Flowers and houseplants : article
Discover hostas, hardy perennials that thrive in shade, offering diverse foliage, fragrant blooms, and easy care for any garden.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bold, eye-catching hydrangeas appear at floral shops and garden centers now through Mother’s Day.
“Hydrangea’s regal elegance is uncommon among potted plants,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
Discover how herbs like lavender and rosemary were used historically to freshen homes and enrich gardens.
As clump-forming perennials mature, they often become overcrowded, competing among themselves for light, water and nutrients. This typically results in fewer blooms. Dividing them restores vigor and lets gardeners expand their beds or share plants with others.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Look no further than your back yard for inexpensive fall centerpieces.
That’s the advice from Kim Martin, manager of Tiger Garden, the student-run floral shop on the University of Missouri campus. The shop celebrated its grand re-opening recently with special events and workshops.
Enhance your garden's beauty by dividing and replanting overgrown iris clumps every 3-4 years to promote vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Spring gardens brighten as Greek mythology’s rainbow messenger inspires irises in every hue—durable, intricate blooms for weeks of vivid display.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Learn how to protect plants from frost with tips on timing, insulation, and care for sensitive species as cold weather nears.
Start your gardening season early by sowing vegetable and flower seeds indoors so they’ll be ready to transplant when spring arrives.
Kirksville Area Master Gardeners have given away more than 9,000 milkweed plants since 2014. Then-chapter president Diane Johnson launched the crusade after reading about the decline of monarch butterfly populations. Since the early 1990s, populations of eastern monarchs have decreased by as much…
Preserve spring bulb foliage after flowering to ensure healthy blooms next year. Avoid cutting or tying leaves; remove spent flowers and use appropriate fertilizer.
Divide overgrown perennials in early fall to boost blooms, share plants, and strengthen roots for next spring.
Discover lily varieties that thrive in Missouri gardens and enjoy blooms from June to August.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Winter-hardy perennial flowers likely will survive April’s historic low temperatures across Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Their tender annual counterparts, however, may not be so lucky.
When most garden flowers show the attrition of having endured the heat and humidity of a typical Missouri summer, lycoris adds beauty and intrigue to beleaguered landscapes. The pink, lily-like flowers seem to come out of nowhere to adorn gardens.
Discover the allure of magnolias, from the early-blooming star magnolia to the native cucumber tree, each offering unique beauty and fragrance.
COLUMBIA, Mo. While tomatoes are the most popular choice for high tunnel production, many other vegetables, fruits and flowers flourish in the controlled environment of high tunnels, said University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn.
A Master Gardener teaches preschoolers to grow and enjoy fresh food while building community through themed school gardens.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Jefferson County will hold Master Gardener classes Monday evenings at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus.
Weekly classes will be 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 26 to May 7, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.
Mexico’s national flower, the dahlia, thrives in Missouri gardens with its vibrant colors and rich history. Learn to grow and care for these stunning blooms.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Use it to steal a kiss, but keep it away from children, pets and yourself. Every part of mistletoe, an evergreen plant with white berries, is highly toxic.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Of all the plants used in holiday decor, few match mistletoe’s interesting history. And few equal its potential for harm.
An evergreen plant with white berries, mistletoe is quite toxic, said David Trinklein, horticulture state specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Learn how mowing or composting leaves can enrich soil, control disease, and support healthier lawns and gardens.
A horticulturist searches Ozark forests for the rare woodland swallowtail butterfly, a unique pollinator of the region.
Explore lavender cultivation in Missouri with insights on suitable cultivars and growing conditions.
Discover a gardener’s floral subscription delivering fresh, seasonal bouquets locally via weekly, biweekly or monthly service.
VERSAILLES, Mo. – Ozark Prairie Master Gardeners know that good things come in small packages.
That is why mini-greenhouses are growing throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region.
The mini-greenhouses are the brainchild of Dan Britton, president of the Ozark Prairie Master Gardeners chapter in…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri researchers, under the direction of MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, are finding that pigweed seed is popping up in birdseed in alarming numbers.
“It’s pretty shocking,” graduate student Eric Oseland told those attending the annual Integrated Pest…
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and enriches soil. Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch like pine bark or grass clippings for best results.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Discover how fall mums offer long-lasting, bold blooms in vibrant colors and tips on selecting and caring for them.
Edible flowers brighten meals with color and flavor — learn safe varieties, uses, and tips for harvesting and preserving blossoms.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nativars, superhero plants that possess the virtues of native plants but in a more attractive package, make good choices for landscaped areas.
Use nativars as part of your gardening “green movement,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bursting with color and relatively low-maintenance, petunias are a longtime favorite of gardeners. But that wasn’t always the case.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
NEVADA, Mo. – If you don’t have time or space for a large Christmas tree, consider a Norfolk Island pine.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pest control in the garden might conjure images of a season-long battle with bugs, weeds and diseases. But sometimes four-legged “friends” such as deer, rabbits and squirrels can inflict far more damage, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ben Franklin’s adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could be gardeners’ theme song for November.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Many tropical plants thrive in the heat and humidity of a typical Missouri summer and can make great outdoor patio plants. But as temperatures drop in the fall, conditions can quickly become deadly.
Pansies bring vibrant color to spring gardens and thrive in cool, sunny conditions with proper care.
Pansies bloom in spring and fall, adding vibrant color and charm to gardens across the seasons.
Pansies bloom year-round across North America, thriving in various climates.
Pansies brighten gardens with cheerful, smiley flowers. Plant in spring or fall for vibrant color and early blooms.
Peonies thrive with little care, live over 100 years, resist pests, and brighten gardens with their long-lasting, fragrant blooms.
Peonies, cherished for their fragrance and blooms, have honored Memorial Day since the 1800s.
Monarda, also called bee balm, blooms with vibrant colors, attracts pollinators, and honors American history with its patriotic roots.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No flower says Christmas like the poinsettia. Now is the time of year when these colorful plants adorn mantels, tables and hallways across the country.
Plant bulbs in fall for beautiful spring blooms. Choose early, mid, and late-blooming varieties for continuous color and plant in groups for impact.
Plant spring-blooming bulbs now to ensure vibrant flowers and healthy roots next season.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Now is the time to prepare for some of the earliest arrivals of spring: flowers borne by Dutch bulbs.
These flowers include the likes of narcissus (daffodil), tulip, hyacinth and crocus.
Plant seeds indoors now for a head start on a successful garden. Follow simple steps to grow healthy plants and enjoy a vibrant harvest.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As winter sets in, gardeners thumb through seed catalogs in anticipation of next year’s gardens.But not all seed sources are created equal, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Katie Kammler.
MARBLE HILL, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Overwintering plants indoors may improve air quality in your home during the long, chilly months, said a University of Missouri horticulturist."Research has found that plants can be very useful in absorbing harmful pollutants," said Mary Kroening.
Discover why poinsettias, with colorful bracts and tiny flowers, are America’s favorite holiday plant.
Discover how the poinsettia became America’s top potted flower and learn tips to keep it vibrant through the holiday season.
Learn how to care for poinsettias after the holidays to encourage reblooming next season with simple, step-by-step tips.
Poinsettias are not toxic to children or pets, though their taste is unpleasant and some may have allergic reactions to the sap.
The red poppy symbolizes remembrance of soldiers who died in combat, inspired by John McCrae's 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields."
Poppies honor fallen soldiers, symbolizing remembrance and sacrifice each Memorial Day and beyond.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Just like surgeons and dentists, gardeners sho
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Spring is almost here, but gardeners shouldn’t be too quick to start working the soil, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– It’s not easy and the results may be less than hoped for, but a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist suggests anyone with a green thumb might try reblooming a poinsettia at least once.
Create a patriotic garden using red, white, and blue flowers with the 60-30-10 design rule for color balance and visual appeal.
Gift heart-shaped plants like philodendron, pothos, hoya, and cyclamen for Valentine's Day—they symbolize lasting love and affection.
A viral disease transmitted by microscopic mites is destroying garden roses—learn symptoms, transmission, and what actions gardeners should take.
Gardening enhances physical and mental well-being by providing exercise, time in nature and healthy food. Follow safety guidelines to maximize these benefits.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Just like surgeons and dentists, gardeners sho
Learn why saving home garden seeds—especially from hybrid varieties—often leads to disappointing results in future seasons.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The second annual Mid-Mo Expo for backyard gardeners and small farmers offers presentations and demonstrations to improve productivity and profits.
Sedums are low-maintenance, late-blooming plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with vibrant purple and pink flowers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No flower says Christmas like the poinsettia. Now is the time of year when these colorful plants adorn mantels, tables and hallways across the country.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Submitting soil samples to your local University of Missouri Extension center is easy, says Manjula Nathan, director of the MU Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Learn when and how to plant spring-flowering bulbs in fall for vibrant blooms in spring while ensuring proper soil and drainage management.
Explore how seasonal bulbs, potted plants, and resurrection plants brighten indoor and outdoor spaces in April.
Amaryllis and Christmas cactus gifts can rebloom next year with proper early care—begin now to set the stage for holiday blooms.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love.
Discover a giant daytime-hovering moth that mimics a hummingbird, feeding at flowers while emitting a soft hum.
Dispelling the myth that poinsettias are poisonous, this article shows how their bracts pose little danger and offers tips for safe care
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Terrariums are back in style for plant lovers, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Overwatering and excessive care can harm your garden. Learn how to strike the right balance for healthy plants and a thriving landscape.
Tough and low-maintenance, spiderwort brings beauty to gardens with minimal care, thriving in poor soil and partial shade.
Discover how flowers convey emotions and messages, making Valentine's Day bouquets speak beyond words.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, some well-meaning person will warn of the dangers of the poinsettia. This is an urban legend that simply will not die.Its reputation as a toxic plant is undeserved. It’s been tested for toxicity and passed as safe.
As frost approaches, gardeners are tempted to dig up plants and place them in pots for use indoors. The results are often disappointing. Many garden plants do not make good houseplants. But if you are determined to try, MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein has suggestions.
Transplant irises from August to October for best growth. Space, divide, and care for vibrant blooms and healthy rhizomes.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – How does your garden grow? No grow or slow grow? It could be your H2O.
How and when you water your garden often makes the difference between healthy or diseased plants, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tom Fowler.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Hanging mistletoe is a holiday tradition around the world. But have you ever wondered why we steal a kiss because we’re standing under some shrubbery?
Heavy or prolonged wet soil can drown deep roots and weaken plants, leaving them vulnerable when dry spells follow.