tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80126176157086182722024-03-04T23:29:45.889-08:00Plante on PlantsSharing some of my favorite plants -- how and why to grow themAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-32832411758640008942015-02-14T06:59:00.000-08:002016-01-18T05:29:01.644-08:00Roses are Red...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Roses are hands-down one of the most popular Valentines gifts, but in East Tennessee it's just too <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/" target="_blank">Zone 7</a> gardeners -- pruning and shaping. If you live somewhere else, the following guidelines can be used at the time of year that's best for pruning roses in your area. For instance, in the London, England area, gardeners should give their roses a hard prune in October rather than February.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wRHFqrKuzM/VN9g1VwKLeI/AAAAAAAABYM/6zm8v2uc5AY/s1600/IMG_2591%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wRHFqrKuzM/VN9g1VwKLeI/AAAAAAAABYM/6zm8v2uc5AY/s1600/IMG_2591%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pruning and shaping in dormancy can result<br />
in better rose blooms during the growing season</td></tr>
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early to practically grow our own for the holiday. However, there is a vitally important bit of rose maintenance that should be done right around Valentines day for <br />
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Trimming your rose bushes now will help improve the shape of the plant, decrease disease and pest issues by improving air circulation, and even make for better blooms later in the year. Rose pruning is perceived as a daunting and difficult task for many of the homeowners I've spoken to. Those afraid to research or ask for a little help may hedge their bushes, cut the canes right to the ground (yikes!), or just leave them untouched year after year. The truth is, proper rose pruning is simple, fun, and doesn't take terribly long if you only have a handful of shrubs.<br />
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<b>What you'll need</b><br />
To get started, you'll need a pair of <a href="http://gardenthrifty.blogspot.com/2014/08/pruners101.html" target="_blank"><b>sharp bypass pruners</b></a> (please please please don't use hedging shears or loppers!) and some thick and durable gardening gloves. It's a good idea to wear a long sleeved jacket, long pants, and closed toed shoes. There is a certain finesse to cutting a rose without being scratched, but I just don't have it. Some of the more nasty scratches can last a long while or even scar; so it's a good idea to dress appropriately.<br />
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If you're cutting more than one rose bush, it's also wise to have a bottle of alcohol or some alcohol wipes ready to sterilize your pruners between plants. Professional rose gardeners will actually sterilize shears between individual cuts, but for most home gardeners in most circumstances it's sufficient to clean between plants.<br />
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<b>Nip it in the bud</b><br />
Before you make your first snip, it's vitally important that you are able to recognize a <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/83060/bud" target="_blank">bud</a>. Roses may have raised, red leaf buds that are ready to sprout. Lower down the rose canes there are also dormant buds that are flat and blend in with the stem. The buds are located right above the small lines that run horizontally along some sections of the stem.<br />
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When you cut, it's important to cut just above the bud. Why? This bud will sprout the new growth for the shrub later in the year. Avoid making flat cuts; instead, cut at an angle. This will cause water to run off the cut more easily.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAOLQaRyHS4/VN9hDtMYVmI/AAAAAAAABYU/_Kfabi14f-Y/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAOLQaRyHS4/VN9hDtMYVmI/AAAAAAAABYU/_Kfabi14f-Y/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's important to be able to recognize a rose bud<br />
before you make your first cut!</td></tr>
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The side of the cane that the bud is facing is typically the direction the new stem will grow. That means that cutting to any bud just won't do. Choosing buds that face the inside of the plant will result in a congested shrub that will be more susceptible to pests and diseases later in the growing season. <b>When you cut, look for buds that face the outside of the plant</b>. This will improve air circulation, and the blooms will be easier to see and enjoy.<br />
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<b>Cut it out</b><br />
Now that you have all your tools and you're able to recognize a bud, it's time to get to work. Begin by cutting large canes down to between 1 and 2 feet from the ground. Remember to prune at an angle above any outside facing buds. Next, all but the smallest canes to the same height. Now remove any of the small, spindly branches that are growing from the base of the plant. Finally, prune out the <b>Three D's</b> -- any dead, diseased, or damaged growth that may be remaining.<br />
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<b>Tidy up</b><br />
Congratulations! You're now a rose pruning expert! But before going inside to warm up and celebrate, you need to remove all of the debris and green waste. As a group, roses tend to be more prone to pests and diseases than other shrubs. Any litter from last year that remains below the rose bush may be harboring insects, eggs, or bacteria that could infect next year's growth. Go ahead and clean that up now.<br />
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Unless you practice <a href="http://www.finegardening.com/hot-composting-vs-cold-composting" target="_blank">hot composting</a> (temperatures above 135 degrees Fahrenheit for days at a time), your rose trimmings shouldn't go in your compost bin. Insects and bacteria could survive cold composting and infest your garden next year. The best things to do with rose waste is to burn it in a brush pile or throw it away.<br />
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<b>Stop and smell the roses</b><br />
Now that you've put all this work into rose maintenance while the shrubs are dormant, it would be a shame for the blooms to go unnoticed later in the year. If you're anything like me, it's easy to get caught up in garden maintenance (and life in general) and miss out on the whole reason why you put all the work into your garden in the first place -- to enjoy it! Go ahead and mark your calendar for this summer, and leave yourself a reminder to stop and smell the roses.<br />
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<b>To see more helpful photos, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1059122194105123.1073741862.580967715253909&type=3&uploaded=22" target="_blank">Roses are Red</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. </b><br />
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<b>Questions? Comments? Have anything to add? Please post a comment below or shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">Plante on Plantes</a>. Thanks for reading! </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pet rabbit Zoro is always up for some pruning</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com3UT Gardens, University of Tennessee, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA35.9439999 -83.9382600999999835.9407859 -83.943302599999981 35.9472139 -83.933217599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-26848863843501862312014-09-05T07:15:00.002-07:002014-09-05T07:21:22.274-07:00Love the Lemony Blooms on this Bottle Brush<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nearly one month ago, a colleague and I were watering in the order beds. It was the height of summer and London was suffering from droughty conditions. I think that both of us were starting to get pretty exhausted from lugging hoses and sprinklers around. When my co-worker called to me from further down the row, my stomach sank. I thought maybe I had inadvertently squashed something with my hose. But he was only calling my attention to a mildly attractive shrub. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Callistemon pallidus</em> is a shrub to get <br />
excited about when it's in bloom</td></tr>
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"This is a really interesting plant," he said, "It has an unusual flower." <em><a href="http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp14/callistemon-pallidus.html" target="_blank">Callistemon pallidus</a> </em>(2010-117) wasn't in bloom yet, and after a further description of the blooms, I shrugged my shoulders and went back to work. I've seen a <em>Callistemon</em> (a.k.a. bottlebrush) before. I wasn't particularly impressed.<br />
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Last week, the mildly attractive shrub opened one lemon yellow bottlebrush flower. I was hooked. It held that solitary bloom for seven days before sputtering out several more. It's a "must see" for anyone who is a fan of interesting shrubbery. I know there's a few of us out there.<br />
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<em>Callistemon pallidus</em>, or the lemon bottlebrush, is native to Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales in Australia. The specimen in Kew's order beds was grown from wild material in its native habitat. The notes in <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">Kew's living collections database</a> state that there were about 500 or less plants growing in a <em>Eucalyptus</em> forest, alongside <em>Billardiera longiflora</em>,<em> Leptospermum</em>, <em>Banksia marginata</em>, and <em>Lomatia tinctoria</em>.<br />
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Like other <em>Callistemon</em>, lemon bottlebrush does not tolerate cold. Its USDA hardiness zones are 10 and 11, which rules out Knoxville, Tennessee unless we overwinter in a protected environment. However, gardeners in California, Florida, and similar climates who are a bit sick of the typical lipstick red bottlebrushes should consider substituting this lemon beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoMBx48FUu4G_Ze9HzBJv-yzKgbAEKPnIaju90nWzUZDzd8sQRVY8Co-6tpD2hgKzKzIQ1JGVgN5HQ2I9AYHehaGz3pvbN8uN02XbhUIvT2nO6JPdVdQa1l30BpdHoEpha5iVoEny692s/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoMBx48FUu4G_Ze9HzBJv-yzKgbAEKPnIaju90nWzUZDzd8sQRVY8Co-6tpD2hgKzKzIQ1JGVgN5HQ2I9AYHehaGz3pvbN8uN02XbhUIvT2nO6JPdVdQa1l30BpdHoEpha5iVoEny692s/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kew's specimen was planted in 2010, <br />
so it is still relatively young. It may <br />
reach up to 12 feet in height!</td></tr>
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<em>C. pallidus</em> can get up to 12 feet tall, so consider placing toward the back of a border, the center of a bed, or as a barrier or hedge. If red spider mites are common in your area, the lemon bottlebrush may not be right for you. Check to see how the other <em>Callistemon</em> in your neighbourhood are performing before adding the lemon bottlebrush to your landscape.<br />
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If you're in the London area, come to Kew and have a gander at the specimen growing in the order beds. If you live in a warm climate, consider adding this plant to your palette. The rest of us will have to settle for using as a container plant and moving to the garage for winter. I think this bottlebrush is well worth the effort.<br />
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
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To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "Love the Lemony Blooms on this Bottle Brush" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<br />
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All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
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Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>"<a href="http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp14/callistemon-pallidus.html" target="_blank">Callistemon pallidus</a>". (21 May 2013). Australian National Botanic Garden.</li>
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website</li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-59646645788145136032014-08-31T15:35:00.000-07:002014-08-31T15:35:17.781-07:00Hop hornbeam makes me happy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At the end of my <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/one.html" target="_blank">first week</a> at Kew, all the interns were taken to the library. As Daisy and I walked toward the entrance of the building, one tree stopped me in my tracks. The tree was completely draped with lacey white clusters of seed pods. "What is that tree?" I asked Daisy, assuming it was an English native. She didn't know, but I kept my eyes peeled for another specimen with a label.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, showy seed clusters of <i>Ostrya virginiana </i><br />resemble hops, thus the common name "hop hornbeam"</td></tr>
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Later that summer I noticed another specimen growing in Kew's Duke's Garden. The label identified it as <i>Ostrya virginiana</i> (1973-14189), more commonly known as ironwood or the hop hornbeam. Imagine my surprise to learn that this tree is native to my region of North America, and then some. Hardy to USDA zones 3 to 9, its <a href="http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/ostrya/virginiana.htm" target="_blank">range</a> spreads as far north as Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, westward to the Dakotas, and as far south as Honduras. <br />
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What the hop hornbeam lacks in flower luster, it makes up for in seed. The green <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/99949/catkin" target="_blank">catkins</a> aren't really that noticeable or attractive, but the seed pod clusters are very attractive and persistent. These clusters resemble <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/271428/hop" target="_blank">hops</a>, which earn the common name "hop hornbeam". The specimens at Kew have held their clusters from at least the last week of June until present. The seed pods were a brilliant white at the end of June, fading to salmon, now with tinges of brown. The seeds are a food source for wildlife including birds and small mammals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3xtXIFRr2y_Q3azqQ3Cc-LSxBJRwGmFsyLmFqMKtFo-jdTatLmZ144cprlILVHxfcttnO4wwzKXcs8h-_Uv4rKBaIJgrEroz8dhogaqnGhXvyjimPWl0ywyqmkyY63TKT007M1T1exrb/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3xtXIFRr2y_Q3azqQ3Cc-LSxBJRwGmFsyLmFqMKtFo-jdTatLmZ144cprlILVHxfcttnO4wwzKXcs8h-_Uv4rKBaIJgrEroz8dhogaqnGhXvyjimPWl0ywyqmkyY63TKT007M1T1exrb/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the attractive clusters <br />from inside the tree</td></tr>
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Although the tree is stunning in seed, it is also attractive in foliage. The shiny green leaves resemble an elm or birch. Fall foliage is yellow. I've seen specimens with a very fine, gold fall color that persists for several days. The autumn show may not be dependable and will vary by the environmental conditions. According to the <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l330" target="_blank">Missouri Botanical Garden plant finder website</a>, "Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow in autumn and often drop early."<br />
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<i>Ostrya virginiana</i> is a slow growing, medium sized tree. In most regions within its range, this tree won't get taller than about 40 feet. There may be some exceptions, such as the 73 feet tall by 88 feet wide specimen discovered in Michigan in 1976. But achieving such heights would take a great deal of time. Its slow growth results in very dense, hard wood (thus the common name "ironwood"). However, this feature is not of much economic value because it would take such a long time for a stand to yield any harvest worthwhile value. <br />
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Yet the slow growth, small stature, and strong wood makes this tree a valuable addition to a residential or commercial landscape situation. Businesses and homeowners should consider substituting this underused strong, healthy native for the more common pest and disease prone <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c280" target="_blank"><i>Cornus florida</i></a> or extremely weak-wooded and invasive exotic <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c136" target="_blank"><i>Pyrus calleryana</i> 'Bradford'</a>.<br />
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Despite the great potential for cultivating <i>Ostrya virginiana</i> in the urban environment, it has been classified as a "weed" by those who cultivate timber crops in some regions. To quote a <a href="http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/ostrya/virginiana.htm" target="_blank">USDA Forestry report from 1990</a>:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attractive foliage</td></tr>
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<i>The slow growth and small size of the species earn it the title "weed"
throughout its range, especially in some areas in the South where
it is considered the number one weed species. Eastern hophornbeam
usually is discriminated against in stands managed for timber.
Silviculturally, more interest has been given to eradicating it
than to improving its growth.</i><br />
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Perhaps the hop hornbeam is a bit weedy in stands of timber because it is so adaptable. <i>Ostrya virginiana</i> has been found in soils that have acidity levels between 4.2 and 7.6 pH, and growing in elevations between 250 feet and 5,000 feet. The hop hornbeam is also very pest and disease resistant, with few recorded issues. One thing this tree won't forgive is wet feet. In the wild, it is common in dry stream beds, bluffs, and even xeric conditions. <br />
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Fall is approaching, and the upcoming cool season is a fantastic time to add woody trees and shrubs to any landscape (learn more by reading the <a href="http://planteplants.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/quick-and-dirty-tips-for-tree-planting.html" target="_blank">tree planting post</a>). When considering what specimens do add to your garden, be sure to add the adaptable and beautiful <i>Ostrya virginiana </i>to the list. <br />
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To
see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.950514901632520.1073741858.580967715253909&type=3" target="_blank">Hop hornbeam makes me happy</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page.
"Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjAB6XvMNs_IWaRLCU-zNk05nO_VLfFtj-tmpA3Q-yZbH2PMfvLKHtoTHoEqUhO40tNzdwAojH1bpjA18yIRm6TalDDCMQZWlbwtQVlVjj6hW58CHXKDYnKAsHQRa1Tn_T3PATLeaideOyI/s1600/IMG_6691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB6XvMNs_IWaRLCU-zNk05nO_VLfFtj-tmpA3Q-yZbH2PMfvLKHtoTHoEqUhO40tNzdwAojH1bpjA18yIRm6TalDDCMQZWlbwtQVlVjj6hW58CHXKDYnKAsHQRa1Tn_T3PATLeaideOyI/s1600/IMG_6691.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice, open habit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEg5toj6KlvElxL_SiEPxoM2wfrS-GY6byMLY400R4wwQ3r6ECXeSD8nMRqbWB2ew_3Y06sGbElJKkCBBGzEgqEtCtz8KK9n8_XqGW3sco48RCgIVA1GBMJtHZp2M2nboiQTPg4JBLbO0RPp/s1600/IMG_6682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5toj6KlvElxL_SiEPxoM2wfrS-GY6byMLY400R4wwQ3r6ECXeSD8nMRqbWB2ew_3Y06sGbElJKkCBBGzEgqEtCtz8KK9n8_XqGW3sco48RCgIVA1GBMJtHZp2M2nboiQTPg4JBLbO0RPp/s1600/IMG_6682.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaggy, peeling red bark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>"<a href="http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-81.pdf" target="_blank">Ironwood or Hop Hornbeam</a>". <i>N.D. Tree Handbook</i>. North Dakota State University. </li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Metzger, N.F. (1990). "<a href="http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/ostrya/virginiana.htm" target="_blank">Eastern Hop Hornbeam</a>". <i>Silvics of North America, Volume 2: Hardwoods.</i> United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.</li>
<li>"<a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l330" target="_blank">Ostrya virginiana</a>". Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. </li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website</li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-74427019234630728932014-08-26T06:37:00.000-07:002014-10-08T12:30:45.260-07:00Hosta Heavens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You don't need to be in horticulture long before discovering certain plants that
seem to naturally attract a following of enthusiasts. Actually, this phenomenon was the subject of one of my very first blog posts. The genus <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=610" target="_blank"><i>Hosta</i></a>
with its plethora of species, hybrids and cultivars is definitely one of those
magnetic groups of plants. Although I'm not as keen as some hosta<i> </i>fans,
I certainly enjoy them enough to warrant spotlighting this genus as the plant
of this week.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPy2kNYrCwyRWj99CX602fUdY5vzqchY8dV0BFuhmgTgBeBP_jUyCx89NQu8gI0HLIfQubsa7Obz8u46cIIc4ZpV9VLgXAioi8iDMP7FkFmeLnhUBHNB0Mox925YnPiV6Qi-QKXm5RtM1/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPy2kNYrCwyRWj99CX602fUdY5vzqchY8dV0BFuhmgTgBeBP_jUyCx89NQu8gI0HLIfQubsa7Obz8u46cIIc4ZpV9VLgXAioi8iDMP7FkFmeLnhUBHNB0Mox925YnPiV6Qi-QKXm5RtM1/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosta collections, like John & June's</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hanging Hosta Gardens", showcase an</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">array of these versatile perennials (HHG)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What's
a Hosta?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hosta
are herbaceous perennials that are currently listed as members of the lily (Liliaceae) family. However, r</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">ecent studies in cell morphology (cytology) suggests that<a href="http://www.americanhostasociety.org/Education/EvolutionOfHosta.htm" target="_blank"> hosta and agave are distant relatives</a>, which has sparked the question as to whether the genus should be placed in the Agavaceae family instead. Some sources also list hosta as in the asparagus (Asparagaceae) family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Attractive
clumps of foliage spring forth from clumps of shallow, fleshy rhizomes.
Hosta may be bred for foliage, flower, or growing requirements (particularly
sun tolerance). The sky seems to be the limit on the diversity of plants
that come from some breeding programs. Here are just a few examples.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Foliage</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
colors of hosta foliage ranges from a deep, waxy blue up to a pale, delicate
yellow. Leaves may be solid or they may have two or more colors.
Many varieties have a lighter margin, although some have attractive streaked
foliage (<a href="http://www.perennials.com/plants/hosta-stained-glass.html" target="_blank"><i>H</i>. 'Stained Glass'</a>). Leaves may be violently linear (<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.bowdenhostas.com/products/Hands-Up.html" target="_blank"><i>H</i>. 'Hands Up'</a></span>)
or more rounded (<a href="http://www.perennialresource.com/encyclopedia/view/?plant=1398" target="_blank"><i>H</i>. 'Blue Mouse Ears'</a>). However, the shape is typically
more attenuate, like that of a <a href="http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_plantain.htm" target="_blank">plantain</a>. Thus the common name
"plantain lily". Although the leaves are usually more smooth to
the touch or lightly textured, there are some varieties that have deep veins
that give the foliage a bubbled appearance (<a href="http://www.hostahem.org.uk/Crumples.shtml" target="_blank"><i>H</i>. 'Crumples'</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is also a huge variety in <a href="http://www.americanhostasociety.org/Hosta%20Judging/quick_reference_card_leaf_color_and_size.pdf" target="_blank">foliage size</a>. The smallest hostas fall into the
'tiny' category. Tinys must produce leaves that are smaller than 2.5 square
inches. 'Mini' hostas are one class larger than tinys. Their leaf
area should be smaller than 6 square inches, and they typically produce clumps
that are between five and nine inches wide. In practice, however, mini varieties have been known to exceed their class size depending on the environmental conditions. On the opposite side of the
spectrum are giant hostas. 'Very large' hostas should have a leaf area
that is greater than 36 square inches, and the clumps may be 36 inches
wide. Wow!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvQ-pxrWGaYaRSHPvK82kXAKj5kek__4IQzI4BDTeGUXXZ_tSz27GiZ7URhmOGn2QaMt7WlkYcPUmfLBaWspRcQvEhFsfiIXJ4azvh4QCw7VlQtpfd_Bb6N5h7yYdxAUvsuURxIOGddow/s1600/IMG_9298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvQ-pxrWGaYaRSHPvK82kXAKj5kek__4IQzI4BDTeGUXXZ_tSz27GiZ7URhmOGn2QaMt7WlkYcPUmfLBaWspRcQvEhFsfiIXJ4azvh4QCw7VlQtpfd_Bb6N5h7yYdxAUvsuURxIOGddow/s1600/IMG_9298.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Miniature hostas, like those in Jonathan </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hogarth's National collection, have leaves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that are smaller than 6 square inches (JH)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flower</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hostas
produce racemes of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that have a lovely fragrance.
<i> </i>Flower color is usually violet, although this ranges from deep
purples to nearly white. As is true for other plants that are bred for
foliage (<i>Heuchera</i>) or unusual flowers (<i>Echinacea</i>) the fragrance
may have been more or less bred out of many popular hosta varieties. If
you're looking for a fragrant hosta, be sure that feature is listed on the
plant description before buying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Growth
</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
people in the industry associate hostas with shade. There may be
unfortunate consequences if some varieties are exposed to sunshine. Blue
varieties may lose their waxy covering, and some lighter groups may simply
burn. However, there are quite a few hostas out there that can hold their
own in the sun. These varieties seem to tend to have a thicker leaves
that are green or lighter in color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
brief history</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hostas
native range is through northeast Asia, including Japan, Korea, and areas of
China. The evolutionary history of hosta is quite fascinating, and well worth a <a href="http://www.americanhostasociety.org/Education/EvolutionOfHosta.htm" target="_blank">looking into</a> if you're interested in learning more about the complicated past of this genus. The ancestors of some popular new hybrids actually cling to rock
faces in Japan. You can spot the descendants by looking out for plants
that have a red stem and leaves that are white underneath. Collector June
Colley informed me this white underside helped protect the plants from sun
damage by reflecting light from the rock surfaces below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ236EzN_xeCi6fU-s-ZNINCdApr49GkmKYUsa8mwjcwI_xerVb9-JOR5C5JSd1gtB5-b8Wpx5oHi0L_Af0pYQTUdYWXUejoTPioh7FtTdpZNsUrKi-jRjAewp_E8-zYnne0fbIrdO7vk5/s1600/IMG_9281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ236EzN_xeCi6fU-s-ZNINCdApr49GkmKYUsa8mwjcwI_xerVb9-JOR5C5JSd1gtB5-b8Wpx5oHi0L_Af0pYQTUdYWXUejoTPioh7FtTdpZNsUrKi-jRjAewp_E8-zYnne0fbIrdO7vk5/s1600/IMG_9281.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some hostas from Japan have a white</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">cast to the bottom of their leaves (JH)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
first Westerner to botanically describe hosta was Englebert Kaempfer as part of
a survey with the Dutch East India Company. One <a href="http://www.herbs2000.com/flowers/h_1_hostas.htm" target="_blank">source</a> provides his descriptions for the two
hosta spotted on this trip as "vulgo gibbooshi Gladiolus Plantagenis folio
(meaning 'the common hosta with the plantain-like leaves')" and
"Gibbooshi altera (meaning 'the other hosta')". Obviously this
was a time before the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342526/Carolus-Linnaeus/273183/Classification-by-natural-characters" target="_blank">Linnean style</a></span> of <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342526/Carolus-Linnaeus/273183/Classification-by-natural-characters" target="_blank">binomial nomenclature</a> was
enforced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
these plants were switched to the binomial system, they were renamed Aletris
japonica. Shortly thereafter in 1784, hosta were assigned the genus <i>Hemerocallis</i>.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because that's the genus for daylily.
Since both hosta and daylilies had a somewhat similar clumping growth habit,
tufts of basal foliage that dies back in the winter, and were both in the lily
family, they were considered the same genus for some time. Although they
were given their own genus <i>Hosta</i> in 1812, groups like the <a href="http://www.hostahem.org.uk/" target="_blank">BritishHemerocallis and Hosta Society</a> continue to celebrate both genera in
one society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tips
for growing</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RoqcrEEIp3w530uIJhOnooucfyWO-iWcj4lKZIsKDaD_DDFCjPEfBY2r2UIoDHSgfNm_ym2GoH-eEWCD4lRVKmJUr5Ub0T6JKIfxYxpSuwZK2G41Lf1Tngpwxdy5X1J_HQ-697rJRVuI/s1600/IMG_9252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RoqcrEEIp3w530uIJhOnooucfyWO-iWcj4lKZIsKDaD_DDFCjPEfBY2r2UIoDHSgfNm_ym2GoH-eEWCD4lRVKmJUr5Ub0T6JKIfxYxpSuwZK2G41Lf1Tngpwxdy5X1J_HQ-697rJRVuI/s1600/IMG_9252.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Annelids like slugs and snails are frequently</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">problematic for many hosta growers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<ol start="1" type="1"></ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
things that I've noticed about plants that elicit large followings, such as
orchids, dwarf conifers, and hosta, is that they all have their growing
quirks. It's certainly not always easy to grow an orchid, and the same is
true of hosta. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
large patch of <i>H.</i> 'Guacamole' (or at least that's what Walmart had them
labelled as in the discount bin... I have my doubts...) that I planted
under a dogwood in our front yard in Knoxville, Tennessee does fine on its own,
with little maintenance or attention required. Yet the plugs of H. 'Blue
Mouse Ears' that I kept in concrete containers by the front door didn't fare so
well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Success
will vary depending on the type of hosta and the environmental
conditions. Here are my top three for growing hosta .</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWxDK1pFhpczMHIzersHU4X7phtJr2I0TGbXL94WTUoPs5SigoKFKFKhcnbCoGmw2OnHkxHG5JMwwP6FmrMaTgujuXClHydQWdGeP7CVife6jAbUUTshDFsqnFsiRv9VLpOFKKMho44Jv/s1600/IMG_9310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWxDK1pFhpczMHIzersHU4X7phtJr2I0TGbXL94WTUoPs5SigoKFKFKhcnbCoGmw2OnHkxHG5JMwwP6FmrMaTgujuXClHydQWdGeP7CVife6jAbUUTshDFsqnFsiRv9VLpOFKKMho44Jv/s1600/IMG_9310.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consider displaying your hostas<br />
in containers. Hanging baskets<br />
can give a fresh perspective on this<br />
familiar perennial. (HHG)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't over-mulch!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This is true for many clumping perennials.
Although mulch is a fantastic way to conserve water and deter weed growth,
too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Thick layers of mulch
can "collar" the plant, burn the crown, promote rot, ... the
list goes on. Just remember to keep an eye out.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Annihilate Annelids</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Okay, that seems a bit harsh, but slugs and
snails can be extremely destructive pests on hosta -- especially in the
U.K. For example, <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kew</a> doesn't treat hostas for annelids, so the
foliage of most of the specimens are tattered and full of holes.
This is just not attractive on a plant that is valued for its
foliage. There are loads of folk remedies out there, including
leaving a glass of beer out, putting a copper ring around the plant,
adding a ring of diatomaceous earth, etc. Gardening is an
experiment, and enthusiasts will take the time to find the right solution
for their situation. For example, avid collectors John and
June interplant their collection with pokeweed (<a href="http://phytolacca%20americana/" target="_blank"><i>Phytolacca americana</i></a>). June is currently
researching whether the saponin content of the pokeweed deters slugs and
snails. Jonathan Hogarth, another hosta fan, adds a layer of sharp
rocks to the top off all his hosta containers. "The slugs don't
like to cross it," he said, "although some do get through
occasionally." Another alternative would be planting slug resistant plants. The thicker the leaf, the more resistant the plant tends to be. Another collector, Tennessee's own Cornelia Holland, informed me about the exciting new (relatively) slug resistant <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/oh/cjweiss/tardiana.html" target="_blank">Tardiana series</a>.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider a Container</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
fortunate enough to see some really spectacular hosta collections over the
weekend, and all the plants were in containers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving your plants in containers gives
you a bit more control over the health of your plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too bright and sunny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just move the pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need to overwinter a tender
specimen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move the pot to the
garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s more is that many
hostas will naturally drape over the edge of the pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John and June’s collection was so full
and dense that I frequently forgot that all the plants were in containers! Placing containers at or above eye level can also give a fresh perspective. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hosta
heavens</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
celebration of the really fantastic collections I was able to visit this
weekend, I thought I’d wrap up this week’s post with a brief list of some neat
hosta gardens that I’ve come into contact with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The list is organized in autobiographical order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://www.knoxart.org/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Knoxville Museum or Art</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any
Knoxvillians who have a hankering to see some massive, gigantic hostas should
head to the KMA this fall before the plants go dormant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hostas in their courtyard are easily the
biggest ones I’ve ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely
worth a gander.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3auKIobeo3s/U_yLUySJHqI/AAAAAAAABM8/d6Bq7Q8Cycs/s1600/IMG_9300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3auKIobeo3s/U_yLUySJHqI/AAAAAAAABM8/d6Bq7Q8Cycs/s1600/IMG_9300.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jonathan Hogarth's fantastic hosta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">collection, displayed in the British style </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">where the foliage is allowed to overlap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.hosta2012.com/Gardens/Holland/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tranquility</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
I’ve never been to avid collector Cornelia Holland’s garden, I’ve heard many
fantastic things about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2012,
she had 900 species in her collection, which warranted a stop on the American
Hosta Society’s National Convention in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve seen photos of Tranquility online and in departmental seminars at
the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A month or so ago, Dr. Susan Hamilton,
the director of the UT Gardens, put me in contact with Ms. Holland to learn
more about meeting her fellow hosta enthusiasts while I’m in the London
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In no time at all she had me on
track for what would be really inspiring tours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next
on the horizon for the UT Gardens is a world-class hosta collection, both for
aesthetics and scientific discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay tuned to their website for more information as it becomes
available!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jonathan Hogarth’s Collection</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr.
Hogarth not only obliged to let me come visit his miniature hosta collection,
but he also planned my whole hosta day (Thanks!!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We almost got in a tour of His Royal
Highness, <a href="http://www.nccpg.com/national-collections/collection-profiles/hosta.aspx" target="_blank">Charles the Prince of Wales’</a> (patron of the British Hosta and
Hemerocallis Society) hosta collection, but it was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first stop was Mr. Hogarth’s for some tea
and coffee, then hosta viewing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The hostas are grown in containers all around the garden, with many growing on shelves mounted on fences. </span>I
learned the history of the collection, loads of fun facts about the plants (a
small fraction of which is contained in this post), the requirements for an
official hosta collection, and got lots of inspirational ideas that I can’t
wait to try at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden/garden.aspx?id=22796" target="_blank">The Hanging Hosta Gardens</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John
and June of the BHHS generously opened their gardens a tour, and the display
was really brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the plants are
in their own individual pots, but you wouldn’t know since the arrangements are
so dense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the hosta collection
is at the forefront, other herbaceous perennials, annuals, and woody specimens
are sprinkled in as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The display
changes with the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we had been
there a month or two earlier, we would have seen a riot of <i>Hemerocallis</i> in
bloom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there wasn’t a hint of
daylily foliage this weekend – they’d been moved to grow on happily in a quiet,
out-of-the-way location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one of the
most interesting displays was definitely the hanging hostas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pots of hosta were pinned up against walls,
fences, and hung from posts all over the property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a totally different way of viewing
hostas – from below rather than above!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjW_vGoE-wGNSjecsTRzksO3LdsoyHJirTjj_otfcqanNDEBrmQscynIXG6z3LkTM7X2jQlRrhX3gDFPKZMOJZKJDhOT9TkbI_3lx89pL5vPMeliQ3bxMdwN-H_jsNowVjhLOKGQOaZLyhI/s1600/IMG_9307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_vGoE-wGNSjecsTRzksO3LdsoyHJirTjj_otfcqanNDEBrmQscynIXG6z3LkTM7X2jQlRrhX3gDFPKZMOJZKJDhOT9TkbI_3lx89pL5vPMeliQ3bxMdwN-H_jsNowVjhLOKGQOaZLyhI/s1600/IMG_9307.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John and June's front garden includes a great deal of hostas at this time of year. All the plants are grown in containers, and the display changes with the seasons. Wow!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To
see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.973085716042105.1073741860.580967715253909&type=3&uploaded=81" target="_blank">Hosta Heavens</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page.
"Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sources:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<a href="http://www.herbs2000.com/flowers/h_history.htm" target="_blank">History of Hostas</a>". Herbs2000.com</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.americanhostasociety.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The American Hosta Society </span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<a href="http://www.herbs2000.com/flowers/h_anatomy.htm" target="_blank">The Anatomy of Hostas</a>". Herbs2000.com </span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hostahem.org.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com1Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-32424808160022600952014-08-11T11:14:00.000-07:002014-08-11T11:24:05.347-07:00Mixed Feelings for Eucalyptus dalrympleana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I try to start these blog posts with some kind of catchy reason why you should love the plant being profiled. When it comes to <i><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/details?plantid=753" target="_blank">Eucalyptus dalrympleana</a></i> (USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11), there are just too many reasons to pick just one. So instead of my normal format, this whole post will support the following reasons to love (or hate) this beautiful Euc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OaWjFpxqHkth7-_wibpbmKc6TojYxjYRvUu2Njh3-cr7QbmTF4COzNr6eBI7pbgMLHf7YldG_uAtuqZ7clG0CEnZP5wdakf-C86YQeC2Ocgbhyphenhyphen-cwDh0nJdVAJnFPMZKSG-F9CPDypLb/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OaWjFpxqHkth7-_wibpbmKc6TojYxjYRvUu2Njh3-cr7QbmTF4COzNr6eBI7pbgMLHf7YldG_uAtuqZ7clG0CEnZP5wdakf-C86YQeC2Ocgbhyphenhyphen-cwDh0nJdVAJnFPMZKSG-F9CPDypLb/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E. dalrympleana has showy, vanilla <br />
scented blooms that can be messy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Reason #1, Love: Its flowers smell like vanilla / Hate: The flowers also make a huge mess</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In its native range of southwest Australia, <i>Eucalyptus dalrympleana </i>blooms through late summer. At <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew</a>, our specimens burst into flower in early August, and the blossoms linger through to September. This species of Eucalyptus usually has clusters of three flowers, but some specimens from the northern tableland may have clusters of as many as seven flowers.<br />
<br />
Although the very frilly blooms fall to bits and make a giant mess below the tree, I think that's a flaw worth forgiving. The burden of sweeping the pathways at least one day a week is lightened if you can pause to enjoy being enveloped in their soft vanilla scent.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Reason #2, Love: Its leaves smell like cinnamon / Hate: It is constantly shedding leaves</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Although many of the most familiar species of Eucalyptus have a soft blue cast to their leaves, <i>E. dalrympleana</i> has shining green foliage. The attractive green foliage makes this plant a bit easier to place in the landscape than the more striking, blue-leaved Eucs. When crushed, the leaves smell strongly of cinnamon. <br />
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<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/AVvXsEhvNhUuhDeXsFGzvoRDs6T1eVuQ6r6TIKckKSqrCvnnk8YIRxultDtU2IbfVS_5bXnhwBhkjKMn9tvuEPi2AiULsDdtgsHJXsiVm15JDdA5v6vIHgzmHnOU9hzFFGTYfc6xuYt6wSf3LuSf/s1600/IMG_7606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNhUuhDeXsFGzvoRDs6T1eVuQ6r6TIKckKSqrCvnnk8YIRxultDtU2IbfVS_5bXnhwBhkjKMn9tvuEPi2AiULsDdtgsHJXsiVm15JDdA5v6vIHgzmHnOU9hzFFGTYfc6xuYt6wSf3LuSf/s1600/IMG_7606.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit and foliage of<i> E. dalrympleana</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The mountain gum near Kew's aquatic garden has been dropping leaves the whole time that I've been here. <a href="http://unearthinglandscapes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Daisy</a> and I usually have to rake them up at least once a week. Some weeks Jim the <a href="http://www.kew.org/support/volunteer" target="_blank">volunteer</a> has to rake them up too. It's frustrating to think of the other things we could be doing with our time if this tree would just take a break. However, this tree is easy to forgive because raking doesn't always take too terribly long, and when you step on or rake up the brown, dead leaves everything smells like cinnamon.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Reason #3, Love: In August, it makes the whole area smell like pumpkin pie / Hate: In August, you may have some "hay fever"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I know that so many other foods besides pumpkin pie contain both vanilla and cinnamon, but for some reason this tree just smells like <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-pie-recipe.html" target="_blank">pumpkin pie</a>. The week that the flowers really started to come in, Jim, Daisy and I were working around the trees at the <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.com/2014/08/seven.html" target="_blank">aquatic garden</a>. Jim casually asked if I'd ever had pumpkin pie. "Of course I have," I replied, "We have it every <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>." <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<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/AVvXsEjvm-nnUe82YB4z3pc4bZ5V6WbRLfsgkVs31yY499-bt_4unAhyphenhyphenRXFEvwBoDTx0FIxeMOEPKhAnwsHxRAzy5szjiXtjABcqPvhkUjBgT53SlFTdy1hDjTaFaY0krKFLvwyZdWI1OXj1H0n0/s1600/IMG_7609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm-nnUe82YB4z3pc4bZ5V6WbRLfsgkVs31yY499-bt_4unAhyphenhyphenRXFEvwBoDTx0FIxeMOEPKhAnwsHxRAzy5szjiXtjABcqPvhkUjBgT53SlFTdy1hDjTaFaY0krKFLvwyZdWI1OXj1H0n0/s1600/IMG_7609.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Eucalyptus is especially floriferous in August</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He went on to casually mention that the last intern from the U.S. brought in a homemade pumpkin pie, and that he'd really enjoyed it. At first I thought he was fishing for some pie (he may well have been), but when time passed and I couldn't shake a hankering for pumpkin pie, I realized that the tree was responsible for his comments. Probably 100 feet all around these trees smelled strongly of the dessert. Who could help but reminisce about pie when the spot you've been working for the past few hours smells so delicious?<br />
<br />
Although I do love the smell of sweet pumpkin pie while I work, this plant has also been giving me some irritating allergies (or as they say in the U.K., "<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank">hay fever</a>"). The overload of pollen has been giving me itchy, runny eyes, the sniffles, and some sinus pressure. It hasn't stopped me from going out of my way to walk through the flowers on my way to the lockers yet though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq1_2v4poUbXzOHXzzYP6htWGQV62eT47dY1ihw6aIuD7U_n3e4UzFHMki2P2algkz5ACEo_5fsc3qepk4mHngafpWocPJtPfxO6OZS8-ldNVtK3LXjpJwWfMrMUXuiiS11lBelOAFSfL/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq1_2v4poUbXzOHXzzYP6htWGQV62eT47dY1ihw6aIuD7U_n3e4UzFHMki2P2algkz5ACEo_5fsc3qepk4mHngafpWocPJtPfxO6OZS8-ldNVtK3LXjpJwWfMrMUXuiiS11lBelOAFSfL/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really beautiful, but constantly<br />
shedding, bark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Reason #4, Love: Its peeling, snow white and cinnamon bark / Hate: It is constantly shedding bark</b><br />
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Although the flowers and scent are nice, what really draws visitors up to these trees is the incredibly attractive bark. Most of the surface is clean and white, but as is true with many Eucs, the bark peels. This species will loose huge swathes of cinnamon red bark. The bark looks really attractive while it's still on the tree. Yet the bark is a bit irritating when it's scattered all below the tree. We're constantly picking up chunks of bark from the lawn, paths, and raking it out of the beds below.<br />
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<b>Reason #5, Love: Its sinuous, twisting wood and open habit / Hate: Fear of dropping limbs</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>E. dalrympleana </i>has strong, heavy branches that are held nearly horizontally from the trunk. This feature gives the trees a very open, savanna-like feel. It also can be quite dangerous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtPTKD7UXluRpsi3PE0V2Xos4hwU08w_ls9j39tkLuHVFd9rv3a1-xo8ArP67Cx4byNB_tDPkiBDK7nKJOtyyopF5CTrSvNCKtn25DWNe5fDAWBAaGqLcRjvqBthQW0R913UtM2ujawII/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtPTKD7UXluRpsi3PE0V2Xos4hwU08w_ls9j39tkLuHVFd9rv3a1-xo8ArP67Cx4byNB_tDPkiBDK7nKJOtyyopF5CTrSvNCKtn25DWNe5fDAWBAaGqLcRjvqBthQW0R913UtM2ujawII/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the inside of this mountain gum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One windy day, while I was intently trying to snap a clear shot of the flowers for this post, a visitor ambled up beside me. "We call this tree the widdah-makah," said a young man with a thick Australian accent. I didn't quite understand what he was saying at first, but I guess they call this tree the "widow maker" where he's from. He explained that although the habit is beautiful, it's also a deadly combination. Extremely heavy wood held at such an angle is prone to drop without much warning. A heavy limb from up to 120 feet overhead can kill a person. Thus the nickname. "Men would go into the bush, but they wouldn't come back."<br />
<br />
Kew's arborists keep an eye on this specimen, along with all the other trees on the property. If you look up into the canopy, you can see the measures they have taken to prevent any falling limbs. They remove any branches that they decide are dangerous, and they even tie supports to hold up the limbs that they suspect may fall. Homeowners should avoid planting these trees in heavily populated areas and consult with an arborist for regular maintenance.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Reason #6, Love: Its sap looks like red spaghetti / Hate: Its sap will stain any pavement below the tree</b><br />
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<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/AVvXsEhoaLzK2WNNvqczqJ8wgg6nmtOkjuWrriYvdlwzyq3AI6Pc34s_8GRULUR8DjyezwfyC7LGGr2-MmPQfGpMOSLyPXpTz6eTkp9TsK59eSisytLKrZkrSuCjJMJKCj9wwoZYXbW9VlPfPPBR/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaLzK2WNNvqczqJ8wgg6nmtOkjuWrriYvdlwzyq3AI6Pc34s_8GRULUR8DjyezwfyC7LGGr2-MmPQfGpMOSLyPXpTz6eTkp9TsK59eSisytLKrZkrSuCjJMJKCj9wwoZYXbW9VlPfPPBR/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although the wound has nearly healed, you can<br />
spot the red strands of sap eeking out of the cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you prune any tree, the wound will drip with sap until it begins to heal. In my experience, the cut usually looks a bit damp for a bit, then dries up. The sap of<i> E. dalrympleana</i> doesn't behave like any other sap I've seen before. When it eeks from a wound, it comes out in thick, long, spaghetti-like strips. The sap is a brilliant red, which makes the wounds quite showy.<br />
<br />
Although this looks really very interesting, the sap does fall eventually. If it falls on a pathway below, the sap can stain the pathway with red, sticky dots.<br />
<br />
<br />
This tree is beautiful, adaptable, easy to love for all of its virtuous and even easier to forgive for all of its failings. That is why this attractive Eucalyptus would make a valuable addition to any large garden or landscape. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "Mixed feelings for this Eucalyptus" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<br />
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All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul>
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Kelly, S.; Chippendale, G.M.; Johnson, R.D. (1969). <a href="http://victoriancollections.net.au/items/535db54e2162ef0718988190" target="_blank">Eucalypts</a>. Melbourne: Thomas Nelson (Australia) Ltd., page 38</li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website</li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-15037293201064030912014-08-02T23:55:00.000-07:002014-08-04T04:53:38.264-07:00Stipa ichu -- the other hair grass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been a fan of Mexican hair grass, or <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/58857/Stipa-tenuissima/Details" target="_blank"><i>Stipa tenuissima</i></a>, long before I knew I wanted to be a horticulturalist. When we teach landscape plant identification at the <a href="http://plantsciences.utk.edu/" target="_blank">University of Tennessee</a>, this <i>Stipa</i> always garners
interest. While working in the garden, visitors would frequently stop to ask for more information about this hair grass. And who can blame us? This lovely grass forms large clumps that resemble long, fine, shining blonde hair. It's a beautiful plant that is really popular in Tennessee landscaping.<br />
<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/AVvXsEi6DYl2yfRPPsSqm2HIS59FjWPV2pPbU-PNepiGEaOzqDPULOI2v9XaIzQbsTqOz5x85xtFCQDDyXWtPk6UTRuU7xsv2WYti_EcAn6E4vCZ0Bk5yGIrN8SgYRkUewCe0al27bvCj32f-sAW/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DYl2yfRPPsSqm2HIS59FjWPV2pPbU-PNepiGEaOzqDPULOI2v9XaIzQbsTqOz5x85xtFCQDDyXWtPk6UTRuU7xsv2WYti_EcAn6E4vCZ0Bk5yGIrN8SgYRkUewCe0al27bvCj32f-sAW/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new favorite <i>Stipa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, in <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/three.html" target="_blank">Kew's grass garden</a>, Mexican hair grass doesn't stand out from the rest. It sort of blends into the mass of lovely clumps of grasses. However, one of its cousins shines out from the mounds of <i>Miscanthus</i> and drew my interest from day one -- <i><a href="http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db/www/imp09948.htm" target="_blank">Stipa ichu</a> </i>(2006-491, ), the Peruvian feather grass. What's the difference? Where <i>S. tenuissima</i> resembles a short mass of shining blonde hair, <i>S. ichu</i> looks like a much taller swathe of shimmering silver hair. Let me put it this way -- the makers of the <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=15&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CHUQFjAO&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jkrowling.com%2F&ei=ldbdU92MNvLe7Aa8lYGQDw&usg=AFQjCNGBQiaNHIjCilED5XkahoSS9ytSYg&sig2=2ZISr8KNBG9qWfkRKBg2Rw&bvm=bv.72197243,d.ZGU" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> movies could have used an infloresence of <i>S. ichu</i> to represent unicorn hair in their magic wands, and nobody would have questioned it.<br />
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<b>It looks like unicorn hair</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3LAKN8xLKFfWwppVgfx3-Ve7-XfFoj1_51jv7cdeezlKQN3ZP3tNhrmMZ_LUtsLdcWVLCZLxhQqIF44Ibtnp4EPFn5I7EWAXouFEpe7G7pw8p5sqa9u3_-hrGg0qw2qgLu02SZGLzy1/s1600/IMG_7639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3LAKN8xLKFfWwppVgfx3-Ve7-XfFoj1_51jv7cdeezlKQN3ZP3tNhrmMZ_LUtsLdcWVLCZLxhQqIF44Ibtnp4EPFn5I7EWAXouFEpe7G7pw8p5sqa9u3_-hrGg0qw2qgLu02SZGLzy1/s1600/IMG_7639.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compare the open panicles (left) to <br />
the more silvery, young flower (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At Kew, the silvery panicles burst from the fine, green base towards the end of June. They really shimmer in the morning sun.<b> </b>These infloresences begin to open and fluff out through July, losing a bit of the silver and becoming more white and a little less reflective. The open panicles are much lighter, and they get caught up in the wind much more easily. It's really something to see this plant on a breezy day. The clumps look like they're dancing with each other.<br />
<br />
The silky flowers can also be tawny, white, or purple, and they can grow
over a foot tall. These flowers are held on a plant that could
ultimately get 4 feet tall. The base of the plant is a clump of fine, sturdy, green foliage (Hitchcock, 398).<br />
<br />
<b>Native to the Americas</b><br />
<br />
As with its cousin, <i>S. ichu</i> covers a large range over North and South America. You may find this silvery hair grass in the hills of Mexico, in the plains of Argentina, and even growing up in the heights of the Andes mountains. In Hitchcock's monograph of the grasses of South America, he noted that <i>S. ichu</i> was fairly common in the upper altitudes of the Andes. In the introduction, he described the area:<br />
<br />
"Most of the region is mountainous, the Andes transversing it from north to south. Although lying under the Equator, much of the region is so high an elevation that many ranges and peaks are capped with perpetual snow." (Hitchcock, 6)<br />
<br />
<i>S. ichu</i> was first botanically described in 1798 from Peru as <i>Javara ichu</i>. Traditionally Peruvians used "ichu grass" for thatching their homes and other structures (Hitchcock, 398). The fact that this plant will thrive in the warm, dry, arid plains of Mexico up to snowy peaks m Peru means that it is tough and adaptable. There is no indication that this plant is in danger of extinction in its natural habitat today, either from the <a href="http://www.cites.org/" target="_blank">CITES</a> database or the <a href="http://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank">IUCN</a> Red List of threatened species. <br />
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<b>Landscape value</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuldm8uwAT498VNImRCNKW7cDXq6vyvRtKelx7LrgmprChyCQ4CkpZ_sPa2PEymk2Ht7ipRfZrSh_CnMTcYu_62LO8t-SprPXdW6CFZrDrA_osSizZsyBtMmE8AG9ejadGiH8ML4srJGN/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuldm8uwAT498VNImRCNKW7cDXq6vyvRtKelx7LrgmprChyCQ4CkpZ_sPa2PEymk2Ht7ipRfZrSh_CnMTcYu_62LO8t-SprPXdW6CFZrDrA_osSizZsyBtMmE8AG9ejadGiH8ML4srJGN/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This attractive and adaptable<br />
ornamental grass deserves <br />
a spot in any landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is definitely an interesting, eye catching plant that deserves a spot in your garden. When a group of plant sciences and landscape architecture students from the University of Tennessee came to visit Kew last week, two separately and independently mentioned this plant to me in conversation. One student said that he couldn't capture the beauty of the grass garden in a photo, so he took some video as well. I encountered the same problem when trying to get a good photo of S. ichu, so there is a video at the bottom of this post as well.<br />
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If you're growing at home, you'll want to give this plant a bit of space. When planted in an area that is exposed to wind, it kind of whips around and could knock into its neighbors (see video). Although this silvery grass would make an interesting focal point, it would really shine out en masse. Consider planting <a href="http://www.perennials.com/plants/ajuga-reptans-black-scallop.html" target="_blank"><i>Ajuga </i>'Black Scallops'</a> as a neighboring ground cover to serve as as a dark foil to this shimmering <i>Stipa</i>.<br />
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.934427263241284.1073741851.580967715253909&type=1" target="_blank">They should call it 'unicorn hair grass'</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<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/AVvXsEhc4yh7TGWMDjTYaAFDaDRUmWssird-7nVhACSlwukmicjjTQ7NwTNWy4uH5HJIEIiIz5U5j0mDZoQaaksoWrWRypk3RYbF6Rzfq14jNdAaISsJuiOp75gamCACeK1USWzHQvZvw1MjH7FH/s1600/IMG_7618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4yh7TGWMDjTYaAFDaDRUmWssird-7nVhACSlwukmicjjTQ7NwTNWy4uH5HJIEIiIz5U5j0mDZoQaaksoWrWRypk3RYbF6Rzfq14jNdAaISsJuiOp75gamCACeK1USWzHQvZvw1MjH7FH/s1600/IMG_7618.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This eye catching grass really stands out from the crowd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uDVSI_kzwQs" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></li>
<li>Hitchcock, A.S. (1927). <a href="https://repository.si.edu/handle/10088/20783" target="_blank">Grasses of Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia</a>. </li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com2Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-46207368774131015252014-08-01T00:50:00.000-07:002014-08-02T00:51:47.889-07:00These flowers look like Princess Jasmine's slippers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are pretty flowers, there are beautiful flowers, and there are magnificent flowers. This post is about a magnificent flower - jade vine, or <i>Strongylodon macrobotrys</i> (1963-72801)<i>.</i><br />
<br />
<b>"Eye catching" doesn't do it justice</b><br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce0Q6sHcYiE/U9yWsBqZI2I/AAAAAAAAA_s/2Sju3AodZ50/s1600/IMG_4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce0Q6sHcYiE/U9yWsBqZI2I/AAAAAAAAA_s/2Sju3AodZ50/s1600/IMG_4251.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The showy blooms of jade vine<br />are definitely worth making a trip<br />to a larger botanic garden to see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like I said, the flowers are the feature that first caught my eye. My co-hort Nathan and I had spent hours exploring the <a href="http://gardenguideplante.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/fairchildgarden.html" target="_blank">Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden</a> in the sweltering Miami heat. Towards the end of the adventure, just as my enthusiasm was waning, I saw a glimmer of jade from a pergola in the distance. My slow, tired trudge transformed into a quick step as I hastened to the tropical vine pergola.<br />
<br />
The whole structure was draped with these really spectacular teal racemes. Apparently each floral spray can grow to around 4 feet! The individual blossoms that adorn each raceme look like they could be shoes for a <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/flowering-plants-and-ferns-of-mt-makiling/oclc/57710753" target="_blank">Princess Jasmine</a> doll. They're violently teal, just like the Disney princess' outfit in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/" target="_blank">Aladdin</a>. Although the flowers are borne on a long raceme, they're not very large. A flower may be about 6 cm in length.<br />
<br />
And this isn't necessarily a brief show of blossoms. According to the manual <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/flowering-plants-and-ferns-of-mt-makiling/oclc/57710753" target="_blank"><i>Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mt. Makiling</i></a>, the jade vine will flower from January to June, and again from November to December in its natural habitat. That's quite a long blooming period!<br />
<br />
<b>Gargantuan fruits</b><br />
<br />
Given the somewhat dainty nature of the flowers ("dainty" is not the right word, but I can't think of a better one), I was absolutely floored by the massive size of the fruits when I first saw them in Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/princess-wales-conservatory" target="_blank">Princess of Wales Conservatory</a>. They're like mangoes! Is it any surprise that out of all the fiddly flowers that bloom, only one or two fruits develop? <br />
<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/AVvXsEiVSTM0j1fqdussexJLBPlI1t78-Q0XNogyZI9B9keL6Z0siNFowXuLRMHmNzm1I4enlZ6-JR1RBP5RJfrIW2sLL-oeX96tGxxKeJklv2Ysa0v-fbuQePFCAl1qFqgiRhxUmYn1Aw8w6fEu/s1600/IMG_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSTM0j1fqdussexJLBPlI1t78-Q0XNogyZI9B9keL6Z0siNFowXuLRMHmNzm1I4enlZ6-JR1RBP5RJfrIW2sLL-oeX96tGxxKeJklv2Ysa0v-fbuQePFCAl1qFqgiRhxUmYn1Aw8w6fEu/s1600/IMG_4249.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The showy blooms of jade vine<br />are definitely worth making a trip<br />to a larger botanic garden to see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the wild, <i>Strongylodon</i> are pollinated by bats. That's not feasible for plants grown in conservatories, such as Kew's Princess of Wales or <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/palm-house-and-rose-garden" target="_blank">Palm House</a>. However, rather than forgoing hope for developing these huge fruits, Kew practices hand pollination. When Nick from Kew was giving the interns a tour of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, I asked about the contents of his tool belt. Sure enough, he had a small paintbrush that he uses to pollinate flowers like the jade vine. <br />
<br />
Fun fact -- you can actually track some of the maintenance details of specific plants in Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">living collections database</a>. This exact plant was successfully hand pollinated by Simon Creed in 2013. Simon pollinated the flowers at the end of March, and the seed was ready for collection the first week of May that year. For those of you who haven't been following <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">NEW at Kew</a>, Simon is a young horticulturalist who just graduated from Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/learn/specialist-training/apprenticeship-botanical-horticulture" target="_blank">apprenticeship</a> program on Friday. Congratulations Simon! <br />
<br />
If you've only seen the flowers, it's worth making a second visit to see this plant in fruit. Depending on various factors, there should be fruit around this time of year. In its native range, jade vine fruits in May and September. It doesn't seem to follow that set schedule in cultivation. Kew's specimen has some large fruits right now.<br />
<br />
<b>Is it from outer space?</b><br />
<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/AVvXsEi1IPxlQwSoputt8IOLBPuNXIoBJy5-c-zXVL6z_IpDRoIRb70ZZ1Mlchog1DliqxLbFBBW4ZldmVhRFgO5HwUjAoPOFYlUeMnAjwZL-XF_4mcrukqhqshGQ3Xl0DmQYxdM-2cJ4V59NpjQ/s1600/IMG_7182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IPxlQwSoputt8IOLBPuNXIoBJy5-c-zXVL6z_IpDRoIRb70ZZ1Mlchog1DliqxLbFBBW4ZldmVhRFgO5HwUjAoPOFYlUeMnAjwZL-XF_4mcrukqhqshGQ3Xl0DmQYxdM-2cJ4V59NpjQ/s1600/IMG_7182.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fruits are really something to<br />marvel at as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have trouble wrapping my head around the idea that these splendiferous flowers are naturally occurring someplace on this planet. However this species is native to the Luzon and Mindoro islands in the Phillipines. You'll find their teal blooms draped from vines that are clinging to the steep slopes of Mt. Makling, up to 1,000 meters up in altitude. This mountain is actually a volcanic mountain, although it hasn't erupted in recorded history, or at least since the 16th century. The mountain rises from the Laguna de Bay on Luzon Island.<br />
<br />
As you may have read in the previous few posts, this plant is not listed as endangered or threatened by the <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">CITES database</a> or <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">IUCN red list</a>. However, Kew's living collection database states that this species was on the IUCN red list of endangered species in 1997. I wonder whether this plant has made a recovery in the wild, or if there is a problem with their website. <br />
<br />
<b>Appreciating this plant</b><br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob3LloQVmu0/U9yXiQvEEEI/AAAAAAAABAE/pX9sjjp5CtI/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob3LloQVmu0/U9yXiQvEEEI/AAAAAAAABAE/pX9sjjp5CtI/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not a small plant. Unless you<br />live in a tropical climate, it would<br />be best to appreciate at a botanic garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This tropical plant has a <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/" target="_blank">USDA hardiness zone</a> rating of <a href="http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/stro_mac.cfm" target="_blank">10 to 11</a>. This means that unless you live in a tropical climate like Miami, it isn't really feasible to grow<i> Strongylodon </i>as a landscape plant. Some enthusiasts may be tempted to grow as an interior plant, but that wouldn't be practical either. Remember, the jade vine is native to the warm, humid cliff faces and river banks of the Philippines. If your house isn't tropical, this plant won't be happy to grow there. Also, it would just be too big to keep inside. <br />
<br />
Rather than growing at home, I recommend interested parties to visit a botanic garden that has a conservatory. If you live in a small city, your local public garden may not have this plant (or a conservatory), but seeing this plant in bloom makes the journey to a large garden, like Kew, Fairchild or <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank">Missouri Botanic</a>, totally worthwhile. Check with the garden first to make sure that it is in flower or fruit. I can attest that seeing this magnificent plant in full bloom is worth the trip!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.933073146710029.1073741848.580967715253909&type=3&uploaded=18" target="_blank">A Whole New World with Jade Vine</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<br />
<br />
All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></li>
<li>Fernandon, E.S.; Sun, B.Y.; Suh, M.H.; Kong, H.Y.; Koh, H.S. (2005). <i> Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mt Makiling</i>.</li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Pancho, J.V. (1983). <i>Vascular Flora of Mountain Makiling and Vicinity</i> (Luzon: Philippines) part 2. </li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com5Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-75881173841816696292014-07-21T04:49:00.000-07:002016-01-28T07:53:41.839-08:00The flower that makes me crave fried eggs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAf0nrjSw-M/U8z6hfa9XXI/AAAAAAAAA78/CAnyEkqo4CU/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAf0nrjSw-M/U8z6hfa9XXI/AAAAAAAAA78/CAnyEkqo4CU/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 inch flowers of <i>Romneya <br />coulteri</i> look like a fried egg <br />
cooked sunny-side up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Believe it or not, I actually had a very difficult time picking a plant to cover this week. I knew that somewhere in <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew's</a> 300 acres I should be able to find one plant that I find genuinely interesting, but inspiration never struck. My group spent a couple days working in the Secluded Garden this week, and while we were working I kept running through plants in my mind, nixing some and earmarking others for later.<br />
<br />
While I toiled away in mental anguish, visitors kept interrupting my train of thought to ask, "Excuse me please, what is the name of that plant?" "What is that plant?" "What do you call that plant? That one on the other side of the water?"<i> </i>Each group was asking about the same plant -- a large, shrubby poppy that was covered in white blooms growing just on the other side of the stream (1994-3738, SCON). Nobody could seem to remember the genus, so every time someone would have to scurry down the embankment, ford the waters, and call back, "<a href="http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/1430.html" target="_blank"><i>Romneya coulteri</i></a> -- It's a kind of a poppy."<br />
<br />
Finally, after four or five times, I thought to myself, "This may be a plant worth writing about." And I wasn't disappointed.<br />
<br />
<b>Back to its roots</b><br />
<br />
Romneya coulteri, or the canyon matilija poppy,<b> </b>is native to southern California. Its range includes Los Angeles, Riverside, Ontario, and San Diego counties. <i>R. coulteri </i>is perennial from USDA hardiness <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2504/" target="_blank">zones 7 to 11</a>. It thrives in chaparral and coastal shrub habitats -- especially in dry washes and canyons where the altitude is less than 1,200 meters (Hickman, 816). <br />
<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/AVvXsEgpziu_qncCUAuM1qDoKN3DcqyepZyAlZxpP2Q5YhACpEkqVldIvTvgoCJ364VxEKAd4jIY5X8EorKmAFbDWrSzgxU_2eGIWt-kcQtubHlyZO6OT-wwik1T0gMwkXXXqhgJBAq8BTFT2Vzs/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpziu_qncCUAuM1qDoKN3DcqyepZyAlZxpP2Q5YhACpEkqVldIvTvgoCJ364VxEKAd4jIY5X8EorKmAFbDWrSzgxU_2eGIWt-kcQtubHlyZO6OT-wwik1T0gMwkXXXqhgJBAq8BTFT2Vzs/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed head of <i>R. coulteri</i>. The seeds of<br />
this species of poppy actually<br />
have a higher germination rate when<br />
exposed to smoke caused by a fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The matilija poppy may also be spotted in areas that have been affected by fire. <i>R. coulteri </i>has adapted to fire damage in two ways. First, shoots will easily re-sprout from the roots after the plant is burnt to the ground. Second, exposure to smoke can actually increase seed germination (California, 239). <br />
<br />
This California native was first noted by a European in Baja during the early 1800's. <a href="http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/life-society/science-technology/irish-scientists/robinson-thomas-romney/" target="_blank">T. Romney Robinson</a> was an Irish astronomer who had an eye for beauty in the sky and on the ground. The genus was named <i>Romneya</i> in recognition of his discovery (Hickman, 816).<br />
<br />
Today, the habitat of <i>R. coulteri</i> is threatened by urbanization, including new home and shop developments, roadside expansion, and flood control (California, 239). Both Kew's living collection database and the <a href="http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/1430.html" target="_blank">California Native Plant Society</a> note that this is a rare plant in need of conservation. The notes in Kew's database for both of their specimens of <i>R. coulteri</i> indicate that in 1997 this species was listed as endangered by the <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">IUCN red list</a>. However, neither the <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">CITES</a> database nor the IUCN red list currently list it as endangered.<br />
<br />
<b>It looks like a fried egg</b><br />
<br />
Just like all of our curious visitors, the feature of this plant that really stands out to me are the white and yellow blossoms. Their 4 inch blooms look just like a fried egg cooked sunny-side up. This species actually produces the largest flowers out of any of California's native plants. That is especially compelling when you consider that the state of California is over 400,000 square kilometers and covers <a href="http://www.csun.edu/science/biology/ecology/biomes/vegetation.jpg" target="_blank">twenty-one</a> distinct (and often wildly different) types of landscapes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2731e0pIl4/U8z7wZTh0sI/AAAAAAAAA8c/az80IJFjV4E/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2731e0pIl4/U8z7wZTh0sI/AAAAAAAAA8c/az80IJFjV4E/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>R. coulteri</i> in the Papaveraceae section of the<br />
<a href="http://chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chelsea Physic Garden</a>. Notice how much taller<br />
it is than the other poppies in the bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>R. coulteri</i> in cultivation is really floriferous. I saw two specimens of the matilija poppy at Kew (2004-2746, PERH) and one at the <a href="http://chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chelsea Physic Garden</a>, and they were all totally laden with flowers. You can count on this plant flowering non-stop through the whole summer, from as early as May right up until the end of July. The foliage is a very attractive soft, silvery blue. Although the leaves vary in length, the deep lobes and cool color really softens the effect of the sunny blooms.<br />
<br />
If you're picturing these flowers held on a plant that resembles other poppies, think again. This is a big plant -- another common name for <i>R. coulteri</i> is tree poppy. It isn't uncommon for the matilija poppy to grow upwards of 6 feet (2 meters) tall. I haven't read anything on this, but I'd be interested to learn whether the plant sets flower buds on old or new growth. This would dictate how you should prune to maintain size. If it sets flowers on old growth, then all old stems that have already bloomed should be removed at the end of the growing season. If it blooms on new wood, then it should be cut back hard to about 6 inches after the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Or you could embrace this plant at its natural height and site accordingly.<br />
<br />
<b>Landscape value </b><br />
<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/AVvXsEjAP1DFLuanYgcWoDr4evaGZCyY_WN0kPW0aCXO9ZxgCctBN-dSMrsdAudZkZt_H0LpG0TaCtjvn6W-zWT-h9NfS_LSBPTBpdwRiwmx7CLiwFLCmur7GBZL9JJ96TJIWHQ4qO5jsupdIOeW/s1600/IMG_6975.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/AVvXsEjAP1DFLuanYgcWoDr4evaGZCyY_WN0kPW0aCXO9ZxgCctBN-dSMrsdAudZkZt_H0LpG0TaCtjvn6W-zWT-h9NfS_LSBPTBpdwRiwmx7CLiwFLCmur7GBZL9JJ96TJIWHQ4qO5jsupdIOeW/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although the matilija poppy is native<br />
to dry and sunny southern<br />
California, it thrives in more cool,<br />
moist and shady conditions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although <i>R. coulteri </i>is native to a hot, dry <a href="http://www.fao.org/sd/climagrimed/c_2_02.html" target="_blank">Mediterranean</a> type of climate, the plant is very adaptable in cultivation. There's a specimen at Kew that is absolutely thriving in afternoon shade and relatively rich soil. However, the matilija poppy may be more vigorous in environments that are similar to its native habitat, including the Mediterranean and areas in Africa, Australia, and so on. It has been described as having weedy tendencies in southern California, so gardeners in similar climates have a responsibility to keep an eye on their specimens and report any invasive qualities.<br />
<br />
The matilija poppy is at home towards the back of the flower border, where it is less likely to cover up smaller growing companions. This plant doesn't have a lot of winter interest, so consider siting next to an evergreen, an ornamental grass, or a tree with interesting bark. I think this plant would be the perfect fit for growing beneath a kitchen window. The sunny blooms would really brighten the view and give a friendly reminder to enjoy a fried egg sunny-side up once in a while.<br />
<br />
A bit after posting this plant profile, my new friend Ann in Australia sent some helpful information that I wanted to be sure to share with you. Thanks for sharing Ann!<br />
<br />
"I live in the Lower Blue Mountains west of Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia. We have very hot, dry but humid summers. (Heat zone 4, cold
zone 10). Recently up to 46 C. I planted my Romneya about 10 years ago
in my front garden, in a dry westerly aspect in full sun, on a slope
with good drainage. It is tall (about 2 to 2.5metres high) with lanky
canes and flowers on new growth which I cut back in late autumn to about
15cm. It will sucker by sending out underground rhizomes several metres
away and also sets seed once the plant is established. It has
beautiful crepe paper thin wrinkled petals of pure white & a large
raised centre of golden stamens heavily laden with pollen. The flowers
measure roughly 15cm and the foliage is a smooth blue/grey. I don’t
fertilise it & it relies solely on natural rainfall. The flowers are
a constant delight to the bees and the shrub often “hums” with bee
activity. People will often stop and ask me what this beautiful plant is
when in flower."<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.925955574088453.1073741845.580967715253909&type=1" target="_blank">The flower that makes me crave fried eggs</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.917880861562591.1073741841.580967715253909&type=3&uploaded=7" target="_blank"></a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<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/AVvXsEj8i3FKdr7GrZM6UIwZ0BsVcGbGi20VWD4pHzZDhvIjIE8oTo3knVSXYh8_AJcN8sV4T5cIYiI6RPI0Ie7piAOPBiSKuTS-Gf8JdFO9Er8nEaKsk2nSiNKBt9g0ylXgkD9bXk5k5WknklSM/s1600/IMG_6971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i3FKdr7GrZM6UIwZ0BsVcGbGi20VWD4pHzZDhvIjIE8oTo3knVSXYh8_AJcN8sV4T5cIYiI6RPI0Ie7piAOPBiSKuTS-Gf8JdFO9Er8nEaKsk2nSiNKBt9g0ylXgkD9bXk5k5WknklSM/s1600/IMG_6971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pistil and stamen of <i>Romneya coulteri</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FURuMUTyZfc/U8z8iDZaMjI/AAAAAAAAA8s/iQ4sFFa77k8/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FURuMUTyZfc/U8z8iDZaMjI/AAAAAAAAA8s/iQ4sFFa77k8/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This poppy is sure to stand out in any landscape. Notice how prominent the flowers are surrounded by the other colorful selections in Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/dukes-garden" target="_blank">Duke's Garden</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>(1994). <i>California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of Califoria</i> (5th ed.). CNPS Special Publication, p. 239</li>
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></li>
<li>Dave's Garden Plant Files </li>
<li>Hickman, J.C. (1993). <i>The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California</i> (3rd printing). Berkley, CA: University of California Press, p. 816-817.</li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Rundel, P.W. & Gustafson, R. (2005). <i>California Natural History Guides Introduction to the Plant Life of Southern California: Coast to Foothills. </i>Berkley, CA: University of California Press, p. 101-102</li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-58700634883914387392014-07-13T06:03:00.001-07:002014-07-14T04:38:53.817-07:00If you like pineapple lilies, you'll love Eucomis vandermerwei<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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/AVvXsEjfoQa04fd3thjyfHJwCfaoDxo_mzWxgCOlwcog21bFIvm4Vd99n6gsDscHFcHFLrc8W_ty5Euus6f4Msr4D86rD-L9_N-KOXMishQKoQOWSeExIP6DARq4edX1tkEWcQD5ePERj-o4kAiE/s1600/IMG_6607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoQa04fd3thjyfHJwCfaoDxo_mzWxgCOlwcog21bFIvm4Vd99n6gsDscHFcHFLrc8W_ty5Euus6f4Msr4D86rD-L9_N-KOXMishQKoQOWSeExIP6DARq4edX1tkEWcQD5ePERj-o4kAiE/s1600/IMG_6607.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eucomis vandermerwei</i> is currently<br />
on display in Kew's Alpine House.<br />
I love the purple spotted foliage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">When I first laid my eyes on a pineapple lily (<i>Eucomis</i>), it was love at first sight. The bold foliage, the unique flower, and the really striking growth habit all do something for me. My first experience was when <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/staff.html" target="_blank">Dr. Susan Hamilton</a> had me do a mass planting of<i> </i><a href="https://store.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/summer/productview/?sku=71-09" target="_blank"><i>Eucomis comosa</i> 'Sparkling Burgundy'</a> in the back 40 of the <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/" target="_blank">University of Tennessee Gardens</a>. If I recall correctly, we had a little more than a dozen 3 inch pots left over from a plant sale, and we needed to find a home for them in the gardens. The last time I strolled through the area, they were still there, bold and bright as could be. In most gardens, pineapple lilies are usually planted singly as a focal point or foil, but en masse they're really something to shout about.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Last week, the <a href="http://www.kew.org/learn/specialist-training/horticultural-internship-programme" target="_blank">interns</a> at <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew</a> were given a tour of the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/davies-alpine-house" target="_blank">Alpine House</a>, and I was head over heels all over again -- this time with <a href="https://store.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/summer/productview/?sku=71-07" target="_blank"><i>Eucomis vandermerwei</i></a> (2011-1894, RDRE). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>It looks like a pineapple</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">This pineapple lily is unlike any other I've ever seen. It has really attractive purple and green spotted foliage, and the leaves are a bit more strappy than the other species that I've seen before. Although it is given the common name because its flower looks a bit like a pineapple, the habit and foliage reminds me of pineapple plant too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Both the common name and the scientific name describe the plant's unusual flower. <i>Eucomis</i> is derived from the Greek meaning something like beautiful hair in a "top knot" style (Pearse, 38).</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>Native Range</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">In <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/mountain-splendour-wild-flowers-of-the-drakensberg/oclc/4932492" target="_blank"><i>Mountain splendour: Wild flowers of the Drakensberg</i></a>, Reginald Pearse describes the <i>Eucomis </i>as, "Essentially an African genus." He goes on to write that most pineapple lilies harken from South Africa, many in the Natal region. <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst" target="_blank">Wakehurst</a>'s specimen of <i>E. vandermerwei</i> was collected from the just north of the Natal in the <a href="http://www.sa-venues.com/weather/mpumalanga.htm" target="_blank">Mpumalanga</a> province. Kew's live collections database notes that this plant was on the IUCN Red List as an endangered species in 1997. Apparently it has made a comeback since then, as it is no longer listed.</span><br />
<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;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG83HMP17BcdWRa54a2ThjQBjPJJzCz02p0aYZFN4bbkufiHAfp1BEOl78_pbEtK5U2PkDaPb2zjj_SU-mn0d5p2yWDK0uBBik2FkfmArGXFaia9YL4rjnd4ynJJuHal7J06EXSZlGUI62/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG83HMP17BcdWRa54a2ThjQBjPJJzCz02p0aYZFN4bbkufiHAfp1BEOl78_pbEtK5U2PkDaPb2zjj_SU-mn0d5p2yWDK0uBBik2FkfmArGXFaia9YL4rjnd4ynJJuHal7J06EXSZlGUI62/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">This plant's common name is pineapple<br />lily, because the flower resembles that fruit.<br />The genus <i>Eucomis </i>refers to how the flower<br />resembles a beautiful "top knot" hairdo.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Unlike the other <i>Eucomis</i> that flourish in the grassy gullies of the coastal region, <i>E. vandermerwei </i>is an alpine plant. In the wild, you will find this species in the rocky savannah on a high plateau. This means that<i> E. vandermerwei</i> can survive winter frosts (USDA hardiness zones <a href="http://www.darwinperennials.com/plant_info.aspx?phid=088605183013661" target="_blank">6a - 8b</a>). However, the problem with cultivating this species in a North American or European garden doesn't stem from cold hardiness. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">When I saw this plant for sale this weekend at the <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-flower-show" target="_blank">Hampton Court Palace Flower Show</a>, I decided to ask the vendor from Cornwall's <a href="http://trecanna.com/default.asp" target="_blank">Trecanna Nursery</a> for some cultivation tips. He told me the main reason why gardeners struggle to grow this plant is because of its water needs. Although its native habitat does receive a fair amount of rainfall
(one <a href="http://www.sa-venues.com/weather/mpumalanga.htm" target="_blank">source</a> lists about 24 inches or 640 mm annually), most of this occurs in the
summer. "I tell people to keep it in a pot and move it inside in the winter so it can dry out,"the nurseryman advised.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>Landscape Value </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">If you live in an area that is similar to <i>E. vandermerwei</i>'s native range, then I think that a clump of this plant would be a real show stopper. If you're like me, and live in a place that has soggy winters, then it would be best to reserve yourself to one specimen in a container so that it will be easier to accommodate its finicky water needs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Although I'm sure it that combining this plant with a limey annual like a <a href="http://planteplants.blogspot.co.uk/2008/09/ipomoea-lime-is-not-currently-on-market.html" target="_blank">sweet potato vine</a>, <a href="http://planteplants.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/goldenbostonfern.html" target="_blank">'Rita's Gold' Boston fern</a>, or <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b911" target="_blank">'Lime Zinger' elephant's ear</a> would really bring out the unique foliage, make sure that you keep an eye on soil moisture. This should be okay because it receives quite a lot of rainfall in the warm months in its native habitat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>Industry Value </b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<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;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJugWud69uoHV9_W6NLACLXEoEcXrlgp7fmI3gtEgcQUCqpoGeTEkOPUw_FFKdT08TmJY9nkX0CsA5qfB090ox5tX54q_k1DIzQ-NhK5eXnbVhvGIq5-0g4gbwjViB4E4SH-Hd7jreTmc/s1600/Eucomis+mini+Small-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJugWud69uoHV9_W6NLACLXEoEcXrlgp7fmI3gtEgcQUCqpoGeTEkOPUw_FFKdT08TmJY9nkX0CsA5qfB090ox5tX54q_k1DIzQ-NhK5eXnbVhvGIq5-0g4gbwjViB4E4SH-Hd7jreTmc/s1600/Eucomis+mini+Small-page-001.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Keep your eyes peeled for<br />the 'Tiny Piny' series!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">The average gardener will have a difficult time finding this species if it isn't carried in their local nursery. To learn more about the challenges and merits of growing this plant in on the industry side of horticulture, I interviewed <a href="http://www.ipps.org.nz/awards.htm" target="_blank">Eddie Walsh</a>, prominent <i>Eucomis</i> breeder and owner of New Zealand's Starter Plants Co. Mr. Walsh has actually been breeding <i>Eucomis </i>for the past twenty years!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Although Walsh has used <i>E. vandermerwei </i>to create colorful hybrids, there are some challenges to nurserymen who want to grow the straight species. "One fault we see with<i> E. vandermerei</i>," he explained, "is the
leaves are very long and not desired by potted plant growers as they are
difficult to pack and take up more bench space." However, many of the new <i>Eucomis </i>hybrids that Walsh and his colleague Ian Duncalf have developed </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">have actually been bred, in part, to address this problem. There are some really worthwhile "minis" that have the interesting characteristics of </span><i style="color: #cccccc;">E. vandermerwei</i><span style="color: #cccccc;">, but are more compact for growers.</span><br />
<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;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHJKBrd0SiQWdxIGNhXiA94hAnt3gmY3PkHBbavQUgTHrpRDS5BLEFXOgPTi8Gkq7YkOgDrMsZo5I9J79TVQ9YyfyCa2oMpqM788EU2_hIzCi2HGhvN67-eYRjdM8kOJpBEYvjflDvHvE/s1600/IMG_6849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHJKBrd0SiQWdxIGNhXiA94hAnt3gmY3PkHBbavQUgTHrpRDS5BLEFXOgPTi8Gkq7YkOgDrMsZo5I9J79TVQ9YyfyCa2oMpqM788EU2_hIzCi2HGhvN67-eYRjdM8kOJpBEYvjflDvHvE/s1600/IMG_6849.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Floral display at the Hampton Court Flower Show.<br />One challenge to Eucomis breeders is trying to <br />pinpoint features that will be desirable <br />to consumers 9 years in the future.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Another problem is that all <i>Eucomis</i> species are native to the southern hemisphere. For those who many not know, when it is summer in the northern hemisphere, it is winter in the south and vice-versa. This means that if live plants are shipped to North America or Europe, they will struggle to adapt to our seasons. Walsh and Duncalf handled this challenge in a really interesting way -- he sends his bulbs to India to propagate into mini-bulbs. These new bulbs are then sent to a grower in the state of Washington who prepares them for the U.S. Market.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">According
to Walsh, the biggest problem with breeding pineapple lilies is that,
like with many bulbs, the amount of time required. "It takes about 9 years from making a
cross to having a variety ready in quantity for the market," he explained. "Who knows
what colors they will want that far ahead?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">To
the home gardeners reading this, keep your eyes peeled for some really
adorable new "tiny piny" pineapple lilies. Walsh informed me that the <a href="http://west.tennessee.edu/ornamentals/" target="_blank">UT Gardens in Jackson</a> are currently trialing this series, so stay tuned to their <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/annual_trials.html" target="_blank">annual trials website</a> to see how they perform in that region. Be sure to talk to your
local retail garden center or plant nursery if they don't already have
these plants in stock.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">To
see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.921988494485161.1073741843.580967715253909&type=1" target="_blank">If you like pineapple lilies...</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page.
"Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.</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;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGRfjLQan2c/U8J-OAXT8LI/AAAAAAAAA4o/Q_lyt-esPh8/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGRfjLQan2c/U8J-OAXT8LI/AAAAAAAAA4o/Q_lyt-esPh8/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Trecanna Nursery's eye catching display of <i>Eucomis</i> and <i>Crocosmia </i>at the 2014 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Both of these genera are native to South Africa.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Sources:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pearse, R.O. (1978). <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/mountain-splendour-wild-flowers-of-the-drakensberg/oclc/4932492" target="_blank"><i>Mountain splendour: Wild flowers of the Drakensberg (1st Ed.)</i></a> Cape Town : H. Timmins, pages 38-39.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Walsh, Eddie. Personal communication.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Wash, Mark. Personal communication. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-28139440127847998312014-07-06T12:03:00.000-07:002014-07-07T10:52:46.724-07:00Add Impact (Literally) to Your Garden with the Exploding Cucumber, Ecballium elaterium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya0nAIJRkJg/U7ma7mVA4bI/AAAAAAAAA2E/COUoFSQqlMQ/s1600/IMG_6545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya0nAIJRkJg/U7ma7mVA4bI/AAAAAAAAA2E/COUoFSQqlMQ/s1600/IMG_6545.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echballium elaterium</i> is in the <br />
cucumber family, so it's not surprising<br />
that the fruits look like little cukes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One <a href="http://aplantekew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/two.html" target="_blank">this week's</a> tasks at <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew</a> was to prop up and cut back plants that were flopping into the grass paths of the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/plant-family-beds-rose-pergola" target="_blank">Order Beds</a>. We were working under the guidance of Chrissy, one of Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/learn/specialist-training/diploma-horticulture" target="_blank">horticulture students</a>. We walked through some of the lower beds, and she identified sections that needed to be propped and other plants that needed to be trimmed. She warned me, "Watch out for the squirting cucumber."<br />
<br />
Having just learned that one of the plants in the <a href="http://cucurbit.ashs.org/" target="_blank">Cucurbitaceae</a> beds squirted, and knowing full well what a cucumber looks like, I set off to work. But by the time I had made my way down toward the end of the section, about twenty or so minutes later, I had already forgotten Chrissy's warning. With the first snip of my secateurs (pruners), a small cucumber shot out from the foliage it had been hiding under and hit me square in the stomach. Startled, I dropped my pruners and fell backwards, off of my knees and flat onto my rear. I thought, "That's a plant worth writing about."<br />
<br />
<b><b>Mediterranean Roots</b></b><br />
The exploding cucumber, also known as<i> Ecballium elaterium</i> (1790-624, UCNW), is native to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/sd/climagrimed/c_2_02.html" target="_blank">Mediterranean region</a>. As is true with many Mediterranean natives, this plant prefers well drained (but not dry) soil in a sunny location. However, <i>E. elaterium</i> is adaptable and can handle less than ideal conditions. Although this plant is a perennial in its native region, it is grown as an annual in cooler climates like England and much of North America (<a href="http://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank">USDA</a> hardiness zones 8b to 10a).<br />
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<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/AVvXsEh_yA1leZMHxQAzSWYJ__uR1OLKP-uEsSr0fOflhfYOulj9GsWBxLjkP6pn8hoBMY0iYg54-hQsz2zCAoNbcay_wvG59K3Bad9e4wpPBmq9WMBc5kQ8BTTMCTeehjP9xoYrZuesAIG2SIOX/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yA1leZMHxQAzSWYJ__uR1OLKP-uEsSr0fOflhfYOulj9GsWBxLjkP6pn8hoBMY0iYg54-hQsz2zCAoNbcay_wvG59K3Bad9e4wpPBmq9WMBc5kQ8BTTMCTeehjP9xoYrZuesAIG2SIOX/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower bud, opening bloom, and<br />
finished flower head of <i>E. elaterium</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <i>E. elaterium</i> has been used <a href="http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cucus124.html" target="_blank">medicinally</a> since the time of the ancient Greeks. One of the first written records of this plant is by <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/266627/Hippocrates" target="_blank">Hippocrates</a> (460 - 375 BC), who described how to prepare various parts of the plants to cause purging in patients. The specific epithet <i>elaterium </i>is actually derived from the Greek "elaterio" which means "to cast out". This probably has more to do with the fact that the plant shoot its seeds out up to 6 feet (see video below) rather than its medicinal use for purging and reducing fluid retention.<br />
<br />
There is no indication that this plant is in danger of extinction in its natural habitat today, either from the <a href="http://www.cites.org/" target="_blank">CITES</a> database or the <a href="http://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank">IUCN</a> Red List of threatened species.<br />
<br />
<b>Botanical Description</b><br />
<i>E. elaterium </i>was first described in 1824 by <a href="http://plants.jstor.org/person/bm000006989" target="_blank">Achille Richard</a>, French botanist, doctor, and director of the Benjamin Delessert Herbarium and at Paris' <a href="http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.mnhn.fr/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dparis%2BMus%25C3%25A9um%2Bd%2527Histoire%2BNaturelle%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DuwY%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Dsb" target="_blank">Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle</a>. Several online sources state that the plant is so toxic that a doctor suffered "serious symptoms" when transporting seeds of this plant inside of his hat, from the Jardins de Plantes to his home in Paris. Perhaps that doctor was Achille Richard?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Anatomical Characteristics</b><br />
<i>E. elaterium </i>has the same growth habit as a bush cucumber, although the vine does not produce tendrils. The leaves, flowers, and fruits (to an extent) also look like those of a cucumber. However, this plant should <b>not </b>be eaten like a cucumber, because it is <b>poisonous</b>.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhJE7Xif1_5Td_OyHMTgYVmvQveh_mSfipIuNRqQWpTXr2Ga5-hKE3GovXGDLwZnYXpv31LFXHmTsOowH0Iix-1CkguQyLJ_cD_M5dDggTEOJOuFTsJ4iQOsSktnWgie-bm25oYTZ5nU_SH/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE7Xif1_5Td_OyHMTgYVmvQveh_mSfipIuNRqQWpTXr2Ga5-hKE3GovXGDLwZnYXpv31LFXHmTsOowH0Iix-1CkguQyLJ_cD_M5dDggTEOJOuFTsJ4iQOsSktnWgie-bm25oYTZ5nU_SH/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exploding cucumber makes a<br />
nice, silvery groundcover that provides<br />
a literal impact factor to any landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although the fruits looks somewhat like little cucumbers, they are much smaller (about 2 inches in length) and contain fluid and seeds. As the fruits develop, they become slightly pinched on one side, which increases the pressure inside. When the stem and fruits begin to yellow, a small brush from an unwary animal or gardener will cause the fruit to shoot off of its stem, spraying fluid and seeds behind it. If any seeds get stuck to the unfortunate (and probably very startled) soul that disturbed the plant in the first place, they may transport the plant's genetic material to a new place, where the exploding cucumber can start this process all over again.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Landscape Value</b><br />
The exploding cucumber has really nice silvery, densely pubescent foliage and stems. This ground cover would be good when contrasted with plants that have different forms and textures. Perhaps in a large container with a bold, upright <a href="http://rhs.org.uk/plants/details?plantid=4826" target="_blank">'Sparkling Burgundy' pineapple lily </a>(<i>Eucomis comosa</i>) and a fine, feathery <a href="http://planteplants.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/goldenbostonfern.html" target="_blank">'Rita's Gold' Boston fern</a> (<i>Nephrolepsis exaltata</i>). <i>E. elatarium </i>should grow to drape over the edge of the container, showcasing its beautiful foliage and explosive fruits.<br />
<br />
This plant has a lot of impact factor -- literally. This would be a fun addition for a home landscape near walkways to startle unwitting guests. However, use with care. This plant is toxic. So although it seems like the perfect, fun addition to a children's garden, it really should <b>not </b>be grown in that situation. <b> Children may confuse the fruits with actual cucumbers, eat them, and become very sick.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So if you're looking for a fun, adaptable annual to try in your garden this year, consider adding the exploding cucumber. Remember to plant responsibly -- this plant shouldn't be grown where children can get a hold of the fruits and eat them, because they could become very sick.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more photos from this week, be sure to check out the album "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.917880861562591.1073741841.580967715253909&type=3&uploaded=7" target="_blank">Exploding Cucumber</a>" on the Plante on Plants Facebook page. "Likes", shares and comments are appreciated.<b> </b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fofdF7QD_Qk" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
All photos and videos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>"<a href="http://plants.jstor.org/person/bm000006989" target="_blank">Richard, Achille (1794 - 1852)</a>". JSTOR Plant Lives.</li>
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></li>
<li>Dave's Garden <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54549/" target="_blank">Plant Files </a></li>
<li>Eland, Sue. (2008). "<a href="http://www.plantlives.com/docs/E/Ecballium_elaterium.pdf" target="_blank"><i>Ecballium elaterium</i></a>." <a href="http://www.plantlives.com/" target="_blank"><i>Plant biographies: A bird's eye view of the planet and man.</i></a></li>
<li>Grieve, M. "<a href="http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cucus124.html" target="_blank">Cucumber, Squirting</a>". <i>Botanical.com: A modern herbal.</i> </li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-76392608837126344722014-06-29T10:36:00.000-07:002014-06-29T10:44:27.189-07:00Giants in the Conservatories, Victoria amazonica and cruziana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlfITs-Y8lo/U6_7FxoZCkI/AAAAAAAAAtU/b_IAHekeGA8/s1600/Twelve+Views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlfITs-Y8lo/U6_7FxoZCkI/AAAAAAAAAtU/b_IAHekeGA8/s1600/Twelve+Views.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introductory page to <i>Twelve Views of<br />Guiana</i>. Note the <i>V. amazonica </i>in the<br />
water. (<a href="http://mertzdigital.nybg.org/cdm/ref/collection/p9016coll23/id/23534" target="_blank">Schomburgk, 1841</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Several years ago when I was just getting started in horticulture, I was flipping through a textbook and saw an old photo of a child standing on a massive lily pad. The caption read something like, "Child supported by foliage of <i>Victoria amazonica</i>". I thought to myself, "I'd like to see that." And this week I finally did.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew</a> currently cultivates two species of giant waterlily, both of which are in the waterlily family Nymphaceae. <i><a href="http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/victoria-amazonica-giant-waterlily" target="_blank">Victoria amazonica</a></i><i> </i>(2007-1804, KKNO), formerly <i>V. regia</i>, grows in the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/princess-wales-conservatory" target="_blank">Princess of Wales Conservatory</a> and <a href="http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/victoria-cruziana-santa-cruz-waterlily" target="_blank"><i>V. cruziana</i></a> (2011-1436, HSIK) in the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/explore/attractions/waterlily-house" target="_blank">Waterlily House</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Discovery and Present Range</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
According to Ray Desmond in <i><a href="http://www.kew.org/library/kewhist.html" target="_blank">The History of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew</a></i>, <i>V. amazonica </i>was first seen by a European, a botanist for the Spanish government, in 1801 in Peru. Subsequently, botanists from France spotted the species in Argentina in 1828, a Germany botanist found it in the Amazon in 1832, and <a href="http://mertzdigital.nybg.org/cdm/ref/collection/p9016coll23/id/23534" target="_blank">Robert Schomburgk</a> found it on the River Berbice in British Guiana in 1837. Schomburgk shared parts of the plant that he collected and drawings with John Lindley (who had an influential role in keeping Kew intact during a turbulent period in its history). Lindley named the plant <i>Victoria reggia</i> after Queen Victoria (Desmond, p. 178).<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNnP0kaMZQ/U7A_2lqvTWI/AAAAAAAAAwE/puOpnH093QQ/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNnP0kaMZQ/U7A_2lqvTWI/AAAAAAAAAwE/puOpnH093QQ/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and Tiffany prune and remove flower buds from<br />
<i>V. amazonica</i> in the Princess of Wales Conservatory</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>V. cruziana </i>inhabits a similar region, with a range from Paraguay to Northwest Argentina. Both of these massive waterlilies can be found today in South America near Bolivia. Neither of these species have been assessed by the <a href="http://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank">IUCN</a> for any threats to their existence in the wild. Furthermore, <a href="http://www.cites.org/" target="_blank">CITES</a> did not list either <i>Victoria </i>in their endangered species database. Although those organizations have not listed these as threatened species, the environment they are native to could be damaged by climate change and human development.<br />
<br />
<b>Cultivation at Kew</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Victoria</i> <i>amazonica</i> was first cultivated at Kew in 1846, when twenty five seeds were bought from a collector from Bolivia. Only two of the seeds sprouted, but they died shortly afterwards. The issue seemed to be how the seeds were transported from Bolivia to England. The first shipment had been packed it clay, and the next two were packed in soil in a Wardian case, dry capsules. A fourth shipment of seeds packed in clean river water that arrived in 1849 was more successful. That season Kew was able to raise 50 plants in a large tank in one of the glasshouses.<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJd5l1aPxPc/U7A_VcLALEI/AAAAAAAAAuA/vqbdkulzlS4/s1600/IMG_6433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJd5l1aPxPc/U7A_VcLALEI/AAAAAAAAAuA/vqbdkulzlS4/s1600/IMG_6433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors from around the globe stop in the <br />
Waterlily House to inspect <i>V. cruziana</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At that time, several gardens in the area were essentially competing to see who could coax the first flower. While the specimens at Chatsworth and Syon house were blooming, Kew's attempts were unsuccessful, possibly due to the poor quality of the Thames River water. The first <i>Victoria amazonica</i> bloomed at Kew in June 1850.<br />
<br />
The popularity of the giant water lily inspired Kew's director at the time, <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/271331/Sir-William-Jackson-Hooker" target="_blank">William Hooker</a>, to commission a new building to house and display these finicky plants.
They completed the structure, today known as the Waterlily House, in
1852. However, <i>V. amazonica</i> did not thrive, and was moved to another house (Desmond, p. 179). Today you can find <i>V. cruziana</i> growing there in its place (Desmond, p. 313).<br />
<br />
It is interesting to note that the <i>V. cruziana</i> growing at Kew wasn't the original collection. Kew lost all specimens of this plant during World War II. At that time, the conservatory at the University of Helsinki was damaged during a bombing. Helsinki's <i>V. cruziana</i> survived the attack, and the progeny were sent to Kew, where they have been cultivated in the Waterlily House since 1999 (Desmond, p. 358)<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><ol><ol>
</ol>
</ol>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
<b>Characteristics</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Foliage</i></div>
<div>
As is true of many plants, the foliage of <i>Victoria</i> unrolls as it opens. The underside of both <i>V. amazonica and V. cruziana</i> is covered in sharp spines. The prickly spines beneath the opening leaves gives a strange, otherworldly appearance to the new growth. These spines help prevent the leaves from being eaten by hungry fish, which would negatively effect how the foliage functions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOTKbZJPJaA/U7BAXDXKqMI/AAAAAAAAAyg/MUW-81ONbQE/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOTKbZJPJaA/U7BAXDXKqMI/AAAAAAAAAyg/MUW-81ONbQE/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfurling new growth of <i>V. amazonica</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You see, in addition to spines, there are also deep ribs underneath the massive lily pads. These ribs hold air beneath the pad to keep it buoyant. They also provide structural support, like the frame of a house. Enough strength, at times, to support the weight of a small human. So if a grazing fish were to nibble too much of the foliage, this would compromise the strength of the leaf and its ability to stay afloat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another interesting fact about <i>Victoria</i> leaves is that the foliage will grow to the size of the container. When I asked Silke, who works in the Waterlily house about the feasibility for growing <i>V. cruziana </i>at home, she concluded that it would be possible, but difficult. And if placed in the size pond that is regularly found in a home landscape, the foliage wouldn't be much larger than that of any other lily pad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Differences</i></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMdjG0VAkk/U7A_y0d3cyI/AAAAAAAAAv4/JxLw-4pxTJY/s1600/IMG_6448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMdjG0VAkk/U7A_y0d3cyI/AAAAAAAAAv4/JxLw-4pxTJY/s1600/IMG_6448.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although the leaves of <i>V. cruziana</i> <br />
(above) are smaller than <i>V. amazonica, </i><br />
it has a much taller lip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what's the difference between the foliage of these two giants? For one thing, <i>V. amazonica</i> tends to produce larger leaves. The foliage of <i>V. amazonica </i>can reach 2.5 meters in diameter, while the diameter of <i>V. cruziana</i>'s leaves usually maxes out closer to 2 meters. But these statistics don't stop a little friendly competition between staff in the Waterlily House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year, the staff competed to see who could produce the largest lily pad by a certain date. Silke in the Waterlily house told me that her group had lost the competition because they got a later start. I asked Tom, an <a href="http://www.kew.org/learn/specialist-training/apprenticeship-botanical-horticulture" target="_blank">apprentice</a>, and Tiffany, a staff member, in the Princess of Wales Conservatory about the wager. Tom grinned and said, "Yeah, it wasn't even close."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although the foliage of <i>V. amazonica</i> may grow larger than <i>V. cruziana,</i> the edge of the pad is not as tall. While this may not seem that important at first, a tall edge is crucial to prevent other leaves that would compete for sunlight from sliding on top of the pad. This lip can also be more aesthetically appealing. It provides more of a reflection on the water, and is really lovely when the sunlight shines through.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Flower</i></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmH_plrkhM/U7A_7ESBgGI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0YLFTiTQqZo/s1600/IMG_6452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmH_plrkhM/U7A_7ESBgGI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0YLFTiTQqZo/s1600/IMG_6452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unopened <i>V. amazonica </i>flower bud, held by Tom, an<br />
apprentice in Kew's Princess of Wales Conservatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both species have large, creamy white flowers that open in the evening and are pollinated by beetles. Even though both giant waterlilies are starting to set flower buds at Kew, you won't see any on display until later in the year. When I arrived at the Princess of Wales Conservatory, Tiffany and Tom were pruning out the prickly buds to compost. The reason why is that if allowed to flower, the plants' energy would go into flowering, fruiting, and setting seed rather than growing large leaves. People come to Kew from all around the world to see these massive lily pads, so Kew does their best to produce big ones.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, the species in cultivation at Kew are allowed to flower later in the year, because the seed is vital to producing the next season's crop. Neither <i>V. amazonica </i>or <i>V. cruziana </i>will reliably overwinter at Kew, even if provided the best possible environment. So, staff pollinate the flowers by hand, store the seeds in water, and start new seedlings early in the year and grow them on in the Tropical Nursery glasshouse so when they are ready to move they are large and ready for visitors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Cultivation</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw890O429as/U7BAFe65AcI/AAAAAAAAAxI/T40zKm1kz6s/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw890O429as/U7BAFe65AcI/AAAAAAAAAxI/T40zKm1kz6s/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom disects the unopened flower bud <br />
of<i> V. amazonica </i>so we can inspect <br />
the anatomical features</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although both species of <i>Victoria</i> thrive at Kew during the warmer months, both begin to decline in the fall. This makes sense, because both plants are native to the tropics of South America. For interested readers in the US, their <a href="http://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank">USDA</a> Hardiness Zones are 10-11. For readers in the UK and beyond, that means they can tolerate a minimum temperature somewhere between 4 and 11 degrees Celsius. Measures could be taken to overwinter the plants, but the effort would require very specialized environments with specific heat, supplemental light, and water requirements. Instead, Kew treats these plants as annuals rather than <a href="http://www.perennialresource.com/glossary/?letter=T" target="_blank">temperennials</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Kew's <a href="http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/victoria-amazonica-giant-waterlily" target="_blank">online profile</a> of <i>V. amazonica</i>, they note that aphids can be a problem at times. They try to reduce pest and disease pressures by keeping the plants healthy and happy by adding plenty of fertilizer, growing in a large enough pot, and regular pruning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>A Sight Worth Seeing</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Before leaving the Princess of Wales Conservatory, I took a moment to stand back and take in one last look of those giant leaves. An older gentleman had pushed his father in a wheelchair to the water's edge while I'd been speaking to Tiffany and Tom. "What do you think of it?" I asked. "I've never seen <b><i>anything</i></b> like it," the father responded. "Neither have I."<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><ol>
</ol>
</ol>
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel welcome to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>. <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/AVvXsEhSRRThnQ48lOzAd5hSNg8m42QqNtDwfPu5LkQJktZZL106Mmay08nrkA2AqK4j6Xz9Uucg2rxxJT7iLD-IrnCxOv19Xqaap2Z6o3GtGHNAJJAmyz9FbZwtqs5zg7ahinA6mcHqUnUlKrB1/s1600/IMG_6421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRRThnQ48lOzAd5hSNg8m42QqNtDwfPu5LkQJktZZL106Mmay08nrkA2AqK4j6Xz9Uucg2rxxJT7iLD-IrnCxOv19Xqaap2Z6o3GtGHNAJJAmyz9FbZwtqs5zg7ahinA6mcHqUnUlKrB1/s1600/IMG_6421.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Victoria amazonica</i> can be seen in Kew's Princess of Wales Conservatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-BCOcOqOs0/U7BAdKUQbLI/AAAAAAAAAy4/c7u9Wq6UCho/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-BCOcOqOs0/U7BAdKUQbLI/AAAAAAAAAy4/c7u9Wq6UCho/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kew's <i>Victoria cruziana</i> is on display in the Waterlily House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All photos were taken by Amanda Plante at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unless otherwise stated in the caption.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species <a href="http://www.speciesplus.net/" target="_blank">database </a></li>
<li>Desmond, Ray. (2007). <i>The History of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew</i> (2nd Edition). London: Kew Publishing, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 177-179, 345-346.</li>
<li>Kew's Living Collections <a href="http://www.kew.org/data/lcd.html" target="_blank">database</a></li>
<li>Missouri Botanic Gardens <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx" target="_blank">plant finder database</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.perennialresource.com/" target="_blank">Perennial Resource</a> glossary</li>
<li>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank">Red List</a> of threatened species </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theplantlist.org/" target="_blank">The Plant List</a> website </li>
<li>The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and staff</li>
<li>Schomburgk, Robert H. (1841). <i>Twelve views in the interior of Guiana from drawings executed by Mr. Charles Bentley, after sketches taken during the expedition carrier on in the years 1835 to 1839, under the direction of the Royal Geographical Society of London, and aided by Her Majesty's government with descriptive letter-press.</i> Retrieved from The New York Botanical Garden <a href="http://mertzdigital.nybg.org/cdm/ref/collection/p9016coll23/id/23534" target="_blank">Mertz Digital Collections</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-47817600248508084912014-03-15T06:30:00.000-07:002014-03-15T06:30:33.861-07:00Looking for Spring Color? Go for a Native Maple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/13151072415_af9a2b929c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/13151072415_af9a2b929c_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native maples in their fall glory in GSMNP.<br />
In addition to their fall foliage, maples should<br />
be valued for their early spring blooms.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love spring! Signs of life, like buds forming on a tree or sprays
of flowers pushing from the cold <span id="goog_2092586315"></span><span id="goog_2092586316"></span>soil, make me think of the earth
yawning, stretching, and rubbing the sleep from its eyes, ready to wake
up for another season of growth. One of my favorite signs of spring is
when our native maples (<i><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275374&isprofile=1&basic=acer%20rubrum" target="_blank">Acer rubrum</a>, <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h240" target="_blank">A. saccharum</a>, <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a843" target="_blank">A. saccharinum</a></i>) begin to bloom.<br />
<br />
When
many of us think of maples, our minds probably go straight to their
spectacular fall foliage. This is why most of the North American maples
in the nursery industry are bred for their autumn color. Their
delicate spring blossoms are often overlooked, but en masse maples in
flower can be real show stoppers.<br />
<br />
My favorite way to
view maples in their spring glory is by taking a long, Sunday drive on a
back road. Last weekend we drove down <a href="http://www.441heritagehighway.org/" target="_blank">Route 441</a> from <a href="http://www.tnvacation.com/cities-towns/townsend/" target="_blank">Townsend, Tennessee</a> to <a href="http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/lake-city.html" target="_blank">Lake City, Florida</a>. The whole way down our native maples painted the
roadside with sunny limes, yellows, peachy pinks, and bold scarlet
reds. Over the next month, whole mountain sides in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> will be dotted with the colors of maples in
bloom. <br />
<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://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/13151460673_1831ebc652_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/13151460673_1831ebc652_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cluster of maple inflorescences </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some specimens produce bolder, showier blooms
than others. Maples can bloom as early as January or as late as
April. Flowering in maples is both a response to environmental
conditions and a function of genetic predisposition. Genetic variation
is responsible for inconsistency in blooming, which causes stands of
maples in the wild to produce a smattering of blooms throughout the
spring. Although nursery breeders seek to control the genetic qualities
of the maples they produce, flower time and quality is often an
afterthought. This means that maple flowering in the landscape can be
just as inconsistent between two plants as in the wild.<br />
<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://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/13151393483_36e3b573d5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/13151393483_36e3b573d5_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in flower, our North American native<br />
maples can be just as showy as many <br />
of the more familiar spring blooming trees</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unlike
other spring flowering trees that are pollinated by bees and other
insects (such as <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a915" target="_blank">cherries</a>, <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c280" target="_blank">dogwoods</a>, and <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h550" target="_blank">redbuds</a>) maples are <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/wind.shtml" target="_blank">wind pollinated</a>. The earlier maples are able to blossom, the fewer barriers
there will be to pollination. For example, if a maple flowers in
January, none of the other trees or shrubs have leafed out yet, so the
pollen can travel unhindered from one flower to another. This can be a
risky move, because a cold snap can damage flowers and samara
development. On the other hand, if a maple flowers in April there will
be less danger of cold damage. However, many other trees in the
landscape may already have foliage, preventing how effectively wind can
carry the pollen between flowers. <br />
<br />
Those who want to
enjoy the spring blossoms of maples in the comfort of their own
landscape may be in for disappointment. As stated earlier, the industry
doesn't currently breed maples for flower quality. Strong, handsome
maples that provide beauty, shade, and vibrant fall color may also
produce lackluster blooms. However, there are a few things you can do
to improve your odds of finding a maple that will add stunning spring
blooms to your landscape:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Consider a red maple (<i>Acer rubrum</i>)</b>
- Red maples purchased from a reputable nursery don't just produce red
fall foliage (although many may also have yellow, green, and orange fall
color). Red maples tend to also generate scarlet inflorescences. To quote <a href="http://www.hort.uga.edu/dept_info/endowments/dirr.htm" target="_blank">Dr. Michael Dirr</a> in his <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Manual_of_Woody_Landscape_Plants.html?id=JnCmVvyZrEEC" target="_blank"><i>Manual of Woody Landscape Plants</i></a> (1998), <i>A. rubrum</i>'s "red, rarely yellowish" spring blooms may be composed of mostly pistils, stamins, or they may be monoecous, but "all are showy".</li>
<li><b>Buy local</b>
- This tip doesn't just mean you should support your local garden
centers (which is always a good thing to do!). Maples grown in your
area are more likely to perform well in the long term and endure in the
landscape than maples grown in another region of the country. This is
especially true for folks up north -- although maples grown in the south
may be the same species as the maples native to your area, they
typically aren't as cold hardy.</li>
<li><b>Avoid grafts?</b> - If you're looking for a <a href="http://www.mrmaple.com/" target="_blank">Japanese maple</a> (<i>A. palmatum</i>),
a graft is a must. However, there are mixed reviews of how grafted red
maples perform in the long run. Dirr (1998) noted that grafted native
maples tend to not perform as well long-term as maples grown from
cuttings, tissue culture, or seed. Remember, seed-grown plants may last
longer than a maple grown from a graft, but with the genetic variation of seed-grown plants you never know what you're going to get.
On the other hand, <a href="http://www.mrmaple.com/nichols-nursery.html" target="_blank">Matt Nichols</a> of Mr. Maple has successfully grafted red maples and has grafted sugar
maples. It would be a good idea to do some investigating
and buy from a quality nursery.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Thank you to Garden Talk on <a href="http://www.knoxtalkradio.com/" target="_blank">Knox Talk 94.3 FM</a> for inviting me on to present their plant of the week this morning! If you're wondering, the featured plant was <i>Acer rubrum</i>. To read more of my favorite plants, be sure to follow me on Plante on Plants. To tune in to more gab from the garden gurus, <a href="http://www.mainstreamnetwork.com/listen/player.asp?station=wnfz-fm" target="_blank">stream</a> Garden Talk live online on the Knox Talk website.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please feel welcome to post a comment below or to send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>What are some plants that shout SPRING to you? What's your experience with our native maples? What are some other overlooked spring bloomers?</b><br />
<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://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/13151179513_8edaf33f68_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/13151179513_8edaf33f68_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delicate flower buds of <i>Acer rubrum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><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://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/13151065915_562194afc4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/13151065915_562194afc4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Acer rubrum</i> in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/13151345684_ebc6ec4919_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/13151345684_ebc6ec4919_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hybrid maple, <i>Acer</i> x <i>freeman<b>ii</b></i>, makes an attractive street tree on the University of Tennessee's Agriculture campus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Abrams Creek, Tallassee, Tennessee 3787835.611931299999988 -83.54965659999999234.785995799999988 -84.840550099999987 36.437866799999988 -82.2587631tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-42423915885782429172013-11-01T10:27:00.000-07:002013-11-01T11:52:07.638-07:00Candy Corn Plant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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/AVvXsEiAUoaJn-5K98C3eiBKtqJW95b6H_7cYlH_2lC883GiDap4Z3tDLLKbDP8zjuVT0p2M-1QCMcqlHs-F0BmNe5gh-G_6houvhQIK9Q-LhXhy121S7E87nc_hosdoBeIyOGpW5lwILflNhcO2/s1600/C.+micropetala+flower.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUoaJn-5K98C3eiBKtqJW95b6H_7cYlH_2lC883GiDap4Z3tDLLKbDP8zjuVT0p2M-1QCMcqlHs-F0BmNe5gh-G_6houvhQIK9Q-LhXhy121S7E87nc_hosdoBeIyOGpW5lwILflNhcO2/s320/C.+micropetala+flower.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blooms of Candy Corn Plant resemble the staple<br />
Halloween candy "candy corn"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's officially halloween weekend, and I can't think of a more fitting plant to write about than <i>Cuphea micropetala, </i>commonly known as candy corn plant. The common name is derived from the fact that the fall blooms closely resemble the staple halloween candy "candy corn". In <a href="http://www.knoxville.org/" target="_blank">Knoxville</a>, this <i>Cuphea</i> is at the height of flowering the week of the haunted holiday.<br />
<br />
Candy corn plant is a hardy annual / tender perennial in zones (7)8-10, and is grown as an annual in cooler climates. The glossy green foliage is evergreen in areas where this plant returns perennially. Site in full sun for best performance. Candy corn plant prefers moist but well drained soil. In Knoxville, I haven't seen this plant get much larger than 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. I've read that '<a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=264562&isprofile=1&basic=cuphea" target="_blank">David Verity</a>' is a good selection, but haven't seen it in cultivation.<br />
<br />
The showy blooms aren't just attractive to gardeners -- butterflies and hummingbirds find the flowers irresistible as a source of nectar. As a student intern at the <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/" target="_blank">University of Tennessee Gardens</a> perennial border, I once watched several hummingbirds wage full out battle over who had the rights to our specimen of <i>C. micropetala.</i> In my experience, <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/572733/sulfur-butterfly" target="_blank">sulfur type butterflies</a> seem to prefer this plant as a food source more than the showy swallowtails or monarchs.<br />
<br />
<i>C. micropetala</i> is an underused plant, especially in my region of the country. I've only seen this plant in a handful of gardens, and only as a single specimen. I'd love to see this plant en masse in a variety of landscape situations. If you're in zones (7)8-10, right now or later in April would be a great time to plant candy corn plant. For folks who garden in a cooler climate, wait until spring when the danger of frost has passed.<br />
<br />
The photos for this blog are courtesy of the undergraduate teaching assistants for UT's course Plant Sciences 220: Landscape Plant ID I. They upload tons of wonderful photos as a study aid to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/UTPLSC220Fall2013/" target="_blank">class Facebook page</a>. The photographer was TA Austin H. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please feel welcome to post a comment below or to send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>What are some other good plants for a halloween themed garden?</b><br />
<br />
<b>What's your experience growing candy corn plant? How has this plant performed in your garden?</b><br />
<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/AVvXsEiXMvAvDiJGF7y6U9tNcp6sbUJYuSpXIqnIdgX_b-GAP0FDwKcFLpOS7MlOA9ZMREuIilspwq3W_XrFVaoWBFwVQw-9dBz9X3PBXmbSKkf_1XioFbfYRnVEqUDE0psBWEtZgpgYPJf9-C-4/s1600/C.+micropetala.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMvAvDiJGF7y6U9tNcp6sbUJYuSpXIqnIdgX_b-GAP0FDwKcFLpOS7MlOA9ZMREuIilspwq3W_XrFVaoWBFwVQw-9dBz9X3PBXmbSKkf_1XioFbfYRnVEqUDE0psBWEtZgpgYPJf9-C-4/s640/C.+micropetala.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mature selection of Candy Corn Plant from the UT Gardens</td></tr>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplanteplants.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fcandycornplant.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ylKRLB-pHAY%2FUnPiVyIWNGI%2FAAAAAAAAAYA%2Fsx-xWp3nJa0%2Fs320%2FC.%2Bmicropetala%2Bflower.jpeg&description=Candy%20Corn%20Plant%20(Cuphea%20micropetala).%20%20The%20fall%20blooms%20resemble%20that%20Halloween%20staple%20candy%20corn.%20%20Hummingbirds%20and%20butterflies%20love%20love%20love%20this%20plant!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0UT Gardens, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA35.9439999 -83.9382600999999835.9407859 -83.943302599999981 35.9472139 -83.933217599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-12647032885747745972013-08-01T12:51:00.001-07:002013-08-01T13:18:01.494-07:00Illuminate Your Landscape with Golden Boston Fern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<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="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9415647463_7a3fbb22d8_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9415647463_7a3fbb22d8_k.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chartreuse foliage of this variety of<br />
Boston fern illuminates a shady situation<br />
at the UT Gardens in Knoxville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As an apartment dweller, my landscape is limited to window boxes, patio plants, hanging baskets, and interior plants. My favorite annual landscape plant this year has been the <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/136229/#b" target="_blank">golden Boston fern</a>. The fine, chartreuse foliage of this <i>Nephrolepis exaltata</i> has illuminated my shady porch in a way that a typical green <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/c548/nephrolepis-exaltata.aspx" target="_blank">Boston fern</a> just can't.<br />
<br />
<b>A Multitude of Uses</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>This variety of fern has thrived in a container on my patio, a hanging basket, and even indoors in my <a href="http://gardenthrifty.blogspot.com/2012/11/bare-bones-home-aquaponic-system-50.html" target="_blank">tabletop aquaponic system</a>. </li>
<li>In the past, the golden Boston fern has grown excellently in a couple of <a href="http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/feb/13/climbing-the-walls-vertical-gardens/" target="_blank">living wall systems</a> that we demonstrated at the <a href="http://www.sehort.org/flower-show/" target="_blank">Southeastern Flower Show</a>. </li>
<li>This variety of fern performs really well in a summery mixed container. <i> </i>Partner with pink flowers or purple foliage for a color combination that really pops. Mixing with the bold texture of a <i><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/a438/caladium-bicolor.aspx" target="_blank">Caladium</a></i> or a shade tolerant <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/a442/colocasia-esculenta.aspx" target="_blank">elephant ear</a> will make this plant's feathery foliage stand out.</li>
<li>My favorite use of this versatile tropical is as an annual in the shade garden. The brilliant foliage really shines a little light in a shady situation. </li>
</ul>
<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="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9418407924_1f22636bed_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9418407924_1f22636bed_k.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sprig of this golden Boston fern has really <br />
taken to life in my home aquaponic system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>Preferred Conditions</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Golden Boston fern prefers dappled shade. Full sun will burn this fern's sensitive foliage. Keep soil moist but well drained for best growth. This tropical annual won't overwinter in anything less than <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/" target="_blank">USDA Hardiness Zone</a> 10a. Your local garden center or plant nursery should carry this variety of fern. If they don't, I'm sure they'll be happy to order it for you. You can also <a href="http://www.randolphsgreenhouses.com/RitasGoldOrderNew.htm" target="_blank">order by mail</a> from <a href="http://www.randolphsgreenhouses.com/index.html" target="_blank">Randolph's Greenhouses</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Origin</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
The chartreuse variety of Boston fern was first discovered by <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/staff.html" target="_blank">Jason Reeves</a>, the curator at the <a href="http://west.tennessee.edu/ornamentals/" target="_blank">University of Tennessee trial garden</a>s in Jackson, TN. <a href="http://www.randolphsgreenhouses.com/images/RitasBio.pdf" target="_blank">Rita Randolph</a> of Randolph's Greenhouses shared the plant with <a href="http://allanarmitage.net/" target="_blank">Allan Armitage</a>, former director of the <a href="http://ugatrial.hort.uga.edu/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.home/index.htm" target="_blank">University of Georgia Trial Gardens</a> in Athens. Armitage named the plant <a href="http://www.randolphsgreenhouses.com/ritasgolddescription.htm" target="_blank">'Rita's Gold'</a>, and the variety went on to win the <a href="http://ugatrial.hort.uga.edu/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.classiccityawards/index.htm" target="_blank">Classic City Award</a> for its performance in the landscape. </div>
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I've pieced together the humble beginnings of this particular fern based on conversations with horticultural experts and online research. Please don't hesitate to shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> if there's anything that should be added or modified.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To see more of my photos of the versatile golden Boston fern, be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95872580@N07/sets/72157634886853753/" target="_blank">flickr set</a>.</div>
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If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below or shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How has this golden Boston fern grown for you? What tropical annuals have thrived in your garden this summer? What plants do you use to illuminate your landscape?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<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="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9418413660_325632650c_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9418413660_325632650c_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splashes of gold brighten two of the interior living walls highlighted at the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta, GA and the Dogwood Arts Home and Garden Show in Knoxville, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-65668089148718462372013-04-08T18:22:00.000-07:002013-04-08T18:31:58.731-07:00Quick and Dirty Tips for Pruning Trees<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pruning trees is a must for good aesthetics and tree health. Clearing some space in the canopy helps <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="http://pbr1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3464_zpsb495852b.jpg?t=1363644350" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pbr1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3464_zpsb495852b.jpg?t=1363644350" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pruning a peach tree this February.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
increase air circulation, which can be good for decreasing some pest, disease, and fungal problems. Cutting out crossing limbs can cut down on damage caused by rubbing branches. It's easier to see the form of a well pruned tree, which makes it much more attractive than a big blob of green foliage.<br />
<br />
Although some trees prefer to be pruned in the spring or summer, most should be pruned in cooler fall or winter months. In <a href="http://www.knoxville.org/" target="_blank">Knoxville</a> it's about time to wrap up last minute pruning in preparation for spring weather. Cooler zones further north may have a bit more time to prune. Tree health aside, one major benefit of pruning trees in the dormant season is that there's less foliage in the way. To quote <a href="http://www.agriculture.utk.edu/news/releases/2011/07-HamiltonACS.html" target="_blank">Dr. Susan Hamilton</a> of the <a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/" target="_blank">UT Gardens</a>, it's easier to see the "bones" of the tree if you prune in the winter.<br />
<br />
Below are a few best practices I follow for tree pruning. This is a far cry from a comprehensive guide, and if you want to learn more there are several good guides available.<br />
<br />
<b>Cut it out:</b><br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Dead / broken limbs</b>: These branches are goners. There's no point in leaving them in, so take 'em out. If you think the limb could have possibly died from a pest or disease problem consider cutting at <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="http://www.wintergreenhouse.com/images/plant-guides/fruit-trees/fruit-tree-explanations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.wintergreenhouse.com/images/plant-guides/fruit-trees/fruit-tree-explanations.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of www.wintergreenhouse.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
least 6 inches below the start of limb death to root out the problem.</li>
<li><b>Suckers</b>: This means any growth from the base and the trunk. Suckering is especially prevalent with grafted trees, which makes it a common occurrence in the landscape. Aesthetically, suckers are distracting. Horticulturally, suckers may be sprouting from the rootstock instead of the desired graft.</li>
<li><b>Water sprouts</b>: I.E. vertical branches. Water sprouts are weak growth and should be removed earlier rather than later. The bigger they get, the more they rip. </li>
<li><b>Crossing limbs</b>: These limbs will rub against each other and damage the bark making the tree more susceptible to pest and disease problems. In addition to removing limbs that are currently intersecting, go ahead and cut out the ones that will cross in the future. Follow the growth of a branch. If it continues growing in the same direction, where will it end up? If the branch is growing toward the center of the tree instead of out, it's pretty well guaranteed to cross sometime in the future.</li>
<li><b>Hangers</b>: In many cases, if a limb is droopy it may become weak and break. Keep an eye out for hanging limbs and remove them if you think they'll become a problem.</li>
</ol>
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<b>A few more Tree Tips:</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Trees should be pruned regularly</b> -- about once a year. Annually going through and chopping out problem branches while they're small is healthier for the tree and easier work than waiting until the problem branches are large and heavy.<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="http://pbr1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3466_zps420bfda3.jpg?t=1363644350" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://pbr1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3466_zps420bfda3.jpg?t=1363644350" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a good idea to sterilize pruners with<br />
hydrogen peroxide between plants or diseased limbs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>Cuts should be made at an angle. </b> That is, the stub shouldn't be flat upwards like a table. An angled cut will drain water, a flat cut will pool water and develop health problems.</li>
<li><b>Use a <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/content/search?SearchText=bypass+pruner&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">bypass pruner</a>. </b> Bypass pruners will make a clean, healthy cut. <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/content/search?SearchText=anvil+pruner&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Anvil pruners</a> kind of squish the limb before cutting.</li>
<li>If the branch is too large for a set of bypass hand pruners, step up to <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10934605" target="_blank">loppers</a>. If the branch is too large for loppers, use a <a href="http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Hand-Saws_8" target="_blank">hand saw</a>. If the branch is too large for a hand saw, consider calling a <a href="http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx?utm_source=homepageclicks&utm_medium=homepagebox&utm_campaign=IAmA" target="_blank">professional</a>.</li>
<li><b>Use <a href="http://gardening.about.com/od/toolschool/ig/How-to-Clean---Sharpen-Pruners/" target="_blank">sharp tools</a>. </b> Sharp tools are easier to use and make cleaner cuts.</li>
<li><b>Sterilize tools with <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/903/" target="_blank">hydrogen peroxide</a>. </b> I pour peroxide in a little spritzer bottle and keep it on my person while I work to sterilize between trees or when pruning a specimen that has a particularly nasty disease issue.</li>
</ul>
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Remember, pruning is always thoughtful and never reckless. Fight the temptation to chop at the canopy with hedge clippers or a chain saw. Although good pruning may take a little more effort, you'll have the best looking trees on the block. And remember, "<a href="http://www.treesaregood.com/pressrelease/press/toppingindecent.aspx" target="_blank">Topless Trees are Indecent!</a>"</div>
</div>
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<div>
If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To see more of my tree maintenance pictures, check out my <a href="http://s1089.photobucket.com/user/aplante88/story/12561" target="_blank">photobucket story</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What words of wisdom can you share about pruning trees? What are your favorite tools for getting the job done? Any good stories or experiences?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_4259_zps0c8f2ae7.jpg?t=1365470276" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_4259_zps0c8f2ae7.jpg?t=1365470276" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepe and I prepare to trim up his orange tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_4260_zps8646f38a.jpg?t=1365470268" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_4260_zps8646f38a.jpg?t=1365470268" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pruning the tree opened up the canopy and made the attractive form more visible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-48218690657967278062013-03-18T15:07:00.000-07:002013-03-18T15:13:09.296-07:00Quick and Dirty Tips for Tree Planting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I apologize for falling behind on blogging. School this semester has not left a lot of free time for writing, but I do want to continue with regular posts. So, in the spirit of brevity, please enjoy the following quick and dirty tips for planting trees. Stay tuned for the quick and dirty tips for pruning.<br />
<br />
<b>Timing is Everything</b><br />
Cool winter months is a great time to plant dormant trees and shrubs. Without the burden of green foliage that requires a constant flow of water, woody specimens are able to develop a healthy root system. The earlier in the winter that you plant your trees, the more time their roots have to develop, and the better prepared the trees are to withstand summer heat. In <a href="http://www.knoxville.org/" target="_blank">Knoxville</a>, March is about the latest that I would recommend planting trees and shrubs. <br />
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3698_zps55cb7ccd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3698_zps55cb7ccd.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "bare root" tree is exactly what it sounds<br />
like -- there is not soil around the roots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Container or Bare-Root?</b><br />
Many homeowners buy trees and shrubs grown in containers from a nursery or box store. While I am all for supporting your local nursery, I prefer to plant "<a href="http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/factsheets/24bareroottreeplanting.html" target="_blank">bare root</a>" woody specimens. Bare root plants are exactly what they sound like -- there is no soil around their roots. In my experience, bare root trees and shrubs are less expensive, establish faster and perform better than container grown plants. Bare root specimens can be ordered through the internet or catalogue from a reputable source. <a href="http://evergreensforsale.com/ball-and-burlap-trees/" target="_blank">Ball and burlap</a> is another option as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Eliminate the Competition</b><br />
Although most weeds in and of themselves may not be a threat to successful growth of trees and shrubs, their presence near the trunk is undesirable for a couple reasons. Aesthetically, you may not want weeds cluttering up the "<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:-6-D9dxn8jIJ:www.sawater.com.au/NR/rdonlyres/9C425525-762C-4D1E-B98D-3C127E35D161/0/TreeSurvivalGuide.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjPL3NbnSCGKOe9hHKzhzTtono5VMBpDES8m3FU6yv4cxeZWRAsRGM_EFr-ngJkjQZrvtSVpa-9msXTeWOYVoca-H00aqW6ozmxFUOZVayiGaYp714VdZ3Wc6scq9O8r2PmX9oE&sig=AHIEtbT78MOUEH7TibI6xkhWxEzCLKM1OA" target="_blank">drip zone</a>," or area beneath the foliage of your tree. If the tree is to be planted in an area that is mowed regularly -- like the front yard -- if there are weeds and grass growing near the trunk you may risk having your tree damaged by a weed eater or lawn mower. For these reasons, it is a good idea to use your shovel to remove existing weeds and grass from the area around your tree prior to planting. <br />
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3707_zps3c7fcd40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3707_zps3c7fcd40.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure your hole is at least big enough<br />
to hold all of the plant's roots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Dig Baby, Dig</b><br />
If your tree is a container tree, make sure your hole is at least bigger than the plant's container. Some people suggest digging a hole that is twice as wide. I haven't noticed much of a short or long term difference between the growth of trees that were planted in sufficient size and larger holes. If you are planting a bare root tree or shrub, make sure the hole is large enough to sufficiently hold all the roots.<br />
<br />
<b>To Amend or Not to Amend</b><br />
Some people amend the soil in the hole with potting soil, good topsoil, sand, compost, or fertilizer. I like to think of it this way -- in a year, your tree's roots are going to expand far beyond that zone. Why put off the inevitable? In some cases, amending the soil can actually hurt the tree's development. For example, if a heavy clay soil is amended for a tree, the slow draining clay can create a basin that holds water around the tree's roots and causes them to rot. However, if you are growing a tree or shrub that has a specific soil <a href="http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/measure/ph.html" target="_blank">pH</a> (acidity or alkalinity) requirement, the soil will need to be amended with <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203192757?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=sulfur&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=203192757#.UUdT6btvtdU" target="_blank">sulfur</a> to lower pH and make more acidic or <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203192761?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=lime&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=203192761#.UUdUBLtvtdU" target="_blank">lime</a> to raise pH and make more alkaline in order for the tree to grow properly.<br />
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3703_zps769a5258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3703_zps769a5258.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for the "root / shoot" junction before<br />
planting your tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Look for the Root-Shoot Junction</b><br />
There have been times when I've planted a tree and a year later it dies inexplicably. My sleuthing did not turn up any fatal pest or disease problems. The cause of the tree death was actually being planted too low or too high. Now when I plant trees, I keep my eyes peeled for something called the "root / shoot junction." Look on the trunk of your tree for the spot where the roots become the roots and the shoot becomes the shoot. When you plant your tree, make sure the roots are below ground and the trunk is above ground. Most of the time, the soil line of container grown trees is already at the root / shoot junction, but double check to be sure.<br />
<br />
<b>Add Mulch</b><br />
Mulch is important for weed suppression, protecting the trees from lawn mower or weed eater damage, and just plain old looks pretty. For new beds, add about 3 inches of mulch under the drip zone of the tree. After mulching, be sure to pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree. Be sure to avoid the "<a href="http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/Home&Garden/indexFS.cfm?storyid=2710" target="_blank">mulch volcano</a>" look -- that is not attractive and it is unhealthy for your tree.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the quick and dirty tips for pruning, hopefully coming up soon!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
To see more of my tree maintenance pictures, check out my <a href="http://s1089.photobucket.com/user/aplante88/story/12561" target="_blank">photobucket story</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you prefer container trees or bare-root? What tips and tricks have made your trees and shrubs grow successfully?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<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="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3717_zps6ed38135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/Time%20for%20Trees/IMG_3717_zps6ed38135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://knoxgarden.org/" target="_blank">Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum's</a> "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ECOYouthGardenKBGA" target="_blank">Every Child Outdoors</a>" Fruit Grove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a data-pin-config="above" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fs1089.photobucket.com%2Fuser%2Faplante88%2Fstory%2F12561&media=http%3A%2F%2Fi1089.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi342%2Faplante88%2FTime%2520for%2520Trees%2FIMG_3703_zps769a5258.jpg&description=Quick%20and%20Dirty%20Tips%20for%20Tree%20Planting" data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-3306210779220643112013-01-02T15:48:00.000-08:002013-08-01T12:37:52.843-07:00Pony tail palm, a living statute that adds interest to any residence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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/AVvXsEh1Zfr4p06AKzUPib74QEZXhhWsVd7fq03Yca27aruIvpqxZnvK5BFTQVMOZ9ltx_y847bsl9_29jwOBj14fayd-v-VIrsyh13TjI4zl_AeYqNIqT4vgN13pVY2hpQSrHXRl101p0bfe6sw/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zfr4p06AKzUPib74QEZXhhWsVd7fq03Yca27aruIvpqxZnvK5BFTQVMOZ9ltx_y847bsl9_29jwOBj14fayd-v-VIrsyh13TjI4zl_AeYqNIqT4vgN13pVY2hpQSrHXRl101p0bfe6sw/s320/IMG_0773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large <i>Beaucarnea</i> trunk surrounded by tropical foliage<br />
at Nashville's <a href="http://nashville.about.com/od/tourofoprylandsgardens/ig/Opryland-s-Cascades-Atrium.-5cR/" target="_blank">Opryland Atrium</a>, 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When the garden slows down in the winter, many gardeners turn their attention to their houseplants. If you're anything like I am, caring for a green, living houseplant is like a form of gardening life support -- it keeps me focused through the winter.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite interior plants is <i><a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/261/#b" target="_blank">Beaucarnea recurvata</a></i>, more commonly known as pony tail palm or elephant-foot tree. The pony tail palm can develop lovely curly foliage that cascades over the edge of whatever piece of furniture it's sitting on. The trunk has a nice gray bark, and the base of the plant will swell creating a bottle-neck appearance.<br />
<br />
Pony tail palms are extremely slow growing, but given time a tree can reach 30 feet in height. <i>Beaucarnea recurvata</i> prefers a high light situation when<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pXmGclDN6fXN5KT6MMMdokPTeZb3EX1asf05XyJ3mat9ZgVhnAtdhV35F-EIs4FwH0Na-kTWh2PuEG88aWRT_Q84IS19W10Fk-ezEVLr7NgwfEgDKUjvOJBoW3Nr4i4Un6IlfUGxQ7w2/s1600/ponytailpalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pXmGclDN6fXN5KT6MMMdokPTeZb3EX1asf05XyJ3mat9ZgVhnAtdhV35F-EIs4FwH0Na-kTWh2PuEG88aWRT_Q84IS19W10Fk-ezEVLr7NgwfEgDKUjvOJBoW3Nr4i4Un6IlfUGxQ7w2/s320/ponytailpalm.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I strike a pose with a large pony tail palm in<br />
Nashville's Opryland Atrium, 2010.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
grown indoors, and will grow best by a sunny window. Native to the deserts of the North American South and South West, pony tail palm does not require a lot of water. The base of the plant actually serves as a water reservoir. To prevent over-watering, I tend to wait until the base starts to get a puckered, wrinkly appearance instead of watering when the soil is dry.<br />
<br />
Small specimens can be purchased from a local garden center, box store, florist, or grocery store. Between the low maintenance requirements and statuesque form, pony tail palm is a great choice for any residence. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, leave a comment or shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>How has pony tail palm grown for you? What's your favorite interior plant? How do you beat the winter blues?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<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/AVvXsEhnQcnPnrs-lX9F0kVg5w9UTFz5zNbmLmtRdeaBBaacFsiDWVjIRbxbacZjAa7_pOIqnxEy0t2Vyyj84svMnhtBoeqCEtlS9jZ3QeTlvkpYdMf_f1qEhErnJYeHDjHn5lof1PThhJZ7rC57/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQcnPnrs-lX9F0kVg5w9UTFz5zNbmLmtRdeaBBaacFsiDWVjIRbxbacZjAa7_pOIqnxEy0t2Vyyj84svMnhtBoeqCEtlS9jZ3QeTlvkpYdMf_f1qEhErnJYeHDjHn5lof1PThhJZ7rC57/s640/IMG_2762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My small pony tail palm serves as a living statute in my residence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhKCt5BzEdDViRp974QsBD5HkL6OuZ3RLsnZpMoyWz0M8NLTUBdPK7rSlNwFdpyAdq2nzIHcEEkHw46nwue2j2wMpXw96iyZRym-gjvSfr8XX85XseGXGSOZvsM3wu8FdfXHsB0227xsIAS/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCt5BzEdDViRp974QsBD5HkL6OuZ3RLsnZpMoyWz0M8NLTUBdPK7rSlNwFdpyAdq2nzIHcEEkHw46nwue2j2wMpXw96iyZRym-gjvSfr8XX85XseGXGSOZvsM3wu8FdfXHsB0227xsIAS/s640/IMG_0772.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As seen from this specimen grown in Nashville's Opryland Atrium, pony tail palms can be multi-stemmed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplanteplants.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fpony-tail-palm-living-statute-that-adds.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lX3jCU-tM_s%2FUOTEiiB3QjI%2FAAAAAAAAAK4%2Fqqo64fxGCGA%2Fs320%2FIMG_0773.JPG&description=Ponytail%20palm%20makes%20a%20fun%2C%20interesting%20houseplant."><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-52151291828585070022012-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:002012-12-14T18:12:34.233-08:00Tomatoes in December? Grow the Gift of an Edible OrnamentI love the holidays. Every December I look forward to all the Christmas trees, wreaths, cookies and ornaments But holiday traditions don't have to be so... traditional. If you want to give a gift with <i>WOW</i> factor this year, consider the '<a href="http://www.peacetreefarm.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=411" target="_blank">Sweet n' Neat</a>' tomato.<br />
<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="http://www.2bseeds.com/images/sweetyellowtomatocon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.2bseeds.com/images/sweetyellowtomatocon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Sweet n' Neat' Tomatoes make a <br />lovely, living edible ornament</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
'Sweet n' Neat' tomatoes are a compact variety that is content to grow on a sunny windowsill. These edible ornaments will brighten any home or office with small red, scarlet, or yellow cherry tomatoes -- even during the winter. Pot size isn't a major issue for 'Sweet n' Neat' -- I've heard of instances where this variety has developed fruit while still growing in the small nursery cell pack weeks before a sale.<br />
<br />
I first heard of this variety while attending the <a href="http://www.perennialplant.org/" target="_blank">Perennial Plant Association</a>'s 2012 symposium. In the talk "Food for Thought, Edibles in the Landscape," <a href="http://www.peacetreefarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/19/index.htm" target="_blank">Lloyd Traven</a> of <a href="http://www.peacetreefarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.home/index.htm" target="_blank">Peace Tree Farm</a> shared his <a href="http://www.peacetreefarm.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=150&typeID=7" target="_blank">edible ornament</a> idea with the audience, and he suggested 'Sweet n' Neat' as a good variety for the concept.<br />
<br />
Working with <a href="http://www.knoxville.org/" target="_blank">Knoxville</a>'s <a href="http://austineasths.knoxschools.org/" target="_blank">Austin-East High School</a>, we grew 200 edible ornaments as a fundraiser for their garden program. There was immediate and intense interest! This has been a very popular concept for a plant sale, and I'd definitely recommend other schools that have access to a greenhouse try this in the future.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mom-machine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Rosemary-Tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mom-machine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Rosemary-Tree1.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rosemary tree is another edible <br />
and living holiday gift idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're looking for some seed for your home garden, there are many websites that offer yellow, red, and scarlet fruiting 'Sweet n' Neat' tomato seeds. If you intend to grow the plants for a fundraiser, there aren't many retailers that currently sell this variety in bulk. However, <a href="http://www.2bseeds.com/container-sweet-n-neat-f1-yellow-cherry-tomato-seeds.shtml" target="_blank">2B Seeds</a> does sell all three colors of 'Sweet n' Neat' in <a href="http://www.2bseeds.com/bulk-vegetable-seeds.shtml" target="_blank">quantities of 100</a>.<br />
<br />
This variety may not be available from a big box store, but check with your local garden center to see if they carry any. If not, suggest they grow some for the next holiday season! Knoxvillians can pick up their edible ornaments by contacting <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">myself</a> or the <a href="http://kinkead.austineasths.knoxschools.org/modules/tt/profile.phtml?profile_id=82923&sessionid=bb611130272b124a64987554da0e1d41" target="_blank">lead teacher</a> of Austin-East High School's garden program.<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2011/11/rosemary-tree-maintenance-tips.html" target="_blank">rosemary tree</a> makes another lively holiday gift. Consider purchasing from a good local nursery instead of the grocery store or a big box store. <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:SJi9L1ZOik8J:www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/rosemaryfactsheet.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjD5l9UGbMm6XBPWMBYaHxFXdf9zrD06pFUtmLFD1uJoyVBuXjaibHteWHx7IYhuMLt-JmxZVFCm_hqPmdkl8IsNpFjVq7LDipXj-Wbh-9F4iAYmT6g6vX9B2doRKaICyNiqIfR&sig=AHIEtbRqvoZo0l1zKUHYGmJ11B3aBNmGlQ" target="_blank">Rosemary</a> grown at a local nursery is more likely to have been properly cared for and will make a more healthy gift. In my experience, grocery chains and box stores tend to over-water their rosemary trees, which can result in an algae-ridden, smelly plant that has root rot (and who would want that?). Be sure to inform recipients that their rosemary probably won't be hardy enough for life outdoors, and will enjoy spending chilly winters inside or in the garage.<br />
<br />
Add a festive, living gift to your holiday traditions. The gardeners on your Christmas list will be glad you did!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, leave a comment or shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>How do you incorporate gardening into your holiday traditions? What are your experiences with growing 'Sweet n' Neat' Tomatoes or rosemary trees?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplanteplants.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Ftomatoes-in-december-grow-gift-of.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2bseeds.com%2Fimages%2Fsweetyellowtomatocon.jpg&description=Get%20creative%20with%20your%20holiday%20traditions.%20%20Edible%20ornaments%20incorporate%20gardening%20and%20eating%20--%20two%20of%20my%20favorite%20things!%20%20If%20you're%20in%20Knoxville%20for%20the%20holidays%2C%20pick%20up%20your%20edible%20ornament%20at%20Austin-East%20High%20School's%20%22Edible%20Ornament%22%20fundraiser."><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-30522030375331068692012-12-03T16:44:00.002-08:002013-01-18T04:00:03.546-08:00Gardeners fight the winter blues with fiery red twig dogwoods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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="http://www.thegardenerseden.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Red-Twig-Dogwood-Branches-and-Ice-%E2%93%92-michaela-thegardenerseden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://www.thegardenerseden.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Red-Twig-Dogwood-Branches-and-Ice-%E2%93%92-michaela-thegardenerseden.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Red twig dogwoods add a splash of <br />color to the winter landscape</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Winter is the season when the garden sleeps. Green turns to brown and flowers fade. Embracing the season of dormancy doesn't have to mean acceptance of a dreary landscape. Add a splash of color to the winter garden with red and yellow twig dogwoods that are most exciting in dormancy.<br />
<br />
Strategically placed, colorful twig dogwoods help break the monotony of evergreen foundation plantings. Although twig dogwoods are attractive as a specimen plant, they really make a statement en masse. Plant at the border to create a river of color as a winter hedge.<br />
<br />
Of all the interesting new varieties out there, my favorite is <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/q430/cornus-alba-bailhalo-ivory-halo.aspx" target="_blank"><i>Cornus alba </i>'Ivory Halo'</a> (<a href="http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html" target="_blank">zones</a> 3-7). While other twig dogwoods tend to be a blob of green during the growing season, variegated foliage makes 'Ivory Halo' an attractive planting for any time of year.<br />
<br />
Young dormant stems of 'Ivory Halo' are a fiery red that are an excellent source of winter interest. For the best stem color, prune out old growth every spring or cut back hard the whole plant every few years.<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="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/PlantFinder/low/Q430-0901020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/PlantFinder/low/Q430-0901020.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Variegated foliage makes 'Ivory Halo' <br />dogwood attractive at any time of year.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.plantingdirections.com/dogwood-tree-planting-directions/" target="_blank">Plant dogwoods</a> in the winter when the plant is dormant. Although dogwoods won't be actively growing leaves and stems in the winter months, roots will anchor into the soil and give the plant a head start on growth in the spring.<br />
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Available from many garden centers, a red or yellow twig dogwood will make the perfect holiday gift for any garden enthusiast.<br />
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If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, leave a comment or shoot me an <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
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<b>What's your favorite way to use red or yellow twig dogwoods? What plants are your favorites for fighting the winter blues?</b><br />
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<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="http://files.myopera.com/ErosmanTR/albums/5797782/Red%20Twig%20Dogwood%20and%20Aspen%20Trees,%20Klamath%20Basin,%20Oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://files.myopera.com/ErosmanTR/albums/5797782/Red%20Twig%20Dogwood%20and%20Aspen%20Trees,%20Klamath%20Basin,%20Oregon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fiery stems of red twig dogwoods contrast with white bark of paper birches (Betula papyrifera)</i></td></tr>
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<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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/10277_511824758839719_683506480_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/10277_511824758839719_683506480_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/10277_511824758839719_683506480_n.jpg" target="_blank">Yellow twig dogwood at the University of Tennessee Gardens.</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Photos courtesy of:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/q430/cornus-alba-bailhalo-ivory-halo.aspx" target="_blank">Missouri Botanical Garden</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thegardenerseden.com/?tag=red-twig-dogwood-cornus-alba-siberica" target="_blank">The Gardeners Eden</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thetoughlovegardener.com/2012/06/21/cornus-sericea-redtwig-dogwood/" target="_blank">The Tough Love Gardener</a></li>
<li><a href="http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/" target="_blank">University of Tennessee Garden</a></li>
</ul>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplanteplants.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fgardeners-fight-winter-blues-with-fiery.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.myopera.com%2FErosmanTR%2Falbums%2F5797782%2FRed%2520Twig%2520Dogwood%2520and%2520Aspen%2520Trees%2C%2520Klamath%2520Basin%2C%2520Oregon.jpg&description=Look%20for%20red%20and%20yellow%20twig%20dogwoods%20as%20a%20source%20of%20winter%20interest%20in%20the%20garden.%20%20'Ivory%20Halo'%20could%20be%20a%20good%20choice%20for%20the%20gardener%20on%20your%20shopping%20list."><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-26875064764085758832012-11-20T10:10:00.001-08:002012-11-25T08:27:05.754-08:00A Lavender to be Thankful For<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lavenders are picky plants -- especially when grown in East Tennessee. There's always a reason for lavender not to perform here, whether it's too humid, too cold, too wet, too dry, too shady, too fertile, too much! <br />
<a href="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3046.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.greenwoodnursery.com/page.cfm/87796" target="_blank">Lavender 'Provence'</a> is special because it performs in spite of the cards that are stacked against it. The real key to success with 'Provence' is to know when -- and how -- to prune.<br />
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'Provence' makes a silver mound that flowers prolifically two or more times a year. To encourage flowering, plant in full sun and deadhead as flowers go to seed. When lavender spends less energy developing seeds, it will flower more.<br />
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As with any lavender, don't prune in fall or winter. Leave the plant's "winter coat" to protect the crown and help ensure survival through the cold season. It's best to cut back after the danger of frost has passed in the spring. For Knoxville, prune lavender after April 15th. <br />
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Cutting back to about 8 inches keeps growth compact and upright, prevents falling into a "donut" shape with an empty center, and limits old growth from turning a dingy brown color.<br />
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By pruning 'Provence' lavender a just a few times a year, you'll be rewarded with silver, compact, floriferous, perennial growth.<br />
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<a href="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3045.jpg" width="320" /></a>Like many other herbs, 'Provence' lavender likes to a site with well drained soil and full sun. Water deeply and regularly for a couple months until the plant is established. Once the lavender has rooted in, water only as needed. If 'Provence' is thirsty, its flowers and branch tips will start to droop.<br />
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'Provence' makes a statement at entrances or en masse as a hedge. Silver and purple will really pop against dark colors like <a href="http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ipomoea/black-heart-sweet-potato-vine-ipomoea-batatas" target="_blank">'Black Heart' sweet potato vine</a> or <a href="http://www.perennials.com/plants/sedum-black-jack.html" target="_blank">Sedum 'Black Jack'</a>.<br />
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With proper siting a maintenance, however you choose to use 'Provence', you'll be sure to have great shape and flowers!<br />
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To see more of my photos of 'Provence' lavender, check out <a href="http://s1089.beta.photobucket.com/user/aplante88/library/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For" target="_blank">my photobucket acccount</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions, comments, ideas, or suggestions, I love to get <a href="mailto:aplante88@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i342/aplante88/A%20Lavender%20to%20be%20Thankful%20For/IMG_3033.jpg" width="640" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-46421377991102624342010-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:002012-12-14T17:24:40.254-08:00Sioux Grass Dance Tribute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSINvv9qV1NlrLTZpZW1vO_6RCBAGqOfyga3OmO15yWdDmul2pXPN3sOJVb1VZzNPkn30zExFLSQaNEEMYpaeioWJJhDmaqWMtwTZB96bKtCjlluRmUmkfeKryfwmndbZuOvIZLpD5Zxk/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSINvv9qV1NlrLTZpZW1vO_6RCBAGqOfyga3OmO15yWdDmul2pXPN3sOJVb1VZzNPkn30zExFLSQaNEEMYpaeioWJJhDmaqWMtwTZB96bKtCjlluRmUmkfeKryfwmndbZuOvIZLpD5Zxk/s400/IMG_3183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539816040107105634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/amandaplante/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>1181</o:Words> <o:characters>6736</o:Characters> <o:lines>56</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>13</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>8272</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1282</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">What is a “Grass Dance”?<span style=""> </span>To me, the phrase conjures up visions of Hawaiian hula dancers, but this was not really the case.<span style=""> </span>Grass dances began with the Sioux nation, which was located in and around what is today the state of South Dakota.<span style=""> </span>The Sioux used grass dances as part of their war ceremony, so essentially at grass dances originated as war dances.<span style=""> </span>Although this was a music associated with war, it spread to from the Omaha, to their neighbors, through the plains, and across North America.<span style=""> </span>Tara Browner in “An <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Acoustic</span> Geography of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Intertribal</span> War Songs, pointed out that these grass dances had in fact “grafted” on to indigenous warrior society.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">When the U.S. government formed Bureau of Indian Affairs, one of the bureau’s functions was to limit communication between the groups of native people.<span style=""> </span>The reason was to prevent these nations from organizing greater resistance and attacks, but an indirect result was preventing “cross fertilization” of music between these nations.<span style=""> </span>This means that the grass dance style spread across North America, but then began to evolve with tribes and nations in isolation.<span style=""> </span>This resulted in different styles of grass dances, one of the main differences being the Northern and Southern styles, which were first, observed in the 1920s (Browner).<span style=""> </span>Although grass dances began as war music, in modern times they are more functional as an important part to pow-wows (Gay).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Now that we have a grasp of the history of grass dances, what did they sound like?<span style=""> </span>Again, the image of hula dances comes to mind, but truly the musical style of Sioux grass dances are a far fling from the familiar soft strumming of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ukulele</span>.<span style=""> </span>The example that we listed to in Musicology 115 started out with the male vocalists singing in falsetto.<span style=""> </span>Their sound gets lower, and then the women join in.<span style=""> </span>There was not really any harmony and not many words.<span style=""> </span>Instead of words, these singers used a great deal of vocables.<span style=""> </span>The range of this song <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn</span>’t follow the musical scale that we of European descent are familiar with, but rather used a sort of pentatonic scale characteristic of much Native American music (Gay).<span style=""> </span>These songs may be strophic in verse, have internal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">repetition</span>, and have an energetic beat (Browner). To quote Frances <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Densmore</span> who founded the Native American collection at the Smithsonian, in the lines of this music one may find a “sense of indefiniteness”.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">The musical texture of the example of a grass dance that we heard in class was difficult to determine.<span style=""> </span>One could argue that it was polyphonic (multiple melodies that can be imitative) or that it could be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">heterophonic</span> (based on simultaneous variation and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">embellishment</span> of a melody).<span style=""> </span>Dr. Gay argued that the example in class was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">heterophonic</span> in texture, and I am inclined to agree.<span style=""> </span>This is because variation and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">embellishment</span> seem to fit right in with Harold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Courlander</span>’s description of traditional Sioux music.<span style=""> </span>In “Music of the Sioux and Navajo”, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Courlander</span> said that this style of music was “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">exhibitionistic</span> and individualistic dancing for entertainment”.<span style=""> </span>So, it logically follows that a music characterised by the participants being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">exhibitionistic</span> and individualistic would fall into a texture described as being based on variation and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">embellishment</span>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">So, what did a grass dance look like?<span style=""> </span>According to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Densmore</span>, the dancers would imitate eagles and other birds.<span style=""> </span>In the grass dances of the Omaha, the leader of high enough rank would “wear ‘the crow’, a decoration of the highest order”.<span style=""> </span>But, this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">isn</span>’t called the bird dance; it’s called the grass dance.<span style=""> </span>In class we learned that dancers would wear intricate skirts of woven grass (Gay).<span style=""> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Densmore</span> went into more detail, describing how each member would carry a long branch of grass.<span style=""> </span>The rank of society the participant was in would determine how this bunch of grass would be braided and attached to the dancer’s waist.<span style=""> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Densmore</span> described it of looking something like a tail.<span style=""> </span>The grass’ symbolic meaning in the song was that it represented “abundance and charity” (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Densmore</span>).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">As a major in plant sciences with a concentration in public horticulture, to me there would be no greater tribute to a musical arrangement than a floral arrangement. My goal was to capture the spirit of this music with plant life.<span style=""> </span>This began with the nation that started these grass dance songs – the Sioux.<span style=""> </span>Their native range was concentrated around South Dakota, spreading into the surrounding states (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Hickerson</span>). <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">For the purpose of this project, I attempted to use vegetation native to the Sioux’s <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">traditional</span> range.<span style=""> </span>For the grass component of the tribute I used <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Schizachyrium</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">scoparium</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">, which is commonly known as little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">bluestem</span>.<span style=""> </span>I collected it in a field by my house where with the recent cold snap is has just turned from its fall crimson color to a more sandy color.<span style=""><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSbz-8kviWxC1V8ewx5Hdzj2IjmbzlTciffHZuZiGx04hmHvHTTpWOzYG4FekSRDkdhIhK5AS0a0hxUILvSaG-JDkf44MmHOavzISjNYQ5JTioesiN_WwgpwenG6Zwkc82mvPsX6uIl8/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSbz-8kviWxC1V8ewx5Hdzj2IjmbzlTciffHZuZiGx04hmHvHTTpWOzYG4FekSRDkdhIhK5AS0a0hxUILvSaG-JDkf44MmHOavzISjNYQ5JTioesiN_WwgpwenG6Zwkc82mvPsX6uIl8/s400/IMG_3141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539816393110962050" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />The field where I collected the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Solidago</span>, Yarrow, and Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Bluestem</span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""><br /><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4aBalRoL5TQNgcWdpYb3drkKUCWAmgDzwY7RkItl8ZJ5lg7sYuCSafZ7_nPF3ZKujVVI618JXFkut2V3ypOPTKo2RWcjTy6NIjENBRS5V6WdgSM-vKLI3WxbCajWTs_B3kSN53vBIAQ/s1600/IMG_3168.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4aBalRoL5TQNgcWdpYb3drkKUCWAmgDzwY7RkItl8ZJ5lg7sYuCSafZ7_nPF3ZKujVVI618JXFkut2V3ypOPTKo2RWcjTy6NIjENBRS5V6WdgSM-vKLI3WxbCajWTs_B3kSN53vBIAQ/s400/IMG_3168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539818208103574482" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I made a hungry friend who kept eating my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">winterberry</span> holly fruits</span></span><br /><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""><br /><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hKWPKQZ5AqhRa9gEmoIgwVv4bTv-3jAjuaj7h485sWTEIbhx32o3ZBdQCyvlqVGvwtG4TaeL2QWiwZ3xSKwPLN9AoSqsqJZh99gPOuSUNTm0rOI8HazRIU5l-Ss_mwuTPxIlJX5_Vuc/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hKWPKQZ5AqhRa9gEmoIgwVv4bTv-3jAjuaj7h485sWTEIbhx32o3ZBdQCyvlqVGvwtG4TaeL2QWiwZ3xSKwPLN9AoSqsqJZh99gPOuSUNTm0rOI8HazRIU5l-Ss_mwuTPxIlJX5_Vuc/s400/IMG_3171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539816733107755810" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Making the arrangement after collecting all the components</span></span><br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Another native plant that I collected from that field is <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Solidago</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">, or Goldenrod.<span style=""> </span>I collected it in three stages: bright yellow still in bloom, spent flowers that have dried but are still yellow, and big puffy heads that have completely gone to seed.<span style=""> </span>I decided that the tried but still yellow flowers worked best for the creative purpose of this project.<span style=""> </span>In the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">arrangement</span> itself, the goldenrod represents the male voice in the song – starting in a high falsetto and falling in the arrangement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">A third native plant from that field is <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Achillea</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">millefolium</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">, or Common Yarrow.<span style=""> </span>At this point, the flowers had been spent, but they left very interesting and architectural <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">seed heads</span>.<span style=""> </span>I added them into the arrangement to add some nice texture, the way that the female voices added to the texture of the Grass Dance song.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_VjRoIaPLm1KyGD-SNgWMCWG56anBFnK8tG7rmX3zR46GUlaxZrIYKF4DNFlsviU6yN56PlyfmqYPtbFynkbJn89JsnFH1Qy7D_3IzDuUZZeXSfMoIxa2jcIKidz6K9GMLonDdpLqVY/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_VjRoIaPLm1KyGD-SNgWMCWG56anBFnK8tG7rmX3zR46GUlaxZrIYKF4DNFlsviU6yN56PlyfmqYPtbFynkbJn89JsnFH1Qy7D_3IzDuUZZeXSfMoIxa2jcIKidz6K9GMLonDdpLqVY/s400/IMG_3186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539817049432635202" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Finally, to symbolize the drums in this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">arrangement</span> I used the yellow leaves of <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Acer</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">saccharum</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or the familiar Sugar Maple.<span style=""> </span>I placed them <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">around</span> the inside of the vase, the same way that the drums were constant throughout the song.<span style=""> </span>The leaves also served well in hiding the unsightly stems that could be seen through the clear vase.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">This left the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">arrangement</span> looking somewhat bland and just too yellow, so for color I incorporated some plants that are native to the U.S. but not necessarily to South Dakota.<span style=""> </span>I feel that this is alright because the Grass Dances spread throughout North America and are used in pow-wows of North American nations where these plants are native to.<span style=""> </span>These include <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Illex</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">verticillata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Winterberry</span> Holly, which had red berries that really brightened up that base.<span style=""> </span>To add some red to the top of the arrangement it chose </span><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Cornus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">sercia</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or a Red Twig Dogwood.<span style=""> </span>This helped the red of the berries flow better throughout the arrangement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Because European technology is what captured and recorded this and other grass dance songs, I attempted to symbolize that in my arrangement.<span style=""> </span>The vase that is holding the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">arrangement</span> is a glass vase, something the Native Americans did not have or use.<span style=""> </span>I began to research what sort of vases that were popular with white Americans during the 1920s (the time period that Alice Fletcher and Frances <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Densmore</span> were researching the Sioux and other native peoples).<span style=""> </span>In the end, I simply used a glass vase that was already in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">possession</span>, because as an undergraduate student I do not have the time to do any extensive antiquing or the monetary resources to buy an antique vase.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">The final result was an attractive, colorful, fall dried floral <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">arrangement</span> that I feel is a nice tribute to the Sioux Grass Dance song.<span style=""> </span>In fact, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Souix</span> Grass Dance tribute was so pretty that it is currently on display in my apartment as part of my fall festive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">décor</span>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;" align="center">Works Cited</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;" align="center"><br /><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">Browner, Tara.<span style=""> </span>“An <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Accoustic</span> Geography of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Intertribal</span> Pow-wow Songs”.<span style=""> </span><i>Music of the First Nations: Tradition and Innovation in Native North America.<span style=""> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2009.<span style=""> </span>131-140.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Courlander</span>, Harold.<span style=""> </span>“Music of the Sioux and Navajo”.<span style=""> </span><i>Ethnic Folkways Library Album no. FE 4401.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""> </span>New York: Folkways Records and Service Corp, 1949.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Densmore</span>, Frances.<span style=""> </span><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Teton</span> Sioux Music</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.<span style=""> </span>New York: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Decapo</span> Press, 1972.<span style=""> </span>468 - 484.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">Gay, Leslie.<span style=""> </span>Musicology 115 Lecture.<span style=""> </span>Personal Communication.<span style=""> </span>25 August 2010.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Hickerson</span>, Harold.<span style=""> </span><i>Sioux Indians I.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style=""> </span>New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1974. <span style=""> </span>30.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12812361075406633668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-13454409161520573662009-04-20T13:37:00.000-07:002009-06-15T13:42:22.878-07:00Old Hat or All That?On this plant list in particular and also throughout the semester there have been a few plants labeled something like, "Plants You May Find In Your Grandma's Yard" or as Michael Dirr may say "The Over The Hill Gang". These are the plants that used to be really popular but were eventually replaced with newer, more trendy plants. As a landscape designer, horticulturalist, or someone in production, hearing this information in class may have deterred you from ever using these "stale" old plants in any area. After all, this seems to be a strategy many professionals seem to be taking since really, these plants don't appear in modern landscapes hardly at all.<br /><br />As someone kind of partial to these old favorites, here's a few exciting varieties worth taking a second look at:<br /><br />Syringa vulgaris or Common Lilac: The straight species of this in renouned for its intensely fragrant flowers, and great lilac spring color. But, it is also scraggly, prone to mildews and diseases, and confusing when it comes to pruning. Cultivars such as 'Little Boy Blue' (blue) and 'Prarie Petite' (pink) have a more compact habit which makes it more versatile in the landscape. 'Prince Wokonsky' has double flowers, and 'Elsa Maasik' (deep purple) is more disease resistant than the straight species. 'Albert F. Holden' is bicolor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.naturehills.com/images/productImages/SyrvulgAlbertFHoldenLilacviolet_big.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 171px;" src="http://www.naturehills.com/images/productImages/SyrvulgAlbertFHoldenLilacviolet_big.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Chaenomeles speciosa or Common Floweringquince: This may be dismissed as too scraggly or wild, but the flower show is what really makes planting a Floweringquince worth it. Going from there, lots of different flowering varieties have been released covering the gamete between white and dark red. 'Jet Trail' (white), 'Minerva' (red), and 'Texas Scarlet' (red) are a few of the more compact varieties if the Floweringquince's legginess is too much for you. 'Scarff's Red' is a thornless variety available, although the thorns may come in handy for a barrier or hedge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jparkers.co.uk/images/new_products/ST0403.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.jparkers.co.uk/images/new_products/ST0403.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Spirea prunifolia or Bridalwreath Spirea: ... Ok that one may not have any hot new varities, but take a look at it at this time of year. Its one of the greatest for full white spring flowering, and attracts tons of wildlife including honeybees and ladybugs (both of which are necessities for any healthy garden). And the rest of the year, it makes a nice green mounded background for your summer and fall flowering colors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.donnan.com/images/SpireaBridalWreath.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 305px;" src="http://www.donnan.com/images/SpireaBridalWreath.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Sources:<br /><br />Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 215-216, 962-963, 986-991<br />Common Lilac picture 'Albert F. Holden' from http://www.naturehills.com/images/productImages/SyrvulgAlbertFHoldenLilacviolet_big.jpg<br />Floweringquince picture 'Texas Scarlet' from http://www.jparkers.co.uk/images/new_products/ST0403.JPG<br />Bridalwreath Spirea picture from http://www.donnan.com/images/SpireaBridalWreath.jpgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-43452946555402264322009-04-05T13:34:00.000-07:002009-06-15T13:37:16.825-07:00Tulip Mania!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1113/533012602_da3d30cc9d.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 420px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1113/533012602_da3d30cc9d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Since the dawn of civilization, man has come up with currencies with which he would buy, trade, and sell things. In early Egypt, grain was a great commodity; in the Americas and some African countries, beads were used. As Americans, we are more familiar with copper, nickel, silver, or paper which represents the value in gold of what we are buying. In 16th and 17th century Holland, the insatiable desire for tulips (of all things) drove the country's economy until 1637 when the economy basically collapsed. How did the Dutch even get to that point?<br /><br />Introduced to the Netherlands by a botanist at the University of Leiden, it was discovered that the very bulbs that performed so-so in other European countries happened to thrive in Holland. Struck by the beauty of the flower - the ones discolored by a mosaic virus were particularly sought after -- the royalty and the wealthy of the area would pay outrageous sums to possess the bulbs. Later on in the Tulip Craze, they would even pay for the promise of a tulip, which could take more than ten years from sowing the seed to the actual flowering. Because these seeds were hybrids and not propagated from bulblets, these people had no idea what the flower would even look like. All this in the hopes that when their tulip flowered, it may be the next hot variety -- possibly the desired black tulip (like our 'Queen of Night' today).<br /><br />As could be expected, the Tulip Mania brought out some real maniacs. In his book The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan tells a story of a poor man who finds a black tulip growing in his yard. He sold it to some wealthy businessmen for an outrageous sum of money. When they came to collect it, they threw the bulb to the ground and crushed it. When the man in horror asked what they were doing, they told him that they had developed a black tulip of their own and they didn't want his to compete with theirs on the market. Thats all pretty nuts for a bulb that only flowers for about two weeks max once a year, and only produces a single flower!<br /><br />Although tulipomania and other factors brought the Dutch to economic ruin, the Netherlands remain the world's greatest tulip producing country. So when installing a mass of tulips in a large-scale project, or a nice clump in your home yard, be careful -- this bulb has a dark past.<br /><br /><br /><br />Works Cited:<br /><br />Currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency#Early_currency<br />Tulip Mania: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_mania<br />The Black Tulip story: The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan<br />'Queen of Night' picture: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1113/533012602_da3d30cc9d.jpg<br />Cracked tulip picture: http://www.free-photo-download.com/large_images/tu_002.jpgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-36194302122547533992009-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:002009-06-15T13:34:32.544-07:00Mounds O' Mondo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGbMJDMwPwU7U-bh4MDCq66zAskVgXYqqhiA0niT90v4fINrur6ujqkEeqmb22AxNdCu5G1XfcUg4GK_vtUuV53BDcWEVG6rvZ8b3JFCA3KQX9s6-7-B3ik_WNX6eW0muyN9Zur-YL67Q/s1600-h/db_05_Black_Mondo_Grass3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGbMJDMwPwU7U-bh4MDCq66zAskVgXYqqhiA0niT90v4fINrur6ujqkEeqmb22AxNdCu5G1XfcUg4GK_vtUuV53BDcWEVG6rvZ8b3JFCA3KQX9s6-7-B3ik_WNX6eW0muyN9Zur-YL67Q/s400/db_05_Black_Mondo_Grass3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655329710488370" /></a>Ophiopogon or Mondo grass is a staple of the landscape industry. Its a great groundcover that thrives in a variety of sun, soil, and moisture conditions. This flexibility is why landscapers often depend on Mondo grass so heavily, and why you should be able to find it in many of the landscapes around town. While I wouldn't say that it is an overused plant or that its boring, the genus Ophiopogon has too much variety in it to simply plant the straight species. It is for this reason that the current test list includes the dwarf and black varieties, and its important to know them and keep them in mind. Black Mondo grass can be used with bright foliage or flowering plants to help enhance their colors by contrast. Mondo grass also comes in silver varieties such as the cultivar 'Silver Mist' and golden varieties such as 'Spring Gold'. Also, instead of only mass planting one type of Mondo grass, consider mixing different colored varieties in a mass to make things more interesting. A good example of this can be seen in the shade garden at the UT Gardens where different colored varieties of Liriope brighten up a shady area. Even the straight species looks good in a smaller mass like around Morgan Hall.<br /><br />Try planting these varieties for yourself and find a combination you're happy with. But whatever you do, try to make it interesting.<br /><br />Photo courtesy of http://green.urban-kitty.com/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012617615708618272.post-72930575159222249252009-03-07T08:27:00.000-08:002014-03-15T06:50:10.319-07:00All About Narcissus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are several different myths on the origin of the Narcissus flower, but probably the most well-known is the Roman version told by the poet Ovid. According to the legend, there was an exceptionally handsome young man named Narcissus -- a man so handsome that every girl who saw him fell in love with him. But for some reason or another, Narcissus wasn't interested in women and denied all their romantic advances. After one particular incident where Narcissus broke a young woman by the name of Echo's heart -- the heartbreak of which reduced her to only a voice -- Narcissus came upon a pool of water. When he bent down to take a drink, Narcissus was struck by the beauty of the man looking up at him. And so he spent the rest of his days sitting by the pool of water, staring at his own reflection until he was no more. But from the spot where he sat by the water sprang a flower -- the Narcissus we're learning in class.<br />
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In the legend and today, the love of Narcissus is something experienced by many. As it goes with just about any plant or flower, there are several groups dedicated to developing new varieties, informing the public about the care of Narcissus plants, and more than anything, just coming together to experience the beauty of this beautiful plant! Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the East Tennessee Daffodil Society Show and see the huge variety of plants growers had tenderly cared for and selected in the hopes that their Daffodil would be recognized at the show.<br />
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Daffodils are judged by their category, and over the years 13 categories to classify each type have emerged, and miniature varieties of most divisions. Below are photographs of an example of each category from the American Daffodil Society website - www.daffodilusa.org<br />
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1. The Trumpet Division: When I remember this, I picture someone playing a trumpet. These daffodils' cups are at least as long if not longer than the length of the petals. Also, like many of the daffodil's we're familiar with, it has only one flower per stem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/americandream-255x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/americandream-255x300.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the trumpet division</td></tr>
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2. The Large Cup Division: These cups are still large, but smaller than those of the Trumpet division -- between 1/3 the length of a petal and the length of a petal. These also have only one flower per stem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/pacificrim-279x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/pacificrim-279x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the large cup division</td></tr>
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3. The Small-Cup Division: This cup is smaller than the Large Cup division; that is, the cup measures 1/3 the length of a petal or less. Again, there is only one bloom per stem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Emerald-Light-300x285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Emerald-Light-300x285.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the small-cup division</td></tr>
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4. The Double Petal Division: Instead of having just one set of petals, there are two, lending a more ruffled appearance. There can be more than one flower per stem on this type.<br />
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5. Triandrus Division: Take a look at the picture below, and your first thought may be that these flowers look kind of like hanging bells. According to the American Daffodil Society, this type usually has at least two if now more flowers per stem.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Akepa-300x214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Akepa-300x214.jpg" /></a></div>
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6. The Cyclamineus Division: Looks like a person with long hair being blown back by the wind. One flower per stem.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Saint-Louie-Louie-300x269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Saint-Louie-Louie-300x269.jpg" /></a></div>
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7. The Jonquilla Division: These are the Jonquills we hear so much about living in East Tennessee. Some of the older generation are so familiar with Jonquills that they are prone to label all Narcissus as Jonquill, but really Jonquills are only those in this category. The Jonquill flowers are really fragrant, with flat petals and narrow foliage. Can have as many as three blooms on a stem.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Wendover-300x275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Wendover-300x275.jpg" /></a></div>
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8. The Tazetta Division: These fragrant flowers clusters generally come with more than three on a stem. This profusion may be the reason why the stems are so thick -- the plant needs to transfer more up and down the stem than if there were only a few flowers.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Early-Pearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Early-Pearl.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. The Poeticus Division: White petals with a crinkley disk. The disk color generally follows the same color scheme: green, yellow, red rim. Also fragrant with just one flower per stem.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Lemon-Cooler-300x295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Lemon-Cooler-300x295.jpg" /></a></div>
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10. The Bulbocodium Division: This is a weird hybrid division, where the flowers look like a woman wearing a hoop petticoat that fell over.<br />
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11. The Split-Cup Division: Instead of having a tea-cup, petticoat, or trumpet shaped cup, these flowers' cups have split to fall with the back petals usually at more than half the length of the back petal.<br />
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<a href="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Jodi_11b_W-PW-300x285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://daffodilusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Jodi_11b_W-PW-300x285.jpg" /></a></div>
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12. Miscellaneous Division: These flowers don't fit into the previous 11 divisions, probably because they're a hybrid between two or more different divisions.<br />
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13. The Wild Division: Narcissus as you might find them in nature.<br />
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14. The Miniature Division: Blooms tend to be less than 1.5 inches in diameter.<br />
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Narcissus are great to use in the landscape as specimens (for a little while at least, as they divide relatively quickly), mass clumpings, or even as an alternative lawn! And if you're interested, you can find daffodils that flower in early spring, or early summer. In my home landscape, you'll see daffodils from late February until early June. But keep in mind that these bulbous plants don't like to be planted in poorly-drained soil. I'd recommend planting at the top of a slope or hill, or maybe a container. Another thing to remember is that even after the flower is gone, you should leave the foliage so the plant can store up energy for next year's flowers. As this isn't very attractive, try inter-planting with a summer-flowering plant like daylilies that can mask their foliage. Like most plants, daffodils like to be fertilized, you just have to do it at the right time. If you fertilize in spring or summer, you risk burning their delicate roots. The best time to fertilize is definitely fall, because it won't damage the roots and it will boost your flower performance the next spring!<br />
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To learn more about the genus Narcissus, you should go experience some first-hand. If you take a look at the UT Gardens this spring, you will surely be able to find several of these types of daffodils. Another great way to learn more is to check out the East Tennessee Daffodil Society Show that will be in the Hollingsworth Auditorium in the Ellington Plant Sciences Building this March 15-16. Its really interesting and there are plenty of informative people to talk to about these beautiful flowers!</div>
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