There’s not a lot to look at outside this time of year. Maybe that’s why I enjoy watching the birds. Of course, the best way to attract birds is with bird-feeders. And I like knowing that it helps the birds, too. A study conducted during a Wisconsin winter showing that black-capped chickadees with access to human-supplied bird seed … Read more
NEEDING COLOR IN THE LANDSCAPE THIS TIME OF YEAR? Here we are in mid-January. Compared to last year, this January has been more typical for us when it comes to temperatures and snow. Yes, we had snow this past weekend. But, it was nothing compared to the snow we had in December. And, snow helps … Read more
I get it. January and February are b-o-r-i-n-g! The Christmas tree has come down, the fresh wreath is now tossed, and the poinsettias are dropping leaves every day. And when you look out the windows, there’s nothing much to see—unless you like dim gray winter skies. But there are some ways to brighten up your … Read more
TO PRUNE OR NOT TO PRUNE? – THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION. Here we are in early January and we are having some nice weather and temperatures that allow us to get outside into our gardens and enjoy ourselves with our beloved plants. If there is one question that I get asked more than any other … Read more
Cacti and succulents are really “in” right now. And they should be. They’re fun, interesting, and easy to grow. The word “succulent” comes from the Latin word “sucus” meaning sap or juice. All succulents contain specially evolved cells in their roots, stems or leaves that absorb and retain water. That’s because they’ve evolved in areas … Read more
PLENTY First, Happy New Year to all you gardeners. Whatever the weather and regardless of where we live, January marks the start of another garden year. We made it to 2019. Somehow, all the gardening disappointments of last year with the excessive rainfall seem to be vanishing as we look forward to another great gardening … Read more
I resolved to be better about feeding my garden during the growing season. Fast-growing summer annuals and vegetables need to be fed but I usually get so bogged down in just trying to keep things watered and weeded in the heat, that I forget. How did I do? Better—but not great. I did get an … Read more
IF WE COULD SUMMARIZE THE 2018 GARDENING YEAR IN ONLY ONE WORD, THAT WORD WOULD BE RAIN. The time right before New Year’s is often a time for reflection on the past year and the year ahead. It’s only fitting that my last blog of 2018 would be just that! We’re reflecting on the gardening … Read more
BIRDING IS THE COUNTRY’S SECOND-MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR PASTIME (AFTER GARDENING) Winter will be here, officially, in just a few days. But, we have already experienced some cold weather and snow already here in Central Virginia. How about all that snow last week? Just imagine what it must be like for our feathered friends. How do … Read more
This Friday, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year; the first official day of Winter; Yule. The days, which have been getting shorter and shorter each day since the Summer Solstice, now will begin getting longer by a minute or two each day. Many cultures around the world have celebrated the … Read more
