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Growing Elephant Ears from Bulbs

3/17/2017

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Gardening in Ypsilanti, MI

   Most bulbs are planted in the fall. They start to establish a root system in the later months of the year and need the cold winter temperatures in order to grow and bloom in the spring. There are some plants who's bulbs can be planted in the spring though. One of these is the tropical plant caladium, or elephants ear. Although it doesn't have showy flowers like tulips or crocuses, it has very interesting foliage that comes in a great variety of sizes and colors. Caladium makes a great addition to gardens. planter boxes or potted arraignments.  
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Picture Caladium bulbs from the previous year
    Caladium can be bought in pots but if you are willing to wait a few weeks and get your hands dirty, bulbs can be a cheaper alternative. Caladium is a tropical plant so bulbs have to be buried after the last chance of frost or started indoors. If planted directly in the ground, they will take a few weeks to sprout. During this time, it's important not to forget where they are and dig through them or let the area become overgrown with weeds. Most Caladium varieties prefer shady to partial shade and enjoy regular watering. As long as these conditions are met, you should have something interesting to look at all the way though the fall.
​   Since caladium is a tropical plant, most varieties will not survive a frost and come back the next year. During early October, you can choose to leave your caladium bulbs in the ground or dig them up so they can be replanted next spring. If you choose to dig them up, let them dry completely and store them in a dark, dry area. Caladium bulbs can be replanted for multiple years.

   If you forgot to plant bulbs last fall and still want to plant some, give caladium a try. You can achieve a tropical look in your Michigan garden without the hokey feeling that plants like yuccas bring. Since they come in so many colors and sizes, there's something that will work in any space. Lastly, if you buy bulbs, you can make your yard look like a paradise without spending a fortune.
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Are Deer Eating All  of your Landscape Plants?

3/2/2017

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Deer Proof Plants for Ann Arbor, MI

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   Across Michigan, but especially in Ann Arbor, Deer can be problematic for landscapes and gardens. I have witnessed, on multiple occasions, herds of deer strolling nonchalantly through backyards in the middle of the afternoon. It is not unusual to see hostas munched off nearly flush with the ground, and yews that have been reduced to nothing more than a few spindly branches. Although there is no such thing as a truly deer proof plant; deer will eat absolutely anything before starving, there are certain plants that are much more likely to be passed up by any hungry deer browsing the smorgasbord that is your garden.
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Butterfly Bush usually goes untouched by deer.
Common Plants Least Likely to be Eaten
  • ​Purple Cone Flower
  • ​Salvia
  • ​Bearded Iris
  • ​Poppies
  • ​Cranesbill Geraniums
  • Yarrow
  • Sweet Woodruff
  • Ornamental Grasses
  • Boxwoods
  • Barberries
  • Chinese Junipers
  • Butterfly Bush
Common Plants Most Likely to be Eaten
  • ​Hostas
  • ​Black Eyed Susan
  • Yews
  • Daylily
  • Periwinkle
  • Lily
  • Tulips
  • Solomon's Seal
  • Arborvitae
PictureHostas are often the first to go.
   If you are replacing plants that have already been eaten, it is important to plant something different. Deer operate on schedules and will gladly eat the same plants, in the same places, at the same times everyday. Furthermore, just like people, deer have unique tastes and if your neighborhood deer has been nibbling at your flowers, you already know they enjoy that particular plant. ​​If  unsure about whether deer will eat a specific plant, a good rule of thumb is that plants with strong odors usually go uneaten.
​   Whether you appreciate deer in your yard or not, if you've spent time, energy, and money making your landscape beautiful, you probably don't want them eating your plants. If you're replacing plants or creating new landscaping, it's the perfect time take into consideration how wildlife could impact your future yard. When it comes to landscape design, there are unlimited options. There is always a plan that can be attractive while still meeting the specific needs of your property.

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John Harvey in Ypsilanti, MI on Houzz
Huron Landscape & Maintenance
Ypsilanti, MI 
(734) 262-6644
​Licensed and Insured

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