Robby 
Castor bean plants, also known as ricinus communis, are beautiful, tropical looking plants with large, lush leaves and red, pink or purple stems. However, all parts of the castor bean plant contain the toxin ricin, which makes it extremely poisonous to humans and animals. So if you decide to remove castor bean plants from your … Read more
When caring for houseplants or cultivating an outdoor garden providing proper water is essential. Not all water sources are created equal however. The type of water used to irrigate plants can significantly impact their health, vigor and growth. As a plant parent, it’s important to understand how water quality affects your green friends With this … Read more
When it comes to fertilizing roses, bone meal is often touted as an essential addition. The advice to toss some bone meal in the planting hole is commonly given to new rose gardeners But what exactly is bone meal, and is it really beneficial for roses? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind … Read more
Is Catmint Safe for Cats? Understanding This Mint Plant’s Effects Catmint, also known as catnip, is a mint plant that elicits a unique response in many cats. The plant contains a chemical called nepetalactone which triggers a feline reaction ranging from mild interest to an almost narcotic ecstasy This well-known phenomenon has led to catmint … Read more
Rhododendrons are one of the most popular flowering shrubs for gardens, prized for their showy spring blooms and attractive evergreen foliage. Their dazzling colors and forms bring welcome beauty after the bare winter months. If you’re looking to add some of these eye-catching shrubs to your own landscape you may be wondering – can you … Read more
You may have heard of products like lime dust, lime powder, or hydrated lime before But what exactly are these materials and what are they used for? This article provides an overview of what lime dust is along with its many industrial, agricultural, and domestic applications. What is Lime Dust? Lime dust, lime powder, hydrated … Read more
With their striking spikes of vibrant flowers gladiolus are a summertime garden favorite. But did you know you can get a jumpstart on gladiolus season by growing these bulbs indoors? Starting glads inside lets you enjoy their blooms weeks earlier than normal planting time. Follow this guide to discover how to successfully grow gladiolus indoors … Read more
Echeveria is a popular genus of succulent plants known for their gorgeous rosette shapes and stunning colors. While their sculptural forms may fool you into thinking they require little care properly watering echeveria is essential to keeping them healthy. Learning the right watering techniques and frequency is key for these semi-desert plants. Overview of Echeveria … Read more
With its bright green foliage that releases a lovely lemon scent when touched, the lemon cypress makes a delightful indoor houseplant This small evergreen tree is valued for its conical shape, citrusy fragrance, and soft textured foliage Though lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’) can grow up to 16 feet tall outside, the dwarf cultivar ‘Wilma … Read more
Nothing quite compares to the taste of fresh garden basil. Its aromatic flavor is a staple in Italian cooking and livens up many dishes. But basil’s growing season is short, leaving you with an abundance to preserve when harvest time arrives. Freezing basil in ice cube trays is an easy way to capture that just-picked … Read more