NC Gardening

Erin's Prairie

2009-06-25T13:14:00.003-04:00

Erin's Prairie is located on a hillside at the intersection of West Chatham and Saunders Streets in Apex, NC. While there are many beds of colorful Daylilys along NC highways, this is the one to see when you are near Apex. The display peaks in late June and is presented by Weston Farms.

Re-use bathwater for gardening needs

2007-10-22T08:45:00.000-04:00

One NC couple found a way to recycle bathwater for watering plants and garden areas. It can be done and helps during dry times when water restrictions are in place...

News and Observer
October 22, 2007
Drought - Editorial

Engineering bathwater re-use
Waterwise: how Triangle residents are saving water

Several readers have told us of how they catch water from their showers to use on their plants or in their toilets. Nellie and Jimmy Hocutt, who live just outside Raleigh, have devised a way to make it easy.
Jimmy Hocutt removed the pipe that usually sent bathwater into the couple's septic tank and diverted it into a 50-gallon plastic container that he had bought at Wal-Mart and buried in the ground.
"With the two of us taking daily showers, we are able to catch 30 gallons a day, giving us an ample supply of recycled water to give all our shrubs, azaleas and our outdoor plants water every single day," Nellie Hocutt wrote via e-mail. "Also, I keep a bucket in my kitchen and recycle all the casual water I use daily, washing vegetables and dishes. Some days, I collect as much as 15 gallons a day.
"So, needless to say, we have very happy plants." Original Article...

Botanical sting operation staves off poaching of wild Venus Fly-Traps

2007-09-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

It's far cheaper to buy plants at a nursery or garden shop than to dig them up in a protected area or nature preserve and be fined for the offense.

The Nature Conservancy teamed up with NC's Department of Agriculture to set a trap for poachers digging up Venus Flytraps. In Brunswick County, they teamed up with the NC Department of Agriculture to set up a botanical sting operation to stop poaching of Venus Fly-Trap plants which grow naturally in the southeastern bogs of North Carolina.

The Venus Fly-Trap poaching epidemic hit an all time high in June of 2005 when over 1,000 plants where stolen from the Green Swamp Preserve in Brunswick County in a single day. It is illegal to take these plants from their natural setting and the offense is punishable by a fine of $50 per plant.

Since an offender has to be caught to be charged, the Nature Conservancy and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture adopted a method used during a similar sting during the 1990’s. By spraying the plants with a harmless phosphorescent paint, authorities can now use an ultraviolet light to scan suspected plants and identify them as stolen.

Related links

The Nature Conservancy
NC Department of Agriculture

Southport Times
September 24, 2007
Dave Batts

How The Nature Conservancy Has Made an Impact in Brunswick County, NC

“Protecting Nature. Preserving Life.” The slogan for The Nature Conservancy speaks for itself. Their mission statement is poetic too - “To preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters that they need to survive.”

Though they rarely make their way to the spotlight, when you look at their website (www.nature.org), their existence is evident, having earned themselves the title of one of “the most trusted organizations” in 2005 and 2006.

They work in a collaborative effort with people all over the world, helping them preserve and care for over 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of waterways. Much of this burden is supported by the 1 million members it has, with 10,000 of those members being volunteers who devote their free time to making a difference.

In one of their more recent local projects in Brunswick County, they teamed up with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to set up a botanical sting operation in an effort to stave off the poaching of wild Venus Fly-Traps which grow naturally in the southeastern bogs of North Carolina.

The Venus Fly-Trap poaching epidemic hit an all time scare when in June of 2005, over 1,000 plants where stolen from the Green Swamp Preserve in Brunswick County in a single day! Though a farm raised plant can be bought at nearly any nursery, it is illegal to harvest a Venus Fly-Trap from its natural setting, an offense punishable by a fine of $50 per plant.

Since an offender has to be caught “green handed” in order to be charged, the Nature Conservancy and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture adopted a method used during a similar sting operation during the 1990’s, in which wild ginseng was being harvested from the Smoky Mountains. Painting the plants with a harmless phosphorescent paint, authorities can now use an ultraviolet light to scan the suspected plant, thus identifying it as stolen.

Though the sight of a Venus Fly-Trap growing in the wild would surely catch any unsuspecting walker off guard, it is only one of the many rare plants that seem to dot the landscape of Brunswick County’s wilderness. There is a Nature Trail in Boiling Spring Lakes where you can view Venus Fly traps in their natural environment. The Nature Trail is a joint effort of The Nature Conservancy, the City of Boiling Spring Lakes, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Consumer Services Plant Conservation Program. It begins at the Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center.

Other rare plants located in Brunswick County include sundew and four different types of pitcher plants, as well as the less carnivorous orchids that don’t require nitrogen from bugs to survive, but are sure to take the breath away from passersby’s just the same.

Several environmental factors attribute to the rare flora that is found throughout the area, ranging from its location to the Gulf Stream to the naturally occurring fires which is a life giver to the long-needle pines that need the fires to pollinate.

The Nature Conservancy has been obtaining land from Brunswick County since 1977, when The Federal Paper Board first donated over 13,850 acres of The Green Swamp Preserves to the organization. In 1999, The Nature Conservancy acquired over 6,500 acres from The Boiling Spring Lakes area, which is now The Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve. Though the BSL Preserve is owned by The North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the Nature Conservancy helps to manage both of the preserves through planned burnings (which is necessary for the ecological growth of the preserve’s natural setting), planting fresh pines to one day pollinate the landscape, and hanging boxes for the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. Both preserves are open to the public through the use of nature trails only, as the treaded footfalls of curious onlookers can have a detrimental impact on the preserves’ delicate ecosystem. Original article...

Gardening tips for drought conditions

2007-09-15T11:27:00.000-04:00

Work with your plants and home gardens during dry times to help them survive and adapt. You can help your plants survive drought conditions by taking a few steps to help them along...

Mulch, mulch, mulch - Adding a layer of mulch around and near plants will help conserve the moisture that plants do get and will also keep the roots cool.
Water a little, but not too much - Water if needed but don't over water. Many plants will shed leaves and become dormant to protect themselves. Watering excessively can cause plants to rot or drown. Plants over a year old should have a good root structure and will need less water.
Choose plants suited to your area and pick drought tolerant ones for dry conditions. Lantana, Butterfly Plants and other choices are good for areas that get lots of sun and endure drought better.

Don't be surprised when you lose a few plants during dry times. Some plants just don't do well in hot, dry areas and should only be planted if the right conditions and part shade are available.

News & Observer
September 15, 2007
Debra Boyette, Staff Writer

How to care for your drought-stressed plants

Your impatiens looking a little, well, impatient? Your dahlias drooping?
It's no wonder. Until the last week, temperatures have been in the triple digits, and raindrops have been few. Watering restrictions are in place all over the Triangle. Flowers and other plants are showing signs of stress. What can you do?
"Unfortunately, some plants just won't survive," says Peter Zierz, a Wake County master gardener. But you can take some steps to help your garden grow.
The most important thing you can do is mulch them well, Zierz says. Mulching helps keep the roots cool. It also helps keep what little moisture the plants get from evaporating.
Second, don't add more stress. When times get tough, a lot of plants go dormant in an attempt to conserve energy. Their leaves may even drop off. The tendency is to do something to help them. But leave them alone, Zierz says. Don't fertilize. Don't prune. Don't water. That will just wake them up, cause new growth and add more stress.
If you're watering (on your assigned day and time, of course), don't go overboard. Lawns and shrubs that are less than a year old need an inch of water per week, Zierz says. But don't drench them. You want the water to be absorbed into the soil. Shrubs that are older than a year old probably don't need to be watered now.
If you're thinking about planting shrubs or flowers this autumn, late fall is the best time to do so -- that means November to January in this zone. But keep in mind that new plantings need lots of water to get established. You'll need to keep that under consideration if restrictions continue or get tighter.
Not all plants are having a tough time. "My lantana is thriving," Zierz says.
Lantana loves the sun, and some varieties are perennial. When you're planning your flower beds for next year, think about lantana and other plants that do well under drought conditions. These include salvia, angelonia, geraniums and native wildflowers. Original article...

What kinds of pots to use?

2007-09-10T13:28:00.000-04:00

A brief on types of pots to use for home gardening published in June, 2007, can help you select pots for your many planting projects. As you can imagine there are lots of choices and the type you select should be based on appearance, function, durability and a variety of factors...

News & Observer
June 23, 2007
Tina Mast, Correspondent

Pot Particulars

TERRA COTTA Beautiful and breathable, it ages attractively until the day it decides to break down, usually after three or more winters. It's a good idea to take these pots in over the winter if you want to keep them a long time.
CONCRETE AND CAST IRON Some of the most durable materials you will find, and usually the most expensive.
FIBERGLASS Durable and lightweight, it can be made to simulate other materials. You'll find it in the middle of the price range.
RESIN-FOAM Have the advantage of being lightweight but will age in a few seasons. Get the ones that are the same color all the way through so you won't notice as much if they get chipped or a have chunk taken out of them.
PLASTIC. Despite the yuck factor, plastic can be very practical, not to mention cheap. Thinner plastic pots will age faster than thicker ones, and it helps to select brands that are labeled UV resistant. Nevertheless, plastic still loses out against other materials once the beauty contest starts. Original article...

Nurseries offering more drought resistant plants

2007-07-20T09:18:00.000-04:00

Worried about your prized plants drying up during the traditional NC summer dry spells? Try planting more drought resistant plants. This also helps cut down on water usage as dictated by new rules on watering.

Many local nurseries have begun offering more plants that require less water and do well in dry areas. This helps the nurseries gain back sagging sales and also helps consumers have gardens that do better in the intense summer heat with less demands for water.

News and Observer
July 19, 2007
Vicki Lee Parker, Staff Writer

Nurseries adapting to drought
Plants that sip water get more shelf space

When the Triangle suffered a drought in the early part of the decade, Fairview Nursery's sales withered, along with many lawns.
Now as the region teeters on the verge of the third drought in five years, the Raleigh nursery's sales are up 8 percent.
No, it's not Miracle-Gro.
The lack of rain and the area's new watering restrictions are leading gardeners to seek plants that require less water. Local nurseries are stocking more drought-tolerant plants to meet demand. They are also selling more rain barrels, special hoses and other products aimed at consumers who are conserving water.
The trend, coupled with the region's surging population of homeowners, is creating lush times for local nurseries and garden centers -- a welcome change after several tough years. Read more...

Beat the heat when home gardening

2007-06-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

You can beat the heat while gardening in the hot NC summertime!

The following column from L.A. Jackson lists a number of steps you can take to keep gardening during the sweltering summer heat and help your plants survive.

News and Observer
June 30, 2007
L. A. Jackson, Correspondent

Early gardener can beat the heat

Is it hot enough for you yet? Well, if you're a heat lover, summertime in the simmering Southeast usually doesn't disappoint. Of course, such scorching conditions can take the fun out of gardening, but that is why it's better to do the hardest garden chores early in the morning or late in the day. If you prefer to work with your plants during the heat of the day, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen and don't forget that big, floppy hat!
* If you have recently placed a prized plant just beyond the hose, to get it through the dry times, poke a small hole in the bottom of a plastic one-gallon milk jug, fill it with water, replace the cap and set it next to the plant. The small hole and slight vacuum will let the jug slowly, thoroughly water the plant.
* For a good show of chrysanthemums this fall, fertilize the plants lightly with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks and pinch out new tip growth early in the month to keep the plants bushy.
* For chrysanthemums that are good enough to show in competition this fall, let only one or two shoots develop on each plant and continue to remove any side buds that try to develop for the rest of the growing season.
* Strawflowers that are going to be used in dried arrangements preserve best if they are harvested when their flowers are only half open.
* Most herbs do best with minimal maintenance, but many benefit from a 2- to 3-inch mulch, which will help keep the moisture supply at a constant level.
* If you're considering potted plants or hanging baskets, keep three points in mind: (1) Clay pots allow additional evaporation, so plants in these containers must be watered more often than plants in plastic containers; (2) the smaller the pot, the quicker the soil inside it dries out; and (3) the more you water, the more nutrients leach out of the soil, so water with a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
* Production from the vegetable garden should be in high gear now, but to keep even more crops coming, harvest such veggies as okra, cucumbers, squash, beans and indeterminate tomatoes every two to three days.
* Prune tomato plants to improve production. Prune lower leaves to divert more energy into fruit production. However, resist cutting off any upper foliage that shields tomatoes from the sun because this natural covering helps prevent sunscald.
* Patrol the potato patch for exposed spuds. If you aren't going to harvest them immediately, cover with mulch to prevent the sun from turning them green and making them taste bad.
* Hate how slimy boiled okra gets? Leave the edible stems on the pods and cook them whole.
* Japanese beetles are at their worst this month. If you opt to end their reign of terror in your garden with Japanese beetle traps, remember that they attract before they kill, so place them far, far away from any susceptible plants. The bait in these traps is usually a sex pheromone, so even in an out of the way location, Japanese beetles will find them.
* Don't forget your bird friends. At least once a week, clean the bird bath, and keep the feeder clear of old seed and refilled with fresh feed.
* If you still have bare spots in the garden, midsummer sales are in full force and are sure bets for finding great plant bargains.
* Think the summer garden is nothing but a sea of green? Visit your local arboretum or botanical garden to see how these professional public gardens add color to their summer beds.

Original article...

Saving your plants when traveling

2007-06-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

When you go on vacation or a trip, take steps to save your garden and the plants you have worked hard for. The following tips from Beth Botts can make your gardening life easier...

Chicago Tribune
June 24, 2007
Beth Botts

15 Ways to leave your garden... and go on that carefree vacation

Soaker hoses, drip irrigation systems or a sprinkler,
shown above, can be set on a timer to come on once
in the middle of a vacation week.
Sometime this summer, chances are you’re going to go on vacation. But what about your plants? How will they live without you?
Their major enemies will be heat and moisture loss. But with some planning, you can be pretty confident that you will not come back to a garden or houseplant graveyard.
Choose survivor plants
If you know you are going to be away for a week or more this summer, don’t plant thirsty things such as impatiens. Smart owners of weekend homes who often leave their plants for weeks at a time rely on drought-tolerant species such as black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia) and coneflowers (echinacea), according to Linda Patejdl, co-owner of the Sawyer Garden Center in Sawyer, Mich. The most durable and resilient houseplants for frequent travelers are cacti, succulents and plants with stiff, fleshy leaves such as sansevieria and rubber trees, says Marion Parry, owner of A New Leaf in Chicago.
Use large containers
The larger the container, the better. A large soil volume, such as a half whiskey barrel, will hold moisture longer, while a 1-gallon pot on a hot day will dry out by noon, says Mike McGrath, host of the NPR and Sirius garden show You Bet Your Garden (can be heard at http://www.whyy.org/). And put those large pots on wheeled trays or trolleys so you will be able to move them into the shade. Hanging baskets are especially vulnerable, so a year when you plan a long vacation might be the year to skip them. You could also take them down for a time.
Avoid porous pots
Terra-cotta pots and hanging baskets with coir liners are handsome but they lose moisture quickly, McGrath says. If you like the look, do your actual planting in a plastic pot (with a drainage hole) and hide it inside.
Mulch
That doesn’t mean 6 inches deep, but a 1-inch layer of relatively fine-textured organic mulch over all beds and the surface of all pots will do a lot to hold moisture.
Buy a timer
Soaker hoses or drip irrigation on a timer, set to come on once in the middle of the week, can make a big difference.
Group containers
Move them to the shade. Their mass will tend to hold moisture and humidity, Parry says. If you don’t have a shady spot — probably on a balcony — move plants indoors and put them on saucers. A place where they might receive some rain is best, but even without it, their chances are still better in the shade than with the sun beating down on them.
Move houseplants
Place houseplants at least 4 feet in from a sunny window, Parry says. The heat from that window can fry them. Many can even be moved outdoors into the shade for the summer. And if you can’t give them plenty of ventilation, don’t turn the thermostat up too high. Only you can determine the tradeoff between your electric bill and your carbon footprint on the one hand and possibly cooked plants on the other. Consider a contribution to carbonfund.org.
Don’t overfertilize
It’s tempting to think you should stoke them up before you leave, but plants that have been stimulated by fertilizer use more water.
Water, water, water
Soak every pot and every bed, long and slow, before you leave, says McGrath. It will take a day or two of moving the sprinkler to do the whole garden, so allow for watering and other plant preparations in your vacation schedule.
Empty saucers
More potted plants die from overwatering than from drought. McGrath says, “Ninety-five percent of your wilting-from-drought plants are going to come back. But your drowned plants are dead forever.” So don’t leave potted plants sitting in water. It’s OK to set them on stones or bricks above the level of water in a tray or saucer to maintain humidity indoors.
Pick clean and deadhead
Fruit or flowers left too long signal the plants to stop producing. So pick every vegetable and cut bouquets of roses, says McGrath; if you can’t take them along to the cottage, give them away. Vegetables are edible “as soon as they are identifiable,” says McGrath, even the tiniest ones.
Forget about the lawn
Going dormant for a few weeks in late summer is natural for grass, McGrath says, and will make it less hospitable to grubs. If it’s really dry just before you leave, give the lawn one long soak to keep the roots alive. But turn off the sprinkler system before you leave for the airport and don’t panic if the grass is a little brown when you get back.
Cultivate your neighbors
No matter how you prepare your plants, if you are going to be away for more than a week, you will need someone to come and water a couple of times. Offer the neighbors all the vegetables or flowers they can pick while you’re gone or swap house-sitting chores with them.
Consider a babysitter
If you have an especially prized and delicate houseplant, such as a fern, you may need to deliver it to the care of a knowledgeable person.
What if they die?
Most in-ground plants will recover from a dry week or two, McGrath says. Container plants are far more vulnerable. But even if you lose a couple, don’t let it ruin your vacation memories.

Movable feast of flowers

2007-06-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

Add a few containers to your gardening effort to create movable plants. Then you can put color where you want it and use your plants for any occasion. The options are limitless.

There are several advantages to adding containerized plants to your collection. When entertaining, move them to where they will help dress up your event. When certain areas of your regular plant beds are difficult to dig or plant in, simply place a few containers on bases in those areas to add color without the hassle of dealing with rocky or hard soil. When fall comes move the plants to safer areas or inside to keep them healthy for the next season.

News and Observer
June 23, 2007
Lifestyles

Portable Plantings
Container gardens put instant color anywhere

Container gardening is hot. That's no surprise because it's fun, it's easy and, in a pursuit where patience is often required, it is the ultimate in instant gratification.
There are other reasons to garden in containers. Container gardens can be grown where there is limited space or no soil, such as an apartment balcony or patio. Colorful flowers in pots dress up entryways, providing beauty and a bright welcome to guests (not to mention a nice homecoming to the resident). Container gardens are movable, allowing you to create instant accents in the garden, especially if you select containers that stand out.
A plant that might have added pleasant interest to a garden design can often provide a focal point if it is put in a colorful or interesting container and nestled into the garden bed. In areas where the soil is poor or difficult to work, containers remove the headache and expense of soil preparation.
Occasionally, container gardens can camouflage unsightly septic tank covers or well covers. If you're creative, you can make it look like you intended to have concrete platforms in that spot.
If you haven't tried container gardening, we've got tips to help you get started. And if you've already caught on, maybe you'll be inspired to try a new pot or some interesting plant combinations. Original article...