Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

I feel sorry for the Poinsettia. It has gotten such a bad rap for the past several years. So many people believe that the leaves of the beautiful holiday plant are poisonous. It all started back in the early part of the 20th Century when the young child of a U.S. Army Officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf. The story was later retracted. But, as these things have a habit of doing, the toxic potential of this plant took a life of its own. The truth really is that other than occasional cases of vomiting, ingestion of the poinsettia plant has been found to produce no ill effect. The American Medical Association agrees with this fact. So, no worries about your children or your pets. Just enjoy this wonderful plant that has come to represent the Holiday Season!!!

Forcing Paper White Bulbs is so Easy!!

If you want beautiful paper whites blooming for the holidays then you better get going! Here is a great idea for you! All you have to do is go to your local garden center and buy some fresh bulbs and plant on a gravel base in a bowl of water. The bulbs should just be sitting on the gravel and only the bottom of the bulb should be touching the water. I like to plant my bulbs in potting soil mixed with a heavy dose of sand. Then cover the soil with green sheet moss. Place in a sunny and warm area indoors and in just a few weeks you will have beautiful flowers! It is almost too late for the Christmas Holidays, so if you don't have the time then you can usually find them already growing at your local florist!

AWESOME FALL BULB

If you know me, then you know I am all about keeping things simple. This is no exception in my garden. I hate planting bulbs..........Really.....................I just despise it. So if by chance I am going to plant some bulbs this season, then I want a bulb that will perform like a champ in spring, making my sweat and hard work pay off.

So, I have a great spring blooming bulb that will make your neighbors soooooooooooo jealous. I love that!!!!!! If you like daffodils then buy the 'Jetfire'. It has yellow petals and an orange throat. What is great about it, is that it blooms like crazy. Mine lasted 5 weeks last year. Each bulb produced over 8 stems of flowers. That's right...........One bulb............Just say in.

FEEDING BULBS

So you have decide to plant some fall bulbs. Good for you!!!!!!!!! I just ordered mine and I can't wait to have my crew plant them. I have to be honest, I hate to plant bulbs. No immediate gratification. But in late winter and early spring, I am glad they are there.

If you want many seasons of bloom, it's a good idea to work in a bit of rock phosphate at planting time. But it's not necessary to fertilize spring-blooming bulbs to be honest. Sure I want to sell you some product, but assuming you've bought quality bulbs, next year's bud is already inside and your first season of bloom is assured.

When the leaves appear in spring, sprinkle some compost or well-rotted cow manure around the base of the plant, or water once with a high-phosphorus soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength.

So easy...............I like it that way....

Have a great day...........

AWESOME DECKS AND PATIOS

So many of us spend alot of time outdoors, especially this time of year. Whether you have a patio or a deck, you can decorate and accessorize to give that designer look. First, you want to mix and match your furniture. Add a nice teak sofa with plush cushions and then for contrast, add contemporary chairs for added excitement. Don't be afraid to take a risk. Don't be shy!!!! Let go and experiment.

If you need a dining area then forget about the typical matching set. Get an old door and use it as a table with a iron base. Then instead of chairs use benches. Accessorize with old, over-sized candle operas. Don't forget to add other elements such as antique statues, and an iron console table.

Containers with an assortment of lush plants will soften your area. Then go bold and use urns planted with the Americana Agave. Agave love heat and can tolerate being planted in small containers. They look like a living sculpture. Then add fun plants such as a sedum planted turtle and even a bonsai tree.

Sit back and enjoy the world around you!!!!

EVIL NASTY WEEDS

It time to get off that couch and get those yard chores done. This is the time to apply pre-emergent to prevent those evil weeds from germinating. If you get lazy and wait to long....watch out..........Your lawn will look like a country lawn this winter. If by chance your weeds have germinated then just apply a post-emergent.

Don't forget to apply a pre-emergent to your flower beds as well. You will thank me later........

Have a great weekend.........

Chris

PANSIES, MUMS, AND CABBAGES...ITS TIME!!!

With the cooler temperatures it is time to go ahead and plant your pansies, ornamental cabbages and kale, snapdragons, curled leaf parsley, Swiss chard, and fall mums. Remember to add some fresh new organic mix and fertilize with a slow release fertilizer. Plant your flowerbeds nice and full to get that instant look.

Don't forget...Botanica Gardens at 1601 Rebsamen Park Road in Little Rock is having their huge Fall Extravaganza....big savings!!!!!!! Check it out at botanicagardens.com.