In temperate climates, where winters are cold and summers are warm, lilacs rule the landscape in spring. In both rural and urban areas, large, sweet-smelling panicles pop out of what look like normal shrubs and trees to pack a strong pastel punch. But only for a couple of weeks. Lilac season is short and fleeting, … Read more
Do you have a lot of hard, unripe pears? Each year our pear tree overproduces. Besides that, it wasn’t properly pruned for years, leaving us with smaller immature fruit. Over the years, I’ve learned what to do with unripe pears so they don’t go to waste. Two recipes in one: These stewed pears are perfectly … Read more
Starting with brown spots, Liriope may develop brown, withered foliage during winter in some areas. Also the fungal disease anthracnose may leave the plant tattered. Whether cold or disease is the problem, a well-timed trim is the solution. Tip If you looking to contain these plants, I have some bad news. Pruning will not control … Read more
When you feel the first frost, you should think about getting your raised bed garden ready for winter. A little garden care in late fall or early winter can keep the soil healthy and get you ready to plant in the spring when the weather gets warmer. Keep reading for a to-do list for what … Read more
Propagating grape vines is an excellent way for home gardeners and hobbyists to get started growing their own grapes. Whether you want to grow table grapes for snacking wine grapes for homemade wine, or just want ornamental vines to decorate your yard propagating from cuttings can help you get vines adapted to your specific climate … Read more
This advice from a professional on how to prune a cherry tree will help you keep your pretty and useful tree looking bright and healthy. You should know how to prune a cherry tree to keep it healthy and in good shape. But cherry trees are beautiful in any garden. Cherries are both beautiful and … Read more
If you grow basil, you’ll notice pretty white or purple flower buds emerging on the plants in summer. Many gardeners promptly pinch these off to encourage more leaf growth. But don’t toss those fragrant basil flowers! Both the buds and fully opened blooms can be used in a variety of ways. Read on for 12 … Read more
These plants like to be wet and do well in shade. If you plant them in the right place, they will be very low-maintenance in your garden. In the same way that ferns grow in similar conditions, many woodland plants look great with them, says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. These plants usually bloom in the … Read more
Well, the saying goes, “as easy as shelling peas.” But is it really that easy to grow snow peas? If you follow my 5 top tips, you should be able to do it! Snow peas are usually grown to eat whole, and they’re remarkably similar to sugar snap peas. In fact, sugar snap peas are … Read more
As a cherry lover I eagerly await those first sun-ripened cherries of the season. But knowing exactly when to start picking cherries from your tree requires paying attention to some key signs. Ripe cherries don’t stay on the tree for long so you need to monitor them closely and harvest at just the right time. … Read more