Pruning Shrubs – The Long and Short of It
Pruning is a very broad and sometimes confusing topic to the home gardener. Before you get crazy with your (hopefully sharpened) pruners and shears, here are some basic guidelines. Tip #1: Why prune? Pruning will promote a long-lived, healthy shrub by opening up the shrub to light and air and keeping the plant shapely and [...]
The Effect of a Mild Winter
For the most part, this winter has been uncharacteristically mild with inadequate precipitation in our area. Jake Crouch, a climate scientist at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, NC states, “The Northeast region had their fifth warmest December on record, and January has been warmer than average.” This pattern has seemed to continue into [...]
Rain Garden Tips
Designed to collect runoff from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces, rain gardens are 3-12 inch deep, saucer-shaped depressions filled with loose soil, rocks and native plants. Approximately 70 percent of pollution is caused by storm water runoff. Rain gardens help to reduce storm water pollution by capturing the runoff before it enters the drains. [...]
Shade Anyone?
Getting out of the sun is often essential at this time of year unless you’re enjoying a swim, or sunbathing. Why not create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for that respite from the heat? If you don’t already have a spot in your yard such as this, here’s what to do: Plant trees! The south [...]
In or Out?
It’s safe to say, during these winter weeks we all spend most of our time cooped up inside-whether at home, work, or foraging for necessities (shopping). This season does offer some different opportunities for venturing outside. If there isn’t a nearby park or trail within walking distance, here are some worth going the extra mile [...]
Oregon: A 7-Day Extravaganza
Tim and I just returned from a fabulous trip to Oregon for the annual Perennial Plant Association symposium. Self described as” plant nerds” or (plantaholics) we couldn’t resist a 7-day extravaganza visiting Oregon’s leading nurseries, garden centers, and tours of private and public gardens. We rubbed elbows with leaders in our industry: landscape designers, horticulturalist, [...]
Tree Tip
Last winter’s damage may recently have become more noticeable with the leaves fully flushed on larger trees. Limbs and branches that have been “hanging in there”, but haven’t survived past this latest dry spell, or that have recently been infested by hungry insects, could potentially be hazardous to you and your property. Consult a tree [...]
Just Add Water
Heat stress can be reduced psychologically with a trickling fountain, or cascading waterfall. Even just the sound of water adds a calm coolness to your surroundings. If you would enjoy a water feature in your outdoor space, but don’t have the budget for costly labor and materials, consider a self-contained fountain or pond-less waterfall, which [...]
Just A Thought (or two)…
When one’s car is in need of a good washing, most of us forget how damaging soaps and other chemicals can be to the environment and even to our vehicles. Detergents and spray-on waxes create surface build-up on your vehicle and allow for the sun to literally bake the surface. Detergents also cause rubber parts [...]
Hot Enough?
In the heat of the summer months, attention to irrigation is imperative to the health of your plants. To compensate for the lack of rain, irrigation systems require adjusting. Conserve water by following these simple steps: Run your irrigation system at longer intervals for a fewer number of days Water in the early hours of [...]
