Pruning of trees and shrubs can help them stay within a certain size limit to fit the confines and aesthetics of a garden space. More importantly, pruning encourages fuller plants – thus more foliage for photosynthesis, more blooms to attract pollinators, more fruits for you and any creatures you share them with.
If you’d love to gain some low-stress family time, fresh air and outdoor exercise - along with fresh, tasty food – consider growing a family veggie garden. It can also help the whole family build teamwork skills and provide a bit of education in math, science, nature, nutrition and even art - plant labels & scare crows! The biggest step is getting started…so here we go!
The use of a rain barrel can help reduce pollution, improve water quality, conserve water, improve plant health and save money.
Having your beloved garden turned into a salad bar by local wildlife, while very frustrating, doesn’t have to be hopeless! Here are some tried and true methods for dealing with critters dining, uninvited, on your landscape.
What’s in a Name: Christians associated Lily of The Valley with the tears of Mary in the valley of the cross, as reflected in both its genus and most popular common name. The genus name of Convallaria comes from the Latin convallis, meaning valley. Other common names include Mary’s Tears, May Lily and May Bells.
What’s the point of beautiful gardens or collections of planted containers if you can’t sit back and enjoy them in comfort!? Maintaining or refurbishing “patio furniture” gives a high return of lounging pleasure from a minimum of effort. A little care can also extend the life of your favorite outdoor furnishings, saving you money… to spend on more plants!
Garden toads are unobtrusive and beneficial garden residents. Toads that are native to your area, not someone’s exotic pet released into the wild, are a sure sign of a healthy ecosystem and do their share by consuming plant munching insects.
Long before modern day use as a purely decorative element, mulch had an established history of benefitting plants, soil and gardeners. This is still its highest calling. A good layer of beneficial mulch can reduce stress on plants by regulating soil temperatures and reducing moisture loss and competition from weeds.
Succulents have become a hot (and green) trend in the world of wedding must-haves.
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
Impatiens walleriana and their hybrids are the go to choice for bringing instant color to shady sites. Varieties are available with flower colors from bright to pastel to striped - and all have lush green foliage. Double flowering and compact types are also available. Gorgeous…
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Daisy-like blooms atop sturdy stems make Gerbera an excellent choice for bringing color and definition to plantings. The blooms are also long-lasting as cut flowers. Color selection ranges from pastel to sunny bright.
A welcome herald of spring! In northern climates crocus often emerge before winter’s last snows have melted away. Incredibly carefree, just allow foliage to grow after flowering so that the plant can replenish and nourish its bulbs for next season.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
This native of Eastern North America offers year 'round appeal and ease of care. Large spring blooms are followed by tiny berries that attract an array of birds. The show transitions with red hued autumn foliage yielding to a winter display of graceful, branching stems.
Primrose - Annual (Primula acaulis)
Primroses are a welcome sight in the spring landscape. Their vivid colors and delicate fragrance are a promise that spring has really arrived! Primroses thrive in cool temperatures so don’t be surprised if the plants die back to the ground in the heat of summer. They should emerge…
