By joenesgarden, 4 months and 17 days ago

Newsy Gardens & Plants – April 16, 2010

tree fungi (2) Interested in digging deeper into the world of fungi and other tiny non-plant, non-animal organisms, check out the book by Steven L. Stephenson, a research professor of biological sciences at the University of Arkansas.  In The Kingdom Fungi: The Biology of Mushrooms, Molds, and Lichens (published by Timber Press), Stephenson explains the purpose, forms, and roles of these commonly misunderstood life forms.  Gardeners know fungi do more than adorn a fresh salad or top a pizza, but how many of us really understand the true extent fungi play in our lives.  Stephenson's author profile notes he has studied fungi and slime mold on six continents – sounds like he's a real fun-gi (guy) – sorry, couldn't resist.

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By joenesgarden, 7 months and 6 days ago

Make a difference. Plant natives.

Bringing Nature Home-inside Garden as if life depended on it!  Doug Tallamy wrote these words in my copy of his book, Bringing Nature Home.  No, I'm not a special friend or acquaintance, he wrote similar, if not identical words inside all the books he signed that day.  On the other hand, though, I am special.   I'm a gardener with extraordinary power … I can choose to plant whatever I want.  You are also extraordinary, as you have exactly the same power as I.  And if we, as gardeners, do just a little of what Tallamy suggests – increase the number of native plants growing in each of our gardens– we, individually and together, may be able to make a significant difference in the nature of our future.

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By joenesgarden, 8 months and 25 days ago

On the Bookshelf: The Truth About Organic Gardening

truth about organic gardening 12-09 December 9, 2009. Does your brain fog over like San Francisco Bay every time you try to decipher what approach might best handle a plant's attack from pests or disease?  Are you overwhelmed by the  organic and synthetic chemicals found on garden center shelves touting to be the «best» at eliminating what ever?  Do yourself a favor then and read The Truth About Organic Gardening, by Jeff Gillman, a professor at the department of horticultural science at the University of Minnesota.

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