String of pearls is an unusual succulent with nearly spherical leaves from South Africa. The plant was recently moved from the large genus Senecio (which includes succulents and common weeds like common groundsel) to the new genus Curio. It was named after the British botanist Gordon Rowley. However, it is still likely to be known … Read more
After a long, cold winter we can’t wait to get out into the garden. Often though there is not much to do or look for in early spring. That is, unless you are growing winter carrots in cold climate. Harvesting carrots is the first task at our Northern Homestead garden as soon as the snow … Read more
As winter fades and the first hints of spring start to emerge, one of the most welcome sights is the vibrant yellow blooms of forsythia bushes. Known for being one of the earliest flowering shrubs forsythias provide a pop of color and signal that warmer weather is on the way. If you’re looking to add … Read more
Lighted grapevine balls 30 inch. Comes with the 150 count, 3 sets of 50ct Brown cord LED, mini Christmas lights. Lighted Grapevine Balls 30 inch quantity. The 30-inch lighted grapevine balls come with three sets of fifty lights each. The lights are commercial-duty LED mini Christmas lights on brown wire and connect to 43 sets. … Read more
You sow beet seed in the garden, and they come up too thick. So next year you plant less seed, and what happens? They grow too thick and need thinning again. Why is it that beet seed can’t be sown so that it does not need to be thinned?. I looked closely at beet seed, … Read more
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live somewhere cold or want plants to grow faster, space them out at the shorter end of the range. If you live somewhere warm, don’t have a lot of money, or … Read more
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic symbols of summer. Their bright yellow petals and tall, sturdy stems evoke feelings of joy and warmth As summer turns to fall, it can be sad to watch these beauties wither away But what if you could keep them forever? With the right techniques, you can preserve sunflowers … Read more
“My Japanese maple looks really sick and not as full as usual. Leaves fell a lot, and they are all spotted. Do you think this is because it has rained so much in the past few weeks or months? What should I do? asked Linda from North Carolina. As a Japanese maple leaf connoisseur, one … Read more
St. John’s Bush and St John’s Wort – two herbs with remarkably similar names yet very different purposes and uses Their names cause a lot of confusion, so let’s break down exactly what sets these two plants apart. First, St. John’s Bush (scientifically known as Justicia pectoralis) is a flowering herb that grows in parts … Read more
We might be weird, but were absolutely smitten with the easy-to-grow ornamental grass known as “bunny tails. ” Wait, no. Were not weird. At least, not for that reason. This small annual plant has tiny, fluffy seed heads that make it look beautiful. Anyone who doesn’t like it probably kicks puppies and would knock an … Read more