Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen are among the most beautiful and popular flowering plants. This winter blooming houseplant with butterfly shaped blooms comes in a range of colors, from Christmas reds, electric fuchsia pink, maroons and purples, to a very bright white. They have equally attractive variegated heart shaped leaves in deep green. They prefer bright light and a cool location such as a windowsill, and should only be watered when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. With proper care, cyclamen can bloom for up to four months.
In the spring, the plant can be moved outdoors to a semi shaded spot and watered occasionally. When it begins to show new growth in August, begin fertilizing it and watering more frequently. Move the plant indoors before the first frost and continue it's care indoors in a bright, cool location. Blooms will begin again in late November.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Vanda Orchids

Vanda Orchid

Of the many varieties of orchid species, the Vanda is one of the easiest to grow, and has one of the most long lasting blooms. Flower colors range from vivid purple to bright fuchsia, yellows and reds, and even bright blue as seen in the photo above. Some are very fragrant, and the bloom time is quite long. Foliage is strap like green leaves growing in layers opposite each other.
Vanda Orchids are, of course, tropical, and love high humidity, bright but not direct sunlight, and thrive best when they receive proper air circulation. They do not excel in a crowded wet space and will pick up many diseases and insect pests if left in this situation. Water when the surface is dry to the touch, less in winter or after repotting, more frequently during spring and summer when they will really put on lots of growth. They are heavy feeders during the growing season, preferring a balanced formula fertilizer of 20-20-20. Follow directions on your fertilizer for frequency of application. If fertilized with too high a nitrogen content, they may not bloom for you. To increase humidity around your orchid, try misting the foliage every morning. This allows the foliage to dry off before dark, thus avoiding possible fungal problems.
Once you have the optimum conditions for your Vanda, sit back and enjoy the beautiful display it offers you.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Annual Blue Salvia

Blue Salvia
Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue'

Annual Salvia makes an attractive display in your garden or container and comes in a variety of colors. All have the same general characteristics and likes and dislikes. I will refer to only the blue Salvia pictured above, which has been thriving all summer outside our greenhouse complimented by yellow Gaillardia.
The Victoria Blue Salvia pictured is a true blue color which is a highly sought color in many gardens. It grows 18-24" tall and wide, and the flower spikes can be as long as 8-10". The gray green foliage complements the flowers nicely, and this plant once established is quite drought resistant. Planted in a sunny location in well drained soil, this annual will provide you with masses of color all summer long and well into the fall. As with all annuals, fertilization at least once a week will keep them looking outstanding.
These beautiful blue flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not at all to deer, and do not have to be deadheaded to continue flowering. They really do stand out strikingly in the middle of a container planter with Lantana, Lysimachia, or Calibrachoa around the outside. For easy care, deer resistant, continuous blooming, bright blue color in your gardens or containers next year, try this variety and be amazed at the compliments you get from the neighbors.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Annual Lantana

Lantana

Lantana plants are grown as annuals in zones 1-7, where they are quite prolific bloomers all summer long in full sun. They are very drought tolerant once established, and not picky about soil type as long as it is well drained. They come in a range of colors from reds, yellows and oranges, to pink, rose and lavender. For full plants with lots of blooms all summer, fertilize every week with a general purpose fertilizer, or a bloom booster formula.
These hard working, long blooming plants can be used as specimen plants, in containers, planted in masses, or some varieties are trailing and look great in hanging baskets. We have both varieties growing at the greenhouse, some in window boxes, others planted in flowing masses in our entrance garden and they are thriving! They attract lots of butterflies, but deer will avoid these plants completely, preferring more tender and tasty plants than Lantana. Customers who have fairly large herds grazing in their yards have told us the deer won't touch these plants, helping hold down frustration levels for our avid gardeners.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cone Flower

Cone Flower
Echinacea

A real workhorse perennial in the garden, the coneflower will continuously bloom from late June until frost. New varieties now come in colors other than purple, ranging from many shades of yellow, pink to red, chartreuse, and shades of orange, as well as white. My favorite combination in terms of variety name, are the red Tomato Soup, and the very yellow Macaroni and Cheese. They sound good enough to eat! Height ranges vary from very short 6-8" varieties, to 18-24" types, making them very versatile in front or in the back of your perennial bed.
Cone flowers thrive in full sun, are very drought resistant once established, and faithfully return every spring fuller than the year before. Treated with a slow release fertilizer in early spring, your cone flower plant will be even more colorful and full than it would be if just left alone. They aren't picky about soil and will grow in most any type you may have, but as with all plants, do better in a richer well drained soil. Side dressings of compost in early spring will achieve both a better soil consistency and provide fertilizer at the same time! When establishing a new plant, keep it watered when dry until it really gets its roots set. This may take an entire season to accomplish, but well worth it for a very strong plant for many years to come.
Finches love the seeds in the center cone of these flowers, so don't deadhead them too soon, giving the birds a chance for a fresh treat. As with all fuzzy leafed plants, deer won't munch on them.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

August Lily

August Lily
Lycorus

The August Lily, blooming now in many gardens, has many common names by which it is known, depending on what part of the country it is growing in. Known as the Surprise Lily, the Magic Lily, the Naked Lily, or the Assumption Lily, as well as August Lily, this hardy bulb is very long lived. In my own father's garden, this flower has been showing off every year since he was a small boy, and he is now 86 years old! Each year the clumps multiply with more flowers, yet never take over and crowd out other plants.
In early spring, deep green strap-like foliage appears for 6-8 weeks, then dies completely to the ground. Not until early August do you see any activity in the soil where the foliage was, then almost like magic, the leafless 24" stem of the flower stalk appears, taking only about a week to reach full size and bloom! On each flower stalk are up to 8 lily like pink-lavender outward facing flowers. These will bloom for up to three weeks if the weather isn't too hot. They prefer sun to part sun, and may not bloom for a year or two if they are moved. Soil fertility doesn't seem to affect flowering, nor does fertilization seem to make a huge difference. Best of all they are deer and rodent resistant!
For years of easy care, beautiful flowers each August, this bulb is an excellent choice!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Coreopsis

Coreopsis
Tickseed

Coreopsis is a native North American plant that will grow and flourish in even the least fertile area of your sunny perennial garden. With its cheery yellow flowers, this plant will bring many delightful summer months of color. Newer cultivars also come in a variety of lighter yellows, shades of lavender, and the newest ones in deep yellow with burgundy red eyes.
This native species thrives in full sun and blooms all summer until frost. Once established it is very drought resistant, and will do best in fairly good soil with some fertilizer in early spring. Some species can be as tall as 3', while others may only reach 8-12". Foliage is of two types. The threadleaf varieties have a very ferny type foliage and tend to be shorter and more spreading in their habit, for instance the Moonbeam Coreopsis. The grandiflora types have a more upright habit with stiffer leaves that are deep green and pointed. The variety pictured is Jethro Tull, a grandiflora type with fluted petals that is very floriferous. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies, but not at all to deer, a real plus with our exploding deer population! When they begin to outgrow their space, you can split the plants in early spring and either share them with neighbors, or find a spot in another garden of your own that could use more bright summer color.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Giant Elephant Ear

Giant Elephant Ear
Colocasia gigantea

For a truly car stopping, eye popping plant to grow in your garden, try this tropical monster plant from Thailand! These plants can grow 6-10' tall in a single season, and they get their name from their resemblance in size and shape to an elephant's ear. The leaves can reach proportions of 5'x4', and are rounded and a beautiful blue green color. As you can see from the picture, it has a bloom that is much like the bloom of a peace lily, though much, much larger.
This bulb plant prefers a shady to part shady location with ample room and some wind protection. Provide an acidic, well drained soil for optimum conditions for massive growth. Water this plant often, not allowing it to dry out between waterings, and fertilize at least once a week with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Grown here in Cincinnati, this plant will not survive the winter outside, but before the first frost you can cut it back, dig it up and dry the bulb, then keep it in a cool dry place for the winter, or you can keep it in a large pot inside. Beware though, as you will need lots of room if you plan on growing it through the winter. You can get a head start on the new season by starting the bulb in a pot inside in early spring, then after danger of frost, replant it in your garden for another spectacular summer!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia

The Black Eyed Susan is a staple in the perennial garden, and shows off loads of blooms and color every summer. An extremely hardy perennial, the Black Eyed Susan is not fussy about soil conditions, and is very drought resistant once established. Planted in full sun, these plants will bloom well into fall with little or no care.
A dose of slow release fertilizer in spring will be greatly appreciated, and occasional watering in drought conditions will keep these cheery yellow flowers coming back stronger every year. When the planting gets too large for it's space, divide the plant in spring when it begins to reappear, then trade with a neighbor for some plant they may be dividing, or just share yours. What a wonderful way to be neighborly, and perhaps add a new perennial to your own collection! Best of all, these plants are deer resistant, but keep in mind deer may try anything if they are desperate. Paired with purple coneflower, these two make wonderful taller backdrops in your perennial garden.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly Bush
Buddleia

The Butterfly Bush is one of the hardiest and most prolific of all summer blooming shrubs. It would be an easy care addition to any garden, especially if you want to attract a wide variety of butterflies throughout the summer. Flowers come in many colors, primarily various shades of reds and blue- violets, but also include a variety called Bicolor, that is light violet and orange on the same bloom. The long flower panicles, some as long as 12 inches, are also very fragrant. Heights range from the dwarf 'Lo and Behold' at a mature height of 2-3 feet, to the very tall 'Royal Red' at 8-10 feet. Most varieties average about 6 feet, and all are very amenable to heavy pruning, so you can keep them in bounds in your own garden if you so desire.
These shrubs grow best in full sun, are not picky about soil, but like all perennials thrive in better soil. Once established, these woody shrubs are also very drought tolerant, though they will need watering more often the first year if rain is lacking in your area. A slow release fertilizer applied in spring will be most appreciated by your specimen, giving it a head start on vigor for the summer ahead.
While these bushes attract many species of butterflies, they also bring hummingbirds to your garden as well, while deer are not attracted at all. For an easy care, fragrant, beautiful addition to your perennial garden, these shrubs are a great choice.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Hibiscus

Perennial Hibiscus

Just coming into bloom now is the huge, gorgeous perennial hibiscus in colors ranging from Fireball red , to Sultry Kiss hot pink, to Pink Elephant Ear (almost as huge as an elephant's ear!), to the one pictured, Blue River II. These flowers can be as wide in diameter as a dinner plate, 10 to 12" across. Even though each flower only lasts one day, there are a plethora of buds that continue to form and open well into August. For curbside attraction, these beauties can't be beat.
Hibiscus are not too picky about care once they are established. Plant them in full sun, in well drained soil, then watch them take off. A side dressing of slow release fertilizer in spring will be welcomed, but they will thrive without fertilizer as well. In cases of severe lack of rainfall you may need to supplement water, but for the most part these plants are carefree and don't seem to be affected by insects. Each winter they die back to the ground, and each late spring they reappear with multiple stems, adding more stems with each passing year.
Varieties range in height from 3' to 6 or 7', and will get a diameter of 3 to 4 feet around with age. Hummingbirds love this flower, and will return year after year to dine on it's nectar. For eye-popping appeal and hummingbird attraction this easy care perennial can't be beat!

Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Roses Mid Summer Care

Rose Care

Now that we are in the midst of summer heat and humidity, there are a few helpful tips that will pull your roses through to fall with flying colors. As you probably know, roses really prefer cool, low humidity areas to show off their best form. You've noticed, I'm sure, how beautiful, vibrant and prolific the blooms are in the spring, but as soon as the temperatures rise to high 80's and 90's, fewer and smaller, and sometimes faded or different color blooms appear. Blackspot and mildew begin to creep onto the lower leaves, turning them yellow and causing the plant to begin to defoliate.
There are several proactive steps you can take to prevent, or if it's already started, to arrest the process. First and foremost is to make sure your bushes are not crowded and are getting plenty of circulation around their bases. Second and just as important is to make sure your roses are well watered and fed regularly, being careful not to get the foliage wet. A robust healthy rose bush is less apt to succumb to disease and insects if taken care of. Third, a regular regimen of spraying with a fungicide once the weather gets hot and humid will go a long way toward keeping fungi under control. If the blackspot doesn't have a chance to get started, you won't have to spend as much time fighting it off.
If you do have the start of blackspot, be sure to clean all the dead and dying leaves from on and around your bushes and place them in the trash not in your compost. Fungal spores can live for years before they reinfect plants, so remove them permanently. After you have cleaned on and around your plants, wait until late in the evening just before sunset to spray your fungicide so you don't burn the foliage. As long as it doesn't rain, you won't have to spray again for two or three weeks. A continuous program of spray throughout the summer, however, will assure your plants of being healthy going into the fall and winter. (Knock Out Roses seem to withstand most fungal problems, but have been known to get mildew, another fungal disease.)
Don't forget, roses need at least 2" of rain a week, so about twice a week water them well if it hasn't rained much, and they will reward you with a summer and fall of continuous gorgeous blooms!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Ostrich Ferns

Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris

The Ostrich Fern is a big, bold, beautiful dark green fern with large fronds that can reach 4-5 feet at maturity! With their very large size and vase shaped growth habit, these ferns can make quite a statement as a background plant in your shade garden, or as a specimen plant, or to naturalize in a dappled shade area of your yard. One caution to share is that they are aggressive spreaders, sending out underground runners, and you may find you will have more than enough plants to share after two or three years.
The Ostrich Fern thrives in humus rich, moist soil, but mine have had no problem in just decent composted soil. Adding sphagnum peat to your soil if it is too sandy or full of clay will go a long way towards making them happy. A general purpose slow release fertilizer once in spring is more than adequate to ensure maximum growth in these easy to grow ferns. They prefer part to full shade, but will accommodate some sun if watered more frequently. Best of all, in our ever exploding deer population, you won't find a single nibble taken from these wonderful ferns!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Miss Kim Lilac

Miss Kim Lilac
Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'

The Miss Kim Lilac is one of the best dwarf lilac shrubs to find space for in your smaller garden landscape plan. The compact, upright, rounded habit is perfect for those less expansive spaces you may be trying to fill. Their very fragrant, light lavender flowers in spring will fill your senses with a most pleasant fragrance for up to two or three weeks dependent on weather conditions. The dark green glossy foliage makes an excellent backdrop to the lavender flowers, and as an added bonus, in fall the foliage becomes a beautiful deep burgundy red.
Miss Kim thrives in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade at the expense of bloom numbers. Well drained soil is best, but this variety will adapt to most soils. Fertilize in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer, then again after blooming to ensure a plentiful bloom for the following spring. This variety, once established, is also drought tolerant. Prune after blooming is finished if you must prune at all, to allow the following spring's blooms to form all summer. Pruning in fall or early spring is not recommended as this will cause you to cut off the flower crop still to come. Miss Kim is also very mildew resistant unlike the common lilac. One final plus to finding a place in your landscape plan for this fragrant beauty is that deer do not seem interested in pruning this shrub for you.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

German Bearded Iris

German Bearded Iris

German Bearded Iris are very easy to grow and come in a rainbow of colors. Some are single in color, others are bi color in blues, reds, white, yellows and pinks as well as lavender. They bloom in early spring to early summer, and some re-bloom again in fall. The green and sometimes variegated leaves are strap like and arrayed in a fan shape clump. Heights range from 10" up to 30".
Iris prefer full sun and well drained soil, and fertilization in early spring and again after blooming. A balanced all purpose fertilizer is more than adequate for these carefree plants. When these prolific perennials become too dense, usually every two to three years, they will greatly benefit from thinning. They grow and multiply from underground rhizomes(stems) which can be divided and then planted elsewhere or shared with other gardeners. When replanting, be sure not to plant them too deep, leaving the rhizome barely showing at ground level. Cut the foliage back by 1/3 before replanting so the plant is not top heavy and susceptible to wind or weather pulling them out of the ground until new roots are established.
One of the best qualities of this perennial plant besides being so carefree is that it is deer resistant! With the deer population explosion everywhere, it is becoming more and more difficult to find plants they will not decimate. So enjoy this beautiful spring flowering plant in all its colorful hues, and then in three years share it with others or create another eye catching bed for yourself!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Pansy Orchid

Pansy Orchid
Miltonia

Pansy orchids are so named for their striking resemblance to the common pansy. Their gorgeous colors and fairly long bloom time though, are anything but common. With their flat faces that can be up to 2-3" across, and colors in reds, whites and pinks with various face markings in contrasting colors, and a bonus of wonderful fragrance, these beauties will bring many weeks of enjoyment to your home.
Miltonia orchids flourish best in bright indirect light, well drained soil, and high humidity. Water when the soil is dry about an inch into the soil, then water thoroughly. Fertilize with half strength all purpose houseplant fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer months while they are doing most of their growing. They do prefer to be slightly root bound, but if necessary they can be transplanted into a slightly larger container of well draining orchid soil. The best time to do this is shortly after blooming is finished. If your orchid is refusing to produce any flowers, try placing it in a cooler temperature at night for a few weeks, then return it to a warm area and patiently wait for the flowers to appear.
These orchids, as with most orchid varieties, are not difficult to maintain as long as you supply the conditions they prefer. Try this variety for an unusual look, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the compliments you will receive from friends and neighbors.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Martha Washington Geraniums

Martha Washington Geranium
Pelargonium domesticum

Martha Washington geraniums are not true geraniums, but the flowers and foliage very much resemble summer garden geraniums. They are typically found in garden stores in early spring, as that is when they show off their beautiful blooms. They need cool temperatures at night in the low 50's F in order to set bloom, and once temperatures reach the high 70's to 80's will stop blooming. If placed in the garden in a cool shady place for the summer though, they will reflower again in the fall when the temperature cools down into the 50's and 60's.
The blooms on these plants range from red to pink to purple, and also white, frequently in bi- color with the centers a contrasting darker color. Their foliage is a crinkled dark green, much more serrated than the garden geranium. They prefer to be slightly pot bound, in a well drained soil, and only watered when dry. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer, but not at all in the fall and winter.
Once fall temperatures dip into the upper 40's at night, bring them inside, cut them back quite a bit, and place on a sunny windowsill for the duration of the winter. Water sparingly during this time. You can begin acclimating them to the spring cool temperatures by placing them outside in early spring during daytime temperatures in the low 50's. This will encourage them to set flower once again. Don't forget to bring them in at night if the temperature is going to drop into the 40's, and begin fertilizing at this point.
With proper care, these cool weather beauties will be around for your enjoyment for many years to come!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Sweet Broom Plant

Sweet Broom
Cytisus spachianus

The Sweet Broom plant has very fragrant, bright yellow flower spikes that bloom in early spring and again in the fall. Their fragrance is a very strong sweet citrus scent, most pronounced on bright, sunny, cool days. Here in zone 5 and 6, they have to be brought in to overwinter. They keep nicely when treated as an indoor houseplant in winter, then set flower buds if kept cool in late Jan., early Feb. Pruning of these woody plants is best done immediately after blooming.
After blooming in spring, these plants can be used as wispy green tall plants in summer planters, with summer annuals planted beneath them, then as the weather cools again in the fall, you will be rewarded once again with another set of colorful, fragrant yellow flowers.
Plant care requirements include full sun, general purpose potting soil, and fertilization with a general purpose type every other week during the growing season. Water when dry, being sure to water thoroughly when you do water, then wait until they are pretty dry before watering again. Here at the greenhouse, we plant them outdoors in early spring with pansies and English daisies, since they are frost tolerant to 15F.
As an unusual cool weather annual, these easy care plants will bring many weeks of colorful, fragrant enjoyment in your pansy display, then serve as the pillar in your summer container when joined with your filler and spiller plants.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Lenten Rose

Helleborus
Lenten Rose

The Helleborus is a very early blooming perennial, showing it's delicate flowers in late winter to early spring. Though the flowers may look delicate, they will withstand late snow cover and late frosts. Their common name is Lenten Rose, given because their bloom time is during the Christian season of Lent. Their foliage is evergreen in zones 6 and above, but even at colder zones may retain their dark green leathery leaves all winter with only minor tip browning. Flower colors range from white to pinks, peach, rose and purples, frequently with darker spotting on the petals. They may be single petaled as seen above, while some varieties display double sets of petals. The blooms can last up to six weeks! Many have their flower heads nodding at the ground, while some of the newer cultivars face upwards.
These plants prefer humusy, well drained soil in part to full shade, and best of all they are quite deer resistant. Once established, they are very drought tolerant, but choose your planting site carefully as they really don't take well to being transplanted. New plants can be taken from offshoots of the original plant. To keep these plants thriving, fertilize in early spring with a slow release fertilizer.
The first few years I had one of these plants, I totally missed the blooms because I didn't begin to look for them until the crocuses and daffodils were blooming. By that time, I discovered finally, they were finished blooming. So don't wait for warm weather to check for blooms, get out there and check for that first hint that spring is just around the corner, and the thought that winter is on it's way out will bring a smile to your face!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe
Crasulaceae

The Kalanchoe is a very easy care, beautiful flowering houseplant. A member of the succulent family, and a relative of the Jade plant, it's growing needs are simple, yet it provides continuous flowering for up to six months with proper care. The foliage is fleshy, succulent, oval shaped, and dark green. Flower color ranges from red to shades of pink, as well as yellow, orange and white, appearing in tight clusters atop the foliage.
Indoors, these plants prefer bright to sunny windowsills, with room temperatures 55F or warmer. They are quite sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't allow them to be up against a cold window. Being a succulent, over watering can be a problem. Only water these plants when the surface is dry to the touch, and in winter, let them dry even deeper. The best soil is a well draining cactus/succulent soil, and a simple houseplant fertilizer every other week during the growing season is more than adequate. If placing outdoors in the summer, be sure they are protected from direct afternoon sun or the foliage will become sunburned.
When flowers are finished, cut off the flower heads and let the plant rest for six to eight weeks in a lower light situation and reduce water. After this rest period, replace the plant back in the high light area and begin to water more frequently, but only as noted above when needed. Within a few weeks, flower buds should begin to appear. This plant flowers naturally in spring and summer, but is forced into bloom at all times of year for indoor color.
For an easy care, colorful, long blooming houseplant, the Kalanchoe is just the right choice.

Gloxinias

Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa

Gloxinia plants are closely related to African Violets, and take the same general care that violets do. They are tuberous plants that need bright indirect light. If you don't provide enough light, these plants will stretch and probably not bloom. As with violets, allow the surface of the soil to dry to the touch before watering them thoroughly. Warm water is usually best and try not to get it on the foliage or the crown. They prefer temperatures in the mid 60's, but when dormant, keep them at 50 F. To raise humidity levels around the plants, use pebble trays with water just enough to barely cover the pebbles. Do not mist these plants to increase humidity! A general purpose houseplant fertilizer will do quite well while the plant is growing and blooming to keep it looking it's best.
Gloxinias need a well drained soil like violets do, and are best repotted when the plant goes dormant. You can start new plants from leaf cuttings like African violets, and they normally bloom for 6-8 weeks.
To bring your plant to dormancy, after all blooms are finished water less and less frequently each week until the leaves turn yellow and dry. Store in a cool(40-50F) place. After several months, new growth will start to appear. At this point, begin watering and fertilizing, and place in the bright indirect light and warmer temperature. You will be rewarded with another round of beautiful blooms once again!

Bear Paw Fern

Bear Paw Fern
Polypodium Aglaomorpha meyeniana

This fern gets it's unusual name from the furry rhizomes that grow along the surface of the soil. They are quite large, brown, and do resemble a bear's paw. This fern is relatively easy to grow, preferring a high light situation indoors, high humidity, and they like to be kept slightly moist. During the summer they can be placed outdoors in a more shaded area, but be sure to watch the water requirements, as they do not like to get totally dry. Fertilize only during the spring and summer, as that is when they are doing all their growing. Repot as little as possible, as they do not mind being a little pot bound, and tend to go into a state of shock for a while after repotting.
These ferns are quite beautiful with their large, dark green, lance shaped leathery fronds and those large furry brown paws which will eventually hang over the pot, looking like a bear is crawling out of the soil! As an easy to care for fern, this plant deserves a prime spot in your home for full enjoyment.

Ronan Rahn

Two new arrivals at the greenhouse have added quite a bit of music and merriment to a long winter season of snow and cold. We now have a new canary who is still learning to sing, but is getting better at it with each passing day. By spring he will be warbling at full throat, just as his namesake the Irish Tenor Ronan sings at full throat. He loves attention from customers, and frequently sings with the canary CD we play on occasion during the day. He especially loves to sing in the morning to greet the new day whether there is snow or bitter cold outside. He adds so much joy to the days.
Our second arrival also loves the canary, but for a different reason!

Callie 2

Callie 2 arrived as a Christmas present for Susan, one of A.J. Rahn's owners. Her daughter Mary picked her up from a shelter in Northern Kentucky to help fill the huge void left by Calico, who died just before Christmas as mentioned in the previous blog entry. She is going to have a very big job to fill, and only being a young 6 months, doesn't yet have the dignity of Calico, but she more than makes up for it in energy! Don't let her picture fool you. She only appears to be resting. The minute someone comes in she is up and purring, looking for major attention. When not getting acquainted with customers, she is studying the canary with focused intensity! The canary seems oblivious to all the attention from the cat, and just continues to sing his heart out for anyone who cares to listen. Callie 2 loves to play with her tissue ball, her string toy, and adores being petted by anyone, which causes her purring engine to begin roaring.
Stop in during this cold white season for a warm, colorful, glance at some gorgeous flowers, and visit with our newest members before the busy season begins. Check our web site for hours:
A.J.Rahn Greenhouses

Callico

Callico, our greenhouse spokescat, has been a wonderful ambassador at our greenhouse for close to 19 years. Whether basking in the sun on her favorite bench, or being carried around by some of her devoted subjects, Callico was a noted fixture. She bore many children, some of whose owners still stop by to relate the latest exploits of her offspring. It is with a deep sadness that we note her death just before Christmas. She lived a full life, brought much joy and many smiles, and has been featured on this blog since it's inception 3 years ago. Her pick of the week was always timely and factual, the pictures sometimes included her, and others she chose to sit out. She kept the greenhouse free of critters, including the newest golden retriever Rudy. We were always greeted each morning as she vocalized her desire for breakfast and related the night's exploits of vandalizing raccoons who made their nightly raids of the garbage cans in the greenhouse. They were too big and ferocious for her to repel, so she hid and took note so she could report their bad behavior. Many tears have been shed over her death, but she lived many years in her favorite home. We will miss her greatly!