MARIGOLDS HAVE MANY USES! Marigolds could well be used in most gardens as both flower and vegetable. They come in many sizes and an array of colors. Some varieties are edible and add both color and taste when used as a condiment. Marigolds bloom all summer long lasting well into early fall. They thrive in hot weather as well as dry…
Spring is slipping up on us and many of us may not be fully prepared. While it has not been a particularly cold or snowy winter the last few weeks have been threatening on a daily basis. Every weather news cast seems to call for a chance of snow, freezing rain, cold days, cloudy, with very few days of warm sunny…
Some of the most asked questions we receive concern the proper time to apply fertilizer, lime, seed, etc. to the yard. With that in mind, I developed the following calendar. It can be printed and saved for future use or come by the store and pick one up. March 1-April 15 Pre-emergence Crabgrass Control Fertilize with light application of 16-4-8…
A Holiday Hallmark What’s left to discover about Poinsettias? Well, for starters, Poinsettias are not poisonous, are available in colors besides red, and the finest are found in garden centers. Ironic, perhaps, that a plant with legendary, child-centered origins is often seen as one dangerous to children. According to the Poisdonex TM Information Service, a 50-pound child could eat 500…
You have picked out the perfect Christmas Tree. Now what do you do to ensure a safe, fresh and attractive tree throughout the holiday season? If you are not going to take it inside immediately, store it outside in a cool, shady place sheltered from drying winds. If possible, remove about a one-inch section from the butt of the tree…
Nothing says fall like Mums! Originally from China, they were brought to Europe in the 1600’s. Mums have been cultivated for over 2500 years and continue to increase in popularity. There are now over 5000 varieties in cultivation. Through hybridization, many flower forms are available such as daisy, pompon, cushion, buttons, decorative spiders, and spoon-petal. They are also available in…
Pansies grown in Central Virginia are a cool season annual. Pansies can be planted in the fall from late August until approximately Thanksgiving, and in spring starting in late February. Planted either time they should bloom until late May or early June. When the weather becomes very warm (mid 80’s) they usually start to become leggy and look pretty bad.…
Pruning is a such a broad subject that there have been entire books devoted to the subject. Obviously, it is hard to begin to answer all the questions we are asked on the subject in just a few paragraphs. The following is a few general tips. We are often asked when is the proper time to prune a specific plant.…
Just for fun, here’s a list of 15 popular plants with traditional medicinal properties, and their uses. Aloe: Fights Baldness and Wrinkles Anise: Cures Indigestion Basil: Relieves Headaches Bayleaf: Cures Deafness Chamomile: Relieves Upset Stomach and insomnia Fennel: Controls the Appetite Garlic: Increases Physical Strength Marigold: Improves Eyesight Oregano: Aids Digestion and Stimulates the Appetite Parsley: Sweetens the Breathe Rosemary: Improves Memory Sage: Cures Fever…
Practice the ABC’s of Composting The American Association of Nurserymen (AAN) says that compost heaps cut down on landfill usage, and provide you with a rich and renewable source of nutrients for your garden. Starting a compost heap is something you can do any time of year, and with the three steps described below it’s as easy as A-B-C! Step…
