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Aphid Predator Midge Identification Aphid predator midge identification is a little difficult because the bugs usually only come out in the evening. If you do see them, they look somewhat like mosquitoes with long antennae that curl back from their heads. It’s not the adults that eat aphids, however– it’s the larvae. Aphid midge larvae are small, about 0.118th of an inch (3 mm.) long, and orange. The entire aphid midge life cycle is three to four weeks long....

When a tree has bad soil, it cannot establish roots and grow well. That means that improving soil around trees can be the most important part of tree care. Read on for information about the effects of compacted soil around trees and tips on how to improve the soil around an established tree. If Your Tree Has Bad Soil A tree’s roots uptake water and nutrients that allow the tree to produce energy and grow....

Let’s take a look at the most critical elements of growing the rex begonia as houseplants. Growing Rex Begonias Indoors Rex begonias are rhizomatous begonias. A rhizome is basically a thickened stem, and the leaves emerge from the rhizome. Generally, the rex begonia indoors prefers relatively cool temperatures, moist soil, and humid conditions. Rex begonias do well in bright indirect light. Some direct sun is okay for short times, especially if it is from an eastern window that has morning sun, which is gentler....

What is Bolting? While plants do not “run away” physically, their growth may run away rapidly, and this is basically what this phrase means in the gardening world. Plants, mostly vegetable or herbs, are said to bolt when their growth goes rapidly from being mostly leaf based to being mostly flower and seed based. Why Do Plants Bolt? Most plants bolt due to hot weather. When the ground temperature goes above a certain temperature, this flips a switch in the plant to produce flowers and seeds very rapidly and to abandon leaf growth almost completely....

Is My Peach Tree Sick? It’s important to watch for peach disease symptoms so you can treat your tree as quickly as possible. Peach tree diseases and fungus are common problems and can affect nearly any part of the tree. If your tree seems to be ailing or your fruit doesn’t look right, read on. Common Peach Diseases Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common types of peach tree diseases: Bacterial Spot – Bacterial spot attacks both fruits and leaves....

Is Stringy Stonecrop Invasive? There’s a reason why this plant is also known as spreading stringy stonecrop. Some people appreciate stringy sedum groundcover for its chartreuse foliage and yellow blooms, as well as its ability to grow and keep weeds in check, even in difficult spots like rocky slopes or hot, dry, thin soil. Stingy stonecrop also performs well between stepping stones and pavers, and can tolerate a certain amount of foot traffic....

Finding Goose and Duck Proof Plants Certain regions are waterfowl Nirvana. If you live in such a site, don’t despair. There are some plants ducks and geese won’t eat. Keeping plants safe from ducks and geese is another option to a waterfowl proof garden by using barriers. Consider some of these plants as well as effective barriers in areas of the garden that are known havens for these birds. Ducks will eat small insects as well as vegetation, while geese tend to stick with foliage and flowers....

Is kiwiberry related to kiwi? Indeed it is, as they are both in the same genus, Actinidia. The approximately 80 species in the genus originate in northern Asia. There are two main species of kiwiberry that are cultivated, both with widely different tastes. Kiwiberry Information While not widely available, kiwiberry plants can grow in USDA zones 4-8. They are the size of large grapes, and have semi-glossy, smooth skin. Just like kiwis, they have tart notes when they are firmer and get sweeter as the flesh softens....

Principles of Korean Garden Design Korean gardening styles originated thousands of years ago. Korean landscaping traditionally embraces an adaptation to nature that also includes human enjoyment. The underlying idea is to create a space that allows people to enjoy the peace of the natural environment. A traditional garden in Korea includes multiple elements integrated in a pleasing way such as trees and shrubs, flowers, water features, rocks, bridges, walls, paths, and even seating areas....

Common Camellia Problems Several diseases affect camellia plants. The most common include petal blight, canker, leaf gall, root rot, and camellia yellow mottle leaf virus. Petal blight affects camellia flowers, causing them to turn brown. This fungal disease generally occurs in spring and is usually due to abundant moisture. Petals develop small, brown spots that quickly enlarge until the entire bloom has browned. The infected flowers will usually drop within one to two days....

Causing smaller plants to have to fight for water and nutrients to survive – many of which may not be able to win the battle. Making it nearly impossible to dig a hole to plant new shrubs, other trees, or perennials in your soil. Clogging up your underground drainage system with roots that seek water. Constantly littering your yard with fallen softwood branches. You won’t have any of these problems with the Royal Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) though....

Kordes roses have a reputation for beauty and hardiness. Let’s look at where Kordes roses come from and what, exactly, is a Kordes rose. History of Kordes Roses Kordes roses come from Germany. This rose type’s origin roots date back to 1887 when Wilhelm Kordes founded a nursery for the production of rose plants in a small town near Hamburg, Germany. The business did very well and was moved to Sparrieshoop, Germany in 1918 where it is still in operation to this day....

About Mole Plants Botanically the mole plant is called Euphorbia lathyris. Other common names are caper spurge, leafy spurge, and gopher spurge. Caper spurge mole plant is either an annual or biennial plant that exudes latex when cut or broken. It has cup-shaped, greenish or yellow flowers. The plant is upright, leaves are linear and bluish-green in color. Unfortunately, all parts of the mole spurge plant are poisonous. Please don’t mistake it for the plant that produces capers, as some have, since the poison in the caper spurge mole plant can be quite toxic....

This question on crepe myrtle pruning time has a different answer depending on why you wish to prune a crepe myrtle tree. Most likely you are either pruning for general maintenance or to try to coax a second bloom out of the tree in one year. Crepe Myrtle Pruning Time for General Maintenance If you are just looking to perform general maintenance on your tree, the ideal crepe myrtle pruning time is either in the late winter or early spring when the tree is in its dormancy....

Learn How Long to Water Plants with Drip Irrigation Once your system is set up, you can use these general guidelines to water your new and established plantings. Always check the soil to see if you are watering enough or too much. The question, “how often should I run drip irrigation,” is often asked. Newcomers to drip irrigation often overwater. Typically drip irrigation systems are set up to run one hour per week....

How to Start Asparagus from Seed One thing to keep in mind when considering how to start asparagus from seed is that asparagus is a plant that requires patience, especially when starting it from seed. Most of the time, asparagus seeds are started indoors and than transplanted into the asparagus bed later on. First, soak the asparagus seeds overnight. You may want to nick or sand the seedcoat in order to get them to germinate faster....

Tree Bark Damage While most people begin to panic once there is noticeable tree bark damage, this doesn’t have to be the case. There is still hope for your tree and its overall survival depending on the amount of damage. Most minor damage can be easily fixed by removing injured tree bark. In some cases, as with large split branches or trunks that have not broken off, the tree can be braced....

History of the Green Rose Most Rosarians agree that Rosa chinensis viridiflora first appeared during the mid-18th century, perhaps as early as 1743. It is believed that she originated in the area that later was named China. Rosa chinensis viridiflora is seen in some old Chinese paintings. At one time, it was forbidden for anyone outside of the Forbidden City to grow this rose. It was literally the sole property of the emperors....

About Leucothoe Plants As a gardener, I am always looking for unique plants that require no special attention and will persist as beautiful focal points for the duration of my garden. Sounds like wishful thinking but it isn’t. Leucothoe plants provide the interest, longevity and ease of care that suit my landscape. They grow wild in the eastern United States in moist woodlands and along streams. This deer resistant plant is suitable for the more temperate regions of North America....

Reasons for Lychee Leaves Turning Brown Whenever a plant’s foliage begins to turn brown or yellow, there are a few specific things we need to inspect. First, are they brown or yellow spots or speckles, or an overall discoloration of the leaves? Spots and speckles on foliage often signifies disease or pests. Are the lychee leaves turning brown only at their tips? Foliage that turns brown only at its tips can indicate a watering problem, either too much water or too little....