determined by the acidity or PH of the soil.<br />
PeeGee Hydrangea (hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora’) have large white flowers when they first bloom and fade to pink. These too have awesome fall and winter interest. They are extremely long blooming and have nice conical shapes. Their flowers are great dried both in the house and for fall and winter outdoor containers. Use them alone or add them to arrangements to create elegance. Just like ‘Annabelles’, their color does not change due to acidity levels of the soil. PeeGees flower off of new wood but are extremely hardy up to zone 3 and will keep their old wood. So, regular pruning will help maintain their shape. These large magnificent plants are great focal points in the garden and prefer to be in a part sun area, however they can tolerate full sun but always require consistent moisture. Varieties include the tried and true ‘Tardiva’ and ‘Unique’. Gaining popularity is ‘Limelight’ because of its erect shape and flowers going from white to chartreuse to pink. A smaller version of ‘Limelight’ is ‘Little Lamb’. Varieties that turn pink quicker include ‘Quick Fire’ and ‘Pinky Winky’. And for a more bold pink color ‘Pink Diamond’ is the plant for you. Don’t forget these varieties can be easily trained into a standard or tree like shape to add an interesting element to the garden.flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-39833415706157484832009-10-31T07:42:00.000-07:002009-11-16T14:24:43.641-08:00A dreary October Day Well, it is another dark and dreary October day (written 10/30/2009). These are the falls that I remember from my childhood: trick-or-treating with a down-filled coat on or a poncho covering the handmade costume that my Grandmother made me. I believe that the last few falls were blessings from garden spirits and that Mother Nature is just bringing reality back to us.<br />
However, Tom Skilling (area meteorologist) is saying something about El Niño and a warm patch in the Pacific Ocean that will bring a milder winter. Maybe this winter will be like the year we sold Christmas trees in t-shirts. Maybe it will be like last year where it snowed a little bit at a time. Or maybe we will get a doozy of a blizzard like the winter of 1969. Now, let’s stay optimistic!<br />
This is the time of year I advise our beloved family, friends and clients who want to better their gardens with the tips and techniques for preparing for those winter months ahead. Alas, as sad as it is, the old sayings like “Do as I say, not as I do” or the “Shoemaker’s children go barefoot” come to mind. I walk past the bags of bulbs (that had good intentions) in my garage begging to be planted and I look at the ‘Blue Billow’ Hydrangeas that would be spectacular if I gave them just a little bit of winter protection. But it just gets too cold and dark and my motivation is limited to do something about it and then I complain bitterly in summer that the area is lacking color. My poor Arborvitaes will suffer from “Flat head” from the cascade of snow that comes flying off the roof with gusto and I know a little bit of proactive tying would have lessened their stress. Fortunately, they grow out of the ugliness every year or maybe my lawn maintenance crew takes pity and cosmetically fixes them with a tuck here and nip there. (Thanks Guys!)<br />
My garden, like the Chicago Cubs, abides by the philosophy and spirit that there is always next year.<br />
(edited by Elaine Colon)flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-38871410532928304722009-10-21T11:06:00.000-07:002009-10-24T09:05:31.368-07:00Time for bed, Garden! Part 3We are going to wrap up our series on putting the garden to bed by discussing some winterizing techniques.<br />
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Heavy ice or snow on arbor vitae can cause damage by bending or breaking the tops of the shrubs due to excessive weight. It is very sad to see a flat-head arbor vitae, so be sure to tie them up to prevent this. However, if you put it off and get an unexpected snow, they <em>will</em> recover in the spring...eventually.<br />
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Evergreens, because they have foliage even in winter, will lose moisture, especially in windy areas. To prevent wind burn, you have several options: you can wrap them, put up barriers and spray them with an anti-desiccant (Wilt-Pruf). An anti-desiccant is a foliage spray that helps prevent summer scald, transplant shock and winter moisture loss, which is also known as desiccation. We recommend spraying while the temps are still above freezing and the plants are dormant. You can then reapply in January/February.<br />
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After you are done working on the actual plants, it's a good idea to clean your tools for the winter. Even leaving dirt and grass on blades can cause rusting over the winter. Drain power equipment of fuel or add a fuel stabilizer such as Stabil. Oil any metals with vegetable oil to prevent rusting. And don't forget to sharpen your tools so they are ready for action once spring returns.<br />
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While you're at it, might as well check your snow removal equipment (shovels, blowers, snow rake, de-icers). Try as they might, the forecasters don't always get it right. You don't want to wake up to a winter wonderland one morning and not be prepared.<br />
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Now that all the hard stuff is done, cozy up with some seed catalogs and make your wish list for next year!<br />
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If you have any questions about the topic we've covered the past few posts, or comments/tips you'd like to share, please send us a note. We'd love to hear from you.<br />
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Enjoy your outdoors!flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4708796326535073861.post-88198198318748153702009-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:002009-10-24T09:03:56.460-07:00Time for bed, Garden! Part 2It's a gloriously sunny and crisp day up here, just north of Chicago. So, let's put on some flannel and get out in the garden! The rain from the last few days has knocked down a bunch of leaves, which can keep the kids busy raking.<br />
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Once you've gathered a pile of leaves (and after everyone's had a chance to jump into the big pile a few times!) you could mulch them up with your lawnmower or leaf blower (if you have one of those blower/mulcher versions). You might also cut down and/or remove annuals and vegetables to add to your compost pile. Be sure to check for diseases and pests before adding anything to the mulch or compost. You certainly don't want to be harboring anything nasty. Once you've got your compost ingredients neatly piled, let them sit for a while until it starts to look more like soil.<br />
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It might be a good time to empty out any pots or containers that aren't freeze-proof, to prevent damage over the winter.<br />
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Now for some pruning.<br />
Prune any shrubs you've got that don't bloom in the spring (i.e. Spirea, Weigela, Dogwood). Cut 1/3 of the plant out in this order:<br />
1. Diseased branches<br />
2. Branches that rub against each other<br />
3. Branches that are not aesthetically pleasing<br />
4. Trim to shape<br />
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A "rejuvenation prune" would involve cutting the whole plant down if the plant has become very woody or barren.<br />
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As for rose bushes, you can cut them down to 12" to 15" tall then mound them up with leaves, mulches, soil...whatever you've got available. This should be done closer to December and should help keep your bushes at a consistent temperature throughout the winter.<br />
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Watch your weather forecasts because after the first hard frost you'll want to cut back anything dead or fading from your perennials.<br />
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OK. That should be plenty of work for one beautiful Sunday afternoon. Next time we'll discuss more steps to winter-proof the garden and also tool maintenance. As always, questions and/or comments are welcome.<br />
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Now, time for some hot chocolate!flower girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267274000605504606noreply@blogger.com0