Mistletoe: Friend or Foe?

The white berries of mistletoe ripen in early winter and are a favorite food of birds, though are poisonous if eaten by humans.

Mistletoe is a common plant throughout North Carolina, found growing as a parasite on the branches of deciduous trees. This same mistletoe is often harvested and brought indoors during the holidays, where it is slyly hung in doorways to provide an excuse for stealing a kiss. Though often considered a pest, there are several things that should be considered before deciding if this plant is a friend or foe.

Learn more! Read the rest of the story on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+109.

Living Christmas Trees

Many garden centers offer rosemary plants pruned in the shape of Christmas trees. Following the holidays, these hardy shrubs can be planted in the landscape and enjoyed for years to come. 

In addition to pre-cut Fraser firs, many garden centers offer living trees grown in containers for sale as Christmas trees. If you are tempted to buy one of these to use both for holiday decoration and as a permanent addition to your landscape, keep the following tips in mind to ensure your tree has long and healthy life.

Learn more! Find out about living Christmas trees recommended for our area and how to care for them by reading the entire article, available on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+108.

Just Released - Winter 2011 Extension Gardener Newsletter!

Take a break from Christmas shopping to read up on the latest gardening news. The Winter 2011 issue of the Extension Gardener newsletter in now available online! 

Extension Gardener newsletter is written by horticultural experts with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Each issue includes statewide features plus a special regional section written specifically for your area of the state.

In the Winter 2011 Coastal Plain issue, you can learn about:

• Plants that shine after dark
• 'Winter Sun' Mahonia
• Permaculture
• Starting transplants
• Christmas tree recycling
• Winter garden chores
• Cercospora leaf spot
  
• and more!
  

Download your copy here http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/successg/latest%20issue_eg.htm today!

A Cactus for Christmas!

Cacti are usually not at the top of most people’s gift list, to give or receive. This is probably because they are generally thought of as prickly desert dwellers. Not all cacti fit this description though - especially not the colorful, completely thorn-free, easy care holiday cactus. Developed from the old-time Christmas cactus, the modern holiday cactus has larger flowers than its parent, blooms in both winter and spring, and would make a great gift for anyone.

Learn more about how to care for holiday cactus! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+107.

Poinsettias - Go Beyond Red this Christmas!

If red is the only color that comes to mind when you think of poinsettias then it may be time for you to visit your local garden center! Today there are over 100 different varieties of poinsettias available in a range of colors including white, pink, rose, coral, salmon, and every tint of red, crimson, and scarlet imaginable. Variety does not stop with color either. Poinsettias can be found with leaves edged and frosted in white and with petal-like bracts that are marbled, dusted, or splashed in multiple colors. Whether you stick with a traditional red variety this Christmas or try one of the newer color creations, the following quick tips will help you get the most out of your poinsettia this holiday season.

Learn More! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website, http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+106.