All articles tagged with #horticulture
The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to take semi-ripe forsythia cuttings in August, emphasizing the best time, tools, and techniques for successful propagation to grow more shrubs for free, highlighting that summer is an ideal period for this gardening activity.
Many plants can thrive in poor or low-quality soil, contrary to the common belief that nutrient-rich soil is necessary for growth. Experts recommend various plants such as bee balm, bluestar, butterfly weed, common yarrow, and lavender that can flourish in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Understanding your soil type and choosing the right plants can help create a thriving garden even in poor soil.
Matthew and Timothy Nichols turned their father's Japanese maple hobby into a business, amassing an enviable collection of the trees. Their obsession led them to learn from experts and breeders, and they now champion Japanese maples, known for their dramatic varieties like the Purple Ghost with purplish-red leaves and black veining. The brothers' dedication to their passion has made Japanese maples a must-have for gardeners, akin to potato chips or orchids.
Marvin Pritts, a horticulture professor at Cornell University, emphasizes that consuming conventional fruits and vegetables with pesticide residue at government-regulated levels is safe and healthier than skipping produce altogether. He argues that the focus on pesticides is misguided and recommends washing produce before consumption to remove dirt and bugs, although it won't eliminate pesticide residue. Pritts also notes that organic produce doesn't guarantee avoidance of pesticides, and encourages supporting local farmers for environmental benefits.
A blueberry the size of a ping pong ball has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest ever recorded, weighing 20.4 grams—1.25 times the weight of the previous record holder and almost 70 times more than an average wild blueberry. It was picked at a farm in Australia and is from the Eterna variety, with plans to potentially preserve it as a resin cast.
A blueberry grown in Australia has broken the Guinness World Record for the heaviest blueberry, weighing in at 20.4 grams and measuring over an inch and a half across. Grown at a farm run by Costa Group, the berry is part of the Eterna variety, developed in response to changing consumer needs for larger blueberries. The record-breaking berry may be preserved in resin and mounted on a wall due to its exceptional size.
Invasive species, such as plants, animals, and insects, are causing harm to the environment, human health, and the economy. They are introduced accidentally or intentionally by humans, often through horticulture practices. Many invasive plants were introduced decades ago before the importance of native plants was understood. Invasive insects can hitch a ride with infected plants or in packing materials. Once introduced, it is difficult to stop their spread, as they can be carried by humans, wildlife, wind, or water. Invasive species take over because there are no native diseases, insects, or predators to control them. Climate change is also giving them an advantage. The best solution is to prevent their introduction by planting native species and making informed choices.
A growing number of creative professionals in New York City are leaving their previous careers in theater, fashion, and the arts to become plant keepers, tending to the hundreds of thousands of corporate plants in office buildings across the city. Companies like Greenery NYC are designing plant installations and maintaining them for various clients, including Bank of America, Google, Cartier, Netflix, and The New York Times. This shift reflects the increasing popularity of plants as essential elements of biophilic design, promoting well-being in homes and offices. The plant care industry has experienced a cultural acceptance as part of design, attracting individuals with backgrounds in music and art. However, the job is not as easy as it may seem, requiring serious manual labor and physical exertion.