Category: Annuals and Perennials

Annuals and Perennials

Choosing the Right Geranium (Pelargonium) for Your Home Garden

The word Geranium, scientifically speaking, is a genus of perennials commonly called cranesbill. The word geranium also commonly refers to a large group of annual geraniums scientifically known as Pelargoniums, Pronunciation: pe-lar-GO-nee-um. The 2 genera were originally grouped together taxonomically, but in 1789 they were divided into 2 separate genera. However, pelargoniums continue to be commonly called geraniums to this day and are the main … Continue reading Choosing the Right Geranium (Pelargonium) for Your Home Garden

Unknown's avatarKimberley Pacholko2 Comments
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases, Garden Pests

Peony Pests and Diseases

Peony Insect Pests Foliar Nematodes Foliar nematodes are microscopic organisms that feed within plant tissue. They require a layer of moisture in order to move about on the outside plant surfaces. The species that infects peony is Aphelenchoides fragariae, commonly known as the Strawberry Leaf Nematode. First symptoms appear as bud blast, where infect buds fail to open. If you cut open the suspected bud … Continue reading Peony Pests and Diseases

Unknown's avatarKimberley Pacholko1 Comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases, Garden Pests

Hosta Pests and Diseases

Insect Pests of Hosta Leaf Nematodes Leaf nematodes are microscopic round worm that enter stomatal openings on hosta leaves to feed on the inside of the leaves. They are unable to cross the veins from inside the leaf and must exit the leaf to cross the barrier or to move to another section of the leaf. They require a layer of moisture in order to … Continue reading Hosta Pests and Diseases

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials

Rudbeckias

Rudbeckias with their daisy-like flowers and long blooming time are real work horses in the mid-summer to mid-fall gardens. They are all native to North America, easy to grow and relatively disease and pest free. There are 25 species in all with many varieties and cultivars offering a range of colours from bright yellow, through to orange, even red, burgundy and bi-coloured. Height can range … Continue reading Rudbeckias

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases

Leaf Spot Diseases of Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia are known for being real work horses in the mid-summer to mid-fall garden. They are also known for being low maintenance and fairly pest and disease free. However, there are a few leaf spot diseases that can greatly mar the appearance of Rudbeckia, especially certain species, varieties or cultivars. Following are the leaf spot diseases to watch for on your Rudbeckia plants. Septoria Leaf … Continue reading Leaf Spot Diseases of Rudbeckia

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases, Tree and Shrub Problems

Fasciation Causes Unusual Growth of Flowers, Stems, or Fruit

The word fasciation comes from the Latin word fascia, to fuse, and that is often what this growth abnormality looks like. Affected stems, fruit or flowers appear as though 2 or more have been fused or banded together. At times the unusual new growth looks quite spectacular and unique, and breeders attempt to reproduce the effect. At other times affected plant material appears grotesque and … Continue reading Fasciation Causes Unusual Growth of Flowers, Stems, or Fruit

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Trees and Shrubs for the Home Landscape

Designing a Drought Tolerant Garden

Water conservation is a hot topic these days. Water shortages have caused many municipalities to impose watering restrictions (at least during heat waves) and rising water costs have motivated many homeowners and municipalities to establish more drought tolerant gardens and landscapes. For those living rural or on well water, plants that can survive mostly on rainfall are essential. Following are some photos of drought tolerant … Continue reading Designing a Drought Tolerant Garden

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials

How to Plant Canna Lily Bulbs

Few plants can match the tropical appeal and spectacular presence of Canna Lilies. Growing from three to over six feet in a single season, these trouble-free beauties originated in South America and the West Indies and have become a favourite here in North America. Starting Your Bulbs in Pots Indoors: March is an excellent month to start your Canna Lily bulbs indoors. Follow these simple … Continue reading How to Plant Canna Lily Bulbs

Unknown's avatarKimberley Pacholko2 Comments
Annuals and Perennials, Pruning

Gardening Naturally With Clematis

There are few flowering vines that command as much visual appeal as do Clematis. Many varieties offer near diner plate size blooms on plants that can bloom for weeks on end. Growing these amazing Clematis vines naturally, without the aid of chemicals is not only do-able but from the plants point of view preferable. For big beautiful blooms on healthy low maintenance Clematis plants try these all … Continue reading Gardening Naturally With Clematis

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases

Leaf Spot Diseases of Iris

There are several potential causes of leaf spots on Iris including fungal infection, bacterial infection, various viruses, insect damage and various environmental factors. Of these factors fungal leaf spot is the most common and widely spread. Leaf spot diseases greatly mare the appearance of Iris plants and can kill whole leaves and eventually plants if not brought under control. Fungal Leaf Spot of Iris Iris … Continue reading Leaf Spot Diseases of Iris

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases

Root Nodules Caused by Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Verses Root-Knot Nematode Disease

In order to understand the difference between root nodules, that are caused by nitrogen fixing bacteria and root-knot disease, caused by nematodes, one must first have a clear understanding of what each is. Root Nodules Caused by Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are able to transform atmospheric nitrogen (a form the plants cannot absorb) into fixed nitrogen (a form plants can absorb). There are 2 main kinds … Continue reading Root Nodules Caused by Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Verses Root-Knot Nematode Disease

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Lawn Care and Problems, Tree and Shrub Problems

Lawns and Gardens- Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat And Drought

In my region of Southern Ontario we are experiencing above average rainfall this year and the lawns and vegetation are lush and green. For many other provinces and states however they are experiencing above average temperatures with little rainfall. Keeping lawns and gardens thriving during these times can be challenging. Following are a few tips to help your lawns and gardens survive the summer heat … Continue reading Lawns and Gardens- Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat And Drought

Unknown's avatarKimberley Pacholko1 Comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases

Clematis Wilt

Clematis vines are a popular choice for ornamental home gardens. Large flowered, early blooming varieties are particularly popular. These show stopping, head turning vines both amaze and delight all who cross paths with them. A fairly common disease of clematis to be on the look out for is clematis wilt (Phoma clematidina). You will sometimes hear it referred to as clematis leaf and stem spot. … Continue reading Clematis Wilt

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Pests

Rose Sawflies

Rose sawflies adults are small primitive wasps who’s larvae look like tiny little caterpillars. These larvae, commonly called rose slugs, are voracious feeders and feed almost exclusively on rose leaves. If their numbers are high enough they can quickly defoliate an entire rose bush. Larvae feeding damage appears as skeletonized leaves that look like window panes. As the feeding continues large holes are chewed through … Continue reading Rose Sawflies

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Pests

Hydrangea Problems…Leaf-tiers

Hydrangea leaf-tiers (Exartema ferriferanum), are a small moth whose larvae, (a tiny green caterpillar with a black head), sew terminal leaves together with a silk thread. Once inside this enclosure they feed on the leaves and flower head. These leaf enclosures become wrinkled and puckered and are easy to spot on the plant. They are native to Canada and U.S.A with the majority of sightings … Continue reading Hydrangea Problems…Leaf-tiers

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment
Annuals and Perennials, Garden Diseases

Daylily Problems

Daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.) are popular garden plants grown abundantly by home gardeners, cities and commercial properties alike. Their appeal in part is due to their long bloom time, adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions and their relative ease of maintenance. There are a few foliar problems to be aware of, and while they seldom kill the plant, they can certainly mar the visual … Continue reading Daylily Problems

Unknown's avatarKimberley Pacholko1 Comment
Annuals and Perennials, Tree and Shrub Problems

Planting Near A Walnut Tree

When selecting plant material for a home garden it is important to first take inventory of the trees on your property and neighbouring properties. Trees like walnut can present a real challenge for gardeners. Not only do the plants you select have to deal with shade and strong competition for water and nutrients, (as with planting near any large tree), they additionally have to contend … Continue reading Planting Near A Walnut Tree

Unknown's avatarKimberley PacholkoLeave a comment