Green Thumbs -- Enjoy the fleeting beauty of the fall landscape Oct 24, 2007
Hardy fall-blooming Asters offer a wonderful diversity of heights and colors, all characteristically producing a profusion of single or semi-double disk flowers in vibrant tones of rich royal purple, glowing pink, vivid raspberry and glistening white ... Usually purchased as short, bushy mounds at our local nurseries, asters are likely to grow tall and leggy in subsequent seasons and should be cut back multiple times until mid-July to encourage well-branched, compact plants with substantially... (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Peek-A-Boo plants guaranteed to turn some heads Oct 19, 2007
After examining the flowers, you will probably have a hard time believing this plant is in the Aster family. The edible foliage is dark green with a hint of bronze. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Cottingham: Asters bloom late into the season Oct 9, 2007
The one in my garden is 'Raydon's Favorite' and doing well despite the drought". Aster oblongifolius is technically Symphyotrichum oblongifolium now, but most books and nurseries choose to use the aster name and snarl at the taxonomists that keep shuffling all the plant names around. The common name is aromatic aster because the leaves have a pleasant fragrance when crushed. The really nice thing about that is that although we love pretty fragrances, deer do not. This aster is native through... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Fall Seasonal Container Plants Sep 29, 2007
- Several different aster species are available for home gardeners and many are hardy through zone 3. All asters have beautiful fall blooms though and are real stars in the autumn landscape. (Suite101.com)
Alex Beam: Crossing over to join the Puzzle People Sep 25, 2007
Sample clue: "Bearing a flower in spring." Answer: "Easter." E or east is the bearing; aster is the flower. You can understand why I grew up feeling stupid. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Beautiful butterfly lawn saves money, environment Sep 23, 2007
Other good butterfly plants include buttonbush, New Jersey tea, rose verbena, purple coneflower, aromatic aster, prairie blazing star, butterfly weed, lanceleaf coreopsis, downy phlox and shining blue star. If you want to attract hummingbirds as well, add in some yellow honeysuckle (avoid invasive Asian varieties and use Lonicera flava), royal catchfly, blue sage, red buckeye, columbine, wild bergamot, meadow phlox, purple beardtongue. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Wild Observations: Stopping to observe nature Sep 21, 2007
Further down along this fence line I saw camphorweed and one type of yellow aster getting ready to bloom. Around the cabin I see wild plants such as chamberbitter, poor-joe weed, and wild parsley. (Williston Pioneer, FL)
Admire the Red Admiral's beauty Sep 18, 2007
If you are interested in attracting the red admiral butterfly, consider planting composite flowers, such as milkweed, aster and alfalfa ... Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
How Does Your Garden Grow? Sep 16, 2007
Add magical waters to a garden By Ron Peabody - DeKalb County Master Gardener ... Plants such as sweet flag, blue flag iris, marsh milkweed, cardinal flower, marsh blazing star and New England aster are great choices for a rain garden ... If you have questions or comments about this article, home gardening or about the Master Gardener program, call the Master Gardeners, c/o U of I Extension DeKalb County office, at (815) 758-8194 or e-mail dekalb_mg@ extension. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
This plant family lights up the fall Sep 14, 2007
Also known as the Asteracea, or aster, family of plants, it contains more than 20,000 species worldwide ... In addition to those plants, the family includes other native species such as black-eyed Susans, yarrow, coneflowers, thistles, burdock, dog fennel, daisies, goldenrods, ironweed, Joe-pye weed, thoroughworts, white snakeroot, bonesets and, of course, asters ... Among them: blue aster, white-flowered wood aster, white snakeroot, small-headed sunflower, goldenrod (three species) and... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Extension connection: Chrysanthemums Sep 9, 2007
They are members of Asteraceae or aster family (formerly Composite family). Like all members of the aster family, a flower is actually composed of numerous tiny individual flowers clustered together into a "head." The individual flowers are either ray type with a petal or disc type without a petal. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Public input for revegetation project in Osceola county Sep 8, 2007
Examples of some of those species include big bluestem, Indian grass, black-eyed Susan and purple prairie clover, as well as several coneflower and aster species. Ocheyedan Press 2007. (Ocheyedan Press Melvin News, IA)
Check out these fall favorites Sep 6, 2007
Americana beauty berry sports gorgeous electric-purple fruits in fall; it's paired here with Raydon's Favorite aster ... A combination that I admired recently at the Atlanta Botanical Garden featured Rudbeckia tomentosa 'Henry Eilers,' also called sweet coneflower, with unusual quill-like golden yellow petals; Salvia guaranitica 'Argentine Skies,' with pale blue flowers; a goldenrod called Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks,' with masses of bright yellow flowers; and, in the background waiting to bloom... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Wild Observations: Making a visit to Otter Springs Aug 31, 2007
I checked out the long-leaf pinewood section and noted the stems and leaves of silver aster and paintbrush. I didn't see any flowers yet. (Williston Pioneer, FL)
Discovering Re-Growth After BWCA Forest Fires Aug 28, 2007
On a high, rocky point overlooking Sea Gull Lake's southeastern shore, Frelich makes an observation ... All around us are thick growths of big leaf aster, sarsaparilla, corydalis and liver wort ... Wildflowers like fireweed, geraniums and asters paint the black forest a rich purple. (WCCO.com, MN)
Extension connection: Butterfly, flutter by Aug 19, 2007
Master Gardeners Pam Merrill and Karen Lowe will share their experiences with the creation of this award-winning butterfly garden ... This event is co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners from Fulton and Schuyler counties, and will be held rain or shine ... With that in mind, this summer the Fulton County Master Gardeners met at the home of Master Gardener Nancy Hebb where Hebb demonstrated the creation of "garden puddlers" which help attract and nourish butterflies. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
August gardening guide| Aug 16, 2007
Sow seeds like ageratum, alyssum, aster, Canterbury bells, cleome, cosmos, dianthus, impatiens, lavatera, lobelia, marigold, petunia, salivia, schizanthus, verbena and viola. Plant seedlings like allysum, begonia, celosia, cosmos, chrysanthemum palidosum,dahlia (bedding), dianthus, lobelia, marigold, impatiens, pansy, petunia and vinca. (iAfrica.com)
The Composite Family Aug 13, 2007
Crush and sniff a leaf of goldenrod, and you ll get a smell similar to that of aster and Canadian fleabane; all three are members of the Aster subgroup, with irritating compounds that give the plants diuretic (stimulating urination) and decongestant (clearing the sinuses) properties. Plants in the Camomile subgroup are also aromatic but with more widely differing scents. (Suite101.com)
Give perennial lilies a try Aug 9, 2007
Growing to a height of 3 feet, it is perfect to incorporate into the perennial border with roses, lavender, stokes aster and ornamental onions (Alliums). These lilies are also popular as cut flowers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Cottage Garden Annual Flowers Aug 6, 2007
Easy Annuals to Grow from Seed or to Self Seed in the Flower Garden. Cottage gardens should be filled with flowers all season long. Grow these pretty and popular annual flowers for masses of easy color in the cottage garden. (Suite101.com)
Fresh start: community garden helps train aspiring gardeners Jul 26, 2007
Don Benjamin, who is coordinating the start-up garden project, said the staple crew of volunteer gardeners are able to use the experience towards aster Gardener certification ... ut it also allows Master Gardener trainees to work some hours out, and see how they do in the garden ... The master gardeners are involved in all aspects of the gardening process, from start to finish. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Jewels strewn along the wayside Jul 16, 2007
A member of the aster family, it reproduces from seeds or from a woody base. Dog fennel can be an annoyance to farmers and ranchers because the leaves contain low levels of the toxin tremitol, which can cause dehydration in cattle. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Results for open class flowers and houseplants (A-15): Jul 14, 2007
Flowers and House Plants - Horticulture gements - Aster. 1st - Pat Mathews. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Got swampy conditions? Take cues from nature Jul 13, 2007
In the same bog area the native stokes aster, Stokesia laveis, offers beautiful blue flowers. Popping up here and there is the Carolina petunia, Ruellia carolinensis, with lavender-blue flowers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
For Sheer Beauty, 'Plant' Butterflies Jun 27, 2007
"With this approach, part of the fun is seeing which species the garden attracts perhaps also trying to figure out why," said Upham, who coordinates K-State Research and Extension statewide Master Gardener program. One of the required basics is water, which butterflies in the wild tend to get from tiny pools of dew and rain, cradled in petals and leaves. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Wind Tolerant Perennial Plants Jun 26, 2007
Boltonia or False Aster (Boltonia asteroides) Zone 4-9 ... A native plant in the eastern United States, Boltonia prefers moist soil but will tolerate poor, dry soil as well ... In the same family as the autumn blooming Asters, the False Aster is very similar in appearance. (Suite101.com)
Summer 'tis the seasonto take a smart short cut. Jun 16, 2007
On him: Brown-and-white-striped linen shirt by Aster ($240); brown leather belt with metal details by Miller Brothers ($265); cotton poplin flat-front khaki shorts by Bill's Khakis ($90); all available at Miller Brothers Ltd.. Green peasant blouse with lace trim by Lucca ($52) and cream- colored cotton and linen shorts with tie belt by Miss Me Collection ($55); both available at Sage. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Flower Crafts Jun 11, 2007
September: Aster, Morning Glory. October: Calendula, Cosmos. (Suite101.com)
A musical night in Freeport Jun 9, 2007
Freeport residents Bobby auce Boss Yount, left, and Calvin aster Griller Collier, right, cook the ribs at Music on Chicago on Friday. Photo by STEFANIE WEISS. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Master Gardener: Time to think about summer planting Jun 1, 2007
Pinch several inches off chrysanthemums, New England aster, autumn joy sedum, and phlox to encourage branching and plenty of flowers in the fall. I put tomato cages around my asters to keep them from flopping over. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Caring for freeze-damaged plant and May gadening tips May 19, 2007
Damage to ornamental landscape plants from the aster Freeze is now evident as temperatures return to normal ... Dig and divide later blooming perennials if needed, such as hosta, ornamental grasses, perennial geraniums, bee balm, daylilies, and asters ... Use wire cages to support peonies and New England asters for example. (Moberly Monitor-Index, MO)
6 tips for planting a beautiful butterfly garden May 17, 2007
Plantings of host plants preferred by butterflies does not require any sacrifice of flowers or colors because they also require nectar plants such as yellow sunflowers, pink Joe Pye weed, purple coneflower, purple verbena, rudbeckia, red bee balm, and wild aster (to name a few) that provide plenty of color. Avoid the use of broad-spectrum pesticides sprayed all around gardens. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Rounded Growth Container Plants May 8, 2007
Frikart s Aster (Aster frikartii) Zones 5-8. Compact, bushy growth habit makes this perennial plant an excellent container companion. (Suite101.com)
Give 'em Shelter Apr 19, 2007
In addition to sunflowers many other members of the aster family, including coneflower, coreopsis, black-eyed susans, bachelor button (cornflower) and the thistles, are appealing to birds ... Non-asters that fit this bill include goldenrod and joe-pie weed ... There is only one species, the ruby-throated hummingbird, in northeastern United States, but they are an entertaining addition to any garden. (Ithaca Times, NY)
Earth Day: It's time to think globally Apr 15, 2007
Among them are hibiscus, aster, ironweed and rough sunflower, all of which attract butterflies and birds. Participants should dress for work and bring sunscreen, a hat, water and gardening tools. (Orlando Sentinel)
Soldiers of nature on a mission Apr 6, 2007
Invasive Burma reed and Brazilian pepper plants have been removed, and the tiny sandmat peers up to a mosaic of compatriots: silver palms, quailberry, coontie, white-top sedge, Havana greenbriar, pineland noseburn and a pretty little aster flowering out of season. INSPIRATION. (The Miami Herald)
Upcoming events Apr 6, 2007
Andover End is offering an aster Eggstravaganza through April 7 at the store, 123 E. Noble Ave. People may pick an egg from the Easter basket and win. Prizes include gift certificates, free watch batteries and other items. (Williston Pioneer, FL)
Allergens make gardening a much more difficult chore Apr 3, 2007
Also, avoid plants from the aster, or ragweed, family which include mums, daisies and marigolds. Others to avoid are Sweet Williams, carnations and dandelions, Aufdenburg suggested. (Skieston Standard Democrat, MO)
Funky shoes and garden art were hot items at winter fairs Mar 30, 2007
Flowers to start: cosmos, snaps, ageratum, seed dahlias, godetia, matricaria, acroclinum, aster, celosia, malva, salvia, lupine. Vegetables to start: peppers, kale, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts. (Anchorage Daily News)
A hot trek to Pear Lake Hut Mar 22, 2007
"Miles" (as he likes to be called) is the Pear Lake Hut's bearded hutmaster, sort of a combination caretaker/tour guide ... "With skins and metal edges, it's amazing what you can do."After skiing down The Hump and along the frozen shoreline of Heather Lake, we climb another rise and descend again to a sub-alpine basin containing Emerald Lake and Aster Lake. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Draine: Beauty of a meadow full of wildflowers not easy to duplicate Mar 11, 2007
- Late summer plants The magnificent Maximilian sunflower and the sweet My Antonia aster ... Cathie Draine is a member of the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and the Garden Writers Association. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Commissioners hear JCEMS report Mar 9, 2007
Permission was given to the aster Gardener program to hold a garden show on the courthouse lawn on Friday, April 20, and to plant flowers around the courthouse. Highway superintendent Mike Garris reported that three barricades and five lights were taken from flooded roads near Sparksville recently, with a total of nine lost so far this season at a cost of 150 each. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Fall-Blooming Cut Flower Plants Mar 3, 2007
Autumn Aster (Aster frikartii) Hardy zones 5-10. Familiar summer and fall blooming perennial, the aster usually sports lavender or blue toned flowers with yellow centers ... Plant asters in early spring and pinch back to encourage full growth and more flowers. (Suite101.com)
Spring is in the air, it's time to plant Mar 1, 2007
For late summer or fall blooms, look for aster (Aster frikartii is especially lovely), helianthus and Japanese anemone. Some plants sold as perennials are shrublike, including tough and reliable anisodontea, euryops, heliotrope, lion's tail, Mexican marigold (Tagetes lucida), pentas, Santa Barbara daisy, shrimp plant and wall flower. (Los Angeles Times)
Mug shots don't do plants justice Feb 14, 2007
I may collect Tradescantia cultivars in my garden, but I'm sure most of my audience isn't as nutty, so I highlight the more common blackeyed Susan, coreopsis, purple coneflower, liatris, stokes aster, goldenrod and narrowleaf sunflower. They are durable native plants from our fields and woods. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Liven up your late summer garden Feb 14, 2007
Divide easy to grow perennials and groundcovers like agapanthus, wild iris, red-hot pokers, ornamental grasses, day lilies, alstroemerias and asters ... Plant seedlings like alyssum, aster, chrysanthemum, delphinium, dianthus, gazania, petunia, marigold, nasturtium, nicotiana, dwarf phlox and verbena. (iAfrica.com)
GARDENING: Now is the time to plant veggies Feb 8, 2007
Free gardening classes: Master gardeners are offering free gardening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays through February at the Nevada Cooperative Extension Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 S. Maryland Parkway ... A Walk on the Wild(flower) Side: At 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the Learning Center, master gardeners Richard Leifried and Richard Cutbirth have identified 190 desert plants in the Red Rock area ... They will discuss 30 of their favorites, including Blue Diamond Cholla, Red Rock Aster,... (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Life)
Oh, how do I pronounce that strange-sounding name Feb 8, 2007
By Dorothy DowningMaster Gardener. Gardeners, even Master Gardeners, often grumble that they feel intimidated about pronouncing the Latin names of plants ... She said something like, "ku-TONY-aster." I said, "ku-what?" And the light bulb suddenly turned on. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Local roadsides to be revegetated Jan 24, 2007
Examples of some of those species include Big Bluestem, Indian grass, Black-eyed Susan, Purple Prairie clover, as well as several coneflower and aster species. The project along Iowa 17 is one of several underway this year in Iowa as the DOT continues its roadside management and native prairie planting efforts. (Forest City Summit, IO)
The Floral Network: What Determines Who Pollinates Whom? Jan 24, 2007
America's only dog that's trained to sniff mercury is able to detect as little as a half-gram, and is faster and cheaper than traditional lab ... -- The family Asteraceae or, alternatively, family Compositae, known as the aster, daisy or sunflower family, is a taxon of dicotyledonous flowering plants. (Science Daily)
Woods Walk offers insight into scrub land's character Jan 21, 2007
Wild plums, rusty lyonia, Chapman's oak, runner oak, wire grass, gopher apple, golden aster and hawthorns are natives tolerant of dry conditions and cold winters ... Many readers have been waiting for the next Florida Master Naturalist training ... The class is posted on the Web at MasterNaturalist. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
Melongolly Blue among best of new year's new plants Jan 12, 2007
Chrysoephalum in the Aster family is also a no-show in my reference books. This plant has received an excellent rating in states from Minnesota to New York to those in the Deep South. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Planning for your garden face-lift now Jan 5, 2007
New England Aster is among the herbaceous perennials that will do quite well in your Virginia garden ... Wild columbine, New England aster, lance-leaved coreopsis, common sunflower, summer phlox, bee balm, black-eyed susan, cardinal flower, goldenrod, downy lobelia, butterflyweed. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
