Stag beetles are some of the most spectacular insects in the world. Their massive mandibles and armored bodies make them look like creatures from science fiction. For insect enthusiasts, getting to own and care for live stag beetles is an exciting opportunity. However, finding reputable sources to purchase these exotic pets from can be a … Read more
Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly to form a dense cover. They add beauty to the landscape, and they can also solve many planting problems in difficult sites. Grass is the best-known groundcover, but grass is not suited to all locations. Groundcover plants should be used where grass is difficult to grow or maintain. … Read more
Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), which is grown mostly for its beautiful leaves, adds a stunning tropical touch to a garden or a sunny room inside. This huge evergreen perennial grows in clumps of woody stems that can be straight or curved and can grow up to 30 feet (9 m) tall. The leaves … Read more
Seeds of Castor Bean (Ricinus Communis Gibsonii) can be grown quickly and easily. This is a very pretty annual plant. The Castor Oil plant is a very useful tropical foliage plant. It is grown from seed annually, easily reaching 5 feet plus in one season. Gibsonii produces a tall and dramatic plant with huge dark … Read more
When to Plant Love-Lies-Bleeding Seeds Love-lies-bleeding thrives in warm weather and cannot tolerate frost. It can be started indoors or direct sown outside after all danger of frost has passed. Starting Indoors Get a head start on the season by beginning love-lies-bleeding seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Provide strong … Read more
Walter Moores grows and hybridizes irises at his Moores’ Enid Lake Iris Gardens near Enid, Mississippi. Some of the iris plants he has introduced are LEMON CHESS ’96, which won two Exhibition Certificates (1994 and 1995) and an Honorable Mention in 1998. The dramatically colored ASCII ART is a recently registered hybridization of Walter Moores … Read more
Starting plants from seed can seem daunting, but some vegetables, herbs and flowers are so easy to grow that even novice gardeners will have success These resistant, robust plants germinate readily, grow quickly, and transition well when moved from indoors to outdoor gardens If you’re new to growing plants from seed, try starting with any … Read more
Wasps can be beneficial for gardens by controlling pests and pollinating plants. However, ground-nesting wasps in unwanted areas can deliver painful stings, especially if accidentally disturbed. Getting rid of underground wasp nests requires strategic techniques to safely and effectively eliminate them. Identifying Ground Wasp Nests Several species of wasps build nests underground, including yellowjackets, hornets, … Read more
Forget-me-nots are a cute, old-fashioned flower that brings a happy blue life to gardens that are just waking up from their winter sleep. The flowering plants like it cool, the soil should be moist, and the light should be indirect. However, they will grow almost anywhere. If you already have the plants in your landscape, … Read more
Lily of the valley is a cherished shade garden flower that produces graceful nodding blooms with an exquisite fragrance in spring. This classic perennial has been a beloved part of gardens for centuries but can be challenging to find at local nurseries. Purchasing lily of the valley seeds is an affordable way to add this … Read more