FFF75 - ANTHURIUM

Anthurium (Schott, 1829), is a large genus of about 600–800 (possibly 1,000) species of flowering plants, belonging to the arum family (Araceae). Anthurium can also be called "flamingo flower" or "boy flower", both referring to the structure of the spathe and spadix.

The Anthurium was discovered in 1876 in Colombia. TROPICOS lists 1901 types, although some of these are duplicates. It is one of the largest and probably the most complex genera of this family; certainly it is one of the most variable. Many species are undoubtedly not yet described and new ones are being found every year.

The genus has neotropical distribution; mostly in wet tropical mountain forest of Central and South America, but some in semi-arid environments. Most species occur in Panama, Colombia, Brazil, the Guiana Shield and Ecuador. According to the work of noted aroid botanist Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden, no members of this genus are indigenous to Asia. Deliberately or accidentally, however, some species have been introduced into Asian rain forests, and have become established there as aliens.

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FFF74 - YELLOW DAISIES

The daisy is a cheerful-looking flower that's been a mainstay in gardens and fields for hundreds of years. The origin of the word "daisy" lies in the Anglo-Saxon "daes eage," meaning "day's eye," because the daisy blossom opens to greet each new day at the rising of the sun. The daisy petals are arranged with central disk florets surrounded by ray florets in an inflorescence known as a capitulum. Ten percent of all flowering plants on earth are types of daisy. All daisies belong to the Asteraceae family of flowering plants

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FFF73 - ROSE: STRAWBERRY ICE

The Floribunda rose "Strawberry Ice" was bred by G. Delbard (France, before 1971). It was introduced in France by Delbard/Georges Delbard SA in 1973 as "Bordure Rose". It was subsequently introduced in the United Kingdom by Bees, Ltd. in 1975 as "Bordure Rose". It is white and pink, pink edges, no fragrance.

A double rose with 17-25 petals, cluster-flowered, in small clusters, cupped bloom form.  Blooms in flushes throughout the season.   Short, dense.  Glossy foliage.   Height of 90 cm.  Width of 60 cm. USDA zone 6b through 9b (default).  Can be used for beds and borders, container rose or ground cover.

It is very hardy and very disease resistant.  Spring pruning should remove old canes and dead or diseased wood and canes that cross should be cut back. In warmer climates, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third. In colder areas, you'll probably find you'll have to prune a little more than that.

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FFF72 - AECHMEA FASCIATA

Aechmea fasciata (silver vase, urn plant) is a bromeliad native to Brazil. This plant is probably the best known species in this genus, and it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate areas. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The plant grows slowly, reaching to between 1 and 3 feet in height, and spreading up to 2 feet. It has elliptic–oval-shaped leaves that are between 18 and 36 inches long and arranged in a basal rosette pattern.

A. fasciata requires partial shade and a well-drained, but moisture-retentive soil. It can also be grown epiphytically, as, for example, with moss around its roots and wired to rough bark. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is too moist. Scale insects and mosquitos will sometimes breed in the pools of water that are trapped between the leaves.

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