There have been several samples of arborvitae brought in over the past few weeks. In each case, there were brown spots showing up on the shrub. I inspected the samples but could not find any evidence of disease or insect problems. This led me to think it must be something in the environment. What could have happened in the environment to cause brown spots to show up on evergreens? If you think back over the last year or two, a lot of stress has occurred in our landscapes. Continue reading
Mowing Height Matters
Nothing signals springtime quite like the smell of fresh cut grass wafting through the neighborhood. With warmer weather on the way, your annual lawn duties begin. Of those tasks, mowing at the right height can have a big impact on the overall health of your turf and future weed problems. Continue reading
Victory Gardens
Even with the current events going on, we are lucky as Americans to have a stable food supply system. Many of us garden as a hobby and are able to supplement some of our normal groceries with things we have produced in our own gardens. In the early 1900’s many families solely depended upon the gardens they grew in their own backyards. During the First and Second World Wars these backyard gardens played a much bigger role in the battle against food insecurity. Continue reading
Butterfly Gardens
This summer, many families plan to travel for vacation. Maybe a trip to the beach or out west to the mountains. Some of these trips require a day or two of driving long distances. One species of butterfly could be considered the ultimate trip planner. Continue reading
Try Blue Flower Color to Convey Calmness
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
Unique Forsythia Varieties
Surely one of the most widely recognized harbingers of spring is the bright yellow blooms of forsythia. These extremely durable shrubs have graced gardens for centuries. While beautiful in bloom, these plants grow quite large and may be more plant than your landscape can handle. Fortunately, there are several lesser known types of forsythia that have a more manageable size. These varieties may require a little more effort to locate but are worth the search. Continue reading
New Fruit and Vegetable Varieties for the New Decade
It’s OK to have a few good standbys when it comes to the varieties of vegetables and fruits that you grow. But every once in a while, a new variety comes out that you just have to try. Here are a few new (and newish) varieties. Continue reading
Making a Difference, One Peel at a Time
Yes, there is a reason why we should all be composting. According to the EPA, 30-40% of all available food in the US is wasted. Over one fifth of discarded material in landfills is believed to be food. Sadly, the third largest human related methane emission is from landfills. Continue reading
Wheel Bugs
When one studies insects he or she will quickly discover there are several beneficial insects. Yes, we all have heard of the praying mantis, but does the name wheel bug ring a bell? Continue reading
Carpinus Grabus – Seize the Hornbeam!
American hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana, is an often overlooked tree that would greatly enhance anyone’s home garden. Its relatively small stature (20-30 feet tall) means it can fit into most small landscapes with no problem. It is hardy to Zones 3 to 9. Continue reading
