Midsummer Plant Care

A string of high-temperature days can take a toll on gardens and gardeners alike. The lush green leaves of the past may acquire a yellow or–worse–a brown and crispy appearance. (And gardeners may get to looking a bit wilted, too.) Bringing healthy life back into the garden is pretty basic: Increase water, cut out the dead stuff and feed! Mid-summer feeding is essential for ensuring a healthy and productive...

Ten Things To Do When You Can’t Garden

By Tamara Galbraith So, the weekend comes, you’ve got a Gardening To-Do List as long as your arm…and the weather is miserable. Fortunately for gardeners, there’s always a side project waiting–or an inside chore that needs doing. Here are ten ways to pass the time if you can’t spend it outside gardening: 1. Clean your tools: First, use a stiff brush to remove excess dirt, then scrub off rust with...

Caring for Holiday Greens

Fresh holiday greens such as wreaths and garlands have a definite life span, but with the following tips you can keep them looking good so you can enjoy their wonderful scent and beauty throughout the holiday season. If you aren’t hanging or mounting your greens right away, lay them outside on the ground (best side up) in a cool shady location until you are ready to use them. Try to avoid getting the greenery...

Preparing Your Pond For Winter

    Preparing Your Pond For Winter Although ponds need little routine maintenance, there are a few end-of-season tasks that are essential if you want to keep your plants and fish in good condition. Protect the pond from the worst of the leaf fall with a fine-mesh net. Anchor it just above the surface of the pond. This is not practical for a large pond, but it is useful for a small one. Remove the leaves...