LATE SUMMER CAN BE TRICKY TIME FOR COLOR IN THE GARDEN Here we are in mid to late August. Sure, we have summer-blooming annuals like Petunias, Vinca, Lantana, etc., giving us color this time of year. We have many beautiful late summer hardy perennials in color. But what about shrubs? What shrubs can I plant … Read more
TIPS AND THOUGHTS ABOUT USING ANIMAL MANURE WITH YOUR PLANTINGS I am thinking ahead a little bit. Yes, we are in August, but the fall planting season will soon be here before we know it. Adding manure to our soil when planting is not something new. Farmers have been using it to fertilize their crops … Read more
ADDING LIVING DÉCOR TO A DORM ROOM It’s early in August, but many parents are preparing to pack their kids for college. Many kids are leaving home for the first time and will spend their first year of college living in a dorm room. We all know how small and cramped a dorm room can … Read more
JULY IS NATIONAL BLUEBERRY MONTH July is an excellent month to enjoy the fruits of bounty from blueberries in the area. Our produce vendors with our farmers’ market can now provide fresh, locally grown blueberries. See and enjoy our farmers’ market every Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Not long ago, I did a … Read more
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF WATERING PLANTS Here we are in mid-July. July’s weather has been typical, with the heat index rising and high humidity levels. I have to say that we are fortunate in that Mother Nature has helped with some timely rainfall. But we need to learn good watering practices. Good watering practices … Read more
And you thought I was going to write about some new plant. NOPE! It is essential to be aware of Japanese Beetles’ presence now. They are here. Customers come into the garden center daily, wanting to know what is eating their plants. Japanese beetles are a serious pest that feeds on the leaves and flowers. … Read more
GARDENING ON A BUDGET. CAN WE DO IT? Are you and your family on a budget? Isn’t most everyone? So, can we still enjoy gardening with a budget? Absolutely!! But, it may take some good planning and creativity. In my over 40 years in the garden center business I have never before experienced such high … Read more
JUNE 19TH – 25TH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and fifteen years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the designation of a week in June as National Pollinator Week. The purpose of this week is to address the urgent issue of declining pollinator … Read more
THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH, IS FATHER’S DAY Let me share a little history on the celebration of FATHER’S DAY. It was first started in 1908 by a church in West Virginia. Finally, in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged every state government to observe Father’s Day. It is now established with the third Sunday in June … Read more
THE PERENNIAL PLANT ASSOCIATION HAS DESIGNATED JUNE AS PERENNIAL GARDENING MONTH, AND FOR GOOD REASONS. How can you not love June in Richmond with all the colors from so many blooming perennials? To name a few perennials in bloom: Coreopsis, Monarda, Heuchura, Astilbe, Achillia, Daylilies, Nepeta-I can go on and on with naming perennials. But … Read more
