Melissa Martin

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Stories By Melissa Martin

  • Ornamental Pear Tree Diseases

    Ornamental Pear Tree Diseases. Both bacterial and fungal diseases can affect ornamental pear trees, causing deformed leaves and blossoms or the die-back of branches. Some diseases may even result in the death of the infected tree. A combination of good cultural practices and chemical treatments will work to prevent and control many diseases.

    By Melissa Martin November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Common Flowering Trees In Virginia

    Common Flowering Trees in Virginia. Flowering trees are common in the woodlands, mountains and swamps of Virginia, and many of these trees grow well in the home landscape. Flowering trees not only provide attractive spring or summer blooms, they also often feature interesting fall color and winter silhouettes. Planting native flowering trees in Virginia often requires little maintenance, because they have adapted to the conditions and climate of the region.

    By Melissa Martin November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowering Trees Of Tennessee

    Flowering Trees of Tennessee. The colorful blooms and unique silhouettes of flowering trees add year-round interest to the home landscape. Many flowering trees that grow wild across the state of Tennessee make attractive specimen plants in gardens. These native trees attract wildlife and prevent the invasion of aggressive, non-native species. Native flowering trees also require less attention than non-native trees because they have adapted to the climate and conditions of the region.

    By Melissa Martin November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea Diseases & Problems

    Oakleaf Hydrangea Diseases & Problems. Oakleaf hydrangeas are woodland shrubs featuring large clusters of blooms in the summer and deep mahogany foliage in the fall. Gardeners of these hydrangeas may experience a variety of problems. Under certain conditions, fungal diseases, pest attacks and chlorosis may affect oakleaf hydrangeas.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Privet Diseases

    Privet Diseases. Privet plants are shrubs or small trees belonging to the Ligustrum genus. Gardeners of privet may encounter several diseases, most of which can be prevented by providing good air circulation and drainage. Once infected, some privet diseases may require the use of a fungicide and others may require full removal of the shrub and its root system.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • List Of Native Wild Flowers In Tennessee

    List of Native Wild Flowers in Tennessee. An array of native wild flowers enjoy the generous precipitation and hot, humid summers of Tennessee. Wetland plants grow in the lowlands and swamps of the western part of the state, while woodland plants fill the eastern forests and mountains. These Tennessee wild flowers are adapted to the conditions and climate of their native environment and can make low-maintenance additions to the home garden.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Native Shrubs Of Maine

    Native Shrubs of Maine. Maine's landscape and climate support a variety of native shrubs. Woodland shrubs grow in the forests and mountainous areas of the state, while wetland shrubs thrive in the swamps and coastal areas. These native shrubs are well-suited to local conditions, and the blooms, berries and foliage often attract native wildlife seeking food and shelter.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Ground Cover Plants For Louisiana

    Ground Cover Plants for Louisiana. Gardeners in Louisiana can grow a variety of ground covers that will thrive in the hot, humid summer conditions experienced throughout the state. Ground covers offer several benefits, such as reducing lawn maintenance, controlling erosion on slopes and reducing weeds. These low-growing plants also add texture and color to unattractive areas of the yard or heavily shaded areas where other plants may not grow.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Best Ornamental Trees For The Mid Atlantic Area

    The Best Ornamental Trees for the Mid Atlantic Area. Ornamental trees add year-round interest to gardens and often attract birds and other wildlife. Some ornamental trees found in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States are considered invasive; avoid them due to their ability to displace native species. Fortunately, the region supports many native ornamental trees that require little care once established.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Pacific Northwest Evergreen Shrubs

    Pacific Northwest Evergreen Shrubs. Many evergreen shrubs grow in the varying climate of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Some shrubs thrive in the wet, temperate climate of the coastal areas, while others prefer the dry conditions east of the Cascade Mountains. Growing native Pacific Northwest evergreen shrubs can add year-round color to the garden while also providing food and shelter for native wildlife.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Perennial Flowers In Pennsylvania

    Perennial Flowers in Pennsylvania. Perennials native to Pennsylvania have adapted to the climate and perform well in cultivation, displaying their showy flowers and rich foliage in gardens year after year. These native plants require little maintenance and often attract butterflies and bees to the garden with their fragrant blooms.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Plants And Flowers In Alabama

    Plants and Flowers in Alabama. A variety of plants grow wild across the state of Alabama. Woodland plants thrive in the northern mountains, while wetland plants grow in the swamps and coastal plains of the southern part of the state. These native plants can thrive in the home garden with little maintenance because they are adapted to the local conditions and climate.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Basil Plant Diseases

    Basil Plant Diseases. Both bacterial and fungal diseases can affect basil plants. If left untreated, these diseases can cause malformed or discolored foliage and, in some cases, the eventual death of the plant. Checking plants regularly for signs of disease and following proper practices can prevent outbreaks of many basil diseases.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Ornamental Grasses For Arizona

    Ornamental Grasses for Arizona. Ornamental grasses offer several benefits for Arizona gardeners. In addition to adding year-round interest and movement to gardens, they provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. They often require little maintenance once they become established. Using ornamental grasses in mass plantings can fill in barren landscapes and help prevent soil erosion when planted along steep slopes. Many ornamental grasses tolerate drought and will grow well in hot, dry Arizona gardens.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowering Trees In Texas

    Flowering Trees in Texas. The plains, deserts and coastal areas of Texas are home to a variety of flowering trees. The attractive silhouettes and showy blooms of these flowering trees can add interest to the home landscape. Native trees provide the added benefit of requiring little attention from gardeners because they are suited to the climate and conditions of the area.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Shrubs For Colorado

    Shrubs for Colorado. The varying elevations, climate and soils of Colorado support a diverse population of shrubs. From the low-elevation plains of the eastern part of the state, to the high elevations of the sub-alpine region, gardeners in Colorado can find both evergreen and deciduous shrubs suitable for their area. When located appropriately, native shrubs can thrive in the home landscape with little care and have the added benefit of providing food and shelter for wildlife.

    By Melissa Martin November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Fast Growing Evergreen Vines For Texas

    Fast Growing Evergreen Vines for Texas. Whether gardening in the arid climate of western Texas or the humid conditions in the eastern part of the state, gardeners can choose from a variety of fast growing evergreen vines. Evergreen vines can act as ground covers, screening or accents in hanging baskets or window boxes. With proper care, these vines will provide year-round interest to Texas gardens.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Native Shrubs & Bushes In Maryland

    Native Shrubs & Bushes in Maryland. The varying climate and landscape of Maryland supports a diverse population of native shrubs and bushes. The shrubs that grow wild in the Eastern swamps and coastal areas of the state enjoy sandy and muddy soil and hot, humid summers. Woodland shrubs thrive in the cooler temperatures and forested, mountainous terrain of western Maryland. These native shrubs require little maintenance and can add attractive blooms and vibrant foliage to the home garden.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Native Trees Of Kansas

    Native Trees of Kansas. The fluctuations in temperature, wind and precipitation that occur throughout the growing season in Kansas can be frustrating for gardeners. Although some trees may not respond well to these conditions, native trees can withstand the extremes and require little maintenance. They rarely need water or fertilizer and have built up a resistance to common pests and diseases. A variety of Kansas native trees work well in the home landscape, from small ornamental trees to tall shade trees.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • White Flowering Trees In Mississippi

    White Flowering Trees in Mississippi. Many of the native trees of Mississippi bloom with white flowers in the spring and summer. In addition to attractive blooms and silhouettes, these native species offer food and shelter for wildlife and often require little attention from gardeners. Planting native flowering trees in your garden also reduces the spread of invasive non-native species.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Native Plants Of Massachusetts

    Native Plants of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is home a variety of plants, from low-growing ground covers to tall shade trees. Shrubs and wildflowers grow in the uplands, meadows and woodlands throughout much of the state, while wetland plants grow in the coastal areas. These low-maintenance native plants produce colorful blooms and foliage that attract beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife to the garden.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Diseases Of The Euonymus Shrub

    Diseases of the Euonymus Shrub. Both bacterial and fungal diseases can affect euonymus shrubs. Over-watering and improper spacing may contribute to the development of fungal diseases and following good cultural practices can often prevent outbreaks. When plants begin to show signs of infection, you may need to use chemicals to fight the disease. Identifying the exact disease will help you determine the appropriate course of action.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Sycamore Tree Diseases

    Sycamore Tree Diseases. Valued as a shade tree across much of the United States, the sycamore tree can reach up to 100 feet tall. These trees feature characteristic mottled bark of white, tan and brown colors, and large, hand-shaped leaves. Several diseases affect sycamores, some of which may result in the eventual death of the tree. Use of chemical treatments and practicing preventative methods will help fight diseases and keep sycamore trees healthy.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Money Tree Plant Tips

    Money Tree Plant Tips. Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the money tree or Guiana chestnut, is native to Central and South America, where it grows wild in wetlands and on riverbanks. These evergreen trees feature green, glossy compound leaves and grow up to 60 feet tall in their natural habitat. The money tree grows outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, but performs well as a houseplant in colder climates. When grown indoors, it is a popular tree for bonsai and the trunks are often braided together.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Diseases Of Iris Plants

    Diseases of Iris Plants. The characteristic grass-like stems and colorful blooms of irises can be found in gardens across the United States. Although young iris plants require frequent watering, over-watering established plants often causes outbreaks of fungal diseases. While many of these fungal diseases cause little long-term harm, bacterial diseases, such as bacterial soft rot, may prove deadly.

    By Melissa Martin September 6th, 2022 Read More