We could all agree that melons are the ultimate summer fruit and that we can not just get enough of it during the melon season. It is everything that we want and more; it is juicy, fleshy and hard packed with a lot of dietary and health benefits. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin…
Not all apples are orchard type bearing luscious fruits which according to adage will keep the doctor away if we eat them once a day. There are decorative, small apple trees known for their pink to red flowers during spring and we call them crabapples. If you are a bonsai lover or someone who suddenly…
We have been told as kids to evade some weeds in the garden and nip them at an instant when we see them there because they are poisonous. In one of those times, we might have asked the adult who nipped it about the nipped weed and they would tell you its pokeweed. To make…
In one word, ferns are prehistoric. This beautiful deep green, ground cover and now cultivated as indoor plant and ornamentals and has been around for 350 million years. This means that they have been surviving on the earth way before any life form was breathing. While that alone is an interesting fact, we will focus…
Grow beautiful, early-blooming flowers next spring. Remember to plant spring-flowering, hardy bulbs in the fall. Crocus, tulip, daffodil and grape hyacinth bulbs are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. But, don’t wait until then to think about the spring flower garden. Select these hardy bulbs in the fall and plant before…
Many living organisms depend on plants to live. However, these plants don’t want to be eaten if they can help it. They can’t run away so they use chemicals in order to repel attackers. They can ward off rodents, insects, and other pests, to protect themselves from consumption. Ergo, if you have a tick problem,…
Fleas aren’t as much of a problem for us modern humans since we’re practically hairless compared to our hairy ancestors. However, they are problematic for your pets. Strays can spread them as well as rats. You’ll have to bathe your dogs or cats daily to keep them from becoming “fleabags”. Alternatively, grow some plants that…
Flies are annoying. They’re seemingly everywhere that’s stinky, like when you’re cleaning out the litter of your dogs or cats. They’re also around garbage bins filled with used diapers or rotting leftovers. However, it’s better to plant and take care of plants that repel flies around your garden or flower bed. Powerful insecticides do more…
In the U.S.A., swarms of mosquitoes are particularly all over the place at the Metro Atlanta region as claimed by Orkin Pest Control. If you’re anywhere near that region or your county is experiencing an upsurge of these potentially dangerous vampire bugs then you should try out the list of 13 different plants that repel…
The Iris plant takes its name from the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow – Iris. Color patterns are of extreme importance when buying and growing this genus. Iris plants come in a wide variety of color patterns. Each pattern has a distinctive name that lets the grower know what to expect from that plant. There…
Brighten up the kitchen and celebrate spring with a windowsill herb garden. All it takes is a few plants, colorful containers, potting soil and sunlight. Windowsill gardens are an easy way to invite nature indoors. With a few purchased herbs, several pretty containers, potting soil and fertilizer, even apartment dwellers can enjoy a bountiful garden….
Whether you’re a hobby grower or a large commercial grower here is a tried and true system for overwintering container grown perennials and herbs. There are many ways to overwinter perennials. This is one of the systems used successfully by many hobby and commercial growers throughout the country. Cold Frames are never out of style…
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the major ingredients in garden fertilizers. Many elements including nutrients are present in soil and needed for plant growth. What does “N P K” have to do with gardening? Healthy, robust lawns, gardens and houseplants depend on a number of factors including soil characteristics, location in the U.S., nutrients present…
Lilies, castor beans, cycad palms, rhododendrons, azaleas, laurels, yews, crocuses, foxgloves and oleanders are among the most common poisonous plants for cats and dogs. Many of the plants kept in homes and gardens contain substances which can be extremely toxic when ingested by pets. Some of the most poisonous varieties can cause severe illness and…
You can lug large container plants into the greenhouse or garage for the winter, or you can provide each plant with frost protection right where it lives. All serious gardeners have special plants; they spend large amounts of time and money on these beauties and will do almost anything to protect them from damage. When…
Gardeners love to grow plants that will not survive the winter outside. Overwintering tender plants successfully takes a little preparation. Tropicals and tender perennials add beauty and charm to a patio, deck or garden in the summer. To insure that these tender plants survive to beautify the yard another year, it is necessary to bring…
Annual plants grow and flower quickly and these annuals are perfect additions to a nose-pleasing fragrance garden. Which scents will you add to your garden? Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) Zones 9-11. Scented geraniums are actually Pelargoniums and should not be confused with hardy garden Geraniums. They do, however, have a great place in the fragrance garden…
Invasive plants may be alien or native, but all have the ability to become superabundant at the expense of neighboring plants. The effects of invasive plants on neighboring plants vary, but each has the ability to become established and abundant at the expense of native species. These plants grow around, on top of, or below…
Birds disperse the seeds of invasive plants that often crowd or even kill native plants. Yet, these berries are often essential, providing birds with needed nutrients. Hikers walking along the edges of woodlands in late fall and early winter are often amazed by large masses of red berries on shrubs and trees. These berries serve…
Learn some guidelines for using evergreens in the garden to provide winter interest. Look at the types of evergreens available, and variety of uses for your landscape. In the winter, evergreen plants move from the background elements we build the rest of our gardens around, to the primary players that are hugely important. A winter…