iFocus.Life News News - Breaking News & Top Stories - Latest World, US & Local News,Get the latest news, exclusives, sport, celebrities, showbiz, politics, business and lifestyle from The iFocus.Life,
Browsing Category

Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden

Bell Pepper Plants & Bugs

A common sight in marketplaces and vegetable bins, green bell peppers are the most cultivated peppers in the world. Gardeners often choose this specific pepper because it is easy to grow. However, several types of bugs harm the growth of the bell pepper plant.

Life of an Aloe Vera Plant

Also known as the medicine plant or burn plant, aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a favorite natural skin remedy. This succulent perennial bears 8- to 10-inch long fleshy, mottled leaves which grow from a basal rosette. A member of the lily family, an aloe vera plant spreads as its underground rhizome

Can I Divide Hostas in July?

Hostas are a good selection for shady parts of the garden. They have foliage in gold, yellow, white, blue, green and variegated colors. Dividing hostas is the best way to propagate them since only one species grows true from seed.

How to Grow Strawberry Plants in a Basket

Strawberries are versatile fruits that grow well in just about any container that provides good drainage. When started in baskets during the spring, strawberry plants will provide you a bountiful harvest by summer. Care is minimal for basket-grown strawberries, requiring little more than water, fert

When to Plant Irish Moss Seeds

Irish moss features tiny, white, star-shaped flowers nestled among leafy greenery that grows no taller than 4 inches. This spreading plant makes a lush ground cover for low-traffic areas and a lovely edging for gardens. Though called a moss, Irish moss is really a rooting plant that germinates from

How to Care for Trailing Fuchsia Plants

Trailing fuchsia is an elegant plant with colorful, delicate blooms that will cascade gracefully over the edges of a hanging basket or patio container. Trailing fuchsia prefers cool summer climates, and won't do well in extreme heat or in hot afternoon sunlight. Be sure to use a container with good

The Best Orange Trees for South Texas

Many varieties of orange tree can thrive in South Texas.Orange tree image by Evgeny Berdjansky from Fotolia.comWhile not as ideal for producing oranges as the humid and warm conditions of Central Texas, many orange varieties will thrive in South Texas. As long as cold weather protection...

How to Grow Strawberries in an Old Trash Can

Strawberries are among the simplest fruits to grow, needing only fertile soil, adequate moisture and yearly pruning to produce heavy yields. You can grow them in-ground in strawberry patches or in containers, such as trash cans. The only requirement in selecting a container is adequate drainage. Set

Will Asparagus Fern Survive in Full Sun?

Asparagus fern grows prolifically in many climates and light conditions. The fern, which is really a member of the huge lily family, originated in South Africa. It grows wild in parts of Southern Florida where it is considered an invasive plant that threatens several native varieties.

Pink Summer Flowers

Foxgloves offer showy pink blossoms in the height of summer.foxglove image by david purday from Fotolia.comSummer flowers arrive in an abundance of colors. Even if you prefer one color in your garden, you are likely to have a variety of shades within that color family. If you enjoy pink...

How to Clone Vegetable Plants

The process of creating a plant that is genetically identical to its parent plant is called cloning or vegetative propagation. The most common method of producing a clone is to take a stem cutting from the parent plant and grow it to maturity. Cloning vegetables in this way began centuries ago. If d

When to Plant Tigridia Bulbs in Spring

Tigridia, known variously as tiger iris or tiger flower, displays brilliant color and handsome foliage. Although more difficult to tend and propagate than most bulb-type flowers, gardeners with an appetite for both a challenge will get immense pleasure from the vibrant blooms of tigridia.

Japanese Orchid Care

Japanese orchids can be somewhat more challenging to grow than typical household flowers, but the time and energy put into it will be rewarded with a unique splendor and elegance that few flowers in the world can match. Although the orchid family boasts the largest number of members with over 30,000

How to Control Foxtail Grass

Foxtail is an annual weed many gardeners battle every summer. The shallow-rooted plant features a fuzzy tip that resembles a fox's tail, hence the name. Foxtail usually goes unnoticed in spring because it blends with the growing grass due to its light green color. It becomes conspicuous in July when

How to Take Care of Mock Orange Shrubs

Mock orange shrubs are often used by gardeners as stand-alone plants near patios or walkways. They may also be grown together to form a hedge. The shrub offers white flowers and a citrus fragrance. According to PlantCare.com, the mock orange shrub may grow from 8- to 10-feet tall and about 6 to 8 fe

Verbena Plant Species

Over 200 species of verbena exist. These plants are native to North and South America, and most are low-growing perennials. Verbenas are tough, easy-care, drought-tolerant plants. Flowers are borne in clusters, produced throughout the warm months and attract butterflies and bees. In the United State

Trees That Can Be Potted

Many trees grow well in pots, as long as the pot is large enough. Dwarf varieties of familiar trees are constantly developed. Many shrubs are pruned as small trees, such as hibiscus, viburnums and deutzia.

How to Select Flowers for a Flower Bed

Flower gardens need to be planned in advance so the plantings thrive and look aesthetically pleasing. Flower gardens can be created in nearly any environment and can be planted to attract bees or butterflies, for use in flower arrangements or to mimic a field of wildflowers. Plan your garden accordi

Peach Tree Bug Spray

All peach growers--whether they have a few trees in their backyards or a small orchard--must become knowledgeable of the numerous types of insecticides used to prevent and curb bug infestations. Peach trees are vulnerable to attacks from pests such as the peach tree borer, plum curculio and the Orie

Types of Saponins

Saponin is a natural detergent that foams like soap.soap image by ivan kmit from Fotolia.comSaponins are named after the soapwort plant, saponaria, and are glycosides (compounds that yield a sugar and an aglycon upon hydrolysis) with a unique foaming characteristic similar to that of...