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
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
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
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
Did you get a poinsettia for your mantle? Maybe someone gave you a beautiful amaryllis to enjoy? So what do you do with them when they finish blooming? Throw them away? Not so fast! Here’s a quick guide on how to care for these Holiday beauties. How to Care For Your Holiday Plants Poinsettias Keep … Read more
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme to Grow Herbs If you have a window that gets a lot of sun during the winter, then why not put it to work for you growing your favorite herbs? All you need to do is to RAISE your blinds if you have them (by raising them, you can triple … Read more
The holidays are looming and you have no idea what to get anyone. Why not give a gift of spring with paperwhite narcissus for indoor forcing? Paperwhite narcissus force easily and quickly inside. All you need are a few pebbles and a watertight container. You can get really inventive and use almost any container that … Read more
I’ve had several customers ask me what they should do with their vegetable garden over the winter. Well, if your garden is not “working” (growing cool-season veggies), then here’s what to do. “Clean” It Get all weeds and debris out of there! They provide ideal hiding places for insect eggs and can host mold spores. … Read more
In Greek mythology, there was a shy maiden named Amaryllis who fell in love with a handsome shepherd. He was an avid gardener and vowed to only love a woman who could bring him the most beautiful flower in the world. Amaryllis would go by his house every night and pierce her heart with a … Read more
Did you know that October is Bat Appreciation Month? Horror writers over the years have picked bats to play the villains in some of their books but, in reality, they’re heroes in the garden! Interesting Bat Facts Here are some interesting facts about these fellow mammals. Bats are the only mammals that fly. There are … Read more
