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Gardening Advice
In your garden, you may have a microclimate—a small area that has a different climate than your broader growing zone. How do you work with a microclimate?Often, this niche or pocket climate is slightly warmer than the surrounding landscape. For perennial gardeners, the easiest way to encourage earlier blooms and more frequent blooms is to plant them in the warmest pockets…
If one of your goals is to become a better gardener and contribute to your community, you should look into your local Master Gardener program.Usually sponsored by Cooperative Extension Services affiliated with state universities, there are Master Gardener programs in just about every state and Canadian province.These intensive horticultural training programs teach non-professionals…
It’s only January, but already I’m tired of looking out at a bleak sheet of white. Luckily, I have some plants that are a sensory delight all year ‘round—scented geraniums.Though the flowers are fairly insignificant, just touching a leaf releases the aroma of roses, mint, or lemon.Their fragrance is contained in small beads of oil located at the base of the tiny leaf hairs. Crushing a…
It is easy to add depth to your flower garden by using plants with dark colored leaves.Burgundy foliage creates a backdrop for the flowers growing around it and adds variety to a sea of green. Plants with dark maroon leaves not only take center stage when they are in bloom but continue to be interesting even when they are not blossoming. Dark colors mix well with silver-leaved and variegated…
This is such a hopeful time in my garden. Nothing has gone wrong yet, no bugs have attacked and no weird weather has struck—yet. I just know that this will be the best growing season we have ever had. Gardeners are such optimists!I dream of daytime highs in the 80’s and warm nights this summer, making it a good season for melons. I struggle to grow them each year but…
Crabapple trees are nature’s hidden gems. These stunning trees offer a year-round spectacle of color and charm, from their delicate spring blossoms to their vibrant fall foliage and enchanting winter silhouettes. With a variety of sizes, shapes, and flower colors, there’s a perfect crabapple tree to enhance any landscape! Discover the beauty and resilience of these remarkable trees and learn how…
Ready for a tropical interlude? Luckily, I only had to go as far as our state’s Orchid Society’s Annual Show to share some of the most beautiful orchid pictures for you—and picked up some orchid growing tips, too.At this show, orchid growers have set up their displays and all the plants have been judged with many plants awarded ribbons. What a treat to be…
Are you tired of planting tulips and crocus bulbs only to have them disappear because mice and squirrels find them to be a tasty snack?There are plenty of other bulbs that are less attractive to rodents and by planting early, mid-season, and late bloomers we can stretch the show into summer. Here are just a few, in order of their appearance in the garden:Galanthus nivalis - Snowdrops…
