The larch is the only European conifer that is deciduous, shedding its leaves in autumn. It is a native of the Alps, Sudetens and Carpathians, but today is cultivated throughout practically the whole of Europe. It attains heights of 40 metres and has a thin; high-set crown. In old trees the bark is thick and deeply furrowed. The fresh green needles are borne singly on one-year shoots, and in clusters of 25 to 40 on older twigs. The tree flowers in early April, one of the first conifers to do so. In the autumn it is covered with ovoid cones which remain on the tree for several years. The larch begins producing seeds by the time it is fifteen years of age.

It is now found in broad-leaved woods from England to Greece, eastwards to the western Himalayas and South to North Africa. It is estimated that there are about 30,000 of these trees in Germany. In France it is most abundant in the Vosges and the foothills of the Alps and in Great Britain it can be found from southern England to Scotland and in Ireland.

The common yew can attain a height up to 20 metres, but often it remains only a shrub. It grows very slowly, but may live to the age of a thousand years. It is distinguished by its reddish bark, dark leaves and bright red fruits. The leaves are generally two-ranked, and the inconspicuous flowers, borne on the underside of the twigs, bloom in March. The yew is a dioecious species, and the scarlet, fleshy fruits, which mature in late September and arc a favourite food of birds, are borne only on female trees. Today the yew is widely cultivated in parks as an ornamental, including its yellow-variegated and pyramidal form.

The Scots pine is widespread throughout most of Europe from Spain and Greece to the Polar Circle in the north, and to Siberia in the east. It is an important ornamental as well as forest tree. It attains heights of 30 to 40 metres and the crown is placed high up on the trunk. The bark is thick and furrowed on the lower part of the trunk and an attractive orange-brown on the upper part. The deep root system provides it with good anchorage, making it possible for it to grow even on steep, stone cliffs and in sandy situations. The needles grow in pairs.

In May the reddish female flowers appear at the tips of the new shoots; the yellow male flowers are borne in clusters on the previous year’s shoots. The woody cone does not attain its full size until the autumn of the second year and releases the winged seeds on dry windy days at the end of the winter.

The Norway spruce has a fairly shallow and spreading root system and is, therefore, easily uprooted by strong winds. It does not require a warm climate and is resistant to frosts. Its range in Europe extends to the polar regions and to altitudes up to the tree line. In hilly country it prefers cool and shady valleys. It grows well in shade but requires fertile soil and moist air. It is marked by great variation and occurs in a number of different forms. The soft and flexible wood is widely used in the building industry, and the bark yields tannins.

The silver lime is a native of south-eastern Europe, where it occurs in the Balkan Peninsula and as far cast as the southern Ukraine. It is found in oak forests, and frequently on limestone hills. It has moderate requirements of soil properties and moisture, and has done very well in the parks and streets of western and central European cities; it has also proved to be far more tolerant of the dry and smoky atmosphere of the cities than the local species of lime.

It grows to a height of 25 to 30 metres and, under forest competition, develops a long, straight bole; open-grown forms have a short, stout trunk with large, broadly ovoid crown. It may live to an age of 500 to 800 years. Centuries-old solitary trees in the country afford not only shade and respite from the heat, but also a lovely sight for the eyes to feast on. The small-leaved lime is one of the latest-flowering trees.

The common ash is widely distributed in southern, central and western Europe, the northern boundary of its range extending from Great Britain across Scandinavia to Leningrad and the Volga River. It is most plentiful in lowland forests on alluvial river deposits, and alongside streams. It is. also found growing in scree woods in hilly country and high up in the mountains, even at elevations above 1000 metres. It requires rich, moist soil to do really well and often occurs in damp gullies and near streams, though it does not tolerate water-logged situations.

Despite this, the common ash is tolerant of soil and situation and, in Britain at least, it often occurs on thin limestone or chalk soils. Although shade-tolerant when young, older trees require abundant light.

The common ash reaches a height of 30 to 35 metres or more under forest conditions, and develops a slender, straight bole with high set crown. It is sensitive to late spring frosts and, when the terminal shoot is damaged, often develops twin stems.

The horse-chestnut thrives best in rich, moist soil, but is tolerant of poor light and pollution. In severe winters it can be slightly damaged by frost. The wood is not considered of much value.

Related to the smaller-growing Aerangis are the lovely angraecums. These superb epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids come from all over southern Africa and Madagascar.

The monopodial plants vary in size, and, of the 200 or so species, many can be found in cultivation. Among the smallest is Angraecum distichum, a dwarf plant with plaited (braided), herringbonelike foliage, whose oval leaves overlap along a curving rhizome, which rarely exceeds 15cm (Gin) in length. The minute flowers (5mm/Yin wide) are produced singly all over the plant, to resemble stars in a night sky. The giants of the genus include the magnificent A. sesquipedale.

All the plants are evergreen and epiphytic, some of the barbigerum smaller species being known as “twig epiphytes” because they cling to the very extremities of the smallest branches. Bulbophyllums are widely distributed throughout South-east Asia as well as Africa, Australia and tropical America. They must be regarded as one of the most successful genera among the orchids.

Grow smaller angraecums in half pots or mounted on pieces of cork bark. The larger plants need to be grown in pots with an open, coarse compost (growing medium).

The numerous flowering spikes that are produced will cover the plant to create a most eye-catching sight. These are really fun orchids to grow, but watch out for the bad-smelling ones. Go instead for those gems with a rocking lip, such as Bulbophyllum lobbii, or those with the amazingly long sepals, such as B. medusae, or the alluring, tantalizingly mobile flowers of B. barbigerwn. You will not be disappointed.

Bifrena ria harrisoniae is a most pleasing species for the cool greenhouse or indoors, the large flowers, 8cm (3in) wide, which bloom in early summer, are waxy, creamy white and have a deep mauve, hairy lip. One to two flowers are produced on a short spike below the leaves.

Orchids growing on bark will require constant spraying with water over the leaves. Once a week, add a feed to the hand-held spray bottle, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Woody plants absorb more water than they can use to obtain the necessary amount of mineral substances contained in it; the excess is eliminated by the process known as transpiration. This takes place in the leaves and consists of the evaporation of water, regulated to a certain degree by a system of pores that can be opened or closed.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is the tree’s main source of food. Together with water and by the means of chlorophyll and radiant energy from the sun it is processed by the leaf cells into organic compounds that go into building the major part of the tree’s organs. This process is known as photosynthesis.

The amount of water transpired by trees into the atmosphere is very great and varies not only according to the size and species of the plants but also according to the conditions of the environment - soil moisture, relative humidity of the air, temperature, strength of the wind, etc.

When the leaflets are arranged laterally in pairs on the main leaf stalk, the leaf is termed pinnately compound.

There may be an odd number of leaflets with one located at the tip (terminal leaflet), e.g. the mountain ash, common ash, false acacia (black locust); or an even number of leaflet pairs, e.g. the honey locust and the like.

In some species with large leaves the leaflets are divided even further and these are called bipinnately compound leaves, e.g. the honey locust or Kentucky coffee-tree.

The grey alder is primarily a tree of northern Europe. In central and southern Europe it grows in the mountains, mainly in the region of the Alps and Carpathians. It attains a height of only 15 to 20 metres and has smooth grey bark even in old age, its life span being a maximum of 60 to 100 years. The flowers appear in spring about fourteen days before those of the black poplar, the cones and seeds maturing in late September. The seed is light brown with a broad, encircling wing. The grey alder has a shallow root system, and is marked not only by vigorous production of stump suckers, but also by root suckers, especially in the northern parts of its range.

The leaves are alternate. Beech woods are a lovely sight, in spring with their fresh green foliage, and in autumn when the leaves have turned a golden bronze. The male and female flowers appear in May, the seeds - polished red- brown nuts mature in October, dropping to the ground, where they are eaten by forest animals. In former times pigs were herded into beech woods to feed on the nuts.

The hard, tough and flexible wood is used for interior woodwork, for wheels and also as fuel. The sap is used by the cosmetic industry, and the bark for dressing skins.

The bark is smooth and greenish-grey, even in old trees. The buds, unlike those of the beech, are 10 mm long at the most, and pressed close to the twig. The leaves are alternate. The male and female catkins appear in May after the leaves, the fruit matures in late September. The seed does not germinate till the spring of the second year after sowing. The hornbeam is a prolific seeder and is marked by vigorous, natural regeneration.

A shade-loving tree, it makes moderate demands on soil fertility and moisture. It has a shallow, widespreading root system and is marked by the production of stump sprouts when cut back.

The common alder is marked by the vigorous production of stump sprouts and is often grown for coppicing. The roots have small nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria which thereby enrich the soil. The common alder is a fairly light- demanding, fast-growing tree. The yellowish-red wood is used for the foundations of bridges, for plywood and for matches.

The mountain ash grows in western and central Europe from lowland to high mountain elevations up to the tree line, and, in northern Europe, even beyond the Arctic Circle. It is resistant to frost, thrives on poorer soils and is important as a pioneer tree which, because it is distributed by birds, quickly covers burned and logged areas. It reaches a height of only 15 to 20 metres. The bark is smooth and grey-brown, the buds are elongate, dark brown with greyish hairs.

The wild service tree reaches a height of 20 to 25 metres and because it may live 200 to 300 years, one may come across the occasional, robust specimen with a vast broad crown. The bark is furrowed in squares, the buds are spherical, lustrous yellow-green. The leaves may take on red tints in autumn. The white flowers are borne in erect panicles 6 to 8 centimetres across. The brown fruits are edible following the first frost.

The mountain ash, and its several cultivated varieties, is also popular for planting alongside roads as an ornamental for its spring flowers and bright autumn coloration. The wood has little durability.

The whitebeam is widespread in southern, central and western Europe, including Great Britain, the southern tip of Sweden marking the northernmost limit of its range. Throughout this area, however, it occurs fairly sparsely. A light-demanding and warmth-loving species, it is often found growing on chalk or limestone hills facing south. In such conditions, it may be found at elevations even over 1000 metres.

Unlike the mountain ash, the reddish brown bark is longitudinally fissured, even in the young tree. The leaves, odd-pinnate, and grey-downy beneath until midsummer, appear about 14 clays later than in the mountain ash. The service tree begins to bear flowers and fruit at the age of 25 to 35 years, sometimes sooner.

The crab apple thrives best in moist fertile soils, and requires ample light for good growth. It is the main species, and has given rise to many cultivated varieties. Fruit-growers to this day use it as a frost-resistant dwarfing rootstock for grafting the garden varieties. In the wild, its fruit is eaten by forest animals, and many of its lovely, richly coloured, flowering forms are frequently planted in parks as ornamentals.

Tree flowers are rarely borne singly. As a rule they grow in lusters (inflorescences), which can contain many flowers or just a few.

Sexual organs in woody plants are contained in the flowers, i.e. organs composed of modified leaves whose function is the production of seed. A complete flower has four different kinds of modified leaves, namely the sepals or calyx, petals or corolla, stamens and pistils. The male sexual organ is the stamen, and is comprised of an anther and filament.

When the anther is ripe it bursts and releases the pollen grains, i.e. the actual male cells which are of microscopic dimensions. The pistil is formed of an ovary, containing the ovules, and a stigma, with either a sticky or a hairy surface, to trap the pollen grains. Quite often, the stigma is attached to the ovary by a stalk or style which may be very short, or long and slender.

The quantity of seeds produced depends not only on the number of flowers but also on the weather conditions during the period of flowering and seed maturation. Frosts or rainy weather can prevent pollination or fertilization so that few or no seeds are set. Furthermore, some trees do not bear a good crop of seeds every year, for this requires a large quantity of reserve food supplies which the tree must build up over a period of time.

Trees producing large seeds and thus requiring larger food reserves (oak, beech, walnut) may only bear them at two to four year intervals. Again, in harsher climates, e.g. in high mountain regions or in the north, where a longer time is required to accumulate the necessary food stores, the seed-bearing intervals may be longer.

Species with both male and female flowers growing on the same tree (spruce, birch, alder) are termed itionoecious. Those where either only the male or only the female flowers occur on a single tree (yew, juniper, willow, poplar) are termed dioecious. If both bisexual and unisexual flowers occur, the tree is termed polygamous (ash).

Kaki persimmon, also called Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki); common persimmon (D. virginiana). Persimmons are delectable fall fruit for home gardeners in Zones 6-10. Although unpleasantly astringent when hard and immature, a fully ripe persimmon is soft and sweet, with jellylike flesh.

The kaki species is especially tasty. These persimmons are heart-, plum- or tomato-shaped. 2 to 4 inches in diameter and golden red, yellow or orange in color; the flesh may be yellow or brown. The trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall with an equal spread; they are especially beautiful in autumn when their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red. Good varieties are Chocolate; Eureka; Fuyu, also called Gaki or Fuyugaki; Hachiya; Tamopan; and Tane-Nashi. Japanese persimmon trees are usually self-pollinating and can be planted alone.

The following varieties of European plums are recommended; all will grow in Zones 5-7, and Burbank Grand Prize prune will also grow in Zone 8. All ripen in midsummer: Blufre prune, blue; Burbank Grand Prize prune, purple; Green Gage, also called Reine Claude, greenish yellow; Stanley prune, purple; and Yellow Egg, bright yellow. Green Gage, Stanley and Yellow Egg are self-pollinating and will bear fruit if planted alone. Plant Blufre and Burbank Grand Prize (or other European varieties) together, for pollination of one variety by the pollen from another is usually necessary for the trees to bear fruit. Damson plums are generally too tart to eat fresh unless very ripe, but make excellent preserves.

French Damson and Shropshire are two varieties particularly recommended. Both have small purple-skinned, green-fleshed fruit that ripen in late summer.

Persimmon trees grow best in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For fruit within three years, buy one- or two-year-old trees. Set out container-grown trees at any time, but plant bare-rooted trees in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Cut off all but three to five well- placed branches, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart and forming angles greater than 45 degrees with the trunk. Cut these branches (on a bare-rooted tree only) to 6 to 8 inches. Beginning the second spring, apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each year the tree has been planted, up to a maximum of 5 pounds per tree. Thin out the fruit until the persimmons are 6 to 7 inches apart.

Hybrid varieties created by crossing Japanese and American plums are particularly useful to northern gardeners, for these types grow even in Zone 4 as well as in warmer regions as far south as Zone 8. Recommended varieties are Superior, red, midsummer; Tecumseh, red, early summer; Underwood, red, early summer; Waneta, purple, midsummer; and Kaga, red, early summer. The Kaga variety should be included in every planting. Plum trees will bear fruit for about 25 to 30 years; a mature standard tree yields 1 to 21/2 bushels annually, and a dwarf tree yields 1/2 to 1 bushel annually.

House plants will definitely enhance your home environment, and now more than ever the selection is limitless.

When selecting a house plant, inspect the plant closely and be certain you are not bringing home any bugs or other pests. Gently tapping on the leaves, if it produces a small cloud that looks like dandruff, pass over the plant because it is more than likely infested with whiteflies. This is a common occurrence in nurseries and you will not want to bring that home with you.

Most house plants would happier in a moist atmosphere that is common in a bathroom or laundry room, most plant owners put them in a place in the home where they can be shown off. Therefore, many finicky plants will needlessly die, being placed in a less than ideal environment. Plants require care and each type has its own instructions.

During the 80s, the American Space Agency found out that some types of plants were very good at removing pollution from the air. Spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos all fit the bill quite well if you are seeking to clean the air in your office or home. You might like to tuck a few around your living room, but what do they look like and what type of atmosphere do they need to grow and thrive, are important things to note.

Spider plants have been grown as an indoor house plant for over 200 hundred years and are available anywhere. There arching leaves can be either a solid green or contain a variation. In the spring and summer hanging stems produce small whitish colored flowers by tiny plantlets, which make a lovely display in a hanging basket in your living room or kitchen.

Pothos plants are known more commonly as devils ivy and the golden pothos which even has two Latin names. The plant is a climber that has aerial roots, but it can be used as a trailer if placed in a hanging basket or on the wall in your favorite room. Pinching the tips off will induce it to be bushy. The best conditions for spider plants and pothos include a well lit area and out of direct sunlight. Water both plant types very sparingly in the winter time and frequently during the spring from autumn.

The requirements of a peace lily are a bit different. The plant needs to be kept away from direct sunshine an din a room that is reasonably warm in the winter time. Is should be kept out of exposure to cold and drafts, and should be provided extra humidity with a water-filled tray full of pebbles.

Aloe vera plants come in all shapes and sizes. Aloe is a medicinal plant and one that is most commonly kept as a house plant or in a herbal garden. Some would even use aloes as ground covers in many landscape designs. It is also the plant that the drug aloe is made from. Varigated aloe vera is an upright succulent plant with triangle shaped leaves with white bands, its also called the partridge-breasted aloe. Aristate aloe or lace aloe, is a small plant with 4 inch leaves that form a round rosette shape. Aloes are succulents and as many succulents including the agave, jade plant or kalanchoe, have the same nutrient and environmental care needs. Unlike other houe plants, they do desire a marked difference between day and night temps. Choosing a south facing window ledge is ideal, but if you are not able to do that, some shade is needed during the sunlight. Water occasionally an ounce or two a month is sufficient and when the soil dries out in the spring time and fall season.

Chrysanthemums are like aloes, in the aspect that they come in a large variety of shapes, kinds and colors. These flowering plants are hardly ever over a foot in height, but largely flowered. If you give careful consideration when choosing a plant, it should stay blooming for approximately 6-8 weeks. Chrysanthemums prefer it to be cool, but the require shading from the midday sunshine and a moist media. It may need to be watered more than once a week.

The aim here is to produce a vine shaped like an open bush. The rods are allowed to grow naturally for the first year after planting. The rods are then cut back to within two buds of their base in January.

The stakes can conveniently be 12 feet apart and a wire should run right the way along the top. I have used surplus telephone wire with success. Incidentally, another wire must be stretched a foot from ground level.

The leaves of the vines grown against walls are often attacked by Red Spiders, and the answer here is to syringe the under surface of the foliage in the evening, twice a week, from the beginning of June onwards. In cases of bad attack some liquid derris should be added to the water.

Red Spiders can be detected by examining the back of the leaf with a magnifying glass. Red Spider is a bad name. Yellow Mite would be better.

Some people give each vine one stake, 4 feet out of the ground, and then, instead of tying the rods out to ‘form a goblet, they merely tie the tips of the rods to the top of the stakes to form an inverted cone. By the way, do not allow the young cane to go on growing after the requisite number of bunches of grapes have been produced. You should always pinch out the growing point at 3 leaves beyond the top hunch.

Those who don’t believe in straw mulching may like to know that the prunings and foliage of healthy vines may be roto-tilled shallowly into the soil, in November, and so help to keep up the humus content. By rotary hoeing you smash up the prunings which then soon decompose.