Robby 
“Good soil is the base of beautiful, productive, and healthy gardens and containers” is something you hear and read all the time. It is something I include in most presentations and when answering gardening questions. Having healthy soil is important for gardening, but what should you buy or add to your soil to make it … Read more
Many people think of bright and sunny landscapes filled with vibrant blooms when gardening. However, not all gardens receive abundant sunshine. In fact, some garden spaces are shaded by trees, buildings, or fences for most of the day. For these shady parts of your yard, you should know what plants and flowers do well in … Read more
Honeysuckle is a beloved garden plant known for its wonderfully fragrant flowers and ability to quickly cover fences, trellises and arbors with greenery. But did you know that honeysuckle seeds are just as useful as the plant itself? When collected and grown properly, honeysuckle seeds can produce scores of new vines to expand your garden. … Read more
The “Rose of Sharon” is a term that has captivated theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. Its mysterious appearance in the Song of Solomon has led to many different interpretations and a deep study of what it means. The “Rose of Sharon” has many meanings based on its biblical roots, symbolic interpretations, and the place … Read more
With its cascading purple blooms in spring, wisteria is one of the most romantic vines you can grow. Wisteria can be trained to climb on an arbor trellis or any sturdy support, adding tons of visual interest to gardens patios and other outdoor spaces. But where can you find and purchase a wisteria for your … Read more
I’m going to talk about my favorite houseplants for rooms that face north today. This is a direction that most plant lovers think is hard to grow plants in. After my last post a few weeks ago about houseplants and how to light a room, I want to talk about the different light exposures: north, … Read more
A neatly trimmed privet hedge is the quintessential way to create a living fence for privacy in your yard. This classic shrub has remained a go-to hedge plant for good reason – it’s fast growing, dense, and highly shapable. If you’ve decided that a privet privacy hedge is right for your landscape, your next step … Read more
Spring has arrived and all of my trees have new growth, except the little blue spruce. Last year it started with new growth but stopped. This year there is none. It isnt a rich green color, but it isnt dead, either. Does anyone know if there is any hope for this little tree?. When you … Read more
You may also hear this tree called a yellow tulip tree. It is a hybrid species that was created by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) in 1981. This flowering tree is the result of a backcross of M. acuminata var. subcordata and another hybrid developed by BBG, Magnolia × brooklynensis ‘Evamaria. ’ Genetics aside, what … Read more
The beautiful peace lily is a popular tropical houseplant that gives off an air of peace and beauty. It has wispy white flowers that grow against bright, shiny green leaves. But sometimes, the leaves can turn yellow or brown, or they may also start to curl or droop. These peace lily leaf issues can occur … Read more