SEPTEMBER, OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF THE “FALL IS FOR PLANTING” SEASON. September is the beginning of a very important time for gardening and planting. Like meteorology (weather), the first of September starts the fall planting season even though fall is not officially here until Saturday, the 22nd. We have had rain throughout the summer. Depending on … Read more
I’m getting my vegetable garden ready for fall now. I just pulled up the last of the squash. Most of my tomatoes are now long tired looking vines with only a few blooms at the tips—and they won’t have time to set fruit and ripen by the first frost. I pulled them up. I’ve pulled … Read more
I KNOW, YOU ARE THINKING “WHAT IS DOUG DOING BLOGGING ABOUT ORCHIDS”?! First, I have to somewhat agree with your thinking. I am out of my comfort zone, just a little, with this article. I grew up with house plants. Both of my grandmothers loved plants. So, it comes naturally. I plan to do a … Read more
Now is the time to plant peas for a fall harvest so I thought I’d share some interesting facts about these deliciously sweet veggies (well, scientifically speaking, they’re technically fruits.) Peas are one of the oldest cultivated crops. Fossil evidence shows that they were even eaten during the Bronze age! Green peas are actually unripe—that’s … Read more
LATE SUMMER CAN BE A TRICKY TIME FOR COLOR IN THE GARDEN Here we are in the last couple of weeks in August. Summer is slipping away quickly. Before we know it, fall will be here and the time to plant mums and pansies for color. But, until then you may be wanting to add more … Read more
I know fall is on the horizon when the bearded iris rhizomes arrive in the store. We just got ours in so fall can’t be far behind (exactly one month from this coming Thursday, to be exact.) History Irises are a genus of over 250 flowering plants. The word “iris” is from the Greek word … Read more
AUGUST IS SLIPPING BY AND SUMMER IS WANING, FALL WILL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT!! Are you thinking about your lawn renovation and what needs to be done? Lawn renovation season starts in August with a couple important tasks to complete. SOIL TESTING Do yourself, and your wallet, a service and get a soil test … Read more
This time of year is a perfect time to think about your fall garden. What are you going to do when the tomatoes, squash and green beans finally give their last? Do you let your garden lie fallow over the winter or do you want to grow broccoli, peas, kale, etc.? If you’re going to … Read more
LITTLE BLUESTEM “STANDING OVATION” ORNAMENTAL GRASS Ornamental grasses are putting on quite a show here in August. Personally, there is one ornamental grass that is a standout above all other grasses. It is SCHIZACHYRIUM ‘STANDING OVATION’ or commonly called “Little Bluestem.” The name is very fitting for this grass because it does stand out amongst … Read more
This Wednesday, August 8th, is National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. Yes, really. Zucchini does seem to be the one vegetable of which I often do have an over-abundance. So what can I do with it? While I don’t “sneak” it onto my neighbor’s porch, I do offer them bags of zucchini, … Read more
