Flowers Garden Plants

The Lobelia plant or the Indian tobacco as it is popularly called is cultivated in gardens in its many different colors. The Lobelia flowers are grown for its ornamental purposes.

Originally though, the Lobelia plants' stems and roots were used as herbal cure for many respiratory-related ailments like pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma. This was believed to remove toxins in the body with because of its properties, and was referred to as "puke weed." This is because of the ingredient lobeline (which is being likened to nicotine) that is contained in the plant.

This shrub can grow up to three feet with yellowish or green leaves. The flowers on top are usually in the shade of blue or pink (there are variations to this though). This is an annual flowering plant that can be grown in gardens and indoors.

Daisies are one of the popular flowers that adorn the gardens of homes. Based on the Celtic stories, the children's spirits taken during childbirth showered these flowers on earth. They did this so they could cheer up the parents they left.

Based on ceramics, artifacts, etc. with daisy designs, experts have come to the conclusion that the flower already existed over 4,000 years before.

In English, the flower was called Day's eve. It was named this way because the daisy opens and even closes along with the bright sun. For this reason, ancient civilizations also thought that the flower could cure eye problems.
In French, they called it Marguerite which came from a Greek word translated as pearl.

For the Assyrians, they used it to darken their already gray hair. Truly, this flower which has existed for many years is a beauty.

Are you allergic to flowers? Do you start sneezing after you smell roses, tulips, daisies or earthangels? Silk flowers are the flowers for you. Silk flowers are artificial but look equally as the fresh ones. They are right for people who have allergies but still want flowers, silks are nice for your ceramic vases at home too. Silk flowers are designed to last a lifetime. If you use them for your wedding then most probably you will use them on your golden anniversary too. They say that silk flowers won't give you hassle on your wedding day as they are easy to handle. Silk flowers have no scent as they are artificial but you will be tempted to smell them because they look real. For those who have allergies out there, this one's for you!

No other flower has been as venerated and imputed with virtues such as purity, fidelity, and devotion in the Philippines as the Sampaguita (jasminium sambac), which not surprisingly is the country’s national flower. Filipinos make a living out of stringing together its sweet-smelling buds (along with slivers of Ilang-ilang), and the resulting lei is fit for altar saints and dignitaries alike.

The Sampaguita is woody vine or shrub that reaches up to 1.2 meters and bears single flower or blossom bundles at the top. (Regular pruning is a must then if you want to encourage the buds.) Abloom the whole year round, its white, delicate flowers are daintily star-shaped. As if shyness is another of its virtues, the blossoms love the shade, and open at night, but wilt in less than a day. The Sampaguita’s refreshing and nostalgic fragrance more than makes up for its short-lived spectacle though.

Gardening with the help of your kids is quite a cost-effective activity that you can do whenever they're away from school. Paying for a gardening and a landscaper can put a big dent on that retirement fund. But why not get the kids to help?

Kids are natural lovers of dirt, just be sure they are all old enough to know eating dirt is bad. Not counting warts, handling dirt can be a good thing. There is nothing like the feel of the earth to keep their noses away from heroin. But kids are freedom-loving beings; you'll have a hard time getting them to water your ferns. The trick is to let them choose the plants they will grow. What is it rose bushes or carrots?

Before starting and getting your kids all muddy, make sure that the tools you will be using are kid-friendly. A sharpened trowel in a ten-year-old's hands could easily become a deadly weapon.

A shrub that's easy to maintain and pleasing to the eye, the Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a beautiful plant with blue blooms that only get brighter as these blooms open. This woody stemmed plant loves the sun and good drainage to fully reap the rewards of the Russian Sage's blooms.

The Russian Sage is a bit sensitive to the cold, and most of the new growth occurs in the spring, and pruning it down 8-10 inches will help it grow better and encourage more blooms. A somewhat hardy shrub, the Russian Sage has very few pest problems. Even deer, notorious for ransacking a garden, leaving nothing rooted or uneaten, avoid this plant.

If you're looking for a plant that can really enhance a home's curb appeal, you can't go wrong with Perovskia atriplicifolia, the Russian Sage.

Gladiolus, especially the orange color, is one of the most refreshing flowers I have ever seen. The gladiolus plant grows pretty fast and its flowers are uniquely organized in vertical lines, usually in yellowish and orange hues. What do we know about the gladiolus' history? Well, the gladiolus is a descendant of the iris or iridaceae family and it name is originally from the Latin word gladius, which stands for sword. This background explains why the leaves of the gladiolus are distinctly thin and long-shaped. There are about two hundred species of gladiolus, and taking care of these requires more water especially when the flowers are already blooming. Nevertheless, I am sure these flowers are a great accessory to any house.

History tells that China is one of the earliest places where flower cultivation developed. For 2700 years, Chinese have cultivated flowers and transformed vast lands into gardens. Every years, flowers like lotus and chrysanthemum hover across the Chinese territory. Flowers became a regular part of dynasties as each generation developed their own cultivation process. Accordingly, the horticulturists from China are known to be skilled in all areas of cultivating flowers. Part of their mastery is the ability to grow scrubs and flowers even after season. Chinese people were able to construct their own nursery as a shelter for budding flowers before transferring the plants in their natural habitat. Through the years the level of flower cultivation has increased in greater numbers. A lot of Chinese lands have been devoted to plant flowers. More importantly, flowers became very instrumental in all Chinese celebrations, festivals, national gatherings, and international events. The evolution of flower cultivation proved to be a helpful tool in providing jobs for people and helping the whole Chinese economy.

Petunias (the flower, not the Harry Potter series character) are annual plants that bloom in the summer. Color range of the flower is huge, and they bloom all throughout summer and into the season of fall. This plant is ideal for garden or house design since it needs little maintenance.

The size of the flowers depends on what kind of petunia they fall under. The first kind is the grandifloras that have the largest flowers ranging from 3 to 4 inches. The second kind is the multifloras whose flowers can be 1 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The miliflora petunias are definitely the smallest kind of petunias being sold for commercial purposes. The flowers of this kind only reach up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The last kind is the spreading petunias that can spread to as much as four feet. The flowers of this kind are of different colors and would spread along the length of the stems.

There are countless species of violets in the world but one definite characteristic that sets them apart from any other plants: they have five oddly-shaped petals with colors ranging from blue to purple to lavender.

Violets have a majestic history, having been worn by Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte during their wedding. This inspired Napoleon to choose violet as the emblem of their army. It brought him the nickname of Corporal Violet. At his death, he wore a necklace of violets which he had picked during his visit to the gravesite of his wife.

Myths about the violets abound. These flowers are a boon when one dreams of them, but when they grow in autumn; it is believed that epidemics will occur the next year. Old wives say that we should wear violets to cure vertigo.

Surely one of the simple pleasures you can do this winter is just looking at crocus flowers in the snow. The name of the flower comes from the Latin word "crocatus" which means yellow saffron. The flowering plant is native to the Aegean region, but it was Netherlands, which hybridized it. It was first spotted in the Dutch country during the 1560's. They were carried by one of the ambassadors of the Holy Roman Emperor to A. Ghislain de Busbeq. Afterwards, some of the corms were handed to Carolus Clusius in Leiden where the plant was subjected to further studies at a botanical garden. In 1620, after a series of developments, new hybrids of the flower came out. Soon after crocuses began to attract the attention of the Dutch people. That was also the time when Ambrossius Bosschaert made his crocus painting "Composed Bouquet of Spring Flowers." Then fame of the plant continued to spread internationally.
Though small, the plant yields tiny yet beautiful flowers. Yet perhaps, it also owes part of its popularity due to the masterpiece done by the painter Bosschaert.

This variety of plants usually comes in shades of blue. It also blooms in white or pink colors. These plants grow annually during the springtime. However, it is important to know the proper way of cultivating these lovely flowers to ensure that your garden has bright patches of blue, pink, or white.

The first thing that needs to be done is to look for seedlings. You may also try to grow the plant from seeds if there are no seedlings available from local nurseries. Next, scatter the forget-me-not seeds on bare ground during early spring. You may then sow the plant when autumn starts to move in. Then, prepare compost by the spades. Remember that this plant favors soil, which are rich in organic matter. Afterwards, the seeds may then be planted just a few inches from one another. There's absolutely no crowding issues for forget-me-nots. It is also a good idea to keep the soil moist. Never allow the soil to get dry. Also, remember to trim spent blooms. This will encourage a longer blooming time for the existing plants. Lastly, discard withering plants during summer.

When you're about to get married, you plan everything from the entourage to the souvenirs for the guests. What should be included in your list are flowers. The bouquet of the bride and the flowers in the church and reception are attractions too. For the brides, the bouquet will bring out the best in you on your special day. What flower should you get for your wedding day? Well, first thing, it has to go with the motif. Roses are always good. They are classic and can go with any color. Tulips are nice too. It looks so soft. Yellow and peach Tulips are nice. Wedding flowers should be fresh. Silk ones are also good but fresh flowers are better as the colors and smell make the ambiance more romantic.Always remember that flowers play an important role on your wedding day. Bloom with your flowers!

Yes, earthworms are squiggly and wriggly, and definitely not for the squeamish.
But no, they don't bite, and they certainly aren't harmful either. If anything, earthworms are eager beavers, helping the soil renew itself and replenish its lost nutrients drawn out by plants. Why not try vermiculture then? This method of composting not only eliminates stench problems of ordinary backyard composting, but the resulting compost is also inarguably more enriched due to the worms' castings. An ordinary plastic or even a cardboard box for the worm bin will do. Worms thrive in the dark and wet places so don't opt for translucent containers, and make sure there isn't too much drainage holes. Fill it with 1/3 full of bedding, which includes shredded newspapers, cardboards, grasses, leaves, and some sand, soil, even sawdust. Then in go your kitchen scraps, and finally your trusty Red Wrigglers (available in most plant stores and fishbait shops.) Watch out, red wrigglers are voracious; they eat their own weight in bedding each day, so it won't be long till you can harvest your very own compost: new and fortified sweet-smelling soil.
Your precious plants and flowers are sure to thank you for it.

Most Hellebores look like wild roses but they are not from the Rosaceae family. Hellebores are a genus of the family Ranunculaceae, which include buttercups. Hellebore niger blooms are hardier than rose blooms and could come out between December and April. Mostly unreliable during the holiday season, it's rose-like enough and prolific enough to merit its name. The bloom is more reliable during Easter time, which makes differentiating it from its cousin, the Lenten Rose or hellebore orientalis, a task.

Whether it's Christmas or Lenten depends on your location in the globe. H. niger has smaller flowers compared to H. orientalis, and, for most cultivators, both bloom during the beginning of spring time. The colors on offer are as varied as roses, but H. niger enjoys more varieties than its Lenten cousin.

Hellebores are evergreen but in warmer regions bring out the best of the plant. Growing Christmas Rose from seed is considered the most practical way of multiplying the plant.

One thing I really like about having flowers in the garden is the kind of calmness and positivity that they radiate in the area. Like the sturdy trees, I think flowers also have gentle, kindred spirits. Aside from the bright colors that nourish your vision, each flower has a certain kind of character that is specially and inherently unique.

Daisies, for instance, remind me of purity and innocence. In spite of their small size and fragile frame, daisies add a glow to any flower or anything that surrounds it. I remember when I was young, I once mistook a daisy for a small sunflower. I guess in being a sunshine to others, they are the same, but daisies bring a different level of joy that is loudly delightful and at the same time, peacefully reassuring.

Fresh from the gardens of Naples are the world renowned Sunflower. For centuries this flower has captivated horticulturist and other people with its beauty and charm. Sunflower, though common has its own distinction. It emanates a rare energy that transforms negative feelings into positive manifestations. As the flower reflects the sun, its color becomes so evident and attracts a lot of attention. Concerning its cultivation, the sunflower can be considered as one of the easiest to grow. Propagating a sunflower is not that hard compared to other flowers. Sunflower usually adapts to any environment for as long as there is enough sunlight. The beauty of the Sunflower is seen as the buds start to appear during spring. Its full grandiose envelops Naples during summer reflecting magnificence beyond explanation.

The flower of the gardenia shrub (3 to 6 inches long) is popular because of its flowers that emit a really sweet smell. These flowers have creamy-white petals and are often compared to the white rose because both flowers are associated with courtship and love.

The scientific name of the Gardenia is Gardenia jasminoides, a plant which originally came from China. Gardenias have been cultivated in other parts of the world, and they grow just anywhere as long as there is adequate heat and sunlight. Gardenias grow only on acidic lands and they need water. The shrubs will be able to reach up to six feet. This plant was named after a South Carolina physician, Alexander Garden.

Gardenias are in full bloom come May, and the flowers usually last until late July. This shrub will still produce a couple of flowers for the rest of the year.

I've fallen in love with Oriental lilies when I first saw them. They're so lovely and they smelled wonderful. Quickly researching for facts, I found out that I can't really collect the seeds of this annual flower, but I can always propagate it by dividing the offsets, rhizomes, tubers and bulb scales. I learned also that I only had to water it regularly. What’s more amazing is that although lilies look delicate and elaborate, they’re not at all difficult to cultivate because they’re not soil-ph sensitive.

The Oriental Lily blooms in midsummer to an average of six to twelve inches, with red, spotted curving petals reminiscent of Asian orchids. You must expose it only to moderate sunlight or put it in shaded areas. The Oriental Lily is also more popularly known as Star Gazer.

You don't have to own a green thumb to call yourself a plant enthusiast. Anyone can take care of plants for as long as it is done in moderation. If you see your officemates bringing in plants in pots in your office, don't be bothered--plants can also grow well under fluorescent lights. In fact, moderate light is best: not too exposed to harsh sunlight and not too hidden as this would give the plant the ability to bloom in full colors.

It's not necessary to sprinkle water on the leaves. Even with water, moderation is the key. Too much will erode the soil and weaken the roothold, and too little will wilt the plant. Don't let a plant sit near devices that give off heat such as appliances as this would dry it out.

Tulips, no doubt, are one of the loveliest flowers in the world. When the flowers are mentioned, we immediately think of Holland,which has gained a worldwide reputation for cultivating the most beautiful varieties. However, their origin is from Turkey. If fact, Tulips are the national flower of the said country.


Wild Tulips do not grow more than 6 inches, while the newer hybrids reach more than 12 inches which make them susceptible though to winds or any unfavorable weather. The flowers grow best in a well drained soil. Ideally, their bulbs must be planted between October to December. Large bulbs are planted 6 inches deep while smaller ones are buried only 4 inches below the ground. The bulbs must be handled with proper care during the planting season so as to avoid being damaged.

If you notice any discoloration in the leaves, dig the bulbs immediately since that is a sign of a disease. When their leaves are already dried after the blooming season, you must dig the bubls and keep them in a dry place for next year. You can also choose to leave them there. But they will only decay through the years.

In Hawaii, Plumeria flowers are usually used for the colorful leis (flower necklaces) that are given to tourists when they set foot to this state.

Plumeria is actually considered as a tree. It grows between 15 and 18 ft tall. Flowers of this plant come in a wide variety of eye-catching colors.

Plumeria flowers span 2in. There are five petals for this plant. The petals of the said flower are quite waxy and give of a wonderful fragrance. The flowers grow during spring season until the summer.

Green wood for the branches and trunk is typical of this plant. The color turns to gray as the plabt matures.

It is of interest that the Plumeria plant is incidentally related to the Allamanda, Periwinkle, and Oleander family.