Rainwater harvesting is always beneficial, whether the water is used to water one houseplant or an entire garden. Also, the act of collecting rainwater can be an inspiration to other water conservation activities around the house. When deciding on a rainwater harvesting system, you will want it to be as large as you can afford and your location will allow. Most homeowners use 55-gallon rain barrels. There are containers that are 300 gallons or less that are affordable and small enough to fit on most residential or commercial lots. The photograph shows Gwinnett Master Gardener Sue Shaw’s 55-gallon rain barrel that she installed at her home. Although one 55-gallon rain barrel may not provide all the water needed to sustain your plant material, it can certainly supplement any rain we may or may not receive. Planter beds, vegetable or flower gardens and potted plants can easily be irrigated with the…
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Mycorrhizas
FUNGUS Fungi are neither plant nor animals but a very different type of organism. They do not contain chlorophyll or the molecule used in photosynthesis to produce sugars with the help of sunlight. They do not have a root system like that found in trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. As a result, they cannot manufacture their own food, but, do feed themselves by digesting organic matter. Mushroom hunters are familiar with many of the mycorrhizal fungi characteristics of the north temperate forests; especially basidiomycetes such as gilled mushrooms, chanterelles, boletes, corals, puffballs, and jelly fungi. Mycorrhizas in these forests have a small percentage of ascomycetes such as morels, truffles, cup fungi, and elfin saddles. Lesser known of the more common mycorrhizal fungi are the zygomycetes, relatives of black bread mold. Fungi can be divided into three basic categories based on their relationship to their environment: Parasitic fungi that live off…
Azaleas For The Southern Garden
There are over 900 species of azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and over 8000 recognized hybrids. Azaleas belong to the Ericaceae family (the heath family which includes blueberries and mountain laurels) and are used extensively by gardeners. These plants freely hybridize and there are new cultivars introduced every year. Gardeners should seek out the new cultivars to add excitement to the spring garden. The azalea is found all over the world but most notable horticultural species are indigenous to Japan, China, and the United States. In the US, native azaleas are found in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeastern US. Most azaleas grown by home gardeners are the Asian evergreen varieties, although the native deciduous Piedmont Azalea is still prized by many. The plant’s beautiful blooms and stout character has earned it a place in most American gardens. The azalea is a favorite of gardeners and is grown by the millions in…