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]
Horticulture
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]
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 about Spreading Ornamentals[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 about Cultural Plus Chemical=A good weed control combo in landscape beds[Read More]
