Simply Bloom 
Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers grown in home gardens. Their bright, cheerful yellow petals and tall sturdy stems make them stand out in any landscape. However some weeds resemble sunflowers and can sneak into your garden unnoticed. Learning to identify these sunflower look-alikes will help you keep them from taking over your … Read more
For those seeking the perfect evergreen hedge, western red cedar deserves serious consideration. This tall, elegant conifer makes a striking living fence or boundary while providing excellent year-round privacy Here’s an in-depth look at using western red cedar as an exterior hedge Overview of Western Red Cedar With the botanical name Thuja plicata western red … Read more
Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a tasty vegetable that adds crunch and flavor to many Asian-inspired dishes. However, this cabbage relative is prone to attack by several insect pests that can riddle the leaves with unsightly holes. Don’t despair – those holes don’t have to ruin your planned stir-fry or soup. With … Read more
Growing sunflowers and tomatoes together in the same garden bed can seem like an unusual combination at first glance. After all sunflowers can tower up to 12 feet tall while tomatoes typically max out around 5 feet. But experienced gardeners know that pairing these two summer favorites can have some big benefits. Read on to … Read more
Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, are popular flowering plants grown for their ruffled, colorful blooms and clove-like fragrance. However, many gardeners struggle to keep these prized plants safe from voracious deer and rabbits that can demolish a garden. Fortunately, certain varieties of dianthus possess natural resistance to these hungry herbivores. Read on to … Read more
It’s always disappointing when you excitedly plant your bare root roses only to find they don’t seem to be growing or thriving. But don’t worry, with a little troubleshooting you can get your bare root roses back on track. As a passionate rose gardener myself, I’ve dealt with many bare root roses that struggled after … Read more
Knowing your soil’s pH is crucial for growing healthy plants While you can send soil samples to a lab for precise pH testing, using test strips is a convenient and affordable way to check pH levels right in your garden With just a few simple steps, pH test strips provide reasonably accurate results to monitor … Read more
As a tomato gardener knowing when to pull up your plants is an important part of maximizing your harvest. While it may be tempting to leave the plants in the ground as long as possible, timing is everything when it comes to getting the most out of your tomato crop. In this article, we’ll go … Read more
Poison ivy is a common weed that grows throughout much of North America. It’s known for causing an itchy rash in humans when its oil (urushiol) comes into contact with skin. But what about pigs – can they eat poison ivy safely? The short answer is yes, pigs can eat poison ivy without any ill … Read more
Bog gardens are stunning landscapes that allow you to grow unique, carnivorous plants not typically found in traditional flowerbeds With their vibrant colors and unusual forms, carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, Venus flytraps, and sundews make for fascinating container gardens. While bog gardens thrive in their natural marshy habitats, you can successfully recreate the bog … Read more