Shamrocks

Shamrocks
Oxalis

Oxalis are best known as Shamrocks, the easily recognized symbol of Irish pride. Surprisingly enough, they are actually natives of the mountain areas of South America and Mexico. Some of the more hardy varieties have became popular in Northern Europe and North America.
This plant is grown from tiny bulbs or tubers. They prefer a bright sunny windowsill and like to dry out slightly between waterings. When they get too hot in the summer they can go dormant. They may also go dormant if neglected and allowed to dry out. Once the dead growth is cut away and watering is resumed, they will sprout new leaves in a few days.
Oxalis are generally problem free and most insects will not bother them. Given bright sun, moderate water, fertilizer every other week or so, and well drained soil, they should be an easy, enjoyable plant whether it's St. Patrick's Day or not.

By: Gayla Parker
Gardening Consultant at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Rex Begonia Vine

Rex Begonia Vine
Cissus discolor

The Rex Begonia Vine has beautiful oval shaped leaves that are a dark green with frosty silver patterns on the upper side, and a deep burgundy red on the underside.
As a houseplant, it prefers a brightly lit room. After danger of frost, it loves to be outdoors in part to full shade with warm temperatures and high humidity.
The Rex Begonia Vine is a tendril (climbing) grower and can be used on a trellis or in a hanging basket. During the warmer growing season fertilize with houseplant fertilizer according to directions.
Calico advises: this plant would make a beautiful, fascinating addition to your summer shade garden!

By: Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum raddianum

Maidenhair ferns are one of the most airy, delicate looking houseplants popular today. Their clouds of wedge shaped, vivid green leaflets are born on slender, graceful black stems. They make wonderful terrarium plants as they thrive in high humidity. If not used in a terrarium, a moist pebble tray under the pot will suffice. Placed in indirect light on a north facing windowsill, or in a room with bright indirect light, they will bring years of enjoyment. Water daily with filtered water, or water that has set overnight to dissipate the chemicals. Fertilize biweekly with half strength houseplant fertilizer, less frequently in winter months. When repotting, use standard soil mix with high peat content.
If the soil is kept moist and the humidity high, this beautiful plant will flourish and bring an air of elegance to your houseplant collection.

By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens

This past week was once again a planting frenzy, as we transplanted a whole greenhouse full of New Guinea Impatiens.
Herbs of about 30 varieties were seeded or transplanted for spring.
Hanging baskets of Geraniums, Petunias, and Boston fern were planted, priced, then hung in greenhouses to complete growing for spring sales.
New cuttings of Plumbago, Ivy, and other vining filler plants were taken and placed in a rooting medium to develop a root system before being transplanted about 4 weeks later into 4" pots.
The first tomato seedlings were transplanted into 4 1/2' pots for early container planting or planting in a protected area before May 15th, for those who just can't wait to get started!
Soils are made up many times a day in different mixes to achieve optimum plant health. It may come as a surprise to many to realize different plants have different soil needs.
Two more greenhouses were cleaned and sterilized for the asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries and all the herbs and other vegetables being planted this week.
The roses planted two weeks ago are budding out nicely, and with sun and a little warmer weather, they will be bursting out!

By: The Production Staff at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Behind the Scenes Feb. 26, 2010

Newly Potted Roses

This week we are starting a new section on our blog to give you a peek at what goes on behind the scenes, sometimes months before the plant ever appears for sale. Hopefully, this will bring everyone to a deeper appreciation of what goes into getting seeds ,cuttings, bare root plants, and plugs to quality finished plant, and how long it may take to get them there.
Some of the tasks accomplished this past week included; seeding of some spring vegetables, including eggplant; planting million bell hanging baskets with plants that were started weeks ago; taking ivy and vinca vine cuttings to be rooted and grown for selling in spring; and completing the planting of over 400 varieties of perennials.
Greenhouses that have been closed over the past few months are being cleaned and sterilized in preparation for all the annuals being planted for spring. Speaking of planting, you wouldn't believe all the pots we use on a daily basis, not to mention soil and fertilizer!
This week concluded with final planting of approximately 2100 bare root roses from Jackson & Perkins and Weeks, including four of the newest varieties: Pumpkin Patch, Sedona, Ch-Ching, and Monkey Business. This represents only four of 125 varieties we will have available. We will also have tree standard roses in 2' & 3' sizes, as well as a double ball topiary standard.

By: The Production Staff
Planters and Growers at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Houseplant Topiaries

Topiaries

Topiaries were first created for outdoor use. However the concept of a living sculpture is also a popular way to grow and display several types of indoor houseplants and tender herbs.
Ivy is probably the houseplant most commonly used as an indoor topiary. Ivies grown indoors prefer to be kept in a bright light location with moderate temperatures. It is beneficial to rotate them to the light source to maintain a full and balanced appearance.
Dry warm air caused by heating and cooling systems can rob topiaries of some of their moisture. It is helpful to treat Ivy topiaries with a monthly shower of water or a mild solution ( 1 tsp. to 1 gal.) of Dawn or Joy dish detergent. This rinses the dust off the foliage, thereby discouraging spider mites.
Allow the Ivy topiary to dry out between waterings, then drench the plant thoroughly. Fertilize every other watering with half strength houseplant fertilizer.
The shape of topiaries can be maintained by pruning or winding the tendrils around the topiary frame. Remove any dead leaves or dying stems that may appear.
Other houseplants can also be used to create a living topiary. Angel Vine and Jasmine have a more delicate leaf shape and create a lovely appearance. The herb Rosemary is frequently displayed in topiary form and gives the added pleasure of it's wonderful fragrance.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cineraria
Senecio cruentus

Cineraria is a popular florist plant that makes a lovely centerpiece for your table. Available February through March, it's masses of daisy like flowers in a broad spectrum of colors will add splash and cheer to mid winter grays outside. The flowers rise above beautiful foliage, some varieties of which have colorful undersides to their large leaves as well. Cineraria do not like to be in direct sun, but a well lit location is ideal.
The soil should be kept moist, but not soaking wet. These beauties prefer cool temperatures: 60-65F during the day, 55-60F at night. Treat this plant as an annual and discard after it is finished blooming. It should bloom for several weeks once it is fully open though, much longer than a fresh bouquet of flowers!

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses