This winter, and even into the spring, I started some seeds in my garage under my new commercial grow light. It worked really well and I am growing marigolds, coleus, tomatoes, African daisies, basil, and more from seeds. It’s a whole lot cheaper than buying plants and I have a much higher success rate with this new light. When you grow …
propagation
Swamp Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus): Hardy Native for Wet Soils
Have you got swampy soil? Then this is the perfect flowering plant solution for your garden. Native to the marshes and swamps of the southeastern states – from Louisiana to North Carolina –swamp mallows (Hibiscus coccineus) prefer wet soil and even standing water. Swamp Mallow is Perfect for Wet Soil I had one spot in my front flowerbeds …
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Cross Vine: Bignonia capreolata
As a native plant, cross vine has a big advantage - it's easy to grow, hardy, tolerates the heat, has a low water requirement, and can grow in both full sun and part shade. It's in the same family as trumpet creeper (Bignoniaceae), and the flowers are very similar - trumpet-shaped, 2" long tubular, and bright orange-red/yellow. Cross vine is …
Bringing Herbs Indoors for Winter Cooking
Having fresh herbs to add to your cooking in the winter is a great boon – you just can’t beat that fresh flavor. Now is the time to plan so that you can enjoy the flavor throughout the winter. Depending on where you live, some of your herbs will survive outdoors even in winter. My herb beds are partially protected by a tree, so they have been …
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Mexican Salvia – Fall Blooming, Deer & Drought Resistant
Also known as Mexican bush sage, this salvia produces great fall color (purple and white) that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It looks great mixed in with other flowers for interesting color combinations, or planted in a bunch to create a nice edge or border. How to Grow Mexican Salvia This plant thrives in full sun but …
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Butterfly Bush – Buddleia spp. (Buddleja)
Look no further if you're looking for a shrub that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies and produce very sweet-smelling, attractive flowers. Butterfly bush lives up to its name. When it is blooming, I see butterflies on it frequently. Hummingbirds seem to enjoy the nectar as well. Where to Plant a Butterfly Bush Butterfly bushes are …
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