Latest news with #Zinnias
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Florist names five beginner-friendly plants that thrive in gardens without much work
A professional florist named April has shared a list of five flowers that anyone can attempt to grow at home, no matter how much experience you have in the garden Embarking on gardening as a hobby for the first time can seem intimidating. There's a vast array of things you can cultivate in your garden, and you'll need to be clued up on everything from the type of soil in your flower beds to the amount of sunlight your outdoor space receives. Each plant has unique needs, with some being very specific about their sunlight requirements, preferred soil, and watering frequency. This can be daunting for green-fingered novices and can leave you feeling like anything you attempt to grow will be a struggle to keep alive. However, not all plants are a nightmare to look after. Some flowers are ideal for beginners due to their ease of growth and lack of need for any gardening experience. A recent TikTok video posted by a florist named April spotlighted five flowers that anyone can start growing, regardless of their level of gardening expertise. So here's everything you need to know. 1. Cosmos Cosmos are annual flowering plants known for their delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and orange. They are great for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. How to grow: Sowing: Sow seeds indoors in trays in early spring (March–April) or outdoors (May) after the last frost. Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in poor to average soil, so no need for rich compost. Planting Out: In late May or June, transplant hardened-off seedlings outside once the risk of frost has passed. Maintaining: Deadhead regularly to encourage further blooming. They are drought-tolerant but appreciate occasional watering during dry periods. 2. Ranunculus Ranunculus produces stunning cup-shaped flowers with layers of paper-thin petals. They are grown from corms and are a favourite in cut-flower gardens due to their vibrant colours. How to grow: Corm Preparation: Soak corms in water for 3–4 hours before planting to 'wake them up.' Planting: Plant the corms in autumn (for over-wintering) in mild areas or in spring for summer blooms. Place the 'claw' (pointy side) facing down in well-drained soil. Conditions: Ranunculus prefer a sunny position with light, fertile soil that does not become waterlogged. Maintenance: Protect young shoots from slugs and snails. Water moderately and avoid overwatering, as the corms may rot. Dig up and store corms over winter in cooler regions to replant the following year. 3. Zinnia Zinnias are bright, cheerful flowers that come in a range of colours. Popular for their long-lasting blooms, they are an excellent choice for cutting gardens. How to grow: Sowing: Sow seeds indoors in compost-filled pots in April or directly outside in May after the danger of frost has passed. Conditions: Zinnias love full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They do best in a warm summer, so choose a sheltered spot. Planting Out: Transplant seedlings into beds or planters when they are strong enough and the weather is warm. Maintenance: Water regularly and deadhead to prolong flowering. Protect young plants with fleece if late frosts are expected. 4. Dahlia Dahlias are tuberous perennials with impressive, bold flowers that range from small pom-poms to giant dinner-plate blooms. They offer great variety in shape and colour. How to grow: Tuber Preparation: Start tubers indoors in pots in spring (early April) to encourage early growth. Alternatively, plant directly outdoors in mid-May. Planting: Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Add well-rotted compost to the planting hole. Position tubers so the crown of the plant is just above the soil. Maintenance: Stake tall varieties as they grow. Water dahlias regularly during dry spells and feed them fortnightly with a high-potash fertiliser once buds develop. Lift and store tubers in autumn before frost hits, unless you live in a mild area. 5. Sweet pea Sweet peas are fragrant climbing annuals with small, butterfly-shaped flowers in pastel or vibrant colours. They're classic cottage garden plants that look lovely on trellises, fences, or obelisks. How to grow: Sowing: Sow seeds indoors in late autumn (October–November) for sturdier, earlier plants or in late winter (January–March) for summer blooms. You can also sow directly outdoors in April. Soak seeds overnight before sowing to encourage germination. Conditions: Sweet peas prefer a sunny, sheltered position with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Add manure or compost when planting them out. Support: As climbers, they need canes, netting, or trellises for support. Maintenance: Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent pod development.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hummingbird migration map 2025: See when, where hummingbirds can be spotted in Oklahoma
With spring well under way and the air progressively warming in Oklahoma, it's time for migratory species to make their way north once more. Among the migratory birds navigating their annual trek out of the south are several species of hummingbirds, some of which cross through Oklahoma. a website created by "backyard birding enthusiasts," has shared an interactive map of hummingbird sightings nationwide. The site says they usually track the birds migration from late-January to mid-May, but notes they don't post every single sighting due to the volume reported. Multiple hummingbird species chart a path through Oklahoma in the spring and either stay to nest or push on through to a further north location. The Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Oklahoma and can be seen into the summer months, according to the Oklahoma City Audubon Society. The more commonly seen of the two is the Ruby-throated hummingbird, which typically arrives in Oklahoma in April and leaves in September. However, a Ruby-throated has already been spotted in Hochatown,, Oklahoma on March 22, according to the map. The Rufous hummingbird can be seen migrating through Oklahoma in the spring and fall as they head west and then north to the Pacific Northwest. Explore the map for yourself here: Submit your hummingbird sighting through Hummingbirds eat nectar from flowers and small insects, such as aphids and spiders. Each day, a hummingbird feeds in many small meals, and they can consume up to 12 times their own body weight in nectar each day. The easiest way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging a feeder. According to Hummingbird Central, there's no need to use red dye or pre-mixed commercial nectar, as it can be harmful to hummingbirds. Instead, the site recommends a homemade mixture consisting of four parts water to one part sugar, which emulates the amount of sugar naturally found in nectar. If you want to attract hummingbirds on a larger scale, you'll want to design your garden or flowerbeds around their needs: shelter, plenty of flowers and a bird bath. Hummingbird central recommends the following flowering plants: Lantana, Zinnias, Pentas, Salvia, Batface Cuphea, Hot Lips, Fire Bush, Nasturtiums, Coreopsis, among others. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Hummingbird migration map 2025: See when, where in Oklahoma
USA Today
09-03-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Butterflies are in trouble. It doesn't take much to help
Butterflies are in trouble. It doesn't take much to help Butterflies population decreases worry researchers. But even the smallest bit of garden – or just a pot of flowers – can help them survive. Show Caption Hide Caption A group of butterflies flew 2,610 miles across the Atlantic Ocean without stopping Painted lady butterflies venture far and wide with their impressive migratory patterns that stretch for thousands of kilometres, but they often travel across land so they can stop to rest. StringersHub New research shows butterfly populations have fallen dramatically over the past two decades, but there's a lot you can do to help these fluttering flower-lovers, even if all you've got is a single pot on a porch. 'You can really make a difference to the local population. Any individual flower you put out it likely to get visited,' said Nick Dorian, a post-doctoral researcher at the Chicago Botanic Garden who studies butterflies. All it takes is planting a few flowers and avoiding insecticides. Here's what to know: Butterflies are taking a dive Researchers across the United States collected data on more than 35 butterfly monitoring programs. It included data from 12.6 million individual butterflies comprising 554 species taken in 756,957 surveys. The results were worse than they expected. "They are all in trouble, everywhere," said Collin Edwards, an ecological modeler with the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife and first author on the paper published in the journal Science. The chief causes of the decline include habitat destruction, a drier and hotter climate because of climate change and insecticide use. This is where humans come in ‒ because it doesn't take much to plant a butterfly haven. All the insects need is nectar from flowers and places to lay their eggs, which just about any yard can provide. No in-depth research is required, said Elizabeth Crone, a professor in the Department of Evolution & Ecology at the University of California Davis and one of the authors of the paper documenting the decline of the much-loved insects. 'I just look at what flowers the bees and butterflies are visiting in the garden center. Then I buy those plants and plant them.' Milkweed, the preferred food of monarch butterflies, gets all the press but almost any flower is great, and lots of herbs as well. They don't have to be exotic. Golden Alexander, Zinnias, Mexican sunflowers, Cosmos, Snapdragons are all big nectar producers. 'You don't need the champagne of pollinator flowers – Miller Light will do,' she said. Get to know your local butterflies There are probably more butterflies flapping around your yard than you realize. If you have the time and the inclination – perhaps with a cool drink or while you listen to a podcast – spend some time in the warmer months just sitting near your plants to see what drops by. In 10 or 20 minutes you're likely to see visitors. 'It can be easy to think 'I don't see any butterflies in my garden' because you glanced a few times throughout the day. But actually, there were 10 butterflies there today, Dorian said. 'The butterfly might only stay for 90 seconds, but that's all it needs to get a nice meal from your flowers.' A quick online search for 'local butterflies' in your area should provide all the images you need to name these callers to your garden. Spending time with the flowers will also let you know what to plant more of next year. 'They'll tell you what flowers to keep growing," said Atticus Murphy, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis who helped Crone write a guide to pollinator gardens. If you plant it, they will come You don't have to worry whether butterflies can find your flowers, say experts. Butterflies spend their time flying around searching for food and all it takes is a colorful display to attract them. 'They have pretty good eyes for pursuing color. They fly high up and look around,' said Dorian. Some species also have an excellent sense of smell. Monarchs can sniff out a milkweed plant from a football field away. That means they're able to piece together separate flowers over a fairly large area to get the nectar they need. So you're not responsible for providing all their needs, it's all about the broader area, said Crone. 'And if you're the first, that's a great start.' Every bud helps For those without yards, there are many pollinator-friendly plants that do well in containers. Herbs are good, if they're allowed to flower, as are flowers like anise hyssop, purple coneflower and swamp milkweed. The nice thing is that butterflies want the same thing as humans. 'We like a big diversity of colors, we want beautiful showy flowers,' said Dorian. The movement to plant butterfly gardens has really taken off in the past decade. 'It's incredibly exciting to see so many people taking an interest in conservation,' Crone said. 'Nature isn't someplace you have to go to, it's all around us.' Given the doom and gloom about the environment these days, it's nice to make a difference, she said. 'When you plant a garden, it becomes a little easier to have hope,' she said. 'It's such a powerful antidote.'
