As plant growers, we do all that we can to ensure happy, healthy plants are sent home with customers. We hope that the plants are installed immediately, watered in to settle the soil, and lovingly cared for all season long. Sometimes, however, Mother Nature has other plans for that particular plant. I lost quite a few plants this winter, likely due to the lack of insulating … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady – Gardening throughout the ages
In the Victorian Era, only the wealthy had time for gardening. Gardening was viewed as an escape from the filthy city air, especially healthy for women and growing children. Secret love messages (and messages of bitterness and hatred) were communicated by delivery of cut flowers, each flower having its own unique meaning. Mansions and villas had stunning conservatories off the … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady – Tis the “seed” son!
‘Tis the “seed”son! Seed packets have arrived in masses at the local hardware stores, garden centers and flower shops. 2022 is the year to treat yourself! Grab what you need, then go ahead and buy a few packets that you’ve never grown before. Most seed packets will have specific planting instructions, so I’ll go over a few tips to guide you in this fun adventure. Our last … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady – Rest is an important part of growth
Last year’s growing season seemed longer than normal. Windy, dry days with rising prices of fertilizer, fuel, and other supplies became frustrating. Equipment seemed to constantly break. I began to fall out of love with my job. My mood was touchy, irritable, and defensive. I was exhausted but couldn’t sleep. The seasonal aches and pains seemed extra achy. Add this to dealing … [Read more...]
Socially distance new plants? Sometimes, yes
As humans living through a pandemic, we have become experts at social distancing. Plants can also carry pathogens such as diseases, pests, noxious weeds and jumping worms. Keeping them separate from your garden until you are absolutely sure they are healthy will give you a healthier flower bed. It never fails. Every season, we receive a call from a client that asks us to … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady: A magical vacation up north
As landscapers and flower farmers, folks are often curious as to what we do all winter long. Honestly, there is a lot of resting and healing our bodies. A vacation is often in order, especially if we have an exceptionally good year. While we typically travel south towards the warm weather, a few years back we were invited to a cooler destination to visit the North Pole. … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
Tips for a successful garden Winter is coming, but now is a great time to plan for a new garden! The most important step to any successful garden is planning. Often times, novice gardeners will wander around a greenhouse, filling their cart with items that look pretty. This technique might work, but sometimes the garden fails. A few things to keep in mind when purchasing … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
Gardening for the birds I’ve met many bird watchers in Bluff Country. I will admit that I now own several pair of binoculars. Although I am quite a novice at this hobby, it is very enjoyable! We have a tiny bird family, some sort of wren, that has a lovely song. We have named them: Randy, Rhonda, Ryan and Renee. I can’t tell any of them apart yet, as they seem to be an extra … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
I’ve got plants in tough places... We all have it; the frustrating spot in the garden where nothing seems to want to grow. Many gardeners respond by planting tough plants. Hosta for shade, even though the deer eat it. Iris for full sun, even though the bloom time is so short. Some plants, although challenging to find, are great candidates for tough spaces in the landscape. The … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
Phlox Orioles and hummingbirds have returned to Bluff Country. This usually occurs just before the bloom time of creeping phlox, one of the most popular ground cover perennials. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is an evergreen ground over that loves full sun. I have seen it draped over the edge of a retaining wall, defining a garden edge, and growing en masse down a steep … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
Gardening for the senses Gardening is certainly a hands-on activity. From gently patting seeds into the soil to pulling weeds out, your hands are constantly involved. Looking around the garden, we see shades of every color. The fragrance of scented flowers floats through the air. Using all five of your senses can heighten your gardening experience, and even take you back … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
So many people are returning to gardening or starting out for the first time. One of the groups that I am a member of has over 3,000 new members! Plant people are always excited and happy to share knowledge. Instead of writing a typical column this month, I decided to reach out to one of many gardening groups for some inspiration. The question asked was: If you were to give a … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady: Lower garden maintenance with the correct plant
The horticultural industry has a saying: “Right plant, right location.” How does one know what the right location is? Start by looking at the plant tag. Besides the plant name in both English and Latin, the tag should include some growing information. Zones: The USDA came up with a way to determine a plant’s hardiness based on the coldest winter temps. Most of Bluff Country … [Read more...]
Ease into gardening with perennials
Starting a new garden can be intimidating. Seasoned gardeners will often try to give advice that they have accumulated over a lifetime. This can sound like a foreign language to a novice. Don’t worry too much. Creating a new perennial garden, while it can be hard work initially, will reward you for years to come. For the beginner, my advice is: keep it simple! Remove all … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
Growing up in a large family, dinner was always an important topic of discussion. Every week, each of us four kids would give a meal suggestion. My brother’s pick was typically overruled because he always wanted steak. The oldest sibling asked for spaghetti every week. The youngest was easily pleased with macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. I fall somewhere in the middle, … [Read more...]
