Definition: A weed is a plant considered undesirable in a particular situation – a “plant in the wrong place”. What a nice way to describe something that drives gardener's crazy! Nothing can ruin the appearance of a landscape bed like the presence of weeds – and...
Winter time is a terrific time to plant trees, shrubs and many perennials! Adding new trees and shrubs to your landscape this month – or any time this winter – is smarter than you may know – it benefits the tree/shrub itself, and is easier for you too. As long as the...
The Importance of Pre-Planning for Spring Planting – what's the big deal? In January & February, when you're not planting, you should be planning! Take measurements, study photographs, browse through magazines and on-line for pictures. In winter your landscape...
Here are the ABC's of Pansy & Violas. Pansies and their little sister, Violas, can be counted on to provide vibrant color against a winter landscape. They are remarkably sturdy plants and with only a little help from you, they will thrive right through next...
Q: I keep having to break the ice on my birdbath. When I forget, I'm afraid they'll go thirsty. Any ideas? Absolutely! We're glad you asked because it gives us a chance to remind ALL of our friends to smash up that ice frequently. That water is a necessity and...
Q: I'm tempted to plant some young trees since the ground is pretty soft due to rains and to the occasional warming spells we've had this winter. Is it too early? I don't want them to be killed by any late freezes still to come. You are wise to get a jump...
In February, we recommend you test your soil pH to determine if lime is needed and if so, how much. We have easy, affordable tests available for do-it-yourselfers. Remember, too, that the end of February marks the beginning of grass sowing time! You can sow your...
If you have not already taken these few steps to winterize your water garden, do it now! Don't risk possible damage to plants and to the structure itself by putting this off: Remove all floating aquatic water Hyacinths and lettuce.Cut back marginal aquatic...
Look for specific perennials and shrubs you can plant today that will reward you with their pretty blooms while winter still lingers. They are the perfect winter pick-me-ups for the garden or containers! Heather - When most plants are hibernating, you can count...
This is a great time to aerate your lawn. It helps to prepare your grass for a great growing season next spring and after all the destructive weather mayhem THIS year, you're going to want to give your lawn every break you can! One of the best yard drainage...
Opening your landscape to the birds for the season brings so many wonderful rewards - a musical background from their beautiful song, a colorful respite of blues and reds from the often-gray days of winter, and the good feeling you'll get inside knowing you're...
Deciduous trees and shrubs are more than just a gorgeous addition to your landscape. They play an important role in our whole ecosystem! So what exactly IS a deciduous tree or shrub? Deciduous trees are basically giant flowering plants....
Fall rivals all other seasons when it comes to bringing outstanding color to your landscape! Planted in containers spread around your porch or deck, or planted in the ground, this festival of color provided by just a few plants will make YOUR yard the pride of...
If we can learn anything from history, we have not seen the last of snowfalls in our area this winter! Evergreen trees and shrubs like Leyland Cypress, Arborvitae and others suffer from branches bending or even breaking when snow accumulates on their wide branches....
Itching to be in the garden? Start some flowers and vegetables and herbs indoors from seed this month! We have great seed-starter kits to make it SO easy! Some cool-weather vegetables can be started late this month, such as broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, mustard,...
Inspect houseplants for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, etc. The plants inside your home are a tropical paradise to certain bugs and insects. Give them a good inspection - changes in leaf color or texture can indicate the presence of insects. Also look for any very...
For outright drama in your fall landscape and gardens, nothing comes close to the gorgeous color and rosettes of ornamental cabbage and kale! And the colder it gets, the more they like it! WHAT: Lots of folks wonder what the difference between ornamental cabbage...
There are 3 critical areas of attention you should tend to this month, in preparation for a thick, lush lawn in 2018. Ready? Set. Go!! Lawn Weed Prevention: This is Step 1 in EJC's DIY 4-Step Lawn Care Program. Broadleaf weeds Henbit and chickweed (see photos to...
Just as with weed control, pest control is most effectively performed as a PREVENTION instead of a cure. February is an ideal month to do this and we often recommend using organic Fertilome Horticultural Oil Spray to achieve safe, effective results in keeping insects...
This month, we excited to tell you about the amazing (Hellebrous) Lenten Rose! The name originates from the fact that they often bloom early, right around the Christian season of Lent. The gorgeous blooms will elicit lots of Oooh's and Aaah's this month and next - and...
In this case, going to seed is a GOOD thing! Folks are starting vegetables, herbs, sprouts and more this month with seed starter kits from Evergreen of Johnson City. It's a fun hobby, easy to do, and offers terrific rewards! The Planters Pride Fiber Grow Coconut...
Bless your heart, you have taken pity on the poor freezing birds and put out a birdhouse for shelter during the winter! But you say the birds aren’t moving in? Hm. Well, the rent is free so that can’t be the problem. However there ARE legitimate reasons that the...
