Plant A Hummingbird Magnet

May 16, 2014 | Gardens

This is the time of year when people are planting up pots and other containers for their decks and patios. I love designing container garden for my porch and back deck and I want several things from such containers. These groupings soften the edges of the space, add...

Tulips Are Pure Joy!

May 15, 2014 | Gardens

Right now, in May, you must go to your August or September calendar and write this entry: ORDER TULIPS NOW!  I am doing just this after seeing how the tulips in my garden have lifted my spirits for the past three weeks. There is just something unfailingly cheerful...

Designing a Flowering Container

May 12, 2014 | Gardens

I’m fortunate to be taking part in P. Allen Smith’s Garden2Blog2014 event when 25 gardening bloggers will visit his farm to celebrate plants, gardening, and how the growing life enriches us all. I can’t wait! Some of the sponsors of this event,...

Impatiens Downy Mildew 2014

May 6, 2014 | Gardens

Let’s Collect Some Impatiens Data! Calling all Cape Cod Gardeners! (And gardeners in other areas for that matter.) We all know what happened two and three years ago to regular Impatiens. What we DON’T know is if it’s safe to plant them again. Is downy...

Buying and Planting Balled and Burlapped Plants

May 5, 2014 | Gardens

Many shrubs and trees are sold as balled and burlapped, aka  “B&B” plants. Here are some things you should know about buying these plants and putting them in the ground. Look for a tree that doesn’t have large nicks and scrapes on the trunk. Sometimes in the...

Color That Pops: You Can Grow That!

May 4, 2014 | Gardens, You Can Grow That

Wondering what flowering annuals to plant this summer? Leaning toward pastels? We have to talk. In the bright summer sun the pinks, blues, lavenders and whites can disappear. Yes, these are lovely colors, but when it comes to the light of summer days they just...