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…
Creating Curb Appeal – Do it Right The First Time!
Is your week hectic like mine? Running from one task to another? Juggling family, career, household, volunteer activities, and more…leaving no time for the landscape? After the day is done and you drive into your neighborhood and approach your driveway, are you squinting your eyes filtering out what uglies lurk in your landscape? As you enter your home, throw your keys and mail on the counter, do you shut the blinds to hide what you don’t want to see outside? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, you have LAS, Landscape Avoidance Syndrome…………..O.K., I just made that up but many of us suffer from it! How about making a spring and summer resolution? Thou shalt make thy dwelling beautiful! Perhaps, like many, you’re inexperienced at this, have no idea where to start, and you’re overwhelmed. Hopefully, the following tips will take the fear out of gardening and get…