Pretty, problematic invasive plants can be lurking at the garden center
In the garden, there are good guys and there are bad guys. Most often we think of bad guys as weeds, diseases and insects. These are truly bad guys. But there are other bad guys. Bad guys that find their way into your heart, acting as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They are hiding right in plain sight — on garden center shelves and in … Continue reading Pretty, problematic invasive plants can be lurking at the garden center
Taking a lichen to each other
On a trip this past week to Seattle, I was able to get out and explore some of the area’s natural plant life. Because it is wedged between the ocean and a mountain range, the climate is mild and fairly wet. In my adventures, I noticed a phenomenon we have here in our area taken, in some cases, to extremes. It is a mostly harmless … Continue reading Taking a lichen to each other
The Problem with ‘Saving the Bees’
Originally posted on The Liber Ero Blog: Reports from the front lines of conservation biology:
A native bumble bee (photo Sheila Colla). By Sheila Colla I’ve been researching pollinator declines over the past decade. It has been encouraging and inspiring to see my chosen subject matter go from completely off the general public’s radar to one of the most important environmental issues of our time.… Continue reading The Problem with ‘Saving the Bees’
Don’t fall for garden store gimmicks
Sometimes it takes me a while to come up with an idea for my weekly article. Sometimes inspiration strikes at the weirdest of times and the column just writes itself. This week, the latter is the case after a weekend visit to a big-box home-improvement store. While strolling through the garden section of the store, my eyes were immediately fixed upon one of the most … Continue reading Don’t fall for garden store gimmicks
What makes a four-leaf clover a lucky legume?
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you are out and about looking for a four leaf clover on this auspicious day, keep in mind that the thing that makes them lucky is that they are hard to find. A true four leaflet (a clover technically only has a simple leaf with multiple leaflets) clover is a four-leaved variation of the usually 3-leaflet white clover (Trifolum repens). Why … Continue reading What makes a four-leaf clover a lucky legume?
Seed Starting for the Frugal Gardener
Gardeners are champing at the bit to get their hands dirty after a long and dreary winter, though it is still a little early to plant most things outside. If you are itching to get a head start and a leg up on the garden, think about starting your own seeds indoors. Many vegetable plants, annual flowers and even perennials can be started indoors before … Continue reading Seed Starting for the Frugal Gardener
Give Peas a Chance
Peas just don’t get any respect. They may, in fact, be the Rodney Dangerfield of the garden. Sugar snaps and snow peas do seem to rank well, but few people grow them, or at least grow them successfully. Even fewer people grow the old English type pea that you have to shell out and cook without the pod. But peas, and fresh peas, are delicious … Continue reading Give Peas a Chance
The winter of our garden discontent: Effects of bitter cold in the garden
The bitter winter air smacks you in the face as you quickly move about your business. Piles of snow, now more gritty and dirty than freshly fallen, still cover the landscape. Mother Nature has held us in her icy grip, lashing out with a force we haven’t seen for decades. Winter, it seems, has come with a vengeance. While the bitter cold of winter can … Continue reading The winter of our garden discontent: Effects of bitter cold in the garden
Houseplants fight cabin fever
While I may concentrate most of my gardening in the realm of edible plants, I do dabble a bit in houseplants. It turns out that houseplants are something that can keep a gardener from going bonkers when they are stuck indoors in the winter. They are especially helpful when stuck inside for long periods of time when a foot of snow falls outside, temperatures fall … Continue reading Houseplants fight cabin fever
Nature’s Winter Garden: A Poem
All alone in an enchanted land Where before me grandly stands Crystal walls and glistening strands In Nature’s winter garden. This secret beauty I have found When morning sun came streaming down A golden glow like a celestial crown In Nature’s winter garden. Each way I turn I see such splendor The muted sundial, a twig so slender Such grandeur extending to every gender Who … Continue reading Nature’s Winter Garden: A Poem
BearlyGrowing 