2007 PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR AT GREENSCAPE GARDENS
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year to Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’. Introduced in 1988 in Europe, Walker’s Low catmint has become increasingly popular with each passing year due to its lovely blue-violet flowers and its long bloom time, attractive grey-green foliage, ease of propagation, lack of pest or disease problems, and low maintenance requirements.
*Hardiness - USDA Zones 3 to 8
*Size - 30 to 36 inches tall and wide. Walker’s Low is named for a garden and the name is not related to plant size
*Light - Best in full sun, but can tolerate shade in hot climates
*Soil - Prefers well drained soil and neutral pH
*Uses - Good companion plant for early and late blooming plants. Great for perennial borders, but can be used in herb gardens, rock gardens, as a ground cover, or as a container plant.
*Unique Qualities - Will bloom continuously throughout the season if properly pruned. Great for attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, but is deer and rabbit resistant. Leaves release a wonderful aroma when crushed.
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
CHERISH YOUTH......& TRUST OLD AGE
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
WHEN IN DOUBT......MUMBLE
Sorry folks, but its been quite some time since the last blogs. The weather in St. Louis is supposed to be the coldest of the year. It will probably get down to 5 degrees tonight. The BIG NEWS is the renovation work at the garden center. Coming in the spring of 2007 will be a new and improved greenhouse at Greenscape Gardens. Every year we have undertaken a new project to further improve the ambiance at Greenscape Gardens and this year's project is awesome. Pictures of the completed project will be forthcoming.
WHEN IN DOUBT......MUMBLE
Sorry folks, but its been quite some time since the last blogs. The weather in St. Louis is supposed to be the coldest of the year. It will probably get down to 5 degrees tonight. The BIG NEWS is the renovation work at the garden center. Coming in the spring of 2007 will be a new and improved greenhouse at Greenscape Gardens. Every year we have undertaken a new project to further improve the ambiance at Greenscape Gardens and this year's project is awesome. Pictures of the completed project will be forthcoming.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
VEGETABLE GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS AND EVEN THE EXPERIENCED GARDENER.
Spring has sprung in the St. Louis area, and many gardening novices are making their first treks into the garden center with tons of questions. Many of the questions and statements are in regards to their neighbor's garden. They "turn green with envy" while admiring the neighbor's garden but don't think their thumb is green enough? My typical answer is anyone can develop a green thumb, as long as you're willing to invest a little time, patience and BLISTERS.
Good planning is essential to successful gardening. Start your garden off right by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Check the site for good drainage by making sure water doesn't tend to stand after a rain or irrigation. Try to steer clear of trees and shrubs that will compete with your garden plants for water, light and nutrients.
Once you've selected your site, sketch your plans on paper. Decide how big the garden will be, what crops you want to grow and where to place them. Beginners have a tendency to go overboard, not realizing how much work lies ahead. It's best to start out small and gradually add to your patch each year as needed. A 100-square-foot plot should be plenty for your first venture. Many different vegetables will produce well in St. Louis. Most new gardeners start out by picking up a few seed packets at the garden center.
Before heading out to the garden to plant, you'll need to gather some tools and properly prepare the soil. A hoe, rake, spade, sprinkler, string and stakes are about the minimum tool supply you'll need. It's a good idea to have your soil tested as early as possible to learn how much of what kind of fertilizer to apply.
Next, you should prepare a good planting bed, but make sure the soil has dried sufficiently before you work it. Working wet soil will damage the soil's structure. Squeeze a handful of soil, and if it crumbles away easily, it's ready. If it sticks together in a muddy ball, you'd better hold off. When it's ready, work the soil at least 6 inches deep. The best recommendation is to add some soil amendments to our lousy clay soil. Compost or manure tilled into the garden will make your first garden a success. Then rake the soil surface level. Most seed packages will list planting directions such as depth and spacing. When setting out transplants, be sure to dig a hole larger than the soil ball of the plant to aid root establishment. Most transplants are sold in containers that must be removed before planting. Score the sides of the transplants to encourage the roots to expand out of its previous packaged size. Transplants dry out and wilt rapidly, so be sure to get those transplants watered thoroughly as soon as possible.
The job doesn't end with planting. There are always weeds, insects and diseases to battle. There are numerous cultural types of controls and preventive measures along with chemicals. No one chemical will control all problems on all crops, so you'll need to identify your problem correctly and then choose the proper control. Your first garden will be a learning experience, the knowledge and fruits (vegetables) will be well worth the sweat and blisters. Good Luck!
Spring has sprung in the St. Louis area, and many gardening novices are making their first treks into the garden center with tons of questions. Many of the questions and statements are in regards to their neighbor's garden. They "turn green with envy" while admiring the neighbor's garden but don't think their thumb is green enough? My typical answer is anyone can develop a green thumb, as long as you're willing to invest a little time, patience and BLISTERS.
Good planning is essential to successful gardening. Start your garden off right by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Check the site for good drainage by making sure water doesn't tend to stand after a rain or irrigation. Try to steer clear of trees and shrubs that will compete with your garden plants for water, light and nutrients.
Once you've selected your site, sketch your plans on paper. Decide how big the garden will be, what crops you want to grow and where to place them. Beginners have a tendency to go overboard, not realizing how much work lies ahead. It's best to start out small and gradually add to your patch each year as needed. A 100-square-foot plot should be plenty for your first venture. Many different vegetables will produce well in St. Louis. Most new gardeners start out by picking up a few seed packets at the garden center.
Before heading out to the garden to plant, you'll need to gather some tools and properly prepare the soil. A hoe, rake, spade, sprinkler, string and stakes are about the minimum tool supply you'll need. It's a good idea to have your soil tested as early as possible to learn how much of what kind of fertilizer to apply.
Next, you should prepare a good planting bed, but make sure the soil has dried sufficiently before you work it. Working wet soil will damage the soil's structure. Squeeze a handful of soil, and if it crumbles away easily, it's ready. If it sticks together in a muddy ball, you'd better hold off. When it's ready, work the soil at least 6 inches deep. The best recommendation is to add some soil amendments to our lousy clay soil. Compost or manure tilled into the garden will make your first garden a success. Then rake the soil surface level. Most seed packages will list planting directions such as depth and spacing. When setting out transplants, be sure to dig a hole larger than the soil ball of the plant to aid root establishment. Most transplants are sold in containers that must be removed before planting. Score the sides of the transplants to encourage the roots to expand out of its previous packaged size. Transplants dry out and wilt rapidly, so be sure to get those transplants watered thoroughly as soon as possible.
The job doesn't end with planting. There are always weeds, insects and diseases to battle. There are numerous cultural types of controls and preventive measures along with chemicals. No one chemical will control all problems on all crops, so you'll need to identify your problem correctly and then choose the proper control. Your first garden will be a learning experience, the knowledge and fruits (vegetables) will be well worth the sweat and blisters. Good Luck!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Here Comes Cherry Blossom Season
Japan: It’s cherry blossom time—in Japan and at other northern latitudes where the snowy-flowered plants are cultivated. The renowned trees are under close scrutiny in Tokyo and in Washington, D.C., where bloom experts are keeping a close eye on the genus Prunus right now.
In Japan, Eishin Murakata has a pleasant, relaxing job. In springtime, he strolls every day to the same cherry tree in central Tokyo and gazes at the boughs. When he spots a full bud on the verge of blossoming, he snaps a photograph.
But Murakata is also on edge. An employee of Japan’s Meteorological Agency, his annual quest is to determine the official opening of Tokyo’s hallowed cherry blossom season — and this year the competition is closing in.
“I have to look very carefully so I won’t miss anything,” he said one recent afternoon as he examined the agency’s main benchmark tree at a Tokyo shrine. “Our mission is so important I don’t have time to enjoy the flowers when we spot them.”
The cherry blossom is the ultimate emblem of Japanese culture. Delicate, elegant and ephemeral, the pink flowers have inspired poets, philosophers and even soldiers for centuries — and served as an aesthetic pretext for all-out parties under the trees.
So it’s easy to imagine the outrage among the super-punctual Japanese last year when the Meteorological Agency predicted the blossoms would open four days earlier than they actually did — triggering a wave of angry calls for greater accuracy.
The foul-up by the agency — the long established standard-bearer for forecasts of the cherry blossom “front” as it moves up the archipelago — has brought upstart weather services to the fore in a heated competition for the most accurate predictions.
“Who will get the right answer?” nationwide newspaper Yomiuri asked in March in a front-page article, comparing two conflicting forecasts. “Soon we’ll find out.”
Washington, D.C.:
Delicate yet showy, Washington, D.C.’s cherry trees are usually in high bloom by early April. The mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 trees to the U.S. capitol in 1912. These specimens are putting their show on by the Potomac River.
The calls begin for Robert DeFeo on the first warm day in January. When will the cherry blossoms be at their glorious best?
It’s DeFeo’s job to know. He’s the National Park Service’s chief horticulturist for the Washington, D.C., region, and the nation’s capital is home to what is probably the biggest cherry blossom celebration outside Japan. It runs from March 25 through April 9.
There’s a lot hanging on DeFeo’s prediction. Festival goers time their visits to when the blossoms around the city’s Tidal Basin are most stunning. Restaurants offer cherry-themed meals and drinks; hotels have special packages. They want to hear that the peak will be on a weekend, when more people can come out.
The blossom period is “short but sweet,’’ said the 50-year- old DeFeo, who isn’t ready to give his prediction of the peak—when at least 70 percent of the trees will be in full bloom—just yet. Maybe later.
This all goes back to 1912, when the mayor of Tokyo gave Washington 3,000 cherry trees, mostly of the Yoshino variety, as a symbol of “the continued close relationship’’ between the countries, according to the festival’s Web site. The city now has 3,750 cherry trees, including 125 of the originals, the park service’s DeFeo says. The festival itself began in 1935 and became a two-week event in 1994.
St. Louis:
The cherries are just about ready to burst into color. Now is the best time to purchase a cherry tree and plant it in your yard. Have your own "Cherry Blossom Festival".
Japan: It’s cherry blossom time—in Japan and at other northern latitudes where the snowy-flowered plants are cultivated. The renowned trees are under close scrutiny in Tokyo and in Washington, D.C., where bloom experts are keeping a close eye on the genus Prunus right now.
In Japan, Eishin Murakata has a pleasant, relaxing job. In springtime, he strolls every day to the same cherry tree in central Tokyo and gazes at the boughs. When he spots a full bud on the verge of blossoming, he snaps a photograph.
But Murakata is also on edge. An employee of Japan’s Meteorological Agency, his annual quest is to determine the official opening of Tokyo’s hallowed cherry blossom season — and this year the competition is closing in.
“I have to look very carefully so I won’t miss anything,” he said one recent afternoon as he examined the agency’s main benchmark tree at a Tokyo shrine. “Our mission is so important I don’t have time to enjoy the flowers when we spot them.”
The cherry blossom is the ultimate emblem of Japanese culture. Delicate, elegant and ephemeral, the pink flowers have inspired poets, philosophers and even soldiers for centuries — and served as an aesthetic pretext for all-out parties under the trees.
So it’s easy to imagine the outrage among the super-punctual Japanese last year when the Meteorological Agency predicted the blossoms would open four days earlier than they actually did — triggering a wave of angry calls for greater accuracy.
The foul-up by the agency — the long established standard-bearer for forecasts of the cherry blossom “front” as it moves up the archipelago — has brought upstart weather services to the fore in a heated competition for the most accurate predictions.
“Who will get the right answer?” nationwide newspaper Yomiuri asked in March in a front-page article, comparing two conflicting forecasts. “Soon we’ll find out.”
Washington, D.C.:
Delicate yet showy, Washington, D.C.’s cherry trees are usually in high bloom by early April. The mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 trees to the U.S. capitol in 1912. These specimens are putting their show on by the Potomac River.
The calls begin for Robert DeFeo on the first warm day in January. When will the cherry blossoms be at their glorious best?
It’s DeFeo’s job to know. He’s the National Park Service’s chief horticulturist for the Washington, D.C., region, and the nation’s capital is home to what is probably the biggest cherry blossom celebration outside Japan. It runs from March 25 through April 9.
There’s a lot hanging on DeFeo’s prediction. Festival goers time their visits to when the blossoms around the city’s Tidal Basin are most stunning. Restaurants offer cherry-themed meals and drinks; hotels have special packages. They want to hear that the peak will be on a weekend, when more people can come out.
The blossom period is “short but sweet,’’ said the 50-year- old DeFeo, who isn’t ready to give his prediction of the peak—when at least 70 percent of the trees will be in full bloom—just yet. Maybe later.
This all goes back to 1912, when the mayor of Tokyo gave Washington 3,000 cherry trees, mostly of the Yoshino variety, as a symbol of “the continued close relationship’’ between the countries, according to the festival’s Web site. The city now has 3,750 cherry trees, including 125 of the originals, the park service’s DeFeo says. The festival itself began in 1935 and became a two-week event in 1994.
St. Louis:
The cherries are just about ready to burst into color. Now is the best time to purchase a cherry tree and plant it in your yard. Have your own "Cherry Blossom Festival".
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
PLANTS OF MERIT PROGRAM ASSISTS HOME GARDENING SUCCESS
(ST. LOUIS): Gardeners choosing plants for their gardens this year should first consider the Missouri Botanical Garden's dependable, recommended "Plants of Merit." Fifty-five selections have been named for 2006, including several first-time additions. Each has proven to be outstanding and reliable in the lower Midwest growing region, USDA zones five and six.
Established in 1999, the Plants of Merit program has quickly become an industry model among comprehensive plant recognition programs, focused on regionally promoting ecologically responsible diversity. The program, established by the Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening in partnership with Powell Gardens and the University of Missouri Extension, shares expert industry knowledge of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines with home gardeners. Plant selections are dependable performers yet often underutilized by home gardeners because limited information about them is available.
"With Plants of Merit, a homeowner can save both money and time," said Mary Ann Fink, program coordinator. "The program assists gardeners in creating a pretty garden or landscape that can be easily managed without chemicals and extra work."
Each year Plants of Merit sponsors - including industry professionals and associates, institutional representatives and the gardening community - present a consulting committee with a variety of plants for possible inclusion in the list. The committee compiles the final Plants of Merit selections by focusing on what makes a quality plant. Selections are considered "good neighbor plants" for being attractive, disease and pest resistant, and non-invasive, therefore promoting responsible diversity. Plants' performances are observed for two to five years, depending on category, in order to determine their reliability. Pictures, descriptions and information on growing conditions are including in the Plants of Merit resource guide. Once plants have gained mainstream recognition and appeal, they are graduated to emeritus standing.
Among several new additions to the 2006 Plants of Merit guide is Elephant ear (Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger'), an annual with large tropical green foliage, providing a perfect contrast with ferns and hostas. It thrives in partial shade, with leaves that grow up to 30 inches in length on plants that grow between three and four feet tall.
The 2006 guide also notes several habitat plants or selections that are attractive to wildlife. Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), for example, is an annual from the morning glory family that makes a superb cover for fences and trellises, growing between four to six feet long and potentially reaching up to 10 feet long. Its tubular scarlet flowers are magnets for hummingbirds. The Seven-son flower tree, (Heptacodium miconiodies) is a small ornamental increasing in popularity for its fragrant clusters of white flowers that bloom from late August to late September. By flowering at a young age, the tree offers butterflies a reliable nectar source year after year. Flowers are followed by a showy display of purplish-red fruits, offering multiple seasons of interest.
Today, the Plants of Merit program is financially sponsored by 60 green community members, including retail nursery and garden centers. The 2006 guide can be purchased for $2 from the Kemper Center or the Garden Gate Shop of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis, or from any program sponsor. View the guide free of charge online at www.plantsofmerit.org.
For more information on the Plants of Merit program, including how a community or group can earn a Merit Garden Recognition, call Mary Ann Fink at (314) 577-9443.
Greenscape Gardens has a majority of the available 'Plants of Merit'. We also proudly display many of the varieties in our permanent display gardens along Dougherty Ferry and also along Barrett Station Rd.
(ST. LOUIS): Gardeners choosing plants for their gardens this year should first consider the Missouri Botanical Garden's dependable, recommended "Plants of Merit." Fifty-five selections have been named for 2006, including several first-time additions. Each has proven to be outstanding and reliable in the lower Midwest growing region, USDA zones five and six.
Established in 1999, the Plants of Merit program has quickly become an industry model among comprehensive plant recognition programs, focused on regionally promoting ecologically responsible diversity. The program, established by the Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening in partnership with Powell Gardens and the University of Missouri Extension, shares expert industry knowledge of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines with home gardeners. Plant selections are dependable performers yet often underutilized by home gardeners because limited information about them is available.
"With Plants of Merit, a homeowner can save both money and time," said Mary Ann Fink, program coordinator. "The program assists gardeners in creating a pretty garden or landscape that can be easily managed without chemicals and extra work."
Each year Plants of Merit sponsors - including industry professionals and associates, institutional representatives and the gardening community - present a consulting committee with a variety of plants for possible inclusion in the list. The committee compiles the final Plants of Merit selections by focusing on what makes a quality plant. Selections are considered "good neighbor plants" for being attractive, disease and pest resistant, and non-invasive, therefore promoting responsible diversity. Plants' performances are observed for two to five years, depending on category, in order to determine their reliability. Pictures, descriptions and information on growing conditions are including in the Plants of Merit resource guide. Once plants have gained mainstream recognition and appeal, they are graduated to emeritus standing.
Among several new additions to the 2006 Plants of Merit guide is Elephant ear (Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger'), an annual with large tropical green foliage, providing a perfect contrast with ferns and hostas. It thrives in partial shade, with leaves that grow up to 30 inches in length on plants that grow between three and four feet tall.
The 2006 guide also notes several habitat plants or selections that are attractive to wildlife. Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), for example, is an annual from the morning glory family that makes a superb cover for fences and trellises, growing between four to six feet long and potentially reaching up to 10 feet long. Its tubular scarlet flowers are magnets for hummingbirds. The Seven-son flower tree, (Heptacodium miconiodies) is a small ornamental increasing in popularity for its fragrant clusters of white flowers that bloom from late August to late September. By flowering at a young age, the tree offers butterflies a reliable nectar source year after year. Flowers are followed by a showy display of purplish-red fruits, offering multiple seasons of interest.
Today, the Plants of Merit program is financially sponsored by 60 green community members, including retail nursery and garden centers. The 2006 guide can be purchased for $2 from the Kemper Center or the Garden Gate Shop of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis, or from any program sponsor. View the guide free of charge online at www.plantsofmerit.org.
For more information on the Plants of Merit program, including how a community or group can earn a Merit Garden Recognition, call Mary Ann Fink at (314) 577-9443.
Greenscape Gardens has a majority of the available 'Plants of Merit'. We also proudly display many of the varieties in our permanent display gardens along Dougherty Ferry and also along Barrett Station Rd.
(ST. LOUIS): Gardeners choosing plants for their gardens this year should first consider the Missouri Botanical Garden's dependable, recommended "Plants of Merit." Fifty-five selections have been named for 2006, including several first-time additions. Each has proven to be outstanding and reliable in the lower Midwest growing region, USDA zones five and six.
Established in 1999, the Plants of Merit program has quickly become an industry model among comprehensive plant recognition programs, focused on regionally promoting ecologically responsible diversity. The program, established by the Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening in partnership with Powell Gardens and the University of Missouri Extension, shares expert industry knowledge of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines with home gardeners. Plant selections are dependable performers yet often underutilized by home gardeners because limited information about them is available.
"With Plants of Merit, a homeowner can save both money and time," said Mary Ann Fink, program coordinator. "The program assists gardeners in creating a pretty garden or landscape that can be easily managed without chemicals and extra work."
Each year Plants of Merit sponsors - including industry professionals and associates, institutional representatives and the gardening community - present a consulting committee with a variety of plants for possible inclusion in the list. The committee compiles the final Plants of Merit selections by focusing on what makes a quality plant. Selections are considered "good neighbor plants" for being attractive, disease and pest resistant, and non-invasive, therefore promoting responsible diversity. Plants' performances are observed for two to five years, depending on category, in order to determine their reliability. Pictures, descriptions and information on growing conditions are including in the Plants of Merit resource guide. Once plants have gained mainstream recognition and appeal, they are graduated to emeritus standing.
Among several new additions to the 2006 Plants of Merit guide is Elephant ear (Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger'), an annual with large tropical green foliage, providing a perfect contrast with ferns and hostas. It thrives in partial shade, with leaves that grow up to 30 inches in length on plants that grow between three and four feet tall.
The 2006 guide also notes several habitat plants or selections that are attractive to wildlife. Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), for example, is an annual from the morning glory family that makes a superb cover for fences and trellises, growing between four to six feet long and potentially reaching up to 10 feet long. Its tubular scarlet flowers are magnets for hummingbirds. The Seven-son flower tree, (Heptacodium miconiodies) is a small ornamental increasing in popularity for its fragrant clusters of white flowers that bloom from late August to late September. By flowering at a young age, the tree offers butterflies a reliable nectar source year after year. Flowers are followed by a showy display of purplish-red fruits, offering multiple seasons of interest.
Today, the Plants of Merit program is financially sponsored by 60 green community members, including retail nursery and garden centers. The 2006 guide can be purchased for $2 from the Kemper Center or the Garden Gate Shop of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis, or from any program sponsor. View the guide free of charge online at www.plantsofmerit.org.
For more information on the Plants of Merit program, including how a community or group can earn a Merit Garden Recognition, call Mary Ann Fink at (314) 577-9443.
Greenscape Gardens has a majority of the available 'Plants of Merit'. We also proudly display many of the varieties in our permanent display gardens along Dougherty Ferry and also along Barrett Station Rd.
Established in 1999, the Plants of Merit program has quickly become an industry model among comprehensive plant recognition programs, focused on regionally promoting ecologically responsible diversity. The program, established by the Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening in partnership with Powell Gardens and the University of Missouri Extension, shares expert industry knowledge of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines with home gardeners. Plant selections are dependable performers yet often underutilized by home gardeners because limited information about them is available.
"With Plants of Merit, a homeowner can save both money and time," said Mary Ann Fink, program coordinator. "The program assists gardeners in creating a pretty garden or landscape that can be easily managed without chemicals and extra work."
Each year Plants of Merit sponsors - including industry professionals and associates, institutional representatives and the gardening community - present a consulting committee with a variety of plants for possible inclusion in the list. The committee compiles the final Plants of Merit selections by focusing on what makes a quality plant. Selections are considered "good neighbor plants" for being attractive, disease and pest resistant, and non-invasive, therefore promoting responsible diversity. Plants' performances are observed for two to five years, depending on category, in order to determine their reliability. Pictures, descriptions and information on growing conditions are including in the Plants of Merit resource guide. Once plants have gained mainstream recognition and appeal, they are graduated to emeritus standing.
Among several new additions to the 2006 Plants of Merit guide is Elephant ear (Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger'), an annual with large tropical green foliage, providing a perfect contrast with ferns and hostas. It thrives in partial shade, with leaves that grow up to 30 inches in length on plants that grow between three and four feet tall.
The 2006 guide also notes several habitat plants or selections that are attractive to wildlife. Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), for example, is an annual from the morning glory family that makes a superb cover for fences and trellises, growing between four to six feet long and potentially reaching up to 10 feet long. Its tubular scarlet flowers are magnets for hummingbirds. The Seven-son flower tree, (Heptacodium miconiodies) is a small ornamental increasing in popularity for its fragrant clusters of white flowers that bloom from late August to late September. By flowering at a young age, the tree offers butterflies a reliable nectar source year after year. Flowers are followed by a showy display of purplish-red fruits, offering multiple seasons of interest.
Today, the Plants of Merit program is financially sponsored by 60 green community members, including retail nursery and garden centers. The 2006 guide can be purchased for $2 from the Kemper Center or the Garden Gate Shop of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis, or from any program sponsor. View the guide free of charge online at www.plantsofmerit.org.
For more information on the Plants of Merit program, including how a community or group can earn a Merit Garden Recognition, call Mary Ann Fink at (314) 577-9443.
Greenscape Gardens has a majority of the available 'Plants of Merit'. We also proudly display many of the varieties in our permanent display gardens along Dougherty Ferry and also along Barrett Station Rd.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE.
Science has spent billions of money on research to tell us something we've all known for years that the best medicine is laughter. Reader's Digest has been advocating this philosophy in their monthly column for fifty years. Greenscape Gardens has been advocating this same principle with the Old Sign Philosophy sayings for thirteen years.
Our thought provoking MARQUEE SIGN has entertained the west county motorists. Check out the Old Sign Philosophy.
Science has spent billions of money on research to tell us something we've all known for years that the best medicine is laughter. Reader's Digest has been advocating this philosophy in their monthly column for fifty years. Greenscape Gardens has been advocating this same principle with the Old Sign Philosophy sayings for thirteen years.
Our thought provoking MARQUEE SIGN has entertained the west county motorists. Check out the Old Sign Philosophy.
ORGANIC GARDENING-------THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
For every problem that may arise in your garden, there’s a green, organic solution. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, which may leach into and contaminate the soil and groundwater, use these time-tested, organic methods. And remember, the best organic practice is prevention-healthy soil and healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Keep your soil healthy by adding lots of organic matter, in the form of compost, throughout the growing season. Compost contributes to the health of the soil by supplying nutrients, improving soil texture and drainage, conserving soil moisture and encouraging earthworms and soil microorganisms.
Keep your plants healthy by making sure they’re not too crowded and that they’re getting the proper amount of water (neither too much nor too little). Divide over-crowded plants and plant divisions in another spot in your garden-or give them to friends. Hand-pull weeds when they first appear, before they go to seed. By dealing with weeds immediately, you’ll save lots of time later.
Inspect your plants regularly, and at the first sign of insect infestation, learn to identify what particular creature is affecting your plant. (Not all bugs are bad! Many are beneficial.) For a good all-purpose, organic spray to control insects, mix 1 whole garlic bulb, a generous pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 litre of water in a blender. Mix thoroughly, let the solids settle, and then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray on the leaves (tops and undersides) and stems of insect-infested plants. You can also use a commercially available organic insecticidal soap, such as Safer’s.
Birds eat bugs. Attract birds to your garden to reduce insect activity. Remove diseased plants from the garden, and clean your tools regularly. Consider companion planting in the vegetable garden to keep pests to a minimum. For example, plant marigolds around the tomato patch-the marigolds’ strong smell repels insects.
For every problem that may arise in your garden, there’s a green, organic solution. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, which may leach into and contaminate the soil and groundwater, use these time-tested, organic methods. And remember, the best organic practice is prevention-healthy soil and healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Keep your soil healthy by adding lots of organic matter, in the form of compost, throughout the growing season. Compost contributes to the health of the soil by supplying nutrients, improving soil texture and drainage, conserving soil moisture and encouraging earthworms and soil microorganisms.
Keep your plants healthy by making sure they’re not too crowded and that they’re getting the proper amount of water (neither too much nor too little). Divide over-crowded plants and plant divisions in another spot in your garden-or give them to friends. Hand-pull weeds when they first appear, before they go to seed. By dealing with weeds immediately, you’ll save lots of time later.
Inspect your plants regularly, and at the first sign of insect infestation, learn to identify what particular creature is affecting your plant. (Not all bugs are bad! Many are beneficial.) For a good all-purpose, organic spray to control insects, mix 1 whole garlic bulb, a generous pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 litre of water in a blender. Mix thoroughly, let the solids settle, and then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray on the leaves (tops and undersides) and stems of insect-infested plants. You can also use a commercially available organic insecticidal soap, such as Safer’s.
Birds eat bugs. Attract birds to your garden to reduce insect activity. Remove diseased plants from the garden, and clean your tools regularly. Consider companion planting in the vegetable garden to keep pests to a minimum. For example, plant marigolds around the tomato patch-the marigolds’ strong smell repels insects.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Tomato a Day?
Remember that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Well, how about a tomato a day? Many researchers believe that tomatoes may contain key anti-cancer properties in the form of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Because the body cannot synthesize lycopene, we must consume it as part of a balanced diet if we are to reap its rewards. You'll find lycopene primarily in tomato products; other sources include watermelon, pink grapefruit, and apricots. To get cancer-protective benefits, researchers suggest consuming 5 to 10 servings of tomato-based products a week. Dietitians generally recommend fresh and whole foods as the best sources of nutrients but with lycopene, you'll get even more benefits if it the tomato has been cooked.
Lycopene is available in supplement form but most research has focused on its dietary consumption. For this reason, researchers are still unsure of the optimal dose and the risks vs. benefits of lycopene supplements. Your best bet is to consume lycopene-rich foods routinely. Spaghetti sauce and tomato soup, both rich in lycopene, are two worthwhile additions to your diet.
Remember that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Well, how about a tomato a day? Many researchers believe that tomatoes may contain key anti-cancer properties in the form of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Because the body cannot synthesize lycopene, we must consume it as part of a balanced diet if we are to reap its rewards. You'll find lycopene primarily in tomato products; other sources include watermelon, pink grapefruit, and apricots. To get cancer-protective benefits, researchers suggest consuming 5 to 10 servings of tomato-based products a week. Dietitians generally recommend fresh and whole foods as the best sources of nutrients but with lycopene, you'll get even more benefits if it the tomato has been cooked.
Lycopene is available in supplement form but most research has focused on its dietary consumption. For this reason, researchers are still unsure of the optimal dose and the risks vs. benefits of lycopene supplements. Your best bet is to consume lycopene-rich foods routinely. Spaghetti sauce and tomato soup, both rich in lycopene, are two worthwhile additions to your diet.
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