Dig a hole large enough in the soil to fit the whole root comfortably, pat down the soil well and water. Fertilize the soil.

We’d like to but it is very difficult to do without specimens; verbal descriptions rarely suffice. If the identification is important to you consult your local library, especially a college or university library, for references used to identify the native or horticultural plants of your area. Illustrations, either photos or line drawings, can be most helpful.

We love the idea of the tree greetings, and want to send some to family and friends. However, we anticipate questions about why no tree planting is being done in my state.

The plant may not be getting enough light. If this is the case, simply move the plant to a slightly brighter location, 2) The proper growth cycle is not being observed. Find out what time of year is the blooming period in the plant's natural growth cycle. This may simply be the wrong time of year to expect the plant to bloom, 3) Sometimes, if the plant was purchased as a first time blooming plant, it may not bloom the following year. Be patient. Once the plant is older it will bloom regularly.

The appearance of black areas on the surface of the leaves, following a hot sunny day may be the result of sunburn. Exposure to direct mid-afternoon sunlight during the late spring through early fall will scorch the leaves of some orchids. Increase the shading or move the plant to a less sunny location. If the blackened area increases in size, this is an indication of bacterial or fungal disease. Cut off the diseased area with a sharp, sterile tool(i.e., razor blade or knife).

You need to send a leaf sample to a laboratory that does plant virus testing, and even with testing you can only be reasonably sure it's okay for those viruses expressing epitopes the antibodies used in the assay were created against (assuming some sort of serologic assay is used, the most common type), or if it tests positive. The most commonly encountered viruses, and therefore those which are tested for most frequently, are CyMV, ORSV and BYMV.

It takes time, experience, and most of all, attention to detail to learn how best to present your plant. First, the entire plant should be thoroughly 'groomed'. The flowers may be what are being judged (except for CCMs where the entire condition of the plant is considered), but it is your responsibility to present the plant in its best condition.

For the purposes of the materials on this Internet web site, native plants are defined as all species indigenous to, or that originated in, a region at the time of European settlement. We are looking back and using this pre-European settlement snapshot as a model upon which to base our efforts to restore or replenish the land.

A number of nurseries stock both grass seed and tree seedlings suitable for bioenergy. Your regional USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service or agricultural extension agent should be the best source for information on planting practices and best cultivars for your growing region.

Depending upon where you live, there may be interest in your local area for some of the different energy crops for co-firing or fiber production. You would have to check with local electricity utility companies or fiber processors (paper and board manufacturers) to see if there is market for these intensively managed crops before establishing them.

The eye is the part of the crown from where the leaves grow in sets. The eyes spring to life when the warm weather hits.

The plants need 6 weeks of growing to anchor themselves in the ground and to get ready for winter. We ship in the Fall from late August to early November. The farther north you are the sooner you would want to receive your order.

With the exception of the chrysanthemums and the herbs, the plants will be able to handle a heavy frost to a light freeze. It is much better to plant your order than to hold it until all threats of bad weather are past. If in doubt, let us advise you as to the best time for your area.

Our bulbs occasionally arrive early from Europe. Our customers with warmer weather should wait until late in September or early October to plant them (when the ground cools off). Soil temperature below 60 degrees is a good rule of thumb. Store them in your garage or basement. Any place with cool (50-60 degrees F) with good air circulation with do.

Not without a permit. Please contact the South Park Ranger District in Fairplay for more information 719 836-2031.