View allAll Photos Tagged CompanionPlanting
From my set entitled “Clematis”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213973154/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis
Clematis (from Ancient Greek klematis, a climbing plant, probably periwinkle) is a genus of mostly vigorous climbing lianas, with attractive flowers. Some species are shrubby, and some others are herbaceous perennial plants. They are found throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and also in mountains in the tropics. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen.
Most species are known as Clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.
One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis. Unsurprisingly, therefore, modern taxonomists subdivide the genus. Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections [1]; Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera, several with sections and subsections within them [2]. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between different classifications, for example all Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson.
Although the genus Clematis is extremely diverse many of the most popular forms grown in gardens are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. Raymond Evison chronicles the history and development of these forms which normally have large 12-15cm diameter upward facing flowers and believes they largely involve crosses of c. patens, c. lanuginosa and c. viticella.
Early season large flowering forms (e.g "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of c. patens or c. lanuginosa while later flowering forms (eg. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to c. viticella.
Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
Clematis ligusticifolia is widespread across the western United States and grows in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 4,000 feet. A related species, Clematis columbiana, is widespread from British Columbia south into Oregon, with a range that extends east into Montana and Wyoming. Clematis was referred to as "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food during the period of western colonization, since during this period, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.
The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membrames. Unlike Black Pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested internally in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[1]
From my set entitled “Monarda”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607217954847/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_balm
Monarda (bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea, or bergamot) is a genus consisting of roughly 16 species of erect, herbaceous annual or perennial plants in the Lamiaceae, indigenous to North America. Ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet (0.2 to 0.9 m), the plants have an equal spread, with slender and long-tapering (lanceolate) leaves; the leaves are opposite on stem, smooth to nearly hairy, lightly serrated margins, and range from 3 to 6 inches (7 to 14 cm) long. In all species, the leaves, when crushed, exude a spicy, highly fragrant oil. Of the species listed, M. didyma (Oswego Tea) contains the highest concentration of this oil.[1]
The genus was named for Nicolás Monardes who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants found in the New World.
Several Bee Balm species (Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma) have a long history of use as a medicinal plants by many Native Americans including the Blackfeet, Menominee, Objibwe, Winnebago and others. The Blackfeet Indians recognized the strong antiseptic action of these plants, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds. A tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. Bee Balm is the natural source of the antiseptic Thymol, the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas. The Winnebago used a tea made from bee Balm as a general stimulant. Bee Balm was also used as a carminative herb by Native Americans to treat excessive flatulence. [2][3]
Although somewhat bitter due to the thymol content in the plants leaves and buds, the plant has a very similar flavor to oregano, to which it is closely related. Bee Balm was traditionally used by Native Americans as a seasoning for wild game, particularly birds. The plants are widespread across North America and can be found in moist meadows, hillsides, and forest clearings up to 5,000 feet in elevation. [2]
Monarda species include annual and perennial upright growing herbaceous plants with lanceolate to ovate shaped leaves. The flowers are tubular with bilateral symmetry and bilabiate; with upper lips narrow and the lower ones broader and spreading or deflexed. The flowers are single or in some cultivated forms double, generally hermaphroditic with 2 stamens. Plant bloom in mid to late-summer and the flowers are produced in dense profusion at the ends of the stem and/or in the stem axils, the flowers typically are in crowded into head-like clusters with leafy bracts. Flower colors vary, with wild forms of the plant having crimson-red to red, pink and light purple. M. didyma has bright, carmine red blossoms; M. fistulosa -- the "true" wild bergamot -- has smokey pink flowers. M. citriodora and M. pectinata have light lavender to lilac-colored blooms and have slightly decreased flower quantities. Both species are commonly referred to as "Lemon Mint." There are over 50 commercial cultivars and hybrids, ranging in color from candy-apple red to pure white to deep blue, but these plants tend to be smaller than wild species, and often developed to combat climatic or pest conditions. "M.didyma" species can grow up to 6 feet tall. Seed collected from hybrids — as with most hybridized plants — does not produce identical plants to the parent.
The Monarda plants prefer full sun and moist yet well-drained soil. Plants established in partial shade or filtered sun have higher incidences of rapid horizontal spread and flower less. An aggressive plant in the South-eastern United States, Bergamots can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions. Powdery mildew, rust, and (rarely) tobacco mosaic viruses disrupt established plants on occasion, but the plants are in general highly resistant to most wilts and viruses and are not easily damaged. Used most frequently in areas in need of naturalization, Monarda is often used in beds and borders to encourage and increase the appearance of hummingbirds, pollinating insects, and because of oils present in its roots is sometimes used to companion plant around small vegetable crops susceptible to subterranean pests. While seed should be stratified briefly before starting, seed may be cast directly or started in coldframes or greenhouses at soil temperatures approaching 70° Fahrenheit. Generally, propagation occurs by hardwood and softwood cuttings, root cuttings, layering, and division; the latter, quite frequently, is the most popular method out of necessity: the plant should be divided every 3 to 5 years to reduce spread, keep the central core of the plant healthy, preclude root rot, and improve air circulation about the foliage.
Bee balm is considered a good plant to grow with tomatoes, ostensibly improving both health and flavor. It also is a good companion plant in general, attracting pollinators and some predatory/parasitic insects that hunt garden pests.
Monarda species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including case-bearers of the genus Coleophora including C. heinrichella (feeds exclusively on M. fistulosa), C. monardae (feeds exclusively on Monarda spp) and C. monardella (feeds exclusively on M. fistulosa).
The Bergamot of the Monarda species should not be confused with the popular flavoring used in Earl Grey tea. Dried leaves may be used for teas or aromatherapies, but the odor is subtly different from Citrus bergamia, the Earl Grey flavoring. For medicinal usage, Monarda has been known to treat headaches and fevers by infusing crushed leaves in boiling water.
From my set entitled “Clematis”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213973154/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis
Clematis (from Ancient Greek klematis, a climbing plant, probably periwinkle) is a genus of mostly vigorous climbing lianas, with attractive flowers. Some species are shrubby, and some others are herbaceous perennial plants. They are found throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and also in mountains in the tropics. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen.
Most species are known as Clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.
One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis. Unsurprisingly, therefore, modern taxonomists subdivide the genus. Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections [1]; Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera, several with sections and subsections within them [2]. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between different classifications, for example all Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson.
Although the genus Clematis is extremely diverse many of the most popular forms grown in gardens are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. Raymond Evison chronicles the history and development of these forms which normally have large 12-15cm diameter upward facing flowers and believes they largely involve crosses of c. patens, c. lanuginosa and c. viticella.
Early season large flowering forms (e.g "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of c. patens or c. lanuginosa while later flowering forms (eg. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to c. viticella.
Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
Clematis ligusticifolia is widespread across the western United States and grows in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 4,000 feet. A related species, Clematis columbiana, is widespread from British Columbia south into Oregon, with a range that extends east into Montana and Wyoming. Clematis was referred to as "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food during the period of western colonization, since during this period, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.
The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membrames. Unlike Black Pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested internally in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[1]
From my set entitled “Clematis”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213973154/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis
Clematis (from Ancient Greek klematis, a climbing plant, probably periwinkle) is a genus of mostly vigorous climbing lianas, with attractive flowers. Some species are shrubby, and some others are herbaceous perennial plants. They are found throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and also in mountains in the tropics. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen.
Most species are known as Clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.
One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis. Unsurprisingly, therefore, modern taxonomists subdivide the genus. Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections [1]; Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera, several with sections and subsections within them [2]. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between different classifications, for example all Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson.
Although the genus Clematis is extremely diverse many of the most popular forms grown in gardens are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. Raymond Evison chronicles the history and development of these forms which normally have large 12-15cm diameter upward facing flowers and believes they largely involve crosses of c. patens, c. lanuginosa and c. viticella.
Early season large flowering forms (e.g "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of c. patens or c. lanuginosa while later flowering forms (eg. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to c. viticella.
Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
Clematis ligusticifolia is widespread across the western United States and grows in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 4,000 feet. A related species, Clematis columbiana, is widespread from British Columbia south into Oregon, with a range that extends east into Montana and Wyoming. Clematis was referred to as "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food during the period of western colonization, since during this period, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.
The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membrames. Unlike Black Pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested internally in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[1]
From my set entitled “Clematis”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213973154/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis
Clematis (from Ancient Greek klematis, a climbing plant, probably periwinkle) is a genus of mostly vigorous climbing lianas, with attractive flowers. Some species are shrubby, and some others are herbaceous perennial plants. They are found throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and also in mountains in the tropics. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen.
Most species are known as Clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.
One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis. Unsurprisingly, therefore, modern taxonomists subdivide the genus. Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections [1]; Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera, several with sections and subsections within them [2]. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between different classifications, for example all Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson.
Although the genus Clematis is extremely diverse many of the most popular forms grown in gardens are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. Raymond Evison chronicles the history and development of these forms which normally have large 12-15cm diameter upward facing flowers and believes they largely involve crosses of c. patens, c. lanuginosa and c. viticella.
Early season large flowering forms (e.g "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of c. patens or c. lanuginosa while later flowering forms (eg. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to c. viticella.
Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
Clematis ligusticifolia is widespread across the western United States and grows in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 4,000 feet. A related species, Clematis columbiana, is widespread from British Columbia south into Oregon, with a range that extends east into Montana and Wyoming. Clematis was referred to as "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food during the period of western colonization, since during this period, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.
The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membrames. Unlike Black Pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested internally in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[1]
We embraced companion planting in this bed, putting peppers, basil, and tomatoes together. (And also some carrots. And marigolds.)
Also known as "wild carrot", this plant has many uses to humans. It can be safely interplanted with crops for its insect attracting qualities, and the strong tap root aerates compacted soils. Young roots are edible (!), and seeds have been used an natural birth control since days of Hippocrates.
"Dela Malmaison" Climbing rose in the Gardens of the American Rose Center, located on a 118-acre wooded tract in Shreveport, Louisiana. Located here is the national headquarters of the American Rose Society. It is the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses. The American Rose Center features more than 65 individual rose gardens and 20,000 rosebushes, with a variety of companion plants, sculptures and fountains.
To Purchase A Print, License An Image, Inquire About My Availability For Assignment Or Just See More Work Like This, Please Visit My Website. www.thegardenimage.com
All Photos Copyright © Jonathan Nutt 2012 All Rights Reserved
From my set entitled “Clematis”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213973154/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis
Clematis (from Ancient Greek klematis, a climbing plant, probably periwinkle) is a genus of mostly vigorous climbing lianas, with attractive flowers. Some species are shrubby, and some others are herbaceous perennial plants. They are found throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and also in mountains in the tropics. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen.
Most species are known as Clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.
One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis. Unsurprisingly, therefore, modern taxonomists subdivide the genus. Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections [1]; Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera, several with sections and subsections within them [2]. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between different classifications, for example all Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson.
Although the genus Clematis is extremely diverse many of the most popular forms grown in gardens are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. Raymond Evison chronicles the history and development of these forms which normally have large 12-15cm diameter upward facing flowers and believes they largely involve crosses of c. patens, c. lanuginosa and c. viticella.
Early season large flowering forms (e.g "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of c. patens or c. lanuginosa while later flowering forms (eg. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to c. viticella.
Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
Clematis ligusticifolia is widespread across the western United States and grows in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 4,000 feet. A related species, Clematis columbiana, is widespread from British Columbia south into Oregon, with a range that extends east into Montana and Wyoming. Clematis was referred to as "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food during the period of western colonization, since during this period, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.
The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membrames. Unlike Black Pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested internally in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[1]
This is a screenshot of the Plant Guild photo album.
These plants complement each other and are used in permaculture design. Guilds are specific to an area, though effective ones may translate to similar conditions.
Urban Permaculture Institute's List of Plant Guilds
Sample Guild: Asparagus, Tomatoes, Basil...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
These plant photos are taken in the Alphabet Garden at the Edible Office.
From my set entitled
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213815438/
In my collection entitled “Goldenrod”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenrod
The goldenrod is a yellow flowering plant in the Family Asteraceae.
About 100[1] perennial species make up the genus Solidago, most being found in the meadows and pastures, along roads, ditches and waste areas in North America. There are a handful of species from each of Mexico, South America, and Eurasia.[1] Some American species have also been introduced into Europe some 250 years ago.
Many species are difficult to distinguish. Probably due to their bright, golden yellow flower heads blooming in late summer, the goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing hay fever in humans. The pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod, but is wind-pollinated. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is thus mainly pollinated by insects.
Goldenrods are easily recognized by their golden inflorescence with hundreds of small capitula, but some are spike-like and other have auxiliary racemes.
They have slender stems, usually hairless but S. canadensis shows hairs on the upper stem. They can grow to a length between 60 cm and 1.5 m.
Their alternate leaves are linear to lanceolate. Their margins are usually finely to sharply serrated.
Propagation is by wind-disseminated seed or by underground rhizomes. They form patches that are actually vegetative clones of a single plant.
Goldenrod is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species - see list of Lepidoptera that feed on goldenrods. The Goldenrod then forms a leathery bulb (called a gall) around the invading insect as a quarantine to keep it confined to a small part of the plant. Parasitoid wasps have learned to find these galls, and lay eggs in the insect after penetrating the bulb. Woodpeckers have learned to blast open the gall and eat the wasp-infested insect holed up in the center.[2]
Goldenrods can be used for decoration and making tea. Goldenrods are, in some places, held as a sign of good luck or good fortune; but they are considered weeds by some.
Goldenrods are mostly short-day plants and bloom in late summer and early fall and some species produce abundant nectar when moisture is plentiful before bloom, and the bloom period is relatively warm and sunny. Honey from goldenrods often is dark and strong due to admixtures of other nectars. However when there is a strong honey flow, a light (often water white), spicy-tasting honey is produced. While the bees are ripening the honey there is a rank odor and taste, but finished honey is much milder.
British gardeners adopted goldenrod long before Americans. Goldenrod only began to gain some acceptance in American gardening (other than wildflower gardening) during the 1980s. A hybrid with aster, known as x Solidaster is less unruly, with pale yellow flowers, equally suitable for dried arrangements.
Solidago canadensis was introduced as a garden plant in Central Europe, and is now common in the wild. In Germany, it is considered an invasive species that displaces native vegetation from its natural habitat.
Goldenrod is a companion plant, playing host to some beneficial insects, repelling some pests
Inventor Thomas Edison experimented with goldenrod to produce rubber, which it contains naturally.[3] Edison created a fertilization and cultivation process to maximize the rubber content in each plant. His experiments produced a 12 foot tall plant that yielded as much as 12 percent rubber. The rubber produced through Edison's process was resilient and long lasting. The tires on the Model T given to him by his friend Henry Ford were made from goldenrod. Examples of the rubber can still be found in his laboratory, elastic and rot free after more than 50 years. However, even though Edison turned his research over to the U.S. government a year before his death, goldenrod rubber never went beyond the experimental stage.
The variety Solidago virgaurea is a traditional kidney tonic. It has aquaretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic action and seems to increase kidney output.[citation needed] This makes it useful as an agent to counter inflammation and irritation of the kidneys when bacterial infection or stones are present.[4] Such use is in combination with other herbs that create a synergistic therapeutic effect on the urinary system. As in other areas of herbalism, blending creates a therapy greater than the effect of a single herb alone. The aquaretic action is also useful in helping to dissolve kidney stones by diluting their components and preventing them from recurring. See herbal medicine. Goldenrod has also been used as part of a tincture to aid in cleansing of the kidney/bladder during a healing fast, in conjunction with Potassium broth and specific juices.[4] 'Solidago odora' is also sold as a medicinal, for these issues: mucus, kidney/bladder cleansing and stones, colds, digestion.
The goldenrod is the state flower of the U.S. states of Kentucky (adopted March 16, 1926) and Nebraska (adopted April 4, 1895). It used to be the state flower of Alabama, being adopted as such on September 6, 1927, but was later rejected in favour of the camellia. Goldenrod was recently named the state wildflower for South Carolina.
In Midwestern states in the mid-twentieth century it was said that when the goldenrod bloomed, it would soon be time to go back to school--the blossoms appeared in mid- to late August, shortly before the traditional start of school on the day after Labor Day.[5]
In Sufjan Stevens' song, Casimir Pulaski Day, the narrator brings goldenrod to his girlfriend upon finding out that she has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Carrie Hamby's song, Solidago, tells the story of Thomas Edison's experiments with making goldenrod a domestic source of rubber during the 2nd world war.
The Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora) is also the state herb of Delaware as of June 24, 1996. [6]
We planted this last year as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects to our square foot vegetable garden.. It didn't bloom last year and seemed to die off, so I forgot all about it. Imagine my surprise when it came back and spread this spring. We're getting magnificent blooms this season!
Darlene Roelofsen used my photo in her e-book called "Growing Vegetables in South Africa". It was used under the heading "Companion Planting" She was kind enough to give me a download of the book and it looks very thorough, colourful and well laid out. A link to Gardening in South Africa:
Companion planting is an easy way to grow different groups of vegetables, herbs and flowers together. This method creates a flourishing garden that doesn’t use pesticides and chemicals to control pests. Go Green - Start using companion planting. Get your boots on – get ready for the companion planting revolution!
more @ www.melojak.com
Stinging Nettle seedling, stem view.
From the top it looks like catnip. But one look at the stem will tell you which is which. Stinging Nettle will be covered with thorns and will hurt you if you touch it (thus the name).
Comfrey, Daffodil, Daylily, Currant, Welsh Onion, Lavender, Sorrel, Stinging Nettle, a low-growing mint and more, on the south side of an apple tree.
Companion planting with what I believe is a Blue Beauty tomato and sugar snap pea plant. I am very pleased that the sugar snap pea has taken positively to my training it to vine up along the bamboo stakes and twine.
Two of my mason bee houses/condos. They are so cute to watch and they LOVE sunflowers!! I planted several to draw them to the garden. In the evening, I discovered, the bees curl up in groups on the sunflowers until the morning. Didn't see too many honey bees this year ......sad.
I found 4 lbs of carrots growing under my bean teepee. I had planted the carrots then decided to plant beans in that spot instead. When the carrots started coming up I figured I'd pull them out, then didn't cause I'm a lazy-acerola. Then I forgot about them.
For months. And the other day when I was out in the garden I saw that giant carrot peeking out of the soil and discovered many more. This is the 4lb harvest that grew under the beans.
Lesson learned: get more food out of your bean plantings by underplanting them with carrots!
Companion planting and biodiversity. Zucchini seedling next to phacelia seedling. Biodegradable peat pot. Plant labels. Moss on windowsill.
Last week my mom and I started clearing out the pottager that we share. The popcorn was the first thing to go, as it was ready to be harvested. This year I planted 'Amish Butter' popcorn from Southern Exposure. I also planted 'Genuine Cornfield' bean, a special variety of shade tolerant pole bean to grow up the corn.
I believe this is a blue beauty tomato plant. I say this because of the blue-ish color at the base of the stem. But then the rest of the plant does not show any blue markings. I'll eventually figure it out once it gets bigger. If not, I'll definitely know when it produces fruit.
or is it vice versa maybe? Perhaps it's a mutual thing. All I know is, last year I ripped out a bunch of ugly cedar hedging that were put in as space fillers by the last owner. I threw down a layer of cardboard, then a layer of rotten vegetable scraps, then shredded newspaper, more scraps, some old horse manure, and so on... then I scattered some crimson clover seeds and plugged in about 50 gourmet garlic seed cloves. I didn't know exactly what was going to happen, but I am more than thrilled with the results! We have a lush, deep bed full of crazy garlic and brilliant red clover, both are thriving with absolutely no maintenance or work. I don't even water. This is the kind of gardening success story I love.
We planted a vegetable garden this spring. Dug the beds and planted our first seedlings on 3 and 4 May.
Parsley
Parsley is widely used as a companion plant in gardens. Like many other umbellifers (aromatic plants with hollow stems), it attracts predatory insects, including wasps and predatory flies to gardens, which then tend to protect plants nearby. For example, they are especially useful for protecting tomato plants as the wasps that kill tomato hornworms also eat nectar from parsley. While parsley is biennial, not blooming until its second year, even in its first year it is reputed to help cover up the strong scent of the tomato plant, reducing pest attraction. In addition, when crushed and rubbed on the skin, parsley can reduce itching in mosquito bites!
I love how these fill the garden with waves of green and bright colors, they are truly hard to beat as a companion crop. One of my favorites. So, glad to have seen them on our Ireland trip and been inspired to grow them.
Gardener planting dill next to fava beans to attract beneficial insects and acts as aphid repellant.
Bell Peppers companion planted in square foot garden in the Eat & Live Green raised container garden boxes.
Marigolds were always a favorite - they were pretty, hardy, and had a long flowering season. Unfortunately, they are less so in the unrelenting heat, humidity, and rain of our summers...though these look awfully healthy! An interesting facet about this scented plant is its apparent ability to repel certain insects and thus, is planted along side vegetables such as tomatoes (I know technically a fruit), cucumbers, and squash.
Companion planting is a great example of building on the strengths of differences to blend together for mutually productive benefit. That type of team work can play a positive role in not only the end result, but also the process of getting there. Including the social aspect of learning in this synergistic experience offers preparation for our students' futures - sure beats rote memorization! Home Depot Garden Dept, Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL