As the first frost heralds, it is time to figure out how to overwinter dahlias. The beautiful blooms on dahlias will keep coming out until the temperature drops and the frost comes. At this point, any remaining flowers, buds and foliage will die immediately. You should now start taking steps to protect your dahlias from … Read more
Leave the seed heads on the plant to fully dry. For best results, put a mesh bag or a piece of mesh cloth around each flower head to keep birds from getting to the seeds that are still growing. (I find it nice to also leave a couple sunflowers for the birds. There should be … Read more
After a long winter dormancy homeowners look forward to their lawns greening up again as a sign that spring has arrived. But exactly when does grass start growing again each year? The timing of renewed grass growth depends on several factors. Temperature, location and grass species all play a role in determining when those green … Read more
Plastic that looks like plastic adds its own surreal touch to any scene. I use sheets of food wrap to cover plugsheets trays until the seedlings push up above the surface. The plastic holds in heat and keeps the seedling mix moist, both of which the seeds definitely like. As soon as the seedlings emerge, … Read more
I’m not sure what kind of cannas my neighbor has, but they have a lot of them. The leaves and stalks are purple, and the flowers are bright orange. Anyway, some have volunteered over the years onto my side of the fence. Id like to move them to a better location in my garden. The … Read more
Amaryllis is as popular a holiday gift plant as poinsettia and Christmas cactus. Once the attractive blooms fade, though, we’re left wondering what to do next. Even though a lot of people choose to keep the plant indoors, you might be happy to learn that you can also plant amaryllis outside in the garden in … Read more
Tulips are a classic spring flower loved for their vivid colors and elegant blooms. While often grown in garden beds, you can also plant tulip bulbs in containers for a stunning portable display. However, overwintering potted tulips properly is key to getting them to reflower year after year Follow this complete guide to best practices … Read more
The amaryllis is a popular bulb plant that produces large, showy flowers on tall stems during winter and spring. While each bulb only blooms once per season, proper post-bloom care ensures healthy growth so your amaryllis will flower again and again for years to come. A key part of this care is learning when and … Read more
Learning how to plant gladioli is an easy way to transform backyard borders into a dazzling summer display. Trumpet Lilies, which are also called Sword Lilies, have tall spires of trumpet-shaped flowers that come in almost every color, from pure white and lime green to red. There are also plenty of appealing ruffled, double and … Read more
It’s heaven when you can find fresh chives to decorate meats and cheeses, season breads and soups, or just add to a salad for a fresh, slightly oniony taste. Chives are an essential part of any culinary garden and dry wonderfully for winter use. If you are planning a kitchen garden and wondering what to … Read more