wildflowers

WILDFLOWERS

“One person's weed is another person's 

  wildflower.”    ― Susan Wittig Albert,

By definition a'wildflower' is a flower of an uncultivated variety or a flower growing freely without human intervention.

There are three major groups of wildflowers in the United States.

First and most importantly are our native wildflowers. These are the native plants and flowers that have developed a special relationship with our pollinators, bees, wasps, birds, and bats. There is a strong movement to add a few native plant species to every garden.

Orange Butterfly-weed (Asclepia tuberrosa) is a native milkweed that attracts butterflies and
bumble bees into your garden.

Secondly, you can find the wildflowers from other parts of the world that have established themselves here. One of the most well-known is the dandelion. Originally from Europe dandelions have become a weed in most of the world, competing with plants, crops and lawns for nutrients, water and sunlight. On the bright side their golden yellow flowers are an early food source for bees and pollinators.

Despised by many as a annoying lawn weed, Dandelions are a wildflower
that has established itself around the world, which makes it an incredibly successful plant. 

 The third group are plants that were brought here by our early American settlers for gardens but 'escaped' into nature. They are now found in fields, roadsides, and growing in the cracks of streets. My favorite of this group is 'Queen Anne's Lace’, a member of the carrot family with lacy white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. It also attracts many native pollinators which is definitely a positive effect. Sadly the overuse of herbicides is making these plants vanish from our roadsides, only to be replaced by less attractive weeds which are much harder to kill. 

As a child growing up in the Bronx, I have fond memories of Queen Anne's Lace
blooming everywhere it could find space.

Today many roadsides have plantings of wildflowers along them for beautification. For this we owe our gratitude to former 

First Lady, Mrs. Johnson. 

Not long ago under environmental assault, wildflowers have regained the admiration
of  the American people.

Fondly called "Lady Bird", the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, became America's greatest advocate for native wildflowers and beautifying the nation's interstates.  It is hard to imagine how different the country looked when Mrs. Johnson began her tough campaign to beautify it.  

After the national tragedy of John F. Kennedy's assassination, with everyone' attention focused on his
wife Jackie, few Americans were aware of the work of Lady Bird
  

Many companies and corporations fought her to stop her every step of the way.

In 1965, the Johnson Administration commissioned a study that showed there were 16,000 junkyards along highways with miles after miles of billboards blocking the view. 

Corporations lobbied congress to try to stop the
American Beautification campaign.  Lady Bird lobbied congress equally as hard.

Lady Bird lobbied Congress for a law to change the scenery.  Three years later, President Johnson presented pens he used to sign about 50 laws on conservation and beautification "…to Lady Bird, who has inspired me and millions of Americans to try to preserve our land and beautify our Nation."

At 26 years old Lyndon Johnson proposed to Lady Bird on their first date.
On February 14, 2013, Johnson's Presidential Library released  the romantic love letters
written by the couple. They can be read online 

The National Park Service kept a running tab of the number of daffodil bulbs that were planted under Lady Bird's direction, and in 4 years the total reached 2 million, the largest planting in history.

At her passing eleven years ago on July 11, 2007, USA TODAY noted: "Today, many people in the conservation field say Johnson's work raised the nation's consciousness about its natural heritage and laid the foundation for the environmental progress that followed.”

Today's overuse of herbicides and insecticides  makes the protection of our native
pollinators more critical than ever before. 

"Her achievements in Washington were important for the development of the role of the First Lady, and the consistency with which she pursued her vision of the environment after the White House added to her historical influence".  (Biographer, Lewis L. Gould) 

Today most new First Ladies entering the White House appear to know that a certain amount of environmental activism is expected of them.

Thanks to the 'Lady Bird Wildflower Center', in Austin, Texas for information & photographs presented in this article.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer,                    

 James  

Street trees

STREET TREES 
'TREE CITY USA'

Covered with snow or even ice, trees add beauty and interest to the winter landscape.

Tall Trees are an integral living part of our environment in the northeastern United States. Trees provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife, shade from the summer heat, produce oxygen and add four seasons of beauty to our area.  From early flowering trees until the burst of autumn color and snow covered branches, it is impossible to imagine life without them.

A line of trees cools off this otherwise hot paved street. 

 'Tree City USA'* 

Established in 1976 the Tree City USA program is a nationwide movement that helps provide the framework for communities to manage and expand public trees.  More than 3,400 cities, towns and villages have received this status.  

Designated Tree Cities and towns proudly display this sign on their main roadways.

There are four requirements to become a Tree City.  (1) A tree board or department  (2) Having a community tree ordinance*  (3) Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry 

(4) Celebrating Arbor Day.

Most towns and cities utilize both the Deportment of Public Work
and volunteers to plant and monitor street trees.

As part of their commitment to this goal, the Department of Public Works actively works with home owners to select, plant and maintain street trees on their property.  

One of the main advantages of street trees is that the town is responsible for treatment and removal
of sick or damaged tree, saving home owners the expense.   

  

Trees in our region have been devastated the in the past few years.
First by the Asian Long-horned Beetle which killed many maples, a favorite for autumn color.  That was followed by hurricane Irene and super storm Sandy. Sadly the toppling of so many trees put fear into many homeowners who removed otherwise healthy trees.

The untold tale of those storms is that millions of trees in New Jersey did not fall. Storms are a natural way of culling weak or compromised trees and allow space and sunlight for younger trees below.

Surrounded by pavement, most trees cannot survive the conditions required
to be a successful street tree. 

For many people the good news is that there are many trees that grow under 20 feet high. They fulfill the requirements of taller trees, for shade and respiration, but don't interfere with electric overhead wires and are safer than massive trees. 

Tree experts are well qualified to discuss these details and help you decide which street tree variety is best for your property. Your only responsibility is to water it, especially during the first year which is crucial for the healthy root growth of all plants.  

If you would like to request a street tree you should call your local Department Public Works.

They may direct you to a 'Tree Planting' planting request form on the town or cities website.

It's impossible for most people to imagine a walk though a town devoid of trees.  

*Even if your city is not a designated 'tree city'
chances are good that your Department of Public Works spends a great deal of time and money on trees to beautify your town. Contact them for more information.

Happy Gardening,                                                                                            James

Roots

REMEMBER THE ROOT SYSTEMS

When we purchase a plant in a garden center we try to choose the healthiest leaves we can find and ponder its potential without considering its most essential component, the root system.

As it begins its life cycle the first part of the plant to sprout is the root
to soak up nutrients and give the plant stability.  

  

When a seed germinates and begins its life journey, the first part to sprout is a tiny root.  

Unlike in nature where the roots have plenty of space to spread out, plants in containers have little area for the roots to grow.

This forces the roots to become entwined together.  

This problem is known as 'root-bound'. The root-ball will not be able to grow outward in search of water and nutrients and will slowly choke itself. 

BREAK THE ROOT BALL

Plants grown in pots quickly become root bound which hampers their
ability to transfer moister and nutrients up the the leaves.

The solution to this problem is simple, break open the root ball. This technique can be intimidating to people who don't want to harm the plants they just purchased.  You will do far more damage by leaving the roots as they are.

Many trees and shrubs become so entangled that a knife is needed to
break it open. Planting a root ball like this will doom the plant to an early death.

The bound roots will stunt the growth of vegetables and flowers. Less water means lower productivity or simply put smaller tomatoes. Trees, shrubs and bushes will eventually show damage of dying twigs and branches. 

Annual vegetables and flowers easily become root bound in the small space available.
If you don't open the root system it will greatly reduce the plants vitality and production. 

Breaking the root ball can be done quickly, especially in smaller plants such as annuals, vegetables or flowers grown in cell packs.  When you lift the plant out of the pack pull the lower roots apart with your fingers, actually breaking them so they will spread out when they are planted.

This kale is a perfect example of a root bound vegetable. Simply
use your fingers to open the bottom of the roots before planting. 

This general idea is the same for larger potted shrubs and trees.  Larger root systems might need to be hit with a shovel or cut with a knife to get the thick roots to break apart.

The day before planting water plants well. Soaking will prepare them for the process about to take place.

         

Before planting, research and follow all special instructions for your plants. Follow recommendations including correct depth for that species. Some shrubs need to be dug deeper while others need to be a few inches above the soil line. This will ensure that your new plant will settle in for years of healthy growth.

           

Proper mulching helps preserve moisture, maintains ground temperature,
suppresses weeds and keeps lawn mowers from damaging the tree trunk.
Lawn mower damage is a major factor in the decline of Dogwoods and other trees.

After you have planted, water the plant well. This process is called 'mudding in'. It is difficult for newly planted shrubs to get water and nutrients from the root system in the ground up to the plant leaves and branches.

         

When plants show problems we call it 'transplant shock'.  The first year of growth takes place underground. Don't worry if you notice slow growth or smaller plants. They will show great improvement the next year.

'Volcano mulching' does more harm to the tree then good. Most importantly it blocks oxygen from the
roots which will suffocate the tree and most likely kill it in a few years,*    

  

Water well the first year and avoid drying out. At least one inch of water every week for most plants. Perhaps a little more for new transplants during dry spells.

Happy Gardening,  

James

Goldfinches - Winter bird feeding

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH

(Part One) WINTER BIRD FEEDING

Easy to recognize, The American Goldfinch is a small bird in the finch family. 

impossible to miss, a male goldfinch is stunning in his summer mating colors. 

During the summer the male is bright yellow with black wings, a tail with white markings, and a black forehead. The female is olive green with black wings, a tail with white feathers and she has no marking on her forehead. She can been identified from other yellow birds by her short bill. In winter both sexes look like the summer female and the male loses his forehead patch.

The female, although duller than the male is a beautiful finch with olive green plumage and
her black and white wings and tail.

The Goldfinch has a large range from Southern Canada to Mexico. Although some migrate south, many Goldfinches overwinter in our area where they flock together with Pine Siskin and  Common Redpols.

In winter Pine Siskens (top)
and Common Redpolls  (bottom)
often join flocks of goldfinch competing for the same food.

Goldfinches are almost totally vegetarian only occasionally eating a few insects. Their diet consist mainly of sunflower seeds, asters, composite plants such as coneflowers, and "thistle" seeds.

In this illustration by James Audubon, goldfinch feed on thistle seed.
Thistle plays a major role in the life of goldfinches, most importantly are diet to nesting materials
during mating season..    

  

During the winter months Goldfinch frequently visit backyard feeders, especially when the ground is covered with snow. Goldfinches are attracted to black-oil, grey stripped  sunflower seeds, and are most attracted to 'nyjer' (niger) 

seeds.

Thistle feeders like the one above are a good long term investment.

Nyjer seeds is commonly called thistle but it is actually from a different plant grown in Africa, India and southeast Asia. It is highly nutritional and is grown mainly for human consumption. 

Although commonly called "thistle" the seeds of the 'Nyjer" plants from Africa
look similar, are easier to harvest and supply a high protein source of food
attractive to the American Goldfinch.  

Because of it size and shape there are many specialized thistle feeders on the market. The tiny holes on these feeders prevent waste and stop other larger birds from gobbling it up and scaring your Goldfinches away. 

Goldfinches shown here with their winter feathers
will also come to less expensive fabric seeders.
This feeders work well but have less durability over time. 

Well worth a onetime investment, these feeders will last many years. There are also inexpensive cloth feeders that can be purchased.  During the depths of winter these cautious birds will come to a thistle feeder attached to a window.

Window feeders give a close up view of goldfinches but be careful
not to scare them away. These shy and timed birds may not come back.
Place them in a window your cats cannot reach.

Place you feeders in an area easy to view from a window but close enough to evergreens for protection, and if need be a quick escape.  Sit back, stay warm and enjoy your garden all long year.

                       Enjoy your garden all year long,                                James   

Houseplant winter watering

HOUSEPLANTS WINTER WATERING

Using a proper watering can will help you water the soil
and avoid wetting the leaves. 

As daylight hours shorten, houseplants slow their growth and requirements for watering lessen. This enables plants to adapt and survive the long winter months.  Stop fertilizing until active growth resumes in the spring.

To make houseplant care easier, group plants together which require the similar light
and watering requirements.

During the summertime we can usually water all our houseplants at the same time, but now each plant must be watered for their individual water requirement. 

African Violets do not tolerate wet leaves which
 can cause spotting and disease. 

To make this easier group like plants together and refresh your memory of the water suggestions for each plant. 

The gift foil on plants do not have drainage holes and should be removed during
the watering process.

Proper watering will help your Poinsettia survive though the entire
holiday season. 

The most common problem related to houseplants is 'root rot' due to over watering. When plants aren't growing they don't absorb as much water.  The excess water sits in the soil and on the root system. This situation allows the roots to 'rot' and leads to the death of the plant.

The root system on the left has root rot and can no longer transfer water
and nutrients to the leaves and flowers. The root system on the right is healthy.

The easiest way to avoid this problem is a simple watering technique, touching the soil. Simply stick your finger in the top inch of soil and if it is moist don't water it. Let the soil dry out between watering. Many gardeners use this horticultural practice all year long.

Touch the top inch of soil. If it feels moist or sticks to your finger
hold off watering until it dries out.

   Another result of wet soil is 'fungus gnats', tiny flying insects that are an annoying houseplant pest. These insects lay eggs on moist soil and hatch quickly increasing the number of gnats throughout the winter. 

Fungus gnats are visible to the naked eye. Cut down water immediately
to control their reproduction. 

These pests can be controlled by lessening the amount of water. Once again let the top inch of soil totally dry out between watering. You should replace the top inch with fresh soil. 

For annoying but controllable pests, remove the top inch of soil and replace it with
clean fresh potting soil and adjust watering practices.  

You can also put a few small pieces of potato in the top of the soil. The newly hatched gnats crawl into the potato for food and can be easily removed before becoming adults. 
Remember to dispose and replace these chucks of potatoes once or twice a week and your problem will be solved within a few weeks. If you have a treasured houseplant this procedure is worth the time and effort to save it.

Use room temperature water. After you empty your watering can refill it and let it sit for the next time. This also lets the chlorine drop to the bottom before you water your plants again.

If you use ice cubes to increase humidity put them
in the tray rather than on top of the plants.

The modern day 'trick' of using ice cubes and letting them melt on top of the soil does more harm than good for your plant.

Many plants can react poorly to ice cubes melting
on top of the soil and the root system.

Remember most of our houseplants are from hot tropical or desert climates. Orchids are one plant that suffers greatly from this practice of using ice cubes.

Enjoy gardening all year long,

James

Giving Houseplants as gifts

HOUSEPLANTS AS GIFTS*

If you are searching for a houseplant to give as a gift this season you can't go wrong with a 'croton'.

Crotons (Codiaeum) have very colorful leaves which can brighten any winter day. With basic care these colorful  houseplants will easily survive for years in a sunny window.  A few hours of sunlight is the key to maintaining the best color on the leaves.  Red, yellow, pink and green are often on the same leaf with no two leaves identical.

When giving a houseplant as a gift it is important to consider its new home.  If the recipient often says "I kill every plant I get" give them a plant that is easy to care for such as a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera).  Blooming during the holiday season these tropical plants are very easy to keep alive. The key to bringing this plant into flower every year is natural sunlight. As the days get shorter it triggers these plants to develop their flowers.

Proper care and natural sunlight are all  the Christmas cactus require to trigger its annual bloom cycle.

Orchids and Poinsettia, both popular gifts are very sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations.



The decorative foil on this poinsettia will not permit water to drain away. Sadly this is a major cause of  death of this popular flowering plant. Remove the foil and put the pot in the sink while watering. After it has drained, it is safe to put the foil back on. Let the soil slightly dry out before watering again.

It is important to get your plant home from the shop without damaging it. Cover the plant with plastic or a paper bag, then move it from the store to a warm spot in your car, not the cold car trunk. Once home remove it immediately from the wrapping (which will now hold the cold)  and check the soil for moisture. When taking your gifts to their new home repeat the process.



Orchids make wonderful gifts. Now with modern propagation techniques they are more affordable

and popular than ever.

 This care will prevent your orchids from dropping unopened blooms or your poinsettia from wilting away in just a few days.  If the cashier is busy, step to the side and properly  cover the plants before leaving the store.

After being hit by a blast of cold air these orchids blossoms are wilting
and will drop off before opening.

Finally find the care instructions for your plant in a book or on the internet, make a copy and give this with the plant.  It will help answer any questions, ensure proper care and give the plant a better chance for survival.

Merry Holidays,

James

*First posted December 2014