All reasonably compact plants, the peperomias will do fairly well at temperatures less than that suggested above, but for best results a minimum of 13C. should he maintained. Provide a light position out of strong sunlight, and err on the side of dryness when watering, as soggy conditions result in tired, limp plants.

All of those suitable for pot culture can be raised from cuttings taken in autumn or spring, though autumn cuttings taken after plants have flowered is advised as they get off to a much better start for the new season. Cuttings about 4 in. in length should be removed and allowed to dry for twenty four hours before they are inserted in sandy compost.

Most will tolerate temperatures as low as the 13′C. given above provided plants are kept on the dry side and lower temperatures apply for only short periods. Some years ago we were amazed to find that during a particularly cold winter Philodendron bipinnatilidum survived in temperatures that dropped as low as freezing point ; compost was kept very much on the dry side. However, one would not recommend such low temperatures as the plants will just about survive and take a considerable time to recover.

With its supremely exotic flowers and a name that leaves nothing to be desired one would expect the strelitzia to be one of the most popular of plants, but there is a snag. The snag is that they take three to five years to produce these flowers and there seems to be no way of hastening nature’s slow process.

So the most limiting factor in their commercial prospects is the time required to raise marketable plants. However, there is no reason why the interested greenhouse or garden-room owner with time to wait for results should not grow them with complete success in conditions that need not be too sophisticated.

Raised from seed sown in early spring in John Innes seed sowing compost or similar, they are not difficult to germinate if a temperature in the region of 21 C. (70 F.) can be maintained.

Warm, shaded conditions are required fbr this low-growing, compact plant. The potting compost should he similar to a mixture of equal parts J.I.P.3 and sphagnum peat, but potting on should only be necessary for vigorous plants every second or third year. These are fine plants for grouping in small indoor gardens. Propagate in warn) condo ions using pieces of stem with at least two sound leaves attached.

The large leaves of Ricinus communis are similar to those of Aralia sieholdii, which is often known as the castor oil plant as well, but they are of a more purplish tinge and grow more freely. These are annuals which are grown from seed sown in the spring. The seeds ought to be soaked in water for several hours to soften them before sowing.

Pot them on as soon as necessary, and in a comparatively short space of time handsome plants will be produced. Keep well watered and fed and place them in a good light to get the best out of them.

These tropical forest plants require a warm, humid atmosphere, but should not be too wet at their roots, so a well-drained compost is essential. To encourage drainage a 2-in. layer of crocks should be placed in the bottom of the pot before introducing the compost, which should he of a peaty nature.

Small, star-shaped flowers are produced in profusion in winter, and there are numerous colours, of which the rose pink is probably best. New plants may be raised from seed sown in good heat in March, or by means of cuttings which root very easily at almost any time of the year if reasonable heat is available, somewhere in the order of 21C. (70F.).

The plants have oval ribbed pseudobulbs with a solitary wide, leathery leaf. They are evergreen, the occasional leaf being shed from the back of the plant every other year or so. Sympodial orchids are those which start each new growth from the base of the previous one, and so on in a theoretically unending annual cycle. They cannot die, but they can be killed! In their natural habitat orchids have been found consisting of hundreds of pseudobulbs, all on one plant many years old! One, two or more new growths can be made in one growing season.

This lip is a strange adaption; it has two ‘horns’ which present a wide opening to the pollinating insect which is guided by these extreme measures along the right path for pollinating. The lip is thick and fleshy with a shiny surface.

Some may be covered on the outside by the bracts which carry the leaves; others will be perfectly clean from bracts and are green and fresh-looking for many years; others have a protective bract which will remain green until the pseudobulb has matured, when the bract shrivels and dies.

Cuttings resulting from the pruning operation will .root with little difficulty in standard potting compost; several pieces should be inserted in each pot. The colour of this plant will be considerably improved if there is good light, but some protection should he given from strong sunlight. As with almost all the tradescantia tribe saturated compost should he avoided, particularly during the winter months.

Leaves are fleshy to the touch, but otherwise resemble those of the smaller hederas, and many is the time we have had flower show visitors come up and whisper that we have made a mistake with one of our labels, only to be assured in an equally low whisper that it isn’t an ivy!

Cuttings root very easily at most times of the year and should be inserted several to a small pot filled with standard potting compost. The tips should be removed almost as soon as the young plants show signs of growth to keep the plants much fuller and more attractive at the base.

One adaption in orchids can be found among the epidendrums. The species E. falcatum retains all its weight in the thick, heavy leaves. The root system is not numerous, but s-ong enough to hold a heavy plant firmly in its place on a tree. The pseudobulbs are merely short stems which support the long, spears-lriaped leaves which, rough and hard, will withstand a harsh environment. They are the main source of food supply for the plant.

Among the oncidiums are a quite distinct group of bulbless plants whose species originate from the islands of the Caribbean. Long neglected and considered difficult to grow, these highly attractive plants are now gaining in popularity as hybrids are being produced with compact-sized plants and extremely showy blooms. The plants form fans of leaves and when in bloom need be no higher than 12 in (3o cm).

All orchids produce roots. There are basically two kinds: aerial and underground. The root structure of orchids is peculiar to them, and all their roots are of a uniform thickness which does not increase with age. The roots will branch, in some species freely. All consist of a central wiry thread which is surrounded by the fleshy, moisture- retaining, part which in turn is coated by the white papery covering, the velamen, which grows as the root extends, leaving only the green growing tip exposed.

Although a humidifex will greatly assist in keeping up the humidity, particularly during the summer months when the humidity is lost through the open ventilators, it is nevertheless no substitute for manual damping-down, which should also be done whenever possible. One humidifex such as illustrated would be sufficient for a To x 8 ft (3 x 2.5 m) greenhouse, or one room indoors.

It should be placed near the floor, below the plants, to allow the cool vapour to reach the plants standing above. Within a few weeks of introducing a humidifex into the greenhouse or home you should see a noticeable increase in aerial root activity on your orchids.

This material can be fixed in the same way as polythene, but because it is full of minute holes it is able to breathe which prevents condensation and drip. Neither does it cut too much light from the plants. The netting is easily obtainable from garden centres. It can be taken down in summer and stored for the following winter. As it does not tear easily, it should last for several seasons.

Decks are very useful additions to homes and buildings. It provides a recreational place for you and your family as well as friends and loved ones. More than always, decks are situated at the back of homes because backyards offer a more tranquil area. This is beside the fact that you enjoy the privacy from the prying eyes of passersby. It is also for the fact that the front of your homes should always be neat and clean so as to embody the homey feeling you have for it. On top of these all, homes usually face east so the back is the best place for watching the sunset.

Backyard decks are very cool places to stay for the hot afternoon with your friends, family, or loved ones. It is also where you can hold BBQ parties with your officemates or meetings with your clients or get romantic with your loved ones. To ensure that all of these will be accommodated in your backyard deck, you have to pick a design that will best match them. Some of the best designs can be found online and they are for free. Some are also found in magazines and country papers, which you just have to copy. But there are some also that are products of your own mind and will just need an interpretation from a professional, if you will not able to put it in drawing.

Watching Birds is Fun!

Birds are fun and bird watching can be a great way to get out into the countryside to enjoy the great outdoors with the benefit of seeing what the local birds are up to. Seeing birds flying and going about their daily routine, even at your bird feeders and bird houses, can be fascinating and already provides great enjoyment to many.

Bird watching has become a very popular past time and this is set to increase. More of us find that we have more leisure time available and are keen to participate. We also appreciate that taking an interest in nature is one of the best ways to get started on a path to help protect the environment and the habitat that birds require to succeed.

Before going off on their first birding trips new birders should learn some of the basics for successful bird watching to avoid the potential for disappointment. Having a bird feeder or bird house in the back yard is a great idea, but to see more birds you need to visit their local habitat to find them.

Making An Early Start Is A Great Idea!

If you are just starting out in herb gardening for the first time, you may not be sure which herbs are best for your garden. Well, there are many herbs that you can choose from; however, there are some that are a bit harder to grow. The following are a few great simple herbs that you can easily grow, even if you are a beginner.

Parsley – A hardy, easy to grow herb is parsley. You can grow curly leaf and flat leaf parsley easily, and they grow wonderfully without you having to give them a whole lot of care. They do well in either light shade or full sun, and they prefer moist soil that is nice and rich. However, it’s important to note that parsley doesn’t do overly well in the heat.

Cilantro – Cilantro is used in many Spanish dishes and has a distinct flavor. This is an annual herb that grows well both in the shade and the sun. You’ll find that it is very easy to care for and it will grow pretty well in just about any type of climate.