Rochelle French

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Stories By Rochelle French

  • Trees
    Trees By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022

    How To Treat Cankers On An Eastern Redbud Tree

    How to Treat Cankers on an Eastern Redbud Tree. With its green leaves and bright red and pink flowers, the eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) is a visual delight. The eastern redbud's early blooms of bright color herald the commencement of spring. But the sight of withering leaves and dying branches can cause a gardener's heart to clench because these are the signs of canker (Botryosphaeria). The U.S. Forest Service states that canker is the "biggest problem" for the eastern redbud. If left untreated, canker can ultimately kill the affected tree. There is no chemical treatment for canker on an eastern redbud tree. But a gardener is not without hope: If caught early, canker can be stopped in its tracks by aggressive pruning, saving the tree.

    By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022

    Thuja Occidentalis Brabant Growth

    Thuja Occidentalis Brabant Growth. A delightful evergreen shrub needing low maintenance and a native of the northern U.S., Thuja occidentalis Brabant (White Cedar, Brabant variety) is a member of the Cypress family. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, White Cedar cultivars are often used in landscaping and for hedges, with the Brabant cultivar a known urban success. Healthy Thuja occidentalis Brabant growth depends on the type of soil, location, pruning, watering and avoidance of pests. The plant is generally adaptable once established, making it an excellent choice for landscape design and urban enhancement.

    By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022

    How To Propagate Viburnum

    How to Propagate Viburnum. The delightful viburnum, at home in many gardens, can defy definition with a myriad of variations from species to species. Species of viburnum can range from fruiting to flowering, trees to shrubs, with serrated leaves to lobbed leaves, and can have any variety of bud formations. In fact, there may be as many as 250 species worldwide. Propagating viburnum, however, isn't nearly as difficult as attempting to define this beautiful, decorative plant. Several methods of propagation can be used with viburnums: some easy, some a little more involved. No matter how these plants are started, growers can be satisfied by seeing their efforts produce blooms and beautiful foliage in just a few years.

    By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022

    Spike Aerator Vs. Plug Aerator

    Spike Aerator Vs. Plug Aerator. Aerating a lawn is an often under-considered component in lawn care. The way in which a gardener aerates, either by spike or plug aeration, can affect the health of the lawn. Both the spike and plug aerators perform the same task; however, there are differences in the efficacy and the cost between the two tools that the lawn owner may wish to consider.

    By Rochelle French November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Rochelle French September 6th, 2022

    Italian Grass

    Italian Grass. Italian ryegrass, with its bright green leaves and appealing taste to cattle, is grown worldwide in mild climates. Used for lawn cover and as a companion crop with alfalfa for cattle forage, this fast-growing, versatile grass requires maintenance and careful harvesting. Successful growth, however, is hampered by extreme hot and dry or cold environments. Although the grass is classified as an annual, Italian ryegrass may have perennial growth patterns in milder climates.

    By Rochelle French September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Rochelle French September 6th, 2022

    How To Fertilize Dragon Fruit

    How to Fertilize Dragon Fruit. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a native of Latin America and is now being cultivated in Asian countries, primarily for the nutritional content of the fruit. Dragon fruit are eaten in salads, made into drinks, and the color is used to dye food. The dragon fruit plant is a climbing cactus and is best suited for propagation in dry areas. The long white flowers, which bloom only at night (the plant is also called night-blooming cereus), produce fleshy, scaled fruit. Dragon fruit can be grown either as an ornamental or to bear fruit. Ornamental dragon fruit does not require fertilization. However, dragon fruit grown for food requires frequent fertilization to produce a healthy crop. The root system of the dragon fruit sits close to the surface and quickly absorbs existing nutrition in the soil. Correct fertilizing can lead to a bountiful harvest of dragon fruit.

    By Rochelle French September 6th, 2022 Read More