It’s the end of January and my houseplants have been indoors since October. So should I do anything with them now? Yes! Examine them for insects. All it takes is a missed egg or two and, indoors, with no natural predators, you can have a problem. Here are some of the most common pests: Common … Read more
TO PRUNE OR NOT TO PRUNE? – THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION! A couple of years ago I wrote a blog on this very subject. I think it is only fitting that I write on this topic once again. It seems that every day I get customers asking about pruning. For some reason, people see their … Read more
Thursday, January 21st, is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Some Interesting Facts The word ‘squirrel’ comes from the Anglo-Norman word “esquirel’ meaning ‘shadow-tailed.’ They are native to every continent with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. While there are squirrels in Australia, they were introduced there, but they are not native to the country. Their front teeth … Read more
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SHRUBS AND TREES FROM WINTER DEER DAMAGE I know this is a sensitive and frustrating topic for many of you. Last year, more than ever that I can remember, many new plantings of shrubs and trees took place. With the pandemic, many of you spent time and money on the landscape. … Read more
Did you know that yesterday, January 10th, was House Plant Appreciation Day? In the middle of winter, I sure do appreciate mine. If you’re like me, you’re tired of chilly gray winter days so you’d love to take home yet another plant to brighten a corner, a table, a windowsill. But there are some things … Read more
JANUARY IS A GOOD MONTH TO SPEND TIME REFLECTING AND PLANNING YOUR GARDENING STRATEGY FOR THE UPCOMING SPRING SEASON First, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all you gardeners. We made it to 2021. Somehow, all the gardening disappointments of last year with the excessive rainfall seem to be vanishing as we look forward to another great … Read more
WHAT A CRAZY YEAR 2020 TURNED OUT TO BE FOR GARDENING I have been in the retail garden center business for over 40 years and I can sum up 2020 with one word – UNPRECEDENTED. The time right before New Year’s is often a time for reflection on the past year and the year ahead. … Read more
Every year I make New Year’s resolutions for my garden. Last year, I made only three—to be better at keeping weeds and debris out of my garden, to be better about repotting plants when they need it, and to take time to appreciate the efforts of my hard work. So how did I do? My … Read more
YEAR-ROUND CONTAINER GARDENING HAS BECOME A STRONG GARDENING TREND OVER THE RECENT YEARS Anybody who knows me then knows how much I love container gardening. I have a total of 15 assorted container gardens in an array of different styles, sizes, and make of containers. Most of my containers are colorful, glazed containers. But, I … Read more
Today, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In Australia, on the other hand, they’re preparing for summer fun. According to the calendar, in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter runs from the Winter Solstice on or around December 21st through the Spring Equinox on or around March 20th. … Read more
