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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden

How to Grow & Bloom Orchids

With about 25,000 species, growing in both warm and cold climates, orchids are one of the largest flowering plants on the planet. You don't need any fancy equipment or a greenhouse to grow orchids; in fact, most people grow orchids on a windowsill. Although specific temperatures, light requirements

My Maple Tree Has Wilting Leaves

Maples (Acer spp.) are a large group of shrubs and trees best suited for regions with cool weather. The plants come in evergreen or deciduous varieties and a range of sizes and forms. A bacterial disease leads to wilting foliage on maple plants.

How to rid your yard of those pesky GOPHERS

Gophers are a common yard and garden pest. In the United States alone, there are over 100 species of gophers. These rodents dig underground tunnel systems in your yard, poking up every once in a while to make a meal of your trees, plants, flowers and vegetables. Although only one gopher lives in eac

Peonies & Deer

If deer live in your area, you're faced with either keeping them out of your yard or planting flowers and shrubs that deer won't eat. Peonies are one of those flowers.

How to Grow Bluebells

Bluebells. Known as Hyacinthoides or Virginia Bluebells, these flowers are great for naturalizing under deciduous trees or in mass plantings in the yard. Thriving in USDA Zones 2 to 8, the Bluebell has a mass of long leaves from which grows tall stems-ranging in height from 1 to 2 feet-with bell-sha

Culture of Viburnum

The viburnum family includes more than 150 different species and cultivars. These shrubs or small trees can range from two to 20 feet in height. Viburnums often feature brilliant autumn foliage and colorful berries.

How to Prune Sand Cherry Bushes

Sand cherry bushes are medium-sized ornamental shrub and members of the rose family. Among the many varieties of sand cherry, purpleleaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena) is one of the most popular for its purplish red leaves that turn crimson in summer and bronze in fall. Short-lived at 15 to 20 years

How to Plant Potted Flowers Outdoors in a Soil Mix

If the soil quality outside your home is not in good condition, or you do not have the space or luxury for a full flower garden, containers might be the best option. Containers allow you to tightly control the environment in which the flower lives. Not only do you get to choose what kind of soil goe

How to Landscape Kerria Rose Bushes

Kerria rose bushes, or Japanese roses, can be used as specimen or bordering shrubs. These bushes can reach up to 6 feet in height. Check your plant hardiness zone map, because they prefer to be grown in zones 4 to 9. Mid-summer to late fall brings yellow blooms that can add color to a landscape beco

How to Water Interior Plants

Water is one of the most important needs for any plant, especially interior potted plants. Proper watering allows nutrients to seep from the soil and into the plant roots. According to the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, over-watering and under-watering are two primary causes of dea

Geraniums & Animals

Common geraniums (Pelargonium) are low-maintenance perennial plants that grace flower beds in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Although geraniums aren't included on all lists of plants toxic to pets, they are considered toxic by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A

How to Apply a Preemergent Weed Control

Pre-emergent weed control is designed for use prior to the germination of weeds. The products inhibit proper development of plants by restricting root growth. Because pre-emergent weed control is ineffective when applied after weed germination, spread the weed control in early spring just before for

How to Sell Pine Trees for Lumber

Growing pine trees is a long-term investment; the trees are not fully grown for at least thirty years. Many families choose to plant vacant land with pine trees as a sort of retirement nest egg. The pine trees require little upkeep as they grow and can generate a hefty profit upon fruition. Consulti

How to Set Up a Transit Level

Transit levels measure difference in elevation. Once the transit is level, you can look through the eyepiece to observe a target measuring stick. The measuring stick is then moved to a different location, within sight of the transit, and another reading is taken. By subtracting the two measurements,

How to Harvest Garlic and Ramps From a Garden

Garlic and wild leeks, commonly called ramps, are easy to grow and harvest in home gardens. Both plants require two growing seasons before they are ready to harvest. Garlic and ramps should be planted in late summer early fall when the plants can develop healthy shoots above ground. The plants go th

About the Dangers of Buckeye Trees

Buckeye trees have poison in the leaves, bark and nuts.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty ImagesThe buckeye, also known as the horse chestnut, grows abundantly in the east and central United States. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in landscapes and, with the moniker...

Plants for Small Pots

Small plants in small pots can be moved easily.small potted cactus plant image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.comSmall plants suit modern compact living spaces. They can easily be transported between locations and swapped around to decorate homes as well as offices, where they add humidity and...

How to Take Care of a Yellow Trumpet Vine Plant

Yellow trumpet vine (C. radicans Flava) is a fast-growing vine that, with minimal care, can be a beautiful addition to your landscape, attracting hordes of hummingbirds that enjoy the sweet nectar in the blooms. Be patient, as yellow trumpet vine may take up to five years to reach full blooming capa

How to Fill Planters With Gravel Liners

Without good drainage, a planter will become waterlogged, which will cause your plants to possibly die. One of the easiest ways to add drainage to any planter is by filling it with a gravel base. The gravel base adds the proper drainage needed and also helps hold in soil so that it doesn't escape ou