While taking a walk last December, I noticed a strange looking icy, foam-like material that appeared to be “growing” near the tree line. Upon further investigation, they were some type of ice formations. Although I did not know it at the time, I had stumbled upon was a patch of frost flowers, which are also called ice fringes, ice ribbons, or rabbit ice. They can take on strange, beautiful shapes. 

In many years, horticulture’s glorious October-color fades away in November and December. Splashes of color from chrysanthemums and asters, along with once-blazing hues of deciduous leaves slip away into the monochromatic days of November and December. Jack Frost has wiped out most annual-bedding plants that cheered summer and fall gardens. Now that the warm season is a memory and cold weather knocks at the door, what can gardeners do for color?

Everyone I know loves being surprised. That’s the feeling I get in the spring when the first signs of crocuses appear in my garden beds and across my lawn. I planted the bulbs over 10 years ago and they still bring joy and a feeling of surprise when they pop out of the winter ground. Continue reading →

Often home gardeners are disappointed in their efforts at growing lavender.  We see those images online of lush lavender fields growing in the Mediterranean, then are puzzled that one little plant does not do well. Continue reading →

The Pantone Color Institute named Classic Blue the color of 2020 to convey calmness and tranquility. Blue is a great choice for UK fans, but it will not be calm during games.  There are several perennials and annuals available with blue or hints and tones of blue to enjoy in your garden and to support UK. Continue reading →

One of the toughest places to garden is wet soil.  Soils that hold too much water can be hard to prepare in the spring; there is low oxygen in the soil so slow root growth; increase in humidity which plays into the hands of plant disease.

Causes and solutions: Can you correct the problem? Continue reading →

Winter is knocking on the door across Kentucky. For many gardeners this is a welcome time to sit back and relax. As the brilliant colors of summer gardens and fall foliage fade don’t despair; all is not lost in the winter landscape. With proper planning and planting you can enjoy points of color, texture and contrast in your winter garden. Think of vertical plantings with interesting bark and branch structures as opposed to ground covers. It would be a shame to bury the landscape should we ever get another 23 inch snow fall. If you enjoy watching the birds, don’t forget plants that provide a food source during the winter. Here are several plants to consider as you plan your winter landscape. Continue reading →