Friday, August 15, 2008

Gardening Tidbits

About 37% of U.S. Gardeners consider themselves primarily organic gardeners.

The Netherlands, which is half the size of Maine, produces about 9 billion flower bulbs every year, which is about two for every person on Earth.

Among the list of easiest annuals to grow are Cleomes, Sunflowers, Zinnias, and Marigolds.

Among the easiest perennials to grow and maintain are Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, Daylilies and Hostas.

Don't deadhead plants that are self-seeding. They need to resow themselves. Birds often enjoy the seeds also, providing natural food for them. Our Goldfinches enjoy the seeds from Heritage Petunias, Cleomes, Coneflowers and Salvias.

Begonias, impatiens, coleus, and fuchsias are good plants to grow in shade.

Most herbaceous plants (those that grow by increasing in diameter) can be divided.

Jewelweed, a wildflower native to eastern North America, is a relative of garden impatiens.

To start biennials outdoors, plant the seeds in midsummer.

Rabbits dislike foxglove and any plant in the onion family, like chives.

Spread a layer of crushed eggshells around plants to keep slugs away.

Before placing hard stems of a cut tree or flowers from shrubs in a vase, smash them with a hammer. The stems will be able to absorb water more easily.

Birch trees grow best in areas with cool summers.

In Biblical times, mint was used as money.

After the Boston Tea Party, Bee Balm tea quickly became a favorite among the colonists.

Fall colors start with the reds of sumacs and end with the yellows of willows and larches.

Reference: Birds and Blooms Magazine

No comments:

Share This Post