As fall approaches, mounds of mums begin appearing for sale everywhere from plant nurseries to grocery stores. Even those of us who prefer summer to colder weather may find ourselves tempted by the perfect green domes studded with bright flowers in hues evocative of warm spices. But then we get them home and wonder, Where …
Serena Manickam
Last year, I bought a few broccoli starts at a local greenhouse on a whim, excited to add another of my favorite vegetables to the garden. My excitement soon turned to disappointment, however, when something(s) began devouring the little plants. Each day, new holes appeared in the foliage, and entire leaves disappeared almost overnight. I …
What are those brightly colored, shield-shaped insects in the vegetable garden? Are they friends or foes? Looking something like a fancy stinkbug, harlequin bugs suck the nutrients out of plant leaves and can devastate an entire crop if not controlled. This invasive pest spread to the United States from Mexico soon after the Civil War and …
When money is tight, landscaping may not be your top priority. Plants, mulch, materials, and landscaping services can add up to astronomical costs, making a beautiful yard seem out of reach. But a plethora of thrifty landscaping ideas exists that will give your humble garden curb appeal. Thrifty Landscaping Ideas Saving money often means getting …
Growing and spreading rapidly in even the poorest soils and with little water, tree of heaven is, despite its name, the very definition of “weed tree.” It can cause allergies and irritate the skin, suppress the growth of other plants, and play host to other invasive species. Learn how to identify this noxious weed as …
While the most vibrantly colored flowers often attract our attention, there’s something to be said for the simple beauty of a plain white blossom. On their own, white flowers have an air of elegance, and they pair perfectly with any color. Annual white flowers have the added benefits of long bloom times and instant beauty. …
I love Parsley! This biennial cut-and-come-again herb deters insect pests with its scent and attracts beneficial insects with its flowers. Good companion plants for parsley share similar growing requirements and either benefit from or offer benefits to parsley. Parsley adds a bright flavor to a wide range of dishes and makes an excellent companion plant …
Widely known for its attractiveness to cats, catnip also attracts beneficial insects while repelling many pests. This makes it an excellent companion plant in the garden! When choosing companion plants for catnip, consider what problems you may have had in the past and how catnip can help solve them. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone …
You tuck cucumber vines into the soil while dreaming of the fresh, crunchy fruits and tart pickles to come. And then one day, you walk into the garden to find holey, sickly plants in place of the lush foliage you expect. Upon closer inspection, you might notice the tiny insects infesting your beloved plants: cucumber …
Not a common color among flowering plants, blue adds a unique beauty to the garden. Its calming hue invites wanderers to pause and take notice. Blue annuals are especially versatile, offering bold pops of color that refresh your garden design from season to season. Whether you want to accent a serene cottage border, enhance a …