Category Archives: general nature
Bushy bluestem is a native prairie grass
This time of year, along the highway in full sun we see a tan upright grass with thick feathery tops. When other vegetation is growing, we rarely notice it. Until seed heads develop, this grass is easily ignored. It’s called … Continue reading
Christmas fern is a native plant with landscape potential
Now that we’ve had several hard frosts, many of the herbaceous wild plants have withered. There is one native woodland fern that is still bright and green. It’s called Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) and it’s a native with untapped potential. … Continue reading
Citrus greening disease threatens the entire citrus industry
I always look forward to this time of year when citrus supplies are plentiful. My favorite one has always been the tangelo, but that is changing. It’s not because I like them less, it’s because they are nowhere to be … Continue reading
Rose rosette disease is good for some and bad for others
Everyone has heard the expression to be careful what you wish for. Sometimes a cure for one problem can cause another. Rose rosette disease is a prime example. Years ago, multiflora rose was planted as natural fencing and for soil … Continue reading
Agaves can be dual purpose succulents
It’s nice to be able to go on vacation and not worry about houseplants or flower gardens. There are two ways to accomplish this. The first is to set up an automatic watering system. The second is to choose plants … Continue reading
Catnip and catmint are confusing cousins
To most folks they are interchangeable. Catnip and catmint are closely related perennial herbs in the mint family. If I had to state their greatest deference it would be that catmint has more ornamental value. Catnip is more of a … Continue reading
Dianthus provide a wide variety of great cool-season flowers
When folks ask about dianthus I smile. It’s like asking a kid if he likes candy bars. The obvious answer is yes, but there are so many different kinds to choose from. Dianthus is a genus with a great variety … Continue reading
Broomsedge is a native grass indicative of infertile soils
We know we are approaching fall when we begin noticing clumps of tall fluffy grass called broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus). It’s not really a sedge at all. It’s a warm-season perennial grass. Some folks call it broom sage, which is incorrect. … Continue reading
Fixing low spots in a lawn is not a one size fits all
After a rain it seems like all the imperfections show up in our lawns. Fixing them usually requires patience and the remedy varies depending upon soil type, time of year and grass species. Repair options can be gradual. This is … Continue reading
Solving plant problems requires knowing what the enemy is
A couple weeks ago somebody brought me a Ziploc bag full of blueish gray bugs with orange stripes and spots on them. He told me they were killing his crape myrtles. Many of the leaves were falling prematurely. He also … Continue reading
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