Spring means new life and new beginnings, not only for plants but also for the insects that have evolved to eat them. Dealing with insect pests is best done when populations are small and before infestations get out of hand. As we here at the William T. Kemper Home Gardening Center look ahead to a busy growing season, we…
Category: Home Gardening
Chemical-Free Weed Control
Spring is upon us, and the signs of the changing seasons are all around: tulip leaves poking out of the soil, blooming magnolias, and weeds appearing in garden beds. This early in the season, these weeds seem innocuous enough, but soon they will be blooming and forming seed. Here are our tips for controlling unwanted…
Starting Seeds Inside in Winter
As cold temperatures and snow and ice persist, late winter has many gardeners missing their time planting outdoors. But this period is the perfect time to start planting certain vegetable seeds indoors. The William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening shares the following advice on seeding indoors in late winter. Seeds to start Cool season…
Plastic Pot Recycling: Update and Perspective
Missouri Botanical Garden has been tracking and supporting plastic pot recycling issues and options for many years. This spring, we regret to report that public plastic pot recycling will not resume. Wasn’t Plastic Pot Recycling “suspended” for 2020-21? Why is it being ended now? The collection program did not re-start as usual in spring 2020,…
Winter is for Witch Hazel
Winter can be a bleak time for your landscape, with leafless trees and few flowers in sight. To add a pop of color to a dreary winter yard, consider a Missouri native: witch hazel. About the plant: Hamamelis vernalis is commonly called Ozark witch hazel or vernal witch hazel. Its specific epithet vernalis means “spring…
Kid-safe Houseplants
The plants recommended in this blog are known to be non-toxic to children, but not necessarily pets. If you suspect a child has ingested part of a plant and are unsure of its toxicity or if they are experiencing symptoms of poisoning, call the Poison Control Center right away. Houseplants can boost our moods and…
Caring for Cyclamen Beyond the Holidays
Persian cyclamen, also known as florist’s cyclamen, is a common gift plant seen in grocery stores and garden centers around the holidays. These plants make lovely gifts as they are eye-catching. Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves are dark green with contrasting silver markings. Flowers, in shades of red, purple, pink, white, magenta, and salmon, rise above…
Botanical Books for your Holiday Shopping List
Looking for a perfect gift for the green thumb on your gift list? Or how about a foodie, Garden enthusiast, or nature lover? Check out these book recommendations from the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Department, which might be just what you’re looking for. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Highly recommended by multiple members of…
Opting for Ornamental Grasses
Autumn weather is the perfect time to add to your garden. It is a great time to plant new trees, shrubs and perennials. If you’re looking to improve the year-round appearance of your garden with some new plantings, consider adding ornamental grasses to your yard. Ornamental grasses come in a wide range of sizes to…
Pumpkin Spice Plants
Autumn has become synonymous with “pumpkin spice.” You can find pumpkin spice lattes, breakfast cereal, cookies, candies, and seemingly every other type of pre-packaged food available. But what exactly is pumpkin spice, botanically speaking? The flavors most associated with “sweater weather” are actually a blend of spices from tropical plants. The five most common spices…
Plants of Japan
Japan has a rich cultural tradition of gardening, and the country is considered a global biodiversity hotspot. But you do not need to build an entire Japanese garden or start planning a trip to Japan to enjoy its diverse flora. Many thrive in our climate and make excellent additions to a St. Louis backyard. The…
Heat Up Your Landscape with Hibiscus
In the heat of the summer, hibiscus are popular ornamental plants that can add a touch of tropical flare to any landscape. The genus Hibiscus includes more than 300 species, including two that are native to Missouri. Hibiscus History These plants have a long history of cultivation, beginning in the 17th century when hibiscus from…