Elaine's previous tips:
For best results when starting seeds indoors, don't use traditional potting soil which is too heavy. Instead, use a commercial seed starting mix or make your own using 1 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 3 parts coir and moisten before starting your seeds.
Read my article for more info on starting seeds indoors.
Read my article for more info on starting seeds indoors.
Planting in the dry shade under mature trees is challenging. Try small rooted plants such as Epimedium (a.k.a. Barrenwort) in these tough places. For more on shade gardening, see my June article in the Suburban.
Deal with annoying, japanese beetles by hand picking and placing them into a soapy solution rather than reaching for insect sprays. Also, invest in indigenous varieties of plants that are less attractive to such pests . Read my September article in the Suburban to find out how to avoid other common mistakes gardeners make.
SRING has finally sprung!
Although it may be tempting to get into your garden and start cleaning it up now that most of the snow has melted, be careful: you will easily compact the soil's structure by walking on ground that is still too soft, so make sure your foot doesn't leave an imprint on the grass before you start gardening.SRING has finally sprung!
Although it may be tempting to get into your garden and start cleaning it up now that most of the snow has melted, be careful: you will easily compact the soil's structure by walking on ground that is still too soft, so make sure your foot doesn't leave an imprint on the grass before you start gardening.SRING has finally sprung!
Autumn leaves are valuable so don't waste them!
Extend colour into the fall garden with these fabulous plants
For a sunny spot:
Euonymus alatas,below left, looks great paired with variegated ornamental grass and dwarf false cypress (left)
Also for sun, try ornamental Kale for something different in the late summer garden or even in pots.
Right: Ornamental Kale in Elaine's late summer garden.
Right: Ornamental Kale in Elaine's late summer garden.
For a part sun:
Chelone a.k.a.Turtlehead, below left, an underused, late-summer perennial that does well in moist sites.
Right: Euonymus alatas (Burning Bush) aglow in Elaine's late summer garden.
Chelone a.k.a.Turtlehead, below left, an underused, late-summer perennial that does well in moist sites.
Right: Euonymus alatas (Burning Bush) aglow in Elaine's late summer garden.
