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Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:This week we start a two-part article on Hostas. We were going to have the whole article this week, but we quickly discovered it would be way too long. We also include an inspirational and patriotic piece we received from a friend, as well as other articles for your pleasure. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Rex Gregor Tom Krueger 2) Hosta (Part I):
Why? I suppose the basic reason is that hosta is a low- maintenance plant and it has become fashionable with busy young housewives and senior citizens. This is in spite of the fact that many gardeners still believe that hosta needs to be divided every 3 or 4 years -- yet research has shown that as hosta clumps become older and bigger, they become more attractive. The leaves become wider, depressions in the leaves become more prominent, and leaf colors often become more pronounced and intense. Remember, hosta is a low maintenance plant!
Where does this blue come from? Nature develops a waxy coating on the leaves that gives them a blue color. However, throughout the growing season this blue will fade. Many people have asked me what happened to their hosta -- it had a beautiful blue leaf, where did it go? Well, over time, the color from the wax will fade because of overhead watering, rain, or even sun exposure. I tell them not to be discouraged because next year when the plant develops new leaves, the beautiful blue color will come back.
Next week we'll take a look at caring for Hosta and Hosta pests. Give the gift that will be treasured for generations. 3) Humor for Today:A man called the church office one day and said, "Can I please speak to the head hog at the trough?" The secretary, highly offended, said, "If you mean the pastor, then you may refer to him as 'Pastor' or 'Brother,' but you may certainly NOT refer to him as the 'head hog at the trough!'" The man said, "Well, I was planning on giving $10,000 to your church's building fund, but..." "Hold on," the secretary quickly replied, "the big fat pig just walked in." 4) Houseplant Placement:
5) Modern Day, Yet Timeless:I was pleased to receive a link of a modern day, yet timeless, version of a Beetle Bailey cartoon. It was sent by my friend John Kline - he received it from Nancy Eckert, an associate member of John's World War II organization. John was captured by the Germans in World War II at the "Battle of the Bulge." He remained a prisoner of war until the Germans surrendered. John is going to use this in his next publication. John tells me that Mort Walker intends it to be used as a patriotic symbol (Re: September 11th). We appreciate the author allowing us to share it with you. Click Here or visit http://beetlebailey.com/images/flag.swf Rex Click Image for Larger View 6) Quotes for Today:"The tongue weighs practically nothing, But so few people can
hold it." "Some people think there is too much sex on TV. Absolutely wrong
- most sets aren't big enough." 7) What are Moonplants?Even though it is fall, gardeners in warmer climates may want to know about moonplants. Moonplants are a very unique plant. Some gardeners believe they look like they could have come from outer space. They are a fast growing plant that will grow up to at least 10 feet tall. The flowers will remain tightly closed by day, and its white flowers will open at dusk -- they release a fragrance that will flow over your entire yard. In the bright moonlight they will sparkle like diamonds. Their blooming season resembles that of daylilies and a flower will only last one day -- but don't worry, that is not a problem, because they are loaded with hundreds of blooms. Moon flowers belong to the genus datura. You can find them by Clicking Here 8) Name that Phobia:Admit it - all of us are afraid of something. But can you put a name to that fear you have?
From A to Z, you'll find your fear here. Try this one the next time you call in sick - tell your boss you suffer from a severe case of Kathisophobia (the fear of sitting down). You can Click Here for The Phobia List or visit them at http://www.phobialist.com/ 9) Subscribe/UnsubscribeThis newsletter, the Green Thumb Times, is sent out only to those who have requested a FREE subscription by signing up at http://rexseedco.com or specifically asked to be added PRIVACY: Your email address is held in the strictest of privacy. It is never traded or sold to anyone else. To subscribe to The Green Thumb Times To unsubscribe Rex Gregor, Editor Tom Krueger, Publisher Please feel free to forward The Green Thumb Times to a friend. Rex’s Seedco has searched the world for quality
growers of garden seeds. Many of these farmers bring together ancient
wisdom and modern science so people everywhere may have good health
and enjoyment in life. We are dedicated to providing the best wherever
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According
to trade information, hosta has become the most favored herbaceous perennial
in the United States. Most garden centers and nurseries have Hosta available.
The advantage of growing hosta has become recognized by home gardeners,
landscape designers, and contractors -- they have now become the largest
seller within all perennials.
Hostas
have earned an excellent reputation as a very reliable perennial for
low light (shade) landscape situations and are treasured as foliage
plants. An excellent gardener friend claims that hostas are the toughest
plant he knows -- by that he claims it takes an axe and a sledge hammer
to kill them!
Most
hostas are grown for their beautiful foliage. The leaf color range in
shades of green, gold, yellow, white, or bluish. There are variegated
forms in different colors. It is only recently that hybridizers have
developed trumpet-like fragrant flowers of pure white, lavender, blue,
and purple and even some bi-colors.
Most
professionals tell me that hosta leaves are not actually blue. Some
varieties exhibit a blue color, and they look like they are blue, but
underneath they are really green. In fact, many hostas even have the
word blue in their name.
Unfortunately,
advertising agencies will use color photographs to make hosta appear
more blue. That is not fair, and it gives consumers an unrealistic expectation
for their plants. By understanding what makes a hosta leaf blue, it
will help you enjoy this diverse group of hosta, and you will know that
the lose of blue during the season is simply a part of nature.
The
amount of sun exposure a hosta will tolerate depends on several factors.
Included is the fact that hybridizers have developed several varieties
that will even grow in full sun. However, you must understand that hostas
by nature are a shade plant.
You
need to keep three things in mind as you decide where to place a houseplant.
First, south facing windows receive more light than those facing north.
Second, plants with brightly colored foliage need more light. Third,
never put a plant where you can't read a newspaper without a light on.
(Don't do that test at night. <grin>)
Well,
thanks to 