Cold frames are excellent for starting new plants early in the season and extending the growing season into early winter. Essentially a modified miniature greenhouse, cold frames may be purchased at garden centers and home improvements stores for a few hundred dollars but are also easily constructed and relatively inexpensive to build. Now is a […]
Gardens
Get Rid of Moles
Moles are destructive pests that can damage ornamental plants as they burrow underground in search of grubs. Try these techniques to protect your plants and lawn and get rid of moles. One way to control the moles is to treat your lawn with a grub control agent (available at garden supply stores). If you take […]
Make a Container Water Garden
If you’re looking for a centerpiece that lasts longer than flower bouquets, make a container water garden. A vase filled with aquatic plants and colorful fish can add tranquility and peace to a space while injecting a pop of color to your home, deck or sun room. Container Water Garden Supplies: Container. Any container that […]
Violets are spreading through large sections of my lawn. I’ve tried numerous chemical control products, but none has made any impact on the violet leaves. Any suggestions? — P.Q., Wilmington, VT Violets, both perennial and annual, are difficult to eliminate once they become established in a lawn. Not only do they spread vigorously by seed […]
Our family enjoys watching birds from our windows, and we want to landscape with the best plants to attract them around our home. What do you suggest? S.C., Tiverton, RI A wide range of trees and shrubs produce fruit that persists and appeals to birds. Among the favorites throughout New England are blueberry (Vaccinium), evergreen […]
Use our handy chart to identify animal tracks you see in the snow when you’re out on your next nature walk. You never know what you might find!
Propagate Succulents
Succulents have textures and shapes that differ from traditional house plants. Their diverse and visually interesting forms have caught the eye of plant lovers everywhere. These drought tolerant plants have found their way into the hearts and homes of even hard core brown thumb’s due to their easy care and low maintenance. Succulents are native […]
Remove Weeds from Walkways
A walkway can add a lot of punch to the curb appeal of a house, unless its been overrun by pesky plants. When that happens, try these two methods to remove weeds from your walkway. If weeds start to flourish in the spaces of your brick or stone walk, here’s a good way to combat […]
Patti Moreno discovered her passion for gardening in 1998, when she was looking for a way to lose weight: “I needed to do something physical, so I started beautifying our yard.” Failed hydrangea bushes soon gave way to bountiful raised beds. Today, not only are Moreno’s gardens flourishing, but so is her Web site, GardenGirlTV.com, […]
Nancy Jordan grows and serves vegetables year round on her island home in Maine. She shares her top tips for cultivating a successful vegetable garden. Protect Plants with Netting Lay plastic netting on bedded plants (tulips, bush beans) or make net tepees around tall crops (fenced peas, pole beans) to keep the deer away. Welcome […]
There are many flowering bulbs available in the stores and catalogues now that can brighten up the indoor garden in winter. The easiest are the bulbs that can be grown in water and pebbles, like the hyacinth. Hyacinths are available in the fall for growing indoors. As hyacinths are a late spring bloomer normally, they […]
Grow an Indoor Herb Garden
Herbs are easily grown inside and make lovely kitchen centerpieces and windowsill plants. Small herb container gardens and topiaries are fun ways to showcase your edible plants, and you can’t beat the fragrance of fresh herbs growing inside during the dreary winter months. Instructions to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden 1. Choose herbs you use […]