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
WHAT A CRAZY YEAR 2020 TURNED OUT TO BE FOR GARDENING I have been in the retail garden center business for over 40 years and I can sum up 2020 with one word – UNPRECEDENTED. The time right before New Year’s is often a time for reflection on the past year and the year ahead. … 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
YEAR-ROUND CONTAINER GARDENING HAS BECOME A STRONG GARDENING TREND OVER THE RECENT YEARS Anybody who knows me then knows how much I love container gardening. I have a total of 15 assorted container gardens in an array of different styles, sizes, and make of containers. Most of my containers are colorful, glazed containers. But, I … 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
THESE CONCRETE ITEMS NEED OUR ATTENTION THIS TIME OF YEAR Adding structure, such as fountains and statuary, is a very popular trend in landscape design. Last Monday we had our true first taste of cold wintry weather when our high was only in the ’30s and we “officially” had one inch of snow. Now that … 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
REMEMBER TO TAKE A STROLL THROUGH YOUR OWN LANDSCAPE GARDENS Now that we are in December many people have decorating their living spaces on their agenda for the upcoming holiday season. Finding the right materials to decorate for the holidays can be as easy as taking a stroll through your gardens. Personally, I find it … 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
