Isn’t it amazing how scents just whisk you away to another world: a memory or place that is recognizable by how it smells. Christmas has a smell for sure, evergreens and pine boughs. Cookies baking in the oven. Or perhaps hot apple cider mixed with pine trees, oranges, and clove. Consider having a few jars of simmering spices on hand as a handy way to... Read More
Native pollinators are critical for pollinating both wild and cultivated plants. Wild bees are important not only because in many cases they’re more efficient pollinators than imported European honeybees, but also because they’ve co-evolved with our native plants. Many types of bees are specialized pollinators, perfectly designed to pollinate very specific plants. Since bees are so diverse in their size, color, shape, and habits, identification... Read More
One of the joys of looking out the patio door or quietly sitting on your back deck is to see birds frolicking in the bird bath. They’ll splash about and then perch on the edge, fluffing and preening their feathers. Birds also drink from the birdbath. Filling the birdbath with fresh water daily should be a part of your plant-watering routine. Maybe you have noticed... Read More
If your clematis vine is growing but not flowering, there are several reasons (or a combination of them) that could be preventing your clematis from flowering. Improper Pruning Pruning plants is both an art and a science. We prune for the welfare of the plant and our own aesthetics. With clematis, you really need to know what you’re doing because it’s easy to accidentally remove... Read More
Having a lush, colorful garden where deer live is possible, if you choose plants with known resistance. Flowering Tobacco There are several different garden-worthy flowering tobacco species, cultivars, and hybrids such as Nicotiana. All nicotiana have tubular flowers adored by hummingbirds, and since the blooms emit their fragrance in the evenings, the primary pollinators you’ll spy feeding on them are nocturnal moths. Just keep this... Read More
Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. Place these plants in areas where you and guests will often be such as by a seating area or a doorway. Lavender Their lovely fragrance comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. This plant is very tough... Read More
Mixed tactics work best Despite gardeners’ best efforts, deer will damage landscape plantings. The two questions most frequently asked are: “What can I plant that deer won’t eat?” and “How can I stop deer & rabbits from browsing on my favorite plants?” The simple answers are that there are very few truly deer-proof or rabbit-proof plants and that, if they are hungry enough, repellents, scare... Read More
These are some favorite tea herbs that are easily grown in the home garden and the reasons why to consider growing them. When planning what you will grow this year, why not include some herbal tea? Bee Balm (Monarda) Brew the leaves into an aromatic, medicinal tea that tastes like mint but milder. It is purported to combat colds and flu, and the tea is... Read More
Are you interested in growing your own produce but don’t know where to begin? Some fruits and vegetables are easier to grow than others so are perfect for those just starting out. Avoid getting overwhelmed by keeping it simple and sticking to tasty varieties that give a lot for the least amount of effort. Many of them are perennial, which mean that they come back... Read More
Consider planting any of the following list of plants to supply Bumblebees with nectar throughout the year. From early in the spring through the summer and late into the fall season, Bumblebees are searching for flowers to visit. By planning a succession of blooming plants throughout the year in your garden, Bumblebees will be happy frequent visitors. Scabiosa – there are lots of different varieties... Read More
