ADDING A TASTE OF THE TROPICS INDOORS Here we are into fall. Our daylight hours are now shorter. Most of our shrubs and trees have stopped blooming and are in the beginning process of going dormant for the winter. Just because it may seem more gloomy outdoors does not mean your life inside can’t be … Read more
The Netherlands may be the world’s largest grower of tulips, but did you know that they are not native there? No, tulips are native to mountainous areas of Turkey and Russia! So how did tulips get to the Netherlands? In the late 1500s, the ambassador to the courts of Suleiman the Magnificent was intrigued by … Read more
FALL IS FOR PLANTING It may seem to you that I am a broken record when it comes to my saying “RIGHT PLANT / RIGHT LOCATION” when it comes to having your plants grow and thrive versus struggling and dying. RIGHT PLANT / RIGHT LOCATION When customers come to me and say they have an … Read more
In the spring, I sit on my deck and admire the peonies in the back of my yard. In the morning I watch the occasional bunny hop around, but they leave the peonies alone. So do the deer! And the fragrance of the peonies is wonderful. I appreciate the beauty that they have brought to … Read more
FALL IS IN THE AIR WITH SHORTER DAYLIGHT HOURS AND COOLER TEMPERATURES Thank goodness for Tropical Storm Ian bringing us some much-needed rainfall. Up until Ian, September was very dry for us. As a matter of fact, as of September 28th, we have only had less than an inch of rain for the entire month … Read more
I’m one of those people who believe that onions and garlic make almost everything taste better. If a recipe calls for half an onion, I figure adding the whole onion will make it better. Same with garlic. And since fall is a perfect time to plant onions and garlic—and we just got fresh garlic and … Read more
THE PROS AND CONS OF USING COFFEE GROUNDS AROUND PLANTS I don’t know about you but when I decided to write this blog on coffee grounds nostalgia struck me. When I was growing up both sets of grandparents had large gardens. It was only natural for my grandparents to toss their coffee grounds into the … Read more
Daffodils, Jonquils, in England “Lent Lilies”—whatever you call them, they’re still the quintessential flower of spring to 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 hippeastrum … Read more
UNDERSTANDING GARDENING TERMINOLGIES Professor Doug here. Our local schools are now back in session for the new year. I thought that it was only fitting that we do some school work as well with gardening terms. I always stress knowledge being a major key to being a successful gardener. Knowing plant terminology is a major … Read more
This coming Thursday, September 22nd, is the Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox occurs when the sun is directly aligned with the equator. On this day, days and nights are of equal length. From now until the Winter Solstice on December 21st, the dark hours will be longer than hours of daylight. Right now, our day … Read more
