I know fall is on the horizon when the bearded iris rhizomes arrive in the store. We just got ours in so fall can’t be far behind (exactly one month from this coming Thursday, to be exact.) History Irises are a genus of over 250 flowering plants. The word “iris” is from the Greek word … Read more
AUGUST IS SLIPPING BY AND SUMMER IS WANING, FALL WILL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT!! Are you thinking about your lawn renovation and what needs to be done? Lawn renovation season starts in August with a couple important tasks to complete. SOIL TESTING Do yourself, and your wallet, a service and get a soil test … Read more
This time of year is a perfect time to think about your fall garden. What are you going to do when the tomatoes, squash and green beans finally give their last? Do you let your garden lie fallow over the winter or do you want to grow broccoli, peas, kale, etc.? If you’re going to … Read more
LITTLE BLUESTEM “STANDING OVATION” ORNAMENTAL GRASS Ornamental grasses are putting on quite a show here in August. Personally, there is one ornamental grass that is a standout above all other grasses. It is SCHIZACHYRIUM ‘STANDING OVATION’ or commonly called “Little Bluestem.” The name is very fitting for this grass because it does stand out amongst … Read more
This Wednesday, August 8th, is National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. Yes, really. Zucchini does seem to be the one vegetable of which I often do have an over-abundance. So what can I do with it? While I don’t “sneak” it onto my neighbor’s porch, I do offer them bags of zucchini, … Read more
THE MONTH OF AUGUST CAN BE VIEWED AS THE “GATEWAY TO FALL” AND TO THE FALL PLANTING SEASON. So, let’s recap July. The only complaint I am hearing from homeowners and landscapers is with all the rainy days. I can agree. All this rain is leading to an increase in plants dying from root rot … Read more
Today is National Avocado Day. Have you ever thought about growing your own avocado? It’s not hard. Yes, I’ve done it. The up-side—they’re easy, fun, and make a beautiful dramatic houseplant. The down-side—they get HUGE over time and the chances of them ever fruiting are slim to none. But for lush tropical foliage, they can’t … Read more
Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’ is my chosen plant for July The common name for Callicarpa is beautyberry. Many of you may only know this plant by its common name. This common name is very fitting for this beautiful plant. I chose this plant because it is now in bloom and forming its berries. We have one planted … Read more
TIME FOR THE TOUGH SUMMER BLOOMING PERENNIALS TO BE STARS IN THE GARDEN. Whether you like the colors of orange, red, yellow, blue, white, purple or just a rainbow of colors you can get it with beautiful blooming perennials this time of year. We are smack dab in the middle of summer. We are challenged … Read more
July 16th is World Snake Day. I can already hear some people go “Oh, Gross!” I used to be one of them, but as a devout gardener, I’ve developed a healthy respect for them. Still, every summer, I get a lot of questions about how to kill or otherwise get rid of snakes. So maybe … Read more
