Saturday, February 23, 2013

Poison Plants - A Garden Style?


I read Murder mysteries. And a story I read had a host of suspects who had visited a ‘Poison Garden’.  So I, naturally, had to see what kinds of  poison plants were in this poison garden.  Here are some plants I found for a mystery lovers poison garden.
 

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The bright purple of Monkshood, Aconitum will catch the eye in the garden.  It grows in Zone 5-8, prefer part shade.The tall spires make a late summer appearance in cottage gardens.  All parts of this plant are poisonous. This herbaceous wildflower was used in the past for medicinal purposes up to the mid-20th century.  It was used to slow the pulse, reduce fever, and as a sedative in very diluted quantities.  However the amount of dilution was unsure  and  ingestion of this plant, new leaves, roots, or flowers, can cause death within four hours.
 
Belladonna, (lower left branches with dark berries) the Atropa belladonna, is often referred to as ‘deadly nightshade’  This perennial can cause dizziness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting and is deadly.  The alkaloid atropine is that compound  extracted from the roots, that is dangerous, but is used in modern medicine.

Henbane (top right photo) is also in the nightshade family. It has a terrible odor, and like belladonna, is deadly.

Poisonous Hemlock,(Lower right photo) is a herbaceous biennial that like moist woodland areas and even ditches.  Often confused with the wild carrot, Daucus carota, or Queen Ann’s Lace, many poisoning occur when roots are mistaken as parsnips, or anise, and leaves are mistaken as parsley.
 
Center photo is Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, that many have in the garden.  Parts are poisonous, and can cause slowing of the heartbeat, confusion, and blurred vision.  Overdoses of prescribed medicine made from Digitalis can also be deadly.


angels trumpetThis pretty plant is Angel’s Trumpet, Datura, Brugmansia, has toxic seeds and flowers. Along with henbane, mandrake, and deadly nightshade, this plant has a history of being used by witches. Hallucinations, often violent, are the reaction to ingesting this plant.

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Delphinium, also known as Larkspur, is toxic from all portions of the plant,  Burning lips, and throat, and diarrhea and vomiting are signs of ingestions, and paralysis of the respiratory system is fatal.  Delphinium like cool summers in moist, loamy soil. This perennial is hardy to Zones 3-7.  Tall spikes of many shades of blue and white make a great cut flower.
bleeding hearts 1Bleeding heart, Dicentra eximia,  is a lovely perennial that has toxic foliage and roots.  Dogs and cats may find this plant tasty, but can cause gastric inflammations, and difficulty breathing. 
Other ornamental plants that would fit into this garden style, are Wisteria, Lantana, and yews.
wisteria
Wisteria is a woody climbing vine or shrub with panicles of violet blooms.  The wisteria is in the Fabaceae family, that of the pea and legumes. Pods and seeds of wisteria are poisonous and may cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.  Only if consumed in large quantities, is this plant fatal.
lantana
Lantana, a Verbenceae,  a member of verbena family, is only hardy to zones 9-11.  In northern climates we grow lantana as an annual.  The green berries are toxic and children and pets should be protected from this plant. Lantana toxins attack lungs, kidneys and nervous systems and can be fatal.   Used in sunny gardens, lantana is a frequent stopping point of the swallowtail butterfly.

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The yew, is a large group of  evergreen plants, but the Taxus group is the poisonous one with flat needles and berries. Most parts of this plant are toxic, including the bark. Birds are attracted to the berries,(the red portion is not toxic), and distribute seeds.

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Top left: Coriander, top Right: Cherry Laurel, Bottom Left: Oleander, Bottom right: Yellow Jasmine
Just a few more poison plants that can be dangerous, are Coriander, Cherry Laurel, Oleander, and Yellow Jasmine.

I have fun watching faces as I tell folks about this garden theme, but in all seriousness, use extreme caution with any plants you use in your garden.

What extreme garden themes do you have?

Friday, February 22, 2013

Landscape Ideas For the Backyard Retreat


People are choosing to live a more laid-back life.  As our kids, jobs, and elderly parents need our time and energy, we are seeking a backyard retreat.  We do not need to travel far, and the accommodations are familiar. Why take a couple of hours for a road trip, when the lounge area in the backyard is right here!
Nature has a way of calming us like nothing else.  The rustle of leaves, dappled shade, the sound of crickets remind us of the true blessings of the garden. 
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Surrounding ourselves in nature is a theme that landscapers have sensed recently. They are called upon to create quiet, relaxing outdoor spaces. To do this, natural elements are used.  Rocks, boulders stones offer a natural feeling.  Trees and shrubs are used too, but the easy, low maintenance trees and shrubs are requested.
 
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Homeowners do not want to spend every weekend doing garden chores.  The choice to use native plant material is becoming more and more desirable as these plants are less likely to require expensive pesticide use, pruning or watering.
 
Plants with colorful foliage are a popular addition in the garden.  And using containers, rather than garden beds, cuts down on weeding, mulching, and watering.  Large bold leaves like this Canna give a focal point in the garden.

canna

Along the same line of the large bold leaves, large bold large containers are being featured.  Two advantages I can think of are 1) the great impact, and wow value.  And 2) the easy of planting, and no weeding, or digging.


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Using self-watering containers has the advantage of keeping the plant moist with a reservoir of water to minimize dragging out the hoses.

self watering from gardeners
Self-water containers, Gardener's Supply
self watering ceramic
Ceramic self-water containers from Alibaba
Picking plants that are drought tolerant, may be the simple use of sedums and sempervivums.
bronze carpet stonecrophens and chicks


Plants with silver foliage, like Lavender or Lamb’s Ear also need little water.

silver foliage lavender stachys  lambs ear

Connecting with nature in our backyards is not too challenging.  Reflect on what you like.  I equate this process much the same as buying a new pair of shoes. If the shoe doesn't fit, forget it.  If the shoe is a four-inch spiked heel and you want to go hiking….. well,… you get the picture.  So your outdoor space is what you want it to be.


Low maintenance, high impact is a common goal for patios and gardens. But high impact may also be the high priced items.  The budget may need to embrace this ‘wow’ item and then less expensive, more budget friendly plants may fill in the rest. Smart buyers can evaluate the ‘value’of a purchase. One element may be all that is needed.  It is this thinking of ‘less is more’ that sets today's consumer apart from the buy, buy, buy mentality of the past.

 
decks-patios-tampa-floridasmall garden feature

Getting out into nature is as simple as going out the back door.  Make your outdoor space special.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Outdoor Spaces–Important to Homeowners


Homeowners are making outdoor spaces more and more livable.  The health and wellness of the family is the important factor driving  the homeowner’s decisions on all types of purchases.  Today’s Garden Center Magazine has determined that even though the number of backyard vegetable gardens has dropped since 2011, 53% of homeowners still grow some vegetables or fruit. The majority of homeowners are extending the ‘natural’ products they will be seeking this year.
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Young families and seniors are well aware of the dangers of chemicals on their food, and in their yards. According to Garden Writers Association Foundation (GWAF),  nearly twice as many gardeners plan to skip the chemicals and purchase organic products. 
Although 62% of those in the survey were somewhat concerned with the environment, but about one-fourth of those folks were also somewhat concerned with pest control.
 
When pest intrude on the outdoor space, the enjoyment of that space is compromised.  That concern drives buyers to seek ‘insect and disease resistant’ plant material.  Many growers are stepping up with new cultivars that speak to this issue. From roses and Monarda, to Lungwort and phlox, the disease resistance of powdery mildew and blackspot  is bred into many plants.  And investing in quality plants that will be less fussy and more durable has the gardener interested. Plant growers and landscape professionals all want the same thing – a satisfied customer.

chart for low maintenance

The organic garden is becoming more user friendly, and plant breeders are responding with new plants.  However, native plants, whether perennials, shrubs, or trees, have an inherited resistance to insects and diseases. Using native plants, the gardener can reduce fungicides, insecticides, and water usage.

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Another garden practice to lower use of chemicals is to plant plants in the right place.  If a full sun plant gets 6 – 8 hours of sun, it is less likely to suffer and weaken the plant making it susceptible to diseases and insects. By the same token, plants that require moist, shade will not do well in a sunny border that dries out regularly. Do not plant too densely, for air needs to circulate around plants to reduce molds and fungus growth. These considerations are key when the gardener wants to reduce maintenance in the garden and yet have a outdoor space that is pleasant and beautiful.

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Although Native plants do not need extra nutrients added to the beds, the modern, savvy gardener knows that the soil is the key to healthy plants. Many ornamentals do need soil that is rich in nutrients, and drains well.  Adding organic material to the soil is realized in the form of compost, natural mulch, and organic fertilizers.
  
How%20Compost%20HappensHow-Mulch-Works chart

These applications of compost and mulch need only to be applied once a season.  The nutrients breaks down slowing and evenly, eliminating start and stop, irregular growth that can lead to leggy, weak plants.  And the mulch will greatly reduce weed seeds from germinating, reducing the use of herbicides. No weekly weed pulling, and reducing the number of fertilizer applications a year opens up more free time.
 
Reducing the maintenance in the garden opens up leisure time that can be spent in the extended outdoor space.  The health and wellness of relaxing is important to many. And who doesn’t like to relax, at lease a little.?  relax in green space

Health and Wellness is a trend that is well worth the buyers consideration.  The value of plants outweighs the high maintenance of more finicky ones. Read labels and pick the brains of garden center associates, as they will be able to point you to those plants that will be a valuable part of your outdoor space. As a garden coach, I can give my local gardeners a working plan for a low maintenance garden that is beautiful.  Folks in SW Ohio, can email me at clynn493@aol.com, or clynn493@gmail.com.

Monday, February 18, 2013

American Persimmons–‘Fruit of the Gods’



Guest post writer today is Mark Webber of Webber Landscape in Dayton, Ohio.  Mark also hosts a radio program, ‘GardenTalk’ on WHIO radio, AM1290.  Mark has had the premier gardening talk show in our area for twenty two years, and I am pleased to have him as a guest.

Plant of the Day "American Persimmon" aka "Fruit of the Gods"
  • Originally Posted by Mark Webber on January 18, 2012 at 1:02pm

Today a attorney ask me about American Persimmon, I really don't think I have ever really wrote a lot about this plant!
Probably a plant in my mind that has been lost in the world of American Horticulture, but not the annuals of American History! This is great plant to naturalize into sites with Ash trees being lost to EAB (Emerald Ash Borer).
The genus name for the American Persimmon means "Fruit of the Gods". This is a reference to the delicious golden-orange fruits that often hang on the tree after the leaves drop in autumn. When ripe, these fruits are very sweet.
But they must be fully ripe. If you try to eat one too soon, your mouth will likely pucker from the bitter taste of tannic acid. Yet a ripe fruit is a real treat. Native Americans relished them, and they are a popular food for wild turkey, mockingbirds, deer, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and other wildlife. They can be made into pudding, preserves, beer, and brandy, and can also be dried for winter eating.
Most American Persimmon trees are either male or female, but some are self-fertile. The fruits are typically about one inch in diameter, though nurseries sell special cultivars which produce larger ones. The size of a crop, especially on wild trees, usually varies from year to year.
A fruit becomes soft as it ripens, and its skin begins to wrinkle. To avoid competition from wildlife, you can pick them a few days early, just after they start to soften, and let them finish ripening on a window sill. Some people say that they don't get ripe until after the first hard frost, but that isn't always true. A self-fertile variety called Meader can produce its first ripe fruit as early as mid-August in warm climates.
Although the color of this tree's fruit is normally orange, there is a rare naturally-occurring form of the species which has much darker fruit, sometimes almost black. This form is called Diospyros virginiana atra.
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In addition to its fruit-bearing potential, the American Persimmon can make an attractive mid-size yard tree. The large drooping leaves give it a soft look, and the dark checkered bark of mature trees provides winter interest. The bell-shaped pistillate flowers are an appealing creamy-yellow, very fragrant, and an excellent nectar source for honeybees.
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A grouping of several trees can make a good wildlife planting. The tree is tough and adaptable, grows rapidly, and its deep tap root gives it good drought resistance. It can survive in shade, but grows and fruits best in sun. Seedlings planted in good soil and a sunny location can begin fruiting in about 6-8 years.
Because wildlife distributes its seeds so effectively, American Persimmon is still fairly common in some areas. But in other regions the species is becoming scarce. A disease called persimmon wilt (Cephalsporium diospyri) has killed some wild trees in the upper South, and could spread to other areas.
Other Information
Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana
Common Names: Persimmon, Possumwood
Plant Type: Mid-size to large deciduous tree
Height: 30 to 70 feet
Cultivation Zones: 5 - 9, though some special forms are hardy in Zone 4.
Native Habitat: Valleys and dry uplands in clearings and mixed forests
Native Range: Much of the eastern and central U.S. south of the Great Lakes region. See distribution map below.
Distribution Map
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Range Map Source: U.S. Forest Service. (See General Note C)
Conservation Status: NatureServe lists Diospyros virginiana as Critically-Imperiled in Connecticut and Iowa, and Imperiled in New York. Officially the species is listed as Threatened in New Jersey and of Special Concern in Connecticut.
Cultivation: The American Persimmon can survive on poor sites, but for best growth and fruit production, give it good soil and plenty of sunlight, and keep it well-watered for the first couple of years. Spraying for insects or diseases normally isn't necessary to get good quality fruit. Because of its potentially deep tap root, a small specimen may be easier to plant.
Pasted from <http://gardentalkwhio.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2587896%3ABlogPost%3A57573&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post>
 
Thanks, Mark. 
Do you grow Persimmons?  Might be a Ash tree replacement. 




























Sunday, February 17, 2013

Trends In Gardening–Purple, Sexy, Modern, Purple


According to a Better Homes and Garden article, purple is the ‘trendy’ color to incorporate into the landscape. Finding a pleasant yet vibrant color scheme for the landscape is important.   The foliage of plants is a valued element, and yet when most think garden foliage, they think green.  Dark foliage plants add a sleek, modern element to the garden. ‘Fads’ can be used in annual containers. But I caution gardeners to skip the ‘fad’ of the year in the garden since that ‘fad’ will be long gone before your plants get established. Instead, key in on the ‘trends‘ of gardening, and update your landscape with a few colorful additions.

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As this photo shows, the greens are ranging from dark green in the grass, to a lime chartreus of the moss.  The eye naturally goes to color, and I immediately sense the dark ground covers of the clover and ajuga as they play off of the brighter greens. 

Hibiscus 'Summer Storm'
This is a Hibiscus, ‘Summer Storm’.  This dark foliage on this 4’ – 5’ plant will certainly make a statement in a sunny border.  This plant is hardy to Zone 4. Two other Hibiscus that have magenta foliage are “Fleming Fields’ and ‘Kopper King’.

Hibiscus - Kopper King
'Kopper King' Hibiscus

Burgundy foliage of the Rodgeria is not to be outdone. Hardy in Zones 5 – 8, this plant will do well in a rich, moist soil of a shade garden. The palm-like leaves are deeply lobed add a texture to the garden that makes this plant
standout.
 Rodgersia ' Bronze peacock'
“Bronze Peacock’ Rodgeria, is a compact plant that grows to about 2’ x 2’.  It’s thick leaves are somewhat glossy. A deep pink bloom when it flowers, this ‘Bronze Peacock’ would be a great companion plant to finer, lacy leaved plants like ferns and astilbe, or Lady's Mantle.


Euphorbia 'Blackbird'

Euphorbia, ‘Blackbird’ will do well in a container.  The near-black foliage has yellow-chartreuse tips.  A member of the Spurge plant group, this plant is deer resistant and hardy in Zone 5 – 9 and needs full to part
sun.
Euphorbia - Cypress Spurge'
Euphorbia, 'Cypress Spurge'
 
Euphorbia, “Cypress Spurge'” is a striking plant also.

Ligularia, “Britt-Marie Crawford” has dark green leaves which have a metallic burgundy sheen on the leaves.  Rich, moist soil in shade to part shade are required.  If Ligularia gets too much sun, be sure to keep it moist.  An other Ligularia, “Dragon Wings” is showy with deep-cut leathery leaves.  It’s stems are purple, 32” to 36” tall.  Nice for the back of a shady bed.

ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford'Ligularia, 'Dragon Wings'


Epimedium, also called Barronwort, is a plant that has leaves throughout winter in my garden.  “Dark Beauty” stays short, only about 12” tall and will take some sun to mostly shady conditions.  The new growth of “Dark Beauty” is chocolate/purple.  Who doesn't like chocolate!Epimedium, 'Dark Beauty'


As we can see, there are some real striking plants that will perk up the property by picking purple.

 
chocoholic snake rootThis is Cimicifuga , Snake Root, or Bugbane, depending on who is describing this favorite in cottage gardens. There are a few to pick from in this family of plants that have dark foliage.
cimijc snake root James Compton‘James Compton” has very dark purple foliage. “Pink Spike” is yet another Bugbane that has dark, dark purple foliage and light pink spiky blooms.  Very striking plant.
Snake Root - Pink Spike
'Pink Spike'

Going back to the first photo of colorful ground covers, a discussion cannot be complete without mentioning Sedums.  These heat and drought tolerant plants are wonderful.  Sedums have many qualities, that I’ll need to fully feature them in the future article.

Sedum Dragon's blood
Sedum, "Dragon's Blood'

sedum 'Xenox'
Sedum, 'Xenox'


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Give the garden a glance.  Does anything stand out? If not, give purple it's place.  Does one section fade into another? If so, give purple a try.  Colors stops the eye to take in sections of the garden that might have otherwise been missed. Think about adding purple.  Purple foliage, can draw the eye into a stunning, modern vignette, and this trend will add long term interest to the space.

What dark foliage plants do you enjoy?  I didn't begin to cover the whole group.  What else can be included into the garden?