Category: In the Garden

Trees & Stormwater

Mar 11, 2019 | In the Garden

It is often said, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.” Trees enrich our lives in so many ways. They provide shade on a hot day, release oxygen, purify...

The Emerald Ash Borer – Worst Invasive Tree Pest of this Generation?

Mar 7, 2019 | In the Garden

Who would have thought that a little green beetle – not even an inch long – would cause billions of dollars in damage and lead to the death of millions of trees? The emerald ash borer (EAB for...

Daffodils Herald the Coming of Spring

Feb 28, 2019 | In the Garden

Although commonly known as daffodils, the term Narcissus is the correct genus name for these spring blooming bulbs. Narcissus species and hybrids come in a myriad of sizes, colors, and forms, and...

Narrowleaf Vetch, Common Vetch

Feb 25, 2019 | In the Garden

Narrowleaf vetch (Vicia sativa) is a common winter annual weed in the legume family, and it fixes its own nitrogen from the atmosphere. This plant has been grown since Roman times for livestock...

Yellowbells – Harbingers of Spring

Feb 18, 2019 | In the Garden

Forsythia is a genus of spring flowering shrubs that burst into bloom in early March before their leaves appear. However, they are best known by their common name of yellowbells. Yellowbells...

Winter Leaf Marcescence

Feb 13, 2019 | In the Garden

Have you noticed the persistent brown leaves still hanging on some deciduous trees long after their foliar companions have fallen? This usually becomes very apparent after normal leaf drop in early...

Gift Plants

Feb 11, 2019 | In the Garden

Consider living plants as an alternative to traditional cut flowers for Valentine’s Day this year. Cyclamen, kalanchoe, and miniature roses are all great alternatives. Cyclamen has heart shaped...

LENTEN ROSES

Feb 6, 2019 | In the Garden, Uncategorized

Lenten rose is one of the first perennials to flower each new gardening year. The plant’s name comes from its typical spring bloom time in northern climates that coincides with the religious season...

Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)

Feb 4, 2019 | In the Garden

When I encounter paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) in late summer, I hear Tom Petty singing his 1981 release of “The Waiting”, where he sings that “waiting is the hardest part.” That’s what...

Pruning Muscadines

Jan 31, 2019 | In the Garden

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are native to the Carolinas, making them a relatively low-maintenance fruit that is well adapted to our warm and humid climate. Gardeners experience very few...

The Dual Benefits of Rain Gardens

Jan 28, 2019 | In the Garden

Do you have an unsightly spot in your yard plagued by erosion? Or, how about an area that captures the majority of rain from your rooftop, driveway, or sidewalk? Rain gardens are the perfect...

If They Grow It, They Will Eat It!

Jan 24, 2019 | In the Garden, Vegetables

Convincing children to eat their veggies may sound like an impossible task, but a research study conducted by Parmer, et al. found that “second graders who participated in school gardening as part...