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Repotting House Plants

The only time a house plant needs repotting is when roots begin to appear through the bottom of the pot. The plant is then turned upside down and the rim of the pot is tapped on the edge of a table so that the plant slides from the pot and rests on your fingers. Because […]

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Surinam Cherry hardy shrub known for its fruit

Surinam Cherry – Eugenia uniflora – known as Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry or Florida cherry, is a shrub that grows to a height of 25 ft. The shrub is known for its slender branches and aromatic foliage. The leaves change color as they age from a bronze when they are young to a deep green […]

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Snowbush Shrub Leaves Prettier Than Flowers

Snowbush – Breynia nivosa – is a rounded tropical shrub that is 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 7 feet wide. It has highly colored foliage that makes it a favorite with gardeners. The stems are bright red, while the papery, variegated leaves are rose, white and green. Since the leaves look like […]

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Latest Silk Flower Arrangements – Right or Wrong

Question: The latest silk flower arrangements and silk plants look so much like the real thing, but I really want living houseplants. Can you give me any recommendations on when and when not to use silk flowers or plants indoors. Amy, New Orleans, Lousiana Answer: Great question! Silk flower arrangements just like arranging living or […]

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Sprinkler System Design | Irrigation Using Water Wisely

Water restrictions almost seem to be the norm anymore making sprinkler system designs, irrigation and water use an ongoing hot topic. In the future we should only see more shortages and regulations placed on water use for both the homeowner and commercial operation. Sprinkler system design, irrigation methods (like a drip irrigation system) and frequency […]

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Yard Drainage Problems From Heavy Rainfall

Rain and winds can cause problems when a storm comes though but very often the real problem starts when the rain water cannot drain and has no place to go. Water seeks the lowest level and runs down creating large “instant ponds” which all need to be considered in any landscape design plan.

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Home Decorating Goes Outside with Outdoor Living Rooms

One way to extend the use and value of your house is to take full-advantage of and improve your outdoor living space with landscaping. Visually Larger Living Rooms Contemporary houses make rooms look larger by visually extending the room into the back yard, lawn or garden. The "tricks" can be as simple as adding glass […]

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Schefflera ‘Amate’ – The Better Big Umbrella Tree

The “big brother” to the dwarf umbrella is the Schefflera actinophylla but specifically the variety called ‘Amate’. ‘Amate’ is named after California nurseryman Archie Amate. The selected plant was placed into tissue culture where it has been produced in the lab for the past 20 years. What makes ‘Amate’ different? Here’s a quick list of […]

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Phalaenopsis – Right Light For Your Moth Orchid

bloom of phalaenopsis orchid

Orchids can be classified into 3 groups depending on their requirement of light. The high (3,000 foot candles), medium (2,000 foot candles) and low (1,000-1,500 foot candles). Generally most orchids require plenty of light – not direct light, preferably 6 hours per day. Orchids are tough and can handle more or less of their recommended […]

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Indoor Palms

Rhapis, Kentia, Chamaedorea All Add A Tropical Look To Homes Learn care basics like feeding the best Indoor Palms used as houseplants. Big upright palms, small table top palms, tough varieties, and ones you should stay away from – if you’re planning on using them as houseplants. Indoor palms can experience some pest problems but […]

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