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WHAT'S NEW
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Fun floral facts quiz
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Put your green thumb to the test with blooming botanicals trivia.
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By Vickie Reichardt
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Answers
1. b) The Black-Eyed Susan, known for its brown centre surrounded by yellow ray florets, is a member of the sunflower family and thrives in direct sunlight. It's also a forgiving plant that can bounce back if it hasn't been watered in a while.
2. c) Tulip bulbs require a cold, dormant period after planting, so it's best to get them in the ground in autumn, before the ground freezes. Wait two to four weeks after planting before watering the bulbs in order to allow their roots to sprout first.
3. a) The colour of hydrangea flowers depends on the pH level of the soil - acidic soil yields blue flowers, basic soil creates pink. If you want blue flowers, make the soil more acidic by adding coffee grounds, crushed eggshells or ground-up orange peels.
4. d) Many flowers, including daylilies, lilacs and pansies, can be used in soups, salads, teas or as candied garnishes. Other edible blooms include carnations and dandelions.
5. b) Impatiens are a popular flower that bloom in the shade all season long. Their seed pods -- which contain tiny, sticky seeds that are "impatient" to be released -- burst open when fully ripened or with a simple tap of the finger.
6. a) Thanks to their origins, zinnias are annuals that thrive in direct sunlight. They bloom in late spring to early fall and can have blossoms up to seven inches in diameter.
7. d) Ground-cover plants are easy and attractive ways to enhance your garden. In addition to providing "filler" between other flowers, they spread out to protect soil from erosion, prevent the germination of weeds and provide habitats for beneficial insects.
8. b) There are more than 700 butterfly species in North America, and they love open, sun-filled gardens. They're attracted to flowers with red, yellow, orange, pink or purple blossoms that are free of insecticides.
9. c) Hostas are perennials of the lily family that bloom in late summer. They originated in China, Korea and Japan and are adored by gardeners looking for easy-to-manage plants that can grow in total shade.
10. b) Their strong scent gives marigolds an instant repellent property, and they can ward off a number of insects. The plants can also grow up to four feet high, and the flowers bloom through summer and fall.
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