Succession plan cures flash-in-the-pan landscape
Have you ever heard the term "succession" in relation to gardening? Just like kingdoms and corporations, your garden needs a succession plan -- that is, when the brilliant plants currently...
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Trees, shrubs and perennials are perfect for container gardening
When most people think of container gardening, they think that seasonal pots of annuals are their only choice. While annuals do provide more options when it comes to providing color...
Plant the fruit tree that’s right for your space
Spring is the kickoff to gardening season. It is also the time of year when we all have questions about our gardens. Last week, a friend from Chicago emailed me...
Believe it or not, spring is here … for your sweet peas, anyway
A week ago, two large flocks of redwing blackbirds ascended in the treetops at the edge of our marsh -- a sure sign that winter is over ... for me,...
In cold winter, insect-eating birds need special consideration
When I got out of bed this morning the thermometer outside my window read a mere 12 degrees. Several inches of new snow fell overnight, and as soon as the...
Stretch the limits of winter hardiness in your garden
Winter blasts of arctic cold always catch me by surprise. No matter how many times they occur each winter -- and we had two in January -- I never get...
Protect your evergreens from winter’s desiccating grip
Believe it or not, spring is on the way. Each day is a bit longer than the last, and we're almost through January, typically one of the toughest winter months...
Even in winter, your garden can flourish
When people visit our home, they must pass through a large portion of the garden before arriving at the front door. Around this time of year, the first question I...
Time to plant cool-season crops
August might not seem like the perfect time to be sowing seed, but for some plants the timing is perfect. Just this week, I sowed seed for some of my...
Don’t overlook the subtle charms of trees in the garden
"You should have seen my garden last week. It was much better." I have heard that phrase uttered countless times while touring gardens, and I too have said it more...