Image via bhg.com
Creative DIY Gardening Idea # 19: Landscape with Concrete Balls
December 25th, 2012 by waqas mughal No comments »Leuchtenbergia principis, the Cactus Agave
December 22nd, 2012 by waqas mughal No comments »Leuchtenbergia principis is one of the most unusual forms of cactus. Though it closely resembles an Agave but the plant actually belongs to the family of cactus, thus justifying its common name, Cactus Agave. It does not have usual spines or typical globular or cylindrical formation of a cactus. It is characterized by its long and triangular tubercles that actually look like leaves of the plant. The tubercles of Leuchtenbergia principis grow on a corky stem. Each tubercle is 4 to 5 cm long and produces papery spines at the tip.
Leuchtenbergia principis/ Imahe by Manuel M. Ramos
Leuchtenbergia principis produces showy yellow flower in spring and summer. However, flowering is not really frequent.
Leuchtenbergia principis is significantly slow growing plant and grows up to 10 cm in wild. The plant has a strong tap root that requires deep soil. Like other species of cacti, Leuchtenbergia principis is not fussy about requirements. It requires occasional watering and fertilizer. The plant prefers hot and sunny location but protection from winter frost.
Leuchtenbergia principis can be easily propagated from seeds that can be collected from its fruit. Young seedlings can be grafted for quicker and healthy growth of plants.
C is for Chrysanthemum
December 15th, 2012 by waqas No comments »A bunch of purple Chrysanthemum
A beautiful yellow Chrysanthemum with a hint of orange
A beautiful bunch of Chrysanthemum
Golden Chrysanthemum
Unique and Lovely
Another lovely specimen
The best of the whole lot
Beautiful Color of Chrysanthemum
Yellow-Orange Chrysanthemum
Saponaria officinalis: Soapwort
December 13th, 2012 by waqas No comments »Saponaria is a small genus of annuals and perennials from the Mediterranean climate where it is grown for its colorful flowers. Saponaria officinalis is the most popularly known species from this genus. It is a low-growing perennial that produces fragrant flowers of white and pink hues in early summer. The flowers appear in dense clusters and make a colorful impact on the background of green leaves. The best place to grow Saponaria officinalis is mixed borders where it can grow in almost any soil and tolerate long spells of cold and frost.
Saponaria officinalis, Soapwort
Most plants in the genus of Saponaria tend to becomes weedy and invasive, however Saponaria officinalis is quite easy to control with regular pruning.
Extract of the leaves of Saponaria officinalis has soapy content. It produces fine lather when rubbed, that is why it has traditionally been used as soap or luxurious shampoo especially for washing delicate surfaces. The soapy extract gives the plant its common name – Soapwort.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’: the Japanese Bloodgrass
December 12th, 2012 by waqas No comments »The lovely plant in the picture is Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ – a perennial grass with beautifully colored and textured blades. Commonly known as Japanese Bloodgrass, this ornamental grass is an excellent choice for creating dramatic effects in any garden.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ forms dense clumps of strappy leaves that grow up to 5 feet. The silvery-green foliage has margin of bright red color that make it an excellent ornamental grass for gardens and landscapes. Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ is usually mixed borders or grown along flower beds to provide contrasting and colorful background throughout the year.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ is propagated from divisions and is grown in well-drained soil. Like most ornamental grasses it should be pruned regularly to keep it in shape and under control. Without regular pruning and control Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ tends to become invasive and hard to weed out completely.
The plant requires regular watering and good exposure to bright sunlight. In colder climates, Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ requires protection from heavy frost.
Japanese Bloodgrass/ Image by jacki Dee
