Every second Thursday of the month I have my mother-in-law over for an evening of cocktails and chatter in my garden. It’s an effort I started shortly before marrying my husband in hopes of establishing a better “mother-daughter” relationship between the two of us. Needless to say, the affair took a while to settle into a tolerable experience, because…
read moreOnce autumn begins, it’s a good time to start thinking about frosts and freezes and the effect they can have on your plants. Most garden plants, assuming they’re hardy in your area, will weather the winter without any problem. An abrupt, early freeze may cause them to drop their leaves prematurely or cause some tissue damage, but most will…
read moreTaking care of your lawn and garden is just as important as taking care of your roof. An attractive landscape can increase the value of your home and add curb appeal. Maintaining your lawn and garden properly can save money and time. Eco-friendly or “green,” landscaping habits can help the environment and decrease the amount of hazardous chemicals around…
read moreSimple xeriscaping techniques have a big impact.
Nature usually knows best. When it comes to designing our backyards, we can all emulate nature by using xeriscape techniques, a term coined to describe creative landscaping practices that minimize the use of water. Many assume that xeriscaping means growing only cacti and yuccas, or covering the soil with gravel, but nothing could…
From using leftover coffee beans to preventing dirt from getting underneath fingernails, master gardener Paul James shares his top 14 tips and shortcuts to make spring gardening a breeze.
1. To remove the salt deposits that form on clay pots, combine equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the pot and…
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