It can be confusing for strawberry gardeners to determine whether their plants are dead or just dormant in winter or early spring. The leaves die back and the crowns and roots wither and brown during cold weather dormancy. But is the plant still alive or has it given up the ghost? Knowing the signs of … Read more
Ornamental cherry trees with white blossoms are some of the most beloved and celebrated trees in the world. Their gorgeous flowers have captured the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, and horticulture behind these iconic trees. A Brief History of Ornamental Cherry Trees Ornamental cherry trees … Read more
If you’re having trouble with pollination of your melon, pumpkin, cucumber, or squash plants, don’t give up. Give hand-pollination a try. If you’re having trouble with pollination of your cucurbit plants, don’t give up. Give hand-pollination a try. Cucurbits (the family of plants including squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkins, and cucumber) are notorious for having pollination … Read more
Every morning will feel like the start of something fresh with our New Dawn modern climbing rose. These big, ballet-pink flowers smell great and will look great in a cottage or country garden. They will also add romance and life to a trellis. New Dawn blooms on new and old wood, making for a manageable, … Read more
There aren’t many diseases that affect Swiss chard, but one of them can kill your whole crop for the year. Still, if you know about these diseases and pests, you can treat or stop them and save your harvest. Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse. Its dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, … Read more
If youre looking for an easy summer project, it’s time to give herbs a try. Herbs that you grow in your own backyard can give your food and drinks a spicy, new twist. They can be used to season salads, vegetables, meats, and sauces. They’re also great for attracting “good” insects to your garden and … Read more
As an apple lover and amateur gardener, I’ve always been fascinated by the journey apples take from seed to fruit. The entire growing process is complex, yet elegant in its design. At the center lies a simple 14 letter phrase that encapsulates the essence of apple cultivation – fructification. In this article, we’ll unpack the … Read more
Forsythia shrubs burst into bright golden blooms in early spring, bringing cheer after winter. But what about care and interest after those flowers fade? Here’s an overview of forsythia’s appearance, needs, and maintenance during summer and into fall after spring flowering. Forsythia Foliage in Summer Once the spring floral display finishes, forsythia’s foliage takes center … Read more
With its piney fragrance and flavor, rosemary is a beloved herb for seasoning meats, soups, breads, and more. While rosemary can be easily propagated from cuttings, growing it from seeds is rewarding though challenging. If you want to try planting rosemary from seed, it helps to know what rosemary seeds look like. Here’s an overview … Read more
Have you recently seen some strange things growing out of your succulent and are wondering, “What the heck is growing out of my succulent?!?” Succulents have some pretty strange habits, and the growths they make can be strange and hard to understand. No need to panic though, in most cases these anomalous growths are harmless. … Read more