wallpapertag.com 

Good morning, the temperature is 9 degrees with a very cloudy overcast sky.  No wind yet, but it sounds like a little snow, then the wind will blow, and that wind will bring arctic cold.  Sounds like this weekend, below zero again like 12 below and wind blowing so we will have wind chill.  BUT on the Iowan side of January weather, next week temperature in the 30’s and might have rain.  All I can say is stay warm, stay safe. 

Today we are attending Larry’s Uncle Bob Litterer funeral.  What can I say about Uncle Bob in his memory?  He was always smiling making you wonder if he was up to something or just was smiling. Family was very important to him.  He loved his family of kids and grandkids that he shared with Aunt Sherry.  When we looked at the pictures at the visitation, he spent time with them which they said a lifetime of memories.  He loved the family gathering of his brothers and sisters.  It was a big family so when I came into the family in 1975 there was lots to know and see who belong to whom.  We would fill a community hall easily.  Grandpa Theophil was still alive, so his family get together 3 times a year.  Lots of second cousins for our kids. 
This is what was going on at the dinners.  Men would be talking, and 500 card game would start.  Women would be working on getting the food out and watching the kids.  I mean a great amount of food, as everyone was a wonderful cook from scratch.  I will put memories in place for the family, what was your favorite at those dinners?  One of mine was the sour cream raisin pie. I remember you had better get it when you get the main food because it would go quickly.  Also, the homemade rolls or biscuits this family called them.
Farming was another love of Uncle Bob, and raising livestock (pigs, cattle) and raising the crop to feed them was what he liked to do.   He was a lifelong farmer as he, Grandpa Theophil, and Arnold (Larry’s dad) farmed together, which got Arnold and Bob started farming.    He farmed a long time before he retired and moved to Clarksville.
 Uncle Bob got hurt and Larry had just got home from the Army in 1972.  So, for 4 months he stayed there and helped with chores.  Aunt Sherry shared the story of when Larry was there, Larry dug potatoes and put them on a hayrack to dry.  “ a whole hayrack of potatoes” Aunt Sherry said.   Yes, Larry said he remembers and smiles about it.  We had to do that so the potatoes dry out and then we could bag them up and take to the basement.  I bet that family had potatoes a lot that season.  Larry just told me how much a good time was that with Uncle Bob and Aunt Sherry.  I know the neighbors would talk to Larry when they saw him about that time when he helped Uncle Bob.   
Another thing about Uncle Bob was his faith and his church.  Larry’s dad Arnold had the same feeling about faith and church.  “It was important in your life, and you need to live that faith in your life.”    This was for all the family, so they were brought up with that from Grandpa Theophil and Grandma Elsie. 
  He was helpful in the community, especially the military as he served in Korea. 
I will always remember the smile and the support Uncle Bob gave each one of us.  Let us not forget the “500” games which I don’t think I ever won a game.  The family would meet for New Years’ Eve and that was what they did play 500 till midnight. 
There are more stories to share, and I hope the family will share with others the stories.  Uncle Bob, you are at the Pearly gate, and what a reunion you are having.  God Bless you and thoughts and prayers to the family during this time.  Becky and Larry Litterer 

image from lilygarden.pl

            The temperature is above zero, but I don’t know about you but yesterday it was too, but it seemed colder than the day before.  There must have been moisture in the air.  Our wind is out of the south today. I haven’t been outside to see how that feels.  The temperature at 7:45 AM is at 2 degrees and a high today of 14, low tonight of -1.  Like I said see how the air feels.  Not much wind so that will help.  All stoves are working well.  It does take lots of fuel as in waste oil and wood to keep them going.  Hope all of you are staying warm.  I found this new lily we will try to have it here this summer.  Have you tried the double lilies?  They are lovely.  This one is a great color.  I promise you spring will come. 
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Have you met Natascha?
The newest member of our Roselily family, Natascha, demands attention with her fully double, deep pink blooms. Excellent vase life and pollen-free, she's the life of the party.
Thanks to a luxuriant double flower form, lovely fragrance and pollen-free nature, these 6" blooms are perfectly suited to indoor arrangements without fear of messy pollen ruining the furniture or rugs. A favorite of allergy sufferers. Blooms of bold pink with soft pink and white toward the edges and petal tips. Oriental lily
Light Full Sun, Partial Shade
Size 16-18 cm bulb
Zone 3-8
Bloom Time Midsummer
Height 40 - 44 inches
Soil Requirement Prefers well drained soil but will tolerate heavier soils.
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from pinterest.com. 

           It is cold outside.  -7 this morning at 7:30 AM   Feels like -27 all I am going to say is stay warm, stay safe.  Many schools are 2 hours late, and some have closed.  All our stoves kept running last night.  Good temperature in Larry’s Garage, the greenhouse is warm, and the house is warmer.  Larry had a day getting skid loader to start.  The tractor started and till handler started after being plugged in.  This cold it is hard on equipment along with people and animals. 
​
I found this article about snow.  How snow helps the garden I found interesting. 
Snow is good for the garden. Think of snow as nature’s mulch. provides needed moisture as well as nutrients.  Nitrogen attaches to snowflakes as the snow falls through the atmosphere. That’s why The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls snow a “poor man’s fertilizer.”    All of this has a purpose.  I guess even the cold temperatures.  Slow people down for one…
Surprising facts about snow
As we contemplated snow, we discovered some surprising facts about our winter precipitation! See how many of these cool snow facts you know.
Snow is not white! It’s translucent. The reason snow appears white is because of the light reflecting off the sides of the snowflake, diffusing the color spectrum.
 Snow can also appear orange, yellow, pink, green and even purple. While technically colorless, snow may contain dust or algae that give it different colors. Orange snow fell over Siberia in 2007 and pink snow (watermelon snow) covered Krasnodar (Russia) in 2010.
Watermelon snow is common in mountains and has a sweet smell and taste. However, it frequently contains nasty algae that will make you sick so don’t eat it!
A single snowstorm can drop 39 million tons of snow, carrying the energy equivalent to 120 atom bombs!
We’ve often heard that native Alaskans have many words for “snow” though linguists have now studied this and question how this is decided (getting into details such as “root words” and definitions of “snow” versus snow-like words). It seems to be a hot debate! Bottom-line, we do know that the indigenous peoples (Inupiaq) do have an extensive vocabulary for snow and ice which isn’t surprising given their year-round natural environment!
The native Alaskans should get together with snowboarders. Skiers are always using different words, such as “pow pow,” “mashed potatoes,” “champagne snow (powder),” “cauliflower,” “sticky snow,” “dust on crust” to describe the snow.
Snowflakes can get huge! According to Guinness World Records, the largest snowflakes on record were 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter and 8 inches thick. They fell on Fort Keogh, in eastern Montana on 28 January 1887. Nearby ranchers described the flakes as “larger than mild pans” and measured them; “8 inches thick”.
Google celebrated the 125th anniversary of the event with one of its doodles – an animated cartoon of a really big flake. (If you want to see it, it’s at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPc9d8epH3w ).  Imagine shoveling stuff like that off your driveway!
“Fear of Snow” is a thing. It’s called “chionophobia” which comes from ‘chion,’ the Greek word for snow. In case you wondering what’s so scary, imagine being caught in an avalanche or buried under snow; for some people, it’s similar to fear of water.
About 90% of snow is air. Snow is a great insulator and keeps us warm. Snow is almost all air so it’s used for hibernation by many animals. Did you know igloos can be 100 degrees warmer inside? If you’re ever stuck in the snow, build a snow cave!
Snow is good for the garden. Think of snow as nature’s mulch. provides needed moisture as well as nutrients.  Nitrogen attaches to snowflakes as the snow falls through the atmosphere. That’s why The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls snow a “poor man’s fertilizer.” 
Snowflakes seem to flutter slowly but they can also fall very quickly in wintery conditions. How fast? Up to 9 mph!
No two snowflakes are alike, Or, let’s just say that the likelihood in nature (not a scientific lab) is very minute. There are many of many molecules plus each snowflake follows a different path through the atmosphere. Learn more about snowflake shapes.
If you are a skier, snow may be good sign of a great winter. If you aren’t, it’s time to start stacking the firewood. Sigh!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/cool-snow-facts-well-bet-you-dont-know
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

    ​It is cold out.  -15 below with wind chill making it.  Feels like -31.  That is cold.  I feel it on my feet and hands.  I dress up warmly, but it is still hard.  I will do what I have to do, and then come in to a warm house.  Thankful for Larry to keep 3 stoves going to keep the shop warm, greenhouse in the 50’s and our house warm.  This will pass and we will be so grateful for warmer temperatures.  We all remember how nice Nov. and Dec was. 
I found this article about waking up stiff and achy.  I thought interesting it was because of our long nights of darkness.  Read and see what you think, and try these things to help. 
All in all, stay safe, stay warm.
Why You Wake Up Stiff and Achy
10 Tips for Beating Morning Soreness and Body Pain  by Margaret Boyles
Do you grunt, groan, and ratchet yourself to a standing position as you get out of bed in the morning? Then, after stretching and moving around for a few minutes, do you feel the achiness and stiffness abate (at least some of it)? Why do you feel so achy in the morning? There’s a reason for this!
The Body’s Natural Ibuprofen
Scientists have discovered that we wake up stiff and achy because our body’s natural ibuprofen has not kicked in yet. As the day darkens into night, the circadian clocks in joint tissue suppress inflammation and also the body’s production of anti-inflammatory proteins, our natural pain-dampeners.
Yep, our body’s biological clock suppresses anti-inflammatory proteins while we sleep. Once the morning light streams in and we’ve struggled up and moved around a bit, the body begins producing its anti-inflammatory compounds again, and we begin feeling more flexible with less pain.
10 Ways to Reduce Morning Body Pain
While waking up stiff and sore is common for just about anyone, it can be especially painful for people with recent injuries or arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other inflammatory conditions; those recovering from a recent surgical procedure; athletes after a hard training day; or just plain ordinary folks who have spent hours shoveling snow or garden compost.
While you can’t reverse the effects of joint aging, you can reduce the severity of morning stiffness with these tips:
Don’t sleep on a worn-out mattress and/or pillow—or one that doesn’t provide the right level of support for the neck and spine.
Try a new sleeping position. Sleeping on your stomach may contribute to morning pain. Try sleeping on your back or side with a pillow under your knees.
Avoid sleeping in an environment that is too cold.
Find ways to be more active during the day. Movement lubricates joints. Exercise and yoga relieve inflammation by increasing blood flow to your muscles. Aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Be careful not to overtrain (working beyond your limits or strength and/or endurance).
Watch for poor posture, especially while performing daytime tasks. Change your position regularly if you are sitting at a desk.
Maintain a healthy weight. Here are some common sense weight loss tips.
Improve a poor diet. Avoid foods that cause inflammation, including sugary foods and drinks, refined carbs (white bread, white pasta, pastries), fried foods, red meat (steak, burgers), processed meat (hot dogs, sausage), some dairy, margarine, and shortening. Aim to eat a diet with more green leafy vegetables (plants!), tomatoes, olive oil, seafood (salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines), fruit (especially berries) and nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Look for ways to reduce physical or emotional stress that results in chronically tightened muscles and tendons. Consider mindfulness meditation which has been clinically shown to change the way your brain processes pain. How to meditate? Begin by focusing on breathing. Start with a minute and build up to more time. If your attention wanders, return your focus to your breathing.
Do not smoke cigarettes! Amongst all its many health evils, cigarettes are linked to poor pain relief. Smoking prevents oxygenated blood from reaching bones and tissues. And it limits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, making the blood quality lower.
5 Tips for a Better Morning
Working up from your toes, contract, wiggle, and stretch every part of your body while you’re still lying in bed. This gives your muscles a chance to warm up before jumping into action for the day.
Move slowly and stretch after you stand up.
If you can, get into a warm tub or shower to loosen up and soothe the overnight aches.
Of course, if you take pain medication, ask your doctor about rescheduling and/or altering the dose.
Take a vitamin D supplement. You can also get this all important vitamin from the sun—learn all about the health benefits of sunshine.
Finally, note that joint health supplements do not appear to help manage symptoms, so don’t waste your money.
Follow these steps to get off to a smoother—and more comfortable—start and get on with your day!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/why-you-wake-stiff-and-achy
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from reddit...these look like mine  but haven't made them yet 

      ​What can I say!!!!  It is a blizzard out there this morning.  I just got back from feeding the cats, and checking the greenhouse.  Larry did the wood stoves so that was great.  We are warm, we are safe.  He had a good week in the shop, worked full days. Glad to have him up and back to work, now with the 2nd snow storm, and 2 wood stoves going along with the waste oil stove. 
Temperature is 12 degrees high if 18 degrees low of 13 degrees.  Wind is blowing so it feels like -5.  Be safe all that have to work outside, stay warm.
 
Now my question for you today.  Do you do something special during a blizzard?  Since 1977, I make raised donuts.  So that is what I am doing today or tomorrow.  I will make a small batch not the normal 3 dozen.  We were sick over Christmas so didn’t have them, now I will make them.  Nothing like the fresh donuts. 
What are you doing?  Some answers have been sewing, cleaning, reading a book, putting together a puzzle.  All are good things to do. Let us know what you are doing during this blizzard.  Be safe, stay warm. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall @netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

my favorite 

       The temperature is 19 degrees at 8:00 AM, high 21 low of 14 degrees.  Winter storm warning from 9:00 PM Thursday till noon on Saturday.  Looks like another snow day is coming.  Stay safe, stay warm.  Cloudy skies all day. Here are the rest of the blue flowers.  Put some on your list for next spring. I love the blue false indigo.  How many of you have that plant?  
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1. Delphiniums
Supplying a beacon of blue during the height of summer, the tall flower spikes of delphiniums can be brittle and will benefit from support, especially in windy locations. There are many named hybrids to choose from, including ‘Guardian Blue,’ ‘Aurora Blue,’ and ‘Blue Donna’ which make stunning cut flowers. They may rebloom in the fall if early stems are cut back after blossoming.  3 to 4 feet tall  Sun to part shade  Zones 3 to 7  Blooms in summer
2. Balloon flowers
With puffy buds that look as though they have been inflated with air, the name balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is fitting. When finally opened, the five petals form a star. ‘Double Blue’ has twice the petals. Tall varieties could use some support to keep them upright, but there are many heights to choose from, even a tiny dwarf variety, ‘Sentimental Blue’, that tops out at 6 to 8 inches tall. Deeply tap-rooted, the plants are long-lived.   1 to 3 feet tall  Full sun to part shade   Zones 3 to 8  Blooms mid to late summer
 Whimsical flower buds shaped like hot air balloons that open to blue flowers with purple veins.
3. Blue cardinal flower
Native to wet marshy areas east of the Rockies, blue cardinal flowers (Lobelia siphilitica) are excellent for locations with moist soil or in a rain garden. Bees love the tubular blossoms of these perennials.  2 to 4 feet tall Sun to part shade Zones 4 to 9  Blooms July to Oct
4. Woodland Phlox
A fragrant, low-growing native ground cover, woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) is great for shade gardens. Butterflies love it, and it is a host plant for the hummingbird clearwing moth and gray hairstreak butterfly. See how to plant and grow phlox. 12 inches tall  Part shade to shade  Zones 3 to 8  Blooms April to May
5. Blue false indigo
A native plant that some Native Americans and settlers used to produce a blue dye, blue false indigo (Baptisia australis), has individual pea-type blossoms are produced on 1-2 foot tall flower spikes. Shrub-like in growth with blue-green leaves, once established, they are long-lived plants. An important nectar source for bees, they are host plants for many species of butterflies.  3 to 4 feet tall and wide  Full to part sun  Zones 4 to 9  Blooms May to July
6. Jacob’s ladder
With its blue bell-shaped flowers, Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is perfect for your shady garden. If deadheaded, the flowers may rebloom. There is a native species P. reptans that is only 12 inches high, making an excellent ground cover in moist, shady areas.  18 to 24 inches tall Part to full shade  Zones 4 to 8 
Blooms April to June
7. Clematis
A vine with blue blooms, clematis offers many variations from the dainty nodding bells of ‘Blue Dancer’ to large double flowering ‘Multi Blue.’ Some clematis die back to the ground every winter and bloom on new growth, while others survive the winter and blossom twice – once on last year’s growth and again on new growth.
6 to 8 feet tall, Full to part sun ,Zones 4 to 11, depending on the species
Bloom from spring into fall, also depending on the species
8. Hydrangea
Ah, the perfect blue hydrangea. ‘Endless Summer,’ ‘Nikko Blue,’ ‘Let’s Dance Blue Jangles,’ and ‘Rhythmic Blue’ are all big leaf hydrangeas that produce blue flowers if grown in acidic soil. 4 to 6 feet tall and wide  Full to part sun Zones 4 to 9 Bloom time varies depending on the variety
9. Blue Spirea
Also called blue mist or Bluebeard, this Spirea (Caryopteris clandonensis) has blue flowers that last into fall. Top growth may die back in winter in cold regions, but it will regrow from the roots. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficials love its flowers, making it a nice addition to your pollinator-friendly garden.
2 to 4 feet tall and wide   Full sun  Zones 5 to 9  Blooms late summer into fall
As you can see, the colors can range from pale icy blue to cobalt and deep indigo. Have fun painting your garden with broad strokes and highlights of blue!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/20-true-blue-flowers-your-garden
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from blogspot.com 

image from blogspot.com

image from Farmers almanc.com 

image from nanasbloomers.com 

image from Pinterest 

Good morning, and it is colder this morning at 18 degrees at 7:30 AM. Partly cloudy sky today, high of 24 with a low of 14.  Starting to get colder -15 Monday morning.  If the sun comes out, then it will help, but when it is overcast and cloudy makes it feel a lot colder.  I am not looking forward to that.  Glad I don’t have baby plants growing yet for sure. I am ordering plugs, and here we go.  It isn’t something I am ready to do right now, but when the time comes, I will be ok to plant.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
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I am showing 5 more blue flowers for your garden.  I don’t want to talk about houseplants today.  Can you identify them?  Answers for the pictures are here in the article.
1. Floss flower
Good for cutting, floss flowers (Ageratum houstonianum) are usually grown as annuals. ‘Blue Horizon’ is a cut flower we like for its fuzzy blue blossoms. The more you cut, the more flowers it produces. ‘Tall Blue Planet’ is another good variety for cutting.
2 to 3 feet tall  Full sun Transplant
2. Dwarf lobelia
A tender perennial hardy that grows only in zones 9 to 11, Dwarf Iobelia (Lobelia erinus), so it is grown annually in most of the country. Prized for its bright blue flowers, it is frequently used in container plantings, hanging baskets, and window boxes. It blooms from spring through fall but prefers cool weather, so keep it well-watered during hot spells. If your plant dies back in mid-summer, it will rebound with new growth and more flowers after being cut back.
12 inches tall  Full sun to part shade  Seed or transplants
3. Forget-me-not    ok gardeners does this one come back for us here in zone 4-5 in Iowa.  I find this one is hard to get to come back. 
This beauty is not one to forget. ‘Indigo Blue’ (Myosotis sylvatica) is an easy-to-grow heirloom. Plants are biennial, blooming in their second year and then dying back. Leave the spent flower heads so they can reseed themselves, and you will have plants to enjoy again next year.
12 inches tall  Full sun to part shade Zone 3 to 10 Spring bloomers
 4. Amsonia
Often called Bluestar because of its sky-blue, star-shaped blossoms, this North American native is attractive to butterflies, but rabbits and deer shun the milky sap found in its narrow leaves. There are several different native species and a few from Europe and Asia too. Varieties to choose from abound, including ‘Storm Cloud’ and ‘Blue Ice’. 
2 to 3 feet tall and wide   Full sun to part shade  Zones 3 to 10  Blooms late spring to early summer
5. Virginia Bluebell
Another North American native, Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica) bears loose clusters of inch-long, trumpet-shaped blossoms that start out as pink buds and mature to light blue. A spring ephemeral, they thrive in moist woodlands. After blooming, the plants die back to the ground and go dormant.
18 to 24 inches tall  Part shade to full shade  Zones 3 to 8  Blooms April to May
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/20-true-blue-flowers-your-garden
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from growfully.com 

      Good morning, and it is a morning isn’t it,.  Snowing yet in Dougherty, and blowing snow.  Temperature isn’t too bad at 28 but the wind chill makes it feel like 15.  If traveling be safe, and stay warm.  High today of 30 and low tonight of 15.  That will be warm with the temperatures that are coming this weekend.  -15 on Monday morning.  Winter is here.  BUT we have had a good Dec., and I am so thankful while Larry laid up with his knee we had good weather.  He is back at work, and watching all the stoves and furnaces stay running.  All stay safe, and stay warm. 
Now brought to my attention from yesterday that I might have had a philodendron as the picture.   I found an image of both philodendron and pothos.  I really can’t tell the difference, need some help with that.  Share with what you see as the difference.  It is written what is the difference but seeing it is different.  Let me know what you see as the difference. 
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Pothos Vs Philodendron: What Is The Difference?
Two of the most popular houseplants, Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron, are often confused with each other. Many growers own a plant for years before learning its correct identity – but they have important differences. It’s not actually too difficult to tell the two plants apart, and this article will compare pothos vs philodendron so you can always identify each one.
Pothos vs Philodendron Summary: A Pothos’s glossy leaves are thicker than a Heartleaf Philodendron’s matte, elongated, heart-shaped leaves. A Pothos has solitary aerial roots and grooved petioles, whereas Philodendrons have thin, clustered aerial roots, smooth petioles, distinctive cataphylls, and variation of new growth color.
Overview Of Pothos Vs Philodendron
Unsurprisingly, these popular houseplants go by many common names. Pothos is often known as Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant, Taro vine, and Silver Vine. All these names refer to the same plant, known by the scientific name Epipremnum aureum. Although even this is confused a little further, as you will sometimes see it listed as Scindapsus aureus. This is a scientific synonym for the same plant but is not the officially accepted scientific name.
Philodendrons are a large and diverse genus of plants, but there are a few popular philodendrons that are very commonly confused with Pothos. In particular, Heartleaf Philodendron, otherwise known as the sweetheart plant is commonly confused with Pothos. This plant goes by the scientific name Philodendron hederaceum, but it is very commonly seen under the synonym Philodendron scandens.
Both Philodendrons and Pothos belong to the same family, Araceae, but Pothos are in the genus Epipremnum, and Philodendrons are of the genus Philodendron.
So even before we get to the appearance of these plants, you can see that identifying them by name can cause a lot of confusion. Sometimes Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron are even mislabelled by retailers, which only adds to the confusion.
Both plants have green or variegated broad leaves on vines that can trail or climb. They grow to about the same size, too, and require similar care. Both are considered low maintenance.
Why Identification Matters
Botanical curiosity is only one reason to find out the true identity of your plant. Even though they are closely related, Pothos and Philodendrons have distinct differences. Overall, a Pothos is hardier and will grow faster than a Philodendron.
 The leaves of a Philodendron are usually more uniformly green than the Pothos, though each has strikingly variegated varieties.
Important differences that set them apart:
Pothos
Though it can adapt to low light, a Pothos prefers bright, indirect light … and they generally want more of it than a Philodendron does. The plant doesn’t tolerate direct sun, but it can take more intensity than a Philodendron without suffering sunburn. It’s a little more drought-tolerant, too.
A Pothos can handle hot weather – but doesn’t like cold temperatures. Its roots can be shocked if it receives frigid water.
Philodendron
A Heartleaf Philodendron can thrive in lower light conditions than a Pothos. They hold their variegation better in low light, too.
It’s a little easier to propagate a Philodendron (though both species are easy). They are also more tolerant of cold weather. Philodendrons stop growing in a cold environment and don’t tolerate frost, but they’re less prone to stress from cooler temperatures than a Pothos.
Pothos Vs Philodendron – Leaf Differences
Though they look superficially alike, the leaves of the two plants have clear differences that make it possible for an informed gardener to tell them apart with a glance. The large variation within each species can obscure these points in some cases, but checking the leaves is generally the quickest method.
Shape
Check the middle span of the leaf: Heartleaf Philodendrons are typically more rounded and heart-shaped with a longer spout-like tip. Pothos leaves tend to be more irregularly shaped with ends that are shorter and less pointed.
Texture
Philodendron leaves are thinner and have a smooth surface. The topside has an even, almost velvety feel.
A Pothos leaf is thicker and its topside is slightly raised with a bit of texture. It also has a well-defined ridge down the center midrib that a Philodendron lacks. A Pothos leaf also has the look and feel of being lightly waxed.
Finish
The leaves of a Heartleaf Philodendron have a matte-like finish that absorbs light. The waxy surface of a Pothos leaf gives off a glossy glow.
Leaf Protection: Does It Have A Cataphyll?
Pothos without cataphyll (Left), Heartleaf Philodendron with cataphyll (Right)
You’ll have to become aware of some lesser-known plant parts to use this method, but it offers surefire identification.
Philodendrons have a specialized sheath called a cataphyll. It grows from a stem node and shelters each emerging leaf.
The cataphyll is actually a modified leaf of its own. It stays on the stem for a short time to continue photosynthesis while the “true” leaf unfolds. The cataphyll eventually turns papery thin and brown before it dries up and falls off.
Pothos lacks these structures: its new leaves simply unfold from an older leaf.
Color Of New Growth
New foliage comparison – Pothos (Left), Heartleaf Philodendron (Right)
Heartleaf Philodendron definitely has some quirks. One idiosyncrasy is that the new leaves are often a different color than the main plant.
Emerging Philodendron foliage can have a brownish or pink tint. This color variance is more pronounced on some varieties: a deep green mother plant may have olive-colored new foliage, or its fresh growth may come in with orange or reddish hues.
Pothos doesn’t get so fancy with its new foliage. New leaves may be a shade lighter than the original, but they don’t emerge with an entirely different color.
The Petiole
pothos vs philodendron petiole
Pothos grooved petiole (left), Heartleaf Philodendron smooth petiole (right).
There are a few easily discerned differences in the petiole of the two plants. The petiole is the short stem that attaches a leaf to the main vine.
A Philodendron’s petiole is round and smooth down its entire length. It is commonly brownish or of a shade slightly lighter than its leaves.
The petiole of a Pothos has a grooved ridge that runs in parallel along the leaf stem. The petiole is a bit thicker than a Philodendron’s, too. The color is the same or slightly lighter than the foliage.
Aerial Roots
Aerial roots grow above the soil. These roots sprout from leaf nodes and can absorb moisture and nutrients – they act like little local power plants along the vining stem. They allow the plant to climb and anchor itself for support.
Both Pothos and Philodendrons have aerial roots. Note that these are aggressive roots, too – they will attach themselves to any rough surface. Keep your plant contained unless you want it to climb; otherwise, they can leave dark root marks on your wall or furniture once you remove them.
Pothos has limited aerial roots that emerge as small, thick nubs. There is one root per node.
The Philodendron’s aerial roots are more extensive and can resemble a little root system of their own. They are thinner and more spindly than those of a Pothos, emerging in groups of two to six, or even more.
Note: Aerial roots can grow long and unsightly, but don’t prune them during their high-growth period because they typically respond by multiplying. Trim them during the off season.
Sorting Out The Varieties
Don’t be confused by the many varieties of Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron – which, predictably, often come with indeterminate names that are assigned willy-nilly by retailers. The botanical differences we’ve covered will still be applicable.
It’s helpful to know the difference between a Pothos and a Philodendron, but other closely-related species can also be challenging. The most common source of confusion is the Satin Pothos, which is actually a Scindapsus pictus, and not in the same genus as either Philodendron hederaceum or Epipremnum aureum. Although it has a lot of similarities to both Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron, the characteristic leaf pattern of Satin Pothos is usually quite easy to identify.
Pothos Variations
While both species have variegated cultivars, Pothos has more forms. The most popular is the gold-hued Golden Pothos, but even the mostly green Jade Pothos can have cream patches. The Marble Queen Pothos features striking “shattered” variegation.
Pothos needs fairly bright (indirect) illumination to keep their variegation. They tend to revert to all-green leaves to boost photosynthesis in dim light.
Philodendron Variations
Philodendrons also have a number of cultivars, but there isn’t as much variegation among them. One of the most unusual varieties is the Ace of Spades: its leaves have dark undersides that start out as reddish-orange. It looks less like a standard Philodendron than a common Pothos does! Finally, variegated forms of Philodendrons generally have crisper delineations and hold their color better than Pothos in lower light conditions.
Pothos Vs Philodendron: Last Word
Although quite a technical article, I hope this has helped you clarify the difference between common pothos and philodendron houseplants. It’s amazing how two plants that look pretty similar at first glance, can all of a sudden be easily identified with just a few key features.
Taken from https://smartgardenguide.com/pothos-vs-philodendron/
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Pinterest 

    Good morning.  A little calm before the winter storm moves in.  It is cloudy, it is 27 degrees.  High of 34 low of 28 with snow flurries this afternoon. Winter snow warning from 5-9 inches with wind 3pm this afternoon till 6 Tuesday.  Be safe as this is our first big snow. 
​
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Pothos Plants  by Catherine Boeckmann
Pothos (also called Devil’s Ivy) is an easy-to-grow, no-fuss houseplant with shiny, heart-shaped leaves and a vining nature perfect for baskets or draped on shelves. It’s also easy to propagate more plants for yourself, your family, and your friends!
About Pothos
Pothos gets its other common name—Devil’s Ivy—thanks to its vigorous growth and penchant for returning to life even in the worst conditions! It’s the perfect beginner houseplant as it’s not picky about its soil and thrives in both indirect, bright light and low light.
Native to tropical French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, pothos can now be found throughout the world. In the wild, pothos can achieve surprisingly huge sizes, with leaves reaching lengths of more than a foot. In the home, however, it tends to stay much smaller: mature heart-shaped leaves typically range from 4 to 8 inches, and the vine rarely reaches more than a couple dozen feet in ideal conditions.
Note: Pothos is considered an invasive species in some parts of the United States. Never plant them outdoors, especially in areas with mild winters.
Are Pothos Plants Poisonous?
Yes. Despite being a very popular houseplant, pothos are mildly toxic. All parts of the plant contain a substance called calcium oxalate, which are microscopic crystals that act as a contact irritant. Ingestion of pothos can cause swelling and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, as well as intestinal discomfort and indigestion.
 Due to its toxicity, this plant should be grown with caution around curious pets and small children.
PLANTING
Potting Pothos Plants
Choose a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom. Pothos plants do not like to sit in wet soil; their roots will rot.
Plant pothos in a general well-draining potting mix (or a soilless mix). If you have it on hand, feel free to mix in a few handfuls of perlite or coco coir to increase the drainage capacity of your potting mix.
Pothos does well in a hanging basket to show off the vines or in a regular pot on a plant stand. They can be allowed to grow up walls, though their aerial roots—which they use to attach themselves to surfaces like trees or other vertical structures—can strip paint, so keep an eye on where their vines are growing.
GROWING
How to Care for Pothos Plants
Keep pothos plants in a warm location; room temperature is ideal. If exposed to regular drafts or colder temperatures, the plant’s growth can be affected.
Place pothos in bright, indirect light. They will tolerate low light but will not grow as vigorously and may lose some or all of the variegation in their leaves.
Only water when the soil feels dry. Pothos do not like wet soil; leaves will begin to yellow.
Apply a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer about once a month during the spring and summer.
Cut back vines just above a leaf to make the plant bushier.
The large, waxy leaves can gather dust; gently wipe them periodically.
Remove any rotted or dead stems and any spotted leaves.
How to Propagate Pothos Plants
Pothos are very easy to propagate, making them a lovely houseplant to share with family, friends, and neighbors. Alternatively, keep all the offspring to yourself and turn your home into a pothos jungle—we won’t judge!
To propagate, follow these steps:
Locate a healthy-looking vine to take a cutting from. Leaves should be bright and healthy, and should not be wilted.
Make a stem cutting. The ideal stem cutting will be 4-6 inches in length and have 2-3 leaves on it. Cut the vine just above a root node (i.e., the spot on the vine where aerial roots grow out of).
Once you have your cutting, place the cut end in either a small pot of potting soil or a clear glass of water. Pothos can be grown in water or soil, but be aware that cuttings can be finicky if they are transferred from water to soil or vice versa, so choose one and stick with it.
After a few weeks, you should start to see roots (in water) or observe that the plant can support itself (in soil).
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/pothos
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from thegentlemensbackyard.com 

image from publicdomainpictures.net 

image fromlovethispic.com 

image from gardenandblissblogspot.com 

image from publicdomainpictures.net 

      Good morning, the temperature at 7:30 AM is at 22 degrees and lots of clouds.  It would be awesome to see the sun but doesn’t look like today.  Stay warm.
I found this article about true blue flowers.  One of the colors in nature that doesn’t have very many of them.  There are 20 but I will share 5 at a time.  Do you recognize them? 
Considered the Holy Grail of the garden, no color is more challenging to find in the plant world than true blue. Supposedly, only 10% of all the flowers on Earth are blue! Here are 20 beautiful blue flowers—with pictures to gaze upon!
Many plants marketed as blue are actually closer to purple. Petunias are a prime example. True blue is a pure blue hue that isn’t shaded with black, white, or any other color. This color is rarely found in nature because few organisms can create the true-blue pigment.
Why We Love Blue in the Garden
Blue makes us think of water and sky, giving a cooling touch to the landscape. It is a calming color, making a garden full of blue the perfect place to unwind after a hectic day.
Since bright colors jump forward and dark colors recede, planting deep blues on the far ends of your garden will make them seem farther away.
When integrating blues into your garden, separate them from each other.
Create color echoes by looking for blue in a contrasting eye, throat, or stripe and pairing it with a totally blue blossom in a matching hue to highlight it.
Gray foliage goes well with blue, and some of the most popular color combinations include blue: blue, pink, and white; blue and yellow; or light blue and apricot.
True Blue Flowers for the Garden
Make room for some of these blue blossoming plants in your garden:
1. Chionodoxa
2.grape hyacinths
3.bachelor's button
4. borage
​5. Salvia 
Bulbs That Produce Blue Flowers
1. Chionodoxa
Aptly called Glory of the Snow, Chionodoxa bloom very early, often pushing up through snow cover. Their sky-blue blossoms start the season right.  Inexpensive, the tiny bulbs are perfect for naturalizing.
4 to 8 inches tall
Full to half-day sun
Zones 3 to 10
Blooms in April
2. Grape hyacinths
The tiny grape hyacinths continue the color, blossoming a little later in the spring. Fragrant Muscari aucheri ‘Blue Magic’ is a two-tone blue and is just one of the many true blues in this plant family. Varieties of M. armeniacum are generally a darker blue.
6 to 8 inches tall
Full to part sun
Zones 4 to 9
Blooms in May
Annual Blue Flowers
Annuals bring long-lasting color to your garden. Deadhead the fading blossoms to prolong the show. The following annuals should bloom from spring to fall.
3. Bachelor’s buttons
Also called cornflower, Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus) come in a range of colors, so unless you want a mix, look for ‘Blue Boy’ or ‘Florist Blue Boy.’ The blossoms make a great cut flower or edible garnish. Leave a few to seed out at the end of the summer, and they may self-sow, returning next year.
2 to 3 feet tall
Full sun
Direct sow
4. Borage
With its star-shaped blue blossoms, borage is edible with a mild cucumber flavor. An annual herb, it is a good companion for tomatoes, cabbage, squash, and strawberries when planted in the vegetable garden. It also attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects. Another willing self-sower, if left to form seeds, the plants will pop up all over your garden next spring.
18 to 30 inches tall
Full sun
Direct sow
Borage is beloved by pollinators and is a wonderful companion herb.
5. Salvias
Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘Blue Bedder’ are the two true blue salvias we grow to sell to florists and put in our bouquets, but I am sure there are others. The 6 to 8-inch long spikes of blossoms keep coming until a hard frost kills the plant.
18 to 24 inches tall
Full sun to part shade
Transplant or direct sow
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/20-true-blue-flowers-your-garden
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365