The Joy of Gardening

[Esme nha Maire]

Originally Posted by Lyte

Ditto here.



I just added a bunch of mulch to the front flower bed. I went with the traditional red much and then saw a house with black mulch! Damn! It looks so cooler... more striking! Any pluses or minuses to black mulch?

Lyte, my knowledge is theoretical from the degree I'm taking rather than from experience, but yes. Apparently darker mulches will help absorb heat and warm the ground (so good in cooler climates), whilst lighter ones will cool the ground (better in warmer climates; some plants' roots do not like too much warmth) - and reflect light back up to plants helping their photosynthesis. At night, black mulches will allow heat to escape faster, whilst lighter mulches will retain heat better. Its horses for courses as to what is best for your particular situation.

[Lyte]

Thank you! Well, it's hot as hell in Texas during the summer time, the time one usually refreshes the layer of mulch. Fortunately, I've got nothing but ornamental grasses growing in that bed so they can stand the heat. Next year... black mulch it is!!

Originally Posted by Esme nha Maire

Lyte, my knowledge is theoretical from the degree I'm taking rather than from experience, but yes. Apparently darker mulches will help absorb heat and warm the ground (so good in cooler climates), whilst lighter ones will cool the ground (better in warmer climates; some plants' roots do not like too much warmth) - and reflect light back up to plants helping their photosynthesis. At night, black mulches will allow heat to escape faster, whilst lighter mulches will retain heat better. Its horses for courses as to what is best for your particular situation.

[Chad]

I had a late bloomer show up this week. A beautiful red rose, so pretty and fragrant. I wish that I knew how to post the photo.

Definitely made my day.

[homoe]

If you're not wanting to go through all the work of putting up a tree why not consider investing in something that can double as a tree and then afterwards a plant. I found this idea in the Dec issue of Chicago Magazine and stores there where to purchase them but no doubt they'd be nurseries in your area that carried them as well.

Norfolk Island Pine..This is basically a Christmas tree masquerading as a plant. The fronds are not very strong but if you place ornaments (light in weight) closer to the trunk they should hold.

Autograph Tree...Scratch messages into the waxy leaves. Guests can leave wishes of their New Year's goals.

Umbrella Tree...This is a shrubby so if you want more of a tree-like look prune the leaves at the bottom.

Peruvian Apple Cactus...Wrap it in LED lights, which don't produce a lot of heat. You can cover the plant all the way, it's dormant during winter.

[homoe]

Originally Posted by homoe

If you're not wanting to go through all the work of putting up a tree why not consider investing in something that can double as a tree and then afterwards a plant. I found this idea in the Dec issue of Chicago Magazine and stores there where to purchase them but no doubt they'd be nurseries in your area that carried them as well.

Norfolk Island Pine..This is basically a Christmas tree masquerading as a plant. The fronds are not very strong but if you place ornaments (light in weight) closer to the trunk they should hold.

Autograph Tree...Scratch messages into the waxy leaves. Guests can leave wishes of their New Year's goals.

Umbrella Tree...This is a shrubby so if you want more of a tree-like look prune the leaves at the bottom.

Peruvian Apple Cactus...Wrap it in LED lights, which don't produce a lot of heat. You can cover the plant all the way, it's dormant during winter.

Norfolk Island Pine

[homoe]

Autograph tree

[homoe]

Umbrella tree........