Robby 
Good soil prep is the key to successful gardening. Learn how to prepare a flower bed for planting. Some things we all heard a million times as kids were things like “Make your bed.” As gardeners though, this simple phrase has a different meaning. “Make your bed” is all about preparing the soil for planting. … Read more
Lily of the valley is a spring-flowering bulb that grows cute little bell-shaped flowers that smell very sweet. Lily of the valley is very easy to grow and may even become aggressive. However, the plant needs to be divided every so often to keep it from getting sick and crowded. Lily of the valley is … Read more
The catalpa tree produces long slender seed pods that dangle like beans from its branches in midsummer. These distinctive pods inspire its alternate common name the cigar tree. But can you actually eat catalpa pods? Let’s explore the edibility and uses of this unusual tree fruit. What Are Catalpa Pods? The catalpa or catawba tree … Read more
Growing tomatoes in containers is almost always an adventure. It can be incredibly rewarding or flat-out disastrous. Epic failures can happen for reasons you can’t control, like tomato blight or a summer that is too wet or cold. But if you don’t do these common mistakes when growing tomatoes in pots, you will have a … Read more
Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus, is a perennial staple in the herb garden with aromatic, pungent needle-like leaves. Most types stay green all winter and can survive in USDA zones 8 and 9, and some can even make it through the winter in zones 6 and 7. If you live in a colder area, you can keep … Read more
Nurture a perky, healthy Dwarf Umbrella Tree with these key tips to banish droopy leaves for good! With its large, glossy green leaves arrayed into an impressive canopy, the umbrella plant (Schefflera species) makes a striking addition to any indoor plant collection. But those massive leaves will start to droop and sag if the plant … Read more
There are times when you really want to share your food with your pets or even the animals that live nearby. You may want to know what foods are safe for pets to eat because you love them or because you want to make sure that cute little chickadee has enough to eat tonight. Some … Read more
An important reason most people grow houseplants is to bring some of the outdoors inside. But normally people want green plants, not little mushrooms. Mushrooms growing in houseplant soil is a common problem. Aloe plants are popular houseplants known for their healing gel and succulent leaves. However, aloe owners are sometimes surprised to find mushrooms … Read more
This is an interesting palm-like tree that will branch out over time to make several heads. It has big clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers and can be grown in zone 8b with some care. It would look great in a tropical-themed garden. Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is a stunning tropical plant that can add vibrant color … Read more
Daylilies are a popular perennial flower, prized for their bright colors, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates While daylilies are winter hardy in most regions, providing some care in fall can help them survive harsh winters and return vigorously the following spring What are Daylilies? Daylilies, or Hemerocallis, are … Read more