It is "Pruning Time"

BY Pamela Nobles

Glancing around the outdoors where many of my plants have remained during the cold winter season lets me know that it is now time for pruning. When temperatures begin to plummet below freezing for an extended period of time, even the covering with freeze cloths doesn’t always help when the fierce winds blow. Even so, it can become a good thing, depending upon how you look at the situation.
Pruning your various plants will vary in scope. It’s a way of removing the old to bring on the new. Plants will bear much fruit when this technique is applied to bring forth new stems and buds which will make them spectacular in the spring. The simplicity of pruning plants is the same for "in ground" plants as it is for "in container" plants. Pruning maintains the health of plants, production of flowers or fruit, growth direction and undesirable growth removal.
Let me give you several situations I have faced which might help you. For instance several pots of the Asparagus sprengeri ferns had many new fronds* that were coming out every where, due to the warm weather. Knowing the type of fern made it easy for me to prune, due to its invasive growth. In fact I’ve decided to cut them all back, with a two-fold reasoning; easier to divide, and production multiplies to share.
Having worked with several Crepe myrtles, it’s amazing to me how resilient these shrubs can be. However, they too need pruning. They will bloom on new wood, so prune them late winter or early spring to increase next summer’s flower production. Remove side branches on trunks up to 4-5 ft. and inner branches reveal attractive trunks. After doing some research on pruning the crepe myrtles I was shocked (to say the least) at the following statement after I had already committed this crime! It reads as follows:
Don’t Commit "Crepe Murder"
Don’t chop your large crepe myrtles down to ugly stubs each spring just because your neighbors do.
This ruins the natural form and encourages the growth of spindly, whip like branches that are too weak to hold up the flowers.
To reduce a crepe myrtle use hand pruners or loppers to shorten the topmost branches by 2-3ft. in late winter, always cutting back to a side branch or bud. For branches more than 2 in. thick, always cut back to the trunk. Don’t leave big ugly stubs.
Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, Pamela
*See Spectacular Ferns Pt. II, October 23, 2008 at www.jacksoncountytimes.net

Distinctive Houseplants 1/22/09

By Pamela Nobles

If you want to add depth to any empty space in your home, then purchase a houseplant that best suits your personality. I’m sure you’ve heard the statement, "I don’t have a green thumb"! That’s ludicrous; anyone can do anything they set their heart to. With a little guidance and instruction choosing a plant to accentuate your home will be exciting and rewarding to say the least. You’ll be fascinated with the many varieties available that will brighten and enhance any room of your home…. So let’s get started.
The possibilities are endless. Choosing a plant that is conducive to the climate where it will be displayed is imperative to its livelihood. For instance displaying one or several on a windowsill in your kitchen or in a bathroom where there is high humidity with bright light, your choice might be any of the following; Peperomia, Ferns, Ivy Hedera helix (different varieties), Fittonia, Hypoestes, or Ficus. Any one of these plants would also be appropriate, with some misting to add humidity, on coffee tables, end tables, dressers or maybe on your dining room table. Consider a floor plant in any room of your home. I would suggest Split-leaf Philodendrons, Ferns, Dieffenbachia, Crotons, Palms or a Norfolk Island Pine. Let’s not leave out herbs, as they can thrive where there is bright light, even when it’s artificial light.
The houseplants mentioned above do require some attention, with little care and watering on a weekly basis. Plants purchased from area nurseries have been fertilized in green houses so they will not need to be fertilized for several months.
If you may have failed in the past, this is a new day, so look beyond the commonplace. Step out and let plants become a stimulating hobby that is sure to become a pleasure.
It would be an honor for me to help you make the right choices, so feel free to call me at 592-2522. Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, Pamela.
Tip of the week: Camellias are in full bloom! Cut a stem or two for that special nook where you can enjoy their beauty much longer. Ask a kind neighbor for a cutting if you don’t have one in your yard.

The Exquisite Camellia 1/8/09

I’ve recently had the privilege of visiting with Glen’s sister, Janice Basford, over the holidays. Upon my arrival, a Camellia shrub captured my eye in her front yard that was decorated with exquisite buds and blossoms. I was in awe of this delicate flower and immediately wanted to have a few cuttings for several of my vases. Without hesitation, Janice so graciously allowed me to cut all I wanted.
From that special moment, it was for sure I would have one planted in my yard soon. So from there I have done some extensive research on these magnificent shrubs to pass on to my readers, although, I would encourage you to also explore the many facets of this beautiful plant.
Camellias were first introduced from Asia to the West in the early 18th Century by a Jesuit priest, Georg Josef Kamel, from whose name the camellia is derived. During the 19th Century, camellias blossoms were prized and displayed in elaborate crystal bowls throughout the South as this is the heart of camellia country. Alabama’s state flower is the Camellia japonica.
There are more than 3,000 named species and cultivars that exist in a spectacular range of colors, forms and sizes. Since the blooms of Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua and their hybrids are so attractive, both of these families are popular for landscapes. There are even fragrant varieties that bloom from fall to early spring growing outdoors, as well as, indoors in the right environment. With the new introduction of the Ice Angels series, even cold climates of Zone 6 where cold hardy camellias are available can be enjoyed to minus 10 degrees.
Growing Tips: In landscapes, Camellias thrive in partial to filtered shade and fast-draining soil, rich in organic material, so water does not accumulate in their root zones. To keep the roots cool, always layer them with 2 inches of thick mulch. Trunk base of plant must never be below soil line. After plants are established, they can survive—even thrive—on fairly little supplemental moisture. Camellias are free from most insect pests, but occasionally mites can attack. They require little fertilizer (acidic plant food).
Til next time, grace and peace be multiplied to you in the coming year 2009! For other articles and interesting information, go to the webpage for the Jackson County Times. With a grateful heart, Pamela.