tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:31:16 +0000cyclamenRandom Topicsinterspecific crossEffects of Light IntensityWaterOrchidssempervivumSpecial OccasionEffects of TemperatureChlorophyllSucculentsSeedsTaxonomyHydathodesGarden JournalTrichomesNew Year 2011intergeneric crossWild LifeWinter GardeningAfrican violetNewsEpiphytesTomatoesPublic ParksFlower PartsLawn CareCarotenoidsAvesseed tubersdefinitionsPhotoperiodismPermanent Garden StructuresEntomologyPhilippines 2010Zepherine DroughinInsectary GardenFlowersPoisonous PlantsRosesBlotanicalObservationsToxic PlantsBinomial NomenclaturefloweringClematisDaily HorticultureSelf-seeding PlantsdifferentiationTranspirationCitrusregenerationFruit treesDaturaPhilippinesPest ManagementGarden DesignPollinatorsvegetative propagationnhybridizationcloningPotatoPlant SouvenirPestSaving PlantsMicroclimateBrugmansiaHedgesCactus OrchidsClimbing RoseWeedsFruitsMini Garden BedsSoils ScienceFlowering TreesScientific NameFernsPestsFailuresKitchen GardenInsectary PlantsColombiacallusWater PlantAdventitious RootsHortiCOOLtureLiliumCymbidiumCaliforniaForcingHort 101GardeningFoxtail FernParallels of LifeApical DominanceNew Year 2012BloggingHerbsMythsHort ArtSeedless FruitsHen and ChicksGardening TipsStomataPlant Diseases'Delstriro' RoseFertilizersOrnamental GardeningFallJapanese MapleLady BanksScience and art expressed through gardeninghttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)Blogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-1550372539602500291Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:31:00 +00002012-02-13T23:31:16.748-08:00SucculentssempervivumHen and ChicksSaving PlantsFoxtail FernFig. 1     Foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers') are a common sight in my garden. One of my favorite container plants is the Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'). In a pot (Fig. 1), I can move them from one place to another in the yard where an instant color is needed.  Foxtail ferns develop vigorous root system along with water storage organs.   This feature makes the plant a http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/02/broken-to-beautiful.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-3431435163813404867Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:46:00 +00002012-02-08T22:46:02.221-08:00Ornamental GardeningSucculentsGardening TipsMicroclimateGarden JournalEffects of Light IntensityFig. 1  Mature plant communities at Filoli Gardens. Gardening is all about harnessing microclimate.  After so many years of studying, observing, and putting all techniques learned into practical use in growing plants, I've arrived to the conclusion that the complexity of gardening boils down to understanding microclimate.  The magnitude of the effects of genetics and management practices on the http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/02/gardening-and-microclimate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-3686724276508527825Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:13:00 +00002012-01-19T07:52:38.667-08:00PestsdefinitionsBrown garden snails (Cantareus aspersus/Cornu aspersum)  in a hibernaculum - Irvine, California. Hi.ber.nac.u.lumOrigin:  Latin word hibernare Literal meaning:   winter residence  Practical meaning:  a protected space that animals use as a shelter for hybernation during prolonged periods of inclement weather. Gardeners, what do you do when you see a population of snails in a hibernaculum?   http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/01/hibernaculum.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-2623043770941266998Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:02:00 +00002012-01-16T20:02:47.627-08:00Poisonous PlantsBrugmansiaFlowersToxic PlantsDaturaColombia Fig. 1  Brugmansia sanguinea 'Red Angel's Trumpet' Flower Last year I got the chance to get really close to another angel's trumpet, the Brugmansia sanguinea.  The term sanguinea which is derived from the Latin word for blood (sanguis) describes the color of the corolla tube.  The color red distinguishes this plant from the species within the genus Brugmansia.  These are the seven known specieshttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/01/brugmansia-sanguinea-toxic-angel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-3526508354923909155Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:53:00 +00002012-01-09T10:53:46.817-08:00Daily HorticultureSoils ScienceHort 101Fig. 1   Older leaves on celery turning yellow while the growing points in the center remain green. The last time I looked there were seventeen known essential elements for plants.  Each element performs a specific function.  When conditions are at optimum levels we see a healthy plant, but when one or more element is deficient we see a "needy" plant.  To determine which of these various elementshttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/01/mobile-vs-immobile-nutrients.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-6995463532834218494Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:30:00 +00002012-01-01T00:30:34.547-08:00New Year 2012Adventitious RootsSedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' Profuse adventitious-rooting allows one plant to adapt under extremely dry conditons.  May your roots be prevalent and deep.So that you may prosper in all circumstances.Happy New Year To All!  ~Helenhttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/01/adventitious-roots.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-2151343255804618431Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:17:00 +00002011-12-05T12:17:09.871-08:00cyclamenFlowersSelf-seeding PlantsFig.1  The long flower stalks of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) curl downwards as the fruit develops. About a year ago, I wrote something about the mystery of the cyclamen flower.  It has been my observation that the cyclamen flower is very fascinating.  At that time, I thought that the reflexing of the petals was all there was to it.   And yet as I continued to watch this plant I observe that the http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/12/cyclamen-exhibits-parental-instinct.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-5655488129580583756Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:05:00 +00002011-11-10T20:07:23.949-08:00WaterStomataHydathodesHort 101Transpiration Fig. 1   Droplets of water suspended on the tip of leaf blades.  Water is a key component of any life form. In every organism, water is constantly moving within the system as the transport vehicle for essential elements. Water molecules move around in response to both environmental and internal conditions.  In the case of plants when water is lacking, cells lose their turgor pressure and theyhttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/11/guttation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-5628933862696747942Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:51:00 +00002011-09-21T13:51:36.643-07:00Fruit treesGarden JournalFig. 1    Plums (Prunus domestica 'Santa Rosa') Summer seems like a paradoxical blessing for the gardener.  While is the time when the sun-induced plants put on their best performances to wow the gardener.  It is also the time when the gardener finds time to leave the garden in search of a refreshing break from the work in his own garden.  It is the time when the gardener reaps the rewards of http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/09/summer-crops.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-2764953993288878995Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:28:00 +00002011-09-17T17:28:11.308-07:00Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) At this time of the year, when summer is about to give in to autumn, ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) is one of the last plants with vibrant flowers in my garden.  Geraniums are attractive, very easy to care for, and a container-gem.  There are a few things to consider when growing ivy geraniums: 1. Water moderately.  Watering once or twice a week is http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/09/ivy-geranium.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-66605157156999734Sat, 10 Sep 2011 06:48:00 +00002011-09-13T08:35:48.145-07:00Hort 101SucculentscloningAdventitious RootsFig. 1  Adventitious roots on Kalanchoe panamensis Kalanchoe panamensis is a very interesting plant.  Depending on the surrounding moisture conditions, roots freely come out from the upper parts of their stems (Fig. 1).  Once these roots reach the ground they function as a regular root (for absorption) and as stilt roots (for plant support).  As the stem lodges, the plant anchors to the ground http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/09/adventitious-roots-and-shoots-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-434090630731342985Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:18:00 +00002011-09-02T16:21:03.802-07:00SucculentsObservationsFig. 1    Haworthia reinwardtii A year ago during our trip to Southern California, we visited some friends in Oxnard. They gave me this interesting plant (Haworthia reinwardtii) (Fig. 1) already with five offsets. I thought that I'd wait for it to grow some more before repotting. Flowers (Fig. 2) came out on long spindly spikes twice during that time. A few leaves grew on top of the neatlyhttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/09/haworthia-reinwardtii-discovering.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-8429366045415498709Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:11:00 +00002011-07-12T22:24:31.480-07:00Wild LifeKitchen GardenMrs. Quail sits under the canopy of a lettuce plant. Quails don't walk slowly when they know I am in the garden.  They fly away.  When I saw Mrs. Quail walk quietly away from the vegetable garden, I knew she was hiding something in there.  Like discovering some treasure, I found ten speckled eggs nestled under the ruffled lettuce leaves.  We have been gone away for a long time this summer.  Mr. http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-residents.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-8158614537423868794Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:05:00 +00002011-06-26T17:05:21.124-07:00RosesGarden JournalClusters of tight pointy buds emerging in creamy-apricot color. I am currently traveling in Colombia with my family.  Colombia is such a botanical paradise and as soon as I get home and finish putting away the suitcases, I will share some of my experiences in this blog.In the meantime, I reflect on the beautiful 'Sally Holmes' rose in my own backyard.  This is a shade tolerant rose.  It is http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/sally-holmes-she-shines-in-shade.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-3763353860614277605Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:30:00 +00002011-06-15T21:55:02.315-07:00Ornamental GardeningGarden Journal Every year is different.  We have had a lot of rain this year. Normally in the month of June my garden is somewhat starting to wear out the chlorophyll effect.  In other word, our place starts to get really hot in May.  So far, I have not seen a sign of global warming in my garden this year - or else it came camouflaged in low temperatures and high precipitation. Since this has been an unusual http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/front-yard-in-june.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-4937296132753964479Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:36:00 +00002011-06-13T00:36:13.858-07:00RosesGarden JournalRosa 'Madame Isaac Pereire' One of the joys or curses of having a relatively mature garden is that plants tend to grow voluntarily at random places.  I have a story of a joyful phenomenon in my garden. When I transferred 'Madame Isaac Pereire' to a more sunny location in the garden, some roots were unintentionally left in the ground.  The following year I found a two new roses growing from the http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/madame-isaac-periere-volunteer-from.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-8849078167001608888Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:34:00 +00002011-06-07T14:34:12.904-07:00Wild LifePermanent Garden StructuresA place to watch the birds. With the addition of two hummingbird feeders on both ends of the arbor, we have attracted more hummingbirds to reside in the garden.  The arbor provides a shady place for us to observe them.  Perched on a tiny branch in between feedings. Feeling content with a bountiful supply of food. Hummingbirds are territorial - they drive each other away Sign of victory:  http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/hummingbirds-domesticating-wild.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-4160320324967707656Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:51:00 +00002011-06-06T22:51:12.406-07:00Cactus OrchidsSucculentsGarden Journal A year ago I received a box of flat broad succulent plant parts from one of my relatives living near Santa Barbara, California.  I did what I thought was right but I had little hope on their survival under the care of my amateur hands.  It was my first time to raise this type of plants.  Flowers resemble the shape of a pinwheel. Epiphyllums are known by many names: Epiphyllum phyllantus;http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/epiphyllums-in-bloom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-4280000635488982043Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:13:00 +00002011-06-03T17:13:09.507-07:00RosesPestPest ManagementFig. 1   Aphids When it comes to roses, the peak of flowering in our area is now. During this time, plants have large leaves; the flowers are huge; and their colors are intense.  The weather is optimum for plant growth and even for pests.  As a general rule, I do not use pesticide in my garden.  We live or move around so close to the plants in my yard, that I'd rather have them look a little bit http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/rose-growing-is-no-bed-of-roses.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-7180713697899459798Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:15:00 +00002011-06-02T16:15:29.298-07:00Random Topics It has been almost two weeks since Mastering Horticulture was updated.  There was a severe lack time on my part; gardening was pushed in the back burner.  My daughter graduated from high school and we had relatives and friends who came share our joys.  It was a reunion of many relatives.  As everyone would know, before any serious celebration can happen preparation has to be done.  Most of my http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/06/regretful-but-joyful.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-7963049029251639223Tue, 17 May 2011 07:47:00 +00002011-05-17T00:47:14.305-07:00Mini Garden BedsKitchen GardenGardening TipsGarden JournalFig. 1   Lettuce plants growing in miniature garden beds. Raised-bed gardening can improve plant growth, conserve resources, and prevent soil compaction and erosion.  Let me explain.  The use of an enclosure, no matter how simple (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), allows soil and other soil-amendments to remain in place - defying erosion.  Garden beds define the places that are exclusively for plants and are http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/05/mini-garden-beds.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-5482257398416960460Sun, 08 May 2011 23:18:00 +00002011-05-08T16:20:53.650-07:00RosesOrnamental GardeningSpecial OccasionRosa 'Eden' Flowers are a necessary fixture in any special occasion and roses are the often the top choice.   In celebration of Mother's Day, I thought of presenting all my viewers pictures of the beautiful roses that are currently in bloom in my garden.  'Double Delight' Hybrid Tea Rose  Hybrid Tea Rose 'America'  Rosa 'Graham Thomas' Rosa 'Abraham Darby' Rosa 'Evelyn'  When my oldest child was http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/05/homegrown-mothers-day-offering.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-720611329787117536Fri, 06 May 2011 03:20:00 +00002011-05-06T09:43:58.931-07:00Kitchen GardenGarden Journal Fig. 1    Colorful chards.  Many times in the past I was deceived by our spring weather.  It would start to get dry and warm by March and I've interpreted those  as a signal to plant warm-season vegetables.  Then we would get a sudden cold temperature damaging young plants.  This year however, has been mild that I was able to grow cool-season crops before it got too warm.  The temperature ishttp://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/05/kitchen-garden-on-good-start.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-8044225772559766835Wed, 04 May 2011 07:19:00 +00002011-05-04T00:19:03.391-07:00RosesOrnamental GardeningZepherine DroughinClimbing RoseRosa 'Zephirine Drouhin' Like a celebrity at the peak of her stardom,  'Zephirine Drouhin' was the most photographed subject in my garden yesterday.  The warm sun seemed to have pulled the sepals away from the buds giving way to the petals to explode into beautiful cerise pink flowers.  'Zephirine Drouhin' roses flank our garage doors - adding a romantic look to the otherwise drab section of http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/05/vibrant-pink-zephirine-drouhin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875489790462053260.post-7819932796919442446Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:42:00 +00002011-04-29T09:42:09.947-07:00RosesOrnamental GardeningLady BanksGarden JournalFig. 1    Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' Lady Banks rose (Rosa banksiae 'Lutea')  is one of the first roses that blooms in my garden.   Its dainty, soft yellow flowers come in clusters on long arching canes.   This time of the year it provides a surprise spray of color in the 'Down Under' (part of the yard).  It blooms profusely but only once a year.  Fig. 2     The fence provides a support for its http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/04/lady-banks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Helen Lewis)9