文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月22日
You don’t need many excuses to grow borage. With its brilliant blue starry flowers and charismatic fuzzy stems, borage is an herb with tons of garden appeal. This plant has a rich history of use as an herbal remedy but you might also consider borage cover crops to enrich soil. Using borage as green manure allows the nutrients brought up by the plant’s deep taproot to be dispersed into the upper areas of soil when the plant composts. Borage returns high nitrogen to the soil when it is tilled back in. The result is healthy soil, rich in nutrients and deeply aerated earth.
Borage Cover Crops and Fertilizer
Borage is an old-fashioned herb with a history of culinary and medicinal use. Also known as starflower because of its arresting blue flowers, borage is also a great companion plant said to improve the flavor of tomatoes. Commercially, borage is grown for its oil content, but in the garden, you can use its leaves soaked in water as a fertilizer or plant masses of the herb as a living soil enricher. Borage provides a showy display for 4 to 6 months and then has a slow nitrogen release when you chop it back into the soil.
Planting a borage cover crop affords a period of spectacular beauty as the sea of deep blue blooms decorate the landscape. Once the flowers are spent, you can till in the plants, reducing them to smaller broken down pieces that will compost back into the soil. Using borage as green manure has a win-win effect with a season of beauty and a season of giving back to the earth. True, there are higher nitrogen cover crops that release more quickly when returned to the earth, but the colorful abandon of borage cover crops is a delight to behold and the gradual nitrogen release allows more nitrogen to remain for future crops while it conditions the soil and increases tilth.
How to Use Borage as a Cover Crop
Sow the seeds in March to April into a well turned bed that has been raked to remove any debris and obstacles. Seeds should be planted at 1/8 inch under soil and 6 inches apart. Keep the seed bed moderately moist until germination. You may need to thin the seedlings to allow the plants to mature. If you are in a hurry, you can till the plants into the soil before they flower or wait to enjoy the blooms and then chop the plants into the soil to release their nutrients slowly. The deep taproots and wide fibrous root zone will break apart problem soils and aerate, increasing water percolation and oxygen. Planting a borage cover crop in late summer will provide green material for nitrogen release but will not provide you with the flowers. It is still a worthwhile green manure that is easy to plant and grow.
How to Use Borage as Fertilizer
If you just simply like to have a few of the plants around for their beauty, use as a tea or for the decorative bee attracting flowers, the plants are still useful even in small numbers. These annuals can get 2- to 3-feet tall with numerous secondary branching stems and leaves. Strip leaves and place them in enough water to cover them. Put a lid on the container and let it ferment for two weeks. After the two-week period, drain out the solids and you now have an excellent fertilizer. Use borage as fertilizer weekly, diluted with water at 1 part to 10 parts water. The solution can keep for several months. And don’t forget to till in your annual borage plants no matter how many there are. Even small numbers of the plants are excellent soil conditioners, the plant equivalent of beauty and brains.
Borage Cover Crops and Fertilizer
Borage is an old-fashioned herb with a history of culinary and medicinal use. Also known as starflower because of its arresting blue flowers, borage is also a great companion plant said to improve the flavor of tomatoes. Commercially, borage is grown for its oil content, but in the garden, you can use its leaves soaked in water as a fertilizer or plant masses of the herb as a living soil enricher. Borage provides a showy display for 4 to 6 months and then has a slow nitrogen release when you chop it back into the soil.
Planting a borage cover crop affords a period of spectacular beauty as the sea of deep blue blooms decorate the landscape. Once the flowers are spent, you can till in the plants, reducing them to smaller broken down pieces that will compost back into the soil. Using borage as green manure has a win-win effect with a season of beauty and a season of giving back to the earth. True, there are higher nitrogen cover crops that release more quickly when returned to the earth, but the colorful abandon of borage cover crops is a delight to behold and the gradual nitrogen release allows more nitrogen to remain for future crops while it conditions the soil and increases tilth.
How to Use Borage as a Cover Crop
Sow the seeds in March to April into a well turned bed that has been raked to remove any debris and obstacles. Seeds should be planted at 1/8 inch under soil and 6 inches apart. Keep the seed bed moderately moist until germination. You may need to thin the seedlings to allow the plants to mature. If you are in a hurry, you can till the plants into the soil before they flower or wait to enjoy the blooms and then chop the plants into the soil to release their nutrients slowly. The deep taproots and wide fibrous root zone will break apart problem soils and aerate, increasing water percolation and oxygen. Planting a borage cover crop in late summer will provide green material for nitrogen release but will not provide you with the flowers. It is still a worthwhile green manure that is easy to plant and grow.
How to Use Borage as Fertilizer
If you just simply like to have a few of the plants around for their beauty, use as a tea or for the decorative bee attracting flowers, the plants are still useful even in small numbers. These annuals can get 2- to 3-feet tall with numerous secondary branching stems and leaves. Strip leaves and place them in enough water to cover them. Put a lid on the container and let it ferment for two weeks. After the two-week period, drain out the solids and you now have an excellent fertilizer. Use borage as fertilizer weekly, diluted with water at 1 part to 10 parts water. The solution can keep for several months. And don’t forget to till in your annual borage plants no matter how many there are. Even small numbers of the plants are excellent soil conditioners, the plant equivalent of beauty and brains.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月13日
Also known as emerald creeper, jade vine plants (Strongylodon macrobotrys) are so extravagant that you have to see to believe. Jade vine is known for its spectacular blooms consisting of dangling clusters of shimmering greenish-blue, claw-shaped flowers. The huge, pendant-like clusters are suspended from twisting, wisteria-like stems with waxy green leaves. Read on for more information about growing jade vines and jade vine care.
Growing Jade Vines
This tropical climber is rambunctious in its natural environment, although the plant is in danger of extinction due to deforestation. If you’re interested in growing jade vines, you may have success growing the vine in the ground if you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 10 through 11. Jade vine plants are also well suited for growing in greenhouses. You may be able to grow jade vine as a houseplant, too, if you can provide the proper growing conditions. Keep in mind that you may not see blooms until the second year; the vine won’t bloom until the base of the stem is at least ¾-inch in diameter.
Care of Jade Vines
Since most of us may not reside in a suitable area, growing jade vine as a houseplant is the best option. Jade vine care requires giving the plant plenty of direct sunlight and temperatures above 60 degrees F. (15 C.), as lower temperatures may damage the roots. Your plant will be happiest in a clay pot that allows the roots to breathe. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains easily. Provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb, or place your plant in a hanging basket (until it becomes too heavy).
Water jade vine only when the top of the soil is visibly dry, then water slowly until excess moisture drips through the drainage hole. Although the plant thrives in high humidity, it tolerates normal room humidity. However, if your room is very dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by setting the pot on a tray with a layer of damp pebbles. Jade vine plants aren’t heavy feeders and a mixture of ½ teaspoon of water-soluble fertilizer per gallon of water is plenty. Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer, and withhold fertilizer during fall and winter. Any type of balanced fertilizer is suitable, or you can use a fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. Trim your jade vine plant after blooming, but be careful of hard pruning because the plant blooms on both old and new growth; hard pruning will delay blooming.
Growing Jade Vines
This tropical climber is rambunctious in its natural environment, although the plant is in danger of extinction due to deforestation. If you’re interested in growing jade vines, you may have success growing the vine in the ground if you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 10 through 11. Jade vine plants are also well suited for growing in greenhouses. You may be able to grow jade vine as a houseplant, too, if you can provide the proper growing conditions. Keep in mind that you may not see blooms until the second year; the vine won’t bloom until the base of the stem is at least ¾-inch in diameter.
Care of Jade Vines
Since most of us may not reside in a suitable area, growing jade vine as a houseplant is the best option. Jade vine care requires giving the plant plenty of direct sunlight and temperatures above 60 degrees F. (15 C.), as lower temperatures may damage the roots. Your plant will be happiest in a clay pot that allows the roots to breathe. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains easily. Provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb, or place your plant in a hanging basket (until it becomes too heavy).
Water jade vine only when the top of the soil is visibly dry, then water slowly until excess moisture drips through the drainage hole. Although the plant thrives in high humidity, it tolerates normal room humidity. However, if your room is very dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by setting the pot on a tray with a layer of damp pebbles. Jade vine plants aren’t heavy feeders and a mixture of ½ teaspoon of water-soluble fertilizer per gallon of water is plenty. Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer, and withhold fertilizer during fall and winter. Any type of balanced fertilizer is suitable, or you can use a fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. Trim your jade vine plant after blooming, but be careful of hard pruning because the plant blooms on both old and new growth; hard pruning will delay blooming.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
This lovely creeping wildlflower is the only alpine clematis species to be found in Europe, the others being mainly confined to Asia.
Identification
The size and beauty of the distinctive sky-blue flowers are much more reminiscent of the exotic imported clematis plants that we buy from nurseries to plant in our gardens at home in the UK than of our native species, Clematis vitalba. (The common name of Clematis vitalba, which is Old Man's Beard, describes the fluffy seedheads which are generally better known than the insignificant white flowers that precede them.)
Distribution
Clematis alpina is found throughout Central Europe, and there is a subspecies with white flowers that is found in northern Norway, Finland and also in Poland.
Habitat
Alpine Clematis grows in rocky mountain woodlands and on the edges of pastures where it clambers over other plants, often creating magnificent cascades of flowers.
Blooming times
In its native habitats this wildflower blooms in June and July.
Identification
The size and beauty of the distinctive sky-blue flowers are much more reminiscent of the exotic imported clematis plants that we buy from nurseries to plant in our gardens at home in the UK than of our native species, Clematis vitalba. (The common name of Clematis vitalba, which is Old Man's Beard, describes the fluffy seedheads which are generally better known than the insignificant white flowers that precede them.)
Distribution
Clematis alpina is found throughout Central Europe, and there is a subspecies with white flowers that is found in northern Norway, Finland and also in Poland.
Habitat
Alpine Clematis grows in rocky mountain woodlands and on the edges of pastures where it clambers over other plants, often creating magnificent cascades of flowers.
Blooming times
In its native habitats this wildflower blooms in June and July.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
This annual wild flower, a close relative of the knapweeds, grows up to 0.8m in height with tough, greyish-green loosely branching stems and lanceolate leaves up to 4cm long. What makes the Cornflower such a memorable sight is the intense blue of its flowers, which like other members of the Daisy family comprise a cluster of central disc florets (these are more of a violet blue) surrounded by an unusually small number (typically 12) of ray florets. The ray florets are pure blue and widely spaced, with a trumpet-like appearance.
Distribution
Cornflowers were once very common on wasteland and on arable farmland in Britain and Ireland. The use of agricultural herbicides has virtually eradicated this beautiful wildflower from the British landscape, and it is now only seen if seed has been deliberately spread.
In some parts of southern Europe where intensive farming regimes have not yet been adopted it is still common to see cornfields flushed with bright blue and scarlet due to the presence of Cornflowers and Common Poppies. These wildflowers may be no good for cattle fodder, but they are excellent food for the human spirit!
Centaurea cyanus is also found in many parts of North America, where it is a naturalised introduced species and, as in Europe, a very popular choice for growing from seed in parks and gardens.
Habitat and Blooming Times
In Britain and Ireland Cornflowers grow wild in just a few cornfields where the land is not subjected to heavy doses of 'weedkiller' and artificial fertilliser; there are also odd patches of 'wasteland' where cornflowers still grow wild. For the most part, however, where you see Cornflowers in a wildflower meadow in Britain or Ireland they will have been grown from 'wildflower seed mixtures'. Rarely do such meadows maintain their brilliance for more than a year or two before they need topping up with more intriducerd seeds; even so, a planted Cornflower meadow is a wonderful sight. (The meadown on the left, in Hampshire, England, is a fine example of what can be achieved.)
Cornflowers bloom from late June until the first frosts of autumn, and in southern Britain, where the last few truly self-sustaining populations are, they are usually at their best in July.
Similar Species
A close relative, Centaurea montana, is a creeping perennial that is often grown in parks and gardens.
Distribution
Cornflowers were once very common on wasteland and on arable farmland in Britain and Ireland. The use of agricultural herbicides has virtually eradicated this beautiful wildflower from the British landscape, and it is now only seen if seed has been deliberately spread.
In some parts of southern Europe where intensive farming regimes have not yet been adopted it is still common to see cornfields flushed with bright blue and scarlet due to the presence of Cornflowers and Common Poppies. These wildflowers may be no good for cattle fodder, but they are excellent food for the human spirit!
Centaurea cyanus is also found in many parts of North America, where it is a naturalised introduced species and, as in Europe, a very popular choice for growing from seed in parks and gardens.
Habitat and Blooming Times
In Britain and Ireland Cornflowers grow wild in just a few cornfields where the land is not subjected to heavy doses of 'weedkiller' and artificial fertilliser; there are also odd patches of 'wasteland' where cornflowers still grow wild. For the most part, however, where you see Cornflowers in a wildflower meadow in Britain or Ireland they will have been grown from 'wildflower seed mixtures'. Rarely do such meadows maintain their brilliance for more than a year or two before they need topping up with more intriducerd seeds; even so, a planted Cornflower meadow is a wonderful sight. (The meadown on the left, in Hampshire, England, is a fine example of what can be achieved.)
Cornflowers bloom from late June until the first frosts of autumn, and in southern Britain, where the last few truly self-sustaining populations are, they are usually at their best in July.
Similar Species
A close relative, Centaurea montana, is a creeping perennial that is often grown in parks and gardens.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
Identification
Up to 60cm tall, this bristly branching annual herb has pointed oval leaves with toothed wavy margins. The bright blue flowers of Borage, each with five pointed recurved petals and an extended column of purple-black-tipped anthers, range from 2 to 12.5m across and grow in loose clusters (cymes).
Distribution
This gorgeous plant, which is established on a few roadsides and in waste ground in southern Britain, is cultivated as a culinary herb in summertime. Borage is common throughout the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, including the Algarve in Portugal where, as well as reproducing from seed annually, it is also capable of over-wintering.
Habitat
Borago officinalis is a wildflower of fallow cultivated land, disturbed roadsides and waste ground. It thrives in sunny locations and copes surprisingly well during dry periods.
Blooming Times
Borage blooms from March to June within its native Mediterranean range but throughout the summer months in Britain and Ireland.
Uses
Not surprisingly, Borage has been grown mainly as an ornamental plant, although its leaves are used to flavour drinks - notably Pimms. These days the plant is also grown in cultivation for its oil-rich seeds.
Up to 60cm tall, this bristly branching annual herb has pointed oval leaves with toothed wavy margins. The bright blue flowers of Borage, each with five pointed recurved petals and an extended column of purple-black-tipped anthers, range from 2 to 12.5m across and grow in loose clusters (cymes).
Distribution
This gorgeous plant, which is established on a few roadsides and in waste ground in southern Britain, is cultivated as a culinary herb in summertime. Borage is common throughout the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, including the Algarve in Portugal where, as well as reproducing from seed annually, it is also capable of over-wintering.
Habitat
Borago officinalis is a wildflower of fallow cultivated land, disturbed roadsides and waste ground. It thrives in sunny locations and copes surprisingly well during dry periods.
Blooming Times
Borage blooms from March to June within its native Mediterranean range but throughout the summer months in Britain and Ireland.
Uses
Not surprisingly, Borage has been grown mainly as an ornamental plant, although its leaves are used to flavour drinks - notably Pimms. These days the plant is also grown in cultivation for its oil-rich seeds.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The blue agave (Agave tequilana) is a large plant, up to 6 feet high with broad and stiff leaves forming an erect rosette. The leaves have a bluish tinge, giving the plant its name. Blue agaves produce a flower spike up to 15 feet high after between five and eight years of growth. Its hearts are used to make tequila, and it makes an excellent landscape plant in USDA Zones 9b and above.
Potted Agaves
Blue agave flower spike
Step 1
Place a potted blue agave plant outdoors in the sunniest available spot. Blue agaves thrive in full sun and are vulnerable to rot in shady or cool conditions.
Blue agave
Step 2
Water your agave during the warmer months of the year only when its soil is almost completely dry. Reduce watering to a minimum during the winter. Do not keep potted agaves on a dish as any excess irrigation water must be allowed to drain away. Fertilize only infrequently using a slow release granular fertilizer.
Blue agave detail
Step 3
Replant your agave in a bigger pot when its roots completely fill its container or it becomes top-heavy. Use a potting compost formulated for succulents or a standard potting compost mixed in with 33 percent sharp sand. A heavy clay container will prevent agave plants from toppling over.
Garden Agaves
Blue agave growing wild
Step 4
Grow blue agaves in a sunny spot with well drained, preferably sandy soil. A minimum of six hours of sunshine a day is ideal, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Plant on a raised mound in areas prone to flooding.
Agave in a garden setting
Step 5
Water garden agaves only during summer during periods of drought or just after planting. Garden-grown agaves rarely need fertilizing but do benefit from mulching with organic matter such as bark chips.
Agave flower spike
Step 6
Propagate agaves from offsets or pups which appear around the base of the parent plant. Separate the pups once they have developed their own root systems. You can also propagate blue agaves from seeds collected from the flower spikes.
Potted Agaves
Blue agave flower spike
Step 1
Place a potted blue agave plant outdoors in the sunniest available spot. Blue agaves thrive in full sun and are vulnerable to rot in shady or cool conditions.
Blue agave
Step 2
Water your agave during the warmer months of the year only when its soil is almost completely dry. Reduce watering to a minimum during the winter. Do not keep potted agaves on a dish as any excess irrigation water must be allowed to drain away. Fertilize only infrequently using a slow release granular fertilizer.
Blue agave detail
Step 3
Replant your agave in a bigger pot when its roots completely fill its container or it becomes top-heavy. Use a potting compost formulated for succulents or a standard potting compost mixed in with 33 percent sharp sand. A heavy clay container will prevent agave plants from toppling over.
Garden Agaves
Blue agave growing wild
Step 4
Grow blue agaves in a sunny spot with well drained, preferably sandy soil. A minimum of six hours of sunshine a day is ideal, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Plant on a raised mound in areas prone to flooding.
Agave in a garden setting
Step 5
Water garden agaves only during summer during periods of drought or just after planting. Garden-grown agaves rarely need fertilizing but do benefit from mulching with organic matter such as bark chips.
Agave flower spike
Step 6
Propagate agaves from offsets or pups which appear around the base of the parent plant. Separate the pups once they have developed their own root systems. You can also propagate blue agaves from seeds collected from the flower spikes.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
Cytospora canker disease generally attacks spruces, especially Colorado blue and Norway varieties, as well as peach trees, Douglas firs or hemlock trees. What is cytospora canker? It is a destructive disease caused by the fungus Leucostoma kunzei that disfigures and can even kill vulnerable trees. Read on for more information about symptoms of cytospora canker as well as cytospora canker treatment.
What is Cytospora Canker? You may not have heard of cytospora canker until after a tree in your backyard is infected. If you notice that the lower limbs on your tree are dying, the tree might have cytospora canker disease. It attacks older trees, stressed trees and those with shallow roots or planted in inappropriate sites. One of the first symptoms of cytospora canker disease on spruce is the browning of needles on the tree’s lower limbs. When they fall, you may notice light patches of resin on the dead bark of the branches.
Over several years, symptoms of cytospora canker spread and upper branches brown and die. Dead areas of bark appear, known as cankers. On trees without needles, like peach trees, look for cankers on branches around pruning wounds. They may be present for several years, extending along the branch, before they kill it. Control of Cytospora Canker You may look to fungicidal sprays as a cytospora canker treatment, but these are not effective and are not recommended by experts. Instead, try using organic methods for control of cytospora canker. Prevention is easier than cytospora canker treatment. Take care not to wound trees susceptible to this disease. Wounds, like those from weed whackers and saws, serve as entry points for the fungus. Crowded trees are more likely to get and pass along the fungus. Plant yours with lots of room and good air circulation.
Take every precaution to keep the trees healthy and strong. Water them during dry periods and fertilize them annually to provide nutrients. Vigorous trees are less likely to get attacked. Prune out any infected branches and burn them, since the fungus overwinters in cankered bark. Use bleach to disinfect the pruners before and after each use. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring in dry, sunny weather.
What is Cytospora Canker? You may not have heard of cytospora canker until after a tree in your backyard is infected. If you notice that the lower limbs on your tree are dying, the tree might have cytospora canker disease. It attacks older trees, stressed trees and those with shallow roots or planted in inappropriate sites. One of the first symptoms of cytospora canker disease on spruce is the browning of needles on the tree’s lower limbs. When they fall, you may notice light patches of resin on the dead bark of the branches.
Over several years, symptoms of cytospora canker spread and upper branches brown and die. Dead areas of bark appear, known as cankers. On trees without needles, like peach trees, look for cankers on branches around pruning wounds. They may be present for several years, extending along the branch, before they kill it. Control of Cytospora Canker You may look to fungicidal sprays as a cytospora canker treatment, but these are not effective and are not recommended by experts. Instead, try using organic methods for control of cytospora canker. Prevention is easier than cytospora canker treatment. Take care not to wound trees susceptible to this disease. Wounds, like those from weed whackers and saws, serve as entry points for the fungus. Crowded trees are more likely to get and pass along the fungus. Plant yours with lots of room and good air circulation.
Take every precaution to keep the trees healthy and strong. Water them during dry periods and fertilize them annually to provide nutrients. Vigorous trees are less likely to get attacked. Prune out any infected branches and burn them, since the fungus overwinters in cankered bark. Use bleach to disinfect the pruners before and after each use. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring in dry, sunny weather.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月07日
Camassia
Camassia is a perfect plant for extending the spring bulb season. It produces spires of beautiful purple or blue flowers in late spring and early summer -- right alongside favorites such as allium, peony, and iris. There are a handful of varieties available; give your garden a boost by selecting one with variegated foliage.
Camassia does best in full sun or part shade in moist soil. In fact, it tolerates clay and wet conditions better than most other spring bulbs. Camassia is native to areas of North America.
LIGHT:Part Sun, Sun
TYPE:Bulb
HEIGHT:From 1 to 8 feet
WIDTH:To 1 foot wide
FLOWER COLOR:Blue, White
SEASONAL FEATURES:Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom
PROBLEM SOLVERS:Deer Resistant
SPECIAL FEATURES:Cut Flowers, Good for Containers
ZONES:3-10
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Above: Yellow Columbine flowering in the Rocky Mountains in early July.
Yellow Columbine is the most common of the three species that grow in the Rocky Mountains, the other two being Colorado Blue Columbine - Aquilegia coerulea and Red Western Columbine - Aquilegia elegantula.
The best time to see this flower in bloom is from mid-June to mid July. Yellow Columbine grows in moist, acidic habitats on rocky ledges, mountain meadows and subalpine slopes.
Various parts of the plant have been used to make medicines: the seeds can be crushed and added to hot water to cure headaches, and tea made from the dried roots and leaves, has been used to treat stomach and bowel complaints.
Aquilegia flavescens is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. It is easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
Yellow Columbine is the most common of the three species that grow in the Rocky Mountains, the other two being Colorado Blue Columbine - Aquilegia coerulea and Red Western Columbine - Aquilegia elegantula.
The best time to see this flower in bloom is from mid-June to mid July. Yellow Columbine grows in moist, acidic habitats on rocky ledges, mountain meadows and subalpine slopes.
Various parts of the plant have been used to make medicines: the seeds can be crushed and added to hot water to cure headaches, and tea made from the dried roots and leaves, has been used to treat stomach and bowel complaints.
Aquilegia flavescens is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. It is easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Above: Western Red Columbine flowering in the Rocky Mountains in early July.
This lovely columbine species is not as common as either of its close relatives, Colorado Blue Columbine - Aquilegia coerulea or Yellow Columbine - Aquilegia flavescens. It readily hybdrises with the latter producing pale pink or lemon-coloured flowers.
Western Red Columbine likes moist sites, and we found it growing at the base of a rocky slope in woodland beside a mountain stream. It also tolerates high altitudes and will appear in suitable subalpine habitats.
Columbines reward their pollinators with nectar, but the insects must have very long tongues to reach down to the end of the long spurs where it is stored. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of columbine flowers and so growing cultivated varieties in your garden is a sure way of attracting them.
Aqulegia elegantula is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. Columbines are very easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
This lovely columbine species is not as common as either of its close relatives, Colorado Blue Columbine - Aquilegia coerulea or Yellow Columbine - Aquilegia flavescens. It readily hybdrises with the latter producing pale pink or lemon-coloured flowers.
Western Red Columbine likes moist sites, and we found it growing at the base of a rocky slope in woodland beside a mountain stream. It also tolerates high altitudes and will appear in suitable subalpine habitats.
Columbines reward their pollinators with nectar, but the insects must have very long tongues to reach down to the end of the long spurs where it is stored. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of columbine flowers and so growing cultivated varieties in your garden is a sure way of attracting them.
Aqulegia elegantula is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. Columbines are very easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Distribution
Sometimes described simply as Blue Columbine but also known as Rocky Mountain Columbine, this lovely wildflower is actually Colorado's state flower. It is predominantly a Rocky Mountains species and also grows in Idaho, Montana and south into New Mexico.
Blooming times
The best time to see this flower in bloom is from mid-June to mid July. The plant is quite bushy and scrambles over rocks in ravines and on roadsides up to quite high elevations - around 10,000 feet.It also grows in open woodlands where it scrambles over other shrubs and fallen trees.
Uses
The Native American Indians used the seeds of the plant to make a perfume, first crushing them, then making them into a paste which was spread among clothes to keep them fresh.
Aqulegia coerulea (Aquilegia caerulea is a synonym) is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. It is easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
Sometimes described simply as Blue Columbine but also known as Rocky Mountain Columbine, this lovely wildflower is actually Colorado's state flower. It is predominantly a Rocky Mountains species and also grows in Idaho, Montana and south into New Mexico.
Blooming times
The best time to see this flower in bloom is from mid-June to mid July. The plant is quite bushy and scrambles over rocks in ravines and on roadsides up to quite high elevations - around 10,000 feet.It also grows in open woodlands where it scrambles over other shrubs and fallen trees.
Uses
The Native American Indians used the seeds of the plant to make a perfume, first crushing them, then making them into a paste which was spread among clothes to keep them fresh.
Aqulegia coerulea (Aquilegia caerulea is a synonym) is a protected plant and so the flowers should never be picked, or the plants dug up and removed. It is easy to cultivate from seed for use in gardens and seeds can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Distribution
This startlingly blue wildflower can be found throughout the Mediterranean region on roadsides, in abandoned fields and in olive groves. When the flower buds first appear they are purple and coiled opening gradually to a deep ultramarine.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Large Blue Alkanet is a member of the borage family (Boraginaceae) of plants and copes well with dry sunny locations; it blooms from March until June.
Borage, cultivated in herb gardens in the UK and used as an attractive addition to the fruit cup Pimms, is a close relative to this lovely wildflower.
The position of wildflowers in the family Boraginaceae, which includes the alkanets, forget-me-knots and of course Borage itself, is still not determined. Some people place these flowers in the orderr Lamiales while others have designated them as Boraginales. We, like many, simoly mark the whole family as Insertae sedis.
This startlingly blue wildflower can be found throughout the Mediterranean region on roadsides, in abandoned fields and in olive groves. When the flower buds first appear they are purple and coiled opening gradually to a deep ultramarine.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Large Blue Alkanet is a member of the borage family (Boraginaceae) of plants and copes well with dry sunny locations; it blooms from March until June.
Borage, cultivated in herb gardens in the UK and used as an attractive addition to the fruit cup Pimms, is a close relative to this lovely wildflower.
The position of wildflowers in the family Boraginaceae, which includes the alkanets, forget-me-knots and of course Borage itself, is still not determined. Some people place these flowers in the orderr Lamiales while others have designated them as Boraginales. We, like many, simoly mark the whole family as Insertae sedis.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
This lovely deep blue-to-purple flower is related to the Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis, with which we are so familiar in Britain and Ireland and which can also, confusingly, occur in a blue-flowered form.
Identification
This low-growing shrubby branching perennial has opposite or whorled oval or lanceolate leaves on round-sectioned stems. As well as the common blue form shown here, red, pink and white colour variants of this species also occur.
The flowers, which have five unlobed petals, can form mats so dense that te leaves are all but obscured.
Distribution
Shrubby Pimpernel is a native of the Iberian Peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily and North Africa and appears in rather dry habitats such as stable sand dunes and banks but can sometimes be found in open woodland too.
Habitat
Ribbons and large patches of Shrubby Pimpernel are wonderful sights on dry roadside verges and the banks of steep-sided cuttings. This wildflower also grows in colourful clumps in coastal garrigue habitats such as the wonderfully diverse pin-cushion floral landscape along the cliff tops at Cape St Vincent, in the southwest corner of Portugal.
A member of the Primrose family (Primulaceae), the flowers can sometimes be red or pink, and Shrubby Pimpernel is frequently encouraged as a garden plant.
Blooming Times
In the wild Shrubby Pimpernel forms dense mats of glorious blue flowers from March to June.
Identification
This low-growing shrubby branching perennial has opposite or whorled oval or lanceolate leaves on round-sectioned stems. As well as the common blue form shown here, red, pink and white colour variants of this species also occur.
The flowers, which have five unlobed petals, can form mats so dense that te leaves are all but obscured.
Distribution
Shrubby Pimpernel is a native of the Iberian Peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily and North Africa and appears in rather dry habitats such as stable sand dunes and banks but can sometimes be found in open woodland too.
Habitat
Ribbons and large patches of Shrubby Pimpernel are wonderful sights on dry roadside verges and the banks of steep-sided cuttings. This wildflower also grows in colourful clumps in coastal garrigue habitats such as the wonderfully diverse pin-cushion floral landscape along the cliff tops at Cape St Vincent, in the southwest corner of Portugal.
A member of the Primrose family (Primulaceae), the flowers can sometimes be red or pink, and Shrubby Pimpernel is frequently encouraged as a garden plant.
Blooming Times
In the wild Shrubby Pimpernel forms dense mats of glorious blue flowers from March to June.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Irises are wonderful garden plants. The word Iris means rainbow. Irises come in many colors such as blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.
The genus Iris has about 200 species and is native to the North Temperate regions of the world. The habitat of irises also varies a lot. Some irises grow in deserts, some in swamps, some in the cold far north, and many in temperate climates. Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris are two of the most common types of irises grown.
Some Interesting Facts about Iris
Irises come in many forms, shapes, colors and sizes and the sword-like foliage is attractive when the plant is not in bloom.
The Iris was named after the Greek goddess who is considered to be the messenger of love and uses the rainbow to travel. Iris was probably named after the goddess because of the numerous colors it is available in.
Irises are among the best-known and loved among garden plants. Irises are hardy herbaceous perennials.
The genus Iris is a large genus of bulbous and rhizomatous perennials.
The Iris was named after the goddess of the rainbow because of its many colors.
A flower on the Sphinx is considered to be an Iris, and another appears on a bas-relief of the time of the 18th Egyptian dynasty.
Pliny also knew the Iris and praised its medicinal virtues.
The Iris was also a favorite flower of the Moslems who took it to Spain after their conquest in the 8th century.
Types of Irises
Irises are classified into two major groups, Rhizome Irises and Bulbous Irises. Within those groups are countless species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids, according to the American Iris Society.
Rhizome Irises are thickened stems that grow horizontally, either underground or partially underground. After planting, iris rhizomes produce sword like leaves that overlap, forming flat fans of green foliage. Three popular irises in this group are Bearded, Beardless and Crested Irises.
The bearded iris has four distinct parts: the Standards, Falls, Stigma flaps, and Beard
The beardless variety has: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps, but usually have crests
The crested Irises or Evansia Iris has: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps and in addition to a ridge on the falls of the blossom, they have ridges like crests instead of beards
Crested irises are often considered in the same manner as the beardless iris. These plants spread freely by underground stems and produce flat flowers in the shades of blue, violet and white. Often the flowers and leaves are found on bamboo like stems which can vary in height from 5-200 centimeters in height.
Growing Irises
Before planting Iris, improve the soil conditions by using a slow release fertilizer. To increase the organic matter content, use compost, peat moss or well-rotted manure. Fertilizer and organic matter should be worked thoroughly into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.
Wooded areas with good drainage and partial shade are ideal spots for the crested iris.
Irises are grown from both seed and root separation.
The roots or rhizomes, are easily separated and replanted.
The rhizome looks like a long, thin potato with roots underneath.
When transplanting, separate the rhizome. Make sure to have some root and a leaf or two in each section.
Plant the rhizomes near the surface with the roots below.
Divide the clumps and plant single rhizomes, spacing them 8 to 18 inches apart according to the effect desired.
Spade a planting hole about 10 inches deep and work 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer into the soil in the bottom of the hole.
If the soil is heavy, some drainage material such as gravel or broken pottery should be placed in the hole.
Fill the hole with loose soil and place the root section so that it will not be covered more than 1 inch deep.
Most Beardless Irises can also be propagated from seeds.
Iris Plant Care
Apply a thin layer of compost around the base of plants each spring, leaving the rhizome exposed.
As flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant.
To encourage a second bloom on re-blooming varieties, promptly remove faded flowers and maintain consistent watering throughout the summer.
In autumn, trim away dead foliage and prune back healthy leaves to a height of 4 to 5 inches.
Once the soil has frozen, apply a layer of mulch to help prevent roots from heaving out of the soil during alternate freezing and thawing.
If heaving occurs, don't try to force plants back into the soil. Instead, cover rhizomes and exposed roots with soil.
Divide bearded irises every 4 to 5 years, preferably in late summer. Each division should have one or two leaf fans. Older rhizomes that have few white feeding roots should be discarded.
Other Uses of Iris
The juice of the fresh roots of Iris, bruised with wine, has been employed as a strong purge of great efficiency in dropsy.
Iris roots are used to treat skin diseases. The juice of Irises are also sometimes used as a cosmetic for the removal of freckles on the skin.
The fresh root of the Iris germanica is a powerful cathartic, and for this reason its juice has been employed in dropsy. It is chiefly used in the dry state, being said to be good for complaints of the lungs, for coughs and hoarseness, but is now more valued for the pleasantness of its violet-like perfume than for any other use.
Iris flowers are used as a liver purge.
Purple Iris
Purple Iris Flowers bloom for two to three weeks in the late spring to early summer.
The Purple Iris is the state flower of Tennessee.
The Purple Iris can be grown in your home, in containers.
The majority of Iris flowers are in Purple.
The genus Iris has about 200 species and is native to the North Temperate regions of the world. The habitat of irises also varies a lot. Some irises grow in deserts, some in swamps, some in the cold far north, and many in temperate climates. Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris are two of the most common types of irises grown.
Some Interesting Facts about Iris
Irises come in many forms, shapes, colors and sizes and the sword-like foliage is attractive when the plant is not in bloom.
The Iris was named after the Greek goddess who is considered to be the messenger of love and uses the rainbow to travel. Iris was probably named after the goddess because of the numerous colors it is available in.
Irises are among the best-known and loved among garden plants. Irises are hardy herbaceous perennials.
The genus Iris is a large genus of bulbous and rhizomatous perennials.
The Iris was named after the goddess of the rainbow because of its many colors.
A flower on the Sphinx is considered to be an Iris, and another appears on a bas-relief of the time of the 18th Egyptian dynasty.
Pliny also knew the Iris and praised its medicinal virtues.
The Iris was also a favorite flower of the Moslems who took it to Spain after their conquest in the 8th century.
Types of Irises
Irises are classified into two major groups, Rhizome Irises and Bulbous Irises. Within those groups are countless species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids, according to the American Iris Society.
Rhizome Irises are thickened stems that grow horizontally, either underground or partially underground. After planting, iris rhizomes produce sword like leaves that overlap, forming flat fans of green foliage. Three popular irises in this group are Bearded, Beardless and Crested Irises.
The bearded iris has four distinct parts: the Standards, Falls, Stigma flaps, and Beard
The beardless variety has: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps, but usually have crests
The crested Irises or Evansia Iris has: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps and in addition to a ridge on the falls of the blossom, they have ridges like crests instead of beards
Crested irises are often considered in the same manner as the beardless iris. These plants spread freely by underground stems and produce flat flowers in the shades of blue, violet and white. Often the flowers and leaves are found on bamboo like stems which can vary in height from 5-200 centimeters in height.
Growing Irises
Before planting Iris, improve the soil conditions by using a slow release fertilizer. To increase the organic matter content, use compost, peat moss or well-rotted manure. Fertilizer and organic matter should be worked thoroughly into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.
Wooded areas with good drainage and partial shade are ideal spots for the crested iris.
Irises are grown from both seed and root separation.
The roots or rhizomes, are easily separated and replanted.
The rhizome looks like a long, thin potato with roots underneath.
When transplanting, separate the rhizome. Make sure to have some root and a leaf or two in each section.
Plant the rhizomes near the surface with the roots below.
Divide the clumps and plant single rhizomes, spacing them 8 to 18 inches apart according to the effect desired.
Spade a planting hole about 10 inches deep and work 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer into the soil in the bottom of the hole.
If the soil is heavy, some drainage material such as gravel or broken pottery should be placed in the hole.
Fill the hole with loose soil and place the root section so that it will not be covered more than 1 inch deep.
Most Beardless Irises can also be propagated from seeds.
Iris Plant Care
Apply a thin layer of compost around the base of plants each spring, leaving the rhizome exposed.
As flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant.
To encourage a second bloom on re-blooming varieties, promptly remove faded flowers and maintain consistent watering throughout the summer.
In autumn, trim away dead foliage and prune back healthy leaves to a height of 4 to 5 inches.
Once the soil has frozen, apply a layer of mulch to help prevent roots from heaving out of the soil during alternate freezing and thawing.
If heaving occurs, don't try to force plants back into the soil. Instead, cover rhizomes and exposed roots with soil.
Divide bearded irises every 4 to 5 years, preferably in late summer. Each division should have one or two leaf fans. Older rhizomes that have few white feeding roots should be discarded.
Other Uses of Iris
The juice of the fresh roots of Iris, bruised with wine, has been employed as a strong purge of great efficiency in dropsy.
Iris roots are used to treat skin diseases. The juice of Irises are also sometimes used as a cosmetic for the removal of freckles on the skin.
The fresh root of the Iris germanica is a powerful cathartic, and for this reason its juice has been employed in dropsy. It is chiefly used in the dry state, being said to be good for complaints of the lungs, for coughs and hoarseness, but is now more valued for the pleasantness of its violet-like perfume than for any other use.
Iris flowers are used as a liver purge.
Purple Iris
Purple Iris Flowers bloom for two to three weeks in the late spring to early summer.
The Purple Iris is the state flower of Tennessee.
The Purple Iris can be grown in your home, in containers.
The majority of Iris flowers are in Purple.
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