Top dressing, which is also sometimes called compost top dressing, is a common way to make your lawn healthier. Golf course turf pros say that adding top dressing to your lawn care routine is the best way to make it look lush. Adding a thin layer of nutrient-rich compost to your lawn or areas of … Read more
Green caterpillars are one of the most noticeable (and often unwanted) garden guests. They like to eat the leaves of many ornamental and edible trees, shrubs, and plants. Most caterpillars are safe for people to touch, but some may itch if they are, or even spit acid to defend themselves. That’s why you should identify … Read more
Gardeners take delight in the rainbow of colors that iris flowers bring to the landscape in late spring and early summer As the weeks go by, the showy blooms fade away But your work with irises doesn’t end when those lovely flowers disappear. Pay attention to what happens after bloom time – seed pods will … Read more
Tulips: the very name conjures up s of vibrant colors, graceful shapes, and the heralding of spring. These iconic flowers have captured the hearts and imaginations of gardeners and artists alike. But tulips are also interesting because they make people wonder: How long do they bloom? What affects their blooming period? Can you make them … Read more
It’s a fact: staghorn ferns are stunning. When put on a board, wrapped in old burlap, and hung on the wall, these plants are real works of art. There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now, though, because the species Platycerium bifurcatum is native to Australia and … Read more
Mealybugs are a group name for hundreds of different kinds of bugs. About 300 of them live in North America. The mealybugs hurt plants by sucking up the juice from new growth, so luckily it is possible to learn how to get rid of them and stop or lessen an infestation. Mealybugs are small, oval … Read more
As a cat owner and avid gardener, you want to fill your outdoor space with beautiful plants, without putting your curious kitties in harm’s way. So you probably wonder – is heather toxic to cats? Can Fluffy safely nibble on those delicate purple blooms? This popular perennial isn’t on most toxic plant lists, but it … Read more
Iris offer stunning blooms in a rainbow of colors. With ruffled delicate petals and sword-like foliage, they are a treasured addition to any garden. Proper fertilization is key to getting the most out of your irises. Knowing when to feed these beauties will promote vigorous plants and maximize those glorious blossoms. Why Fertilizing Matters While … Read more
Spring is in the air, and it’s time to start planning your garden! One question that often comes up is whether you can plant spring bulbs in the spring. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. While fall is generally considered the optimal planting time for many spring bulbs, with some planning and care, … Read more
You have seen your olive tree do well in the warmer weather (if the UK weather keeps its summer promise, that is!). But now that fall and winter are here, you are probably worried about how your tree will do in the colder weather. Even though olive trees are very hardy plants, if they are … Read more