Starting seeds during the cold months Story and Photography by Rebecca Stoner Kirts I first heard about the technique of winter sowing for starting seeds while I was listening to a podcast over a year ago. The hosts were homesteaders from Texas. They had extensive gardens and also sold plants. They propagated most of their …
Understanding vegetable crop rotation Story and Photography by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey Crop rotation is truly very important. The productivity and health of even the smallest vegetable garden will benefit from this centuries-old practice. If you’re first thought is, “I’m not a farmer. This doesn’t apply to my small garden,” you would be wrong. One reason to …
Choosing a garden style that complements you Story and Photography by Susan Albert Adding to an existing landscape or starting from scratch can be an overwhelming proposition. But it doesn’t have to be. By designing around a garden theme based on the homeowner’s personal style or ecological view, the task suddenly takes on new meaning …
Thug plants to avoid in the landscape Story and Photography by Susan Albert Everyone who gardens can relate to the oft-used phrase “garden thugs.” During the experimental stage, when early gardeners eagerly try many plants with wild abandon, they may come across some decidedly ornery plants that cause extra work removing their offspring. And while …
Landscape designs that welcome pollinators to the garden Story and Photography by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon Attracting pollinators to the garden is an endeavor that every gardener should pursue. In addition to European honeybees and the multitude of native bees, many butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, moths, solitary wasps, and flies visit flowers to transfer pollen from the …
It’s not what you plant, but how you grow it Story and Photography by PJ Gartin There isn’t a single gardener on this green Earth who doesn’t harbor plant prejudices. Some of us moan that Zinnia are too common, while others judge Agapanthus as old-fashioned and boring. Surely, I’m not the only one who’s tired …
Old wood vs. new wood Story and Photography by Andrea Dee Gardeners are sometimes stumped when it comes to pruning hydrangeas. Many gardeners have asked, “When do I prune and why isn’t this thing blooming?” But before you grab the shears, it is important to know if a hydrangea blooms on old or new wood. …
Have you ever considered “painting with plants”? Story by Susan Crawford Photography by Susan Albert We gardeners pride ourselves on the artistry of our landscapes, but I recently encountered a woman who takes the concept to a whole new level. Her name is Victoria Ritland and she creates framed “paintings” to display on easels in …
How to design and plant a knot garden Story and Photography by Karen Atkins Formal knot gardens have been popular for hundreds of years. They are beautiful, but also practical because they require very little maintenance. If you think knot gardens are too much trouble, trust us, they’re “knot”! Since Tudor times, gardeners have created …
Tips for buying and keeping a houseplant Story and Photography by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf When fall arrives and there are fewer garden chores, you may be wondering what to do now. If you miss taking care of plants, purchase a houseplant to get your green fix inside. Houseplants not only add some green, but some …
