So many people make New Year’s Resolutions, but how many of us keep them? I go to the gym in January, and people are waiting everywhere. Go in March, however, and there’s not nearly as long a wait. I’m going to make a few resolutions for my garden. We’ll see how I do. My 2024 … Read more
This coming Thursday, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day/longest night of the year. At this point, our north pole is tilted the farthest away from the sun. They’ll celebrate the first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Christmas Day cookouts are relatively common—in Australia! From then on, the days will get a … Read more
The single most popular Holiday plant sold in America is—you guessed it—the poinsettia—with over 40 million sold annually! Chances are you’ve bought one already to decorate your house or been given one as a gift. So here are some things to know: Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico. The first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel … Read more
It’s the time of year for Paperwhite Narcissus, so here’s what you need to know. Paperwhites are members of the Amaryllidaceae family. This makes them related to amaryllis, snowdrops, daffodils, etc. Facts About Paperwhites They are native to the warmer regions of the Mediterranean, from Greece to Portugal. This means that we cannot grow them … Read more
With Thanksgiving this past Thursday, I started thinking about what I’m thankful for this year in my garden. Veggie Goodness Even though we had a rainy patch mid-summer, I’m grateful I did not get blight on my tomatoes. Spacing plants a little further apart for more air circulation does help. And even though I did … Read more
Is anything more Christmas-y than an amaryllis in bloom? They’re dramatic, gorgeous, and easy! What we call amaryllis are members of the amaryllis family called Hippeastrum. True amaryllis, believe it or not, are pretty little pale-pink flowers—Amaryllis Belladonna. The word Amaryllis, in Greek, means “sparkle.” However, “Hippeastrum” has been called amaryllis for so long that … Read more
I’ve pulled up all my summer veggies and planted a few cool-season veggies like kale, broccoli, and spinach. But the cool season veggies don’t take up as much space as the summer veggies. My second raised bed is going to have nothing in it this winter. Can I do something to ensure my garden is … Read more
Now that your houseplants have all been moved back inside, here are a few things to consider. Yellow Leaves Yellow leaves can be a sign of two very different problems. They are often a sign that plants that need high light aren’t getting it. Check the light requirements of your particular plant. Ficus trees (Weeping … Read more
Leaves all over the yard and acorns on the back deck—boy, it is Fall. Several centuries ago, people thought of three seasons—Summer, Harvest, and Winter. Spring was regarded as a pre-summer period called Lenten. Harvest comes from an old Norse word, haust, meaning to gather. They also used autumn, which comes from the Latin actumnus, which … Read more
“Roses as big as cabbages,” Marco Polo exclaimed when he first saw peonies. With huge, often fragrant flowers, peonies are often a source of awe. Maybe that’s why they’re considered a symbol of good fortune and a happy life. Peonies Fun Facts Peonies are primarily native to Asia and Europe. There are over 6,500 varieties … Read more
