‘Tis the season to deck the halls and trim the tree. Tree sellers are popping up in local markets and parking lots, and many folks are picking out the perfect Christmas tree. Last year 26 million real Christmas trees found their way into American homes. There are many benefits to using a real tree as opposed to artificial trees. First, real Christmas trees are a … Continue reading Selecting a Live Christmas Tree
Now that we are in the season of giving, what do you give the person who has everything? Or how about someone you know little about? Or the host or hostess who has invited you to a celebration? I’m a person who likes to think about the gifts that I give people. I’m not a big fan of gift cards or those ready-made gift sets … Continue reading Think local and homemade food for holiday gifts
It is a holiday that is quintessentially American (or North American, since our Canadian friends also have their own Thanksgiving). A commemoration of not only the arrival and survival of the pilgrims in Plymouth in 1621, but of our thankfulness for what we have. It is a time for us to gather with family or friends and reflect upon our blessings. While, much to my … Continue reading The First Thanksgiving Feast
The leaves fall, the plants wither, and the earth prepares for its winter’s rest. By this point in time, most gardeners will have all the planting done, perhaps save for a few last minute spring-flowering bulbs. While most gardeners go on hiatus (or at least a big slow-down) during the winter months, it is important to remember that your garden tools are also taking a … Continue reading Make sure your garden tools are the sharpest in the shed
Many plants have a message. No, I’m not talking about plants actually speaking to deliver some sort of imagination. I’m talking about symbolism — a thought or emotion conveyed by certain members of the plant kingdom. If you think about it, it makes sense — we often have emotional responses to certain plants, especially flowers. We see their beauty, their subtle or not so subtle … Continue reading Requiem from the Garden
Halloween is just around the corner, so you should definitely be on the lookout for any number of frightful half-human creatures. Chief among the terrifying hordes are vampires, though they seem to have faded into the background as zombies take center stage. But just to be safe, you should definitely have some garlic nearby. Garlic is one of those plants that has worked its way … Continue reading Garlic: Prepare your garden for vampire invasions
As leaves continue to fall, most gardeners are putting their gardens and landscapes to bed. Plants are being cleaned up, leaves and debris raked up, and late season flowers such as mums and pansies are finding a home in the garden. Some gardeners take time in the fall to prune plants such as roses, but I advocate against fall pruning (though our own West Virginia … Continue reading Fall Propagation: Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
The leaves still cling to the trees, immersed in the process of shedding their emerald green tones for the vibrant warm colors they don for the fall. The process begins as cooler weather and shorter days signal the trees that winter is approaching. The trees in turn begin breaking down their chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for capturing energy from the sun to be used … Continue reading Changing leaves means time to transplant trees and shrubs
A walk through the woods can be one of the most peaceful and calming experiences — a place where you can find quiet for reflection and marvel at the beauty of nature. Little do most people know that some plants, especially one specific tree, wage chemical warfare against other plants to keep away potential neighbors that would compete for nutrients and sunlight. In the Appalachian … Continue reading This means war! Some plants use chemicals to compete
Days grow shorter and evenings grow cooler as fall comes rolling down the hills and valleys, bringing color to trees and a slowing to the garden. Flowers begin to fade and green tomatoes, slowed by the lack of heat, cling to vines that are starting to show the wear and tear of age. While most fall landscape tasks concentrate on cleaning up and putting things … Continue reading Plant bulbs now for spring color
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