Simply Bloom 
With their profusion of fragrant spring blooms and brilliant fall fruits, crab apple trees are prized ornamental additions to landscapes across North America. However, these beautiful trees can encounter problems. From diseases to pests to environmental stresses, various issues can threaten the health and appearance of crab apples. Understanding the most frequent crab apple tree … Read more
The croton gold dust plant, also known as Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’, is a popular houseplant grown for its vibrant, colorful foliage. Its leaves are splashed and speckled with shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and green. With high light levels, these colors become even more pronounced. While beautiful, the croton does require some specific … Read more
Candytuft (Iberis) is a popular flowering plant, loved for its cute white blooms that appear in early spring However, sometimes candytuft plants can start to struggle and die back If you’ve noticed your candytuft declining, don’t panic! There are several common reasons why candytuft dies, and in most cases the problems can be remedied. Overwatering … Read more
Putting up a bird feeder is a great way to help local birds and bring some wildlife watching opportunities right to your yard. However, bird feeders can also attract unwanted pests like rats. Rats love easy access to free food, so a feeder full of seed is an open invitation. Once rats take up residence … Read more
The Never Never plant, also known as Ctenanthe setosa, is a popular houseplant prized for its colorful foliage. Its leaves display a stunning fishbone pattern in shades of green, silver, and cream. However, this tropical plant can be a bit finicky and its leaves will show signs of distress if its needs aren’t met. One … Read more
The Black is Black bearded iris stands out as one of the darkest, ripest black tall bearded irises on the market Introduced by Schreiner’s Iris Gardens in 2010, this iris has quickly become a classic thanks to its velvety midnight-black petals and lively ebony beards For those looking to add a touch of gothic drama … Read more
Unwanted cats entering your yard or garden can be a frustrating nuisance While harmless, cats can dig up garden beds, leave excrement, spread fleas, and harass wildlife. Thankfully, there are effective methods to deter cats using sounds that they dislike or find frightening Certain sounds take advantage of cats’ sensitive hearing and instinctual fear responses. … Read more
Tomato plants are a staple in home vegetable gardens With their distinctive leaves, stems, flowers and of course, bright red fruits, tomato plants are easy to identify. Or are they? There are actually several other plants that can be mistaken for tomato plants, some of which are toxic As a gardener, it’s important to properly … Read more
Comfrey leaves are a versatile herb with many uses, but before you can take advantage of their benefits, you first need to dry them properly for long-term storage. Drying concentrates the medicinal compounds in comfrey leaves while preserving the leaves for future use in teas, tinctures, salves and more. Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) is a nutrient-dense … Read more
For gardeners who love cooking with fresh herbs, homegrown sage is a must-have plant. Its aromatic, grayish-green leaves add wonderful flavor to dishes like stuffing, pork, chicken, and more. While you can certainly buy mature sage plants from a nursery, starting your own from seed is rewarding and cost-effective. However, sage seeds are known for … Read more