Last year, we created No Dig Beds in a grassy area of our backyard. I had high hopes for all that we could grow in these new beds, and I wasn’t disappointed. My husband went along with my plan, but I think he was a little sceptical that we could create new beds so easily. There was some groundwork that went into creating the beds, but the No Dig methodRead More →
Every morning, I take a stroll around my newly planted garden areas. The seedlings are coming up and the dahlias have broken ground. It’s so exciting to see all the new growth. While my plants are growing slowly, all around them is a massive amount of very determined plants that have sprung up. Some of these plants are weeds and some are overachievers in the garden. What is an overachieverRead More →
Do you remember the story of Chicken Little? He ran around shouting, “the sky is falling, the sky is falling.” Of course, the sky wasn’t falling. We’ve heard so many scary stories lately… the economy is going to crash, we’re headed for WW III, and more pandemics are on the horizon. And maybe you’ve heard the rumors of a coming food shortage. We don’t have a crystal ball to tellRead More →
Some days it’s really hard to tell that we’ve moved into spring. The calendar says it’s spring, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. The weather reminds me of a two-year-old. One day, the weather is beautiful with crystal blue skies and warming temperatures. And then the next day it turns cold and blustery. Although we want to jump in with both feet and start gardening, we have to be patient.Read More →
Most of us are creatures of habit. We often learn to do something one way and then never consider alternatives. That’s the same for gardeners. When you first began to garden, you learned a way to prepare your new beds for planting. And that method was probably a lot of work… digging, tilling, turning, adding amendments, watering, raking, and digging some more. When you prepare a garden bed for theRead More →
How do you go about planning your garden for the year? Do you run to the garden center when it feels like spring and grab a little of this and that? Or do you pick up a few packets of seeds to plant in your flower beds and hope for the best? Do you purchase vegetable starts only to find that you planted way more zucchini than you could everRead More →
Here’s a gardener’s nightmare… you purchase your beautiful flower seeds for the growing season. In the spring, you plant those seeds in the ground. And then you wait for the first little sprouts to pop up. You wait. And you wait. And you wait some more. Eventually, you realize nothing is going to grow. Why did your brand new seeds fail? Maybe the seeds needed a period of cold inRead More →
As I walk through my garden, I’m amazed at all the flying creatures moving about. Birds, bees, butterflies, and moths make their way to the flowers and plants growing around the garden. The garden is like a giant smorgasbord for these creatures. Growing a diverse garden of plants provides a lovely display for you, but a feast for these wonderful pollinators. As many of us know, pollination is vital toRead More →
If you were going to your day job, would you wear slippers or a pair of flip-flops? Of course not. Those sandals would be fine if you’re going out to dinner. Or if you’re spending the day indoors at home, your slippers are perfectly okay. But you would need a different type of shoe for your day job. It’s the same when you’re heading out to the garden. You needRead More →
Snow is falling. The wind is blowing outside. And the temperature is cold enough to freeze the water in your dog’s bowl. It’s too miserable to be outside. Now is the perfect time to curl up with an inspiring book. A great garden book can inspire you in so many ways. It can help you get started learning a new skill. Or motivate you to add in new garden features.Read More →