Your All Things Plants newsletter for May 14, 2012

Some numbers from last week:
The most popular images this week from our database:

Photo of Pyrenees Thrift (Armeria juniperifolia) by tabby:
Image from plant ID 110627

Photo of Sage (Salvia 'Indigo Spires') by dave:
Image from plant ID 112199

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Xylophone Jazz') by Ladylovingdove:
Image from plant ID 183467

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Can't Touch This') by Ladylovingdove:
Image from plant ID 235216

Photo of Wake-Robin (Trillium recurvatum) by Fran:
Image from plant ID 79329

There were 10 new gardening ideas posted last week:

A quick snow tip

By mcash70
May 14, 2012
A quick snow tip

In cold zones where you are fortunate enough to get snow, it's a good idea to shovel extra snow on plants and shrubs, especially near the foundation as it doesn't always get good coverage. The plants are more likely to die from drying out rather than the cold.

(one comment)

Garden Tours:  Huggergirl, (Tamara)

By Sharon
May 13, 2012
Garden Tours: Huggergirl, (Tamara)

Northeast Indiana might give gardeners a challenge with its hilly terrain, but Tamara is meeting that challenge with beautiful blooms. Let's take a look as she shares her gardens with us. (543 words - Read the full article)

(15 comments)

Hardening off seedlings

By chelle
May 12, 2012
Hardening off seedlings

When you need to be away for the day, and you're not sure about continuing weather conditions, evergreen trees or low-branched leafy shrubs can help baby-sit your seedlings while you're away. (149 words - Read the full article)

(5 comments)

Are you getting your weekly ideas in your email?

By dave
May 12, 2012
Are you getting your weekly ideas in your email?

Subscribe to the ATP newsletter so that you can receive these tips, articles and other ideas in your email inbox!

(5 comments)

May plants for honey bees

By Mindy03
May 11, 2012
May plants for honey bees

May is the month when late spring blooms are going strong and early summer blooms are getting ready to show off. The living is good for honey bees. (360 words - Read the full article)

(7 comments)

Review: Young's Garden

By Trish
May 10, 2012
Review: Young's Garden

Sedums, Sempervivums, and Succulents - they are all the rage in gardening circles. Join me now as I review one of the leaders - Young's Garden. (443 words - Read the full article)

(12 comments)

Poison ivy tip

By SongofJoy
May 10, 2012
Poison ivy tip

Need to eradicate poison ivy in your yard this spring? If the leaves are still young and shiny, spray the plant with a solution of 4 tablespoons pure liquid soap (not detergent) mixed in a quart of water. This can kill surrounding vegetation as well so be careful when spraying. And don't handle any parts of the dead plants without gloves and skin protection since the toxic oil (urushiol) can remain active for years in a dead poison ivy plant.

(9 comments)

Deck saver tip

By goldfinch4
May 9, 2012
Deck saver tip

Leaking water from containers can be hard on your deck. Prevent water damage by placing decorative "feet" or stones under your containers to allow air flow.

(7 comments)

A quick tip about aphids

By psa
May 8, 2012
A quick tip about aphids

Aphids come in all colors, including green, yellow, red, and black, doing damage primarily to young, tender foliage and buds. They're defenseless and can easily be squished, brushed, or sprayed off. Insecticidal soap sprays and oils may be used as well, but they will harm your aphid predators, too. Control for ants in the area, since colonies often spread aphids, protecting them and feeding off of the sticky sweet substance they produce.

(one comment)

Discovering alpine and sub-alpine plants

By valleylynn
May 8, 2012
Discovering alpine and sub-alpine plants

I was a long time coming to the realization of the vast scope and variety of alpine plants. There are many of them that are easy to grow, if given the right conditions. (1,703 words - Read the full article)

(35 comments)