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
It’s so cute that indoor gardeners use the word “force” to talk about how hard they work to get florist’s kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) and other plants to bloom again. You must admit it’s impossible to truly force a member of the plant kingdom to do anything. When someone says “force,” I picture a bad guy … Read more
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. When its healthy, boxwood, otherwise known as buxus, brings a deep, glossy green to the garden. But sometimes the leaves can discolor, turning yellow or brown, which spoils the aesthetic. There are a few reasons behind this … Read more
Do you love seeing vibrant images of birds and blooms in your yard and garden? Do you look forward to reading inspiring stories about nature and wildlife each month? If so, you need to subscribe to Birds & Blooms EXTRA today! With a Birds & Blooms EXTRA subscription, you’ll get an additional 100 pages full … Read more