Just as sure as you try to predict the weather, it is likely to change. But going out on a limb, I predict that we will have a bit of a dud for fall color display this year. Not a very risky prediction, considering that many plants already are starting to turn color and/or drop…Read more about Why Fall Color is Sometimes a Dud[Read More]
Resources for landscapes and gardens in the Midwest
Landscape Report
Horticulture
You are invited to attend this free educational opportunity on campus or via webinar to this event on October 23rd! If you are interested in attending in person, please contact Kyle Daniel at daniel38@purdue.edu for details. Title: The Changing Nursery Industry: How Will You Adapt? Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2:30-5:15 PM, EDT Moderator:…Read more about Educational Event: The Changing Nursery Industry: How Will You Adapt?[Read More]
It seems like yesterday that we were worried if Mother Nature’s faucet would ever stop (some of you still have that thought in some parts of the state). Now, in many parts of the state, soil moisture is all but gone after a few heat waves passed through the Midwest, with many plants that are…Read more about Feast or Famine: Landscape plants are struggling due to precipitation extremes[Read More]
Let’s get this out of the way….Plants and their ecosystems are amazing. To survive in so many environments with abundant or minimal resources without capabilities to migrate, plants are one of the most amazing organisms on the planet. Though research is abundant in above ground plant systems, below ground ecology is starting to show the…Read more about Zombie Tree Needs Close Friends to Survive[Read More]
Plants differ in their adaptability to different growing conditions. Sunshine is one of the most significant factors. We often think of light as being either sunny or shady, but, in fact, there are many “shades” of light in between. Your garden may experience light shade, such as that filtered through an overhanging tree; dense shade,…Read more about Perennials for Shady Gardens[Read More]
Don’t miss the 2019 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day on July 9th! Your opportunity to interact with Purdue Specialists, see the latest on-going research and best management practices, and network with others in the Green Industry. This is the premiere Green Industry education event that you’ll find this summer! https://www.mrtf.org/event/turf-and-landscape-field-day/?event_date=2019-07-09 In the landscape track,…Read more about Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day[Read More]
Biology: Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is a common winter annual broadleaf weed found throughout the US. It is closely related to another winter annual broadleaf, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Both have vibrant purple flowers that can been seen now in lawns, landscapes, and fields. To see more about henbit, refer to this article from last spring: https://purduelandscapereport.org///article/spotlight-on-weeds-henbit-lamium-amplexicaule/…Read more about Spotlight on Weeds: Purple deadnettle[Read More]
A question that I often receive goes something like…. ‘How do I control grassy weeds in liriope and iris?’ At first glance, it would appear that those ornamental plants are very similar to grasses, but looks may be deceiving as they are actually not grasses. We know that broadleaf weeds can be controlled in grasses…Read more about Killing Grasses in ‘Grasses’? How to control grasses in non-grassy ornamental plants[Read More]
A new publication for nursery growers has been released! This publication, a joint venture between Purdue University and Indiana Department of Natural Resources, informs that nursery and landscape industry about new state regulations regarding invasive plants. The rule goes into effect in two stages. As of April 18, 2019, it is illegal to introduce a…Read more about What Nurseries Need to Know About the Invasive Species Regulation? New Publication for Nursery Growers[Read More]
Q: I’ve attached pictures of the only tree we have on our property. Because it is our only tree, I am deeply concerned with the possibilities of irreparable damage to it. As you can see, one of the branches broke off during a November windstorm. Unfortunately, that left a bare gap on the trunk. Please…Read more about Ornamental Pear Fallout[Read More]
We all know that plants take up nitrogen in significant quantities, compared to some of the other essential nutrients. What most don’t know is that elemental nitrogen (N) is not what is taken up by plants. In fact, nitrogen can be taken up in only two forms, ammonium (NH4) and nitrate (NO3). Fertilizer labels will…Read more about Changing pH and Fertilizing at the Same Time? How nitrogen sources can change soil pH[Read More]
As I type this article, the outside thermometer is showing 10 degrees F. Ouch! And the calendar reads March 4. Double ouch! Winter is stubbornly hanging around for a few more days, maybe weeks. Eventually, the dreary cold weather will surrender to spring and life will return to the woods. However, subtle changes are occurring…Read more about Early Spring in the Woods[Read More]
It is easy to confuse Hemlock (Tsuga spp.) and Yew (Taxus spp.) unless you can see the overall plant habit or have them both side by side. Further confusing them is that both species may be pruned into hedges or other shapes that obscure the natural plant habits. Hemlock has short needles, 1/4 – 3/4″…Read more about Distinguishing Hemlock from Yew[Read More]
The time is now to start protecting your trees! Now that your ears are perked up, let’s talk a bit about Southwest injury on trees. Bark cracking (Fig.1) is a phenomenon that occurs in many species of trees and can have many causes. One of the most common types of bark cracking is termed Southwest…Read more about Preparations to Prevent Southwest Injury[Read More]
Burning bush is so named for its brilliant red foliage display in autumn. But we sometimes get questions asking why their shrub fails to color up, with leaves that remain green until they drop from the plant. Fall color or lack thereof is affected by a number of factors, including genetics of the plant and…Read more about Alternatives to Burning Bush for Fall Color[Read More]
An abiotic stress in plants is a stress due to a non-living factor, such as temperature, moisture, herbicides, etc. Biotic stress includes a living organism, such as a fungi, insect, etc. This series will explore some of the most common types of abiotic stress you may find in landscapes and nurseries. What is wrong…Read more about Common Abiotic Problems of Ornamentals: Soil pH Effects on Fertility[Read More]
Q. We have a large sycamore tree in our yard. Every summer it sheds its bark over a few weeks’ time. I think as it grows it is growing new bark and losing the old bark. Am I correct? – J.C., Walton, Ind. A. You’re on the right track. Peeling bark is normal, and is a key…Read more about Peeling Sycamore Tree Bark is Normal[Read More]
Most landscape professionals and gardeners have heard of the wise advice “leaves of three, let it be” referring to the pest plant poison ivy. While not quite as catchy, the saying really should be “leaflets of three, let it be.” Poison ivy leaves are compound rather than simple – a single leaf is divided into…Read more about Poison Ivy[Read More]
An abiotic stress in plants is a stress due to a non-living factor, such as temperature, moisture, herbicides, etc. Biotic stress includes a living organism, such as a fungi, insect, etc. This series will explore some of the most common types of abiotic stress you may find in landscapes and nurseries. We’ve all experienced the…Read more about Common Abiotic Problems of Ornamentals: Transplant Shock[Read More]
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