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Fall can be just as exciting as any other time in the growing season. As the days get cooler and the nights get longer, many plants are energized and triggered into their glory. The contrast of autumn perennials among falling leaves can be magnificent. When a fall perennial looks its best will depend on the variety, its location and the type of weather we are experiencing. Some will begin in mid to late August. Others will wait almost until frost. A …
Fall rose case is easy. If you want great roses next year, here are four simple steps to make that happen. #1 – It is very important to keep watering until the first hard freeze. During the winter, the cold winds will pull moisture from the canes, so it is important to have as much water as possible to prevent a lot of die back. It will also make the plant stronger so it has a better chance to survive …
Succulents are booming in popularity for two simple reasons: they are beautiful and nearly indestructible. A succulent, by definition, is any plant with thick, fleshy water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems and sometimes even their roots. Succulents are available in an incredible variety of interesting leaf forms and plant shapes, including paddle leaves, tight rosettes, and bushy or trailing columns of teardrop leaves. Succulents look amazing when planted in dish gardens and we’ve got a …
Old-man winter comes knocking before you know it, so if you live in a climate with frost and cold like we do, these plants will keep your beds and containers lovely as long as possible. To extend the beauty of your garden into autumn and put some color back into your landscape, consider planting some cold-tolerant annuals. Many of these can take temperatures to 20° F. As our seasons change, so can your garden by highlighting these beautiful tough plants …
The first crocus or tulip poking through the ground, sometimes before the snow has fully melted, symbolizes spring for most of us. Before most other flowers have revived, spring bulbs can provide you with vibrant, cheery color just when you need it most and best of all bulbs can bloom year after year. A little effort now will reward you with a colorful display just when you need it most. Daffodils are a wonderful plant because they are resistant to deer. …
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 …
Caring for Your Flower Gardens as the winter season approaches. Fall is a winding down time in the garden, but it’s also a window where you can get a head start on next year’s gardening season. Get ahead of the curve now, so when spring fever hits, your to-do list will be a little shorter and your garden will be a little more orderly, healthy, and productive. Before the first hard frost, remove all annuals from your gardens. They can …
Cyclamen plants make excellent winter blooming houseplants with minimal care. Cyclamen are typically available in a wide range of beautiful colors; pinks, reds and white. These beautiful colors are perfect for providing that jolt of color and life needed for the upcoming winter months and the silver marbling on the top sides of the leaves makes the foliage beautiful as well. The key to keeping cyclamen happy and healthy is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible following these steps: …
Though most of us think of the hazards related to accumulated snow fall, as gardeners we need to look at snow a little differently and somewhat positively. Snow cover, similar to the 24-40 plus inches we had in 2007 provided benefits to our soil, plants and shrubs. Primarily, snow cover acts as an excellent insulator of the soil. Snow cover helps keep the soil from freezing deeper and deeper thus preventing root damage. Second, with enough snow to cover small …
Why “knot” jazz up your next meal with some piping hot garlic rosemary knots? A great way to use your fresh rosemary! 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper All-purpose flour, for dusting Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Line two large baking sheets with parchment, and set aside. Working on …
