Sowing a seed directly into the ground, nurturing it, and reaping the rewards is one of the easiest gardening activities you can do—yet many gardeners don’t. There are many reasons to direct sow. Often, you’ll have earlier harvests because the seeds will germinate when it’s the perfect time to grow, and stronger seedlings because transplant shock isn’t an issue. Planting seeds in general (instead of buying transplants) gives you more varietal options, and you can also save a lot of money (1 packet of 30 to 150 seeds often costs less than a 6-pack of plants). And then there is the personal satisfaction factor. Ask any child who has planted a sunflower seed how they feel when that flower towers over their head, and you’ll understand what I mean.
Bradford and Callery Pear
22.02.2024 - 13:29 / hgic.clemson.edu
Every spring, all over South Carolina, we see yards, abandoned lots, natural areas, roadsides, and, in some cases, forests fill with white flowers. These first white flowers of the year are nearly all from the Callery pear tree (Pyrus calleryana). This tree is native to China, and while they may look the same, many of the trees planted in yards, around businesses, and in other managed landscapes across South Carolina are cultivars of P. calleryana. One of the most common cultivars is the Bradford pear (more information on Bradford pears can be found on this Clemson HGIC fact sheet HGIC 1006, Bradford Pear). Bradford pears, by themselves, cannot produce viable seed. But, if pollen from a different flowering pear cultivar (or a wild Callery pear) pollinates a Bradford pear flower, then viable seed can be produced. The fruit is often eaten by birds, and birds doing what birds do (hint: they fly and poop), spread the seeds across the land. When these new plants grow, they’re now Callery pears, the wild relative of Bradford and other cultivated varieties of Pyrus calleryana.
Callery pears are an aggressive invasive species. The stems and branches possess thorns (sometimes up to 3” long!), they can spread by seed or through root sprouts, and they can quickly take over a roadside, old field, pasture, vacant lot, or forest understory. Once established, they’re difficult to remove because of the thorns, which can easily puncture skin, wound livestock, or pop tires on vehicles or implements. Prescribed fire is not a good way to clear the land of them, because research has shown that for every stem that a fire kills, four more will resprout in its place. Many herbicides, including glyphosate and triclopyr, are effective in killing
How to Grow and Care for a Goji Berry Plant
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are a popular ‘superfood’ to eat fresh or dried. Native to China, they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants and have been used in Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. They’re easy to grow at home in the UK and bear fruit after just one or two years. The best thing about growing your own goji berries is that you can eat them straight from the bush – most commercially available goji berries are dried.
Organizing Pro Ryan Eisland Shares Her #1 Tip—It's Small But Mighty
Now that we’re firmly planted in March, it feels safe to say it out loud: spring is practically here. Along with bluer skies and brighter days, it also brings the perfect time of year for cleaning and organizing.
Hilary Duff Says There’s Room for Both Candles and Plug-in Diffusers
Below 60°
Hilary Duff’s House Rules—Land Where You Like, and Create Your Own Atmosphere
Hilary Duff has earned the right to be a little particular, and she’s not apologizing for it. Duff may be a busy mom of three (soon to be four—she announced that she was expecting in December), but she still carves out space to curate an atmosphere that works for her, even if that curation happens once the kids are off to school.
Gardens of the Year Competition terms and conditions
1. The Promoter is Immediate Media Company London Limited (company number 06189487), Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT (“Immediate”). The competition is sponsored by Weetabix Limited (company number 00267687) (t/a “Alpen”).
How to Grow and Care for a Juniper Tree
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) is one of only three conifers native to the UK. It’s a member of the cypress family and grows on chalk or limestone in lowland areas, and moors, woodland and cliffs in northern Britain. Juniper is in decline in wild populations and has been designated a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. This special tree has disappeared from several areas in the south of England. Many remaining colonies are so small that they’re considered functionally extinct. Scotland is now the stronghold for 80 per cent of the UK’s juniper trees.
Black Lotus Meaning and Symbolism
Do note that there are no pure black lotus flowers – they have more of a deep purple hue. Nelumbo ‘Momo Botan,’ Nelumbo ‘Empress,’ and Nelumbo ‘Purple Joy’ are some of the most popular deep purple-black examples. Sometimes, people also refer to black Hellebores as black lotus.
Begonia Flower Meaning and Symbolism
Begonias are popular flowering plants known for their beauty and diversity, but beyond this, they also carry symbolic meanings!
When and How to Water Bromeliads
When and How to Water Bromeliads
How to Plant and Grow Daikon: Add Some Zing to Your Garden
How to Plant and Grow Daikon: Add Some Zing to Your Garden Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus
How to Plant and Grow Cabbage | Gardener's Path
How to Plant and Grow Cabbage: A Fall and Spring Staple Crop Brassica oleracea var.capitata