Clematis
Jun 18 | Flowering Plants
Clematis is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. In the 1850s plants from Japan and China were imported and used for parentage in the breeding programs. Most of the clematis breeding and hybridizing was concentrated in England, Belgium and Germany. Clematis are enjoying renewed popularity, especially the small-flowered types that are very hardy and disease-resistant.
Most are woody deciduous climbing plants, there are a few evergreen and herbaceous varieties. Leaves are opposite on the stem with three to five leaflets. The plant supports itself by twining its leaf stalk around a support or other plant. The flowers have four to eight petal-like sepals in numerous colors and shades and the dried seedpods are wonderful in arrangements. Hybrids provide large flashy colored blooms through out the summer. The species often have fragrant blooms and are very hardy and disease resistant.
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Passion Flower
Feb 15 | Flowering Plants
Passiflora - passifloraceae is a genus of evergreen and semi-evergreen woody stemmed vines. Grown for their beautiful fragrant flowers, some species have egg shaped edible fruits that mature to an orange yellow in autumn. They are also widely used for their medicinal properties. First discovered by Jesuit priests in South America the passion flower has been historically used to relax motor nerves and reduce muscular spasms. It is beneficial in treating epilepsy, ophthalmia, restlessness, hemorrhoids and neuralgia.
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Rose Petal Beads
Dec 3 | Flowering Plants
The warmth of your skin releases the beads rich musky rose scent. In an enamel saucepan put one pound red rose petals, just covering with water. Heat gently for one hour but do not allow to boil. Cover and let stand over night, repeating the process three more times. On the fourth day the petals and water will be reduced to a smooth paste, take a small amount and roll it between your palms forming beads a inch in diameter. Pierce each one with a needle for stringing, let the beads dry on newspaper in a warm closet. Thread the beads onto silk thread for your necklace. These beads will last for years, retaining their fragrance and turning a polished red sienna color.
Flowering Bulbs
Oct 6 | Flowering Plants
Flowering bulbs offer the gardener beauty, a wide range of color, flowering times, and height. They give you tremendous pleasure for very little effort, producing flowers with glorious color from early spring through fall.
Make a sketch of the different areas in your garden you would like to add bulbs to. Make sure to take into account the bulb’s height, bloom time, light and soil requirements, and color. As a general rule the bulbs you plant in the fall are hardy and can be left undisturbed to multiply in your garden for many years. Bulbs planted in the spring are usually tender and will need to be dug in the fall and stored before the first hard frost.