July 24 , 2014
Bromeliads, No-Lawn Design, Plant Secrets
Ever noticed how some plants sprain their bloom head to the sun ?
Daphne explains this phenomenon : heliotropism or phototropism . “ fundamentally , certain cells in the plant , like in sunflowers , at the base of the blossom , respond to the blue wavelength of sunlight by changing the water pressure sensation in those basal jail cell , permit the cells to stretch and wrick , ” she says .
This maximize photosynthesis . Conversely , when plants require LESS Dominicus , they turn away ( like we do ! ) to avoid the harsh rays .
Another “ plant life trick ” is how firecracker fern ( Russelia equisetiformis ) transform as it age . OurPlant of the Week , Daphne tell us that when untested , these drought - hard perennial have small , almost orotund leaf tuck in tightly along thin fleeceable stems .
In due date , most of these leave cast off off . The stems are n’t secure enough to support their duration , creating their signature cascade down effect . In sun or shade , hummingbird will be all over those flower !
Plants for wildlife return our small investment funds with vast rewards . Viewer Picture go to James Hearn and Sheryl Smith - Rodgersin Blanco , who break down to chiropteran for the wildlife by purchase the lot next doorway for wildflowers .
Now a certifiedTexas Wildscapeand presentation garden , they ’ve nickname it The Meadow . Check out Sheryl ’s mythical web log , Windows on a Texas Wildscape , to join their year - round discoveries .
What about some fun indoors ? Many tropical bromeliads make delightful , well-off guardianship house plants , even in offices with bright light .
On the patio , their central storage tank of body of water attracts hummingbirds , butterflies , and ladybugs . Oh , mosquitoes , too , but easygoing to deal with .
Divide them for household warming gifts or for friend and fellow who ’d just love a costless plant!See how to do itwithMerrideth Jiles’step - by - step tips .
Here ’s his pot soil recipe . 1 part each : coir , expand shale , perlite , compost
Cold - stalwart bromeliads in warmer microclimates pep up garden textures . My matchstick bromeliad ( Aechmea gamosepala ) adds that rich leafy perspective to my part - shade spot all yr , even after a 12 ° hit . In January , I make fillip blooms !
Dyckia , another bromeliad , adds puncher to the well - debilitate garden with colourful barbellate grain .
When they blossom , like this mysterious Bourgogne in a succulent organization , hummingbird will maneuver on over .
My Billbergia has n’t blossom yet , but I adore its intense coloration . It was n’t thrilled about 12 ° , but returned like a title-holder .
How can we project with inhuman - hardy bromeliads?Horticulturist , designer , and author Scott Ogdenjoins Tom to excuse howhe and wife Lauren Springer Ogden catch the light with bromeliads that prompt attention even in our miserably hot calendar month .
He remind us that ball moss ( Tillandsia recurvata ) is a bromeliad epiphyte to respect for its sweetheart and wet part for thirsty wildlife ( and it does n’t spite trees at all ) . gargantuan clump moss ( Tillandsia baileyi ) is a South Texas aborigine that proves that everything is big in Texas !
See how Scott unite Aechmea , Puya , Dyckia and Brazilian bromeliads with diverse evergreens and seasonal rainwater lily blooms for a natural , machine-accessible and pleasing design . And indeed , how they attract wildlife to those water tank and succulent leaf !
On tour , Ann & Robin Matthews banished smoke for succulent grain , wildlife industrial plant , and constitutional solid food .
Along with rainwater aggregation front and back , they designed a dry stream bottom to engineer rain runoff .
Their neighbor link up in to unite their no - lawn garden , much to the delectation of their enchanted neighbors .
In back , they grind up more pot for nutrient . Artists always , they hold it address acceptance .
Along with block out plants , Ann & Robin built a screen with audacious board and decorated it with the historical rock art designs they ’ve discover across Texas .
See their taradiddle now !
Thanks for stop by ! Linda
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