Gardening Advice
December 12, 2021
If you are short on space (or energy) for a large Christmas tree, why not try a Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla)? These are small potted trees found at the holidays that also can remain as wonderful houseplants! Here’s more information about the Norfolk Island pine and how to care for this tiny indoor tree.
This time of year they are easy to find at your local garden…
December 11, 2021
Color is lacking this time of year so I am always glad to see Christmas plants for sale at my local garden center. Poinsettias and others are very enticing but the one plant I can’t resist is the kalanchoe. The clusters of star-like cheerful flowers are long-lived and can add a happy note to a gloomy day. Discover the kalanchoe!
This beautiful blossoming succulent plant is very low…
December 9, 2021
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…
December 9, 2021
How did a tropical plant became an unlikely symbol of the Christmas holiday? The history of the poinsettia begins with an old Mexican legend and, later, a major American business venture. Discover 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.
America's…
December 7, 2021
Here are great flowering houseplants to brighten your winter days. These plants are practically bulletproof and will blossom indoors for weeks.
Best Flowering Houseplants
Kalanchoe are rugged succulents that will grow well on a south-facing windowsill.
They come in a wide range of crayon-bright colors. If you want something a little different look for Kalanchoe pumila…
November 30, 2021
Ferns are the oldest living plants on Earth, having appeared over 350 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs. Despite their ancient age, they make gorgeous houseplants, adding elegance, rich green hues, and interesting texture to any indoor environment. Discover a few ferns for your indoor garden!
Fascinating Ferns
Ferns existed before there were flowering plants, which is why…
November 29, 2021
Many trees and plants were traditionally important to the celebration of the winter solstice (on December 21). Think evergreens, yew, oak, mistletoe, holly, rosemary, pine, and ivy. Learn more about their symbolic meanings.
The Solstice Signals a Return of Light
After the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, the days will start to get longer again. But as the old…
November 24, 2021
Read your weeds! They are an indicator of your soil's health. If you have large patches of one kind of weed, your garden is trying to tell you something. Here are common weeds and what they say about your soil—plus photos. Let us know what you learn!
When weeds arrive, it's often an index of what is wrong (though sometimes what is right) with the soil. For example, weeds with deep taproots such…
November 23, 2021
These days, many of us find 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 our tree farmers.…
November 19, 2021
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…
November 19, 2021
When should you prune shrubs and trees? It depends! Wait until mid- to late winter to prune shrubs and trees that flower in the summer. However, spring-flowering shrubs and trees should be pruned immediately after bloom because they bud out in the fall. Be careful not to prune at the wrong time or you could cut off the flower buds! Learn more.
Why Prune Shrubs and Trees?
Most shrubs and trees…
November 19, 2021
This time of year, Christmas wreaths are hung in every place 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…