Cacti can conjure up images of hostile desert landscapes but the prickly pear snow cactus challenges these preconceptions with its soft, fuzzy appearance and truly spectacular flowers. While many cacti produce impressive blooms the flowers of the snow cactus have an extra special charm. The prickly pear snow cactus, also known by its scientific name … Read more
As gardeners, we want to nurture our plants while also being mindful of sustainability. Large plastic pots are common in gardening, but they pose environmental risks as they accumulate in landfills An excellent solution is to use large biodegradable pots for plants These environmentally-friendly pots allow ample room for root systems to develop, and they … Read more
As a tropical plant, banana plants thrive on warmth, humidity, and abundant moisture Their large, graceful leaves unfurl in vibrant hues of green when conditions are ideal. But sometimes those verdant leaves can suddenly take on a sickly yellow cast. If your banana plant develops yellow leaves, it’s a sign that something is amiss While … Read more
The dramatic, sculptural flowers of bird of paradise plants are hard to miss. But look closely at the leaves and you may spot bumpy white or brown spots. These could be scale insects, a common pest of these tropical beauties. While scale infestations rarely kill the plant, they can weaken and deform growth. Left unchecked, … Read more
The variegated Norway maple (Acer platanoides ‘Variegatum’) is a beautiful deciduous tree admired for its unique bi-colored leaves. While stunning in spring and summer, this maple variety truly shines in fall when its leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. The variegated Norway maple is a cultivar of the popular Norway maple tree (Acer … Read more
As a fiddle leaf fig owner, discovering thrips on your beloved plant can be disheartening But don’t panic! With some diligence and care, you can eliminate thrips and get your fiddle leaf fig thriving again What Are Thrips? Thrips are tiny winged insects that pierce plant cells to feed on the sap inside At only … Read more
One of the joys of growing potatoes is the multitude of varieties available, from russets to reds and purples to yellows. With so many tempting choices, it’s natural to want to plant several different types in the same garden bed. But is combining multiple potato varieties in close proximity a good idea? The short answer … Read more
Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Thin seedlings or transplant cabbage 12-18 inches apart in the row with rows 2-3 … Read more
Live oaks are a common sight in North Texas. These native trees are well-adapted to our soil and climate, but can still be stressed by extreme weather. Many, if not all, live oaks will show signs of frost damage after a hard freeze. Like other plants, the main symptom will be brown, dead, or wilted … Read more
At Mottisfont in Hampshire, the Rose Garden is a summer highlight. Jonny Bass, previous Head Gardener there, explains how to create a beautiful rose arch in your own garden. A rose arch is a gorgeous garden feature that can transform any outdoor space into a romantic, fragrant retreat. With the right preparation and care, growing … Read more