Decorative garden: perennials with decorative leaves
The best-known species of the genus Pulmonaria from the rough-leaved Boraginaceae family are P. longif.webpolia (native), P. officinalis, P. saccharata, P. saccharata and P. hybrid. The last two species come in several varieties. Lungworms have lanceolate (long-leaved) and ovoid-lanceolate leaves gathered in rosettes.There are silvery spots and spots on the rough, dark green surface of the leaves.Their size and density depend on the species and variety.The leaves of sterile (non-flowering) plants are especially motley.
In plants that bloom, which occurs in April-May, the flowers turn from pink to blue.Honey seeds are planted in naturalistic gardens, in shaded perennial beds, between shrubs and among cover plants.They grow best in shady and semi-shaded places, on humus and not too dry soils.
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Miodunka Pulmonaria (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
Trees and shrubs: pruning and shaping
Currently, it is very fashionable to form cypresses, thuja, junipers, especially older plants, the shoots of which are partially dried. We plan such pruning in the spring, removing dry, frozen shoots. It is best to prune the plants before the start of vegetation, at the end of March and the beginning of April.We spread the formation for 2-3 years.
We continue cutting in the following years, from spring and at the end of June and beginning of July. Later trimming will cause the bushes to grow, delaying their dormancy, which may result in the shoots freezing in winter.
Vegetable in December
Soil fertilization
The beginning of December is the time to fertilize the soil.Organic, potassium or phosphorus fertilizers must be evenly sprinkled and mixed with the soil.If the soil was limed, phosphorus fertilization can be carried out at the earliest 3 weeks after this treatment.
Tool disinfection
Tools should be cleaned and decontaminated at the end of the growing season. We can use commonly available cleaning agents containing sodium hypochlorite. To keep your tools from rusting, oil them.
Composting continued
The compost heap that has been processed in autumn can be poured over with slurry so that the fermentation processes are sustained. Well-fermented compost can be used to fertilize the soil in spring.
Orchard in December
We secure damage
In winter, fruit trees are exposed to damage caused by strong winds, breaking or being bitten by rodents.All wounds that occur during this time require good protection with a fungicide.
December whitewashing of trees
Older trees, which tend to crack the bark, are painted with lime dissolved in water in December. Thanks to this, the trunk will not heat up during sunny winter days.
Winter control of young trees
If we notice the presence of mice and voles near young trees, there is a risk of gnawing them. To prevent this from happening, pour poisoned grain into the burrows of rodents.
Flowers at home: how to avoid ficus problems?
Ficus fig trees are one of the most popular indoor plants. Attractive, long-lasting leaves decorate many species.Unfortunately, under difficult conditions, plants tend to lose much of their foliage.Most species come from regions with a clearly marked dry season.
In natural habitats, they defend themselves against water loss by shedding their leaves. A signal for this is, for example, water stress, therefore it is necessary to avoid overdrying the plants, especially as dry and hot air in heated apartments contributes to the drying of the substrate.
On the other hand, fig trees are sensitive to ethylene in the air. It is released when plants are grown in too wet soil, but also from fireplaces and cigarettes.The reasons for the loss of leaves by fig trees may also be different, e.g. lack of light or cold drafts.Too low temperature of cultivation in species with large leaves - elastic ficus F.elastica and oakleaf F. lyrata - may in turn cause the leaves to turn red, so it is better not to place the plants near the frequently opened window.
Another problem with these ficus species is their strong apical dominance.This natural feature is not desirable in apartments, because the plants branch very poorly, but it is easy to remedy by trimming the shoots (e.g. once a year).It is worth doing it already in young plants, then we will quickly obtain plants with a spectacular habit.
