Trees for allergy sufferers


Tue. Jul. 5, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Trees for allergy sufferers

There’s been a lot of sneezing going on! Warming temperatures trigger trees into flowering earlier which means allergy sufferers are feeling the effects and sharing their sneezes.

Trees are the biggest contributors to allergy season. Some are monoecious, meaning that individual trees produce both male and female flowers. Other trees are known as dioecious, an individual tree will have either male or female flowers, but not both. So, planting a dioecious female  … [Continue reading]

Pursuit of Happiness in the garden


Fri. Jul. 1, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Pursuit of Happiness in the garden

Monday we celebrate Independence Day.

It’s been a trying time for a variety of reasons but it’s time to remind ourselves of our Declaration of Independence: paraphrased, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

As you all know, my pursuit of happiness is in  … [Continue reading]

Growing a cutting garden


Thu. Jun. 30, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Growing a cutting garden

Have you ever thought of growing a cutting garden? Yes? Then this ‘Bite is for you!

Sunflowers, which many folks have grown this year, is an excellent cut flower. You see them everywhere at farmers markets! You can buy the potted plants of Sunfinity now and get them growing. It’s too late to start seeds now so save this Garden Bite, make notes, and plan for next year.

Zinnias make great cut flowers too  … [Continue reading]

Dividing iris


Wed. Jun. 29, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Dividing iris

 If your iris rhizomes are rising out of the ground, it’s time to divide them! 

Maybe they’ve been left alone for years and are now fighting for room, maybe this is a “new to you home” and you’ve noticed that those roots look like they’re squeezing each other. 

Generally it’s a good idea to divide your iris every 3 to 4 years. In my area the season has been late, so you might need to wait  … [Continue reading]

Drought tolerant perennials


Tue. Jun. 28, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Drought tolerant perennials

With climate change, we’ve all experienced changes in our “normal” weather patterns. That means drought in some areas and flooding in others.

Today I share some hardy, tolerant perennials. Let’s begin with yarrow. One of my favorites for dry times and long lasting flowers.

It thrives in sunshine. Butterflies are drawn to the flowers flat surface and love to perch on it. From ‘Moonshine’, with it’s silvery foliage and yellow flowers to red and pastels,  … [Continue reading]

Lawns and drought


Mon. Jun. 27, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Lawns and drought – again

Lawns are, once again, looking rough in some parts of the country! Kentucky bluegrass, the least tolerant of drought, which is what most lawns are, can start turning brown after about 7 days without water. This browning appearance is the grass going into dormancy in order to survive the drought. Some leaf tissue will die, but the base and roots of the grass are still alive and will green up when water  … [Continue reading]

Weed blocking superheroes


Fri. Jun. 24, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Weed blocking superheroes

Although I find weeding occasionally cathartic… I would prefer not to HAVE to do it!

I just mentioned some great groundcovers that help to deter weeds. Today I’m adding to the list with several taller plants and one short one!

The samurai of weed blockers do so by shading weed seeds and not allowing them to germinate.  Note: all of these plants are fast spreaders aka invasive to some folks!

‘Emerald Blue’ moss phlox … [Continue reading]

Coveting a zone 5 plant


Thu. Jun. 23, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Coveting a zone 5 plant

I have coveted the buddleia or Butterfly bush, for years. I’ve been tempted many times to buy one and see what happens. One of the experts I work with just hates them! It’s a zone 5 plant! I live in zone 4b and that’s pushing it. 

So he generally encourages people not to buy them or be prepared to lose them when we get a wicked winter. But here I go, sharing a  … [Continue reading]

How to build a compost pile


Wed. Jun. 22, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: How to build a compost pile

My compost pile could use some help. Actually it needs to be completely revamped! But that’s another ‘Bite! Today it’s about the materials to use.

Again, I dip into my favorite magazine for inspiration, Northern Gardener.

  • Your compost pile needs to be at least 3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft. to provide enough heat to decompose the materials.
  • You need to provide air circulation on the bottom, so pile twigs
 … [Continue reading]

Summer Solstice 2022


Tue. Jun. 21, 2022

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Summer Solstice 2022

The Summer Solstice happened at 4:13 this morning, central time! The astrological first day of Summer and the longest day of the year.

The timing of the June solstice is not based on a specific calendar date or time; it all depends on when the Sun reaches its northernmost point from the celestial equator. That’s usually the 20th, 21st or 22nd. This is generally a time when many are eating the first strawberries of the  … [Continue reading]