Month: May 2013

Transplanting young seedlings that were grown inside your home to a garden outside can be a traumatic experience that places their health and well-being in jeopardy. You have to realize that outdoor environments bring fluctuating temperatures, rain, wind and intense humidity. If the seedling isn't prepared for conditions such as these, there's a good chance they won't take to their new outdoor environment. The good news is that you can harden off seedlings beforehand to make the transition smoother and…

Lilac (genus: Syringa) is a deciduous shrub that's most known for its pleasing fragrance and lilac colored flowers. There are literally hundreds of different varieties of lilacs, ranging in color from deep purple and lilac (hence the name), to white and pink. And from pleasingly fragrant, to not at all fragrant, to downright unpleasant smelling (Japanese tree lilac).  Often when purchasing a lilac the blooms are not open, so it's impossible to tell whether it will be fragrant, and what…

Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a type of early blooming onion that grow in the soil-rich deciduous forests of North America. They can be found in high concentrations along the eastern U.S. where the Appalachian Mountains run, as well as the eastern Canadian province of Quebec. Here we'll take a closer look at ramps and reveal some of their many uses and properties. Some Interesting Facts About Ramps You might be surprised to…

Some plants and flowers emit a foul-smelling odor that's difficult to be around. Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is one such type of perennial wildflower that's notorious for its pungent odor, particularly if you bruise or break off a leaf.  Some people compare it to rotten meat.  But like most plants, there are both advantages and disadvantages to growing skunk cabbage. Appearance and Physical Characteristics Skunk cabbage begins to blossom in the early spring months. It's most…