with Teri Knight
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Shrubs, shade and dogs
I had a listener who was looking for a shrub for shade. Sounded simple except she needed one that was not toxic to dogs. Her backyard is small and fenced so it’s important to make sure that whatever she plants is safe for her two curious dogs. Take the Yew, please, it’s toxic to nearly everything.
While it grows in shade, the seed inside the berries is toxic to pets and people.
Hydrangeas are … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Eastern Tent caterpillars
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is late but here… gratefully less abundant as well.
ooooo, these guys send shivers down my spine! YUK. The larvae munches on your shrubs and trees. MOST of the time they will not kill your plant. Knock these creepy crawlies off in the morning before they wake up to venture out and feed OR after they get “home” and then crush them!
Although they are found on a variety of hardwood … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Deer resistant plants
While I admire the brown-eyed beauty of the white tail deer, I do NOT admire their munching on my plants!
This delightful deer was on it’s way to my Hosta Cafe. There are deer “resistant” plants. Notice I said “resistant” not “proof”!
Due to their toxicity, fragrance or texture, deer seem to be repelled by these plants:
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Soil and compost selection
So you’re standing in the garden center thinking, hmmm, what compost or soil should I buy. Finished compost is a deep, dark brown, almost black, no clumps or chunks. It will feel slightly damp and should have a sweet, fresh, earthy smell, even if it smells a little barnyardy, don’t worry.
If it smells like rotten eggs, it was not finished composting when put in the bag. WALK AWAY…..
If you see red worms … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Cutting back perennials to control height
The city I live in was set to do some reclamation on my streets. I live on a corner and they planned on doing both of them. So the engineer told me that I’d have to take out my butterfly garden plants if I wanted to keep them while they did the work and they’d put soil back for me to replant but their height was too tall.
I was set to … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Herbs for Pollinators
I talk a lot about pollinators and plants. An item in my Northern Gardener magazine caught my eye, planting HERBS for pollinators! Now I’ve told you before that swallowtail caterpillars LOVE parsley and dill.
This is a great reminder to plant enough to help the pollinators!
I love dill in many dishes including fish. It’s not just for pickles, it’s also fab in sauces! Parsley is another great herb for pollinators and people! Recipes for … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Eggshells and Epsom Salts
Last week I talked about coffee grounds and what they may or may NOT do in your garden. Today, I’m taking a page from the University of Minnesota to talk to you about eggshells and Epsom salts.
So here I am to burst your bubble… and I found the perfect photo… from a Master Gardener in Canada named Robert Pavlis on his site Garden Myths
Eggshells have been touted as the preventive measure tomato … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Trees – plant this not that part 2
So often folks find a tree they like and then everyone plants it and then that’s all you see. And then they get taken out by disease and our boulevards are naked. Planting diverse species is the best way to protect them all. That said, here’s a look at more of the dirty dozen trees my favorite arborist, Faith Appelquist of Treequality warns against.
To quote Faith, “Japanese tree lilacs … [Continue reading]
Click on the link below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Memorial Day – in memory – the poppy
Garden Bite would like to thank all those who serve in the United States Military and their families. We honor those who gave everything.
Today is the day we reflect and remember our Soldiers. Memorial Day, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union andConfederate … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The ‘illers of container planting
It’s Memorial weekend… and I’m still hoping (I’m writing this a week before) that I can start really planting without having to worry about covering my plants!
One thing I DO know is that I will be out plant shopping for my containers! With that come the 3 ‘illers… Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers for easy plant combos. This helps avoid plant love overload!
Thriller – big, bold and beautiful. This plant is the … [Continue reading]