The Common Knowledge About Beautiful Lilac Flowers

Few fragrances signal the arrival of spring as clearly and sweetly as that of the lilac flower. These beautiful bushes are a favorite of floral enthusiasts everywhere, thanks in part to both their vast varieties and breathtaking colors. A hardy ornamental, lilac bushes may not be technically native to the United States, but they've certainly found a home here with enthusiastic gardeners, who use them for everything from privacy hedges to simple botanical yard decoration.

The latin name for the lilac bush is syringa vulgaris. The first part of the name may appear similar to that doctor's office staple, the syringe, for good reason. Syringa refers to a group of plants similar to the mock orange, whose stems were once used as stand-ins for smoking pipes.

In addition, in Greek mythology, a beautiful nymph of the same name turned herself into a lilac to escape the amorous advances of the god Pan. The second half of the name, vulgaris, thankfully does not reflect on the more modern meaning of vulgar, but on the original latin meaning of "common", or easily found.

Lilac in modern parlance is used as often to refer to the creamy pastel purple of the lilac tree as it is to the purple lilac flower itself. The original meaning then, should be of no surprise: it comes from the Persian word for indigo, or purple. Even in ancient times, our ancestors appreciated the singular beauty of this self-titled flower color.
Lilacs are not native to the United States, despite their clear popularity in the region.

In reality, growing lilacs is a practice that started in eastern Europe and Asia. Once imported, however, planting lilacs became just as familiar a practice here, with settlers of the new world embracing the cultivation of this fragrant flower. Today, varietals ranging from the California lilac to a more traditional dwarf Korean lilac prove that these lovely flowers are a great fit anywhere!

Purple lilacs, however, have long been rumored to celebrate young love, and make a popular gift among youthful suitors as well as being the traditional floral of the eighth wedding anniversary. The flowering time of the lilac bush is also said to herald an early or late arrival of warmth in the spring season.

Lilacs love the sun, so when planting a lilac it is very important to choose a spot that enjoys a great deal of sun. Much like roses, lilac pruning is essential in keeping the plant healthy and well-shaped, though lilacs will generally continue to grow regardless of whether the owner is adept at pruning lilac bushes.

To properly practice trimming lilacs, clip off flowers immediately after they have faded and remove about a third of the overall branches to encourage growth. Suckers that are growing near the ground should either be used for lilac transplanting or cut off to re-direct nutrients to the main plant. For the best manageable size, keep the tree to ten feet tall or less.

Lilacs grow in a fairly dense bush due to their large flowers and abundant leaves, which blocks out sun and airflow and makes them susceptible to mildew. While it may seem difficult to a gardener struggling with it, lilac care to remove mildew is very easy.

Simply trim away some leaves and flower clusters around the top to allow sunlight in (this is especially important for varieties like reblooming lilac bushes), and snip off any branches growing towards the "trunk", which will encourage airflow.

Tips For Growing Sunflowers

From delicate miniatures to towering giants, sunflowers are totally awesome. While often admired as ornamentals, sunflowers have an amazing variety of uses. They make a good fodder for poultry and livestock, dyes come from the petals, and paper can be made from the stalk pith. Its seeds and seed meal feed countless people, animals, and birds; sunflower seed-oil is used in cooking and in soaps and cosmetics. In the garden, you can grow sunflowers as windbreaks, privacy screens, or living supports for pole beans.

Sunflowers also come in a wide assortment of sizes. Some cultivars grow as tall as 15′, and the flower heads can be as big as 1′ across; dwarf types, however, are only 1′- 2′ tall. There are also early, medium-height sunflowers that stand 5′-6′ tall but have heads that are 8″-10″ across. Some cultivars produce a single large flower; others form several heads.

If possible, choose a site in full sun on the north side of the garden, so the tall plants won't shade your other vegetables. Sunflowers aren't fussy about soil. Seedlings are cold-resistant, so short-season growers may want to get a head start by planting several weeks before the last frost. In most areas, though, it's best to wait until the soil is warmer, around the last frost date. Sow seeds 1″ deep and 6″ apart. Thin large types to 1 1/2′ apart and dwarf or medium-sized cultivars to 1′ apart. Water well after planting.

Apply a 3″-4″ layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep down weeds. Sunflowers are drought-resistant, but they'll grow better if you water regurlarly from the time the flowers begin to develop until they're mature.

Sunflowers are remarkably trouble-free. Rotate crop if leaf mottle, a soil fungus that produces dead areas along leaf veins, becomes a problem. An early autumn may interfere with pollination and cause the plant to form empty seeds; plant earlier the next year. To protect seeds from birds, cover flowers with mesh bags, cheesecloth, old pantyhose, or perforated plastic bags.

Harvest as soon as seeds start to turn brown or the backs of the seed heads turn yellow. The heads usually droop at this time. Cut them along with 2′ of stem and hand upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place, such as a garage or attic, until fully dry; store in plastic bags for birds and animal food. To eat, soak overnight in water, drain, spread on a shallow baking sheet, and roast for 3 hours at 200°F or until crisp.

There Are Five Rose Gardening Care Tips For Beginners

Many beginners to the hobby of rose gardening assume that they will have to prepare to make a great deal of fuss over their flowers. The common misconception is that all roses are delicate and liable to simply drop dead at any time. Most people are pleasantly surprised to discover that roses actually need relatively little care.

Unless you plan to grow roses for exhibition, they are not too hard to grow, and they can provide a great deal of enjoyment as they are beautiful to look upon and delicious to smell.

While roses are not terribly difficult to cultivate, they are just like other plants in that it is important to give them proper care. They are not more difficult than most other plants to care for, but they do require some care and careful planting. When you decide to plant a rose garden, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to care for and fertilize your roses, and ensure that they are well fortified against diseases and pests.

There are five basic things that can help beginners as they plant a rose garden. These five tips can help rose garden beginners create a more successful garden.

(1) – Know the different types of roses and what kinds of soil and climate they like. From the yellow brier rose to the Maiden's Blush white rosh, a visit to your local plant nursery can help you determine this information rather easily. You could also ask a master gardener or a local horticulturist.

Make sure that the varieties of rose that you decide to plant are well suited to survive in your region. Planting roses that only have a fair chance of survival in the growing conditions you have leads only to a measure of frustration. Choosing rose varieties that will thrive ensures that you will have a good rose garden experience, and this is vital to the beginner.

(2) – Plant roses during the autumn months or in early spring. This gives them more time to adjust to their homes, as well as store up energy for a longer and better blooming season later in the year. With the exceptions of container grown roses and mini roses, it is best to use dormant plants when you decide to plant a rose garden. If you are using transplanted rose bushes, wait until the fall when the plant becomes dormant, or in the early spring, while the plant is still dormant.

(3) – Ensure that your rose garden is planted where it can get 5 to 6 hours of sunlight. Some climbing roses, shrubs, and Rugosa varieties are fine in shadier areas, but most roses like a decent amount of sun. In order to avoid mildew and blackspot on your roses, you should plant them where they receive morning sunshine. Morning sunshine helps to dry off the leaves, and this in turn prevents blackspot and mildew. Roses that are left in the shade for the first part of the day are not as dried off, and are more susceptible to these afflictions.

(4) – When planting your rose garden, make sure that you provide a rich nutrient source for your roses. This does not have to be rose food. It is actually a good idea to use well-rotted manure or compost to the planting holes of your rose plants.

Add a bit of bone meal and mix it with your compost or manure. This provides a rich fertile environment that nourishes the rose roots and encourages them to strengthen and take better hold. Fertilizer can be added after planting to help continue to provide a soil chock full of nutrients. Organic fertilizers like seakelp and Canola meal are great rose garden fertilizers. When you provide adequate food for your roses, you greatly increase their chances of success.

(5) – Finally, make sure that you water your rose garden well upon planting. This is an essential part of planting your rose garden. Water is the most important food a rose can have. A great deal of rose food with little water does not do a great deal of good. However, if you adequately water your rose garden, it will be more successful than a garden that receives specially formulated rose food but hardly any water. Rose food is not a necessity; water is a very big one.

How To Plant Tulips In A Container

Vast beds of bright tulips might look fabulous in your yard, but what if you don't have a yard? What if you live in an apartment or condominium? Does that mean that you can't enjoy the early spring showing of tulips? Of course not. You just have to prepare a little differently than the gardener with lots of space does.

First, choose a variety of tulip which does well in containers. While tulips in general are a pretty hardy bunch, they do vary in size and temperament. For example, unless you're planting your tulips in a bathtub, you probably want to avoid the giant Dutch hybrids. They will overwhelm most any container you choose for them, and you don't want your tulips to end up looking top heavy.

Instead, choose a variety of tulip which will fit well with the size and shape of your container. If you're using a ten or twelve inch pot, choose a variety which grows to a height of 12 to 14 inches, such as a Greigii or Fosteriana Hybrid. For smaller pots, choose a Kaufmanniana Hybrid, which will typically grow to no more than ten inches tall.

Tulips dislike being waterlogged, so make sure you choose a pot with adequate drainage holes. Fill the bottom with an inch or so of gravel or small stones, then fill to about the halfway point with good quality potting soil developed especially for bulbs. For additional drainage, you can add a layer of sand at this point, but it's not required.

Place your tulip bulbs in the pot with the pointed end up. Since tulip bulbs produce only a single stalk, you don't need to worry that you are planting them too close together. Tulips look best in bunches of five to ten flowers. After you've placed your bulbs, cover them with more potting soil and leave them to overwinter in a cool place. Tulips need six to eight weeks of temperatures averaging less than 50 degrees.

If you've kept your bulbs refrigerated for the winter, you can even plant them in late winter and have indoor blooms long before the outdoor flowers are showing growth. This is known as forcing, and is a common practice among florists. Forcing is what allows us to buy pots of tulips and lilies long before Easter most years. Unfortunately, bulbs which are forced will not typically bloom again.

One great advantage of growing tulips in containers is that you can move them. Tulips prefer bright sun, so if you have a sunny windowsill or balcony, this is the best place to put them. If you really want them to brighten up that dark corner of your bedroom, though, you can put them their when they've had their dose of sunlight. The possibilities are limitless!

Tips For Planting Roses Well

Roses are probably the most glamorous garden blooms, revered by one and all for their beauty and benefits. Much coveted and widely appreciated for their delightful fragrance and lovely hues, these thorny blooms are, however, not the easiest to bring up. Most gardeners like to term rose as difficult, frail plants that need to be constantly pampered and fussed over with weekly sprays and frequent fertilizing. Agreed, that this thorny shrub demands extra attention and commitment, but a little ingenuity and careful planting can reward you with a garden full of lovely roses. Appreciated as 'Queen of Flowers', well-bloom roses are indeed any gardener's pride. Growing roses is not as difficult as it is usually seen to be. The real secret to rose gardening is to understand how nature works. Understanding this simple fact before digging mother earth will leave you with a garden full of attractive rose blooms.

  
Tips On Growing:

• When planting a rose bush, begin by digging up a hole almost one and half times as deep and twice as wide as your rose bush. Empty your sachet of rose fertilizer into the hole, followed by a shovel full of manure and soil. Remember to sprinkle a little fertilizer on top of the soil layer.
• Gently transfer the rose plant from the pot and place it in the hole, maintaining the soil line of your rose plant the same as that of your garden. Don't forget to gently scrape the bottom roots and sides of your rose plant before planting it, which is certain to promote root growth, as your rose plants adjust to the new soil.
• Fill the hole, switching between a layer of soil, compost and a dash of fertilizer. Water it thoroughly, before doing it up with another layer of soil, compost and fertilizer. Wait for the water to get completely absorbed, before following it up with another layer of soil and compost. Cover it with a layer of mulch to help the soil retain its moisture.
• It is important to keep your rose plant bug free. As soon as you spot aphids or other bugs, discard them straightaway. You can use a homemade potion of ½ teaspoon dishwashing liquid to one quart of water to get rid of aphids.
• Never wait for withered leaves to chip off of their own. Keep a check on diseased brown leaves and remove them immediately. Yellow-greenish leaves are signs of iron or nitrogen deficiency.
• Never overly water your rose plants. Just water when the top 3 or 4 inches of soil is dry, and then soak the plants. It is not required to water your rose plants every day.

Tips:

• Roses love to sunbath. So ensure that they enjoy their 6 hours of sunlight. However, avoid planting it in very humid areas. It is best to plant your rose in a way so that they receive the required sunlight.
• For maximum appeal, always plant roses of complementary colors close to each other.
• Give your rose plants plenty of air circulation if you wish to keep them in top form. Find out how large your plants will be at maturity and space them accordingly.
• It's always best to check the pH balance of your soil before planting your rose tree. The ideal pH balance for roses is between 5.5 and 6.6.
• During summers, it is advisable to water your roses in the morning so that they dry up before nightfall.

You Can Plant Gardenias With These Advices

Gardenias are also known as Cape jasmine and it is one of the most exotic plants growing in United States in the present day. The scientific name for Gardenias is Gardenia jasminoides. This plant has been imported from Southern part of China. This evergreen shrub is the favorite in the southern states due to its fragrance which is like jasmine and flowers which are as white as snow. As the Gardenias can only survive in heat as well as humidity they are not suitable to be grown in northern climates.

The blooming season of the Gardenias begin in mid-spring and last up to late summer. They grow up to 8ft in height. The plant has dark green glossy leaves which form a rounded shrub. It is a perfect plant to be kept outside the windows, in the home garden as the fragrance that it transmits can be enjoyed both indoors as well as outdoors by simply opening the window.

The Gardenias require full sunlight for their growth though little shade is acceptable. The pH of the soil in which Gardenias are grown should be between 5- 6 and it should be acidic as well as rich in nutrients. In order to determine the pH level of the soil of a particular chosen area litmus paper is used. If the pH level of the soil is seen to be high, sulfur can be added to the soil to lower the level if required. For planting the Gardenias in the home garden a hole needs to be dug which is double the size of its root ball and then a fertilizer which is acidic in nature can be added to raise the pH level up to 6.0 At the bottom of the hole fertilizers which has been mixed with peat or potting soil should be spread.. In order to remove any sort of air that may have been formed around the root watering the plant thoroughly is necessary.

Gardenias are plants which are evergreen all through the year. The climate suitable for Gardenias is high humidity and heat. The best area in the home garden to grow Gardenias would be somewhere where it is moist but where water can drain off easily. After the blooming season is over the flowers of the gardenia plant is replaced by reddish orange berries which grow on the long stem. As the Gardenias come in different varieties they are suitable for any sort of landscaping purpose. Bonsai Gardenias as well as dwarf varieties have been developed to be used as indoor plants in the home garden.

The two most essential things that are necessary for the Gardenias to grow properly are moisture and fertilizers. Watering of the Gardenia plant is required to be done minimum once a week and 3-4 inches of mulch is needed to be around the trunk of the plant to retain its moisture. During the blooming season the Gardenia needs to be fertilized every month with a fertilizer which has good acid base. The shape of the Gardenia plant can be controlled by pruning it during early spring before the buds start forming of the flowers. . In order to encourage more blooms pulling off or deadheading the spent head is done and lastly by using insecticide soap the plant can be saved from whiteflies, spider mites, mealy bugs and aphids.

There Are Some Secrets In Making Beautiful Flower Garden

When it comes to garden layouts a little preparation is all that is needed to create a beautiful and bountiful flower garden space worthy of any garden show. Moreover, you can still improve the look through flower garden design, there are some tricks: Many popular gardening ideas are often a result of unintentional experimentation by either an over-enthusiastic amateur gardener or an over-confident gardening veteran. Ideas like beneficial pairing of different flower types, a breathtaking colorful display of a specific combination of perennials and annuals, a modified flower container, a particular potting mix etc. are all a result of an accidental stumble upon them.

If you decide to go for a small flower garden, then using pencil and paper to create your design is fine. In the design stage you will factor in such items as concrete or mulch for walkways, brick for walls, seating, water features or lighting or any other accessories you might want to add to your new garden. I would recommend you to plant a rose garden. Anyone can easily put together a fantastic container flower gardening that can be put in your yard, on the balcony or on the patio. Were going to take a quick tour of the basics of flower gardening. I bet you'll love to see a sight full of spring flower gardens in your backyard especially when it blooms to its fullest.

The most important thing to remember when creating flower garden designs is to consider the seasons. Different flowers bloom at different times each year and keeping this in mind is very important when constructing a garden.

The best time to get a jump start on any flower garden layout is well before the last frost has broken. In making a flower bed, opt for one which is as large as possible. However, a basic research and analysis effort is usually there before the stumbling happens. With any gardening undertaking, a flower garden must have its sufficient supply of water, light, and rich soil. There is something almost spiritual about rose gardens.

The first thing that you need to do is to decide the type of container that you wish to use, there are a massive range of different containers available that you can use to plant your own fruits, flowers and even vegetables in. If you can master these things then you too can grow a stunning flower garden. What flowers bloom during springtime? Spring is what many of us look forward to March and April. Before you start your design, take a little bit of time to do some research on the blooming cycle of the flowers you are considering including in your garden. During the bleak months of January and February sunny prospects come in the form of mail order seed catalogs.

Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flower gardening flowering and ornamental plants for gardens.

The Best Chrysanthemum Planting Guides

The chrysanthemum seems to have fallen out of fashion in modern gardens. One reason why this has happened is that chrysanthemums are perceived as too much hard work or troublesome. But there is less care involved than you may think and they offer many positive attributes to gardens. They are great plants to choose for this time of year, providing bold splashes of colour in the garden in late summer and autumn.

Originating in East Asia, the humble chrysanthemum has been growing in China for more than 2500 years. It is used for medicinal and flavouring purposes, as well as for its beautiful blooms. In Japan, the flower is very symbolic, with the Royal Family said to rule from the Chrysanthemum Throne. It has been their national flower for the past 100 years and is a symbol of happiness and longevity. In the late 18th century, the flower was imported and hybridised in Europe. This has led to the amazing diversity in colour and shape we see today.

Chrysanthemums can be grown in the ground almost anywhere – at the front of shrubberies, in perennial borders or under roses, to name just a few. Some dwarf forms look great in rock gardens. Chrysanthemums grow well in pots and even indoors with bright light.

Most people acquire a chrysanthemum when they are given a potted plant on Mother’s Day. In a pot, a chrysanthemum plant lasts for a few weeks inside. Keep it in a brightly lit position and water when dry. Pick off any dead flowers or discoloured leaves. When flowering has finished, take it outside, cut it back to 15cm and plant it out in your garden.

When choosing a spot, bear in mind that potted chrysanthemums may have been treated with a growth regulator to keep them dwarf and compact, so they are likely to grow much taller in the ground. Even though they can be grown from seed, most chrysanthemums are propagated by cutting or by dividing clumps of an existing plant.

Chrysanthemums grow best in an open, sunny position, although they can tolerate partial shade, especially if it provides protection from afternoon sun. They tend to prefer well-drained soil that has been improved with the addition of compost and other organic matter. To perform well, they also must be fed regularly with a liquid fertiliser every four to six weeks. At planting, add some organic, slow-release fertiliser such as pelletised chicken manure. Although they can be grown in the subtropics, chrysanthemums prefer a cool to mild climate and a spot where they are protected from wind. If you are growing them specifically to use for cut flowers, space them 60–75cm apart.

Chrysanthemums can be attacked by a range of pests and diseases, but they are not hard to manage. Earwigs, snails and black aphids are all partial to the flower and need regular control. If you spot caterpillars, such as the small green loopers, spray with a biological insecticide such as Dipel or Success.

Treat mildew with an organic-based fungicide, such as wettable sulfur or eco-rose. If mildew proves simply to be an indication of poor air circulation, improving this prevents it reoccurring.

Brown rust may affect leaves so pick these off by hand if the infestation is bad, disposing of them in the rubbish bin. White rust is more troubling and it is best to pull out the whole plant and dispose of it also in the garbage.

How To Plant The Peony Flower

Peony is a native of flowering plants native to Asia, Southern Europe and Western North America. Most of the species are herbaceous perennials that grow 0.5-1.5 meters tall. Some of the species are woody shrubs 1.5-3 meters tall. Leaves are compound and deeply lobed. Large flowers, often fragrant, ranging from red to white or yellow grows in late spring and early summer. The plant is named after ‘Paeon’, Greek God of medicine and healing. In China, Peony has been cultivated since last more than 2000 years.

Peonies, recognizable for their large blooms, are familiar garden plants. The flowers grow in a variety of colors, with large, showy blossoms that are popular in weddings and home decoration. Peony flowers are not limited to the outdoor garden. While peonies are notoriously difficult to grow indoors, it is possible to do so and enjoy their beautiful blossoms almost year-round.
Peony has a long history of being used as an ornamental plant. The plant is one of the smallest living creatures that are used as National Emblem in China. Besides being the traditional floral symbol of China, Peony is also famous as ‘Flower of Riches and Honor’ and in the Chinese floral art and tattoos. In Japan, Peony is cultivated as an ornamental plant and also for its roots that are used in the treatments for convulsions. In North America, Peony plants are used for ornamental plants and its flowers are used for making cut flowers.
Sow Peony Poppy flower seeds indoors in late winter. Use peat pots and starter mix. Sow the flower seeds on the surface and press the flower seeds into the soil. Peony Poppy flower seeds need light to germinate. Keep flower seeds moist until germination. Another option, and often preferred by many gardeners, is to direct sow the Peony Poppy flower seed outdoors. Peony Poppy flower seed can be sown in the late fall, late winter, or early spring. Prepare the soil by loosening the top several inches, spread the flower seeds and lightly rake. Firm the soil by walking lightly over the area. Thin seedlings to 15 - 18 inches apart. These annual Peony Poppy plants are known to be prolific self-sowers.

Great ideas On Growing Lilies In The Garden

Lilies are perennial bulbous plants, wintering in uncovered soil. Genus lily is related to the liliaceous family. Bulbs of different sorts have different form: rounded, ovoid, concentric, stolon and rhizomatous. They consist of separate unlocked chaffs, more or less tight to each other. Bulbs do not have a protective cover.
Growing lilies in gardens as a decoration is practiced for a couple of centuries. Nowadays, there are well-known 100 types and 3000 sorts. The sorts of lily, according to their origin, are grouped into 8 main categories.
The first category – Asian hybrids.
The second category – Crispate hybrids, or Martagon-hynrids.
The third category – Snow-white hybrids, or Candidum-hybrids.
The fourth category – American hybrids.
The fifth category - Long-flowered hybrids.
The sixth category – Tubular hybrids.
The seventh category – Oriental hybrids.
To the eighth category belong all the hybrids, which were not included into the previous categories.
Propagation of lilies

Lilies tend to propagate with the help of seeds, bulbs, multipliers, bud-bulblets, bulbs chaffs, scapes cuttings and some – with the help of leaf rootage.
Propagation of lilies with the help of seeds is the easiest way, enabling huge amounts of healthy planting material, adjusted for the local climatic conditions. The drawback if that from seeds grow flowers non typical for the maternal sort. Only by some sorts of lilies generation from seeds is able to save the features of the maternal plants.
Thus, this way of propagation of lilies is unpopular with floriculturists-amatours. But creative people may find this method as a useful one for breeding new hybrids. Those, who would like to use seed method of lilies propagation, has to take into account, that seeds of different sorts are characterized by two sprouting types – overground and underground. An underground type presupposes that seed lobe comes out on the surface that is the bulblet formation takes place from the seeds under the ground.

The seeds with an overground type of growth need to be sown in February-March (if the seeds are planted into uncovered soil, then as soon as soil allows). Types of underground formation are sown in autumn after the harvest. In winter seedings should be kept in the temperature of 1-2 degrees above zero that is very hard to follow in our country.
Vegetative method of propagation is the only way of lilies propagation, during which all the sort peculiarities are fully preserved. The less widespread way is – propagation with the help of bulbs. In a maternal bulb emerge and develop several reproduction buds, which give birth to filial bulbs.

The Four Leaf Clover Is A Universally Accepted Symbol Of Good Luck With Its Origin Ages Old

Real, genuine four-leaf clovers come from the White Clover plant, trifolium repens, considered to be the Original Shamrock. You may find others selling leaves as four-leaf clovers that are not genuine. These are actually Pepperwort or Water Clover (Marsilea Quadrifolia and Marsilea Polycarpa) or Oxalis (Oxalis deppei or Oxalis tetraphylla) plants that produce all four leaves. Another way of identifying a real four-leaf clover is that the fourth leaf is usually smaller than the other three leaves.

The four leaf clover is a universally accepted symbol of good luck with its origin ages old. According to legend, Eve carried a four leaf clover from the Garden of Eden.

"The clovers also occupied a position in the cultural life of early peoples. White clover (T. repens L.) in particular was held in high esteem by the early Celts of Wales as a charm against evil spirits." Clover Science and Technology". N.L. Taylor, 1985.

Druids held the 4 leaf clover in high esteem and considered them a sign of luck. In 1620, Sir John Melton wrote: "If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.

The mystique of the four leaf clover continues today, since finding a real four leaf clover is still a rare occurrence and omen of good luck. 4-leaf clovers are a mutation of the usually 3-leafed White Clover plant, Trifolium repens. One clover is actually one leaf of a larger plant, with 3 leaflets. Mutations can occur due to a low frequency recessive gene or environmental causes. Often the reason for mutation is differentiable from one clover to another. The mutation does not stop at the 4-leafed variety: 5-leafed clovers are not uncommon. However, the more leaflets, the harder they are to find (and the luckier they are): the record is an 18-leaf clover, and the highest I've ever seen is 10-leafed.

And yes, this might have to do with the fact that we were in the emergency room for over ten hours… Well… and the fact that they used my hands as a (several) pin cushion(s)… And, maybe, the fact that we had to stay in the hospital (again) for over 10 days because I had an unexplained fever… Oh… and the pneumonia that we didn't know I had…

Good thing I that I can open my own bottle of water again, with these old hands, it is kind of a bother to keep asking people to open up bottles of water when you are supposed to keep hydrated... (Thank You Mommy, Daddy, Hanneke, Jan Willem, Megan and of course my everything: Bastiaan!!).

It is also a good thing too that I am home. I like being home. Bastiaan and I have been throwing this idea around to rent a big camper and to go “see” places (you know, normally we would do this when we would be 70+), but plans have to be adjusted sometimes... I like to be home for now.

Through the use of previously published simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker maps, linkages between the mapped molecular markers and genes for three different morphological traits was identified. The red midrib and red fleck traits were found to be controlled by two closely linked dominant genes on linkage group (LG) B1. The trifoliolate trait is controlled by at least one gene on LG H1. The identification of molecular markers linked to loci affecting leaf morphology traits resolves conflicting hypotheses on the genetics of these complex traits and has potential for molecular breeding improvement of white clover.

Surely this represents a new avenue of research for biotechnology giants such as Monsanto and Syngenta. With a little work and sequencing directed breeding, perhaps we could have our fill of four-leaf clovers. But will they still bring us luck?

Planting Wild Flowers Promises To Be A Constant Source Of Interesting Activity

Blue is certainly a color that could not be disliked by anyone. That is because there is natural and refreshing beauty in the color. Blue is the color of our oceans and the skies. The color is also captured by nature through the many types of blue flowers. Such items come in gorgeous blue colors, various shapes, and different sizes. They are certainly pleasant and relaxing to look at. Combining blue flowers with other flowers of different colors could truly make up a mesmerizing and amazing flower arrangement. No one could truly resist the beauty and magnetism of floral arrangements that feature blue-colored flowers.

There are numerous types of blue flowers. It could be hard to categorize each of them. Be reminded that not all so-called blue flowers are blue in color. Some are obviously diverging from the phenomenal color. However, there are many flowers that are not containing the word 'blue' in their names but are actually known for having the color in their natural state. In many flower shops, many so-called blue-colored flowers are also not naturally colored blue. Instead, they are artificially colored to assume the blue color using dyes or other coloring techniques.

Are you searching for blue flowers to be used in different occasions? You should realize that there are too many of such flowers. You may not need to immediately resort to having white and carnation flowers dyed to become blue. These flowers are already blue naturally: alcea, amsonia, bergenia, buddleia, clematis, corydalis, delphinium, digitalis, erodium, eucomis, fuchsia, globularia, heperis, hosta, jasione, lavandula, lilium, linaria, molinia, myosotis, nepeta, origanum, pratia, pulmonaria, roscoea, stachys, thymus, tricyrtis, veronica, vernonia, vinca, and viola. Some of these are spring blue flowers, while others are more common during summer.

Planting wild flowers in your garden, or simply scattering wild flower seeds around an area of your yard are both ways to take advantage of Mother Nature's treasured gifts. Wild flowers are carefree, colorful, and tend to attract bees, butterflys and birds. So planting wild flowers not only gives you an easy maintenance flower garden... it also promises to be a constant source of interesting activity throughout the year. The following wild flowers are blue to purple in color, and some say this is a favorite color of bees.

VIRGINIA or COMMON DAY-FLOWER (Commelina Virginica) - Spiderwort family
The Day Flower has blue, one inch wide or smaller flowers which tend to be irregular. The flowers are grouped at the end of the stem, and are upheld by long leaf-like bracts. The leaves are lance-shaped and 3-5 inches long. The upper leaves form like a hood of sorts about the flower. These wild flowers prefer moist, shady ground and flower from June through September.

The day flower tends to open in the morning and looking somewhat "alert". In the afternoon, or after the bees have visited and fertilized it, the petals roll up and quickly wilt into a wet, shapeless mass which will leave a sticky blue fluid on your fingers if you touch it.

SPIDERWORT; WIDOW'S or JOB'S TEARS (Tradescantia Virginiana) - Spiderwort family
The Spiderwort's flowers are purplish blue in color but on rare occasion they can be white. There's usually several flowers about 1-2 inches wide, and usually contain clusters of drooping buds between long, blade-like bracts at the end. This one can grow from 8-36 inches tall, and has long blade-like leaves. It prefers rich, moist woods, thickets or garden space, and it flowers from May through August.

Like its relative the dayflower, the spiderwort opens for part of a day only. In the morning it is wide awake and pert; early in the afternoon its petals have begun to retreat and wither away. New blooms appear each day throughout the season though.

WILD HYACINTH, SCILLA or SQUILL. QUAMASH (Quamasia kyacinthina; Scilla Fraseri of Gray) - Lily family
The Wild Hyacinth tends to produce many pale violet blue flowers, though once in awhile they can be white. There tend to be equal groups of 6 flowers on long, oblong-shaped branches. The plant tends to grow 1-2 feet tall, and has grass-like, short leaves. These wild flowers prefer meadows, prairies and stream banks, and they bloom from April to May.

These wild flowers tend to be low maintenance, and they propagate on their own, without being invasive. In addition to attracting bees, the Wild Hyacinth also tends to attract ants, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles.
Whether you prefer to start your flowers from seeds or potted starter plants, wild flowers are a wonderful addition to any type of garden. Creating a stand alone wild flower garden is also a fantastic way to make a great, naturalized impression in large or unused areas of your landscape.

Watch for future articles where I'll introduce you to many other wild flowers in a variety of other colors too!

Practical Steps To Help Extend The Life Of Your Cut Flowers

Aquatic flowers or plants that grow in or on the water are becoming more and more famous. A great number of people even explore into the field of water gardening just to tend these types of flowers. Water flowers have a few different varieties, based on appearance, size, and the manner of how they mature. Joining diverse types result to an exceptional and healthy garden that will delight every member of your family. It will also form a varied ecosystem gracious to all kinds of helpful critters.

Flowers are beautiful and professionally designed bouquets are especially attractive. Flowers can also carry huge sentimental meaning because they are often given as gifts from people close to us. So it's little wonder that we would want to extend the life of our flowers and enjoy their aesthetic and sentimental beauty for as long as possible.

With proper care and attention most flowers will last around 7 days with some varieties lasting for as long as 14 days. Here are some practical steps to help extend the life of your cut flowers.

Get flowers into water
After only a short time out of water flowers will begin to dehydrate. Therefore it is essential to get flowers into a vase or container of water as quickly as possible. When you first get the flowers home use warm water, not cold or hot, as this is the quickest way to rehydrate the flowers. Warm water will also promote opening of the blooms as most flowers are shipped with the blooms in a closed or tight stage.

Technically speaking the optimum temperature is 37.5C (99.5F), which is roughly body temperature. At this temperature air bubbles, which may have formed in the stem, tend to breakup. Also water that is warmer than the surrounding air is more readily taken up by the flowers.

Change the water regularly
Try to change the water every two days. The flowers should be well hydrated by now so you can use cold water instead of warm. This helps keep the flowers cool which is a key part of keeping flowers in good condition.

The bactericide component inhibits bacteria developing in the water. Bacteria laden water will cause flowers to deteriorate quicker. Bacteria is also a problem because it can block flower stems and hinder the uptake of water. If left long enough the bacteria will also discolour the vase water and produce an unpleasant odour. Simply empty the contents of the flower preservative sachet into the vase water.

If you don't have flower preservative you could add 1-2 drops of bleach to the water instead. The bleach will act as an anti-bacterial just like the additives in commercial flower preservatives.

Remove leaves that will be under water
This is important as leaves that are below the waterline will deteriorate quickly and become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you have a professionally arranged bouquet you'll find that the leaves have already been removed by the florist. But flowers bought loose or unarranged might still have leaves low on the stem.

Trim the stems
Take a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and trim 2-3cm (1 inch) from the bottom of the stem. Try not to crush the stem while you're doing this. Cut the stem on an angle to increase the surface area exposed to the water. Cutting on an angle also stops the stem sitting flat on the bottom of the vase and blocking water uptake. Once cut immediately place the flowers into water.

Water is sucked up the stem like a straw. If there is anything blocking the straw then it will impede water flow to the head. Over time the end of a stem can become blocked with impurities from the water and bacteria. Also, if a flower has been out of water for any period of time, air will be drawn into the stem which will block its ability to draw water.

Some florists recommend cutting the stems underwater which prevents air being drawn up the stem.Re-cut stems every two days or when you change the water.

Keep flowers cool
Flowers should be kept in cool conditions. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heaters, lamps and other heat sources. Also try not to leave flowers in a hot vehicle when transporting them. This is why specialist flower delivery couriers have chilled storage on-board their vehicles.

Each variety has its own optimal holding temperature but the ideal temperature for most flowers is a chilly 4-5C (39-41F), about the temperature inside your refrigerator. Obviously these aren't ideal temperatures for people but if you really wanted to extend the life of your flowers you could place them in the refrigerator overnight or if you were going to be away for an extended period.

Keep flowers away from fruit
Fruit and vegetables produce ethylene gas which is detrimental to flowers. Carnations and Delphiniums are particularly susceptible. Try to keep flowers away from fruit and vegetables to keep them in good shape.

Similarly domestic gas is also damaging to flowers. There is a story of a flower grower who found it difficult to keep cut flowers on his farm. He suspected his gas supply may have been the cause and a check by a specialist confirmed he had a gas leak on his property.

Keep daffodils separate
The sap exuded from the cut stems of narcissus varieties like daffodils is detrimental to other flowers. No other flowers should share the same water with daffodils or any narcissus varieties.

Try Planting Your Aster Flowers In Full Sun

Aster flowers are a very common plant in North American gardens. The name of the plant is derived from the Greek word, meaning "star." Asters are a member of the sunflower family even though they look like a daisy in appearance. The main characteristic of the aster is that all of them have yellow in the center of the flower. Aster is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, and order Asterales.

There are more than a hundred variations of this type of flower. They can range in size from less than a foot tall to over two feet. Both the large and small varieties can make wonderful additions to your garden. They also make wonderful flowers to stick in a vase or to give people as a present. Among the more showy native species that is cultivated in North American gardens are the blue or violet New York aster (A. novi-belgii) and the purple New England aster (A. novae-angliae).

Unlike most common flowers of North American which bloom in spring, asters bloom in the fall, from August through September. This flower is grown all over the world except Antarctica and Australia. Asters can be found in any shade and color with exception of orange and clear yellow. Such colors of the flowers as purple, blue, white and violet are predominant. The fruits of asters are known as achenes.

Asters are just one of the beautiful fall flowers that turn a mediocre fall garden into a beautiful, colorful haven that is a reminder of late spring or early summer. The aster is a perennial and easy to grow, even a beginning gardener will find them delightful to grow. There are several varieties and you will have a difficult time choosing the ones you want to grow.

You will want to check with your garden center or nursery for the hardiest aster plants for your region. Before planting, remember these three things: space, sun, and moist soil. Try planting your asters in full sun if you want them to thrive; most varieties like soaking up the rays of the sun all during the day. Rich soil will help them flourish, so adding compost will help the soil and it will also act as mulch.

The end of summer is usually the time when asters have a speedy growth period. At this time you will need to give them water on a weekly basis so they will not dry out. You need to make sure there is enough room between plants so they can get ample air movement. Asters do not have many pests, but sometimes will be a victim to a powdery mildew if water is left on the leaves or if they go without for any length of time. This can happen if they are overcrowded.

Do not be surprised if that dense mound of purple flowers you bought last fall is an open plant this year. Asters that are nursery grown will usually be sprayed with a regulator that minimizes its growth so it will not outgrow your container. When you plant them in a flower garden they will be much more open the next year.

However, if you want to keep your aster plant compact, you do not have to use growth regulators, all you have to do is pinch back the tip of each stem. This forces branching out on the sides easier. You can start the end of spring and pinch every two weeks in order to get a bushier plant. By cutting back your asters will delay the flowers by maybe a week or so, but that just means they will be blooming longer in the season.

If you have a flower bed of only asters you can pinch the asters in the front section of the flower garden but not the ones in the back. The un-pinched aster in the back of the flower bed will get taller and bloom the earliest. When they have completed blooming, the asters that you pinched in the front of the flower bed will bloom and hide the stems of the early bloomers. By doing this gives you more asters blooming for a longer period of time.

The meaning of this September birth flower is faith, love, wisdom and symbolizes valor. The Monte Casino is a popular aster and that flower is often used to symbolize afterthought or true love. The aster signifies fidelity in China. The alternative name of the flower is starworts or the Michaelmas daisy. A few species are used for food, as salad plants normally. The China aster is the common aster of florists as well as flower gardens.

The Growth Of Various Flower Varieties In Taiwan

Not a lot of people know that Taiwan is not only the treasure-trove of hi tech corporate businesses and white collar jobs, but also the world's biggest exporter of flowers. This has given a tremendous boost to mainland China's flower industry too.

The evolution of Taiwan into an industrial town in the second half of the 20th century has been phenomenal. This is often termed as the Taiwan miracle, which has propelled the island into stardom, making it the economic powerhouse of Asia. Taiwan, a large island located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, is now one of the world's foremost study-abroad destinations, attracting millions of students from across various countries.

The dynamic island has seen monumental growth in all the business sectors and only recently, stealthily, the island nation has become the world's biggest flower exporter with its flower industry notching up a whopping turnover of $111 million, in 2009. The industry grossed only $48 million in 1999. The Taiwanese government left no stone unturned and with the aid of modern technology, it successfully transformed what one would have considered as an exotic job sector into one of the most lucrative industries in this island of only 23 million. The country is now the world's top-notch and premier exporter of orchids. While learning Mandarin in China, do not miss out on a trip to Taiwan and get your hands on some of the most delightful orchids that you can take back home as gifts. However, much more needs to be done in order to effortlessly and successfully harvest flowers and generate more revenues from this industry, which is still in its fledgling state.

Taiwan is surrounded by water and in located in the subtropical region. Its topography and climate is quite favorable to the growth of various flower varieties. It has a booming floriculture industry and is a major exporter of flowers. Moreover, many tourists visit Taiwan during the blooming period of the flowers. They love to visit flower festivals of Taiwan to be mesmerized by the beauty of its flowers. Some of the popular flowers of Taiwan are mentioned below.

Plum Blossom

Plum blossom has been the national flower of Taiwan since 1964. The flower is available in shades of pink and white and has a delicate scent. The flower blooms from December to January. The major production areas of this flower include Xinyi, Shuili and Nantou County. This flower is highly appreciated in Taiwan and has become a part of the grand tour event. Moreover, it is a symbol of resilience as it is able to survive the harsh winter weather.

Cherry Blossom

This flower blooms during the spring season, from February to April. Diverse varieties of this flower can be found in Taiwan. The flower can also be found in different colors including red, pink and white. The cherry blossom has been brought to Taiwan from different countries including Japan. In the recent years, the blooming period of cherry blossom has been linked with festivities throughout the country.

Orchid

Taiwan is known to be the Land of Orchids. It has become one of the top exporters of orchids worldwide. Moreover, orchid exports have a large share in the total exports of the country. The orchids of Taiwan are popular throughout the world and flower lovers from across the globe visit orchid farms when they come to Taiwan. The butterfly orchid is one of the most popular varieties produced by Taiwan. The orchid is available in different colors in Taiwan including yellow, pink, red and white.

Chrysanthemum

This is another flower grown commercially in Taiwan and exported to other countries. The environment in the country is highly suitable for the growth of this popular flower. The flower has been cultivated in the country for many years and its cultivation is concentrated in central Taiwan. Moreover, Taiwan's chrysanthemums are popular worldwide and are available in a rainbow of colors including red, yellow and orange.

Cherokee Rose

Cherokee rose is a native to Taiwan and is grown in abundance in this country. It is usually white in color with a yellow center and is quite fragrant.

Besides these, various other flowers including water lilies, roses and lotuses are quite popular throughout the country.

Best Ways To Express Your Style Is Through Your Wedding Flowers

Your wedding is going to be the biggest party that you throw. It will be one of the most important days of your life, and you want it to be memorable for all who attend. It needs to be a well thought out event that speaks about the couple. This means many different things to different people, but one of the best ways to truly express your style is through your wedding flowers. Before you head off to the florist you need to sit down with your fiancee to discuss what you both want for your wedding. It is important that you remember that the wedding is about the two of you, and the design should incorporate both of your tastes. While you are having that discussion be sure to talk about what style on wedding flowers you both like, what colors you want your wedding to be centered around, and if there are any special blooms to the two of you that you want to have incorporated.

Additionally, be sure that you spend some time at your wedding location. Your needs will vary from location to location so do not try to design your floral scheme without having a solid location booked. Be sure to remember that you are going to need flowers for the bridal party, special guests, ceremony area, cocktail area if applicable, and the reception. You may find that certain locations require fewer blooms than others. In order to save money you want to choose a location that is inherently beautiful so that you do not have to add a significant amount of wedding flowers to create the atmosphere that you are looking for.

Some people don't know the importance of flowers for weddings. If one gives a thought to it, it will not be difficult to come to a point, where one will easily see that weddings are incomplete without flowers. They are essential for decorations, for a bride, for guests and also for many wedding rituals in certain cultures. In fact, without flowers, weddings in some cultures cannot be completed. The wedding day should be made special in all aspects and flowers have the potential to do so.

So, how can you use flowers for weddings? Well, flowers make your big day more cheerful, colorful, bright and memorable. They are an integral part of the wedding and they cannot be detached from your big day. Decoration is considered as the most important part of weddings. The right kind of flowers selected to adorn your wedding will not only make you or your partner happy, but will also impress those who have gathered to witness your union. So, how do you make them work for your special day?

Firstly, selecting the right kind of flowers is the most important aspect for floral decorations. Keep in mind the theme of your wedding and select the type of flowers you want. Completely opposite flowers can ruin the decoration. Hence, one should very careful while selecting flowers for decoration. There is a complete range of flowers for weddings and you can choose the right kind of flowers for your special day.

Next, you need to consider where the flowers should be coming from. Since the decorators would be contacting flower services, you need to make sure the florists involved in such dealings are reliable ones. Also, you need to be sure that those you choose should be fresh. If you want seasonal flowers for weddings, it won't do any good to have them out of cold storage. If you do not want fresh flowers for any reason, there are alternatives as well. Apart from fresh or seasonal ones to be more precise, artificial flowers can be used to decorate and grace your wedding day decorations. However, the ambiance and the grace fresh flowers bring upon is hard to achieve with artificial flowers.

One of the most important things you need to consider before getting them is the cost. They can be a risky business and they can be expensive, if rare or seasonal flowers are chosen. The best way to save money is to get them from a wholesaler. Usually, people leave it all to the decorators to look into such stuff, but these people end up with huge bills later on. You need to be involved with your wedding plans and decorations. Getting flowers from a wholesaler will reduce the entire cost building up on your wedding expenses. Reliable florists should be contacted for flower delivery and arrangements. Since your wedding is the biggest event in your life, you should be completely involved to make the day more memorable and most pleasant. Being involved with the arrangements will bring about the satisfaction you need with everything being perfectly planned.

Guide On How To Select Wedding Flowers For Every Season

When choosing your wedding date, there are many things you need to take into account. If you are one of those brides that has had your heart set on your wedding since you were a little girl, and that includes having your heart set in a certain kind of flower. Please make sure that you plan accordingly on the availability of your flowers. On the other hand, if you are that kind of bride that likes to take things as they come and are flexible, you will be fine with whichever flowers the season might bring during your wedding date.

Also, when choosing a wedding date, considering the season the colors for your wedding plays a huge part. If you have always dreamed of a purple, pink or pastel wedding, then you might want to choose any day in Spring. But if you are drawn into bright and strong colors, Summer will be best. For browns and earthy colors, the Fall season will provide you with the perfect floral colors. For deep reds, blues, whites and silvers chose Winter, it will complement your event.

As for colors, wedding flowers will complement your wedding décor in an extreme manner. To continue, I will provide you with a couple of ideas and mixtures for your centerpieces according to your wedding and the season that you chose.

With the hectic nature of planning a wedding, it's easy to forget about some of the details that make the day special. Choosing flowers can be an added pressure - especially if the task is left until the last minute. This is a brief guide on how to select flowers for each season of the year, with the intent of making the decision a little easier for the flustered couple.

Spring

Colour schemes for spring weddings are usually feminine and colourful, but perhaps not as bright as the colours seen during a summer or autumn occasion. The hues are traditionally more subdued - with subtle pinks, yellows, greens and blues all working very well.

Ranunculus, anemone, freesia are all common choices that work really well in a bouquet. However, the quintessential spring flower has to be the daffodil. In Britain, the appearance of daffodils marks the start of spring time, and therefore the flowers are often used to represent the start of a marriage.

Summer

There is a huge variety of traditional and exotic flowers available during the summer, which is ideal for those planning a wedding. There is a natural explosion of brightly coloured flowers that appear only in summertime, but the sheer volume of flowers can make the decision a tricky one.

Some of the flowers that are abundant during the summer months include roses, delphiniums, peonies and irises. There are some new varieties that are quickly becoming classics, such as the stunning 'Love-in-a-Mist' (also known as Nigella). This intricate, interleaved flowers allows for a completely new take on the floral bouquet.

Other classic summer garden flowers are also becoming popular for wedding bouquets and centre pieces such as sunflowers, hydrangeas, sweet peas and marigolds. These all work exceptionally well to brighten up any wedding and give it that summery ambiance.

Autumn

As the trees start to shed their leaves, there is a whole new colour palette to work with. Oranges, yellows and reds are definitely the quintessential colours of the season, but there is room for creativity in an arrangement, for instance using pine cones, berries and herbs for a hint of variety.

Flowers are still abundant in August, so the choices are plentiful. Mint, rosemary, ivy, rosehips, sages and geraniums are all in season at this time of year. The exotic looking Nerine plants are also just coming into bloom around this time and could be the perfect centre piece for a special occasion.

Winter

Despite the bare trees and cold weather, winter weddings are becoming more and more popular, due to the fantasy some couples have of the perfect, white, winter wedding. However, in winter flowers are in short supply - which has led to ever more innovative bouquets being produced by some very creative florists.

As usual, roses will suit the occasion - with white looking particularly stunning at this time of year. Colourful orchids can also look great when well balanced with neutral tones. But often, the centre piece will not contain a flower at all, but instead foliage. Holly, berries and vines add to the winter theme, and pussy willow can be an ideal alternative for any colourful flowers.

When it comes to choosing flowers for wedding bouquets, centre pieces, buttonholes etc. it is important to consider what time of year your wedding is taking place, as some flowers can be extremely expensive if not in season. It's all about balancing colour with plants that suit the time of year and theme of the wedding, in order to create a truly unforgettable day.

Dianthus Flower Information And Planting Care

Dianthus flowers belong to the Dianthus genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. This genus alone has more than 300 species and countless introduced cultivars present in it.Commonly known as 'pink', Sweet William (miniature variety), and carnation (large double variety), this genus offers plenty of flowering plants for one's landscape; both indoors and outdoors. This pretty pink and white frilled flowers name has been derived from two Greek words dios and anthos meaning god and flower, respectively.

Dianthus Flower Information

Native mainly to Europe and Asia, dianthus flowers are now one of the most popular garden flowers grown. The large number of species that it offers, has plants that are annual, biennial and perennial. Low growing, dianthus plants are shrubby in nature with woody basal stems. The foliage is placed opposite, simple and liner in shape with grey-green to blue-green colored leaves found on stems. Flowers are borne on end of each stem; alone or in clusters. Single petaled flowers have five frills, and margin petals. Most flower colors come in all possible hues and shades of pink, red or white, either alone as a combination. A few varieties are being developed to include other colors such as yellow or orange too.

Planting Dianthus Flowers
Dianthus flowers bloom mid-to late spring, and depending upon the variety, this plant can be propagated through layering and clump division for perennials, or seeds for biennial or annuals. The best time for layering is midsummer. Choose a healthy parent plant and select a long strong shoot. Remove its lower leaves, look for a undeveloped leaf node, bending it lightly from that point, push it in the soil. Use a pin to hold the stem down. Continue watering, in a couple of weeks the buried node will sprout roots. Once you noticed a few new leaf sprouts, severe the shoot from the mother plant. Divide clumps and replant. For sowing seeds, simply fill a pot with moist sowing medium. Sprinkle seeds evenly and cover with a thin layer of sandy soil. Cover pot with plastic or newspaper. The trapped moisture will speed the seed germination process. Once the seedling reaches a six leaf stage, transplant to the intended location.

Dianthus Flower Care
Dianthus flowers should be grown in locations that are sunny for temperate places, and slightly shady for very hot areas. They can be grown in pots as well as flower beds. The soil should be loose, well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. The soil should be light and airy, hence avoid too much compost or fertilizing. Plant the dianthus about 10-12 inches apart, to give them enough space to spread. In pots, depending upon the size plant, no more than two at a time.

Water adequately, just enough to keep the soil moist. Dry spells will cause the plant to wither, whereas over-watering will turn their foliage yellow. To promote lateral branching and to make the plant bushy, pinch off main growth after it grows to eight inches. To encourage more blooms, pinch off deadheads regularly. Hold on to a few flowers if you want to collect seeds. Fertilize with a light fertilizer every forthright during the bloom period. For the perennial variety, divide dianthus clumps every 2 to 3 years, this will help them to produce more flowers.

So this is all about dianthus flowering and how to care for dianthus flower. Have lots of these sparkles around your landscape, to enjoy them to the extreme.

To Plant An Entire Garden Based On Begonia Flowers

Begonia flowers are chiefly found in Central and South America, although a few are native to other tropical and subtropical regions. They large group of succulent herbs, shrubs, and vines and will usually grow compact, dense foliage, and grow about 6-9 inches tall.

There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and the uncommon Perennials. The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous Begonias, Wax Begonias and Everblooming Begonias. Depending upon type, one can find red, white, pink, or yellow varieties.
The begonia flower is sometimes thought to represent fear, and when given to another person, some people believe that it is a warning to beware. On the other hand, it typically represents a person with a dreamy, almost innocent nature. As a gift, these are often presented to creative individuals and children because of their fanciful symbolism and their simple, unsullied beauty. These flowers can be given in the traditional bouquet, as a single flower, or within a hanging basket. However, for a more unique twist, you can easily create an origami begonia leaf and pin it to either a single flower, or place it at the center of a small bundle of blossoms.

The Begonia genus is very large and includes upwards of 1,500 species. It is a member of the Begonicaea family, and therefore is closely related to the other member of this genus Hillebrandia; this genus only includes one plant (Hillebrandia sandwicensis) and has the local Hawaiian name of Pua Maka Nui.

Begonia are herbaceous in nature and are native to South Asia, Africa, and Central and Southern America. They usually have large asymmetric leaves that may have markings and are often variegated with some species having many different colors. One of the interesting things about Begonia is that they are monoecious, and therefore have different male and female flowers on the same plant.

Begonia plant species are divided broadly into different categories, with each type having distinct root systems, stems, foliage and flowers.

Canes: This type has the most spectacular flower show and the maximum number of colors too. The variety in it can have very large leaves; up to 14 inches. The flowers are borne in large clusters and do quite well as both indoor and outdoor plants.

Shrubs: The multi-stemmed, shrub variety is grown for its ease of growing, beautifully shaped green leaves and quick growth. Some within this variety bear small white, pink or red flowers. The shrubs can be miniatures or nearly ten feet tall.

Scandent: This is a trailer variety, with some having the ability to climb upwards like a creeper. The trailers bear large flowers in smaller clusters. Their roots tend to hold on to trees, rocks and walls for support as they climb or trail.

Thick Stemmed: Not a very popular species among the begonia genus, these thick stemmed varieties don't branch much but shoot up new growth from the base. The leaves tend to shed, making this variety an unusual plant to have. New hybrids have stems that range in colors of green to a brown to even a cream.

Rex: Rex begonia are grown more for their foliage that comes in different shapes, sizes, patterns and vivid colors. It does bear flowers but they are quite inconsequential. The foliage needs lots of care as temperature and other environmental conditions can dampen their foliage show.

Tuberous: The tuberous variety is very popular as they can be started each season with ease and the availability too is not an issue. Some in this type are grown for their small to large flowers, while some for foliage. The tuberous variety can be of a trailing type or sturdy upright plants.

Semperfloren: A widely grown begonia, Semperfloren can be treated as annuals as well as perennial shrubs. The leaves come in colors of green bronze and in some variegated variety, white. The flowers too come in shades and hues of red and pink, and white.

Rhizomatous: Rhizomatous begonia offer an endless variety of leaf shape, color and texture, with a huge flower display that in some varieties bloom only in the spring, while some bloom all yearlong. Their rhizomes do not go deep in the ground, but spread along it.

If you are wondering how to care for begonia plants, just leaf through begonia care. With so many options it should not be difficult to plant an entire garden based on begonia plants.

Daffodils-March Birth Flower

The march birth flower is the jonquil, also known as daffodil or narcissus (Latin name) or paperwhites. The term paperwhites is generally used for tiny white flowers that grow in clusters and daffodil for single, trumpet-shaped flowers. The name Daffodils includes the white Narcissi and the cluster-flowered yellow Jounquils. There is literally no difference between Narcissus and Daffodils. The two words are synonymous. Narcissus is the botanical or Latin name for the commonly called daffodils. All members of the genus Narcissus is commonly called as Daffodil. The original name of the flower was ‘affodyll’, the ‘D’ is somewhat of a mystery.

Colors and Characteristics
The plant grows from a bulb and has a single, trumpet-shaped flower at the end of each stalk. The trumpet is often in a contrasting color from the background. The stalks are surrounded by five or six wide, blue-green leaves of varying lengths. Daffodils are most commonly yellow but you can also find them white, cream, orange and a pinkish tint either in a single or bi-color pattern. All narcissus varieties contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves therefore this march birth flower is poisonous and can be harmful or deadly if eaten. It is native to the meditteranean, but has been cultivated all over the world as a decorative plant.

Based on its several distinctive forms of the flower, daffodils may be separated into 13 major divisions. It consists of a central whorl of tepals (the corona) that is surrounded by a ring of petals. The center part ranges from a short flattened disc to a long tubular part. The daffodil bulb renews itself through its foliage each year.
They belong to the genus Narcissus. In the early spring, daffodils are one of the first flowers to make their appearance and they are one of the most colorful and vigorous flowers of spring. Natural daffodil has a color of golden yellow all over and the trumpet may appear in a contrasting color.

Daffodils are long lived flowers, the flowers come in many sizes, from 5-inch blooms on 2-foot stems tto half-inch flowers on 2-inch stems. Large bulbs will normally bloom better than smaller ones. Daffodils multiply in 2 ways: sexually (from seed) where new different flowers will result, and asexual cloning (bulb division) where the exact copies of the flower will result.

The earliest record mentioned about daffodils was around 200 – 300 years BC. Romans brought daffodils to Britain, they thought the sap from daffodils had healing powers. The sap actually contains crystals which can irritate the skin. Roman soldiers used to bring a satchel of daffodil bulbs into battle. When they were injured to the point of death, then they would eat those toxic bulbs to relieve pain and hasten death.

A Roman surgeon treated wounds with balm which contained juice of daffodil bulbs. Galenthine in daffodil bulbs is being used for Alzheimer’s disease (even today). The jonquil (N. Jonquilla) has several fragrant golden blossoms and the oil from which is used in perfumes. Daffodils are native mainly to the Meditterranean region, in particular to Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Meaning and Symbol
The daffodil is a perennial grown from a bulb and it can reach heights of two feet. These Wales' national flower are among the easiest of plants to grow, and many people enjoy making space for them in the garden. They often grow in large clusters, covering lawns and even entire hillsides with yellow. Daffodils have the flower meaning of rebirth, rejuvenation, respect, regard and unrequited love. When letting someone know that you feel the same way towards him as he does towards you, jonquil flowers symbolize affection that is returned. In China, this flower is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune. Since they bloom early in the year therefore it has also become a symbol of Chinese New Year. If your narcissus blooms on Chinese New Year, it is said to bring you extra wealth and good fortune throghout the year. On top of that, it has one of the sweetest fragrances of any flower .

Carnation Flower Meaning Literally Translates To 'Flowers Of The God'

Carnations adorn so many places. They're present at weddings and birthday parties; at funerals and festivals. They're used in all occasions or none at all. A simple long stemmed carnation evokes as much of a sigh as does a bouquet of carnations. And the colors! Oh the colors! The bright reds, yellows, pinks, peaches... now who wouldn't love to have a sight like that brighten up their day? But do you know the carnation flower meaning? Do you know what the carnation flower is all about? How it came to be and what it signifies? What is the meaning of carnation flowers? So if I have been able to tweak your curiosity a little bit, you'll be interested in knowing the carnation flower meaning. Shall we?

The carnation flower meaning literally translates to 'Flowers of the god' or 'Flowers of love'. The carnation flower, it is said, dates back 2000 years and more. The flower is characterized by the sweet clove like smell that it emanates and its ruffled appearance, along with having long -asting abilities.

The scientific name of the carnation flower is Dianthus caryophyllus. And it is a flower that is surrounded by mythology, symbolism and debate. Some suggest that the carnation flower meaning derived its name from the word 'corone' which means flower garland or from 'coronation' because it was used in Greek ceremonial crowns. While others say that it is derived from the Latin word 'carnis' meaning flesh, because of its pinkish tinge, or the word 'incarnacyon' meaning incarnation.

Flowers have been used to signify several things for over centuries. They have a very important place and position in our society, as I have mentioned earlier in the article. They are used as a medium to express several things. Similarly, the carnations are used to signify several emotions. Carnations are worn on occasions of Teacher's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Mother's Day. Carnations are the official flowers of the state of Ohio. Along with that they are the first wedding anniversary flower. They are also the January birth flower. Now that we know the significance and importance set with the carnation flower, let's look at some of the carnation flower meanings of its different colors.

While the carnation flower meaning in general signifies virtues and emotions like love, distinction and fascination, it is very interesting to note, that each of the several colors of the carnation flower signify a different meaning and association. Thus the carnation flower meaning holds a different and unique meaning for all its colors.

Red Carnation Flower
The red carnation flower meaning is a symbol of being associated with admiration and friendship. At the same time a very bright red carnation flower meaning suggests deep love and affection.

Pink Carnation Flower
The pink carnation is considered to be the most significant flower among all the carnation colors. This is because it is believed that the pink carnation first bloomed from the Virgin Mary's tears as she wept for Jesus carrying the cross of his crucifixion. Thus these flowers symbolize a mother's undying love. Over the years it has even come to be associated with a woman's love.

White Carnation Flower
White carnations are symbolic of feelings of pure love, innocence, faithfulness, ardent love and good luck. They also signify gratitude.

Purple Carnation Flower
These flowers mean capriciousness. Meaning the ability to change according to whim. But the occasions on which these flowers can be or are given is unclear.

Yellow Carnation Flower
A yellow carnation signifies emotions of rejection, disdain and disappointment in someone.

Striped Carnation Flower
This flower is used when one wants to convey their refusal to someone.

Of course you loved the carnations before you read this article, but now that you know about the carnation flower meaning and significance, doesn't it make you look at them differently? So the next time you take in the clove scented aroma, you will definitely be reminded of the emotions that the color you're holding signifies...Won't you?

Dahlia Flowers For A Variety Things

The dahlia flower – named after the 18th century botanist Anders Dahl – is from the genusasteraceae and has more than 30 species within its family. Dahlias are native mostly to Mexico, butactually grow best in cooler temperatures with regular moisture in the soil. These remarkableflowers can range in size, shape and color. The plants themselves can start out at a moderate 12inches tall, while other variations may grow several feet in height.

The flowers are quite thesame, beginning at a very petite 1 inch around, all the way to, roughly, the size of a dinnerplate. As for color, the dahlia flower has a vast array of hues that can range from bronze, towhite, to purple. However, many dahlias may also be bi colored, variegated, or separated intoclassifications of light or dark blends – the light blend being multiple shades of faint pastels,the dark blend being more muted.

Over time, people have attempted to use dahlia flowers for a variety things. For instance, in 1929a herbal script that was written in Latin, and was dated as far back as 1550 was discovered. Thisscript recommended the usage of the dahlia flower for the easing of symptoms of epilepsy. In Europein the 1880s, when disease had ravaged potato crops, an attempt was made to use the tubers of the
dahlia as a supplemental food supply. However, as time passed, it was found that,althoughperfectly edible, these plants were better used for decorative purposes. Today, dahlias are prizedsolely for their beauty. This is best noted in one of the many competitions and shows that can befound mostly within the United States and Canada. These are often held by dahlia growing societies,which advocate and encourage avid gardeners to grow these spectacular blossoms.

Symbolic Meaning: Elegance and dignity
The flower got its name in honor of the botanist Anders Dahl from Sweden, who lived and worked inthe 18th century. It represents the official flower of Seattle.Dahlia is considered to be the national flower of Mexico. It originated from the mountainous placesof Mexico and Guatemala. Today one can find about 30 species and 20 thousandcultivars of dahlia.

In the end of the 18th century a box full of dahlia roots were sent from Mexico to Holland. Howeverthe only one root has survived. It grew bearing a red-colored blossom with therolled back petals.

In no moment this amazing flower has gained an immense popularity; many breeders started tocultivate dahlias producing a lot of various varieties.
Nowadays dahlia can be met in a vast array of colors and shades. They are white, purple, yellow,lavender, orange, pink, bi-colored and variegated blossoms, bronze, flame and red.

As a symbol, the dahlia flower can offer a great deal of meaning. In general, they are thought tosymbolize dignity and elegance, but they are also thought to express an eternal bond between twopeople. Many people prefer to give dahlia flowers as anniversary gifts, as these flowers are alsoan emblem for the 14th year of marriage. They also make great gifts for high-profile weddings and
even engagement parties, as they not only represent dignity, but a wish that thecouple remainsstrong throughout their years together.

Achillea In A Range Of Bright Sunshine

Gorgeous rose pink flower heads that fade to white as the season progresses.  Achillea 'Oertels Rose' is a vigorous grower and will need dividing to keep it in check.  Flowers all summer beginning in June and will flower straight through fall with some dead heading and light pruning.  This is actually one of our favorite yarrows and we use it repeatedly with yellow daylilies.  As with all achilleas it is not fussy about soils and can tolerate hot, dry locations.  This variety will perform best in full sun to very light shade.  To much shade and the plant gets leggy and flowers sparingly.

They are commonly called yarrow. Achilleas are cheery border, wildflower and rock garden plants with flattened heads in a range of bright colours from white to lemon, pink and red. Today, yarrow's blooms populate garden walks and floral designs alike. Believed to prevent baldness if used as a shampoo, this powerful herb is also believed to cure headaches, kidney infections, stop bleeding and help lessen the severity of the common cold. The colors of Achilleas lend themselves to hot, Mediterranean color schemes. The flattish, umbel-shaped flower-heads are complemented by the spikes of the yellow mulleins and salvias. Some ornamental grasses and sedges, such as carex, also combine well.

Care and Handling

They grow in ordinary garden soil and full sun. Cut off old flowers to prolong the flowering period. Achillea may become a weed if not controlled. Propagation: Divide in the spring. The seed germinates in 2 weeks at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. Light is necessary for seed germination. Germination time indoors may be as little as 5 to 7 days.


ACHILLEA FOR THE ROCK GARDEN

The rock garden types of achillea are pretty, low-growing plants with grey leaves and white or yellow flowers in small flat bunches or corymbs.

They should be planted in autumn or in spring in poor sandy or stony loamy soil in a dry, sunny place; the addition of a little mortar rubble is beneficial.In winter it is advisable to cover the woolly leaved types of achillea with pieces of glass raised on wires about 6 in. above the plants; without this protection the plants are liable to perish in excessively wet weather.

The best rock garden kinds of achillea are:Achillea Ageratifolia, 4 inches high with grey.white leaves and white flowers.Achillea Clavennae, Seneca and Ombellata, which have grey-white leaves and white flowers.Achillea Tomentosa; 10 to 12 inches high., with green leaves and yellow flowers.Achillea Ropestris growing to a height of 4 inches with green leaves and white flowers, and the hybrid named King Edward, sulphur-yellow, 9 inches high.

Aster Flower Family-The Greatest Fall Flowers

Ever noticed those beautiful daisy-like flowers that silently decorate the gardens and countryside? They are the asters, that are also said to be the flowers made of tears of the Greek goddess Asterea. When thinking about flower garden, one can never miss these beautiful flowers that add to the galore and give immense satisfaction to people who are gardening them. Aster flower family is one of the greatest fall flowers in season, that can be great, no matter how they are planted (provided they are well taken care of).
Aster flower family is very huge and is the second largest flower family that is popular in all continents of the world. The word 'aster' stands for 'star' in the Greek language. There is a special branch of botany that is dedicated to the sole study of the aster flower family, known as synantherology. Traditionally, there are two subfamilies of the aster flower family, namely, Asteroideae and Cichorioideae.

As a matter of fact, the aster flower family is also known as the daisy family or sunflower family as well. According to a study conducted by the Royal Botanical Garden on Kew, aster flower family comprises more than 23000 species and 1600 genera. Some of the largest genera of the aster flower family are Senecio (around 1500 species),Vernonia (around 1000 species) and Cousinia and Centaurea (both with around 600 species). Amongst them all, aster flower belongs to the genus aster. Having more than 600 various aster flower types. A single aster flower is a group of more than hundred small yellow flowers. They are available in a variety of colors ranging from white to purple, all looking exhilarating and beautiful.

Amongst all the prevailing 600 aster flower species, aster flower family got divided with the help of the molecular research and morphological findings. Nonetheless, finding for the best member of the aster flower family is still one of the toughest tasks. There are way too many aster flower family members that one can plan to cultivate in the flower garden. Considering about the entire aster flower family, Asteraceae, then there are many flower species that are attractive and beautiful for the gardens. Briefly, these flowers can be the White Snakeroot, White Doll's Daisy, Climbing Aster, Green and Gold, Tall Tickseed, Trumpetweed, Robin's Plantain, Pale Purple Coneflower, Sweetscented Joepyeweed, Common Sneezeweed, Jerusalem artichoke, Swamp Sunflower, Lobed Tickseed and many more.

How to Grow Aster Perennial Flower PlantsMost of the members of the aster flower family are perennial. Perennial, means, lasting for more than three seasons. This interesting aster flower fact, makes these flowers ever ready for the perennial gardens. If you are also looking for the glamorous member of the aster flower family, then let me assure you, there are plenty! Some of the most favorite flowers of the aster family are Alpine Aster, White Heath, Smooth Blue Aster, Sea Aster and New England Aster, etc are the favorites amongst the gardeners. All these flowers are perennial flower species that can even glow in the fall season gardens. Due the highly symbolic aster flower meaning, they are popular even more. Along with standing high as a symbol of love, patience and givenness, aster flower is also the birth flower of the month of September and flower for celebrating the 20th wedding anniversary as well.

Well, caring for aster flowers is very easy once you get acquainted with the fact about how to grow aster perennial flower plants. They can be grown by both seeds as well as the division of the roots. Perennial aster flowers thrive greatly through division every two to three years. Sowing the seeds first as a pert of the container gardening, meaning, in small pots or containers. Letting the get germinated for about 20 days, supplying enough shed as well as sunlight is necessary. Sow these germinated seeds into the soil, during spring. Supply plenty of water and mixture of organic compost and such fertilizers. Make sure that the aster plants are spaced more than 6 inches apart from each other, for better growth. Provide good quality types of mulch and they can be resistant to serious insects and plant diseases.

This was all about aster flower family. This family is so huge that all the members just cannot be covered at a single go. I hope I have managed to provide all the important information about the aster flower family, that you all were looking for. What are you waiting for then? Bring home your most favorite member of the aster flower family and give it the proper TLC, that it requires! Happy gardening!