What? Root washing is the research-based method for identifying and correcting root bound trees, shrubs and woody perennials before transplanting. It is the process of removing the planting medium from the roots of a tree or shrub before transplanting or when re-planting a tree or shrub that had been poorly planted or is not thriving. …
Fun Fact … Bees use the lines, spots, or blotches in rhododendron flowers, known as nectar guides, to direct them toward the nectar and pollen. These markings function like “runway lights” that guide pollinators to the reproductive parts of the flower. What Are the Planting Considerations Specific to Rhododendrons? Do I Need to Prune My …
Rhododendrons are loved by gardeners for their outstanding and varied flower colours, and their usually evergreen leaves. Sizes range from very dwarf to tree-like. They have few pests or diseases, are deer resistant, and are perfect plants for the Vancouver Island climate and soil type. Questions about growing or choosing Rhododendrons? Email: GardeningAdvice.MilnerGardens@shaw.ca. Vancouver Island …
1. Before you Prune Determine your pruning objective. Are you pruning for: Research your plant to determine the best time to prune. Refer to RHS Pruning Groups: https://www.rhs.org.uk/pruning/rhs-pruning-groups 2. Steps for Pruning For the different types of pruning cuts, see our InfoSheet “What Are the Basic Pruning Cuts?”: https://www.vimga.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FINAL-What-are-the-basic-pruning-cuts.pdf 3. How Much to Remove Most …
“Prune to natural form so your work becomes invisible.” Pruning is wounding and, unlike animal wounds, the damage done to trees and shrubs cannot be reversed or “healed” by the replacement of the injured tissue. Trees simply wall off decay, controlling its spread long enough so that new wood added to the outside of the …
As seeds age, they lose their viability. Commercial packages generally indicate the germination rate for the year for which the seeds were sold (eg. 80%) meaning that, under good conditions, 8 of 10 seeds will germinate. Tables are readily available to indicate average seed life expectancy. For instance, corn has a life expectancy of 2 …
When you pour your seeds (home-saved or commercial) out of the package, you rarely think of what structures are inside the seed coat you see. Parts of a Seed Cotyledons are embryonic leaves providing water and energy for young plants until true leaves photosynthesize. There may be one (monocot) or two (dicot) cotyledons. Water absorption …
There are several, and often conflicting, steps given for propagating geraniums through cuttings. You asked, in November, whether it was okay to plant your geranium cuttings started in water (“water babies”). Certainly, plant the geranium cuttings with roots in a potting mix that is well draining. Place these young plants in a sunny window (not …
Unfortunately, there are no deer proof plants. However, there are several standbys that deer typically leave for you to enjoy … including the flowers! Deer, especially the young, may nibble new growth, but typically leave mature plants alone. Look for plants with acrid sap, prickles, thick or hairy textures and strongly scented foliage. We’ve provided …
Most annuals have a fleshy, non-woody root system that develops from the branching of the taproot (the first root to emerge from the seed). Plants with fibrous root systems, such as grasses, have thin and moderately branching roots that develop from the stem without any primary roots. This article will teach you how to transplant …
