Spring! Warmer temperatures. Liberating sunshine. Buds waiting off stage to burst forth in elegance. Sprouts determined to push through the winter’s debris to make their entrance. Colors overwhelming our vision. Of course we have pollen showers from surrounding trees covering the porch and patio with a yellow haze. Garden cleanup awaits. Tools require sharpening. The […]
From Trouble Spot to Hidden Gem
Most gardeners face the challenge of an area where, despite extensive efforts, little will grow. And gardeners refuse to give up on that trouble spot as we see it as an empty canvas waiting for a garden painting. We determine to turn that sliver of land into a hidden gem if at all possible. We […]
Book Review: Apartment Kitchen Gardening
In his book, Apartment Kitchen Gardening, James Jacques has written a practical guide for those who desire to grow edibles in small spaces. Why should the restrictive gardening space of an apartment or townhome prevent us from growing some of our food? Jacques presents helpful suggestions for planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables, fruits, herbs and […]
Keep the Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed susans try to conquer our zone 7 garden with volunteer plants popping up in other beds. An invasive root system branches in all directions to expand the colony in that way. We attempted, several seasons back, to eradicate the plant, but black-eyed susans find a way to grow. After witnessing the number of pollinators […]
Funky Fungus Gnats
They see you when you’re sleeping. They know when you’re eating. They can tell when you’re fully engrossed in a movie and recognize the perfect moment to launch their surprise attacks. These carbon dioxide-seeking missiles have never seen a nostril too prim for a joy ride or an ear canal too waxy for an exploration. […]
The Saga of Witchhazel
Unable to find a specimen in local garden shops I mail-ordered a bare-root witchhazel, witchhazel vernal, with its promise of orange and yellow blooms during the drab days of winter. Our eastern-most front garden had the perfect opening created by the move of a Black Diamond crape myrtle. What better place to share a bonfire […]