Browsing Category

Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden

How to Prune Burr Oak Trees

Burr oak or mossycup oak trees are very hardy, large trees that are adaptable to many different environments. They live a long time and develop a root system up to 10 feet deep. The species survives drought and can grow anywhere from prairies to cities. The burr oak doesn't need much pruning but wha

How to Transfer Plants to Water

Hydroculture is a method of growing plants in water without soil. This method of plant growth is considered clean, non-allergenic and odorless, according to Water Roots. Many plants enjoy a higher level of moisture and almost any plant can be trained to grow in water. The process requires patience a

The Meaning of a White Orchid Flower

One of the most exotic flowers, the orchid is beautiful and complex, with many rare varieties--like the elusive ghost orchid--that intrigue and befuddle botanists and photographers. Growing an orchid can be difficult, even to those who have the greenest of thumbs. It is only fitting that the orchid

Dwarf Persimmon Trees

Dwarf persimmon trees are easier to manage than the standard persimmon trees. Standard trees grow to 40 feet tall and dwarf trees will only grow 12 to 15 feet tall. Persimmon trees are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 and 8, but do require proper care to consistentl

Tree Care for the Red Bird of Paradise

The red bird of paradise tree (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is also known as the pride of Barbados, peacock flower and dwarf poinciana. Native to the tropical Americas and the Caribbean, the tree is grown for its abundant clusters of orange-to-red, bowl-shaped flowers. It forms a large shrub or small tr

Colorful Lawn Weeds

Weeds are nothing more than unwanted plants, often because of context. Lawn weeds detract from the desired uniformity of color and texture. For example, dandelions may be a welcome yellow splash in a forest meadow but considered a weed in a lawn.

How to Use Sand to Filter Water

Crystal-clear water can be found at countless natural springs around the country. With a sand biofilter, you can produce clean water similar to that found in springs, for a reasonable cost. If you were to lose power for an extended period of time, your sand filter would make it possible to get clean

How to Grow Perennial Strawberry Plants

June-bearing, ever-bearing and day-neutral are the three types of strawberries grown by home gardeners. June-bearers produce one crop in late spring with larger fruit than the other two types. Ever-bearing strawberries produce two crops, one in spring and another in fall. Day-neutral varieties prod

The Size of Cypress Trees

The pond cypress, Taxodium ascendens, and bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, are prized as timber trees and recognized for their ability to thrive in swamps and wetlands. However, it can grow nicely outside of flood plains.

How to Care for the House Plant Called Clivia

Clivia (Clivia miniata), a commonly grown houseplant also known as kaffir lily, produces clusters of orange or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers during the winter and early spring. Mature clivia plants reach up to 3 feet tall with an almost equal spread and prefer crowded growing conditions. Clivia's da

How to Control Pest Disease

Pest diseases can be controlled naturally, to avoid killing beneficial organisms in your garden. Toxic chemicals in your landscape can disrupt the natural ecosystem in your garden, and endanger birds and other animals by exposing them to poisons. It's important to use effective and appropriate metho

Japanese Cherry Tree Pruning

The Japanese cherry tree is an ornamental tree usually grown from a grafted sapling. Also known as the weeping cherry tree, it can grow up to 40 feet tall. Annual pruning is essential to encourage flowering and to keep the tree in good health. The best time to prune Japanese cherry trees is in late

How to Grow Bromeliads Outside

Bromeliads are a diverse group of plants of more than 3,000 species. They belong to the Bromeliaceae family. The most well-known bromeliad is the pineapple, but other bromeliads include Spanish moss, 'air plants' and tropical plants resembling yuccas, aloes or grasses. All bromeliads have leaves arr

How to Use Hawaiian Marigold

The Hawaiian marigold is called ko‘oko‘olau (Bidens hawaiiensis) and is a member of the large plant family that includes familiar garden marigolds. Ko‘oko‘olau is a well-known medicinal herb in Hawai‘i, where it has been used since ancient times. Ko‘oko

Inexpensive White Climbing Roses

When the thought of growing beautiful roses is a bit intimidating, consider starting with climbing roses. Climbing or rambling roses come in a myriad of vibrant colors, including a range of whites. They are typically hardy plants that thrive in a wide range of climates, and require only minimal care

European Palm Tree Diseases

European palm trees (Chamaerops humilis) are popular with many home gardeners due to their compact size and cold hardiness. Often called fan palms and grown in containers, these palm trees have attractive, fan-shaped leaves and are resistant to insect pests and diseases. In fact, there...

How to Make a Hummingbird Paradise

Create a special garden in your yard to attract hummingbirds. You might even call it a hummingbird's paradise. With special attention to flowers, nesting areas, water and hummingbird feeders, you can design a place where hummingbirds can come to eat, nest and raise their young. Imagine the delight a

Should I Put Plastic Down Under Pine Needles to Keep Weeds From Growing?

Garden mulches, such as pine needles, conserve moisture, reduce soil erosion and help control weed growth. They don't completely eliminate weeds though. Many gardeners place a barrier between the soil and the pine needle mulch to further reduce weed growth. One option is black plastic, which is inex

Alternative Uses for Corner Plant Stands

Plant stands generally provide a number of individual shelves that offer the perfect spacing for planters and the plants growing within them. Corner plant stands have the same basic components, but are specifically designed to fit into the corner of a room, porch or patio. If you have a corner plant

How to Find the Flower Pot in Poptropica

Finding the flower pot in the online game "Poptropica" allows you to continue your quest on Spy Island and, ultimately, get your reward medal. "Poptropica" allows players to complete quests in a virtual world divided into separate islands, each with its own distinct objective. You can find the flowe