December 5, 2007
Spider Mites on Houseplants
Winter is the time many people start to notice spider mites on houseplants. The dry, indoor air and reduced plant vigor seem to favor the mites.
A Gardener's Version of the Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the yard the branches were bare and the ground frozen hard; The roses were dormant and mulched all around to protect them from damage if frost heaves the ground. The perennials were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of 5-10-5 danced in their heads. The new-planted shrubs, had been soaked by the hose to settle their roots for the long winter's doze; And out on the lawn, the new fallen snow protected the roots of the grasses below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a truck full of gifts of gardening gear.
Mistletoe: a Kiss of Death?
Many plants help usher in the good cheer of the holiday season: Christmas trees, holly, poinsettias. But one plant, mistletoe, is not as harmless as it appears. Although people view mistletoe as a symbol of romance and peace, to a tree, mistletoe is a serious threat.