Archive for the ‘Rabbit/deer Protection’ Category

Fall Garden Chores

Fall is the perfect time to take on a few of the many spring garden chores. Here is a list of ten of the most important tasks:  Weeding– get rid of newly emerging winter annual weeds now before they flower and set seeds. Perennial weeds such as dandelions, plantains, and thistles can be sprayed and eliminated in the […]

Types OF Tulips

Over the centuries Dutch tulip breeders have brought to market 15 groups of the spring blooming goodies (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). The properties determining the group to which each tulip belongs are the shape of its flower, its parentage and its flowering period. Let’s take a peak at “the world of tulips”. Here is a […]

Why My Hydrangeas Are Not Blooming

Thankfully, this is not a very common problem that few gardeners run into. U.S. gardeners grow four (4) species of hydrangeas: smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia), bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla), and panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata). There are five reasons why some hydrangeas don’t bloom: 1. Type of hydrangea… Bigleaf hydrangeas, those that […]

The Fragrant Viburnums

Fragrance is a wonderful trait to include in your landscape. Although most viburnum species are not odorous, these 7 stand out for their spring floral fragrance. Bloom dates mentioned here are for zones 6-7 (TN, VA, NC and KY). Burkwood Viburnum (V. x burkwoodii)  is semi-evergreen, 7 to 8 feet tall and wide, with glossy dark green leaves that turn […]

Toadlilies In The Autumn Garden

Toadlilies (Tricyrtis spp.) are late season flowering perennials in the shade garden. Most perennials have finished blooming as their flower buds are forming. They’re native to moist woodsy environs of India, China and Japan and are Botanical members of the lily (Lilaceae) family (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). When properly sited, toadlilies are long-lived and require […]

The Next Generation of Weigelas

  Weigela (Weigela florida) is old-fashioned shrub with rose colored blooms and arching branching habit in mid-spring. This shrub is native from Japan, Korea, and China (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). New hybrids of weigelas are arriving at garden centers this spring. Compared to previous cultivars that were 6-9 feet tall,  new introductions grow only 2-5 feet […]

When To Cut Back Foliage Of Spring Flowering Bulbs

Once your tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs have bloomed, don’t be in a hurry to cut off the stems and leaves.  Plant foliage serves an valuable role in the health and growth of bulbous plants. The green leaves absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide as a part of the process of photosynthesis. The spent blossoms […]

Seven Step Care Tips For Container Roses

You can grow beautiful roses in containers on your patio or deck. All you need is an adequate container size and a growing area with plenty of sunlight. The life of container roses is short,usually 2-3 years. Each spring, plants should be transplanted every year into a new container. Container size is very important. Follow these 7 steps: […]

Key Landscaping Tips

To develop a successful landscape plan, first do a walk-a-round before you start digging and planting.  Record your landscape’s sun patterns, soil types, wind and water movement. This information will help you select the kinds of plants that will prosper under existing conditions. Sun exposure shifts daily and seasonally. Observe the garden at different times to gain […]

New: The Bushel and Berry Collection Of Patio Fruits

Back in late 2016 Star® Roses and Plants* purchased the company formerly known as BrazelBerries®. In 2017 they have rebranded the plant offerings into the new Bushel and Berry™ Collection. Beside the old favorites, a new collection of edible berry plants are available at participating garden centers nationwide. I have successfully grown two varieties on the sunny portion of […]