Ask the Expert
please send a list…. i am looking for edible flowers and herbs that do flower for a restaurant.can you please advise….and this is in south new jersey i cant remember what the zone is here…thanks for your help….ed roberts

Linda Asks:

Several years ago, I read about house plants that are good for ‘eating’ unpleasant or toxic house odors.
I have forgotten what they were, except maybe the Peace Lily. I live in a small apartment, am not able to care for large or troublesome plants,  and have limited sunlight. Any suggestions?
Thanks for any help.

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Karen Asks:

My daughter has a science experiment she has to do and she and I want to tint a white flower. I used to do this as a kid with daisys. Since there are no daisys around I thought we could use any white flower, but it\\\\\\\’s not working. Is there a secret anybody knows about that you can give me? I\\\\\\\’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.

Brock’s Reply:

Fresh cut daisy-type spray chrysanthemums should be readily available from a local florist.  The experiment should also work with carnations, either the standard or the spray type.  In any case, choose blossoms which are not fully open or mature. Leave out of water for an hour to so. Then, cut about 2″ off the bottom of the stem, using a sharp knife and cutting on a slant. Place the freshly cut stem into a vase of lukewarm water containing the dyeing agent — such as food coloring. Color should show up in the petals of the flower within 2 or 3 days, maybe sooner.  Hope this helps

Thakujesus Asks:

NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A FLOWERING INDOOR PLANT FOR A HOME THAT IS KEPT
“VERY WARM”YEAR ROUND. THIS IS FOR AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT CANT GET OUT MUCH. 

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Can you tell me the name of a fern that similar to the Boston fern but

does not shed like the Boston does? Thank you, Anne

Reply

Ferns are touchy subjects at best in any indoor-growing situation; They prefer a humid atmosphere which is much more damp than most household interiors, particularly during our central-heated winters.

Some of the cultvars of the Boston Fern which have more finely-divided fronds, such as “Fluffy Ruffles”, seem to perform better indoors than the species.

Another choice might be the Dallas Fern, which is smaller than the Boston Fern but is similar in form. It has more leathery leaves which are less prone to drying out and shedding.

Meanwhile, ferns growing indoors will benefit from frequent (daily) misting with water. Place them in a cool, bright location out of direct sun. Keep them away from drafts and heating ducts or air vents; A summer outdoors in a shady spot helps a fern which has suffered through a dry winter indoors to recover and produce new growth.