Flowers and Trees Backyard Ecosystem

Growing Zones A Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. Knowing your growing zone will help you decide what plants are going to grow where you live. http://www.248landscape.com/2012/michigan-plant-hardiness-zone-map/ . The zipcode 48082 is in zone 6. When you plan your landscape, you will want to look up what flowers and vegetables will grow well in this zone.

Why Colors? Survival! Attract insects that carry pollen from one flower to another. Symbiotic Relationships Bees are attracted to the colors and ultraviolet light on specific parts of the flower. They pollinate the flowers. They also benefit from the nectar from the flowers, which they use to make their honey.

Pollination Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred to the female reproductive organs of a plant. Pollen is produced by the anther, then transferred to the stigma. This leads to fertilization of the plant. Two types of pollination: Self-pollination Cross-Pollination

Cross-Pollination Pollen is transferred from plant to plant by an insect or the wind. Specifically, pollen from the anther to stigma of a plant of the same species. Brightly colored petals. With nectar and scent. Most flowering plants use cross-pollination. When a honey bee collects pollen, it sticks to the hair on the bee’s body from the anther. When the bee visits the next flower, some of the pollen rubs off onto the stamen of the next flower. To attract the honey bee, or other pollinators, the plant needs bigger, open, brightly colored flowers.

Self-Pollination Plant sheds pollen onto its own stigma Smaller flowers than required for cross-pollination. Can have a closed flower Allows for less variety in the species than cross- pollination. More uniform Does not need to depend on pollinators

Life Cycles Annuals Perennials Biennials

Annuals Plants that go through their entire life cycle from seed to flower to seed in one growing season are annuals. Their entire roots, stems, and leaves die after one season.

Pansy (Viola) Prefers full sun exposure. About 6” in height fully grown Best to plant in the Spring Plant at least 6” apart. Require a generous amount of water.

Perennials Plants that persist for many growing seasons are perennials. The top portion of the plant dies each winter and regrows in the Spring with the same root system. Many will keep their leaves year round to provide ground cover.

Daylily Blooms yellow flowers in Spring and Fall Grows best in partial or full sun exposure Minimal water requirement Water once per week

Biennials Plants that take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle are called biennials. The first growing season, the plant will grow closer to the soil. The second growing season, you will see longer stem growth.

Forget-Me-Nots Do not require a lot of sun Wildflower Spreads easily Tends to take over garden Requires more maintenance if not placed properly Lots of water

Parts of a flower Female - Stigma, style, ovary. Male - Anther, Filament.

Roots Provide plants with three main functions: Anchor the plant Provide support Absorb nutrients and water The first part to emerge from the seed is the root. Some roots are edible! Examples: beets, carrots, horseradish, sweet potatoes

Root Types

Taproot System Dicots typically start with a taproot system, but often transition to a fibrous root system. A large, central, and dominant root that grows down vertically. Anchors deeply to prevent wind from uprooting plant. Also acts as food storage for the plant, especially in a drought. When the taproot system does not turn into a fibrous system, smaller, lateral roots branch off. Examples: Dandelions, carrot, parsnip The main root goes deep into the soil, making it difficult to pull from the ground. The lateral branches will break off if you try to pull the plant from the ground and a new plant can grow from these.

Fibrous Root system Monocots have a fibrous root system (adventitious system) Fibrous roots are closers to the soil surface than a Taproot system. Thin, branching roots forming from the stem. Helps combat erosion. More surface area and root tips to absorb nutrients Examples: Grass, Rice, Corn Fibrous roots are closer to the surface because the grow more outward than straight down vertically. Most trees begin life with a taproot, but after one to a few years change to a wide-spreading fibrous root system with mainly horizontal surface roots and only a few vertical, deep anchoring roots. Fibrous root systems help prevent soil erosion as they anchor plants to the top layers of soil. Grasses are an example of a type of plant with densely fibrous root systems that keep soil in place.