St. Fiacre, Patron Saint of Gardens
Karen One of the popular ornaments in a garden is a statue of St. Fiacre, the patron saint of gardens. There are numerous portrayals of St. Fiacre and most show a…
Herbicides Used For Weed Control in Lawns
Sometimes it becomes useful or necessary to consider the use of herbicides for controlling weeds in the lawn. Other weed control methods should be employed first but when they are…
Plant Profile: ‘Gage’s Shadow’ Perilla (Solenostemon x perilla)
A tall annual, ‘Gage’s Shadow’ perilla has purple green foliage that is a great backdrop for many plants especially pink flowered ones. It has excellent heat and humidity tolerance and…
Garden Watering Systems
One of the basic facts of gardening is that plants need water. Without the right amount of water a plant wilts and dies leaving a hole in the landscape. Water…
Plant Profile: Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
A native of dry prairies and savannas, yellow coneflower has a folksy look with its droopy soft yellow petals. The center cone is green at first but changes to dark…
Book Review: The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: A Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers
Living in an apartment or townhouse doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own vegetables. Many vegetables can be grown in pots including all time favorites like tomatoes and peppers. If…
Identification and Control of Five Common Grass and Grass-like Weeds in Lawns
Weedy grasses and grass-look alikes are the most insidious kind of lawn pest because they can invade quickly without you noticing. Just when you think you have a lush lawn…
Plant Profile: ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)
The most popular of the H. arborescens is “Annabelle’, and for good reason. First, it can be cut back in late winter because it produces flowers on new growth. There…
Garden Hedges: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs 1
A broadleaf evergreen hedge keeps it leaves most of the winter and therefore affords a visual barrier all year. This is particularly important if the purpose of the hedge is…
Plant Profile: Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
This native of prairies and meadows is one of the odd looking plants that make gardening such fun. It’s yucca-like leaves are spiky, its stems are stout and unbranched except…