TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR FLOWERING HANGING BASKETS THRIVING AND BLOOMING FOR MONTHS Over the past six weeks, so many of you came into the garden center to purchase a beautiful, flowering hanging basket. I give a shout-out to our buyer, Kathy Madsen, for keeping up with the demand and keeping us in stock as we … Read more
One thing I get asked a lot is about edible flowers. I’m usually too busy growing, weeding, watering, and feeding mine to think about eating them—but I do have a few that I have been known to nibble from time to time. Some are used more as edible garnishes while others can be candied or … Read more
THE PERENNIAL PLANT ASSOCIATION ( PPA ) ALSO SELECTS A “PERENNIAL OF THE YEAR” The PPA has selected the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year. This year the PPA is promoting Calamintha nepeta “Cat Mint” ‘CAT’S PAJAMAS’ as the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year. Each year PPA chooses a perennial to honor that is … Read more
There are a lot of pests and diseases—even nutrient deficiencies—just waiting to pounce on our vegetables/flowers/trees/shrubs. It can be overwhelming to know what to do. So here are some things to keep in mind: Identify the problem: If you are not 100% sure what the problem is, bring a sample to a reputable garden center … Read more
SUMMER OFFICIALLY STARTS THIS MONTH AND WE HAVE PLENTY OF IMPORTANT CHORES TO DO THIS MONTH Before we get into June I want to do a little re-capping of the weather we had in May. Last year we gardeners complained about too much rain that kept us cooped up inside. This year we are complaining … Read more
I’ve had several customers inquire recently about what to do about birds in their newly planted veggie gardens. You ask and we answer! Here a few tips: Tips to Keep Birds Out of Your Garden Birds Aren’t Stupid Scarecrows work pretty well—for several days. Birds are smart enough to figure out the weird-looking thing that … Read more
IDENTIFYING THE CULPRIT Over the past couple of weeks, I have lost count of how many people have come into the garden center with samples of leaves that “aren’t right” and have holes. Customers come to us for professional advice as to what is going on with the plant. If you are not sure what … Read more
I’m getting so many people these days looking for plants that repel mosquitoes, so here you go: Plants That Can Help With Mosquitoes Citronella-scented geraniums are pretty lacy-leaved members of the geranium family that contain citronella oil. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Other lemon-scented herbs that also contain citronella oil are lemon thyme, lemon balm, and … Read more
HOMEGROWN HERBS IN CONTAINERS Container gardening continues to be a very popular gardening trend. A couple of reasons for the popularity of herb gardens are that almost anyone can grow homegrown herbs in a container. And, secondly, container gardening allows individuals to grow fresh herbs on a patio, deck, or porch. Sure, you can get … Read more
I’ve had a lot of customers looking for a chemical-free way to control weeds. It can be done. Here’s how! 7 Ways to Control Weeds Without Chemicals The best defense is a good offense Keep your lawn healthy by fertilizing, watering, and over-seeding in the fall. Mow high—taller grass can shade tiny weed seeds so … Read more
