Comments for Plant Talk

Comment on Morning Eye Candy: Red Revisited by Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:44:16 +0000

Gorgeous – Ivo does it again!

Comment on Morning Eye Candy: Lightning Strikes by Audrey Burtrum-Stanley

Audrey Burtrum-Stanley — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:25:41 +0000

Fascinating photograph! Lightening strikes are amazing to observe; I have witnessed the results AFTER several tree strikes and generally, bark is blown off the tree. This is because the lightening produces a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or greater) along with an electrical charge of 100 million volts. Sometimes, the tree even bursts into flame! The sap boils plus steam is generated from within the tree and literally, the wood cells explode. This photographed burn pattern (on what I assume is a beech tree) is a remarkable record of the power and beauty of nature. I commend your astute photographer for recording and sharing this image. (P.S. It would be interesting to note, a year from now, if the tree survives.)

Comment on How to Over-Winter a Mandevilla Vine by Ian McAndrew

Ian McAndrew — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:35:37 +0000

Thank you (both) for the prompt reply. Happy New Year. Ian.

Comment on Oconee Bells by Ann Rafalko

Ann Rafalko — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:23:07 +0000

Here is a reply from Sonia.

Dear Joe,
Thank you for your information regarding Shortia. The account that I was reading had Michaux in the Carolinas in December but he could have been collecting there on several occasions. We do have Shortia in the garden. The photographs of the foliage on the blog were taken in the Native Plant Garden. The Native Plant Garden is reopening this May 4 and 5, 2013. I hope everyone joins us for the reopening.

Comment on How to Over-Winter a Mandevilla Vine by Ann Rafalko

Ann Rafalko — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:21:29 +0000

Hi Ian – Thank you for your question! Here is a reply from Sonia!

Mandevilla is in the Apocynaceae Family – the Dogbane Family. Many members of this family has a milky latex sap. The sap can be a skin irritant so wear gloves when you are pruning your mandevilla.

There are a number of ways to propagate the vine. You can propagate it from seed – it’s best to soak the seeds for 12 hours before planting. You can take cutting in the spring or in the late summer from the new growth. The cuttings should be about 2-3 inches long and have two sets of leaves – remove the bottom set. Dip in rooting hormone. Use 2 parts sand to 1 part peat for your mix or a sterile, soilless potting medium. Mist cuttings and cover. Place in indirect light with temperatures around 70 degrees Farhenheit. They will root somewhere between 1-2 months. You can also layer the mandevilla by taking a low lying branch and layering it in another pot. Make sure the stem has good contact with the potting soil. It will take several months for it to root. There are many excellent videos on Youtube that will show you how to take cuttings and to layer.

Comment on The American Garden Award: Make Your Voice Heard! by Macie Zorn

Macie Zorn — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:59:05 +0000

Fantastic article! 2013 is off to a great start with your outstanding publicity!

Comment on How to Over-Winter a Mandevilla Vine by Ian McAndrew

Ian McAndrew — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:20:03 +0000

Thanks for the information, but pruning seems to present one problem – milky sap dripping from cut ends. How do I deal with that or can I just ignore it?
Also how do I propagate the plant?

Comment on Christian Primeau Talks Terrariums by John Mapel

John Mapel — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:21:09 +0000

Christian,
Great job on the terrarium video. You are a natural in front of the camera and very informative!
Good luck and best wishes,
John

Comment on Oconee Bells by Joe Townsend

Joe Townsend — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:42:43 +0000

Great article on Shortia! I must point out one mistake, though, concerning when Michaux made his shortia collection. It was mistakenly believed to be in December. However, a seed pod and leaves were found in the voucher of Michaux’s herbarium specimen by Asa gray. A seed pod of shortia would not have persisted into Winter. I believe the correct month of Michaux’s Shortia collection was in the month of June, based on the latest research.
Does the NYBG have Shortia galacifolia growing in the garden? If you would like some for the garden, I propagate these plants from seed and have them available. Thanks, Joe Townsend

Comment on Good Old Days by Carolyn Swenson

Carolyn Swenson — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:50:46 +0000

I love this blog… never thought of wandflower