Sunday, January 21, was Squirrel Appreciation Day. What? I’m supposed to appreciate these fuzzy little things that destroy my garden? Well…Yes. The word ‘squirrel’ comes from the Anglo-Norman word esquirel with roots in the Greek word skiouros meaning ‘shadow-tailed.’ A group of squirrels is called a “scurry” (a Scurry of Squirrels—appropriate). They are native to every … Read more
If you have a Cyclamen now or you want to try cyclamen for big, bold winter color, here are some care tips to keep in mind for this plant. First, are you aware that Cyclamen plants are actual a bulb, called a corn, planted in the soil? Keep this information in mind as you continue … Read more
I did it again. In all of this excessively cold weather, I was so obsessed with protecting the pipes that I forgot to protect my rosemary and lavender. They are, I hate to admit, dead. Again. I just went through this last winter. I know they’re more vulnerable because they are container grown and wish … Read more
Here we are in mid-January after having some of the coldest days on record for the Richmond area. It is hard to want to get outside in the gardens with this type of weather. The best strategy is to stay inside where it is warm and contemplate how you want to garden this year. One … Read more
Tomorrow, January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day. Why do we need a houseplant appreciation day? Well, the Christmas tree has come down; we’ve swept up the last of the wrapping paper, and the poinsettia is sitting in a corner dropping leaves (because it really wants to be in front of that sunny window over there). … Read more
Brrrrrrrr!!!! January sure has started out on a frigid note. We are setting record low temperatures. With these low temperatures, it makes a gardener want to stay inside and look out the window and dream. And, yes, I am talking personally here as well. I think a big question on everyone’s mind is “what are … Read more
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions yesterday? Every year, I make New Year’s resolutions for my garden. So here is this year’s top 5… I resolve to be better about feeding my garden. Okay, it’s not exactly rocket science to sprinkle a handful of Tomato-tone or Garden-tone around the base of my vegetables. So … Read more
