Quick Picks for a Deer Resistant Garden

Many gardeners have problems with Deer and other vegetarian wildlife. There aren’t any plants that are truly Deer proof. Fortunately, there are varieties that are less favorable or what we refer to as resistant. Any plant with an offensive aroma will irritate their sense of smell. They also tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, prickly or bitter. Below are some of the best options to try. Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Dusty Miller, Marigolds, Mints, Sage, Salvia (including perennials), Verbena and …

Deer Resistant Vegetable and Herbs

Many gardeners have problems with Deer and other vegetarian wildlife. There aren’t any plants that are truly Deer proof. Fortunately, there are varieties that are less favorable or what we refer to as resistant. Any plant with an offensive aroma will irritate their sense of smell. They also tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, prickly or bitter. Below are some of the best options to try.     Highly Deer- Resistant Moderately Deer-Resistant Asparagus Beets Carrots Bok Choy Cucumbers …

Creating Beautiful Container Gardens

You don’t need a yard to have a garden.  Container gardening offers a myriad of planting possibilities for the patio, deck, balcony, window box, rooftop…you name it!  Most plants will work well in container gardens so the plant choices are wide open.  Follow the tips below and enjoy. Container – A good rule is that larger is better.  A large container will hold more soil so it won’t dry out as fast.  A heavy container may be necessary to keep …

Container Garden Design Basics

Three ingredients are all it takes to plant one gorgeous pot after another – it’s as easy as one, two, three. One: Thriller The first ingredient is an attention-grabbing plant, also called a thriller. This plant takes center stage in a container, serving as the star of the design production. All other plants relate to this player in some way. Usually the thriller plant features an in-your-face shape with a strong upright growth habit. Thrillers typically unleash flower power by …

Go Green!!! Recipe for Cultivating Compost

Looking for an easy, inexpensive and ecological way to grow the best garden ever? Turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into black gold. Compost is a nutrient-rich soil-like material that helps the environment as it helps plants. When used as mulch compost will improve the soil, deter disease, prevent weeds, conserve water, and fertilize plants. Compost happens when the right ratio of nitrogen and carbon-rich organic waste is mixed with soil, water, and air.  How it gets from garbage to …

Different color orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchids have a magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes and scents. With over 30,000 species of orchids available, it is important to know what kind of orchid you have. We are offering the Phalaenopsis Orchid. These plants are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for. Here are a few basic tips help your Phalaenopsis grow, thrive, and bloom: Temperature is important. Phalaenopsis enjoy a fairly warm climate. The …

Cyclamen

Cyclamen plants make excellent long blooming houseplants with minimal care. The key to keeping cyclamen happy and healthy is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.  They should last a month or more in your home if you follow these tips…. Cyclamen need bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. Aim for day temperatures less than 68°F and night temperatures between 50° and 65°F. A good location is in a bright, north-facing window. Water the edges of the pot …

Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus is a festive, vibrant holiday plant known for its colorful tubular flowers. It is easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year. Christmas cactus are triggered into bloom by a combination of day length and night time temperatures. When you receive or purchase a Christmas cactus, it has already received the proper treatment for holiday blooming this season. When you get your cactus home, keep it in bright, indirect light. Day temperatures of 70° …

Amaryllis

Amaryllis make an unforgettable Christmas gift or an amazing decoration for your home. Following are a few basic steps that will reward you with a fantastic show. Choose a pot approximately 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb and several inches deep. The bulb relies on adequate water and nutrients, so soil mix is important.  We recommend an airy soil mix like our Wenke Blend. This will allow appropriate water drainage. Place your bulb in the soil with the …

Winter Storage of Tender Bulbs

Saving bulbs and tubers of tender plants is a winning idea. You will save money and time if you dig and store the bulbs of tender plants in the fall. Next spring bring them out of storage for replanting in the garden. If you are anxious and want to get started before spring’s last frost date, try starting a few bulbs in pots indoors. Replanting is the surest way to recreate your favorite garden designs. Following a few simple steps, …