The holidays have come and gone and we’re all getting ready to take down the decorations. But instead of tossing out that real Christmas tree, we’ve compiled some clever reuse ideas. 1. Mulch… Pine needles dry quickly and decompose slowly, making them an excellent moisture- and mold-free mulch for ground-covering crops, such as strawberries, to rest on. 2. Create a bird sanctuary… Place your tree in its stand outdoors. Fill bird feeders and hang them from the boughs, or drape the tree with …
Celebrate the changing of the season and beat the winter blues by visiting the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. This exhibit is celebrating its 30th year, debuting on March 1st and will give attendees the chance to experience thousands of butterflies up close and in person. Butterflies are Blooming is one of the nation’s largest temporary exhibits of the insect featuring 60 different species of butterflies fluttering about the garden’s …
Using Espoma Bio-tone when planting offers a range of in-depth benefits that promote healthy, thriving plants: Enhanced Root Development: Bio-tone contains a unique blend of mycorrhizae and beneficial microbes that encourage robust root systems. These microorganisms form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in stronger and more resilient plants. Improved Nutrient Uptake: The organic ingredients in Bio-tone improve the soil’s structure and fertility, making essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium more …
Jack’s Petunia FeED is designed for plants that do not take up iron efficiently in the root zone. The foliage of iron hungry plants like petunia, calibrachoa, bacopa, verbena, vinca and salvia can begin to lighten or turn yellow if not fed adequate levels of iron. Petunia FeED helps keep the foliage of these iron-dependent plants green. This formula is especially effective in hanging baskets and containers that are watered often. Available in 1.5 lb and 4 lb containers at …
Welcome to the hidden world beneath our feet, where tiny heroes don’t wear capes but play a crucial role in the health and vitality of our gardens. Enter the Earthworm – nature’s diligent gardeners that bring a plethora of benefits to your green haven. Let’s dig into the captivating story of how these wriggly wonders transform the soil into a thriving ecosystem. Aeration Maestros: Picture your garden soil as a bustling metropolis, and earthworms as expert urban planners. Their burrowing …
When the seasons change and spring arrives we can’t wait to get out of the house and start planting our gardens again. But we aren’t the only creature that enjoys the better weather; insects start to show themselves again and while the first sight of a butterfly is a joy to see, not all insects are welcome. The list of destructive pests that can plague a gardener’s hard work can be frightening! Aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and white flies are just …
Television host John McGivern travels the Upper Midwest to celebrate the people who live there and the unique attractions, history and businesses of each community in a show called Main Streets. Last year, John made a stop in Kalamazoo. Have you seen this episode about our great city? Wenke president, Lisa Wenke Ambrosio, has the opportunity to talk about the greenhouse industry and how her family started as celery farmers here in Kalamazoo. Check it out!
Pansies are the best kept secret for fall landscapes. Being winter hardy like mums, pansies will survive the frost and the cold winter nights of Michigan. With very little care, pansies will provide beautiful color in fall and again the following spring. Please Note – Pansies will not survive the winter in containers. They must be planted in the ground. It is not recommended to keep them more than one year as they dislike hot weather and get very leggy and untidy …
Houseplants bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our living spaces. However, with the beauty they bring, houseplants can also attract unwanted guests—pests. Common houseplant pests can range from tiny insects to fungi and can wreak havoc on your indoor greenery if left unchecked. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most prevalent pests that affect houseplants and discuss effective methods to get rid of them. Regular inspection and prompt action are essential to maintaining …
A garden journal serves as a valuable tool for documenting your horticultural adventures, learning from successes and challenges, and creating a legacy of your green haven.
