What is it ? The word nomenclature is derived from the Latin nomen (‘name‘), and calare (‘to call’). It is a system of names or terms, or the rules for forming these terms in a particular field of arts or sciences. In Botany – it is they way we identify a particular plant species or variety. It is also related […]
Where did all my Butterflies go?
The Basics Butterflies and moths are two evolutionarily related group of insects. They are in the Lepidoptera. All of them have wings covered with scales. Their family name comes from the words for scaly (lepido) and winged (ptera). Most butterflies are very colorful and usually active exclusively during the day. In contrast, most moths […]
Happy Happy Holidays
We would like to revisit a favorite Garden poem by Sara Coleridge. The Garden Year January brings the snow, Makes our feet and fingers glow. February brings the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again. March brings breezes, loud and shrill, To stir the dancing daffodil. April brings the primrose sweet, Scatters daisies at […]
What is an Heirloom plant anyway ?
Have you ever been in a restaurant and they offer your heirloom tomatoes or heirloom potatoes and you wondered what the heck that even means ( but felt too silly to ask ). An Heirloom Blue potato – yum ! Well wonder no more ! From hear on in you will be the […]
SENESCENCE AND MARCESCENS
Normal Leaf drop Usually, older leaves throughout the plant turn yellow to straw colored, then drop. The plants may look as if in decline but will fill up with new green leaves as new growth continues. The change in coloration is always the clue! A gradual color change progression is normal in natural […]
Planting Perennial’s in fall
Bulbs and bareroots can certainly be planted in springtime, but experienced gardeners know that planting in fall typically results in a more thriving, healthy perennial. Why? Fall planted perennials exploding in color all season ! Firstly With the ground still warm after summer, it’s easier for the perennial to settle into the […]
Husbandry
Husbandry in Ants Husbandry is the practice by many ants to farm, care for, tend to, and otherwise raise other insects like humans do with livestock. It’s a really amazing product of evolution ! They also perform a rudimentary farming by collecting fungi for food which they feed little bits of leaves ! […]
PARTHENOCARPIA
What is in a name ? Parthenocarpia is a scientific word derived from classical Greek – Parthenos (virgin) + Karpos (fruit). It refers to fruit that can grow and mature without any viable seeds inside. Fertilization triggers the formation of an embryo (inside the seed). In plants this releases hormones which are responsible for […]
Good Gourd!
Pumpkins Squashes and Gourds !!!! Cucurbita (Latin for gourd) is a genus of herbaceous vines native to the Andes and Mesoamerica. They are grown worldwide for their edible fruit and seeds. We grow many of these in our customers rooftop gardens! The five domesticated species are Cucurbita argyrosperma, C. ficifolia, C. maxima, C. […]
