Deborah Harding

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Stories By Deborah Harding

  • How To Build An Enclosed Terrarium With A 10-Gallon Aquarium

    How to Build an Enclosed Terrarium With a 10-Gallon Aquarium. A terrarium is a miniature environment in which plants live and grow. Closed terrariums have a cover that allows the container to become a biosphere where water is produced by the transpiration of the plants and does not usually need any additional watering. A 10 gallon fish tank or aquarium is perfect for this type of terrarium.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of The Blackberry Fruit

    The History of the Blackberry Fruit. Blackberries are used in recipes, but the berries and other parts of the plant have been used in other places besides the kitchen. Throughout history, the blackberry has had significance in medicine and has been used in many ways. Almost every corner of the earth has a blackberry species that has adapted to its specific climate and conditions.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of Begonias

    The History of Begonias. Begonias are some of the most popular shade plants for the flower garden. There are more than 1,200 species and hybrids from which to choose including miniatures standing 2 inches tall to giants at 6 feet tall. The most common varieties are the wax begonias with succulent stems and leaves and small flowers in red, white and pink.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To: Pests On Ficus Benjamina

    How to: Pests on Ficus Benjamina. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, is generally grown as a houseplant, but you can take it outside or grow it outdoors in warm climates. Both indoor and outdoor plants are susceptible to several pests, including white fly, mealybug, spider mites, thrips and scale. These pests can decimate a plant and you need to intervene to save your Ficus benjamina plant.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of The Ivy Plant

    The History of the Ivy Plant. Ivy has an interesting history full of folklore and tradition. The Greeks and Romans held the plant in high esteem. It is a symbol of fidelity and love because of its clinging nature and in many cultures it is the emblem of fertility. It was often seen as protection against evil forces. Symbolism of this plant is found in both pagan and Christian cultures.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Home Remedy To Shine Plant Leaves

    Home Remedy to Shine Plant Leaves. Houseplant leaves tend to get dusty, and if they are in the kitchen they get greasy. When they're dusty or greasy, they loose their shine. Clean your plant leaves every three months to keep them healthy. Plants with smooth leaves are easy to shine. You can use home remedies, or household products to shine the leaves of your houseplants.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Winter Care For Ornamental Grasses

    Winter Care for Ornamental Grasses. Ornamental grasses--such as miscanthus, pampas, sedges, fountain grass and oat grass--have become very popular and can be found in many private and commercial gardens. Several varieties survive cold winters with little to no care and provide interest in a snow-covered garden. Ornamental grasses not only provide beauty but offer shelter to many birds and other animals during winter weather.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • List Of Night Blooming Flowers

    List of Night Blooming Flowers. There are many different flowers that blossom only after the sun goes down. They depend on night flying insects, such as moths, to aid in their pollination. Night blooming flowers come in many different colors, like purple, light blue, pink, yellow and white, and many have intoxicating fragrances that waft through the air in the darkness of night.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of The Eucalyptus Tree

    The History of the Eucalyptus Tree. Eucalyptus trees are a fast-growing tree that is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The timber is resilient and very durable with age, and has been used in many different ways throughout the centuries. The wood is very good building material and it burns well. The oil from the tree has been used as an antiseptic and to cure tuberculosis, bronchitis and croup.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Make Potpourri From Dried Flowers

    How to Make Potpourri from Dried Flowers. Potpourri is derived from the practice of strewing the room with crushed dried flowers and herbs in order to make it smell better. Sanitation has not always been as good as it is today. During Medieval times trenches at the side of a road carried waste along the street, and ift was essential to have something to mask the foul odors. Dried flowers are a main component in potpourri. Flowers are easy to dry, and potpourri only requires a few easy steps to make.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Types Of Chrysanthemums

    The Types of Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a favorite perennial flower that blooms in an array of bronze, orange, yellow, white and purple hues during the autumn. When almost everything else has died back they bring forth a burst of color to the garden. They originated in China, where they were used for many delectable culinary teas and other recipes. There are more than 100 cultivars classified by 12 flower forms.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of The Holly Trees & Bushes

    The History of the Holly Trees & Bushes. Holly is found in most parts of the world and because of this history and folklore comes from different regions. History is often entwined with folklore that has come down from generation to generation. There are many different species of holly that grow to about one foot tall all the way to sixteen feet and higher. Holly is unique because the plants have gender, male and female. The female produces red berries and the leaves are green to blue with spines.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Take Care Of Roses In Vases

    How to Take Care of Roses in Vases. Good quality roses cost a great deal of money, so they should last for quite some time in a vase full of water. With the right kind of care and preparation, they can last for 2 and up to 3 weeks. You can do several things to keep cut roses going strong, including adding substances to the water that will help them look fresh longer.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Culinary Uses For Lemon Verbena

    The Culinary Uses for Lemon Verbena. Lemon verbena is an herb native to Chili and Peru. There it grows more than 15-feet tall, but in areas not as warm the plant may reach a foot or so. It needs about six to eight hours of sun per day and well-drained soil, but otherwise it is east to grow. The taste and scent is very strong and lemony, and both fresh and dried leaves work well in many dishes.

    By Deborah Harding November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Red Maple Tree History

    Red Maple Tree History. The red maple is a common tree in North American forests. It is the leaf of the red maple that is depicted on the Canadian flag and it is the state tree of Rhode Island. It should not be confused with the Japanese red maple. This is a totally different tree with a different shaped leaf and different history.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of Snapdragons

    The History of Snapdragons. Snapdragons have been grown since the rise of the Roman Empire. The botanical name of the flower is Antirrhinum majus. In Greek, the word anti means "like," while rrhinum means "snout." The flower looks like the jaws and snout of a dragon. Children love snapdragons because squeezing the side of the flower makes the jaw open, then snap shut when released. The flowers were originally white or purple, but today come in all sorts of colors and sizes from 6 inches to 4 feet tall.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Landscape With Holly Bushes

    How to Landscape With Holly Bushes. Landscaping with holly allows for color in the garden even during the long winter months. Holly is evergreen and produces red berries that stay on during the winter. Their glossy foliage adds interest to the garden in any season. Holly is moderately easy to grow and requires little maintenance. A good occasional pruning is necessary to keep the bushes in shape, but little else is needed.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Interesting Facts About Bee Balm

    Interesting Facts About Bee Balm. Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is also known as wild bergamot, Oswego tea and horsemint. The flowers of this aromatic herb are reminiscent of fireworks or a pompom, with the center bursting forth and the back petals radiating all around. Its flowers coms in pink, red, mauve, purple and white and are particularly attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. The plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall in a bushy manner and blooms in mid- to late summer. Each plant can have 20 to 40 flowers.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Facts On Cosmos Flowers

    Facts on Cosmos Flowers. There are over 20 annual and perennial varieties of cosmos, which are part of the aster family and are related to daisies and sunflowers. They come in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from 6 feet tall to barely one foot in height. The annual flowers are easy to grow from seed, which places them on lists of plants that beginners can succeed with.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Spiderwort Plant Care

    Spiderwort Plant Care. Spiderwort grows wild in the prairies of the United States and in the fields in England. It blooms in late spring and early summer with beautiful purple to blue flowers. It is known by many names, including day flower, Job's tears, widow's tears and spider lily. It is called trinity flower because of the three petals of the flower symbolizing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One of the more interesting names it has is cow slobber.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Honeysuckle History

    Honeysuckle History. There are over 180 varieties of honeysuckle, which include both deciduous and evergreen types. All varieties have sweet-smelling flowers that range from white and yellow to red. These plants are hardy and grow easily---almost too easily; if not pruned and carefully controlled, this ornamental plant can become invasive.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Russian Sage Planting & Care

    Russian Sage Planting & Care. Russian sage is an ornamental plant unlike regular garden sage that is used both in cooking and for its medicinal properties. It is a plant that resembles lavender, with pretty purple flowers. Russian sage is sometimes grown instead of lavender in cold climates. It was named the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Reasons Why A Lilac Bush Will Not Flower

    Reasons Why a Lilac Bush Will Not Flower. Lilac bushes usually bloom consistently every spring with clusters of fragrant purple, white or pink flowers. Even bushes that have been neglected for years might produce a few flowers. However, once in a while a lilac bush may stop blooming. This situation is frustrating, because lilac bushes only bloom once a year, so if yours do not bloom you'll have to wait an entire year to experience that distinctive fragrance and those dazzling clusters of flowers. Fortunately, most issues that could cause the bush to not bloom are easily remedied. Your lilac may not bloom this year, but next spring should bring an abundance of blooms.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Control Insects With Garlic Plants

    How to Control Insects With Garlic Plants. One of the most effective ways to control insects in the garden is to use garlic. Both the plants and bulbs are very useful in keeping unwanted pests away. Garlic sprays can be made to protect garden plants and just planting a garlic plant near another plant can deter harmful insects in an organic manner. Garlic protects flowers, most vegetables and some trees and shrubs.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers To Keep Rodents Away

    Flowers to Keep Rodents Away. Several types of flowers help to deter rodents. Plant them around the house to keep rodents from entering through holes in basement windows or cracks in the foundation. Build borders of rodent-deterring flowers and plants around the garden to prevent them from nibbling at ornamental and vegetable plants.

    By Deborah Harding September 6th, 2022 Read More