Life at OSU

The choices go beyond traditional poinsettias and amaryllis. Colorful African violets, gloxinia, cyclamen, orchids, ornamental peppers and Christmas cactus are blooming and readily available.

Research about native plans and their cultivars that has been done – primarily on the East Coast – hasn’t been conclusive.

When purchasing bulbs, choose large ones. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom.

No-till gardening minimizes soil disruption, which compacts the soil and destroys the pathways that channel air and water through the soil.

Mothballs, one of the most common methods to control clothes moths, need to be recognized as a pesticide that can be harmful to humans or animals when misused.

Currently, the emerald ash borer has been found in trees only in Washington County, where a quarantine prohibits moving ash (Fraxinus) or fringe tree (Chionanthus) wood in or out of the area.

The honorees received their awards at the Joy of Gardening conference, an annual event sponsored by the Oregon Master Gardener Association.

Experts from Oregon State University Extension Service stepped up to bust some common gardening myths.

Coffee grounds can be worked into the soil or added to a compost pile but should be done with some restraint.

Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces has been routed directly to streams through stormwater pipes and ditches with little infiltration or treatment.