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Flowers have long been used as a quiet language, expressing emotions and intentions when words fall short. Across cultures and centuries, people have given meaning to blooms based on their color, form, and even how they grow. A single stem can say “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “I’m thinking of you,” making flowers one of the most enduring symbols of human connection. Some meanings are nearly universal. Roses are the classic symbol of love—red for deep romance, pink for …
A great go-to summer lemonade recipe — the basil adds a delicious twist. The recipe is perfect for a party as you can make non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions. Basil Lemonade 2 cups basil lemon syrup 2 cups cold water 2 cups ice cubes 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice Garnish: fresh basil sprigs; lemon zest strips Preparation Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher, then pour into tall glasses half filled with ice. Basil Lemon Syrup 4 cups packed …
Basil is one of the most popular herbs. It’s easy to grow and tastes great in many different recipes. Several different varieties of fresh basil available now – just in time to get you through the winter! Sweet Basil – the staple of Italian cuisine that tangos with tomatoes and perks up pesto – is the most common type of this regal herb, highly prized for thousands of years for its aroma and flavor. In fact, the word basil is …
Extending the Flavors of Herbs from Your Garden It is hard to beat the savory tastes and bold scents of fresh herbs. Michigan winters make it difficult to have fresh herbs. However, preserving them is a great way to enjoy your favorite herbs until next spring. We have a good selection of the most popular herbs now available at the store. The majority of herbs should be harvested in early morning when the oil responsible for their flavor and aroma …
Poinsettias are beautiful and easy to care for. Here are a few important things to remember to help keep your poinsettia looking cheerful until long after the holidays are done. Poinsettias can get cold damage very quickly. Keep them covered when transporting them to your home. If you see black edges on the bract, it is likely caused by cold damage during transporting home. To protect the plants, it is best to use a paper sleeve that fully covers the plant. …
It’s not something that you want to think about, but winter will be here a lot sooner than we would like and now is the time to start thinking about getting your roses ready for winter. Do not prune your roses now. That should be done in the spring. Do not fertilize past the first week of September. You want the plant to put most of its energy into the roots, not producing flowers. You need to protect the graft, …
Have you ever wondered what happens to the plastic containers that you return to Wenke Greenhouses in our recycle box in the corner of the parking lot? I’m happy to tell you about the recycling program that has really had a positive impact. East Jordan is a supplier for us and they have a facility in South Haven that takes all that plastic and makes it new again. East Jordan plans to recycle 12 million pounds this year. That’s a …
Indoor plants bring welcome warm touches of life to enclosed, stuffy rooms and soothe us with their visual impact. If you’d like to add a touch of “green” to your home, here are some beautiful plants that will fit right in with the rest of your Christmas decorations and brighten the holidays. Whether purchased for yourself or as gifts for teachers, special friends, or someone who can’t get out much anymore, the colorful blooms sing silent songs of joy. Use …
The great news is they’re beautiful, they’re safe and they shout Christmas so feel free to enjoy them in your home without worry! No plant is more closely associated with Christmas than the poinsettia. It is celebrated for its beauty but also feared for its toxicity. For years, poinsettias have had the bad reputation of being poisonous. However, poinsettias have undergone extensive testing and there is no evidence that they are toxic or unsafe to have in the house. The …
Caring for Your Grasses and Shrubs as the winter season approaches. How to protect your grasses and shrubs from the damaging wind and cold temperatures of winter: Grasses: Many gardeners do nothing in the fall to their grasses. Leaving grasses standing for the winter provides visual interest and some color to the winter landscape. Whether good or bad, grasses left standing also provide some shelter and protection for birds and other animals from the winter weather. Grasses are more tender …
