Bearded irises are some of the most stunning flowers you can grow in your garden. Known for their wide range of colors and unique “beards”, these hardy perennials are easy to grow and make a spectacular statement in any sunny flower bed or border I’ve been growing bearded iris for years and want to share … Read more
Mulch and bark are both organic materials used frequently in landscaping, but they serve different purposes Knowing when to use mulch versus bark can optimize your garden’s health and appearance In this article, we’ll explore the distinct characteristics of mulch and bark, their benefits, appropriate uses, and how to choose between them. Defining Mulch Mulch … Read more
A newly-planted tree takes a few years to anchor itself firmly in the soil. For now, a tree stake gives the young tree support, stops wind rock and root movement, and makes sure it grows well. Fruit trees need a bit of assistance in their early years to grow strong, withstand weather, and support fruit … Read more
Like most pet owners, I am head over heels in love with my dogs. As a dog owner, it is very important to have safe spaces for my dogs to explore. It’s great to have a pet-friendly garden where I can let them run around in the morning, and I can drink my coffee without … Read more
Finding unsightly brown spots on the leaves of your prized philodendron plant can be worrying. But don’t panic – these spots are usually symptomatic of underlying issues that can be corrected with a few tweaks to care and maintenance. Read on to learn the common causes of brown spots on philodendron leaves, along with tips … Read more
Some of the most powerful and emotionally resonant stories for young readers tackle challenging historical events through the eyes of a child. Amy Lee-Tai’s award-winning children’s book “A Place Where Sunflowers Grow” exemplifies this approach by providing a window into the Japanese American experience of incarceration during World War II. Although difficult subject matter, the … Read more
We provide a planting scheduling tool for maximizing yield! Find your zone by your city or zipcode! Companion planting for chamomile is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. Planting some plants next to each other has been shown to help each other, which increases the produce quality and quantity. Companion planting is not set in … Read more
Thin out and replanting strawberry plants shouldn’t happen until late spring, but I haven’t done it yet. Is that just because I’m lazy? Regardless, I walked outside in March, and realized my strawberry patch was out of control. Runners were everywhere, and I could barely see the ground between the plants. I had contemplated thinning … Read more
Good question. Some plants will grow bigger in the ground than in pots if the soil is really good, unless the potting soil is really great. If the potting soil is less than perfect, the plants in pots will be slower growing. (My Potting Soil Recipe). I’ve said for years that plants in beds will … Read more
Gerbera daisies are native to South Africa and part of the Aster family. Today, you can find hybrids at nurseries and in seed catalogs. These types were bred to have brightly colored flowers. Gerbera daisies are divided into four classes: single flower, semi-double flower, double flower, and spider flower. In warm climates, Gerbera daisies are … Read more