http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers Focus on Flowers is a program on flowers and gardening hosted by Moya Andrews and produced by WFIU Public Media in Bloomington, Indiana. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:01:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 2006-2009 http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510179 aschweig@indiana.edu (WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org)) aschweig@indiana.edu (WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org)) Gardening 1440 flowers, gardens, gardening, plants, horticulture, indiana, bloomington, moya andrews Focus on Flowers is a production of WFIU Public Media from Indiana University. Focus on Flowers is a program on flowers and gardening hosted by Moya Andrews and produced by WFIU Public Media in Bloomington, Indiana. WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) aschweig@indiana.edu No no http://wfiu.org/podcasts/images/flowers_podcast.jpg http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers 144 144 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/storehouses-energy/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/storehouses-energy/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:01:41 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1795 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/storehouses-energy/feed/ 0 2:00 Here in the Midwest United States we look forward so eagerly to our earliest garden flowers. They come from bulbs that we plant so hopefully ... Here in the Midwest United States we look forward so eagerly to our earliest garden flowers. They come from bulbs that we plant so hopefully in the fall and that stay dormant all winter under the snow. Ninety percent of the bulbs in home flower gardens belong to just 6 genera: Narcissus, Tulipa, Hyacinthus and Iris that bloom in the spring and the summer blooming Lilium and Gladiola. All types of bulbs have one thing in common and that is that they are self contained storehouses of energy. They burst forth and bloom at their appointed time when the moisture and temperature levels trigger their respective awakenings. It is orchestrated in a way that seems quite miraculous. After they finish flowering, they should be deadheaded to prevent them wasting their energy setting seed, as we want them to save their energy in the bulbs. That is also why they need to have their foliage left in place so that they can replenish (Note 1) their energy to provide food for next springrsquo;s flowers. The leaves need to die down naturally (Note 2), and a little fertilizer applied during this period is an added bonus. Some experienced gardeners have told me that the fertilizer that farmers use for potato crops is an economical choice. All bulbs are highly efficient and can be categorized into 5 groups: true bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes and tuberous roots. All are long lived in gardens and reproduce bulblets over time as long as rodents donrsquo;t discover them. Members of the Narcissus genus, however, are poisonous so do not make a tasty meal. So if you are troubled by rodents and deer in your garden, specialize in daffodils and see how many varieties (Note 3) you can find to showcase. Notes Apply fertilizers that do not have an odor as the odor marks the location of the bulb for rodents and they dig them up. Granular fertilizers are one option. Plant perennials (e.g. day lilies) with bulbs so that their foliage grows up just as the bulb foliage is decaying in order to camouflage the yellowing leaves. Always plant early-, mid-, and late blooming varieties to extend the season of bloom. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/african-violets/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/african-violets/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:06:28 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1801 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/african-violets/feed/ 0 2:00 The houseplant that we know as African violet is actually a violet at all. It is, botanically speaking, Saintpaulia ionantha, and it needs good warmth ... The houseplant that we know as African violet is actually a violet at all. It is, botanically speaking, Saintpaulia ionantha, and it needs good warmth and plenty of light to flourish. African violets are propagated from leaf or stem cuttings and provide wonderfully diverse flower forms in purple, pink, violet, white and rose shades. This pretty plant can tolerate an inside room temperature of 65-75 F degrees but, like all houseplants, it does better of there is a slight drop in the temperature at night. Tips For Caring For African Violets in Winter (And other similar houseplants) During the winter months from November through March, if your region has a lot of grey days, you may help your plants by using two fluorescent bulbs a foot above them for 13 hours a day. Give them drinks of lukewarm water, which will cause fewer spots on the fleshy leaves if you inadvertently splash water on them. Also, make sure they are potted in a light, easily draining soilless mix with extra perlite and vermiculite added to it. They hate soggy soil and even some soil mixes that are labeled especially for their use may be too heavy and not drain well enough. To get regular flowers and healthy leaves, add a smidge of fertilizer to the lukewarm water every time you water. The soil should be dry on top but donrsquo;t let the entire pot get bone dry between waterings. If there is insufficient humidity these plants are more susceptible to mites. At the first sign of curled or distorted young leaves quarantine the plants and dip them in insecticidal soap or other remedy for mites. Use a soft brush to remove dust from leaves. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/prolonginglifeforcutflowers/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/prolonginglifeforcutflowers/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:55:38 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1791 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/prolonginglifeforcutflowers/feed/ 0 2:00 In winter, when northern homes are heated continuously and the air indoors dries out, it is often disappointing for us to find that the cut ... In winter, when northern homes are heated continuously and the air indoors dries out, it is often disappointing for us to find that the cut flowers we have purchased do not last well in a vase. Of course, the flowers we buy may have been air freighted from another hemisphere or have languished too long in a store, which does not enhance their chances of a long vase life. However, the dry air in our house may be robbing our flowers of their essential moisture, too. Steps For Caring For Your Cut Flowers Fortunately, there are ways to combat these factors that hinder the health of our houseplants: All cut flowers need to be able to take up a sufficient amount of water through their stems to remain well hydrated, so, change the vase water regularly (daily, if possible) in order to keep it clean Substances, such as bleach, can be added to the water to keep it free of bacteria. Each flowerrsquo;s vascular cells help the stem to stand erect and they operate like a bundle of drinking straws, drawing water upwards to the leaves and flowers. If we strip away most of the leaves, especially those under water that pollute the vase, it helps each flower get more water. Additionally, when the arranger cuts an inch or so off the bottom of each stem before putting the flowers in a container, it helps to keep the end of the stems open. Put some water in a bowl and submerge the end of each stem so that it can be cut under water; this prevents air bubbles from forming. For example, when a rose wilts prematurely it usually means the end of the stem is clogged with bacteria or an air pocket has formed so that the rosersquo;s stem cannot drink sufficiently. When this occurs one must submerge the entire flower in a sink of water to revive it and cut the stem again under water too. Never display flowers near a heating vent. Remember that heat is also emitted by electrical equipment so it is not smart to stand an arrangement on or near a TV or VCR. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/drinks-flowers/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/drinks-flowers/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:15:46 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1740 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/drinks-flowers/feed/ 0 2:00 During a recent radio interview, I was asked to name some flowers that I liked to eat. I replied with mock indignation that I prefer ... During a recent radio interview, I was asked to name some flowers that I liked to eat. I replied with mock indignation that I prefer to look at flowers. Along with the recent widespread interest in edible flowers by foodies there also seems to be a related trend of putting flowers in drinks to create festive concoctions.* Hibiscus Champagne Some friends recently gave me a jar of wild hibiscus flowers in syrup marketed by the Wild Hibiscus Company of Sydney, Australia.nbsp; The idea is that one hibiscus bud from the jar is placed in the bottom of an empty champagne flute. When champagne is poured into the glass, the bubbles stream off and the hibiscus bud opens into a flower. The effect is quite charming and, because I am from Australia and love champagne, it was a perfect hostess gift for me. The hibiscus flowers in syrup look dark red like rosellas and are not only pretty but tasty. They are reminiscent of a combination of raspberry and rhubarb. A little of the syrup from the jar makes the champagne look delightfully rosy. Other Drinks With Flowers Not long after being introduced to hibiscus champagne, I read an interesting article by Laura Holson in the Dining Section of the New York Times (Section D1, August 19,nbsp;2009) that had the intriguing title ldquo;How to Sip a Flower Garden.rdquo; The article noted the multi-sensory effect of not only seeing, but also tasting and smelling, edible flowers in cocktails. I especially liked the example of a nasturtium in the bottom of a glass that contained an imaginatively mixed drink. Violets, elderflowers, lavender and roses were also mentioned as possibilities with which to make drinks. Laura M.Holson wrote: nbsp;ldquo;Recently floral concoctions and aromatic blossoms have moved out of the kitchen and behind the bar." *Always be sure to use organic, pesticide- free flowers. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/rose-water/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/rose-water/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:14:29 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1738 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/rose-water/feed/ 0 2:00 I was recently given a bottle of rose water purchased in Turkey.nbsp; On the bottle it says that rose water is a natural tonic that ... I was recently given a bottle of rose water purchased in Turkey.nbsp; On the bottle it says that rose water is a natural tonic that hydrates the skin and helps restore the skinrsquo;s moisture balance. Rose water also allegedly firms and refines pores. It accomplishes all of the above as well as smelling divine. Mixed with glycerin, it is also wonderful for softening the hands. Making Rose Water At Home If there are lots of scented but pesticide-free rose petals available, the recipe for producing rose water at home is fairly simple. Here are some tips and instructions: It is best to collect the rose petals early in the day as soon as the dew has dried. Also, the white section at the base of each petal, which is called the nail, needs to be pinched out. Then mix: 2 cups of fresh petals 1 frac12; cups of distilled water frac12; cup of vodka in a glass container Cover and store in a sunny spot (such as on a window sill) so that the mixture can steep for several weeks Strain and return just the liquid to the jar, adding 2 more cups of fresh petals. Repeat the steeping process. After several weeks strain again and discard the petals and store the liquid in small tightly covered little bottles in a cool dark spot. It makes wonderful perfume and can also be used on fixative in pot pourri. In Iran, rose water is added to rice pudding. We can also add 1 tablespoon to vanilla pudding or vanilla ice cream or 2 tablespoons to plain cookie dough. Reference:nbsp; Norris, Dorry Baird, The Sage Cottage: Herb Garden Cookbook (Thenbsp;Globe Pequot Press, Old Saybrook,Connecticut. 1991. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flowers/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flowers/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:13:27 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1736 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flowers/feed/ 0 2:00 It is tempting for a gardener to pick something edible from the garden (e.g. a cherry tomato), and immediately pop it into his or her ... It is tempting for a gardener to pick something edible from the garden (e.g. a cherry tomato), and immediately pop it into his or her mouth. However, it is best not to do this. One never knows where young children from the neighborhood may be lurking, even if there are none currently residing in the home, and eating things right off a plant sets a dangerous precedent. There are lots of poisonous plants out there.nbsp;In her book Wicked Plants (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2009), author Amy Stewart makes readers shudder at the large number of them. However, there are many plants that produce edible flowers and that are safe to eat if they are grown without the use of pesticides. Here are a few of them: Chefs suggest sauteacute;ing flowers like squash blossoms and daylily buds. Bergamot, sometimes called bee balm or monarda, makes a delicious tea. Jasmine tea is also popular. The flowers as well as the foliage of herbs such as chives, rosemary and sage are edible. The blooms of calendula, elderberry, English daisy, for-get-me-not and hollyhock are, too. Honeysuckle, lavender, rose and nasturtium both smell and taste good and are often used as garnishes. Yucca, violet, pansy and snapdragon flowers are also safe to eat. Even the succulent portulaca, sometimes called moss rose, can be chewed if you wish to. Although I love to see a plate garnished with flowers, I am less interested in chomping down on pretty petals than many people are these days. It is hard to admire the visual charms of a flower while one is devouring it! For a list of edible flowers (and some excellent recipes) consult The Sage Cottage: Herb Garden Cookbook by Dorry Baird Norris published by the Globe Pequot Press, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, 1991, (Page 70). shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flower-ice-cubes/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flower-ice-cubes/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:12:07 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1734 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/edible-flower-ice-cubes/feed/ 0 2:00 Many years ago when I first arrived in California from Australia to begin graduate studies in the mid 1960rsquo;s at the University of California at ... Many years ago when I first arrived in California from Australia to begin graduate studies in the mid 1960rsquo;s at the University of California at Santa Barbara, a kind colleague took me to dinner at the Ventura Inn. I have no memory of what I ate that evening, nbsp;but even after all of these years I can remember that the ice cubes in our drinks had flowers frozen in them. I was entranced! Of course all edible flowers can be frozen this way and used in drinks, however, one must avoid poisonous flowers or flowers that have been exposed to pesticides. The creative possibilities are seemingly endless with this fun trick! Imagine the fun of having a party and using a purple tablecloth and ice cubes in the water glasses with violets frozen into them. Or,nbsp;nbsp;a Valentinersquo;s Day dinner with rose petals frozen in the ice cubes and a splash of rose water in the water to tantalize the taste buds as well. However, I wonrsquo;t try daffodils for Easter because they are so poisonous that even deer wonrsquo;t eat them! Recipe: Lavender Syrup Lavender is edible and always safe. This syrup is often featured in old cookbooks: Mix together 1 cup of fine sugar with frac14; cup of pesticide-free lavender flowers and 2 oz of rose water Add this mixture to a cup of boiling water in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves Cool, strain and store in a glass container in a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use a few drops in ice cubes or water to suggest the hint of the aroma of fresh flowers. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/licorice-plant/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/licorice-plant/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:10:56 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1732 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/licorice-plant/feed/ 0 2:00 During these cold winter days we gardeners dream about what we will plant next spring. I am thinking about what I will do with my ... During these cold winter days we gardeners dream about what we will plant next spring. I am thinking about what I will do with my patio pots and how I will choose foliage plants as foils to contrast with the plants that flower. Actually it is the way foliage plants are used that often differentiates a veteran container gardener from a novice. One of my favorite container plants is the fuzzy grey leaved Helichrysum petiolare. It is originally from South Africa and commonly known as licorice plant. The plant gets its name from the licorice scent it exudes from its leaves during hot summer days. The licorice plant: is a sprawling sub shrub has two cultivars that are ideal for pots: lsquo;Limelightrsquo; with chartreuse leaves and lsquo;Variegatumrsquo; which has creamy variegations combines well with any color of flowers is hardy only in zones 9 and 10, therefore are annuals in cold climates and do well in shade. Silvery foliage plants such as the licorice plant are destined to be bridesmaids rather than brides, but as supporting cast members they are invaluable as they soften and enhance the impact of more showy annuals when they billow, weave and trail. Interested in another option for foliage? Persian shield adds style to container groupings. Like licorice plant, purple Persian shield looks chic in a pot with lavender, blue and white flowers. However, lots of different color combinations are possible. nbsp;Hot colors as well as cool colors look great with fillers like these. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/variety-jasmine/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/variety-jasmine/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:09:43 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1730 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/variety-jasmine/feed/ 0 2:00 Jasmine polyanthum (polyanthum means many flowers) is a vigorous vine that produces sprays of fragrant white blossoms. The Duke of Medici was said to be ... Jasmine polyanthum (polyanthum means many flowers) is a vigorous vine that produces sprays of fragrant white blossoms. The Duke of Medici was said to be the first to grow jasmine in Italy and, according to legend since his time, Italian brides have worn a spray of the Dukersquo;s special jasmine on their wedding day for good luck. Some Different Varieties Of Jasmine There are about 200 species of jasmine but only about 15 are suitable to grow in gardens. Here are just a few of the varieties: The white jasmine was first introduced to England from India by Vasco da Gama in the 16th century thus having a distinguished lineage. From the first though, its claim to fame was its perfume. Winter jasmine was migrated from China by the English botanist Robert Fortune in 1844 and was described as a symbol of grace and elegance. The state flower of South Carolina is the Carolina jasmine. Itnbsp;is not actually a member of the large jasmine genus at all, though it does have a very sweet perfume. It is, however, extremely poisonous and if any part of the plant is swallowed it will cause paralysis or even death! There are a lot of different kinds of jasmines, and for those of us who have cold winters and want to grow one that flowers indoors, catalogs such as the one produced bynbsp;White Flower Farm, frequently offer good varieties for this purpose Note: There are so many poisonous plants that it is important for all adults to follow the rule of never picking anything in a garden and immediately popping it into their mouths in front of children. While we may feel like doing so with, for example, a cherry tomato the practice allows children to generalize and think that it is okay to eat anything in a garden. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/cyclamen/ http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/cyclamen/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:08:02 +0000 Moya Andrews http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/?p=1728 http://indianapublicmedia.org/focusonflowers/cyclamen/feed/ 0 2:00 Those of us who live in cold climates love houseplants that will flower indoors in winter. There is something magical about them all and one ... Those of us who live in cold climates love houseplants that will flower indoors in winter. There is something magical about them all and one with great appeal is the cyclamen. This plant originated in the mountainous areas of Iran where nights are cold and days are cool. Potted cyclamens are often expensive to buy because growers have to keep the plants for a long time before they set buds and are saleable. However, they are worth the cost.nbsp;Cyclamens come in such luscious colors and their blooms seem to me to look like ballerinas dancing high above the leaves. In January, after the brightly colored decorations have been put away, these plants are decorative in an elegant refined way that is restful on the eyes after the holiday glitz. Taking Care of a Cyclamen Obviously the origins of plants provide us with clues about the conditions they prefer, so cyclamens enjoy a cool spot in our homes in order to flourish. If we do an inventory of our homes we can often find an entry way, window sill or other spot that is cooler than the rest of the home. For me it is my enclosed front porch with lots of windows. It is perfect for plants like azaleas and cyclamens that wilt if they get too hot. There are some specific instructions to keep in mind when caring for a cyclamen: Cyclamen grow from corms, and some experts warn against pouring water into the center of the plant or the corm may rot. When removing dead leaves and flowers you should twist stems and then pull rather than cutting off the stems. However, the main thing is to give them the cool temperatures they like and to let them rest after they finish blooming so they have a period of dormancy of about 2 months. I display mine indoors during the day, especially when I have guests, but always make sure that they sleep on my cool porch each night. Anytime the plant looks poorly, leave them out on the cool porch continuously. shows WFIU Public Media (wfiu.org) no No