Beware of the tree butcher who has fine words but dull tools. You can usually judge the efficiency and workmanship of a tree trimmer by the way in which he cuts off a good-sized branch. He should make three different cuts in the proper removal of the branch: first, a cut on the underside of […]
Archives for January 2009
Life Cycle
Life Cycle – Most insects go through several distinct changes during their lifetimes. These changes constitute their life cycle. The life cycle of the beetle family and the moth-butterfly family are classically illustrated: The beetles are frequently destructive in both larva and adult stages. Pest control is, therefore, frequently directed at both stages. The butterfly […]
New Varieties for Northern Gardens
Although spring is not yet “just around the corner” the home gardener cannot help feeling that it is not far away. Spring always seems nearer in January to a plant lover and gardener than to anyone else, because it is during this month that seed catalogs arrive for those in the North. There is nothing […]
Indoor Plants Bulbs and Planting for the South
January is the month to bring in the first pots of bulbs planted last October and November for forcing. The pots should be completely full of roots and ready for top growth. The plants will all have white shoots showing and as soon as they are placed under favorable conditions, growth will be rapid. Blooms […]
Mid-America Things to Do as Winter Clamps Down
This is the time of the month when the hands of the flower and garden lover become white and smooth and free from calluses. It is a time of “rocking chair” gardening. Plan now for this year’s vegetable garden and for improvement and additions to the home landscape. Foresight and planning this month will save […]
Making Landscape Plans in the West
Now is a good time to work out landscape plans for those in the Western states. Garden magazines, books, state and federal publications all can provide useful information on how to plan your home grounds. Many of us who cannot avail ourselves to the help and advice of a landscape consultant will have to do […]
Host Plant
Host Plant – Any plant that furnishes subsistence for a plant pest. In the literal sense any plant that a bug or disease lives on is a host plant. In general usage, however, the term is used to describe a plant that is notorious for offering sustenance to any one bad pest. For example some […]
Your Christmas Poinsettia Can Bloom Again
“What shall I do with my poinsettia?” This is a question often heard shortly after the new year starts and the colorful bracts on this favorite Christmas flower have begun to fade and fall leaving only the sickly yellow flowerets to exude their sticky juice on window sill, kitchen counter or flower stand. Many persons […]
Planning Session in The South
In the south January, throws the book at both the landscaper, gardener and the garden. The southern states whole range of weather – sunny skies to drifting snow usually comes during January. There is not much the outdoor plant lover can do about it except study it. This is the time when you are likely […]
Christmas Trees Other Uses
Heavy snow should be removed from branches of evergreens to prevent possible serious damage. This is best done before the snow begins to melt, for if it partially melts and then freezes, an attempt to remove it would mean a loss of foliage encrusted in the ice. A forest of Christmas trees will be removed […]