Gardening Tips

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are a wonderful plant that can give a garden a lot of color. The hydrangea originated out of Japan and was discovered there and brought back to the western world during the mid 18^th century. There are five main species but one is more common then the rest, hydrangea macrophylla. They like to be in a part sun/shade area of the garden. Hydrangeas are a flowering shrub, which flowers through the spring, summer, and into the autumn. The color of the flower is dependent on the type of soil. Soil rich in alkaline will produce pink flowers and acidic soil will produce blue flowers. The common species that most gardens contain is hydrangea macrophylla. The common name is Bigleaf of French hydrangea. There also other types of hydrangeas found in gardens: hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf), hydrangea arborescens (Smooth or Annabelle), hydrangea paniculata (Grandiflora or Peegee), and hydrangea anomola petiolaris (Climbing hydrangea).

Flowers

Out of all the species of hydrangeas the three common colors of flowers are: white, pink, and blue. They do come in lavender, or lilac color, a deep red/brown, and a light green. The flower blossom is a collection of small flowers about a quarter in size that bloom in a cluster. They can have three basic shapes to the clusters: mophead which is round and shaped like a sphere, lacecap which is more of a flat shape with blossoms blooming around the edge, and panicle which has more of a cone shape to the flower. They make great cut flowers and can last up to a week in a vase. As you cut the flower stems the hydrangea will produce flowers. Make sure you prune those stems back to ensure that the shrub blooms again.

Gardening Tips

Hydrangeas like to be in a partial sun and shade area of the garden. They do not like the heat of the afternoon and like to be protected by the shade. They love water so be prepared to keep them wet. The flowering season is from the spring to the autumn and need to be pruned back in the autumn. If you want for flowers to bloom you should prune the stems to be about 6-12” from the ground. In the in the early spring add compost and humus to the soil and the type of fertilizer you want to determine the color of the flower. I have some of my hydrangeas next to azaleas and rhododendrons which like acidic soil. This gives the flower a blue color. The color is determined by the amount of aluminum that is in the soil. You can apply aluminum sulfate in the spring and keep the pH around 5 and 5.5. For the beautiful pink flowers you want a more alkaline soil mixture so liming the soil will change the pH to 6 and give you the pink color.

Hydrangeas can grow up to 6 feet high and wide; they are bushy and have woody stems. As the new grow emerges stake the stems of the flowers and needed otherwise let them grow and enjoy. As the seasons progress keep the hydrangea well fertilized with a general fertilizer 10 10 10. You must always water after applying fertilizer so that it reaches the soil. To propagate the plant you need to have a small trench next to the plant. Then remove a little of the bark and lay it in the ground and cover it with soil. Make sure that the tip of growth is uncovered and it will root under the soil.

Bonsai

Bonsai is an ancient art form and gardening pleasure. The history of this wonderful and stylish form of plant manipulation and art dates back to about the 4th century. It originated out from China and spread to Japan. Throughout Asia container planting with trees and shrubs is hundreds of years old. They could be found in India, China, Japan, and even ancient Egypt. The philosophy of this fabulous type of gardening and plant care is to create miniature gardens contained in pots. Each gardener can produce an amazing and wondrous world with bonsai. They do need care and focus and can be a delight in your yard.

Bonsai Tips

Four basic components are important to focus on while growing bonsai. First, is the type of tree or shrub you want to grow. Second, is the soil mixture and an extremely important part. Third, is the watering or the humidity in the environment. And fourth, care and styling of the bonsai. When considering all of these important aspects to bonsai gardening incorporate your personality and you will have wonderful miniature gardens.

Type of Plants

The varieties that you can use are numerous, it is the care of the bonsai that is important. Depending on your environment and if you want outdoor (aka temperate) or indoor (aka tropical) bonsai the trees or shrubs you use will dictate what you plant. Traditionally bonsai is an outdoor garden and keeping them indoors can damage the plant, because they will still need lots of light. Remember that the plants used in bonsai are always found outdoors. You need to consider the tree itself; if it is a deciduous tree then you would want it to get its’ rest, if it is a tropical tree or plant then it should get full sun and have a warm and humid environment. I think this is the important part to bonsai gardening; some people try to have control of the bonsai and fight its nature.
For the outdoor bonsai the variance in temperature is an important element to consider. If you live in cold or freezing regions you would want trees that can handle the cold. Juniper, maples, and conifers are great choices for the cold zones. I have my juniper outside and it loves where I have it because of the sun. Depending on the plant they need to go dormant and will die if they are kept inside or are in warm zones that don’t get cold winters.
Indoor or tropical bonsai can be kept indoors or outdoors depending on the zone you live in. Just like all tropical plants and trees they don’t like the cold winters and will die if left outdoors in cold zones. So bring them and give them plenty of sun and warmth. They will be happy to be inside if they get enough light (remember they are outdoor plants). Some of the great trees or plants you can use are: ficus (most common), hibiscus, and bougainvillea. There are some many choices that you should explore what will do well in your environment.

Selecting A Bonsai

When looking for a bonsai take into consideration the root foundation, the mature growth of the plant, and your environment. The root foundation of the plant will determine if the plant will survive. You want to have a strong well rooted plant. If the plant is young and the root foundation is not well developed then it will take a long time to get established growth. Depending on how large you want it to grow to, you would want either a dwarf tree or a naturally small shrub. Also consider your style and your taste; I love flowering and fruiting bonsai. Azaleas are one of my favorite shrubs to turn into bonsai because they have such wonderful blossoms.

Bonsai Soil Mixture and Pots

This area is as varied as the plants that you choose for your garden. Depending on the plant the soil combinations of grit and humus is important. Because it is a contain plant the soil mixture for bonsai is extremely important. For example azaleas are acid lovers they like their soil a specific way and will die if not given the right fertilizers. Bonsai is just like any other container gardening fertilizing with the right ratios is important. Do some research on specific plants and give them what they want.

One of the easiest and fun parts to bonsai is picking out the pot it will go in. This is totally an individualist element to bonsai. I like to consider the type of plant and the style of it. I have seen bonsai in pots that complement the plant and ones that distract or take away from the beauty of the bonsai.

Watering Bonsai

Bonsai is container gardening and like all container gardening you have got to think about watering. Because you don’t want the roots sitting in water having a plate under the pot is not recommended. You do want to keep them well watered if that type of plant requires it. Once again you need to look at the type of plant you have and go with what it likes.

For your tropical bonsai keeping them well watered and in a humid environment is important. One of my friends mists his bonsai with a spray bottle to keep it moist. I have heard of some people using a drip system. One good test to know when to water is when the top layer of the soil is dry. Never over water and drown the root and never under water. Bonsai is a care intensive type of gardening and watering is just another important element to focus on.

Styling and Care of Bonsai

Well this is an area of bonsai that is divided into two areas: wiring and cutting. If wiring is the direction you want to go into then you need to consider the type of wire used. Copper and aluminum are the most common types of wire used. Basic rules to wire are for support and manipulation of style. Also to care for the plant by not leaving it in the sun or the cold while the wire is on. And finally to remove the wire if it cuts into the plant which will damage and could destroy your bonsai.

The other method is more traditional it is the cutting or pruning method. This is where you manipulate the growth by pruning the plant in to a shape. This method is great for people who are unsure about using wire.

Some people like to use both which I feel is more common then using one or the other.

Japanese Anemones (x hybrida)

This is the season for the wonderful perennial known as Japanese Anemones to flower. The long stocks of the flower shoot up to 4 feet tall. They do range in height from 2-4 feet with an incredible flower. They are not a cut flower, but make a wonderful back drop to any partial shade garden. They are one of the best plants for late summer and fall color with their brilliant flowers in colors of dark pinks, pale pinks, and white.

The Japanese Anemones x hybrida originated in China and was found in Japan in the 17th Century giving it its name. Three popular varieties were developed in the 19th Century: Honorine Jobert, Whirlwind, and Konigin Charlotte. These varieties produce the best of the colors and new varieties are gaining notoriety for their even richer color of dark pink and lilac. They are easy to grow and can be slightly evasive in your yard if you let them.
Japanese Anemones grow in sun/partial shade gardens. Grow them in the USDA zones 4 through 8. They work great under trees and as backdrops in the yard. They like to be protected by larger vegetation or by built structures. The leaf of the plant is around all year and is about 1 foot from the ground. It is a large soft petal from 2-5 inches wide. A stem grows from the ground and is tipped with a leaf. In the late summer the stocks of the flower grows from 2 to 5 feet tall. They are topped with multiple flowers and small leafs. The flowers petals are small 1 inch in diameter and there are 5 petals that are fanned out.

Growing Tips

• Sun/Partial shade
• Protected from sun and wind
• Well drained soil
• Keep watered but don’t over do it
• Acidic Soil ranging from 4.6-6.0
• Lime in the soil is recomended
• After two years the plant will produce and spread
• You can divide in the Winter and the Spring