Valentine's Day is a day to recognize our loved ones. Many different plants serve as wonderful gifts to show that special person how much you love them! Cut flowers, orchids, and florist plants are just a few of the plants that are popular gifts on February 14th and the rest of the winter season. In this article are a few resources to help keep these special plants healthy and attractive all season.
With warm temperatures this week, Iowans are doubtless getting antsy for spring, as spring means time for gardening! In addition to planning your annual garden around flavorful vegetables, sweet fruits, and pretty flowers, you may also want to consider how these choices will affect the long-term health of your plants.
Garden Trivia
What is the botanical term used to describe a heart-shaped leaf?
February and March is the best time to prune most trees and shrubs in Iowa. Iowa State University has many resources available to help with pruning all your woody plants.
All-America Selections has been trialing edible and ornamental plants for over 90 years, presenting awards to entries that will impress home gardeners with their performance regionally or nationally. There have been plenty of exciting new winnersthat merit a place in your garden that will be highlighted in this series.
Terrariums are closed glass or transparent plastic containers used to create a mini-environment or ecosystem for plants. They create a jungle-like atmosphere of high humidity, warm temperatures, and no drafts, which are perfect for many houseplants. Find steps on how to create your own terrarium, lists of plants perfect for terrariums, as well as a little history, in this article.
February is (unofficially) pruning month in Iowa. Time to start watching the weather and picking good days to clean up any fruit bearing woody perennials.
Do you ever notice the occasional small fly in the sink, or sometimes on the lighted screen of a laptop in the evening? Possibly a few dead flies on the windowsill? There are several species of flies that breed in homes, but one of the most common are fungus gnats.
Other Items of Interest
Garden Trivia Answer
Cordate. Many plants have a cordate, or heart-shaped, leaf including redbud (Cercis), linden (Tilia), pothos (Epipremnum), elephant ear (Alocasia), and barrenwort (Epimedium). In honor of Valentine’s Day, learn about a few more heart-shaped plants in this article: All Hearts
