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The History of Wheelbarrows. The wheelbarrow, today used by construction workers and gardeners alike, is an indispensable invention. It allows us to move and deposit heavy loose loads with ease. The concept of a one-wheeled cart that can be propelled by one person has changed little in its 2,000-year history.
Read MoreAzalea Plant History. Originally placed in a genus of their own, azaleas are now considered to be a form of rhododendron. Azaleas can be divided into deciduous and evergreen types, and are mostly native to hilly areas with damp acidic soil. Their brilliant flower colors have made them a sought-after shrub for centuries.
Read MoreNative Plants of Madagascar. Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is the world's fourth largest island, and has one of the most diverse collections of plant life on earth. Many of Madagascar's plants have no relatives elsewhere in the world. According to Wild Madagascar, a website devoted to raising awareness of Madagascar's uniqueness, there are 10 families and 260 genera of plants that are unique to Madagascar. Only Australia, with 13 endemic plant families, has more.
Read MoreThe History of the Greenhouse. A greenhouse--an enclosed structure providing a special environment for plants--has been used for centuries by gardeners wishing to extend the growing season, to protect plants from cold and heat or to grow non-native plants. Once something to be had only by the rich, greenhouses are now affordable and available in a wide range of sizes.
Read MoreMulberry Tree Facts. The mulberry tree takes its name from its fruit, which looks like an elongated blackberry or raspberry. There are three species of mulberry, which vary in size and habitat. Their berry color may be deep purple, red, pink or white, depending on the species. Some newer fruitless cultivars have been produced to serve as ornamental trees.
Read MorePlants of the Mojave Desert. The Mojave Desert covers over 25,000 square miles in parts of southeastern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The Mojave is what is known as a "rainshadow" desert. These are formed when a mountain range (in this case, the Sierra Nevadas) prevents rain clouds from reaching the lee, or protected side of the mountains, forming an area that receives very little moisture. Plants growing here have developed special adaptations in order to absorb or store water.
Read MoreAbout White Pine Christmas Trees. The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is among the best-selling Christmas trees in America. It is valued for it delicate appearance and excellent needle retention, and is especially well-suited for small and lightweight ornaments. You may wish to choose the eastern white pine as your Christmas tree if you have allergies, since its scent is light.
Read MoreDifferent Species of Ivy House Plants. The three ivies most commonly grown as houseplants are the Algerian ivy, Persian ivy, and English ivy. All these varieties are adaptable, working equally well growing up a support or spreading down from a hanging basket. Ivy is the classic topiary plant because of its willingness to grow up and around structures. Almost all ivy plants appreciate bright light without direct sun, good drainage and cool, moist air.
Read MoreHow to Transplant Perennial Flowers. It is general gardening wisdom to transplant spring-blooming plants in the late summer or early fall, and fall-blooming plants in the spring, just as growth starts. If you use care, however, you can move a plant at almost any time. It is best to wait until after a plant is done blooming before moving it, so it can put all its energy into creating new roots.
Read MoreList of Biennial Flowers. Biennials are distinguished from annuals in that they take two years to complete their life cycle, rather than just one. In the first year, these plants produce a small rosette of foliage only. In their second year, they bloom, set seed and die. If planted in a location to their liking, many biennials can be counted on to reseed every year, making them almost as reliable as perennials.
Read MoreYew Tree Facts. The yew was revered by ancient peoples, who viewed its ability to stay green throughout the winter as magical. The wood of the yew is springy, and has a long history of use as a material for bows. Yew wood is also known for its durability. It has sometimes been called "iron wood," because fence poles made from yew have outlasted metal ones.
Read MoreFruit of an Oak Tree. "From little acorns mighty oaks do grow." The old American proverb tells us that the acorn, fruit of the oak, is indeed powerful, though it is small. Acorns are not only capable of growing into magnificent trees, but are an important source of sustenance for all kinds of wildlife.
Read MoreSymbolism of the Lily of the Valley. Lily of the valley is a low-growing perennial plant which grows from a rhizome. It prefers shady spots and can spread to form large colonies, making a good groundcover under trees. The plant sends up flower stems in May, upon which dangle small, white, bell-like blossoms famous for their sweet scent.
Read MoreHistory of Corsages. A corsage originally referred to the bodice of a woman's dress. Since a bouquet of flowers was often worn in the center of the bodice, the flowers took on the name "corsage." Our modern sense of the corsage comes from the French "bouquet de corsage," meaning "a bouquet of the bodice." Although the placement of the flowers might have changed, the name stuck and is still used to refer to any small bouquet of flowers worn on the body.
Read MoreThe History of the Lily Flower. There are between 80 to 100 species of lilies (Liliaceae), and most are native to the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe and North America. The bulbs produce leafy stems and large flowers, some of which are strongly scented. Lilies have been treasured throughout history for their beauty and perfume, and they serve as an important cultural symbol.
Read MoreItalian Plum Tree Characteristics. The Italian plum tree (Prunus domestica) produces a versatile fruit that can be canned, frozen or made into jellies and preserves. It is especially good for drying. The Italian plum or prune tree, also called "Fellenberg," grows to 15 to 20 feet high with a slightly larger spread. Because they are late bloomers and have a long growing season, Italian plum trees do best when planted in areas with a later frost date. They also respond well in areas with cold, wet springs. The pink or white blossoms appear in mid-spring.
Read MoreMeaning of Coral Roses. The message of the coral rose is a step down from the red rose's message of "I love you." The coral rose could be called the rose of flirting, since it symbolizes interest in someone without necessarily a commitment.
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