Drought Tolerant Trees for Zone 8 If you live in zone 8, you may have experienced hotter, drier weather in recent years. It’s best to deal with these drought conditions proactively, by filling your backyard with drought tolerant trees for zone 8. This is particularly important if you live in an area classified as arid because of its heat and sandy soil. If you are growing trees in arid zone 8, you’ll want to look into trees for dry soil....

Why a Plant May Suddenly Die There are a number of factors that can lead to the sudden dying of plants. Below are the most common. Improper Watering Improper watering is often the reason for sudden dying of plants. If you forgot to water for a few days, it’s possible that the roots dried up. However, the opposite is more likely, as too much water is often to blame for dying container plants....

Edamame Companion Planting These low growing, bush-type beans are complete proteins that provide calcium, vitamins A and B; and the big news, isoflavins, which have been touted to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast and prostate cancer. Incredibly nutritious they may be, but everyone needs a helping hand once in a while so even these powerhouses might need some edamame plant companions. Companion planting is an age-old method of planting that involves growing two or more symbiotic crops in close proximity to each other....

About Emperor Francis Cherry Trees Emperor Francis sweet cherry trees are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. Plant at least two or three trees nearby for pollination, including one variety that flowers about the same time. Good choices include any sweet cherry except Bing, such as: Celeste Morello Stella Montmorency Stark Gold White Gold Growing Emperor Francis Cherries Plant Emperor Francis cherry trees in late fall or early spring....

Using English Daisies for Lawns Consisting of small daisies that twinkle against deep green foliage, English daisies are available in a variety of colors, and in both single and double forms. However, familiar white English daisies with contrasting yellow centers tend to be sturdier and are usually used in lawns. English daisy is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. If you live south of zone 8, you may need a more heat-tolerant lawn alternative....

What Does Epsom Salt Do for Grass? Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), does indeed contain magnesium, which is an important component of chlorophyll. It is touted as a safe, natural product that can be used to increase everything from seed germination, nutrient absorption, growth, and general health of lawns and plants. There are a multitude of precise formulations for veggies, lawns, shrubs, trees, and houseplants. You need only look on the internet (unless you still read the newspaper!...

Eucalyptus Propagation Native to Australia and encompassing over two-thirds of its land mass, eucalyptus is not only the koala’s mainstay, but is known to control aphids and other insect infestations. Popular for its use in floral arrangements, eucalyptus propagation can be accomplished in several ways, with eucalyptus tree seeds being the most common and reliable method. Grafting and micro propagation are also used. Eucalyptus cuttings for propagation are a less than fool proof method, but some species take to this method better than others....

Eucalyptus Trees and Wind Did you know that there are over 700 species of eucalyptus? Most of them hail from Australia. Eucalyptus trees, in their native habitat, are used to non-nutritious soils. They also have to withstand a lot of leaf-munching predators like koala bears. These conditions help keep their size in check. Eucs, as they are sometimes called, have to grow quickly – in order to beat the competition. Eucalyptus trees have far fewer predators and are often installed in much richer soils when they are grown in North American and European parks and gardens....

One way this can be done is through the incorporation of evergreen plants, shrubs, and trees. But exactly what is an evergreen plant? Let’s learn more. Evergreen Plant Info What does evergreen mean exactly and what is an evergreen plant? Generally speaking, evergreen plants and trees are those which do not lose their leaves at the onset of cold weather. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreen trees do not drop their leaves, and they remain colorful (green or otherwise) throughout the entirety of the winter growing season....

Ideas for Fall Containers Fall can be heralded in by refreshing worn out summer foliage whether it’s in window boxes, large containers, groupings of pots, or hanging baskets. You can stick with cool season loving annual flowers or combine perennials with annuals. If you are planting a large scale fall planter, be sure to start at the center or rear of the container if it is against a wall and build out from there with successively shorter plants along with some hanging specimens around the edges....

Dahlia Seeds vs. Bulbs Dahlia tubers are common in nurseries and seed catalogs. They are the fastest and most reliable way to grow big, boisterous blooms. Growing the flowers using dahlia seed vs. bulbs may take a little more time but is a great way to extend your crop of the dazzlers. Knowing how to plant dahlia seeds isn’t hard, but there are a few tips for guaranteed success and riots of colorful blooms....

False Aralia Information False aralia is native to New Caledonia. The lower foliage bears a strong resemblance to marijuana, but the plants are not related. Although you can grow them outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, they are grown as houseplants in most parts of the country. You can also grow them in outdoor pots, but they are difficult to acclimate to indoor conditions after spending a summer outdoors....

What are Fern Spores? In nature, these lovely plants reproduce through their spores. Fern spores are the tiny, genetic bases for new plants. They are found contained in a casing, called sporangia, and grouped into bunches, called sori, on the underside of the leaves. Spores look like little dots and may be harvested for fern spore propagation by the intrepid gardener. Timing and some skill are required when propagating ferns with these minute specks....

Is Pond Fertilizer Bad for Fish? Aquatic plants may occasionally need feeding, but is pond fertilizer bad for fish? Fish-safe fertilizer may be purchased, or you can use your own organic methods to feed your water plants. A fertilizer for fishponds comes in tablets and will provide a slow release of nutrients that is gentle and easy on your pond’s citizens. Fish-safe fertilizer contains high levels of phosphorus. That is the middle number in a fertilizer ratio....

How to Find a Trustworthy Bulb Supplier Online bulb retailers generally have the largest variety of plant types. Flower bulb suppliers provide wonderful descriptions and care for the plants and offer convenience with their easy to peruse and use cyber catalogs. The only problem with buying flower bulbs online is that you can’t pick each one yourself. Often, your bulbs will arrive and they will be shriveled, wizened, rotted or moldy and, therefore, unusable....

My Fuchsia is Dropping Leaves A common complaint we often hear is, “my fuchsia is dropping leaves.” Once you identify the variety and growing conditions, it becomes easier to identify the cause of the foliar dysfunction. Seasonal leaf drop is common in the less hardy species of fuchsia. Plants in colder climes respond by going dormant just like deciduous trees. Other factors can also come into play if your variety is hardy....

Insects on Poplar Trees If you see woody galls developing on the leaf buds of your poplars, you’re probably dealing with poplar tree pests called bud gall mites. Galls are cauliflower-textured growths you see developing in the branches of your trees. These mites stop leaf buds from growing the normal leaves and stems you might expect from a poplar tree. Instead, gall mites on poplar trees cause the buds to develop into woody galls, usually less than 2 inches (5 cm....

Shade herbs can make excellent companions for other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and numerous types of bulbs. They make great companions with numerous types of flowering plants as well. Growing herbs for shade is a great way to add color and fragrance to the garden. Shade Herbs When growing herbs for shade, it helps to know what herbs will grow in shade. Knowing which herbs are more likely to succeed and understanding their adaptations in shady conditions can increase the chances of success....

Ideas for Garden Color Schemes Garden color schemes accent the landscape. Whether you are using color in the garden with plants or more obviously on a trellis, fence or outbuilding, the addition of some bright tones will really perk up the garden space. There are many ways to introduce color and activate new senses and viewpoints in the landscape. Experiment with using color on landscape structures. It is an easy way to make something old new again and increase the sensory output of your outdoor space....

What is Gypsum? Gypsum is calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. It has been touted as beneficial for breaking up compact soil, especially clay soil. It is useful in changing the soil structure of excessively heavy soils which have been impacted by heavy traffic, flooding, overcropping, or simply overly weatherized. One of the main uses of gypsum is to remove excess sodium from the soil and adding calcium. A soil analysis is helpful in determining if you need to apply gypsum as a soil amendment....