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...]
To clean or not to clean
To clean or not to clean Fall comes quickly in Bluff Country, and this year is no exception. The summer vegetable gardens are done, but a few leafy greens, carrots and leeks still remain here and there. Asters and Chrysanthemum may still have a few lingering flowers, but most of the perennials have stopped blooming. Ornamental grasses blow and rustle in the breeze, their … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski How much should I water? One of the most asked questions to gardeners is “How much water does the garden need?” The simple answer is about one inch of water per week. How you water is just as important as how much you water. There are many variables that go into determining each garden’s needs. Let us review some of the factors that can influence your … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Hummingbirds in your garden If you watch carefully, hummingbirds should be making their appearance in a few weeks after migrating north from the warmer climates. Many gardeners love to attract these tiny, skittish birds to their gardens. Not only do hummingbirds feed from the sugary mix that we put out for them, but they also are attracted to the sweet … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Well-behaved natives Many people hear the phrase “native plants” and think of a grassy prairie dotted with flowers. While this can be true, many native perennials can be planted in your flower gardens as part of a manicured landscape. Native plants are beneficial because they provide food, water and shelter for birds, bees and other … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski A need for seeds As beautiful as winter can be, it starts to feel like the season is dragging on this time of year. A great way to combat cabin fever is to get a little dirt on your hands! Starting seeds can be a fun way to create new life for the garden, even when there is still snow on the ground. First things first: What plant goes … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Stay sharp in the winter During these chilly winter months, I often dream of flowers swaying gently in the breeze and the sun shining on my face as I’m digging in the garden. Even though I can’t get a shovel in the ground, that doesn’t mean that I won’t see my garden tools all winter. Cool months are a great time to prepare your tools for spring. The … [Read more...]