Robby 
Forget-me-nots, also known as Myosotis sylvatica, are spreading wildflowers that grow to be moderately tall. The radially symmetrical blooms are usually powder blue with bright yellow centers, but they can also be white, pink, or other colors. Along the length of their branches, these flowers are grouped in rounded, diverging clusters. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, … Read more
One plant might live for years without flowering, but near the end of its life, it might use all of its energy to make flowers on a big stem and then die. Many flowers that grow in tall vertical stalks can provide thrilling height, drama, and interest to garden beds, borders, and containers. Their spire-like … Read more
Being that it’s spring, plants are on my mind! I like to think I have a green thumb, but ever since we moved into this house, I’ve had a hard time keeping indoor plants alive. My family has always grown plants, so I’m the girl I visited my favorite garden center to chat with the … Read more
New Englanders can be proud of the beautiful fall colors that cover our hills in September and October. Birch, aspen, maple, and oak trees are famous all over the world for their bright yellow, orange, and red leaves. But the vibrancy of the autumn colors should not diminish our appreciation for the tree colors of … Read more
Catmint, or Nepeta, is a pretty, hardy, and easy-to-grow flowering perennial that is known for having smelly leaves that cats like, which is how it got its name. Its leaves smell good and are green or gray-green. From summer to fall, small two-lipped mauve or blue flowers cover its stems. Cats can chew on and … Read more
The plant has been used for a long time to keep the lungs and throats healthy by soothing the airways and keeping the mucous membranes moist. Also used as a dye plant for colors ranging from yellow to grey. Mullein is a common herb found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been used … Read more
With their bold architectural forms and spiky blue-green leaves, agaves make striking landscape plants in warm climates. While agaves require minimal care once established, occasional trimming helps keep them looking their best. Here, I’ll share tips on when and how to trim your agave plants for optimal health and appearance. When to Trim Agaves Time … Read more
You learn all the gardening and flower secrets that most people don’t know when your mother is a florist and a landscape designer. For example, you learn how to grow big Chrysanthemums. It may seem too early to think about fall flowers, but you need to start now, or even a few weeks ago if … Read more
Many herbs come from the Mediterranean and can’t handle cold winters, but you’d be surprised at how many beautiful, fragrant herbs can grow in zone 5 climates. In fact, hyssop, catnip, and other cold-hardy herbs can survive harsh winters as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 4. Read on for a list of hardy … Read more
Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we help homeowners in California keep these pests away for good. In this blog, we share our professional ground squirrel control tips so you can quickly reclaim your yard. Ground squirrels can be incredibly destructive to yards and gardens with their constant digging. The holes and mounds they create are … Read more