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…]
Resources for landscapes and gardens in the Midwest
Landscape Report
Horticulture
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
People often select plants first for their beauty and second for their functionality in the garden. Frequently, we don’t know or don’t consider a plant’s behavior when we’re selecting them. Almost by definition, a species that is an effective ground cover will have a spreading habit. But does that make the species aggressive or invasive?[Read More…]
This article, and many others, will be presented at the 2018 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day on July 10th. Registration is open and available online: https://www.mrtf.org/event/turf-and-landscape-field-day/?event_date=2018-07-10 Here is the lineup for the field day. A cultural weed control method is one that involves steps to reduce or eliminate weeds via maintenance techniques. In landscapes, the[Read More…]
On May 2nd an apartment fire in Greenwood occurred that reportedly originated in the mulched landscape beds. Unfortunately 56 renters were displaced that day, but fortunately no injuries were reported. Several Indianapolis news organizations reported on the origins of the fire that included a couple of quotes that were not entirely accurate. One of[Read More…]
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