Norman

 How to Care for the White Fountain Grass

The white fountain grass was the first ornamental grass that I was introduced to many years ago since then I have learned about so many other ornamental grasses which are grown and made available for our use. The white fountain grass is another ornamental beauty that is worth our attention.

This grass has also earned its way on the list of ornamental grasses that has and is making an impact. I have seen these plants used on so many landscapes and garden designs as I drive around the county. The five-star resort where I was employed several years ago used these grasses on its grounds to create beautiful designs.

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 Caring for the Purple Fountain Grass

I love the purple fountain grass because of its rich color along with its feathery display which I think makes this ornamental grass one of the more highly prized and favorites. This perennial beauty is not cold hardy and is best suited for zone 9. What I also love about the purple fountain grass is that it is so simple to care for.

There is a business establishment that I often pass which has several of these growing in a bed that looks like a rock garden. These grass are just going for themselves looking so healthy and beautiful. I am often amazed as I pass that area sometimes taking a look at them and admiring their beauty.

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Tips for Growing Miscanthus

The world of ornamental grasses is so fascinating, these grasses have made such an impact on many landscapes and gardens. The Miscanthus Sinensis or maiden grass is another ornamental which has proven that it can spice up your garden with its amazing appearance. The Miscanthus is a native of Asia but can be seen growing throughout the United States. These grasses are used by many homeowners. Miscanthus can reach heights anywhere from 3-15 depending on the variety with feathery plumes which are showy.

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Growing Pampas Grass

Another ornamental grass that is worth giving our attention to is the white pampas grass. This ornamental beauty is a native of North America. The plumes of the Pampas Grass is showy and will stand out in just about any landscape or garden design, the statement that this ornamental grass makes is so bold.

The Pampas Grass is truly an amazing plant with its soft puffs of feathery plumes that sit atop a slender stock that will take your garden to the next level. This ornamental grass is said to be used in many floral arrangements. The foliage (leaves) of this garden beauty grows full or in clumps. With a plant like this and its amazing display of white will give that WOW. For more on the Pampas grass continue reading as we learn how to grow and care for them.

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Tips for Growing the Pink Muhly Grass

A grass that I have found to be very unique is the pink muhly grass. This ornamental beauty is a native of North America which has an amazing color that is so inviting. When in full bloom the muhly grass produces a pink color that is showy, I remember seeing this color many years ago and was very impressed with this display. Not to be in a rush however because the muhly grass produces this color only during the colder months so be patient because this beautiful display of pink is worth the wait.

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 Growing and Caring for Red Fountain Grass

Ornamental grasses have found their way into the hearts of many garden designers, home and business owners. These grasses can give that much-needed flavor with a stylish appearance which is so amazing. I have work with some of them on many garden projects to create such pleasing designs.

I have seen red fountain grass used in my garden designs as I drive around the country, it is no wonder why these grasses are well-loved. The style in which they grow with a soft restful look as the leaves and the flowers is positioned in such a graceful manner makes this plant a must for your garden and landscape projects.

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How to Care for Ferns

It is a common thing to see ferns growing in the wild, some of these places include the rainforest and also woodlands. This tropical to sub-tropical beauty belongs to a family of nearly 12,000 species. I have used these garden materials on many interior plantscape projects to create beautiful garden designs.

If you have an interest in the growth and care of ferns then this may be the post for you. What I love about nature is nature has so much to offer so let’s connect with nature by giving nature a helping hand as we take a closer look at these amazing garden wonders that have caught not only the attention but the hearts of so many people.

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Preparing Your House Plants for Outdoors

A challenge for many beginner gardeners is having the know-how of hardening off indoor plants for the great outdoors. Some because of a lack of knowledge in this area have paid the price dearly or should I say their plants paid the price which was so unfortunate. Indoor plants are grown in a controlled environment and because of this, their response is quite different when they are placed outdoors.

Plants that are acclimated or groomed for the indoors are grown as such to adapt to this kind of environment so taking them and placing them outdoors will be doing both you and them a great injustice. I have seen the results of indoor plants that were treated this way. From indoors directly outdoors and to be honest with you the end result was not pretty.

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 Geiger Tree Growing Tips

The Geiger tree is a warm-season plant that is native to the West Indies, South Florida, and the Caribbean, this tree is a beautiful garden plant that shoots amazing orange flowers. The Geiger tree can really highlight your garden area, makes a good garden plant if you are living in coastal areas because these plants can hold up well when exposed to the salt sprays. This plant it seems is tailor-made to coastal areas because they do well in salty soils.

The Geiger tree, however, is a slow grower so much patience is needed when growing this plant, the good part to this story is that if you are looking for a low maintenance plant, investing in this garden beauty is worth the effort. Another feature is the rounded dense canopy which will give that much-needed flavor.

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How to Successfully Propagate Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a plant wonder which can create wonder. I have worked with these garden beauties over the years and to be honest with you bromeliads are worth the investment. The bromeliad family is very huge in fact there are some 2, 700 species of bromeliads with their individual beauty and uniqueness.

If you are looking for hardy type plants with an array of amazing colors then look no further bromeliads are the plant for you. Bromeliads can both be grown out and indoors to give that color pop. I have seen first hand what they can do when they are incorporated into a garden design.

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Jasmine Plant Growing Guide

Jasmine is a gardener’s choice, this tropical sub-tropical beauty has an amazing fragrance and what makes the jasmine more unique is that there are over 200 hundred species making the jasmine a very huge family. The jasmine also produces beautiful white flowers so if you are ever thinking of installing a beautiful fragrant plant the jasmine is the plant for you.

My wife and I brought a jasmine plant a few years ago and planted it near our bedroom window and there are times in the stillness of the evening when the weather is cool and cozy the beautiful aroma that comes through our bedroom window from her jasmine plant is pretty amazing. So sit back and continue reading on how to grow these fragrant beauties both in and outdoors.

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ZZ Plant Grow Guide

The ZZ plant will give you a BANG for your BUCK. This garden beauty can really withstand drought conditions and still look as beautiful and healthy as ever. The scientific name for the ZZ plants is Zamioculas Zamiiffolia, now I don’t want you to get tongue twisted trying to pronounce this name so we will just stick to ZZ which is so easy.

The ZZ plant is a tropical plant that is native to eastern Africa, the ZZ plant is also a perennial plant which means you can care for this garden beauty from year to year with amazing results. The leaves of the ZZ plant are green, small, and glossy, I have had success with them over the years creating beautiful designs installing them with other garden plants, or planting them as a stand-alone or specimen plant.

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Tips for Growing Periwinkle

Create a garden design that is bursting with colors by installing periwinkles. Periwinkles are very popular among many homeowners and garden designers. I have seen these garden beauties in so many gardens making a beautiful impact. Besides their beautiful color what I love about the periwinkle is they are ground covers that can block out weeds, also this plant on reaching maturity can survive on very little water.

What causes the periwinkle to stand out in a garden design is to have a mixture of colors growing in masses, an effect like this is very pleasing to the eyes making a major impact. But how do we grow and care for these garden beauties that can really bring that much-needed flavor to your garden and landscape?

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Successful Tips to Growing Red Hot Hibiscus

Bring that sizzle to your landscapes and gardens with the red hot hibiscus. This tropical beauty is HOT and will bring that much-needed flavor with its beautiful flowers and variegated leaves, the red hot hibiscus has made a name for its self.

What I love about this plant is having that constant color year-round. When the flower bloom period has passed the red hot hibiscus still adds that sizzle and dazzle with its colorful leaves. A plant like this is worth having as a part of your garden and landscape design.

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A Tough Plant that is Low Maintenance

The green island ficus, for the most part, is a gardener’s favorite. This garden beauty with its round shiny green leaves is a low-maintenance plant that can save you time and work in the garden. I have seen these plants over the years making their mark in so many gardens and landscape designs.

What is also great about this plant is that it is a slow grower so no need to worry about constant pruning. The green island ficus is also drought tolerant meaning it can survive on very little water and the added bonus is it is also salt tolerant so if you are living in a coastal area and looking for a plant that can survive the salt sprays which are carried by the wind then this is the plant for you.

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How to Successfully Grow and Care for Travelers Palm

Grown for its charm and style the travelers palm is a tropical beauty that is native to Madagascar. History has it that this palm got its name from travelers who traveled long distances which became thirsty and would use a knife or sharp object to slice into the leaves drinking the water that was stored. It is said that the traveler’s palm can store up to half a gallon of water. Now that’s a lot to quench once thirst traveling long distances, especially during the summertime.

The traveler’s palm can be mistaken for a large banana tree to the inexperienced but the unique design along the midsection is a clear indication that this is not a banana tree. The traveler’s palm can grow very large therefore sufficient space should be provided when installing this plant. What also makes the travelers palm unique is the creamy white flowers that it produces.

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Tips on Growing Your Crown Of thorns

The crown of thorns is a garden beauty that is a native of Madagascar that gives that royal touch If you are looking for colors then this garden plant will surely spice up your life. I have worked with the crown of thorns on many garden projects and have never been disappointed. Driving around the country I have seen these garden plants gracing many garden and landscape designs.

There are some crown of thorns that are dwarf, the flowers of the crown of thorns are red and yellow but don’t be fool by these beauties because the name says it all, the crown of thorns are covered with thorns and if you are not careful can leave you with a painful experience so when installing and caring for these plants caution should be taken.

What I love about the crown of thorns is it can withstand the heat and they are drought-tolerant, also the flowers of the crown of thorns are small and fashioned in such a way that really causes this garden beauty to stand out. For more on how to grow the crowns of thorns and where to install them continue reading.

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Tips on Growing the White Bird of Paradise

The white bird of paradise is an exotic tropical plant that resembles a banana tree. This plant can grow pretty large so when installing in your home garden ample space is needed for this garden beauty to perform at its best. I have used the white bird of paradise on many interiorscape projects which we will be discussing a bit later but for now, I want us to turn our attention to growing these birds in the home garden.

Things you must know

To have success with this tropical beauty here is what you will need to know.

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Growing Crinum Lilies Successfully

The crinum lily is a tropical plant that can be found in many home gardens. This tropical beauty is a native of South Asia and produces white flowers that are very shower and eye-catching. I have worked with these lilies on many garden projects and love to see them growing together in groups provided they have the proper spacing which is 4-6 ft

Crinum lilies can also be installed as a centerpiece and make a great stand-alone or specimen plant. The Queen Emmas has big purplish leaves and a nice fragrance. Queen Emmas can also reach a height of 5-6 ft, The crinum lilies have a few common names such as the swamp lily, Bengal lily, and the spider lily. These garden beauties can be purchased from your nursery or garden center as a full-plant or as bulbs. To grow crinum lilies follow these steps for garden success.

Things you must know

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Tips for Growing Ornamental Pineapple

Pineapples have been a favorite for as long as I can remember. These fruits are delicious and are used to flavor many drinks, treats, and pastries. Here where I live in the Bahamas, the Island of Eleuthera which is one of our Family Islands is known for the number of pineapples it produces year-round. Pineapples are used in many edible garden designs, however, in this article, we will be discussing another type of pineapple that is not edible but is grown for its beauty.

Ornamental Pineapple Plant Care

Pineapples are a part of the bromeliad family which has some 2,700 species of bromeliads that are too numerous to name, among these bromeliads are the ornamental pineapples which can bring flavor to your landscapes and gardens, as beautiful as these plants are the fruits are not edible but adds to the beauty of this garden plant. When first introduced to ornamental pineapples a few years ago I was blown away and fascinated.

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How to Successfully Grow Copper Leaf

The copper leaf plant is a garden shrub that comes in an array of colors this garden beauty is a native of the South Pacific Islands and also goes by the name of Jacob’s Coat or the Fire Dragon. What I love about copper leaf is that the color is in the leaves which means you can have constant colors throughout your garden and landscapes year-round which is a great benefit. I have worked with these plants on many garden projects. The variegated leaves of the copper leaf can really give that WOW, as for me my favorite color is dark red which is really amazing. This garden beauty can grow anywhere from 6-10 ft.

If you are searching for a plant that can add dazzling colors which is a garden favorite of many homeowners then the copper leaf is the plant for you, so continue reading this post and discover how to successfully grow the copper leaf that has made its mark among garden plants.

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How to Grow and Care for Hawaiian Tie plants

The Hawaiian tie plant is a beauty that can really light up your garden, the Hawaiian tie plant has several different names such as the tree of kings, three sisters, the miracle plant, and so on but it does not matter the many common names this plant has, what does matter is this garden beauty can add that much-needed color.

The Hawaiian ti plant can also be grown and cared for indoors which we will be discussing a bit later but for now, I want us to look at how to successfully install these plants in our garden and landscapes. I have seen many beautiful garden designs with a nice display of tie plants, including several projects which I was involved with that give that WOW.

Things you will need to know

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Tips for Growing Crotons Indoors

There are many species of crotons which makes this plant a must for your garden area. Some of these crotons include Petras, gold dust, corkscrew, bananas, and so on. I have worked with several of these species creating many beautiful garden designs both out and indoors. What I love about crotons is that you can have constant color year-round because the beauty of the colors is in the leaves which means no need to worry about plants losing their bloom because the season is gone.

It only makes sense to install crotons amount flowering plants so as those plants lose their bloom the crotons will continue to give that color which I believe is a benefit. The downside to these garden babies is they are very fragile so you must handle them with care because the leaves break very easily but don’t let that stop you, installing these tropical beauties is worth the investment so with that said we will be looking at how to grow and care for crotons.

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Growing Tips for the Schefflera Arboricola

Beautiful shiny leaves that are variegated in colors of green with a splash of yellow although some may have straight green leaves make the Schefflera Arboricola a must-have. In my opinion, this garden beauty is a show stopper and can be installed as a specimen plant or grouped together to form a hedge. The five-star resort I was employed at many years ago had many of these plants growing not only in their gardens but also as a part of the interior design.

I along with some of my then co-workers was given the responsibility to create beautiful designs on the interior with these evergreens. The Schefflera Arboricola can be grown as shrubs or standard plants. I have also installed these plants in many outdoor gardens and what I found so amazing is they can survive on very little water.

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Care and Growth of Ixora

The Ixora perennial plant produces flower blooms that come in an array of colors. This tropical to semi-tropical plant is grown widely in many home gardens and can also be found growing commercially. I have worked with these plants over the years and know the beauty and flavor they contribute to a garden area.

What is so unique about this garden beauty is that the flowers are small and grows in a cluster that sets this perennial apart from other garden plants. The Ixora is also known as the flame of the woods. This tropical plant can be found growing all over South Florida so if you are living in a region that meets the conditions of the Ixora making these babies a part of your garden design will give that WOW.

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Firebush Growing Guide

The Firebush is a woody plant that is native to Central America, South Florida, and the West Indies. The flower which the Firebush produces is very beautiful and unique with a mixture of yellow and red-orange color. This woody shrub can reach a height of 15 ft and will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Several of these plants are grown at our international airport that graces many of our garden areas. The Firebush is a hardy plant and can withstand the heat so if you are looking for a beautiful garden plant with amazing flowers then the Firebush is the plant that will bring that much-needed flavor. There is also a dwarf variety that can be purchased from your garden plant nursery.

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Caring for Gardenia Plants

The gardenia plant produces beautiful milk-white flowers that have an amazing fragrance. These plants really stand out in a garden area when they are in full bloom. I Have a gardenia in my front yard that has been growing for some years now and during those seasons when this plant is in full bloom the clusters of white flowers that are produced are very pleasing to the eyes that you can’t help but enjoy this beautiful display.

Many homeowners have gardenias as a part of their garden design, I was not aware of this until traveling back and forth passing many homes and seeing them beautifully growing in their front yards. If you are interested in growing and caring for these garden beauties then follow these simple steps for growing gardenias success.

Things you need to know

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A Rose that can Withstand Harsh Conditions

If you are looking for a plant that is easy to maintain yet produces beautiful flowers then the desert rose is the plant for you. Many years ago I had the wonderful task of maintaining a few of these plants for a  private home that sat on a beautiful golf course that had such a breathe taking view this home was stylish and very classy. I would spend days installing, cleaning, grooming, watering, and fertilizing the garden plants that graced this mansion.

One of the plants that the homeowners had as part of their interior plantscape was a few desert roses that we paid very little attention to. Believe me when I tell you that we gave more attention to the other plants why because the desert rose plant is a low maintenance plant which can save you time and money, just install them and they will go for themselves. With that said we will be looking at the care of the desert rose plant.

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Garden Tips for Growing Snow Bush

The snow bush plant has been a favorite for many years. The variegated leaves that are a splash of white, light pink-reddish, and green cause this plant to stand out as it displays its colors giving that soft touch. This tropical beauty can be used as a hedge or can be grown as a stand-alone or specimen plant.

I have seen snow bush in many home gardens. The five-star resort where I was employed many years ago had several of these snow bushes installed throughout their garden areas which looked really great. The snow bush can highlight a garden that has a lot of green for its backdrop, installing this plant more to the front will give that WOW. Snown bush is worth the investment so with that said let’s take a closer look at some gardening tips for growing snow bush.

Garden tips for growing snow bush

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Tips for Growing Plumbago Successfully

Plumbagos are shrubs that produce a beautiful blue flower which causes this plant to stand out in many commercial and urban garden designs. This shrub thrives well in the tropics and can be seen in many home gardens so if you are looking for a plant that will add some color to your spring garden then this may be the right plant for you.

The plumbago shrub is a native of South Africa but can also be found in Florida and Texas. These shrubs can reach a height of over 6 ft and can act as a screen plant or can be kept at a height of your preferences by keeping them nicely pruned. But how do I grow and care for this plant in my home garden? I am so happy that you asked. Here is how it is done.

Things you must know to grow this plant successfully

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Anthurium Plant Care

Another name for the anthurium plant is called the Lady Jane, this is one Lady that is sure to get you excited with her beauty. The flowers of this plant come in many beautiful colors that can lighten up any area. I have worked with anthuriums over the years and have taken delight in bringing much-needed flavor to garden projects which gave that WOW.

The Lady Jane description

What I also love about this Lady is the charm that she brings with her beautiful glossy flowers and thick shiny leaves. The five-star resort where I was employed many years ago had both my team along with self-installed many of these plants throughout their garden areas including the interior.

A plant that stands alone

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