Category: Blog

The Nature Of Cupressus Sempervirens

Cupressus Sempervirens is a type of cypress plant which is normally found around the Mediterranean region several other areas with favorable weather conditions. The plant is evergreen even during the summer times. It is about thirty five meters tall with a conic crown and strong branches which have some loosely attached branchlets. The plant is classified under the kingdom plantae, placed in division Pinopsida under the family Cyperaceae, in genus Cupressus and species Sempervirens.

The trunk of the tree is dark green with a hard cover which helps in the transportation of water to the leaves. The plant grows even in dark sprays and has short leaves which are needle like in nature. Well matured plants produce some cones which help in reproduction. The cones are green during the first stages but changes to brown after some time.

This tree is popular and well recognized for its perfumed and strong wood which majorly used in the construction of permanent structures and furniture. In the ancient times long before stainless steel was discovered, cypress was used in distilleries to aid in alcohol fermentation. The plant grows well in perfectly drained soils and also requires to be watered regularly during its early stages until the roots are established.

The plants are attacked by some fungus when they are left out to survive by themselves without much care. Rodents like mice also attack their roots and can even make them dry up. A group of these plants form a good cover which helps to reduce the wind strength and thereby minimizing damages which have been caused. The plant is also known to cure some diseases like whooping cough, sore throats and flu.

Constant washing of feet with cones help one to reduce excessive sweating. Both leaves and wood of this plant contains some amount of essential oil which is safe for human use. Due to its good aroma, the wood and leaves of this plant have been used extensively in soap and perfume industries. The plant gives hardwood timber which is able to repel some of the warmth attacking it. It has also been used to make a variety of objects including cabinets and wardrobes.

Oil from this species helps to improve the rate of blood flow in the body and thereby solves a number of issues in the entire system. Increased blood circulation solves the cough problems and even makes one feel better and strong. This tree is perennial in nature and it came from the east.

During the ancient times, the Cretans and Phoenicians knew the benefits of this species because they constructed ships and houses using wood from it. The Greeks also made curved images of their gods from it. The trunk of this species is straight in nature and both the male and female cones grow in the same plant but are perfectly located within the branches.

There are two major varieties of Cupressus Sempervirens although they are classified according to branch type. Some branches grow horizontally while others prefer to shoot upwards. This plant greatly helps to reduce the rate of soil erosion as its roots are firmly fixed to the ground.

The Popularity Of The Thuya Plicata Excelsa Tree

The Thuya plicata excelsa is a tree from the family of Cyprus. It has a number of other names apart from the common one. These names are used according to the locality of the trees. Some of the names are; the shingle wood, western red cedar, the giant cedar, the pacific red cedar, the western arborvitae. It comes from the genus known as Cedrus.

The wood of this tree has been known for its ability to perform different functions. It is very beautiful in appearance. It has a red shade when the timber is made. This enhances its beauty. It is also used mostly in the construction of outdoor items for example, beehives, roofs and poles. This tree has straight timber; this is very easy for one to create different designs from it. The tree is also large enough.

The timbers of this tree can be identified only by the smell. This is because it has a sweet scent. Its color also makes it easy to notice. The tree is also preferred for building purposes since it lasts long. It does not decay. It thus is on high demand due to its unique properties. However, it is very rare for one to find it. This makes it very expensive in the market.

The woods that come from this tree are very light. This makes it among the best woods to construct a boat. Being a light but very strong wood, it can be used perfectly for this purpose. Among the common trees for building boats such as the mahogany, this one beats them all. This timber is also used for the making of ornaments. This is enhanced by its beautiful nature and ability to dye well with other colors making it come in several colors.

The woods of this tree are mostly used in the construction of the chest and drawers used to store clothes. There are some insects such as the moth which may tamper with the contents of a chest. These pests are very stubborn and are known for their destruction. They usually spoil fabric. However this timber has the ability to send them away. It contains some oil that acts as a repellant. It is also very light, dark and has a warm sound. This makes it the appropriate wood for the construction of the guitar.

The mature trees are known to secrete a chemical known as fungicide. This chemical helps in the boosting the immunity of the tree. It prevents the timber from rotting. This makes it very durable. Under normal circumstances, this can last up to a decade. The tree can also work well with others. This is because their woods blend very well with various timbers.

There are other functions of this tree. It is used in the making of the utensils and flower vessels. Its parts are also used in the construction of several other things for example, its bark. It is used in the making of baskets, weaving of mats and making of ropes. These items are usually very beautiful and admirable.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is a very popular tree among the human population. This is because it is able to perform various functions. It can construct a number of things both indoors and outdoors. This tree produces very many pieces of timber. This is because most of them are very large in size.

Importance Of The Thuya Plicata Excelsa Tree

Thuya plicata excelsa has a variety of names. The tree is also known as, the western red cedar, the pacific cedar, the giant cedar, the arborvitae or the shingle wood. This tree is a type of tree from the Cyprus family. Despite the fact that it has many names, it belongs to the cedars. It comes from the Cedrus genus.

The tree is easily noticed since it is very large. This tree has a number of benefits to human beings. The species has quality timber. Their timbers are red in color making it exceptionally beautiful. The timber is straight making it easy for one to design them. They are mostly used for outdoor construction. Some people use them in the construction of bee hives. But most people use them for poles, construction of the roof and many more.

This tree is expensive in the market. This is because the species is rare to find. It is also in high demand since it possesses the ability to last long. It is highly resistant to decay. This property makes it the most preferred tree when it comes to construction. The timbers from this tree have a very sweet smell. One can identify this timber just by color and smell.

The wood is also used for the construction of boats. This is because of it’s light nature. It can therefore be able to float. Although its timber is light, it is considered the strongest tree. It has been noted to be much better than the common woods for boat building such as mahogany. This tree is also used for making ornaments. Since it has a very beautiful appearance, it is loved by women because of its natural color. It also dyes well with other colors making the ornaments to come in a variety of colors.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is also used in the construction of chests and drawers. This is because it has some oils that are said to send pests and insects away. There are some notorious pests known to eat clothes in the drawers. This is beneficial to the owner. These oils can be retained in the woods for a long time. The lightness of the wood, its dark color, and its warm sound has made the wood a popular choice for the construction of the guitar.

The wood of mature trees has been discovered to contain a certain chemical. This chemical is known as fungicide. It comes with a number of benefits though the major one is that it treats the timber and prevents rotting. This property makes the tree even last more than a decade. The wood has been known for its ability to blend well with other trees. It has the ability to be glued with various trees. This is to mean it can be used alongside various woods.

Other parts of the tree are also of benefit. As said earlier the tree performs various functions such as, making utensils, flower vessels, boards and many more. However the bark of the Thuya plicata excelsa is also highly used. Baskets, ropes and weaving are done by using these barks. They make a beautiful structure after completion.

From the above discussion it has been noted that this type of Thuya plicata excelsa tree is very beneficial to the society. This is because it is versatile. It can be used in the construction of various things that are essential amongst the population. The tree is very large and therefore produces a large number of timbers.

Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) For Your Garden

The Punica Granatum (pomegranate) is a great choice of shrub to plant in your garden. It will bring color and shade into your garden and will also supply you with tasty fruit for the kitchen. In addition, it is perfect for that sunny spot where nothing else will grow.

An average plant grows to between 12 and 16 feet, although it can grow as high as 30 feet. The shrub is rounded in shape, with long, narrow, glossy leaves. If you prefer a smaller plant, you can plant a dwarf variety that will grow to no more than 3 feet. There are even bonsai shrubs.

Some varieties don’t bear fruit but are grown mainly for their beautiful flowers. Hummingbirds may come into your garden for these bright red flowers. Each flower is more or less 2 inches in diameter, with only a few big, round petals.

The fruit of Punica granatum is a berry, even though it doesn’t look like one. It is big and round with a thick, tough, reddish skin. On the inside there are hundreds of seeds with a deep red, watery and pulpy outer part. This part is edible and is called the aril.

The ruby-like arils are tasty on their own and can be either sweet or somewhat sour on the palate. They are a good source of vitamins, especially of vitamin C. They are often sprinkled over dishes like lamb kebabs or salads in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Pakistani and Indian cooking. If you prefer them with something sweet, you will find that they go particularly well with ice cream or yogurt.

You may know pomegranate juice already in the form of grenadine. This is the sweet, red syrup that is a staple of many a cocktail. However, the pure juice, as a mixer or on its own, is fast gaining in popularity too. You can also use it as an ingredient in sauces, marinades and a salad dressing with a difference.

Pomegranates grow easily, especially in warm and sunny climates. They originally came from Iran and Iraq’s Kurdish parts and have been grown in the surrounding areas of Asia and the Mediterranean for many hundreds of years since. This is why they grow best in dry, warm places. In areas with high rainfall, however, they are more susceptible to root rot.

Because the plants grow best in full sun, they are perfect as providers of shade to other, more fragile plants, like flowers or herbs that will scorch in direct sun. They are hardy and low-maintenance. Even though they resist most pests and diseases, they may be affected by pomegranate butterfly and leaf-footed bug. However, they are highly resistant to drought and you don’t have to water them a lot.

The best way to propagate Punica Granatum (pomegranate) is from cuttings. This will keep the new plant’s characteristics the same as those of the parent plant. However, you can also grow the shrub directly from seeds if you prefer. Either way will leave you with a plant that can only be an asset to the garden.

Punica Granatum (pomegranate) As An Option For The Garden

If you are looking for something to plant in that spot in your yard where it is too sunny for anything to grow, one of your best options may be the Punica Granatum (pomegranate). It is a shrub that will bring some color into your garden. Furthermore, you will have your own supply of fruit.

The leaves are narrow, long and glossy. They help give the plant its round shape. An average plant grows to more or less 12 to 16 feet in height. Some plants grow even bigger, to 30 feet. If your space is limited, however, you can plant a dwarf variety that will grow to about 3 feet only.

One of the benefits of having this plant in your yard is that it is so colorful when in bloom. Some varieties are even grown mainly for their bright red flowers, which have a diameter of about 2 inches. Hummingbirds also love these flowers with their four or five big petals.

The plants bear fruit in fall and early winter. A pomegranate fruit is big and round, between 2.5 and 5 inches in diameter, with a thick, reddish skin. When you cut open the fruit, you will see that it is actually a berry. Inside the hard skin there are small seeds. There can be several hundred of these seeds in one fruit. They have a watery, pulpy outer part known as the aril. The aril is usually deep red and is the part that you can eat.

Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C. The arils have a taste that varies from sweet to slightly sour. They are used a lot in the cuisine of the Middle East, India, Pakistan and the Mediterranean countries. Even though they are good in salads and in hot meat dishes, Western taste-buds may prefer them with ice cream or yogurt or in baked goods. However, they are excellent on their own too.

The juice is becoming an increasingly popular drink, also in cocktails. It can be used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces and salad dressings too. Thickened and processed into a sweet syrup, it is known as grenadine, essential in any bar.

Pomegranates originated in Kurdistan, an area in modern-day Iran and Iraq. For hundreds of years people in this part of Asia have been growing the shrub and using its fruit. Because of its origin, the shrub prefers a warm and dry climate, like the Mediterranean climate of southern California. In a very wet climate the roots are prone to rot.

The best location for one of these plants is a spot that gets full sun. This makes it a great plant to provide shade for your more fragile herbs and flowers. However, if you don’t have a suitably sunny location, the plant will also grow in partial shade. It is easy to grow and is resistant to drought. It is hardy too and there aren’t many diseases and pests that will affect it. However, you will have to be on the lookout for leaf-footed bug and the pomegranate butterfly.

You can grow Punica Granatum (pomegranate) from seeds. However, it is better to grow it from cuttings, because this will keep the genetic integrity of the variety intact. No matter how you choose to propagate the plant, though, it will bring color and joy to your yard.

Brighten Up Your Yard With Punica Granatum (pomegranate)

If you have a sunny spot in your yard and are wondering what to plant there, you may want to consider the Punica Granatum (pomegranate). This shrub will not only brighten up your garden and provide some shade. It will also give you a supply of delicious fruit.

On average the plant grows to a height of about 12 to 16 feet, with a rounded shape and leaves that are narrow and long with a glossy finish. However, pomegranates can grow as big as a tree-sized 30 feet. There are also dwarf varieties that grow only to about 3 feet.

The flowers are a bright red that will bring color to your garden. In fact, there are varieties of the shrub that are grown for their flowers only. These flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, with only a few big, rounded petals. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, these flowers are a good way to do it.

From fall and into early winter, the flowers develop into rounded fruit with a diameter of about 2.5 to 5 inches. The fruit has a thick, leathery skin that is reddish in color. However, the pomegranate is actually a berry. When you break open the fruit, you will find that it has hundreds of small seeds inside. These seeds consist of a harder core surrounded by a watery pulp, usually a beautiful deep red in color. This pulp is called the aril and is the edible part of the fruit.

Pomegranates are good sources of vitamins, especially vitamin C. You can eat the arils as they are, since they have a sweet taste with a hint of sourness too. They are also good with yogurt or ice cream and are popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian and Pakistani cuisine, even in meat dishes like lamb kebabs.

The juice is great on its own or as a mixer in cocktails. You can also use it in salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Furthermore, it is the main ingredient in grenadine syrup, the sweet, red syrup that brings the sunrise to a Tequila Sunrise.

Growing these versatile plants in your garden is easy. Pomegranates prefer warm, sunny climates since they originated in the Kurdish parts of Iraq and Iran and have been grown in that part of Asia since ancient times. They are particularly well-suited to Mediterranean climates where summers are warm and dry. Too much water, however, can cause root decay.

Although the plants will grow in partially shady spots, they prefer full sun. So, you can plant them in areas of your garden where few other plants will grow and then use their foliage to provide shade for smaller herbs and flowering plants. They don’t need a lot of watering and can resist drought quite easily. They are also highly resistant to pests and diseases, but the pomegranate butterfly and the leaf-footed bug may be a problem.

If you decide to plant Punica Granatum (pomegranate) in your garden, the best way to do this is from cuttings. You can use seeds for propagation too, but this may affect the quality of the variety. Whichever way you choose, though, you will have a shrub that will be an asset to your garden for years to come.

Management Of The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant

Planting of plants is a practice that has been adopted internationally for numerous reasons. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one among the many plants that people raise for their aesthetic effect on the environment. This plant belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and has distinct aspects that make people select among the many available.

It bears the strength to withstand significant weather changes thus making it suitable for growth in many regions worldwide. Nevertheless, harsh weather conditions such as low temperatures and exceedingly hot conditions will affect its growth negatively. The fact that it has appealing green leaves and bears flowers with a sweet scent makes them add an aesthetic value to the environment.

It is mainly potted in the case where a person as interested in raising it independently for various reasons such as those for sale. It also looks good in a small flower garden where it is grown together with other types of plants. It is neither affected by the soil type nor the level of pH of the soil it is grown on and therefore can be grown almost anywhere.

It can fit in any setting in attribute to its bushy style of growth. Many are cases when people will prefer having them potted to make it easy during transportation for instance with the case of the commercial producers. It is also convenient to maintain them when grown individually as they have their own space for movements during pruning.

It has many leaves which form a shrub as it matures and therefore is fit for planting along small pathways. When planted in a flower garden with others, it adds on to the color variety of the flowers in the garden. It works well when planted next to plants with purple flowers and other brightly colored flowers which lead to mixed colored garden.

It bears cream flowers which give a scent the same as that from ripe oranges. This scent dominates the atmosphere and makes it smell fresh and natural creating a sweet environment for people. In the same way, a lot of insects are attracted to the flowers thus bringing about a beautiful natural environment. In addition to its beautiful flowers, its green leaves also blend in well with the cream color making it bright enough to capture the attention of everyone passing around them.

Maintaining it should be carried out as a routine to ensure that in addition to its natural beauty, it is polished to look its best at all times. Removal of aged leaves should be done by pruning them to give them space to breath as well as to develop fresh new leaves which make it more appealing. Watering them should also be done to maintain their natural grow as well as to keep their leaves clean.

Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one good example of the many plants gaining a lot of popularity in due to its aesthetic qualities. It brings people closer to nature when they tend to them and keep them around their closest environment. Taking care of it is not as hard and therefore it is one of the most economical to grow.

How To Grow A Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant

Different types of plants are planted for different reasons in the whole world. Among the many plants that people plant in order to add splendor into their environment is Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant. A member of the Pittosporaceae scientific family, it has gained popularity among the people who love natural beauty due to its green leaves and cream flowers.

It does well in most of the weather conditions and actually manages to maintain its green color all through. However, it is affected by very cold and extremely hot weathers the same as many other plants. It is mainly planted for beauty purposes that come along with its green leaves and the sweet scented cream flowers that it bears.

It is mainly raised as a potted plant and can also do well in a small flower garden away from too much sun. It will survive in nearly all types of soil be it loam, clay or even sand for as long as there is enough moisture to sustain it. It will also flourish in all soil pH levels from acidic to neutral and even alkaline as it is not affected by their changes.

It has a naturally bushy shape which makes it fit for different uses. It is commonly potted to ensure ease in moving it from one place to another as well as for placement in sensitive and clean areas such as on the balconies. Handling of potted plants is also easier especially when raising them for sale and are convenient to maintain as they are planted individually.

As it grows it forms dense shrubs with its surplus foliage which make it suitable for raising beautiful hedges along a pavement. It also does well as a garden flower when blended with other types of plants such as those with purple flower which blend in well with its cream flowers. Their leaves also contribute to its beauty especially when its flowers blossom to form a green cream blend.

Its flowers have a characteristic scent similar to that of ripe oranges thus making the environment smell as such. This scent also captures the attention of various beautiful insects which enjoy being around it thus bringing the different gifts of nature closer to man. After the flowers fall off, berries emerge in their place making it look even more naturally beautiful.

Even though this plant is still attractive by nature, it is advisable to carry out various maintenance procedures on it. During dry seasons, watering it makes sure that it gets enough moisture to keep it from losing it natural bright color. Pruning it also ensures that the old branches are removed to give way for development of new and fresh ones to make it look young and beautiful.

Many plants are currently being raised for sale to curb the high demand that has arisen from peoples’ need of being close to nature. Among them is Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant which can even be purchased over the internet by interested individuals. Many people have embraced and planted it widely.

Growing And Nurturing Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Tree

Plants are planted worldwide for various reasons mostly depending on the particular species. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum tree is one of the many species people grow and nurture for aesthetic purposes. It scientifically belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. It adopts the nature of a shrub as it grows since it has a lot of foliage.

Buy Pittosporum Tobira

The tree can tolerate almost all of the weather conditions as it remains ever green due to its heavy foliage nature. It however does not agree with extremely dry or cold periods just like many plants. Its noticeable green leaves are very appealing to the eye and thus making it suitable for decoration purposes to people who love nature.

It does well in almost all types of soil from loam to sand and even clay. The soil could be put in a pot or even left on the ground as long as there is provision of a shade from direct scotching sun. The pH of the soil and water used on the other hand does not affect it much as it survives in alkaline, neutral and even acidic soils.

Its bushy shape makes it convenient for various uses. It can be planted in a flower pot and placed under a shade. This method is most recommended as it gives room for shifting of the plant in case of adverse weather conditions. Potted plants are also easy to transport in case one has bought them or had them and wants to relocate to another place.

It is also planted to form hedges along pathways as well as in small flower gardens. This is made possible by the fact that it can spread widely and has a lot of leaves which form compact bushes. It forms elegant looking hedges due to its deep green colored leaves blended with its bright cream flowers which blossom before the appearance of berries.

It bears sweet scented flowers which smells almost like an orange thus filling the air with this scent making it so natural. The flowers also make it so attractive and even attract insects which fill the place with mother nature’s beauty. The berries that appear after the flowers wither and drop off also add on to its aesthetic aspect.

Although it is naturally beautiful, routine maintenance makes it even more elegant especially in a formal set up. The procedure involves watering during dry seasons to ensure that it remains bright and full of life. Routine pruning is also necessary to give it the desired shape as well as to remove overgrown branches which could make it look dull if left unattended as well as to ensure that it grows better and faster.

Growing of plants has been adopted as a commercial activity where plants are potted and grown for sale. These plants are even accessible online for purchase by interested individuals in various species depending on a person’s taste. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one of those that has gained a lot of popularity among people due to its beautiful features and ease in nurturing.

How To Grow A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

Olea Europea is a tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is evergreen and popular because of its stunning accent. It has leaves that are shiny, leathery as well as have a greenish-grayish hue with contorted branches. The tree does well in warm weather that does not go below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting your tree, ensure that you have an ideal site. Prune it and structure a water cycle.

Your tree should be planted in well-drained soils. It remains vital that you protect it from exposure to too much wind. Extreme elements could cause it to topple since the roots are not deep penetrating. When planting many trees, provide a spacing of not less than 20 feet. Also, allow it 50 feet headroom. Its height averages from 30 and 50 feet.

It is possible for the trees to resist a gush of wind, extreme drought as well as frost. The wood could be used to make furniture. When fully grown, the tree becomes extremely densely crowned. It could also cover an area of around nine meters. It has some tiny white-greenish flowers with some scent. Its fruits are small, round and little flesh. When ripe, they are purple-black in color.

Animals and humans love the fruit. The tree possessed medicinal strengths. It could be used to reduce blood pressure as well as develop an eye lotion. It treats diarrhea from its extracts. The tree can make products such as ornaments, fencing products, spoons and also furniture. The ripe fruit is good for making ink. Ensure that the trees are planted close to a water source.

The plant makes an impressive source of cover for other garden plants. This is mainly because of its evergreen nature. Make sure the seeds are propagated on river sand rich areas. It is also possible to use cuttings that have a rooting hormone. Do not plant the trees too close to patios, water or pools since its root system has a tendency to be overly aggressive.

The plant needs a lot of compost. Organic mulching using dried leaves is vital to avoid too much loss of water as well as keep weeds away. Throughout the year, water it well. Make sure the soil is fertile and well drained. If this is not so, the root system may rot and will reduce the function and structure of the entire plant.

After the tree is established well, you do not have to water it since it can be able to resist drought. No common pests are known but there are diseases. The Verticillium wilt could cause the leave to shrivel and branches fall off. It remains possible for these trees to develop a fungal infection that takes its toll on the roots, which end up rotting.

When feeding the Olea Europea be sure to fertilize it with high-nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure that you water it all through the year until the next new growth. Pruning shears are vital for the removal of sickly, broken and dead branches. This should be done in its dormant season to allow for aeration and sunlight. Remove the suckers on the trunk as well.

How To Care For A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

The Olea Europea is an evergreen treed native to the Mediterranean region. This tree is loved for its gorgeous accent. Its leaves are leathery, shiny and green-grayish in color. Its branches are contorted. The tree thrives in warmer areas not less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting this tree, make sure you keep it in mind that you need to plant it at an ideal site. It remains important to prune it and have a water cycle for it.

The trees need to be planted in soils with good drainage. It is important that you protect it from too much wind. The roots are not known to go deep enough into the soil and it could risk toppling over when exposed to extreme elements. Many trees should be planted at least 20 feet apart. To add to that, allow not less than 50 feet headroom. The average height of the tree is between 30 and 50 feet.

The trees can resist a lot of wind, drought as well as frost. It could be possible to use the wood for making furniture. The fully-grown tree has a neat shape and a very dense crown. The trees could cover an area of nine meters. It has tiny white to greenish flowers with a light scent. The fruit is also tiny and round with little flesh. When ripe, they turn purple to black.

The fruits are loved by animals as well as people. It also has medicinal advantages. It is mostly used in treating conditions such as high blood pressure and makes eye lotion. Diarrhea is also treatable with its extracts. It produces wood products like ornaments, furniture, fencing posts as well as spoons. Its ripe fruit could be used to make ink. Make sure that your tree is planted near a water source.

The tree is an impressive source of shade for plants in the garden especially if because of its evergreen qualities. All you should do is to propagate the seeds in the rich river sand. You could also use the cuttings from the hardwood and remember to include a rooting hormone. Never plant your trees near walls, patios or pools. The root system has a tendency to be aggressive.

The plant requires a lot of compost. Mulching using organic materials like dried leaves will be vital to avoid extreme loss of water. All through the year, the watering should be done moderately. Grow the plant in fertile, well-drained soils. A poor drainage could result in rotting of the root system that will reduce the function and structure of the whole tree.

When the tree has established well, you will not need to water it since it resists drought. There are no common pests with this plant. It is however possible for it to contract diseases that include Verticillium wilt, which causes branches to fall and leaves to shrivel. It is also common for the Olive tree to develop a fungal infection that results in rotting roots.

During feeding of the Olea Europea make sure that, you use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Make sure you water it well throughout the year until you realize new growth. Pruning shears will come in handy when removing sick, dead or broken branches. It is also a good idea to prune back any awkward branches during its dormant season. This allows penetration of air and sunlight. In addition, get rid of the suckers as well.

The Adaptable Trachelospermum Jasminoides Will Enhance Your Garden

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is the Latin name for a most attractive, evergreen climber. It is commonly known as the star jasmine, although it does not belong to the Jasminum genus. It is a member of the dogbane family and is related instead to the frangipani, carissa, mandevilla and catharanthus. Although classed as a climber, this is a very versatile plant.

Other common names are Confederate jasmine or trader’s compass. The name Confederate Jasmine came about because it is suitable for the United States Gardening Zones 8 to 10. This area is often referred to as the Confederate States of America. The other common name, Trader’s Compass, relates to an Uzbekistan belief that the plant pointed traders in the right direction but only if they were reputable people.

It is native to the woodlands of China, Japan, Korea and India. The star jasmine has become a favorite in domestic and public gardens throughout the world. The glossy leaves are dark green. They are oval in shape and quite pointed at the ends. In summer the creeper is smothered in star-shaped white flowers. These are highly perfumed.

The flowers have five petals and are one to two centimeters in diameter. The plant flowers well in sun or shade but can be slow to become established. Once it has its roots firmly settled it tends to stray and can reach heights of 6 to 9 meters. It isn’t hard to keep under control if it is pruned back after flowering. Stray tendrils can be trimmed off at any time.

The star jasmine is a great addition to pergolas, walls and verandas. It will twine and climb over almost anything, hiding tree trunks or softening the appearance of bare walls. If you don’t need a climber, it makes a lovely groundcover or spill-over plant. It also makes a very fragrant hedge. Another use for Trachelospermum Jasminoides is as an edging for a garden or as topiary specimens.

Not content with being a climber and ground cover, it will thrive in containers. They are a lovely indoor plant and grow well in a greenhouse situation, especially in cold areas. As long as they get some sun through the winter, they will produce fragrant blooms in summer and autumn.

They prefer well-drained soils which contain some organic matter. Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. Although they are susceptible to frost they will grow in light to heavy soils. There are a few cultivars but they don’t seem as vigorous in their growth patterns as the parent. One has a variegated creamy-white leaf and another, Tricolor, has pink tinges in new growth. The Variegatum cultivar has leaves with white margins.

Valuable oil is distilled from the flowers and used in high quality perfumes. In Asian cultures, the tinctured flowers are used in incense-making. Homeopathic sources state that the plant has a use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other complaints. The stems of Trachelospermum Jasminoides are used for bast fiber, similar to that obtained from flax or hemp. This may be used in high-quality textiles as well as in rope, carpet, sacks, paper, burlap and similar products.