Amazingly, unexpected “frost-and-freeze” weather warnings seem to have recently become the major topic of discussion among our local gardeners. Many have covered their emerging plants with plastic or fabric row covers, or brought their seed-starting containers indoors or into their garages, porches or even greenhouses. We are reminded that in 1977, “snow continued to fall … Continue reading A Cool Season For Sure!
Observations
Spring is Blooming
Even though there’s pollen everywhere, when we venture outside it’s exciting to see what’s going on in the garden as the month of May makes its arrival. Sadly, most of our daffodil blossoms have gone by, but they really put on quite a show this year! Especially lovely has been the enjoyment of our neighbor … Continue reading Spring is Blooming
Crocus Blossoms Are Appearing
Delightful crocus blossoms are appearing all over our gardens. Unlike other spring flowering bulbs that I’ve added through the years, not a single one is where it was originally planted. When they’re hungry, rascally squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and voles like to “dig up” the small bulbs and their offsets. Incidentally, while crocuses are often called … Continue reading Crocus Blossoms Are Appearing
Emerging Scilla Siberica Plants
The pretty blue flowers of the Siberian squills (Scilla siberica) are always a welcome sight to me at this time of the year. The bell-shaped flowers with glossy narrow leaves are also called bluebells. The bulb-forming perennials belong in the Asparagaceae family. However, many people don’t like them, and consider them invasive. It doesn’t seem … Continue reading Emerging Scilla Siberica Plants
Awaiting the Arrival of Spring
January has always been a good month to sort through my collection of old seed packets and organize/alphabetize them to make it easier when ordering new ones. It’s amazing how long the seeds can last if stored correctly. I always write the year on the envelope as soon as they arrive. Through the years I … Continue reading Awaiting the Arrival of Spring
Winter Solstice is Around The Corner
For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is around the corner. The days will start getting longer and the nights shorter. Many of us gardeners haven’t finished “getting ready for winter” and there’s still much to be done. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic affected many, especially in regard to getting … Continue reading Winter Solstice is Around The Corner
Much To Be Thankful For!
We’re halfway through the month of November and we’re still raking leaves. Although we try to keep them off our sidewalk, street gutters, front steps, and so-called lawn, many are left on our garden beds to benefit the wildlife. According to the Xerces Society, swallowtail butterflies disguise their cocoons and chrysalises as “dried leaves,” blending … Continue reading Much To Be Thankful For!
Growing Season Winding Down
Incredibly, in our garden we are still being “gifted” by our three tomato plants, which I mentioned in my September 1st column “As Fall Approaches.” The rest of the veggie garden is a disaster, except for the chives, which are growing in a pot. Because of the drought, tree foliage began to turn colors early … Continue reading Growing Season Winding Down
As Fall Approaches
This year’s abnormally high temperatures, along with the lack of rain, have affected all gardens in a negative way for sure. Although we don’t really care about our so-called lawn, it’s been sad to see long-established shrubs, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, with their drooping leaves and dead branches. Much time has been spent in … Continue reading As Fall Approaches