Timely tips and ideas all year to inspire you and help you succeed with your garden.
Did you know that plants make you happier? Improve your health? Help you save money? They do all that and more! Of course, gardening outdoors is only possible during the warmer months so the solution in winter is gardening indoors with houseplants. Gardening has been shown to be a form of therapy. Something that helps fight depression, provides exercise and reduces stress. More than one study has shown the people who grow their own food are likely to make better …
This plant is tough—making it perfect for the forgetful plant owner. This hardy plant is able to survive for months without water and will grow well in any light except direct sun.How to care for a ZZ Plant LIGHT REQUIREMENTS ZZ plants do best in moderate to bright indirect light, but will do fine in extremely low light areas. If the light is too intense for your ZZ, you may see some scaling (brown spots) on the leaves. Curling leaves …
Hardy perennial hibiscus are showstoppers in your late-summer garden. Huge plate-size flowers in shades of pink, red or white burst forth from stout plants in late July/early August. Although the individual flowers only last a day, the succession of flowers can last for up to eight weeks. These amazing blooms have prompted many strangers to knock on my door to inquire about the bush with flowers the size of dinner plates. These Hibiscus flowers are amazing conversation pieces and many …
We are often asked “What can I plant now while it is still cool and our spring weather is somewhat unpredictable?” Listed below are a few options that have proven to do well in Michigan with our fluctuating spring temperatures. These plants are tolerant of dips in evening temperatures and perform well in cooler weather. ANNUALS Ranunculus – An annual in our growing zone, are brilliantly colored flowers with multiple layers of crepe-paper like petals. The leaves of the plants …
Enjoy the fragrance of lilacs for months instead of weeks. While traditional lilac varieties bloom for a few short weeks in spring, Bloomerang’s fragrant flowers continue until frost. This vigorous grower will add beauty and fragrance to gardens from spring to fall. When planted in mass they make a great choice for hedges as well. Just like all lilacs, the Bloomerang® will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden, but the Deer won’t care for the taste! And while it …
Peonies are an old fashioned favorite perennial! They are loved for their heavily-scented beautiful, extra large blooms and survive quite well in our Michigan gardens. Peonies come in four flower forms – Single, Semi-double, Double and Japanese (Anemone). The flowers will become fuller as the plant matures. Peonies make an excellent cut flower. After flowering, the plant can provide size and texture to the perennial garden and are a deer resistant. Peonies perform best when planted in well draining, loamy soil with …
Air plants don’t require soil, need only moderate light, and a good soak every once in a while. They are beautiful in terrariums and make a very affordable gift for any occasion and we have a wonderful selection available right now. Their unique appearance and growth habit make them great conversation starters. They can bring a bit of character and/or whimsy to any room. They are so easy to grow that they are the perfect starter plants for kids and …
If you’ve ever seen a clematis in full bloom, you know this perennial can be a real showstopper! Clematis are sturdy flowering vines that produce gorgeous star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors with various size flowers. Many gardeners like to plant them around the mailbox or on an arbor or trellis. I have even seen them used as a ground cover. However you choose to use yours, clematis is one plant that every gardener should make room to grow. …
Winter is a crucial time for the birds that remain in our area. They spend their time facing the elements of bitter cold and snowstorms. There are no insects to eat and the natural seeds are covered with snow; the berries and crab apples are gone. Birds need enough food to maintain their body temperatures and must search for food from sun up to dusk. Fortunately, for the birds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 41 million Americans …
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 …
