It is both rewarding and entertaining to watch birds at your feeders and the kids will love it, too! Besides providing food for the birds, some shelter and protection is another great way to help get them through the long, cold winter months. Instead of throwing your Christmas tree in the compost bin, stake or tie… Read More
You may have already heard about the origins of the poinsettia and how it was discovered in Mexico, but just in case you didn’t, here’s a little history lesson for you. In 1825, Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, noticed the plant growing in the southern regions of Mexico…. Read More
Now that your outdoor “clean-up” is done, or nearly so, you can start thinking about indoor color for winter. Flowering bulbs are so rewarding, colorful, and easy to grow indoors. Paperwhite narcissus have long been a favorite and no wonder! The fragrant, white flowers brighten any room and are easy to grow inside. Amaryllis bulbs are another… Read More
Is this the year you are going to start fall clean up in the garden instead of waiting until spring? It may not sound so great now, but it will truly give you a head start in the spring. Mostly, it is cleaning up all the vegetation, blooms and the vegetable garden you have enjoyed… Read More
Houseplants can be a focal point of a room or simply bring a little of the outdoors indoors. Heloise says, “They make your home inviting while adding color with something green, which is calming.” This is the time of year to plan your selection. It could be a colorful bromeliad, elegant orchid, stately palm, peace lily,… Read More
We don’t like to admit it but in another month we will need to plan for fall and winter. If you have your favorite herbs growing outside now, think about planting a container that you can bring indoors to use and enjoy all winter. They will need bright light in a south or west window when… Read More
Create a little romance! Don’t misunderstand me, I mean in your yard, garden, patio or deck. Garden sculptures, statuary and birdbaths are great conversation pieces and add interest amongst the flowers and shrubs. I so enjoyed watching the robins in my birdbath this morning! Another way to add some fun and romance is by adding… Read More
Hummingbirds – they are so amazing and a wonder to watch. Their wings beat up to 50 times a second and they take 150 breaths a minute. Don’t try to match that! Their eggs are about the size of a jellybean and they use moss to make their nests. You may notice they can fly… Read More
Here is a new idea that maybe you hadn’t thought about. Pair alyssum with lettuce! Why? New research by USDA Agricultural Research Service has discovered that alyssum helps to control pest problems when planted near lettuce. It’s particularly effective to control aphids. Alyssum attracts a beneficial insect, the hoverfly. They lay eggs nearby, once hatched they… Read More
Think Spring!!! And add lots of spring colors! A few prayers for warmer weather would help too. And keep a positive attitude with a little imagination and motivation to create another well designed yard and garden. Of course there may be a few “back-steps” if a plant choice didn’t pan out as well as designed… Read More
You have probably heard that the bees have been disappearing. About one third of the honey bee population has been missing. This is critical to the pollination of our edible crops. Unless you are allergic to bee stings, bee keeping is becoming a popular hobby that benefits all. It doesn’t cost much, except for the… Read More
Plants and green spaces offer more than just a pretty picture. Plants provide physical and mental benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower anxiety, more pleasure, and of course lower stress. Maybe that is the most important aspect to gardening. There is a calming effect when you view the garden and know that you were… Read More
Yes, there is a chilly wind and very cold weather outside, but here at Wagners we are “Thinking Spring”. Pantone recently released the fashion colors for 2014. Topping the list is Radiant Orchid, but the total palette ranges from neutrals to vibrant shades of plum and purple. In your garden you can choose a composition… Read More
Here we are again with the holidays upon us. They seem to arrive faster every year, no matter which holiday you celebrate. They all promote eating and giving, which is as it should be. If you get a chance, visit the Arboretum and the gigantic poinsettia tree. I heard they were doing it all in… Read More
Do you have bulbs left that you don’t have time to plant outside? Don’t throw them away! Tulip, daffodil, and hyacinths do well in pots and are easily forced inside the house. Keep them cool (40 F) for 12 to 13 weeks in the refrigerator or cool corner of the basement. Plant in 6” or 10”… Read More
Are you enjoying your fresh cut flowers from the garden? Here is a couple of tips to make them last longer in the vase. First, cut the stems in the early morning before the heat of the day and cut the stems at an angle. Put a single untreated piece of charcoal in the bottom… Read More
How does your edible garden grow? This is a great time to harvest and enjoy those tomatoes or peppers you planted last spring. Zucchini may be abundant in your garden now too. I peel and slice (1/2” thick), dip in egg and then Italian bread crumbs, fry in olive oil until brown on both sides,… Read More
In a recent publication, there was an article about edible flowers. There is a good chance you have some growing in your garden and you may not be aware of their possibilities. But there are some you may not want to chew – always check to make sure it’s safe before eating. Never eat flowers… Read More
I know this is difficult to believe but researchers at the James Hutton Institute, University of Aberdeen, have found that PLANTS CAN TALK! The study demonstrated that plants are able to send a warning to another plant that “APHIDS ARE COMING”. WATCH OUT! The plants then sends out a chemical signal that repels aphids but… Read More
Do you want a garden that is quick and changeable on a whim? Then consider a container planting. It is quick and easy, can be changed per the season, and is moveable if you want to adjust your view. It is the choice for the urban gardener with little time and space. We have “recipes”… Read More
