For many gardeners, the garden actually begins in January when the first seed catalog arrives in the mailbox. While the cold wind howls outside, we retire to a cozy chair and leaf through the catalog, carefully notating which varieties of lettuce and tomatoes to try and wishing we had the space to plant each and every flower so artfully displayed on its pages. But have you ever wondered where your great-grandparents acquired...

To those of you who have read my whining in these pages about the endless rain, good news! This past week we have had an abundance of sunshine. There have been a few t-storms late in the day, but the bright, warm sun has seemed miraculous. I’m sure than anyone who lives near the northeast appreciates what I am saying. The end of the deluge meant that I could finally get out and play in the dirt a little. And that’s...

Instead of watering your garden using a hose or sprinkler system why not try one of these alternative eco-friendly methods? Not only will you be keeping your plants fully hydrated but you will also be doing your bit for the environment. Alternative watering methods Water Butts Water butts collect rainwater that can be used to water your garden during dry spells. A water butt will hold a large amount of rainwater...

Sunflowers have changed their ways in the last few years. They used to be country cousins, handsome and bold but a bit too rustic. Their single stalks were awkward and prone to toppling over, they took up too much room in an ordinary garden, and they were so blatantly yellow. Today, they’re starring in beautiful bouquets and adding dramatic presence to gardens everywhere. Many current seed catalogs list pages of sunflower...

Growing vegetables is incredible fun and easier than you might think. Here’s a helpful list of growing recommendations for gardeners starting their first vegetable garden, as well as for the veteran gardener starting a new garden. One of the most common mistakes of new gardeners is trying to cram too many plants into a given space. I know because I’ve made that mistake myself! Pay attention to the amount of...

The secret to making your flowering trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials bloom more is in the numbers. All fertilizers have analysis numbers on package. These numbers represent the percentage of each chemical the contains. For example, 12-12-12 is a typical garden garden fertilizer that would contain 12% nitrogen, 12% phosphorous, and 12% potassium. The quick explanation is; nitrogen produces vegetative, or top...

Perhaps it’s just me. I had owned my home for almost three years before I realized that those long green boxes under my windows weren’t there to catch falling leaves, rain, or dead insects. My first three years were primarily spent digging up the previous owner’s “garden” and learning ...

For me one of the added benefits of gardening is being able to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I love watching the hummingbirds cavort outside my window as they jockey for position at my feeder. The first task, however, is to get them to my garden and keep them coming back. With that in mind, last season I decided to add bee balm (monarda) to the border closest to my windows and the feeder. Close by is my lovely...