Ed Myers’s Story Archive

Salt Damage to Plants

January 16, 2014 | by Ed Myers

Each state in the upper Midwest applies between 100,000 to 300,000 tons of de-icing salt to their roadways every winter. As it dissolves it is absorbed by the roots of nearby plants where it reduces nutrient uptake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, it causes soil aggregates to break down, … Read More

Color Me Red …

December 19, 2013 | by Ed Myers

The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a sub-tropical plant native to Mexico and Central America where it is called “Cuettaxochill.” They were introduced to our country in 1825 by our first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts. In their native habitat they are considered shrubs and reach heights of 8-10 feet. Most … Read More

Plant Now!

September 19, 2013 | by Ed Myers

I suspect I am not alone when I say I often tire of gardening in the fall.  However, unlike some who think of spring as the best time to plant I know that fall’s the better time.  Therefore, I gather up my trowel and small spade and continue to plant … Read More

If You Haven’t Visited This Site, You Should

August 15, 2013 | by Ed Myers

The original Garfield Park Conservatory was completed in 1915 and reflected the soft gentle style of the Victorian age. At the time, it consisted of a Palm House, two show houses, two plant houses, a propagation house and a small service building. It was replaced 39 years later (1954) with … Read More

The Crocus — A Spring Time Beauty

March 14, 2013 | by Ed Myers

A sure sign of spring, crocuses have low-growing, cup-like flowers and grass-like foliage. They are native to woodland, scrub and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central to southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, on islands in the Aegean Sea, and across Central Asia and western … Read More