Battling Spider Mites on Alocasia Black Velvet Plants

The Alocasia Black Velvet is a stunning houseplant prized for its lush dark foliage. However these tropical beauties are prone to infestations of spider mites – a common houseplant pest. If left unchecked, these tiny arachnids can cause significant damage. But with vigilance and prompt treatment, you can defend your Black Velvets. What are Spider … Read more

10 Garden Plants With Hairy Leaves

Plants with hairy, fuzzy, or downy leaves can add unique texture and visual interest to gardens. The soft hairs, scientifically known as trichomes, come in many shapes and forms from fine velvet-like coatings to woolly tufts. Beyond aesthetics, they serve a variety of functions for plants such as insulation, moisture retention, and deterring pests. If … Read more

Tree Topping: The Damage Done Before and After

Tree topping – the controversial practice of drastically cutting back a tree’s canopy – continues to be an all-too-common sight in many neighborhoods. While some view tree topping as an easy fix for overgrown trees, the reality is that it does far more harm than good. Let’s take a closer look at what tree topping … Read more

What Do Trumpet Vine Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying and Planting These Unique Seeds

Trumpet vines are fast growing vines that produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer months. After the flowers fade the vines develop long, bean-like seed pods. Inside these pods are dozens of flat, round seeds with thin, papery edges. Knowing what trumpet vine seeds look like and when to harvest them allows you to collect … Read more