Gardener gifts


Thu. Dec. 3, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Gardener gifts

Gardening took on a whole new meaning this year and lots of you got a real “taste” for it! When loved ones ask what you want for Christmas, tell them tools! As an essential part of gardening, these are worth spending the extra dollars for quality.

One of the top tools, as I’ve mentioned before, is the Hori Hori Japanese gardening knife.  Hori means “digging” in Japanese. This knife has been called the MacGuyver of gardening  … [Continue reading]

The benefits of bats and other birds


Wed. Dec. 2, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The benefits of bats and other birds

While some may scoff, bats have benefits.  You may not feel that way as you battle one inside your bedroom, however, before killing it, capture it and set it free.  Then look for the place in the bats are coming in and seal it up!

A bat in the house? What to do by Wildlife Removal USA.

Let’s talk about what bats DO do… not what you’re thinking! This is  … [Continue reading]

Norfolk pine – a tropical tree


Tue. Dec. 1, 2020

Click on the link below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Norfolk pine – a tropical tree

This is a very different Christmas for me. While perhaps not quite as festive, I found the perfect tree for my home. It’s the Norfolk Pine.

I know many of you have seen this houseplant but maybe don’t know where it actually comes from and the fact that it’s not a pine at all! Native to Norfolk Island, a small island between New Zealand and New Caledonia,can grow  … [Continue reading]

Christmas tree care


Mon. Nov. 30, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Christmas tree care

The local nurseries are filled with Frasier Firs, Balsams, Pine and Spruce. Ahh, that smell is awesome!

You learned all about the different types of trees last week, which ones are the most fragrant, ones that can hold a lot of ornaments and ones that have those pretty soft needles. Now we need to talk about the CARE of those beauties you brought into your home.

How to care for your tree!

  • Figure out WHERE
 … [Continue reading]

Firs, Pine, Spruce – Christmas tree selection


Fri. Nov. 27, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Firs, Pine, Spruce – Christmas tree selection

While some are shopping online or safely in local small businesses, others are searching for their perfect Christmas tree.

Remember the ’60’s? Well, maybe you’re too young! (like me… tee hee)

Ahhh, but today, we relish the real trees! Selection can be tricky depending on what you’re looking for.

There are lots of types of trees to choose from depending on what you like and whether you have heavy ornaments.  The  … [Continue reading]

Being thankful


Thu. Nov. 26, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Being thankful

It’s Thanksgiving. Normally I would wish you a full house and a full belly, but it’s different this year. So, I will wish you a full belly and a full HEART.

A heart of gratitude for the blessings you have and those to come. As you gather around Zoom or FaceTime or Google Duo, I pray you see those you love eating all those foods that bring back the light and warmth of Thanksgivings past and  … [Continue reading]

Amaryllis – tis the season


Wed. Nov. 25, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Amaryllis – tis the season

Amaryllis is one of those gorgeous plants that helps ring in the holiday season. While we may not be able to see all of our loved ones in person, we can send them love with a beautiful bloom.

There are a huge variety of choices. I did find one that seems to sum up a bit of 2020, it’s new this year and called ‘Half and Half’.

  • Choose large, firm bulbs –
 … [Continue reading]

A peek at 2021 plants


Tue. Nov. 24, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: A peek at 2021 plants

2020 will go down in history. Turbulence of many types. But still, humans are resilient, we look at ways to celebrate holidays differently this year.

Milestone birthdays, graduations, Thanksgiving this week and Christmas and other religious holidays on the horizon.

On today’s Garden Bite, I wanted to take a moment to share some lovely plants. Plants that are coming in 2021. Something to look forward to. Proven Winners is offering a couple of  … [Continue reading]

The Unwanted Houseguest


Mon. Nov. 23, 2020

Click on the link below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The Unwanted Houseguest

It’s the time of year when you may hear the pitter patter of small creatures about your house. This year it’s not just the kids who are distance learning, it’s another creature, MICE.

While we may not be holding traditional Thanksgiving, we still don’t want these guys as houseguests! 

Oh sure, he looks cute but the destruction and, egad!, waste left behind by these little creatures is NOT something you want in  … [Continue reading]

Oriental Bittersweet: Pretty obnoxious


Fri. Nov. 20, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Oriental Bittersweet – Pretty obnoxious

As we approach the holidays, this is a perennial topic now. Oriental bittersweet is pretty obnoxious… see how I did that? Pretty, yes, obnoxious, most definitely!

Used so often in decorations, this lovely looking vine is deceitful as it’s invasive qualities haunt our  forests, grasslands, and parks!  Sounds a bit harsh for such a well used holiday decoration but it’s true.

This invasive has penetrated our native areas to the point that it’s  … [Continue reading]