Sheri Ann Richerson

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Stories By Sheri Ann Richerson

  • Japanese Maple Companion Plants

    Japanese Maple Companion Plants. The vibrant-colored spring and fall foliage of Japanese maples, along with their small size, makes them a prized landscape plant especially in urban gardens. The bright yellows, vibrant reds, maroons or chartreuse colors of the leaves, rather they are the regular maple tree shape or dissected, attract attention. The dissected leaves, which are fine textured and lacey, are referred to as "cut leaves" in the nursery trade. Japanese maples prefer growing in organic rich, moist soil in partial shade, although a few varieties tolerate full sun.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Indoor Plants In Alaska

    Indoor Plants in Alaska. Alaska's cool, dark winter climate calls for creativity to keep plants alive and blooming all winter. Install grow lights on a timer to provide your indoor plants in Alaska with the additional light they need to keep them from going dormant. A terrarium adds extra humidity, and increases the air temperature around the plant.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Which Peonies Can Grow In Zone 9?

    Which Peonies Can Grow in Zone 9?. Growing peonies in U.S. Department of Agricultural hardiness zone 9 is challenging because it is not cold enough to sufficiently chill the plants, which is what induces the blooms, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Gardeners in zone 9 who are determined to grow these large flowered and fragrant beauties should choose tree instead of herbaceous peonies. Tree peonies have larger blooms than their herbaceous relatives and offer a wider choice of flower colors.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Mint Plant Varieties

    Mint Plant Varieties. When it comes to mint plant varieties there are over 600 different ones to choose from, according to the University of California at Davis Extension. Mint will take over your garden if left on its own. It is best to plant mint in a container, in a raised bed by itself or confined in some other way so the roots, which spread by underground runners, can be kept under control.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Fruit Trees With Thorns

    Fruit Trees With Thorns. There are many common fruit trees with thorns. While it is true that the thorns have been bred out of many fruit trees such as plums and pears, wild fruit trees still have thorns. Fruit trees grown in orchards do not need their thorns to protect them from being ravaged by pests the way trees growing in the wild do. However, there are still a few cultivated trees, such as lemons, that are a bit thorny.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Vegetable Garden Companion Plants

    Vegetable Garden Companion Plants. Vegetable garden companion plants can be herbs, flowers, fruits or other vegetables. Companion plants are two or more plants that grow better planted next to each other. Typically, gardeners choose companion plants because one offers the other protection by repelling an insect that would damage the crop. For example, radishes planted with cucumbers help deter the cucumber beetle, making these two crops good vegetable garden companion plants.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Pruning A Sambucus Nigra

    Pruning a Sambucus Nigra. Sambucus nigra is a deciduous shrub that responds well to pruning in late winter or early spring, and it requires pruning at least once each year. This particular variety of elderberry produces dark purple-black foliage, lemon-scented pink flowers in summer and edible berries in autumn. The vitamin C-rich fruit is used to make juice, jams or jellies. The fruit is also high in phosphorus and potassium.

    By Sheri Ann Richerson September 6th, 2022 Read More