The word pogonip refers to an uncommon occurrence-frozen fog. The word was coined by Native Americans to describe the frozen fogs of fine ice needles that occur in the mountain valleys of the western United States and Canada. According to their tradition, breathing the fog is injurious to the lungs. What is also injurious – to lawns, trees, and shrubs, is the lack of snow cover and moisture, especially... Read More
“Bring in the trailing forest-moss, Bring cedar, fir, and pine, And green festoon, and wreath, and cross, Around the windows twine! Against the whiteness of the wall Be living verdure seen, Sweet summer memories to recall, And keep your Christmas green.” Lucy Larcom Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulchermia) Select plants with uniformly green foliage and no lower leaves missing. Moderately moist soil; water thoroughly whenever... Read More
After consuming all the wonderful dishes which adorn most Thanksgiving tables and with stomachs full “hibernate” is a very welcome thought. To hibernate is to be inactive or in a dormant state or period. Although this sounds delightful after a large holiday meal, it is a survival mechanism for a number of species. When food is scarce or temperatures severe, a light sleep (torpor) or a deep sleep (true... Read More
As the cold temperatures and snow come rolling in this time of year, the Green Team has been busy preparing the greenhouses for winter. Most of the Creek Side greenhouses are empty this time of the year. The heaters are turned off and the irrigation lines have been drained to prevent freezing. It is amazing how much they will warm up during the winter months... Read More
Selection Poinsettias do well in the home and keep their color sometimes until mid-March. The showy red, pink, white, yellow, bicolored or speckled modified “leaves” are called bracts. With proper light and temperature, they accumulate the anthocyanin pigments that give them their color. The flowers (cyathia) of the poinsettia are in the center of the bracts. Male and female parts are present, along with a... Read More
Brussels sprouts, or Brassica oleracea gemmifera, are related to other better-known vegetables in the Brassica genus like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. They are part of the cruciferae or mustard family, so known because of a four-part flower in the shape of a cross. HISTORY: Sprouts were believed to have been cultivated in Italy in Roman times, and possibly as early as the 1200s in Belgium. The modern Brussels... Read More
The weather has changed, the holiday season is in full swing! Adults, children and pets will be spending more time indoors and distractions abound. It is a good time to assess the location of all houseplants and holiday plant additions. It is important to know the botanical name of all plants in your home in case any part is accidentally ingested by a child or pet. Common... Read More
Looking for the latest method to display a houseplant? The Japanese form of ‘kokedama’ might be the answer. Picture a plant without a traditional container, surrounded by a mud ball, wrapped in moss and string, and then suspended from your ceiling. This is certainly an adventurous, creative, and wonderfully messy undertaking. If you are ready listed here are the steps-let’s kokedama! MATERIALS – Clay-based akadama (bonsai soil-... Read More
Chestnuts (Fagaceae – Beech species) are a cool season crop; available in the markets from October through March, peaking in December. In Asia and Europe, they are now harvested and processed employing traditional methods. Early in the 20th century the American chestnut trees were almost wiped out by a pathogenic fungus! In the stores, choose big sized, fresh nuts. Since they are rich in starch and fewer fats... Read More
It’s November! Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away and it’s already the halfway point of autumn before the winter solstice (December 22nd). Some thoughts to carry you through the holiday rush; ✦ “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.” Elizabeth Bibesco ✦ “It isn’t the great pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little... Read More
