Category: Tropical Style

Prized for its own appearance and low maintenance requirements, artificial turf such as AstroTurf is widely used on sports fields as well as other high-traffic places where green grass is desired year. The usefulness and attractive appearance of the majority of artificial turf lasts roughly five to 20 decades. Several factors affect its longevity, however,…

Virtually all apple trees (Malus domestica) need cross-pollination to produce fruit. The “Gravenstein” is no exception to this rule. Finding the right apple trees to pollinate another involves matching spaces, environments and bloom times. The “Granny Smith” apple tree is one of many options to consider, but has several characteristics which are not ideally matched…

Mid July is high summer in the backyard, but climate conditions can be challenging. Hot spells and drought may make it more challenging to keep the garden looking vibrant. With the right choice of perennial plants, however, July can be bright and colorful on your own garden. Some one time bloomers, such as lilies, flower…

Ivy pertains to many unique plants, but the most typical for planting in California are Persian ivy (Hedera colchina) and Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata). Ivy is recognized as an evergreen plant often found trailing the floor or clinging to tanks and buildings. The plant grows aggressively given fertile ground, light and enough water. It is…

It might be the jolly, bottom-heavy shape or perhaps the mellow, green-yellow shade. Whatever the reason, something about pears seems cheery. Pear trees (Pyrus communis L) offer delicate spring blooms and shiny leaves like apples and prunes, along with the delicious fruit. The United States produces about 900 metric tons of pears every year, with…

Okame cherry trees (Prunus x incam “Okame”), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, are moderately fast growers that reach heights ranging from 15 to 30 feet tall with a 20 to 30 feet spread upon adulthood. They produce ultra aromatic, rose pink blooms in spring, and although cold tolerant,…

Clay soil is naturally made of tightly structured, little particles that make water drainage and air flow through the soil hard. It takes up to four times more water to saturate clay soil than other soil types. Once soaked, the clay soil holds water, causing most plant roots to become dysfunctional and prone to decay…

Orchid stems are exposed to breakage when they are heavy with blooming flowers or whenever they are moved to another location. The thin stems — also called spikes — are formed into sections separated by a node every few inches. Breakage frequently occurs at the node. A partially broken stem doesn’t damage the overall health…

Petunias (Petunia) are tender perennials that are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. These vibrant blooms are grown as annuals in cooler climates. The plants grow in full to partial sunlight, generally growing 8 to 12 inches tall. They typically bloom from May until the first frost, with blooms…

A basic plant in timeless country gardens, the large panicles of little tiny, dainty-looking flowers of this lilac (Syringa spp.) Fill the springtime air with a sweet scent, a scent that frequently imitated in odor sprays and candles. These tough shrubs, grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, can last…