Trimming and pruning fruit trees in winter is an essential task for any backyard orchardist. While summer pruning focuses on controlling growth and improving fruit quality, the goals of winter pruning are more structural – controlling tree height, removing diseased wood, and improving air circulation and light penetration in the canopy. Proper winter pruning sets … Read more
Butterfly bushes (Buddleia) produce striking, cone-shaped flower spikes that attract fluttering pollinators. As flowers fade, the choice arises – should you deadhead spent blooms or leave them be? There are good reasons for both approaches. Read on to learn the pros and cons of deadheading butterfly bushes to make the best choice for your garden. … Read more
The desert rose plant (Adenium obesum) is a popular houseplant beloved for its colorful flowers and swollen caudiciform trunk. However, these plants sometimes develop issues with yellowing leaves that drop off. If your desert rose has leaves turning yellow, don’t despair. With a few adjustments to its care, you can get your plant thriving again. … Read more
Tuberous begonias are stunning plants that produce abundant flowers in shades of white, pink, red, yellow, and orange. They grace summertime gardens and containers with their showy blossoms and attractive foliage. With proper care, many tuberous begonia varieties can be kept alive through winter and rebloom for years to come. Here is a step-by-step guide … Read more
If the leaves of your prized orchid start to go limp, wrinkle or droop it’s cause for concern. But is trimming off these unsightly leaves the right solution? Or should you leave them be and focus on reviving the plant instead? Knowing when and how to remove unhealthy orchid foliage can make a difference in … Read more
Seeing those vibrant green leaves on your passion fruit vine slowly turn yellow can be worrisome for any gardener. But don’t fret – yellow leaves are usually a sign that your plant needs a bit of extra care and attention. With a few easy fixes, you can get your passion vine back to its glossy, … Read more
The vibrant flowers of the Christmas cactus bring cheer during the holiday season. But this beloved houseplant can fall victim to the dreaded root rot. Don’t despair if your Christmas cactus is wilting and limp. With prompt treatment you can rescue it from the brink. What Causes Root Rot in Christmas Cactus? Root rot in … Read more
Ligustrum, commonly known as privet, are fast-growing shrubs and small trees popularly used for hedges and screens. Their dense foliage and rapid growth make them ideal for creating privacy and defining boundaries However without proper pruning ligustrums can quickly become overgrown and unruly. This leaves many homeowners wondering – how far back can you cut … Read more
Calla lilies are prized for their showy trumpet-shaped blooms that appear in late spring or summer. Their leaves are also quite attractive—emerging from thick rhizomes and shaped like spears or arrows. However these herbaceous perennials wither quickly in extreme heat or cold. If your calla lilies are suddenly drooping, it likely signals an underlying cultural … 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