LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/22/1805
The men find water flowing under the keelboat and pirogues when they break the ice surrounding the boats to keep them from being crushed by the ice. Another clear day with temperatures in the teens.
For more information concerning the Corps of Discovery.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
A wealthy playboy met a beautiful young girl in an exclusive lounge. He took her up to his lavish apartment where he soon discovered she was not a tramp, but was well groomed and apparently very intelligent.
Hoping to impress her, he began showing her his collection of expensive paintings, first editions of famous authors and offered he a glass of wine.
He asked her if she preferred Port or Sherry and she replied, "Oh Sherry by all means. To me it is the nectar of the gods, Just looking at it in a crystal-clear decanter fills me with a glorious sense of anticipation. When the stopper is removed and the gorgeous liquid is poured into my glass, I inhale the enchanting aroma and I'm lifted on the wings of ecstasy. It seems as though I'm about to drink a magic potion and my whole being begins to glow. The sounds of a thousand violins being softly played fills my ears and I am transported into another world."
"On the other hand, Port gives me gas."
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Friday, January 21, 2005
HOUSEPLANT CARE
Plants can be a wonderful addition to any home or office. They are often grown for their attractive foliage. But how do you care for these growing marvels without greenhouse conditions!
Several factors influence your success with indoor plants. The key factors for plant growth are light, temperature, humidity, and water. Take time to read about their individual requirements and then try to match their needs to your indoor setting.
• Proper Light
• Temperature
• Water Needs
• Humidity
Proper Light
Light is essential for plant growth and can be one of the most limiting factors for success with houseplants. Both the amount and the quality of light are important.
Light intensity refers to brightness and is measured in foot-candles, which is defined as the amount of light that one candle produces, measured one foot away. Outdoors, the amount of sunlight that is cast may be 10,000 - 12,000 foot-candles. Indoors, the amount of light that enters the room is only a small fraction of that amount. While most plants will perform best with bright light conditions, some plants can tolerate moderate to low light conditions.
Light intensity is measured in foot-candles and can be evaluated by using a light meter. You can also follow these general guidelines.
Low Light (75 foot candles)
North window: a few feet away; East/West window: 3-10 feet away; South window:15-20 feet away
Medium (average) Light (150 foot candles)
North window: directly in front; East/west window: a few feet away; South window: 3-10 feet away
High or Bright Light (300 foot candles)
East/west window: directly in front; South window: up to 5 feet away
Direct (1500 foot candles)
South window: directly in front
Keep in mind that light conditions change throughout the seasons. Several factors can influence your light intensity and duration. The sun is higher on the horizon in the winter (increasing the brightness indoors) and lower on the horizon in the summer (decreasing the brightness indoors); surrounding trees and shrubs may block sunlight with their leaves in summer, but allow for more light during the winter after their leaves have fallen off.
Light duration refers to the number of hours of light that falls on a plant in 24 hours. In low light conditions, plants can benefit from increasing the duration of light. Duration of 14 - 16 hours is sufficient. Do not expose plants to more than 16 hours of light since they need a rest period too. Also, be aware that flowering response in some plants is influenced by day-length and should be considered when supplementing the available light.
Light quality refers to the wavelengths of light. Plants need blue and red wavelengths for photosynthesis. For flowering, they also need infrared light.
Choosing lights
Incandescent lights: mostly red, some infrared, low blue
Fluorescent lights: vary according to manufacturer
Cool white: mostly blue, low in red
For foliage plants, using cool white fluorescent bulbs works well. For blooming plants, use incandescent or special "grow light" bulbs.
Most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 degrees and 75 degrees with night temperatures usually 5 to 10 degrees lower. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as cold and hot air blasts from windows, radiators, heating and air conditioning vents. Take special care near cold window panes too. Cold glass can damage foliage.
Temperature
Most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 degrees and 75 degrees with night temperatures usually 5 to 10 degrees lower. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as cold and hot air blasts from windows, radiators, heating and air conditioning vents. Take special care near cold window panes too. Cold glass can damage foliage.
Water Requirements
How much water a plant needs is influenced by several factors. Not only is the individual plant size and species important, but also the growing conditions. Light, temperature, humidity, container type, container size, and finally soil type all influence the speed of growth and therefore the amount of water needed.
It is best to look up individual plant types for their watering needs. Typically, you will see the following descriptions under water requirements: plants enjoy constantly moist, but not soggy wet soil; plants prefer to have soil allowed to dry moderately between waterings; or plants prefer very slightly moist soil at all times. The succulents and cacti have differing needs during their growth cycle.
Humidity
During the winter, most homes have less than 30 percent humidity and some houseplants may suffer. Humidity can be increased with a humidifier. Setting plants on pebbles in a water-filled tray increase humidity too. Make sure the pots are not sitting directly in water. Another technique is to group plants together which improves the humidity immediately surrounding them.
Misting plants does not always work. The humidity level is affected for only a short time and repeated misting is necessary. While some plants tolerate misting, other plants do not. With too much misting, the incidence of disease may increase.
Still got problems or questions about your houseplants drop us a line at GREENSCAPE GARDENS "the gardening center of the universe".
Plants can be a wonderful addition to any home or office. They are often grown for their attractive foliage. But how do you care for these growing marvels without greenhouse conditions!
Several factors influence your success with indoor plants. The key factors for plant growth are light, temperature, humidity, and water. Take time to read about their individual requirements and then try to match their needs to your indoor setting.
• Proper Light
• Temperature
• Water Needs
• Humidity
Proper Light
Light is essential for plant growth and can be one of the most limiting factors for success with houseplants. Both the amount and the quality of light are important.
Light intensity refers to brightness and is measured in foot-candles, which is defined as the amount of light that one candle produces, measured one foot away. Outdoors, the amount of sunlight that is cast may be 10,000 - 12,000 foot-candles. Indoors, the amount of light that enters the room is only a small fraction of that amount. While most plants will perform best with bright light conditions, some plants can tolerate moderate to low light conditions.
Light intensity is measured in foot-candles and can be evaluated by using a light meter. You can also follow these general guidelines.
Low Light (75 foot candles)
North window: a few feet away; East/West window: 3-10 feet away; South window:15-20 feet away
Medium (average) Light (150 foot candles)
North window: directly in front; East/west window: a few feet away; South window: 3-10 feet away
High or Bright Light (300 foot candles)
East/west window: directly in front; South window: up to 5 feet away
Direct (1500 foot candles)
South window: directly in front
Keep in mind that light conditions change throughout the seasons. Several factors can influence your light intensity and duration. The sun is higher on the horizon in the winter (increasing the brightness indoors) and lower on the horizon in the summer (decreasing the brightness indoors); surrounding trees and shrubs may block sunlight with their leaves in summer, but allow for more light during the winter after their leaves have fallen off.
Light duration refers to the number of hours of light that falls on a plant in 24 hours. In low light conditions, plants can benefit from increasing the duration of light. Duration of 14 - 16 hours is sufficient. Do not expose plants to more than 16 hours of light since they need a rest period too. Also, be aware that flowering response in some plants is influenced by day-length and should be considered when supplementing the available light.
Light quality refers to the wavelengths of light. Plants need blue and red wavelengths for photosynthesis. For flowering, they also need infrared light.
Choosing lights
Incandescent lights: mostly red, some infrared, low blue
Fluorescent lights: vary according to manufacturer
Cool white: mostly blue, low in red
For foliage plants, using cool white fluorescent bulbs works well. For blooming plants, use incandescent or special "grow light" bulbs.
Most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 degrees and 75 degrees with night temperatures usually 5 to 10 degrees lower. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as cold and hot air blasts from windows, radiators, heating and air conditioning vents. Take special care near cold window panes too. Cold glass can damage foliage.
Temperature
Most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 degrees and 75 degrees with night temperatures usually 5 to 10 degrees lower. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as cold and hot air blasts from windows, radiators, heating and air conditioning vents. Take special care near cold window panes too. Cold glass can damage foliage.
Water Requirements
How much water a plant needs is influenced by several factors. Not only is the individual plant size and species important, but also the growing conditions. Light, temperature, humidity, container type, container size, and finally soil type all influence the speed of growth and therefore the amount of water needed.
It is best to look up individual plant types for their watering needs. Typically, you will see the following descriptions under water requirements: plants enjoy constantly moist, but not soggy wet soil; plants prefer to have soil allowed to dry moderately between waterings; or plants prefer very slightly moist soil at all times. The succulents and cacti have differing needs during their growth cycle.
Humidity
During the winter, most homes have less than 30 percent humidity and some houseplants may suffer. Humidity can be increased with a humidifier. Setting plants on pebbles in a water-filled tray increase humidity too. Make sure the pots are not sitting directly in water. Another technique is to group plants together which improves the humidity immediately surrounding them.
Misting plants does not always work. The humidity level is affected for only a short time and repeated misting is necessary. While some plants tolerate misting, other plants do not. With too much misting, the incidence of disease may increase.
Still got problems or questions about your houseplants drop us a line at GREENSCAPE GARDENS "the gardening center of the universe".
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER THOUGHT OF THE DAY!
Think more.....talk less
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/21/1805
Captain Lewis and the hunters arrive at Fort Mandan with about 3,000 pounds of meat. Since the snow is so deep it takes 16 men to pull one sled that holds 2,400 pounds of meat.
Additional information concerning Lewis & Clark expedition can be found at www.lewisandclarkmo.com
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
A big-game hunter went on safari with his wife and mother-in-law.
One evening, while still deep in the jungle, the wife awoke to find her
mother gone. Rushing to her husband, she insisted on them both trying
to find her mother.
The hunter picked up his rifle, took a swig of whiskey, and started to
look for her.
In a clearing not far from the camp, they came upon a chilling sight:
the mother-in-law was backed up against a thick, impenetrable bush, and
a large male lion stood facing her.
The wife cried, "What are we going to do?"
"Nothing," said the husband. "The lion got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it."
Think more.....talk less
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/21/1805
Captain Lewis and the hunters arrive at Fort Mandan with about 3,000 pounds of meat. Since the snow is so deep it takes 16 men to pull one sled that holds 2,400 pounds of meat.
Additional information concerning Lewis & Clark expedition can be found at www.lewisandclarkmo.com
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
A big-game hunter went on safari with his wife and mother-in-law.
One evening, while still deep in the jungle, the wife awoke to find her
mother gone. Rushing to her husband, she insisted on them both trying
to find her mother.
The hunter picked up his rifle, took a swig of whiskey, and started to
look for her.
In a clearing not far from the camp, they came upon a chilling sight:
the mother-in-law was backed up against a thick, impenetrable bush, and
a large male lion stood facing her.
The wife cried, "What are we going to do?"
"Nothing," said the husband. "The lion got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it."
Thursday, January 20, 2005
MOSS PROBLEMS IN THE LAWN
Moss is a typical lawn care problem associated with shady conditions. Other causes of moss invasions, in addition to excessive shade, include compacted soils, poorly drained soils, low soil fertility, low soil pH, and poor air circulation. Moss thriving in lawns signals that grass is weak and has thinned for some reason, allowing the moss to take over.
Poor lawn care practices are another source of moss problems. General lack of care, including irregular mowing and little or no fertilizer applications are common problems leading to poor turf growth.
Adding limestone is a common "remedy" mentioned for moss control. It is highly recommended to test the soil to determine the pH level. Many soils St. Louis lawns tend to have a low pH values; adding limestone is a prerequisite to correct the situation. Ferrous ammonium sulfate ("Moss B Gone" by Fertilome) or ferric sulfate (iron sulfate) can be used to control moss to some extent. The moss will temporarily burn away, but tends to return fairly quickly. Raking out the moss with a hard rake is another option; usually followed by reseeding.
Modifying site conditions to favor lawn grasses and discourage moss is a suggested way to manage the problem. Too much shade for acceptable grass growth is a common underlying cause for moss invasion. Pruning trees and shrubs to improve air circulation and light penetration is a good starting point. Evaluate the site to assure the proper grass for the conditions is being used.
Take a good look at the soil conditions. A soil test can be helpful, as it could be the soil pH is out of line, contributing to the problem. Reduce soil compaction by core aerifying. This may also help correct drainage problems; although serious drainage problems may require more extensive work to correct. For additional information http://www.greenscapegardens.com/improving_the_soil.htm
Evaluate lawn care procedures, especially fertilizing, and adapt to the conditions, such as shade, as mentioned earlier. Lawns need adequate fertility, in particular nitrogen, but less in shade. Additional information about fertilizing.
Excessively short mowing may be a source of the moss problem; a range of two to three inches is ideal for most lawn grasses. Mow on a regular basis (based on rate of lawn growth) to avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade. Also avoid excessive watering, as this may contribute to moss problems. Water deeply and as infrequently as possible, based on lawn needs.
Sometimes its better to start from scratch and literally remove the entire moss area, add limestone, and renovate the entire area. This process is labor intensive but renovation will produce the best results.
For additional information check out our website.
Moss is a typical lawn care problem associated with shady conditions. Other causes of moss invasions, in addition to excessive shade, include compacted soils, poorly drained soils, low soil fertility, low soil pH, and poor air circulation. Moss thriving in lawns signals that grass is weak and has thinned for some reason, allowing the moss to take over.
Poor lawn care practices are another source of moss problems. General lack of care, including irregular mowing and little or no fertilizer applications are common problems leading to poor turf growth.
Adding limestone is a common "remedy" mentioned for moss control. It is highly recommended to test the soil to determine the pH level. Many soils St. Louis lawns tend to have a low pH values; adding limestone is a prerequisite to correct the situation. Ferrous ammonium sulfate ("Moss B Gone" by Fertilome) or ferric sulfate (iron sulfate) can be used to control moss to some extent. The moss will temporarily burn away, but tends to return fairly quickly. Raking out the moss with a hard rake is another option; usually followed by reseeding.
Modifying site conditions to favor lawn grasses and discourage moss is a suggested way to manage the problem. Too much shade for acceptable grass growth is a common underlying cause for moss invasion. Pruning trees and shrubs to improve air circulation and light penetration is a good starting point. Evaluate the site to assure the proper grass for the conditions is being used.
Take a good look at the soil conditions. A soil test can be helpful, as it could be the soil pH is out of line, contributing to the problem. Reduce soil compaction by core aerifying. This may also help correct drainage problems; although serious drainage problems may require more extensive work to correct. For additional information http://www.greenscapegardens.com/improving_the_soil.htm
Evaluate lawn care procedures, especially fertilizing, and adapt to the conditions, such as shade, as mentioned earlier. Lawns need adequate fertility, in particular nitrogen, but less in shade. Additional information about fertilizing.
Excessively short mowing may be a source of the moss problem; a range of two to three inches is ideal for most lawn grasses. Mow on a regular basis (based on rate of lawn growth) to avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade. Also avoid excessive watering, as this may contribute to moss problems. Water deeply and as infrequently as possible, based on lawn needs.
Sometimes its better to start from scratch and literally remove the entire moss area, add limestone, and renovate the entire area. This process is labor intensive but renovation will produce the best results.
For additional information check out our website.
BRAD LOYET STARTS FAST IN 2005
Brad Loyet is a 17 year old Junior at Lindbergh High School in suburban St. Louis. He is quickly getting a name for himself racing in several racing formats including: Micros Division; Ford Focus Division; Sprint Division, National hard surface and dirt. He started less than three years ago when he wasn't even old enough to have a Missouri Drivers license but that didn't stop him from earning a reputation has a "hard driving" racer.
Check out his website at: Bradloyet.com
Or check out this past weekend's racing in DuQuoin, Illinois at
www.usadirtracing.addr.com/
Brad Loyet is a 17 year old Junior at Lindbergh High School in suburban St. Louis. He is quickly getting a name for himself racing in several racing formats including: Micros Division; Ford Focus Division; Sprint Division, National hard surface and dirt. He started less than three years ago when he wasn't even old enough to have a Missouri Drivers license but that didn't stop him from earning a reputation has a "hard driving" racer.
Check out his website at: Bradloyet.com
Or check out this past weekend's racing in DuQuoin, Illinois at
www.usadirtracing.addr.com/
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The sunny side......of the road.
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/20/1805
Chief Little Crow visits Fort Mandan today. He tells Captain Clark that the 120 year old man that Clark befriended had died. The Mandans believe in an afterlife in a spirit village amoung friends and relatives.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY
A married couple was on a crowded elevator, the wife became increasingly furious with her husband, who was delighted to be pressed against a gorgeous blonde.
As the elevator stopped at the main floor, the blonde suddenly whirled, slapped the husband, and said, "That will teach you to pinch!"
Bewildered, he was halfway to the parking lot with his wife
when he choked, "I... I... didn't pinch that girl."
"Of course you didn't," said his wife, consolingly. "I did."
The sunny side......of the road.
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/20/1805
Chief Little Crow visits Fort Mandan today. He tells Captain Clark that the 120 year old man that Clark befriended had died. The Mandans believe in an afterlife in a spirit village amoung friends and relatives.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY
A married couple was on a crowded elevator, the wife became increasingly furious with her husband, who was delighted to be pressed against a gorgeous blonde.
As the elevator stopped at the main floor, the blonde suddenly whirled, slapped the husband, and said, "That will teach you to pinch!"
Bewildered, he was halfway to the parking lot with his wife
when he choked, "I... I... didn't pinch that girl."
"Of course you didn't," said his wife, consolingly. "I did."
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
LONG WAY ROUND...CHASING SHADOWS ACROSS THE WORLD Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman
The Old Time Sign Philosopher Book Review
An incredible journey around the world on 2 motorcycles. The adventure of over 20,000 miles started as a lark. The epic journey is written by both McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi of "Star Wars") and Boorman (Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss). Their trials and tribulations are excellently conveyed in both their triumphs over nature, machine and personal relationships.
Anyone who has ever driven a motorcycle will relive some of their own adventures in this travel saga including troublesome situations, impassable rivers, non-existent roads, language barriers and lousy weather. What made these two cyclists go on was the rewarding, once in a lifetime, experience of breathtaking scenery and delightful (colorful) people along the journey.
This action packed real life drama is more than just a travel book. "Long Way Round" ranks up with Jim Roger's "Investment Biker".
The Old Time Sign Philosopher enthusiastically endorses this book. "Long Way Round" is a travelogue must.
For additional information concerning "Long Way Round" check out these two websites:
http://www.longwayround.com and http://www.bravotv.com/Long_Way_Round/
The Old Time Sign Philosopher Book Review
An incredible journey around the world on 2 motorcycles. The adventure of over 20,000 miles started as a lark. The epic journey is written by both McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi of "Star Wars") and Boorman (Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss). Their trials and tribulations are excellently conveyed in both their triumphs over nature, machine and personal relationships.
Anyone who has ever driven a motorcycle will relive some of their own adventures in this travel saga including troublesome situations, impassable rivers, non-existent roads, language barriers and lousy weather. What made these two cyclists go on was the rewarding, once in a lifetime, experience of breathtaking scenery and delightful (colorful) people along the journey.
This action packed real life drama is more than just a travel book. "Long Way Round" ranks up with Jim Roger's "Investment Biker".
The Old Time Sign Philosopher enthusiastically endorses this book. "Long Way Round" is a travelogue must.
For additional information concerning "Long Way Round" check out these two websites:
http://www.longwayround.com and http://www.bravotv.com/Long_Way_Round/
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS OF THE DAY!
Use your Mastercard.....to pay off your Visa
Please standby.....Experiencing......Technical Difficulties
(optical illusion on sign since it was on Marquee backwards)
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/19/1805
The men from the Northwest Trading Company go to the Hidatsa villages. The captains send three horses to help pick up meat from the hunting camp.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
Little Bobby was eating breakfast and asked his mom, "Mommy, why doesn't daddy have much hair?"
"He thinks a lot," replied his mother, pleased with herself for coming up with a good answer to her husband's baldness.
Or she was until Bobby thought for a second and asked, "So why do you have so much hair?"
Use your Mastercard.....to pay off your Visa
Please standby.....Experiencing......Technical Difficulties
(optical illusion on sign since it was on Marquee backwards)
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/19/1805
The men from the Northwest Trading Company go to the Hidatsa villages. The captains send three horses to help pick up meat from the hunting camp.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
Little Bobby was eating breakfast and asked his mom, "Mommy, why doesn't daddy have much hair?"
"He thinks a lot," replied his mother, pleased with herself for coming up with a good answer to her husband's baldness.
Or she was until Bobby thought for a second and asked, "So why do you have so much hair?"
GROUNDCOVERS FOR SHADE
Tired of fighting that losing battle to maintain grass in shaded areas. After reseeding that shady area three times in one year, be smart and throw in the towel. There are better ways to keep your landscape inviting and the answer is simple. Groundcovers.
There are several varieties of groundcovers available for shade areas. Shade groundcovers may offer an alternative to turfgrasses in shade areas, but they are not 100% foolproof. Poor soil drainage can cause problems for several species. Some maintenance is required to establish and maintain the groundcover. The following list outlines some of the better groundcover choices for shade areas. Common names are provided, followed by Latin names.
Goutweed Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
Persistent, weedy groundcover that spreads via underground rhizomes. It tolerates many soil conditions, deep shade to full-sun, although foliage may scorch in full-sun. Best to plant in contained areas to avoid becoming evasive; cultivar 'Variegatum' most desirable.
Buglewood Ajuga reptans
Low-growing, attractive foliage, spreads via above ground stolons. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in heavy shade to full-sun; protect from winter winds. Cultivars vary in both flower and foliage color.
Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis
Forms thick carpet of upright leaves, spreads rapidly via rhizomes, very adaptable but does best in well-drained soils, partial to full shade. May crowd out delicate plants. Large quantities of roots and rhizomes are poisonous. Fragrant flowers are very popular.
Purpleleaf Wintercreeper Euonymus Euonymus fortunei 'Colorata'
Readily roots into soil as it creeps along. Heavy shade to full-sun, prefers well-drained soils. Protect from winter winds. Scale can be a problem.
Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum
Delicate deciduous groundcover that forms uniform mat of bright green, persistent foliage. Small, white flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in medium to deep shade.
Hosta, Plantain Lily Hosta species
Large group of hardy, dependable plants with bold, decorative foliage forming neat, circular clumps. Plants spread slowly via short rhizomes. Adaptable, best in open shade. Some have showy, lily-like flowers. Leaf burn problems in sun. Slugs are common problem but are easily controlled.
Japanese Spurge Pachysandra terminalis
Neat, uniform, evergreen groundcover that spreads via rhizomes to form dense mat. Best in shade, well-drained soils. Protect from winter winds. Potential pest or disease problems if stressed.
Common Periwinkle Vinca minor
Trailing, vinelike evergreen groundcover that roots as it creeps along. Grows in fairly heavy shade to full-sun; although foliage tends to be deeper green and glossier in the shade. Protect from winter wind and sun. Disease problems occur with poor soil drainage and poor air movement.
Woodland Natives (various species)
A wide variety of woodland plants, such as ferns, and trilliums may also be used in areas where turf will not grow or is not desired.
Another suggestion for shade areas is to use a combination of shade tolerant shrubbery in the area. For additional information check Greenscape Gardens shrubbery for shade.
Tired of fighting that losing battle to maintain grass in shaded areas. After reseeding that shady area three times in one year, be smart and throw in the towel. There are better ways to keep your landscape inviting and the answer is simple. Groundcovers.
There are several varieties of groundcovers available for shade areas. Shade groundcovers may offer an alternative to turfgrasses in shade areas, but they are not 100% foolproof. Poor soil drainage can cause problems for several species. Some maintenance is required to establish and maintain the groundcover. The following list outlines some of the better groundcover choices for shade areas. Common names are provided, followed by Latin names.
Goutweed Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
Persistent, weedy groundcover that spreads via underground rhizomes. It tolerates many soil conditions, deep shade to full-sun, although foliage may scorch in full-sun. Best to plant in contained areas to avoid becoming evasive; cultivar 'Variegatum' most desirable.
Buglewood Ajuga reptans
Low-growing, attractive foliage, spreads via above ground stolons. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in heavy shade to full-sun; protect from winter winds. Cultivars vary in both flower and foliage color.
Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis
Forms thick carpet of upright leaves, spreads rapidly via rhizomes, very adaptable but does best in well-drained soils, partial to full shade. May crowd out delicate plants. Large quantities of roots and rhizomes are poisonous. Fragrant flowers are very popular.
Purpleleaf Wintercreeper Euonymus Euonymus fortunei 'Colorata'
Readily roots into soil as it creeps along. Heavy shade to full-sun, prefers well-drained soils. Protect from winter winds. Scale can be a problem.
Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum
Delicate deciduous groundcover that forms uniform mat of bright green, persistent foliage. Small, white flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in medium to deep shade.
Hosta, Plantain Lily Hosta species
Large group of hardy, dependable plants with bold, decorative foliage forming neat, circular clumps. Plants spread slowly via short rhizomes. Adaptable, best in open shade. Some have showy, lily-like flowers. Leaf burn problems in sun. Slugs are common problem but are easily controlled.
Japanese Spurge Pachysandra terminalis
Neat, uniform, evergreen groundcover that spreads via rhizomes to form dense mat. Best in shade, well-drained soils. Protect from winter winds. Potential pest or disease problems if stressed.
Common Periwinkle Vinca minor
Trailing, vinelike evergreen groundcover that roots as it creeps along. Grows in fairly heavy shade to full-sun; although foliage tends to be deeper green and glossier in the shade. Protect from winter wind and sun. Disease problems occur with poor soil drainage and poor air movement.
Woodland Natives (various species)
A wide variety of woodland plants, such as ferns, and trilliums may also be used in areas where turf will not grow or is not desired.
Another suggestion for shade areas is to use a combination of shade tolerant shrubbery in the area. For additional information check Greenscape Gardens shrubbery for shade.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!
Buy now.....avoid spring rush
Patience.....the art of hoping
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/18/1805
Larocque and McKenzie of the Northwest Trading Company come to visit along with some Hidatsas Indians. The temperature was in the single digits all day.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
Grandpa was celebrating his 100th birthday and everybody complimented him on how athletic and well preserved he appeared.
"I will tell you the secret of my success," he cackled. "My wife and I were married 75 years ago. On our wedding night, we made a solemn pledge."
"Whenever we had a fight, the one who was proved wrong would go outside and take a walk." he explained.
"Gentlemen," he said, "I have been walking in the open air day after day for some 75 years now."
Buy now.....avoid spring rush
Patience.....the art of hoping
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/18/1805
Larocque and McKenzie of the Northwest Trading Company come to visit along with some Hidatsas Indians. The temperature was in the single digits all day.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
Grandpa was celebrating his 100th birthday and everybody complimented him on how athletic and well preserved he appeared.
"I will tell you the secret of my success," he cackled. "My wife and I were married 75 years ago. On our wedding night, we made a solemn pledge."
"Whenever we had a fight, the one who was proved wrong would go outside and take a walk." he explained.
"Gentlemen," he said, "I have been walking in the open air day after day for some 75 years now."
Monday, January 17, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
Bill your doctor.....for waiting room time
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LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/17/1805
The wind blows hard and the temperatures stay at zero. A chief tells the captains that he is going to war against the Shoshones in the spring and would steal many horses. The Shoshones are the tribe that the corps hopes to trade for horses for their mountain trek. Captain Clark lectures him on how such a move would upset the "great father", and the chief says he won't go since he already has alot of horses.
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GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
At a nursing home in Florida, a group of senior citizens were sitting around talking about their aches and pains. "My arms are so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee," said one.
"I know what you mean. My cataracts are so bad I can't even see my coffee," replied another.
"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said a third.
"My blood pressure pills make me dizzy," another contributed.
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man.
Then there was a short moment of silence. "Thank God we can all still drive," said one woman cheerfully
Bill your doctor.....for waiting room time
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 01/17/1805
The wind blows hard and the temperatures stay at zero. A chief tells the captains that he is going to war against the Shoshones in the spring and would steal many horses. The Shoshones are the tribe that the corps hopes to trade for horses for their mountain trek. Captain Clark lectures him on how such a move would upset the "great father", and the chief says he won't go since he already has alot of horses.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
GREENSCAPE GARDENS HUMOR OF THE DAY!
At a nursing home in Florida, a group of senior citizens were sitting around talking about their aches and pains. "My arms are so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee," said one.
"I know what you mean. My cataracts are so bad I can't even see my coffee," replied another.
"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said a third.
"My blood pressure pills make me dizzy," another contributed.
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man.
Then there was a short moment of silence. "Thank God we can all still drive," said one woman cheerfully
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