It may just be “dirt” to us, but soil is home to your plants. When it comes to flower gardening and growing vegetables too, good bed preparation is the key to success. Whether your garden bed is predominantly sandy or full of clay, the solution to improving it is the […] Read more »
Variegated Solomon’s Seal: a great choice for shade
The lovely perennial Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum‘Variegatum’) has been named the 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This graceful shade-lover is grown for its handsome all-season variegated foliage. It blooms in late spring with dangling white flowers tinted with a hint of green. Polygonatum […] Read more »
Create inviting winter containers
Photo: Fernlea Flowers An arrangement of winter containers says “welcome” at your front door during the festive season. You can decorate them with lights, ribbons and bows, and then keep the display going through the winter simply by taking away the obviously Christmassy decorations in January. Remember to use weather-proof […] Read more »
Winter care of trees and shrubs: prevent cold weather damage
Winter care of trees and shrubs is an important consideration in cold regions. Shade trees, ornamental shrubs and evergreens are the biggest plant investments you’ll make for your garden. If you live in a cold-weather zone, you know that winter can be hard on garden plants. Here are tips for […] Read more »
Wildflower plants for sunny prairie-style gardens
North American prairie wildflower plants evolved in regions where winters are long and cold and summers hot and dry, so it’s no wonder they are tough beauties and easy to grow. Once these perennials are established, they will thrive in ordinary soil without watering, and they attract butterflies and seed-eating […] Read more »
Wildflower meadows: Flowers & grasses prairie style
A magnet for butterflies Photo: © Y.Cunnington Wildflower meadows of North American native wildflowers and grasses have been billed as a low-maintenance, earth-friendly way of planting that doesn’t call for fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or extra watering. But do they really work in practice? Yes, if you start out properly (researching […] Read more »
When to plant bulbs – Wait until fall turns cool
When to plant bulbs for spring? Bulbs show up in stores while summer is still in full swing, so should you plant them as soon as they’re available? Answer: No, it’s best to wait. According to the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center, a little procrastination is a good thing. About […] Read more »
Water gardening and west nile disease: practical prevention tips
West Nile disease and mosquitoes: Those words can send a chill up many a gardener’s spine – especially water gardening enthusiasts. You may have concerns that your water feature, garden pond or birdbath could promote the breeding of mosquitoes and increase the risk of someone in your family contracting the […] Read more »
Watering the garden making every drop count
Have you ever stood watering the garden on a hot summer afternoon, the sprayer nozzle and hose in one hand and a cool drink in the other? It feels good, but the trouble is, you’re getting a better drink than your plants are. Why? You’re using the wrong tool for […] Read more »
Virginia bluebells: Gorgeous blue wildflowers for spring
I have a small colony of Virginia bluebells and love them. The roots were given to me by a lady with a huge wildflower garden. This North American woodland native is a worthy and care-free addition to any shady wildflower or naturalized area, and undisturbed plantings will slowly increase in […] Read more »