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
“Roses, as big as cabbages,” said Marco Polo when he first saw peonies. Peonies are native to Asia, southern Europe, and the western United States. They have been cultivated in China for more than 2,500 years and are considered a symbol of good fortune. In Chinese, the word for peony is ‘sho yu’—meaning ‘most beautiful.’ … Read more
Everybody associates tulips with the Netherlands, but they aren’t native there. They’re actually native to the mountains of Turkey and Russia! Tulips were imported to the Netherlands from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. With Europe coming out of the Dark Ages, people were looking for the new, beautiful, and unusual. Tulips really fit … Read more
Tomorrow, September 22, is the Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox occurs when the sun is directly in line with the equator. On this day, day and night are of equal length. From now until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the hours of dark will be longer than hours of daylight. Right now, our day length … Read more
Daffodils, Jonquils, in England “Lent Lilies”—whatever you call them, they’re still the quintessential flower of spring for many people. Daffodils are members of the Amaryllidaceae—the amaryllis family! Relatives include: Agapanthus (Lily-of-the-Nile) Hymenocallis (Peruvian daffodils) Sternbergia (Lily-of-the-Field) Alliums (onion family, including onions, garlic, chives, and ornamental onions) Lycoris (Naked Ladies, Spider Lilies, Surprise Lilies) and, Asparagus! … Read more
Yesterday was Labor Day. Do you know how Labor Day came to be? The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882. A proposal by the Central Labor Union suggested that a parade take place to show “the strength and spirit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” This was to … Read more
Organic Insect Solution From Mother Nature Today, August 31, is National Diatomaceous Earth Day. So, what is diatomaceous earth? Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of a diatom, a single-celled algae. Diatoms are estimated to be responsible for up to 50% of the world’s oxygen. Diatoms surround themselves with a shell made primarily of silica. … Read more
In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger from the gods who traveled to earth on a rainbow. Wherever she stepped, flowers sprang up. Iris means ‘rainbow’—appropriate when bearded iris comes in a vast array of colors from pure white to purple/black—and nearly every color in between. The three upright petals on an iris flower stand … Read more
