Category Archives: Garden Center
Kokedama: Easy How-To Instructions
Are you a gardener with a minimalist vibe? Well then, kokedama will give you all the right feels! What is Kokedama? Kokedama, loosely translated as “ball of moss,” has become a popular trend in recent years, and for good reason. This Japanese art form eliminates planting pot use by wrapping moss around the root ball […]
Winter Houseplant Care
With programmable thermostats, double-paned windows, and other tricks, we are able to keep our homes at the same climatic comfort level year-round. Indoor houseplants, however, can be sensitive to subtle seasonal changes. Even in a balanced home environment, proper winter houseplant care is essential to help plants thrive through this challenging season. Winter Changes in […]
Bay: An Herb Worth Enjoying
A staple in most kitchens, bay (Laurus nobilis) is a familiar herb popular for flavoring soups, stews, stuffing, and marinades. But how much do you know about this savory seasoning? History of Bay Originally from Asia Minor, including Turkey and Armenia, bay is a broadleaf evergreen also known as sweet bay, bay tree, or bay […]
Seed Viability
The perfect way to spend a cold winter’s day is commencing this year’s veggie, herb, and flower gardens. The gardening season begins in earnest in February with seed-starting, and seed-starting begins with an inventory of necessary supplies. To prepare for this endeavor, you will need: Seed-starting mix Containers (flats, peat pots, cell packs, etc.) Labels […]
Anti-Desiccants: Why, What, and When
Have you wondered why some of your plants die in the winter, even when you provide winter protection? Many plants die during winter because they dry out, or desiccate. As temperatures drop, the ground freezes and plant roots cannot take water from the soil. This causes the plant to use stored water from the leaves and stems as part of the transpiration process, during which water exits the plant through the leaves.
A Buffet of Berries for Winter Birds
Plants with berries add winter interest to the garden and also attract many different types of birds. But which berries are best for your yard, and how can you ensure a bountiful buffet for your feathered friends to enjoy? Caring for Berries No matter which berries you choose to add to your landscape, opt for […]
Zinnias for a Riot of Summer Color
With their bright, cheerful flowers, long bloom period, and easy-going nature, Zinnias are an old-fashioned and time-honored favorite in the summer garden. These vibrant annuals, native to Mexico, come in a riot of colors, a variety of forms, and a range of sizes, making them incredibly useful in an assortment of sunny summertime settings. Usage […]
Milkweed and Monarchs
In nature, few relationships are as intricate and essential as that between the Monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant. Famous for being the most recognized insect in the US, these vibrant winged beauties rely on milkweed not only for sustenance but for their very survival. Sharing this fascinating relationship between Monarchs and milkweed with you, […]
Growing Glowing Marigolds
Ah, marigolds—they are the unsung heroes of the summer flower garden. Resilient, bold, and long-blooming, they create a tapestry of glowing yellow, gold, orange, and red that shines in a sunny setting from late spring to frost. Types There are three main types of marigolds. They all have edible petals, are perfect for creating natural […]
Tips for Layering Bulbs
Bulbs are some of the easiest and most dramatic flowers you can add to your landscape and containers, and you can make them even more spectacular when you create layers of bulbs for lush growth and bursts of brilliant color. But how can you go about layering bulbs for the best results? Why Bother With […]