birdnote q&a: your questions answered on hummingbird migration, and flying in formation

Alocasia Silver Dragon has to be one of the most stunning compact indoor plants you can grow. Here are all the details to maintain it easily.

If you want a different yet vivid plant to add to your collection then look no beyond than Shampoo Ginger Lily! Let’s dive into its growing details!

Q: We have a Malus (ornamental crab apple tree) in our back garden, which has grown from small to its present 20ft over 15 years. It buds and flowers nicely, but then turns a bit shabby. It doesn’t seem like a healthy tree. Can you help? We are debating whether we need to remove it and replace it. If it does need to be removed, what replacement would you suggest? CF, Co Kilkenny

Native to woodlands in Asia and the Mediterranean region, the Epimedium genus is a group of plants explained as carpeting perennials. Here’s all the information on Horny Goat Weed Plant Care to help you cultivate it easily.

Sansevieria Wintergreen is a snake plant with a twist – thanks to its dark foliage that sets it apart from other houseplants. Here are all the details about growing it.

A: As much as wild ivy provides a very important habitat for birds and insects, and the arboreal form (the older, shrubby growth which produces flowers), and is a really valuable source of nectar, it can also be problematic in established gardens where it can damage built structures as well as some established, older trees such as your apple tree. With the latter, very heavy ivy growth can eventually cause death by overburdening the tree’s leafy canopy, which in turn can result in (a) broken branches, leading to an increased risk of disease and (b) destabilising of the tree’s root system, increasing the risk of it falling in a storm. Very heavy ivy growth in the canopy of a fruit tree can also reduce the amount of light needed for healthy growth, interfere with blossom set and slow down ripening of the fruit.

A tall tree in your front garden can make a bold impression, acting as a focal point that can immensely add an appeal to the overall look of the landscape. If you want one in your yard, then check out all the information on Mule Palm Tree Care.

Dracaena angustifolia is a popular plant because of its attractive appearance and easy care requirements. This African shrub is known to purify the air by removing toxins and is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some cultures.

Chrysanthemum Morifolium is a popular flowering plant that cane be a fantastic addition to bring a dash of colors to homes and gardens.

Are you looking at plants in your garden and wondering why they aren’t flowering?

Q: Can you tell me what this insect is? It’s feasting on my dahlia leaves. I don’t use insecticides in the garden so can handpick and squash them if I have to. If they’re not going to do too much harm I’m happy to leave them alone. DK, Co Waterford

In the Q&A that follows, Ellen’s answers contain green links to audio files from BirdNote’s archive that you won’t want to miss. A recap of earlier stories in our ongoing series is at the bottom of the page, along with information on how to get BirdNote daily–and if you want to give thanks to nonprofit BirdNote for all their wonderful avian “aha’s,” you can do so at this link.the turkey q&a with ellen blackstoneQ. Why isn’t the wild turkey our national bird? A. In 1784, that wise old Ben Franklin groused to his daughter, after the fact, about the choice of the bald eagle as our national symbol:“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. …Too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle