The full pdf copy of this edition is available here. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Glenn Parsons This morning I began to work in my garden before 9:00 am with the hope that I would avoid the oppressive heat and humidity. Unfortunately, my plan was unsuccessful. To make matters worse I was attacked by a formation of B-52’s, or should I say some very large Georgia mosquitoes! My garden is progressing slowly but seems to be handling the drought conditions fairly well. However, the outlook for the rest of August and the entire month of September is not good. Have you noticed that even against all adversity the weeds continue to thrive? I am trying a few members of the Agastache species in the hummingbird garden this year. There are about four-color varieties with tubular flowers, which hummingbirds cannot resist. In fact, one common name for these plants is Hummingbird Mint. Agastache…
Category: Newsletters and Member Articles
Home Plant Propagation From Cuttings
There are many reasons to propagate plants but the basic reason is simply to make multiple plants from a single plant that is unique, attractive, or has become old and leggy. Of course, propagation can be for sentimental reasons because it grew in grandmother’s garden. It is not possible to cover all the propagation techniques in one article but there are many reference books on the topic, some of which are given at the end of the article. PLANT PROPAGATION METHODS Sexual Propagation: This is the method of reproduction that yields new plants from viable seeds produced by plants. The advantage of asexual propagation is that seeds can be stored for a long period of time. Propagation from seed results in genetic variability and is useful if the intent is an improved or different plant characteristic. Asexual Propagation: Asexual propagation results in plants that have the same characteristic as the…
What is a Xeriscape?
In response to drought and limited water resources a number of new landscaping ideas have evolved to reduce water and maintenance requirements while still providing aesthetically pleasing landscapes. A philosophy for the conservation of water through creative landscaping has engendered the new term, xeriscape (pronounced “zera-scape”), The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word XEROS meaning dry, combined with landscaping, thus xeriscaping. The term was coined in Colorado by the Denver Water Department in 1981. Native species are often preferred for natural landscapes but plant selection should take into consideration the microclimate and topography of the site. In some cases, native plants will not be the most appropriate choice because man’s development of a site can greatly alter the microclimate and topography. Thus, effective xeriscaping should match plants with the microclimatic features of the developed landscape site. Natural landscaping involves plant selection that is based on climate and environment…