Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Homeowners should take a close look at just how much irrigation their lawns actually need, said a University of Missouri Extension turf scientist.

“Some studies show that the average homeowner applies 2.5 times the amount of water that is required for turf growth when using a hose-end sprinkler,” said Brad Fresenburg.

Learn how to read your lawn so you know when to water, Fresenburg said. Purple-blue…[more]

Twilight gardening is a way to extend enjoyment of outdoor plants past normal hours, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“Twilight gardens are designed to be at their best at dusk, when natural light is fading,” said David Trinklein.

Appropriate plants for twilight gardens include those with light-colored silver and grey leaves. White flowers also maximize light.

Look for plants with flowers that…[more]

The fragrance of a flower or plant is an integral part of its appeal. Adding fragrance to a garden requires modest effort and is well worth it, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“Careful selection of plants with fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage can heighten our enjoyment of a garden while serving as a method of biological pest control,” said David Trinklein.

Some plants have…[more]

It is no secret that Oklahoma has had its fair share of turbulent weather over the past few weeks. Record rainfalls have left many Oklahoma communities with more than enough water.

Generally it seems Oklahoma experiences more dry weather than wet, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist.

“During some growing seasons, gardening enthusiasts struggle to keep their gardens moist enough for…[more]

Hostas may be just the ticket for gardeners who want to plant something in a shady spot.

“These plants are hardy, low-maintenance perennials that are easy to grow,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “Their impressive colors and leaves give hostas the label among gardeners as ‘emperors of the shade.’”

There are an estimated 70 species and more than 4,000 cultivars of hostas available…[more]

Marigolds are popular, easy-to-grow flowers that also can help fend off pests from your garden.

“This colorful and durable flowering annual asks very little of us as gardeners,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. The National Garden Bureau (http://www.ngb.org) has chosen the marigold as its 2010 Flower of the Year.

Marigolds are native to the Americas, yet they made their way to U.S.…[more]

Everyone knows they need to apply fertilizer for optimal growth of fescue and other plants. But what exactly do those nutrients do for the plant? University of Missouri Extension agronomist Travis Harper explains.

Nitrogen

“The primary use of nitrogen in plants is for the formation of proteins,” Harper said. “Nitrogen is also an integral part of chlorophyll. Therefore, a plant with sufficient nitrogen will exhibit vigorous…[more]

As summer temperatures rise, and as lawn grass begins to wilt, homeowners can save on water costs and ensure a healthy yard by keeping some helpful watering practices in mind, said Mark Brown, Pulaski County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

It’s no secret that homeowner water use rises in late spring and early summer. For example, Central Arkansas Water pumps an average daily…[more]

For trees and shrubs, a sudden change from cool and rainy weather to hot and dry conditions is particularly stressful.

After a rainy spring and return to normal temperatures, homeowners may see leaf scorch, dieback or leaf drop on their landscape plants.

“When soil is saturated and air temperature is cool, plants develop an imbalance between their roots and leaves,” said Chris Starbuck, University of Missouri…[more]

Plants that fail to bloom can be a big disappointment for gardeners. According to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Jennifer Schutter, the problem is usually related to the age of the plant, temperature, light, nutrition or pruning practices.

“Many plants must reach a certain age before they are mature enough to produce flowers. Fruit trees, such as apples and pears, may require as long as five or six…[more]