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[W801]Wild Flowers And Plants

by George Wood, Geo

Mallow rose or Swamp Rose- mallow grows well in saline conditions, riversides, brackish marshes and lake shores. Its botanical name is Hibiscus Moscheutos. It is found from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. Its growth can also extend till Louisiana in the west. It starts flowering in the month of August and flowers till September. The plant is known for its clear, big rose pink colored flowers though white flowers with red center can also be found. The flowers can be four to seven inches in width. The plant is stout, with a perennial root and can be up to seven feet in length. The size of their leaves can be anywhere in between three and seven inches. The leaves are egg shaped and tapered. On their underside, there is a white down which is dense.

These magnificent flowers make the travelers spellbound with their beauty. They grow in marshes. It grows well in moist and well-enriched soil. They can easily grow at home though they require a lot of salt and water for their growth. The garden receives average water from showers etc but these flowers grow rapidly in such conditions also. To have them at home, one can dig up some roots and transport these plants to their home. However before digging it up one must not forget to wear rubber boots as the place where they grow is quite slippery. Spade provides some support.

Its decorative splendor is unmatched among the bushes and only hollyhock which is one of its cousins can match it. Rose mallows beauty is unparallel it can only be eclipsed by the Rose of China or Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis. This flower has a scarlet colored corolla which stains black. Rose of China is used for different purposes in different countries. Married Chinese women used this flower for discoloring their teeth while people used it for shoe polish in the West Indies.

Marsh Mallow whose botanical name is Althaea officinalis produces small pink colored flowers. Wymote is it is another name. The flowers measure one and a half inches in length. The flower can be found in the salty marshes that extend from Massachusetts coast to New York. It is a thick plant which can be up to four feet in height. The plant grows in swamps and it is very important for it to have open pores. Its pores clog due to the moisture which arises from its wet retreats; to prevent this, the plant is covered with velvety down. This leafy plant has thick roots which have medicinal value.

There is another variety known as the Desert Mallow. It grows in hot places like Southern New Mexico, Arizona and in some regions of Texas. The plant has peach colored flowers and these small flowers thrive well in the hot conditions!

Do you love to walk outside in your backyard and enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers? Do you delight in the sound of chirping birds and the sight of the delicate wings of butterflies? Do you want to plant flowers that will come back yearly and multiply? Are you in a desert-like area where water conservation is a concern?

Starting a meadow garden takes patience and dedication. But once you have taken the time to do what is necessary, you can have years of enjoyment with little maintenance. Wild flowers are hearty, with the ability to drop seedlings into your nourished soil that will spread in your flower beds each Spring. Picking plants or seedlings that will blend into a magical canvas of color does not require a landscaping degree. Use your creativity-there are no set rules.

Preparing the soil, watering, weeding, and thinning out undesired flowers are all important in the beginning stages. The important thing is to start small and work the soil. You want to mix plants that co-exist well. American wild flowers, naturalized exotics (daisies are in this category) and other flowers that self-seed or need minimum maintenance are good examples. Plant species you love, but concentrate on native varieties. Once established, they need little watering or fertilizing.

Below are some tips for creating a successful meadow garden:

1. Select an area-not too big at first that gets at least a half day of full sun. Prepare the soil by plowing or tilling.

2. Get rid of the weeds. If necessary, spray with herbicide.

3. Wait three weeks after spraying with herbicide, then rake the area. Pick out all weeds and roots and smooth out the seed bed.

4. Whether you plant seedlings or scatter seeds, choose species that fit the scale of your garden.
A small garden looks best planted with little flowers that don't spread too rapidly-dwarf iris and native lilies. Select species with different bloom times: some that flower in spring (columbine), others that come into bloom in summer (daisies and phlox), and still others that will last right through fall (aster and coneflowers).

5. When planting seeds, it is important to spread them evenly.

6. Tamp down the seeds by gently walking over the area.

7. It is important to mulch the area after seeding. Sawdust or weed-free straw are good options.. Be careful not to mulch too heavily or the tender seedlings will have difficulty sprouting.

8. Water seedlings regularly with a soft spray. Seedlings need moisture to sprout.

9. Keep the area free from weeds that can choke out the young seedlings. If you take the time to keep weeds out of your flower garden at first, it will pay off later.

10. Mow your meadow in late fall or early winter to open the area to light and air. This helps prevent weed problems and sets the scene for another year of meadow gardening.

Butterflies and birds will be drawn to your flower garden. Placing a bird bath in the center of your garden will be an added attraction. Other fun items for your meadow garden might be a comfortable bench or a decorative table and chairs. Quiet lunches or afternoon summer reading could be enjoyed amongst your meadow of flowers.

Whether it is a bed of bright yellow daisies and orange poppies, or pink evening primrose and Texas bluebonnets, months of enjoyment will be your reward. Your family and friends will find peace and pleasure walking into your world of nature's beauty.

Article Source : Pg. 76

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Both George Wood & La Donna Jensen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

George Wood has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health Care Plan, Pets and Internet Marketing. George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including and. George Wood's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

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