To grow amaryllis successfully indoors, follow these steps. It is worth it to have a showy display of gorgeous blooms greeting you on an otherwise dreary day. Choosing Your Bulbs There are many different varieties of amaryllis in different colors, fragrances, and flower types. One bulb will grow two stems, which in turn will produce four flowers each. If you want really big flowers, choose... 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
Take time to sit back, relax and enjoy your late summer garden in all its glory! Gather your family together and celebrate this beautiful summer season as it draws to a close. Invite friends and neighbors over to show off your beautiful creations and celebrate all your hard work! If you can’t sit back and relax…there is plenty to do…. Looks like August is going... Read More
We know the story. It’s been a hot few weeks. You may be feeling a little worn out from working extra hard to take care of your spring and summer flowers. Water, water, water. Chase away the bugs, bugs, bugs. Maybe a hail storm in between. Ouch! Hopefully most of your beautiful container gardens and hanging baskets have come through in pretty good shape. Then... 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
Hot Weather Tips When temperatures are over 90 degrees, check flowers twice daily for water, in the morning and again in the evening. Some pots/beds may require additional water applications to fight the heat. Don’t get caught over-watering when temps cool down again. Flowers that may be struggling in the heat should be moved to a protected location to take off the stress. When it... Read More
While there’s been a lot of interest promoting pollinators in the news lately, let’s not forget about supporting all the other beneficial insects that reside in our yards and gardens. There are thousands of species of predatory and parasitic beneficial insects who help us control many common garden pests by consuming them or using them to house and feed their developing young. Beneficial Insects in... Read More
Slugs are one of the most common garden pests, though unlike most other chewing critters you find in your garden, they aren’t insects. Instead, slugs are land-dwelling mollusks that are more closely related to clams than beetles or caterpillars. Facing a slug infestation is serious business, filled with slime trails, damaged leaves, and missing seedlings. But effective organic slug control is both manageable and affordable,... Read More
Creek Side is featuring a group of summer flowering perennials and shrubs that are deer resistant. Of course we all know that there are no plants that are deer “proof”. But our featured list would not only be a great start for consideration as additions to your garden or landscape. because they are deer resistant but also Drought Resistant! Perennials Achillea – Yarrow Agastache –... Read More
Finally! Beautiful summertime weather conditions in store for the next couple of weeks. Remember the 90 degree days last June? What a relief it has been this year to experience moderate temperatures. And if it is relief to us, it certainly has been a relief for our flowerpots and landscape plants as well. You have probably noticed a decrease in water demands from your plants. ... Read More
