Hi Gardeners
 |
| Happy Valentines day everyone |
We have a foot or more of snow on the ground here, although we are
expecting another thaw soon, and hopefully some of it will melt. I am so tired of shoveling paths to the
barn. I am lucky to have good neighbors
who plow my driveway for me, but a few days last week were treacherous for driving
if you did decide to go out.
February is my least favorite month. It’s a month to just hibernate if you can and
check off the days on the calendar. My
brother is here visiting my parents from Australia and down there it’s summer
and hot. He’s enjoying the snow and cold
weather. We had a little garden shop talk;
my brother and his wife are avid gardeners.
Where they live winter is mild, rarely less than 40 degrees and they can
grow so many wonderful tropical plants that I have to grow inside. And the birds at their feeders are birds that
cost a fortune here, and only kept inside.
Isn’t it funny that many garden plants grown here are weeds in
other countries? Take goldenrod for
example, here many people consider it a weed, but in Europe it’s a prized
garden plant. Familiarity breeds
contempt as the saying goes. I want some
of my brother’s weeds.
My garden projects this week have been to try and sprout the seeds
I mentioned a week ago, the strange little pumpkin like fruits and the poppy
seeds. The seeds are very old. I have them on damp paper towels and they
gave plumped up but no signs of sprouting yet.
I have also been moving houseplants around trying to find optimum
conditions for them and grooming them. I
found 3 small lemons on my lemon tree, an article on growing lemons is below.
Great Backyard Bird Count
This weekend it’s time for the Great Backyard Bird Count. You can do some citizen science by observing
birds in your yard at a feeder or somewhere close to you. It will only take 15
minutes of your time. The information
you collect and submit helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and
the National Audubon Society. As our
climate changes it’s more important than ever to see what is happening to the
bird population.
The count takes place Friday, February 16, through Monday,
February 19, 2018. If you sign up for and
participate in the count you’ll have access to charts and maps detailing where
various bird species were seen and the counts. The count is taken around the
world, you don’t need to be in the US. Below is a link to the page that will
get you started.
Roses
for Valentine’s day?
Chances are that if you think about flowers on Valentine’s
Day you think about roses and probably red roses. Around 250 million roses will be sold around
this holiday and about three quarters of them will be red. Many of these roses were cut a month or so
ago and held in cold storage with certain chemical treatments to prepare for
the holiday rush. For several weeks
about 30 cargo jets a day, filled with a million or so roses will be landing at
the Miami airport, the hub of the cut flower trade. Many of these will be
unloaded at Cargo Terminal 708, where they are inspected by customs
agents. Then dozens of smaller planes
will be distributing them across the US.
Most of the roses sold in the florist’s shops across the
country are now produced in Columbia, Ecuador, and other South American countries. They were once produced in the USA, California
and Florida were big producers. Then in
1991, in an effort to disrupt coca growing (cocaine production) in Columbia and
other countries The United States lowered the tariffs on imported flowers and sent
in experts to help get the floral industry going. We gave countries grants to install cold
storage at airports for the fragile flowers.
In 2012 the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement permanently
established lower tariff import fees of flowers in exchange for low tariffs on
food crops we export to Columbia.
Did growing cut flowers stop cocaine traffic? No but it helped the Columbian people in
particular develop extremely successful legal businesses that employ thousands
of people. Cocoa growing in Columbia has
decreased but other countries have taken up the slack. Unfortunately, the low cost of labor and
ideal conditions for flower growing in Columbia and other South American
countries decimated the US cut flower market.
There are good sides to the story though for Americans. Cut flowers are affordable for most Americans
to purchase. The supply is regular and
dependable. And thousands of American
jobs still depend on roses and other cut flowers, people are needed to unpack
and inspect flowers, to prepare them for small shipments across the country, to
transport those shipments and to arrange and sell the final product.
Many of the red roses sold in grocery stores and in the
medium and lower price range at florist shops are of one cultivar- the Freedom
rose. It’s a sturdy red rose of medium
size that stores well but has no fragrance.
Other red rose varieties in commerce are Monte Carlo, Madame Red, Sexy Red and Incredible. Those
varieties aren’t often grown in home gardens, because they aren’t very cold hardy. Most florist roses, especially red roses,
have little or no scent. Highly scented
roses don’t store as well as less fragrant ones, at least those produced so far.
Color and number of roses
In the language of flowers red roses symbolize passionate
love. Pink roses symbolize friendship or
sibling type love, pink and peach roses are the colors to give young innocent
girls also. White roses are symbols of
peace, respect or reverence. Be careful gifting
white roses as in some cultures they are associated with death and
funerals. Conversely white roses are
often used in wedding bouquets in the US and other countries to symbolize
purity and innocence. Yellow roses are supposed to symbolize congratulations or
thanks or cheerful celebrations.
There are some very deep red roses sold as black and roses
dyed black. Be careful gifting them as
some people associate them with bad luck and death, others just see them as unique
and different. Purple and lavender roses
are symbolic of royalty, commemoration and dignified celebrations. They are
often used at funerals for men and older people.
So, what do rainbow colored roses symbolize? That you have bad taste, at least in my opinion,
if you are the giver of the roses. These
roses are dyed, and they don’t last as long as undyed flowers in the vase. They
are gaudy and unnatural looking. If you are the recipient of rainbow roses- hey
it’s the thought that counts-right?
By the way, some devout Muslims don’t allow gifts of
flowers between men and women. If your love is Muslim it would be respectful to
ask if it’s appropriate before sending flowers. It is generally ok to bring flowers as a
hostess gift to a Muslim home. One
should not send flowers to a Jewish funeral.
Beside the color of roses, the number of roses you give
is also said to be symbolic and not just of your bank account. One red rose is given to a first date or to a
person who gets to stay on a reality show.
Three red roses is supposed to be a traditional one month anniversary
gift. Six red roses are for infatuation or crushes or youngsters who can’t afford
large bougets to give their love.
A dozen roses says what most want to say on Valentines
day with the gift- you are mine or I love you sincerely. Thirteen roses say we are just friends and
for some people it symbolizes bad luck.
It might be bad luck to give your long-time spouse 13 roses. If you want to be forgiven or express that
you are sorry for something give 15 roses.
Fifty roses is supposed to show your love is limitless (and that you are
very successful financially).
Caring
for cut roses
So, whether you get one rose or 50 how to you care for
them as cut flowers? If the vase you are
going to use is one that’s been used before for flowers make sure its cleaned
out with hot water and soap. Then fill it with clean cool water. Many come with
a little packet of preservative and you should use that. Pennies, sugar, and aspirin
are not helpful in prolonging vase life. Before you place the roses in the vase cut a
small piece off the bottom of each stem.
Stems dry in transit and become clogged and this insures the stem can
take up water.
Flowers tend to last longer if you change the water each
day. Putting the vase of flowers in the
refrigerator overnight can also be helpful in extending vase life. Keep the flowers
out of direct sun and away from heating vents. Florist roses vary in how long
they last from a few days to more than a week.
It depends on how the roses were cared for before they were purchased
and after they are purchased.
Here are some links to previous Valentines Day
articles. You’ll find them on the pages
to the right of the main blog too.
Plants that promise passion
African violets
Violets,
violas
Growing
Your Own Lemons
If you enjoy lemons it is possible for homeowners in the
southern reaches of the US to grow this lovely tree in the yard. And for everyone else, the lemon makes a
wonderful potted plant and can even bloom and produce lemons for you indoors. I have had a lemon tree for many years and
for the last few years I have got a few small lemons each winter from it.
History
of Lemons
No one knows where the first lemon tree grew, somewhere
warm, possibly northwest India. They were known to be cultivated in southern
Italy, the Mideast and China in ancient times.
Sailors and other travelers frequently carried lemons with them to
prevent scurvy. Columbus carried lemons
with him when he landed in the New World in 1492.
Lemons were grown as a crop in California Florida Arizona Italy Spain Greece Cyprus Turkey Southern Mexico
and other Latin American countries also produce lemons.
How
Lemons Grow
The true wild lemons are small trees rarely more than 20 feet
high. The branches and leaves are
alternate on the tree. Lemon trees have sharp thorns, particularly when
young. Some thorn-less or nearly thorn-less
varieties have been bred however. Lemon leaves are thick, shaped like a long
oval with fine serrations on the edge and small “wings” on the leaf stems. They emerge reddish in tint and turn dark
green on top and lighter green below.
The tree is evergreen, retaining its leaves year-round.
Lemons flower sporadically throughout the year, although
commercial varieties are bred to have larger crops at various times of the
year. The lemon flowers are small and white;
they have a pleasant fragrance like orange blossoms, although not as
strong. The lemon fruit varies by
variety but is generally some shade of yellow, although some lemons have green
or white stripes. The fruit is oval
with a characteristic nipple on one end and numerous oil glands on the thick
skin.
Lemon fruit may be left to ripen on the tree and will
remain edible on the tree for several weeks. Commercial growers pick lemons before they are
ripe and “cure” them before they are sold.
Growing
Lemons at Home
Lemons are very susceptible to frost and will survive
outdoor planting only in areas that do not drop below 30 degrees. They can be
covered for a few nights if temperatures get low but won’t survive a long cold
period. Zones 9 and above are probably
the limit of hardiness for outdoor planting but some people have had success
with the hardiest varieties in Zone 8 with some protection.
Many lemons that are sold are grafted on to rootstock
from oranges or other citrus. The
varieties that grow best in your area will differ considerably from what will
grow in other areas. If you are in a
citrus growing county consult with your county Extension
The lemons that are most often planted in yards are
probably the Meyer Lemon and Ponderosa Lemon.
Both are not true lemons but are hybrids between lemons and mandarin
oranges. The fruits taste and look like
lemons although they are not as acidic as true lemons. These are the plants sold most often for
growing as potted plants too.
Outside lemons prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and
protection from strong winds. They do well
in courtyards and against the south wall of homes. Lemons like fertile soil with plenty of
organic matter, preferring a slightly acidic to neutral ph.
Plant your lemon tree at the same level it was growing in
the pot or nursery. After planting, sprinkle
slow release fertilizer, about a cup per tree, on the top of the soil around
the tree and water well. Do not put the
fertilizer in the hole as you plant. In
areas where citrus is grown special citrus fertilizers are generally sold in
garden stores. Feed lemons about three times a year, evenly spaced between
March 1 and November 1.
Water your lemon tree if it gets very dry, although
lemons tolerate some drought. Deep
watering several times a month is preferable to many small amounts of water, as
a tree might get in an irrigated lawn.
Frequent watering where water gets on the trunk makes the lemon tree
susceptible to rot diseases. Also keep
mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.
Lemon trees produce a lot of water sprouts, tiny shoots
that grow on the trunk. These should be removed as soon as they appear. You can prune the tree to keep it smaller or
to shape it but avoid pruning during the winter months. If your tree has thorns, you can clip the
points off without doing any harm.
Remember when you prune you may be removing flower buds.
 |
| My tiny pot grown lemon |
Growing Lemons in Pots
The Meyer and Ponderosa lemon are often sold as house and
patio plants and specialty catalogs may carry some other cultivars suitable for
indoor growing. Buying a plant is preferable to starting a lemon from seed from
a grocery store lemon because those lemons may not be suitable for pot culture
or your growing zone.
In the south where the cold period is short, simply move the
pot inside by a sunny window for a few weeks.
In the north, where cold periods are much longer, you will probably need
to provide supplemental light from a grow light for several hours a day (or all
day).
I think potted lemons do best if they can be moved
outside for the summer. That’s when they
are most likely to bloom. Don’t put them in full sun immediately, put the
potted lemon in a partly shaded spot and move it into full sun after 2 weeks so
that it adjusts without burning the foliage. Lemon trees should be moved inside
before temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
They prefer an indoor temperature of 65-75 degrees.
The pot for your lemon must drain well. Outside on the patio it should be elevated a
few inches, so water drains out quickly.
Use a light, all-purpose potting soil in the pots. Do not start the plant in too large a pot. A 6-8-inch
pot is good for a seedling tree. As the
tree grows move the pot size up by a few inches a year.
Yellowing or pale green leaves generally mean the plant
needs fertilization. If you can find citrus fertilizer, use that at half the
strength recommended for outside plants. Most citrus fertilizers are acidic, an
acidic fertilizer for blueberries can be used. Or you can just use a houseplant
fertilizer for blooming plants. Water the tree when the soil feels dry. Do not over water potted lemons, but they
should never get to the point of wilting.
Indoors lemons are susceptible to scale and spider
mites. Spider mites can be treated by
raising humidity around the plant and frequently misting. Putting the whole plant in a warm shower is
also helpful. Once the tree moves outside spider mites usually disappear. Don’t use pesticides for spider mite
treatment unless the label specifies spider mites as an insect it controls.
Scale looks like brown bumps on leaves, stems and trunks. There may be a sticky “honeydew” on leaves
and near by objects. If the tree is
small enough you can go over every branch and stem and simply scrape off the scales
with your fingernail or a wet cloth.
Larger trees and extreme cases of scale will need to be treated with a
systemic pesticide, which means you will not be able to eat any fruit within
the time frame listed on the label.
Keep your potted lemon pruned so that it remains
manageable. Even small plants can bear
fruit in pots. The lemon is self-pollinating
and doesn’t need another lemon to bear fruit.
Even if the lemon doesn’t give you fruit it makes an attractive
houseplant.
Harvesting
Harvest a lemon for use whenever it feels plump and looks
yellow. They will hold for a long time
on the tree if you don’t need them all at once. Lemons can be canned or juiced
and the juice frozen. Refrigerate ripe
fruits for longer fresh storage.
Don’t expect a large harvest from plants kept indoors, a
few lemons a year are average. Those
lemon fruits are usually smaller than lemons grown outside.
Free Master Gardener
Lesson – Plant Science lesson 3- the anatomy of plants
Whether you are identifying plants, learning about
their care or just interested in botany knowing the parts of plants is
essential. Because this is a basic
overview of plant biology and because I know most people don’t like reading lengthy
science-based articles in a blog I am going to be brief in my
descriptions. But if you feel you need
more information don’t be afraid to ask a question in comments or by emailing
me, kimwillis151@gmail.com
Like animals, plants are made of cells, groups of
organized, specialized cells make tissues, and organs are collections of
tissues working together. Groups of
organs working together to perform specialized tasks are called systems. Let’s
start at the smallest level.
Plant cells
The cell is the basic building block of all living
things. As I mentioned last week plant
cells differ from animal cells because they have a rigid cell wall composed of
cellulose and various other compounds.
Cell walls are what holds the plant upright or give it form, they play a
roll like bones in an animal. There are
several types of cells in a plant and they can have varying cell wall
thickness, depending on what type of tissues they are organized into. Cell walls also have areas where water and
food can pass through them to the next cell.
Working from the outside in, there is a membrane just
inside the cell on the back of the cell wall.
This is called the plasma membrane.
It holds and protects the cytoplasm, a jelly-like material composed of sugar,
water and minerals that is basically filler around other plant cell components
floating in it. In the cytoplasm are
little sacs of pigments, if they are green they are called chloroplasts and if
another color chromoplasts. The
chloroplasts are primarily responsible for photosynthesis, the process in which
the plant makes sugars from sunlight and water.
The chromoplasts help in this process and in other plant functions.
A larger sac like structure in the plant cell
cytoplasm is called the nucleus and it holds the instructions that control
chemical activities and plant characteristics, the DNA. It is often called the “brain” of the cell.
In the center of a plant cell is the dominating
feature that distinguishes a plant cell from an animal cell, the vacuole. It’s a large, water filled sack and it
provides support for the cell walls when it is filled. When the plant cell has enough water the
vacuole provides turgor pressure and the plant looks crisp and firm. If the plant cell doesn’t get enough water
the vacuole shrinks, and the cell walls give a bit and we see the plant droop
or wilt.
Since the plant does not have a way to get rid of
solid wastes it also uses the vacuole to store tiny solid waste particles it
may have taken in from the air or water.
They will be there until the plant dies and decomposes. This is how plants can be used for removing
soil and air pollutants, they go in but can’t get out.
Plant tissues
When cells are organized into groups that work
together to form a function they are called tissues. Meristematic tissues are where all plant
growth/division takes place. This is a
layer of rapidly dividing cells that can produce other, more specialized plant
tissues, they make the buds, stems, leaves and roots and make plants grow in
height or girth. Animals do not have
this specialized growth tissue.
Meristematic tissue is further distinguished by where
on the plant they occur. Apical
meristematic tissue is on the end of a shoot or root. It’s the tissue that causes new plant parts
to form when we propagate a plant from cuttings. It is responsible for upright growth or
length of plant parts.
Intercallary meristematic tissue is found at the bases of
leaves and helps the plant lengthen smaller stems and it’s leaves.
Lateral meristematic tissue would be found in the
other places on the plant, and they expand the width, thickness or girth of a
plant part. Lateral meristematic tissue forms the cambium layer, the layer of
tissue that the plant veins run through, the phloem and xylem. Those specialized transport cells are also
made by the meristematic tissue. Last
week I discussed those plant “vein” cells when I talked about monocots and
dicots. The phloem cells carry sugars (food) and the xylem carry water. They
are made as needed by meristematic tissue and are called vascular tissue.
Plants also have dermal tissues that provide
protection for the plant. The outermost
tissue layer on a plant is called the epidermis and is comparable to animal
skin. In plants the epidermis often has a waxy layer on the top called cutin,
which protects the cells beneath it. Periderm
is the thick protective tissue we call bark.
Periderm also protects the tips of roots as the push through soil, in a
layer called the root cap.
 |
| Periderm ( bark) |
The epidermis also has specialized cells which make
pores called stomata. Stomata consists
of 2 guard cells which can expand or contract and regulate the flow of water
vapor and other gases in and out of the plant.
When the stomata cells are full of water they push the cell pore open
allowing more water vapor and gas to exit.
When the stomata are told they need to conserve water (when they don’t
have enough water), they collapse a bit and close the pore. To visualize this think of a coin purse where
you push the sides together and the center opens. When you relax your hand, it closes.
Another type of tissue that plants have is ground
tissue. It is generally for support and
storage and for completing and regulating some plant processes. The Parenchyma
is ground tissues that occurs in all plants and is
living. It performs or directs some chemical processes in
plants. Most cells carrying on photosynthesis are in the parenchyma tissue. They
help regulate plant processes such as respiration. This tissue may store sugars
or turn sugar into starches.
Collenchyma is plant tissue that performs support function for
younger plants. The cell walls aren’t as
rigid as some plant cells and allow young plants to bend while still providing
structural support. They are usually found in green stems and branches and the
cells are alive.
Sclerenchyma
tissue is what we call “wood” in trees.
It consists of non-living cells that supply support and strength for
larger plants.
When tissues group together to perform certain functions,
they form the plant organs. Plant organs are leaves, roots, stems, and
reproductive parts. Plant organ systems,
groups of related organs, are the roots (below ground parts) and shoots (above
ground parts.)
Flowers, Leaves and
stems- the shoots
The most important function of leaves is to absorb
sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. (In a very few plants the stems are
the primary organ of photosynthesis).
Leaves may also provide protection for reproductive organs and they are
where most plants release most of their gaseous waste, water vapor, oxygen or
CO2 and so on. Most leaves have two parts, the blade and the petiole or leaf
stem. In another article I’ll discuss
the shape variations and function of leaves.
Stems are the plant organ that provide support for
the leaves and reproductive parts. They
protect and support the plant vascular system. Buds form along the stems in
most plants. Buds are embryonic plant
parts which can turn into either flowers or leaves. There are many types of
stems and I will discuss them in another article.
Reproductive organs are flowers and the male and
female parts they contain. These are the
anthers, stigma, and ovaries, which turn into fruits. Flowers are complex
organs. If a flower has sepals, petals, and both sex structures they are called
complete flowers. If they are missing one
of these, and many flowers are, they are called an incomplete flower. I’ll
probably make a whole article about flowers because there is so much to talk about.
 |
| Apricot buds and bloom. |
Roots
Roots are another plant organ. Roots anchor the plant in the soil, but their
most important function is to absorb water and minerals from the soil for plant
processes. They also store water and food, and that makes many roots good food
for us too. Knowing what type of roots your landscape and
houseplants have will help you in care decisions such as knowing whether the
plant can be easily transplanted and knowing whether you can divide the plants
to make several new plants.
There are two types of root systems, taproot and
fibrous. Taproots are long and thick and
mostly unbranched, although they are sometimes forked or otherwise
distorted. A carrot is a good example of
a taproot. Fibrous roots have many
branches, forming a net like web underground.
There may be some roots that are larger and thicker but there is no one
central root. Grass has a fibrous root
system as does lettuce, tomatoes, and many garden perennials and houseplants.
Roots have an epidermal layer of tissue on the
outside and this tissue often produces root hairs, tiny thread like protrusions
that can penetrate the pores in soil to take up more water and nutrients. Both
taproots and fibrous roots may have root hairs.There are many modifications to roots and stem parts
that seem like roots, such as tubers, corms, bulbs, and rhizomes. I’ll discuss
them in another article.
I think we have enough material to digest here. I
used to teach this class in a 4-hour session.
It’s a lot to digest in that time but MG students do have a manual to
refer to for review. As homework I
suggest you cut a stalk of celery crosswise and place it in a glass of water in
which you have added some bright food color, a fresh cut is needed. Leave it an hour or so and the dye will be
taken up by the vascular tissue. You’ll
be able to see the vascular tissue, ground tissue and epidermal tissue. It will also show you the celery is still
alive, think of that next time you munch some.
Dominican Fried
Chicken
Here’s a good recipe to try for a Valentines day
meal. It’s a tropical take on chicken. It’s usually served with rice but sweet
potatoes or regular potatoes are also good.
This fairly simple recipe is a delight for the taste buds. You will need to add about 4 hours of
marinating time to the preparation.
Ingredients
3 ½ to 4-pound chicken, cut up in serving size pieces-
note smaller pieces cook more evenly, I would divide large breasts.
¼ cup dark rum
¼ cup Japanese soy sauce
¼ cup lime juice
1 cup flour
2 cups of frying oil, preferably not soy or canola
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the rum in a saucepan. Ignite the rum with a lighter and swirl it back
and forth in the pan until the flames are gone.
This removes most of the alcohol.
Place the rum, lime juice and soy sauce in a large
plastic bag or bowl with a tight cover. Add
the chicken pieces and swirl them in the fluid until well coated.
Marinate the chicken in the rum mix for 4 hours in
the refrigerator. Occasionally turn the bag or bowl upside down to
re-distribute the marinade.
Place the flour in a pan or bowl and add the pepper
and the amount of salt you prefer and stir to mix it well. You can also use a
large plastic bag for the flour.
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and
pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Then dip it in the flour, rolling pieces to coat them well or drop them
in a plastic bag with the flour and shake.
Place each piece of coated chicken on a plate or tray
until all are coated.
Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet until it’s
quite hot (375 degrees F) but not smoking.
Fry a few pieces of chicken at a time so they are not
crowded in the pan. Fry until crispy and
light brown, about 15 minutes.
Place the fried pieces on paper towel lined baking
sheets and keep in a warm oven until all are fried. Keep hot until served.
I
want a dome over my house, one giant greenhouse, no snow.
Kim Willis
“He who has a garden and
a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero
© Kim Willis - no parts of this
newsletter may be used without permission.
And So On….
Find Michigan garden events/classes
here:
(This
is the Lapeer County Gardeners facebook page)
An interesting Plant Id page you can
join on Facebook
Here’s a seed/plant sharing group you
can join on Facebook
Newsletter/blog information
If you have a comment or opinion you’d like to share, send it to
me or you can comment directly on the blog. Please state that you want to have
the item published in my weekly note if you email me. You must give your full
name and what you say must be polite and not attack any individual. I am very
open to ideas and opinions that don’t match mine but I do reserve the right to
publish what I want. Contact me at KimWillis151@gmail.com
I write this because I love
to share with other gardeners some of the things I come across in my research
each week. It keeps me engaged with people and horticulture. It’s a hobby,
basically. I hope you enjoy it. If you are on my mailing list and at any time
you don’t wish to receive these emails just let me know. If you know anyone who
would like to receive a notification by email when a new blog is published have
them send their email address to me. KimWillis151@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment