Marie Roberts

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Stories By Marie Roberts

  • Plants With Funnel-Shaped Flowers

    Plants With Funnel-Shaped Flowers. Plants with funnel-shaped flowers make interesting garden specimens. Consider your climate and soil conditions before adding new plants to your landscape. Choose plants well-suited to the environment for the best chance of success. Funnel-shaped flowers, or "funnelform," describes flowers with a wide top and narrow base.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Poisonous Plants In Florida

    Poisonous Plants in Florida. Poisonous plants are found in the wild in Florida, but there are a great number of toxic plants that have been incorporated into the state's yards and gardens as ornamentals. It is a good idea to know the names and characteristics of plants you, or your family and pets, come in contact with and be aware of any health problems they may cause. Symptoms vary widely between poisonous species, but some common effects are: slurred speech, burning, irritation, nausea, vomiting, seizures, heart complications, multiple organ failure, paralysis and even death.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Transplant A Sycamore Tree

    How to Transplant a Sycamore Tree. The American sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis) is a tall, fast-growing tree that commonly reaches heights of 50 to 60 feet, but has the potential to reach 150 feet. The flaking bark of a sycamore is an eye-catching feature; however, its peeling bark, extremely large leaves (up to 10 inches wide) and seed heads make it a messy tree, unsuitable for many yards. It needs a deep, rich soil and is not drought-tolerant. Sycamore trees are easily transplanted.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Fruit Trees In South Carolina

    Fruit Trees in South Carolina. Add fruit trees to the South Carolina landscape and enjoy a bounty of delicious, healthy food straight from your own backyard. Besides producing fruit, fruit trees are also an attractive addition to the landscape. It's important to choose varieties well suited to a particular regions, as fruit trees vary in both cold hardiness and their need for chilling hours for proper fruiting. Several varieties of fruit trees are adapted to growing in South Carolina's mild climate.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • What Orange Trees Grow Best In South Central Florida

    What Orange Trees Grow Best in South Central Florida. South Central Florida is categorized as zone 10 in the USDA hardiness map, with the upper portion reaching into zone 9b. Most citrus trees grow well in all areas of South Florida. Orange trees are low-branching, medium-sized trees that can grow to 50 feet tall, but they are usually grown to heights of only 15 or 20 feet. Citrus prefers growing in full sun on nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Florida citrus is divided into three seasonal categories.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Oak Trees Of Georgia

    Oak Trees of Georgia. The State of Georgia is home to several varieties of oak trees (genus Quercus). Oaks are a common features in forest locations, as landscape trees, and in public spaces and home settings. Many oak species are of economic importance, sold as ornamentals, hardwood timber and as a source for tannins, dyes and corks. Some oak species exhibit fall color and others remain green throughout the year. Given the proper site to develop, oaks are a recommended landscape tree.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Plants For Brackish Water

    Plants for Brackish Water. Coastal marsh wetlands, home to water birds and other animals, contain various types of plants adapted to varying water levels and salt concentrations. Brackish water has a higher salt content than fresh water, but is less salty than seawater. Many species of plants are found in tidal saltwater, freshwater and brackish wetland ecosystems.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Best South Florida House Plants

    The Best South Florida House Plants. Growing plants indoors is very popular, but providing the right conditions for them can be difficult in homes that receive little light or are constantly air conditioned. Tropical plants well-suited to living outdoors in semi-tropical South Florida will adapt to indoor growth and often are grown as houseplants, but take care to provide adequate light and humidity for best results, or choose plants that do well under low light and humidity.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Xeriscape Plants For Florida

    Xeriscape Plants for Florida. Xeriscaping is the landscape practice of choosing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. Elements of xeriscaping include grouping plants according to water needs, use of drought-tolerant turf rather than traditional, high-maintenance lawns, and extensive mulching in the landscape. In Florida, xeriscaping is often referred to as "Florida-Friendly Landscaping."

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Lobelia

    Types of Lobelia. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Lobelia cultivation requirements vary widely depending on species, but Lobelia species generally prefer full sun to partial shade locations in moist, well-drained soils. Lobelias do not tolerate drought. Upright flower stems bear spikes of bright, often tubular flowers. Plant Lobelia in garden borders, in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Fruit Trees For Florida

    Fruit Trees for Florida. Growing fruit trees in Florida is one of the many pleasures of gardening in a warm climate. Because of Florida's varying climate zones, however, careful consideration is crucial when picking a fruit tree for a particular site. A citrus tree that grows well in South Florida may not survive its first winter in the northern region of Florida. Also, a typical peach tree that grows in Georgia will fail in Central Florida. Fortunately, many varieties of citrus, peaches, avocados, and other fruits have been cultivated and are readily available through garden centers and nurseries.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Pine Trees In Georgia

    Pine Trees in Georgia. The State of Georgia is home to several varieties of pine trees. The list of trees includes pines such as the Fraser fir, table-mountain pines, shortleaf pines, pond pines, Virginia pines and several others. Some common pines and characteristics include those discussed here.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Parts Of A Dogwood Tree

    Parts of a Dogwood Tree. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a deciduous tree native to temperate eastern United States and is the state tree of Virginia. Dogwoods grow in full sun to partial shade, in nutrient-rich, well-drained, acidic soils. Dogwood trees do not tolerate drought, waterlogged sites, pollution or compacted soils. Dogwood trees do well under shade of taller trees, as small shade trees for patio areas, and as a yard specimen. Dogwoods propagate by seed and grafting and are difficult to root with cuttings.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • What Plants Are Best For Container Gardens In Florida?

    What Plants Are Best for Container Gardens in Florida?. Container gardening expands useful landscape space, with year-round potential in Florida. Depending on where you live in Florida, however, some plants do better than others--Florida's environment is highly variable, depending on the region. Southernmost Florida rarely sees freezing temperatures, whereas in North Florida, winter frosts are quite common. Coastal areas remain warmer than inland locations, but have higher wind and salt conditions. Choose the right plant for your particular area, paying attention to climate and light conditions. Be prepared to protect cold sensitive plants in Central and North Florida regions.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Portulaca Information

    Portulaca Information. Portulaca grandiflora, commonly called portulaca or moss rose, is an evergreen perennial often used as an annual. Portulaca is native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The genus Portulaca contains other plant species, but P. grandiflora is the main species grown commercially.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Oak Trees In Florida

    Oak Trees in Florida. Florida grows 19 species of oak trees (genus Quercus). They are a widespread feature in most forest locations in north and central Florida. Oaks are part of the family Fagaceae, which includes chinkapins, chestnuts. Many oak species are of economic importance, sold as ornamentals, hardwood timber and a source for tannins, dyes and corks. Some oak species exhibit fall color, and others remain green throughout the year. Given the proper site to develop, oaks will grow to provide shade relatively quickly, and are a recommended landscape tree.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowering Trees Found In Florida

    Flowering Trees Found in Florida. Flowering trees in Florida are abundant, both in the wild and cultivated as landscape ornamentals. Three distinct climate zones in Florida--north, central, and south--dictate which trees will grow best in a particular location. A beautiful flowering tree that grows in south Florida will not necessarily grow well in the northern region of the state. Site selection and cultivation practices are very important to the growth and health of flowering trees.

    By Marie Roberts November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Propagate Berberis

    How to Propagate Berberis. The genus Berberis contains a variety of low maintenance, 2- to 6-foot shrubs, known for their summer and fall landscape interest, such as lime or burgundy foliage. Some types yield ornamental berries in winter and tough thorns discourage deer foraging. Propagating Berberis shrubs by cuttings is an inexpensive way to increase landscaping plants.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Varieties Of Pecan Trees In Virginia

    Varieties of Pecan Trees in Virginia. Southern pecan trees require a long growing season, making short-season varieties most suitable for Virginia landscapes. Northern varieties have high-quality nuts, but they're smaller in size than Southern pecans. University of Virginia extension predicts some Northern pecans, though not common in Virginia, may prove well suited to cultivation in the middle and southern Piedmont regions. Cultivation has improved wild Northern pecan types in various ways and their flavor is high quality, but smaller nut size and thicker shells are drawbacks.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Examples Of Ornamental Plants

    Examples of Ornamental Plants. Ornamental plants are those that add color and interest to a landscape and are cultivated either in groupings to complement other plants or as specimens that stand alone. Ornamental plants may also be indoor plants like houseplants or those used in commercial settings such as malls. Ornamental plants are grown for a particular aesthetic purpose, such as providing a particular feel to a landscape area where plants, ground cover, decks and other structures come together to form a functional and visually appealing space, as University of Minnesota extension describes.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Landscaping & Groundskeeping Tools

    Landscaping & Groundskeeping Tools. Use the right garden tool for quick and efficient landscaping. Each tool used should fit the task at hand and be comfortable to use. Choose well-made tools that will last for years with proper care and storage. Clean groundskeeping tools after use and avoid leaving tools outside where they will rust and wear quickly.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Texas Pecans

    Types of Texas Pecans. The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is the state tree of Texas and suitable for growing in all counties. Pecan trees are good for large landscapes as shade trees and for their nuts. Pecan trees prefer full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. Grafted varieties are cultivated for nut production and quality and vary greatly by variety. Purchase container-grown, bare-root, or large-tree transplants from reputable nurseries and garden centers.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Insects That Eat Papaya Plants In Florida

    Insects That Eat Papaya Plants in Florida. Papaya plants (Carica papaya), commonly referred to as trees, are actually very large herbaceous perennials, usually with a short life span (but capable of living up to 20 years). Papayas produce large fruit with very sweet, yellow to red-orange-colored flesh. They are not difficult to grow when given a site with full sun and excellent drainage. Adequate space for development is important because papaya plants are capable of growing 33 feet tall. Papaya plants will not tolerate cold weather; therefore, papaya cultivation is limited to South Florida. Excessive winds hinder papaya plant development, and several insect species commonly attack papaya plants grown in South Florida.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Florida Plants For Honeybees

    Florida Plants for Honeybees. Florida's honeybees are supported by numerous plant species, but a short list of major nectar producers account for 90 percent of the state's honey production, according to the University of Florida Extension. Close proximity of bee colonies to nectar sources is important. Many minor nectar producers work in conjunction with major producers to support bee colonies.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Tomato Plant Pests In Florida

    Tomato Plant Pests in Florida. Florida's subtropical climate is wonderful for the home garden. Unfortunately, Florida's climate is also inviting to many insects and diseases. The harshest heat and humidity of the summer can make growing tomatoes a challenge, but taking proper precautions, such as solarizing soil and being proactive (looking for insects before they destroy a crop) go a long way in ensuring a success. Grown staked in beds, in baskets and other containers, tomatoes are among the most anticipated first fruits of many gardens.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Which Fruits & Vegetables Grow In Florida?

    Which Fruits & Vegetables Grow in Florida?. Gardening in Florida is possible year round. Florida's climate is appropriate for growing just about any vegetable, depending on what time of the year it is planted. Many fruits are suitable to grow in Florida as well, depending on the region. South Florida has a subtropical climate, where the temperatures rarely fall below freezing, however, in the north and central areas of Florida, freezing temperatures during the winter have the potential to destroy many crops. Paying attention to planting dates and hardiness zones is crucial to achieving the best garden crops.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • The Best Plants For The Ocala, Florida, Climate

    The Best Plants for the Ocala, Florida, Climate. Ocala is located in Marion County, Florida, in Zone 9 on the USDA cold hardiness map. Like most areas in Florida, the list of plants that grow well is substantial, whether growing ornamental plants or food crops. Hardiness zones are important to know as a general guide, but other factors in a particular location play major roles in a plant's success as well. The amount of rainfall, soil type, time of the year and cultivation practices all play roles in how well plants will perform.

    By Marie Roberts September 6th, 2022 Read More