Butterflies in the Garden
Most of us enjoy watching the butterflies in our gardens, and it can be a magical experience for us and for our children.
Jul 04, 2024•2 min
Focus on Flowers
Focus on Flowers is a weekly podcast and public radio program about flower gardening hosted by master gardener Moya Andews.
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Episodes
Chrysanthemum parthenium
The botanical name for feverfew is Chrysanthemum parthenium because according to Plutarch a worker fell during the construction of the Greek parthenon, and his life was saved by this plant’s medicinal properties. The common name of feverfew is because it is used to reduce fevers.
Jun 27, 2024•2 min
Patents
In 1995, the patents’ length of time was extended, so that now breeders can collect royalties on a plant for 20 years.
Jun 20, 2024•2 min
Purple Plantings
Today, I am quoting from Vita Sackville West who is discussing planting a border with flowers ranging in color from pale mauve through rich purple.
Jun 13, 2024•2 min
Looking Ahead
Spring is a wonderful season for gardeners. The weather is pleasant outdoors and visiting nurseries is such fun, but as well as popping into the ground plants that will give immediate gratification, also try to plant some fall bloomers.
Jun 06, 2024•2 min
Making Bouquets
We have all been guilty of shoving flowers into any type of vase when we are in a hurry. However, we all know as well that just a little bit of effort on our part will make even a few flowers look really special.
May 30, 2024•2 min
Flower Sex
Scientists are concerned that the use of toxic pesticides and the decreasing amount of wild habitat may be affecting flower pollination. They studied wild pansies growing in fields across Europe that are generally pollinated by bees but can also use their own pollen to self-fertilize, using its own genes to produce new seeds, which is more limited than sexual reproduction that mixes DNA.
May 23, 2024•2 min
Bevan
All of May, cranesbill geranium 'Bevan' is covered in pink flowers, and the rest of the year, he has lovely fresh-looking green leaves.
May 16, 2024•2 min
Carpeting
A quote by Vita Sackville West about ground covers.
May 09, 2024•2 min
Spring Dandelions
Dandelions light up our lawns each spring with bright yellow flowers.
May 02, 2024•2 min
Early Botanical Artists
Before the invention of photography, illustrations of uncommon plants were crucial. Women were thought to be especially well suited for drawing specimens accurately. They were seen as patient, careful, and willing to work for little pay.
Apr 25, 2024•2 min
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages in Britain, the monasteries were the places with the space and the knowledge to garden.
Apr 18, 2024•2 min
Touch-Me-Nots
Most gardeners I know find it convenient to buy this easy-care annual for their pots and shade beds each spring, and delight in growing such undemanding annuals.
Apr 11, 2024•2 min
Cherry Blossoms
The Cherry tree that Houseman wrote about in his poem is commonly known as bird cherry, which alas do not grow well for us in zone 6. A white tree that is a lovely substitute, however, is the white dogwood.
Apr 04, 2024•2 min
Planting Easter Lilies
At this time of the year many flower lovers buy pots of Easter lilies at the grocery store to have in their homes during the Easter season
Mar 28, 2024•2 min
The Benefits of Clay
Clay soil is heavy and hard to dig compared to sandy soil, but it is also more moisture and nutrient retentive.
Mar 21, 2024•2 min
Usually Deer Proof
No plant, it seems to those of us plagued with deer, can be called really deer proof.
Mar 14, 2024•2 min
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
Regular pruning benefits all woody plants, such as shrubs, trees, and vines. Pruning keeps them vigorous and healthy, as well as improving their shape.
Mar 07, 2024•2 min
Cutting Back
Cutting back plants, even small ones, helps to stimulate growth. But don't cut off all of the leaves!
Feb 29, 2024•2 min
Climbing Clematis
There are so many lovely varieties of clematis available today. Even a single bloom floating is a bowl looks perfect.
Feb 22, 2024•2 min
Forcing
In late winter, after months without garden flowers, we are eager to see flowers in our homes. However, there is a wonderful feeling we get when we force branches of early spring-blooming trees and shrubs.
Feb 15, 2024•2 min
Roses From the Past
All of the poems I will read today are about roses and all are from times long past.
Feb 08, 2024•2 min
February Saints
The flowers associated with St. Valentine were, in Roman times, the yellow crocus and the tricolor viola that both bloom in the early spring in our gardens today. But there are also other saints associated with February...
Feb 01, 2024•2 min
Christo's Final Years
In 1993, Christopher Lloyd hired Fergus Garrett as his head gardener and together they turned the traditional 80-year-old rose garden into an exotic tropical area. Christo was amused by the consequent criticism from traditionalists.
Jan 25, 2024•2 min
The Long Border
Great Dixter's Christopher Lloyd created his famous term "succession planting" to describe continuous bloom month after month, beginning in March and ending in October.
Jan 18, 2024•2 min
The Great Dixter
One of Britain's most celebrated gardens, Great Dixter is a magnificent place where one can learn and be inspired. A trip there should be on every gardener's bucket list.
Jan 11, 2024•2 min
Medieval Gardens
In AD 830, St. Benedict said that gardening was appropriate manual labor for monks and that all monasteries should have a psychic garden, kitchen garden, cellar garden, an orchard, and a private garden for monks of high office.
Jan 04, 2024•2 min
1st Century Gardens
The Romans were the first to create pleasure gardens in Britain.
Dec 28, 2023•2 min
The Winter Solstice
The winter solstice marks the day with the fewest hours of sunshine in the year, which means that it is described as the shortest day.
Dec 21, 2023•2 min
Bioengineering
Bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects used to be the only creatures who transferred pollen from flower to flower. Nowadays, it is often a person with a fine brush.
Dec 14, 2023•2 min
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