Gardening Advice
December 14, 2020
The poinsettia is America’s most popular flowering holiday plant! Native to Mexico, the plant is called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night), due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. But how did this tropical plant become the quintessential Christmas flower across North America? Here’s the legend of the poinsettia.
You say poin-set-ee-uh, I say poin-set-uh—but let’s call the whole thing off because the name of the ubiquitous holiday plant can be pronounced either way.... more
December 14, 2020
These days, many of us found our Christmas tree at a garden supply store or a local church selling them as a fundraiser. Ever wonder where they get the trees? Christmas tree farms, of course! But it’s not always easy. Growing Christmas trees is similar to producing any other agricultural crop. It’s a serious business that requires a lot of hard work! Learn more about tree farmers.
The Business of Christmas Trees
I have small greenhouse business and also sell plants and vegetables at our local... more
December 10, 2020
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Of all the plants used in Christmas decor, not many have as long and as interesting a history as mistletoe. Discover the meaning of mistletoe and fascinating folklore behind it.
First of All, What Is Mistletoe?
With evergreen leaves, yellow flowers, and white berries, large clumps of mistletoe are usually observed growing high in the canopies of fruit trees, maples, and sometimes oaks. Although it has a strong association with Christmastime kissing, in... more
December 1, 2020
Have you decked the halls? Go natural this Christmas! It’s time for nature’s green to make a comeback. Look no further than your backyard and garden for a ready source of interesting greenery, berries, dried flower heads, and seedpods. See our ideas straight from nature!
If you don’t think it’s worth the effort, check prices online and you’ll find that the green in Christmas refers to the color of money, not the green of nature. Take a holiday from spending and think of the store as more of a... more
November 30, 2020
All “bees” are not created equal. Bees, wasps, and hornets may look alike and belong to the same order of insects called Hymenoptera, but they are different insects. How can you tell the difference between a bee, a wasp, and a hornet? Let’s take a look!
Bees and wasps took separate evolutionary paths over 100,000,000 years ago. Bees are vegetarians, collecting pollen to feed their young, while wasps and hornets are carnivores, feeding on other insects. The main thing that they do have in common... more
November 30, 2020
Paperwhite narcissus, with their clusters of fragrant, small, white flowers, have to be the easiest bulb to force into bloom. In fact, there is really no forcing necessary—just plant and they’ll be blooming in just 3 to 4 weeks! Here’s how to do it.
Unlike other spring-flowering bulbs that need a cold period before they blossom, paperwhites are native to warm Mediterranean regions and need no chilling to entice them into bloom. They are members of the genus Narcissus and relatives of the ... more
November 30, 2020
The garden is winding down and we are left with only a few more chores to complete before snow flies. If you are like me and have containers scattered all around your yard, it is time to gather them all in one place and get them ready for winter storage. A little care now will ensure that your pots and containers will be all set and ready to plant come spring.
Cleaning Containers and Pots
Pull any dead plants and empty out the soil. It can be tempting to reuse the soil, but for the healthy... more
November 30, 2020
This time of year, there are Christmas wreaths adorning everywhere imaginable—from doors and fences to lampposts and windows—even the front grille of the car! How did a round bit of greenery come to symbolize the holidays?
Wreaths are part of many ancient traditions dating back to the earliest civilizations. The circle is a symbol of immortality; throughout history, wreaths have been associated with life, rejuvenation, and renewal. Originally, wreaths were worn around the head, neck, or waist... more
November 5, 2020
It’s time to think about our feathered friends, especially feeding birds over winter and taking care of them so they don’t freeze. Here are five tips for making your backyard more bird-friendly. It takes more than just hanging a feeder or two. Small birds eat constantly during the day and they need to be able to find food 365 days a year.
Why Help Our Birds?
First, just being outside in the garden surrounded by birdsong is a wonderful way to spend the day. Listening to the chirping chickadees... more
November 5, 2020
If you sneeze up a storm from autumn allergies, don’t blame the goldenrod! It’s a common misperception that goldenrod is the cause of hay fever when it’s actually wind-pollinated plants, notably ragweeds, that are the source. Learn more about the good side of goldenrod.
The Goldenrod Allergy Myth
The major culprit, ragweed, produces pollen in great abundance and just happens to share the same flowering period as goldenrod, so labeled guilty by association.
Ragweed’s drab flowers often go... more
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Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market.
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