Author: Joseph Greenfinger
We all know how difficult it can be to maintain a lush garden and yard during the hot summer months. But of course, there are some exceptions that bloom in the sun and continue to thrive throughout the fall and winter months. Read on to find out which plants to plant that will last until December. The Spruce Tree / Kara Riley pansy Pansies are beautiful flowers that you can usually plant in late summer or early fall. They tend to like part sun and part shade, and don’t like too much heat. This is why they are the perfect…
We recently asked our Facebook followers what their favorite low-maintenance outdoor plants or flowers are growing this summer. The results were so compelling, we had to share your top picks. As usual, our readers are very knowledgeable when it comes to home decor and lifestyle topics, and plants are no exception. Read on to see our top picks for low-maintenance outdoor plants or flowers. Zinnia Spruce Tree / Lacey Johnson We have received a lot of comments expressing great love for Zinnia flowers. So, what makes Zinnia flowers so special? First, they come in a variety of vibrant colors like…
Nurturing homegrown vegetables to maturity takes a lot of love and patience – so it’s disappointing when the finished product is bland, bitter, tough, mushy or simply inedible.Harvesting a delicious crop requires more judgment than any other aspect of growing vegetables. Even seasoned pros sometimes make mistakes with the easiest vegetables, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss the optimal harvest time or struggle with technique.All crops are different and require a specific approach to maturity, harvesting, and storage. Some vegetables can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season – such as cut-and-resprout crops – while others…
If you are a bug magnet like me, you will appreciate this life-changing (dare I say it) project! Make these citronella candles yourself and see for yourself how effective a mosquito repellant candle can be! I especially appreciate that these candles are made with all-natural ingredients, with no toxic ingredients whatsoever. If you’re like me, the summer months are the perfect time to spend time outdoors. In cooler climates like where I live, the long, warm summer days are the perfect time for gardening and sunbathing outdoors. There was just one small problem: mosquitoes. I don’t know why but mosquitoes…
Full of flavor, oregano adds a powerful flavor to dishes and provides health benefits. Learn when and how to harvest oregano for the best flavor and health of the plant. Meet the expert Tom the Farmer blog about gardening Our Country Garden. Lindsay Etemadipour is a holistic herbalist and founder of Symbi. What is Oregano? Oregano is an herb commonly used in cooking and as a healthful antioxidant. Its distinct flavor is often described as herbal, spicy, and minty, with an underlying slight bitterness. As a perennial, oregano will continue to grow year after year without needing to be replanted.…
A pantry is an entertainer’s dream, providing an elegant solution to free up some storage and prep space, helping you keep your kitchen tidy. Maybe you live in a home with a butler’s pantry and want to tap into its full potential. Or maybe you’re planning to convert an unused walk-in space into a butler’s pantry and want to consider your options. From shelves to countertops, cabinets, lighting, paint, wallpaper, backsplashes, flooring, bars, appliances, and more, there are many different ways to customize your pantry to fit your lifestyle and add functionality to your home. Take a look at these…
Hibiscus diseases are a cause for concern for growers of these beautiful plants, known for their vibrant colors and tropical feel. Hibiscuses are a welcome addition to containers and landscapes. While many varieties can only grow in frost-free climates, their hardy counterparts also make them an attractive choice for gardeners living outside these regions.Mature shrubs are generally considered trouble-free and easy to grow. With the right hibiscus careHopefully, you will be able to minimize the risk of problems. However, gardeners should be aware of some of the most common hibiscus diseases and their symptoms. Here is how to identify and…
Hello GPOD! Today we head to the Southern Hemisphere and revisit Lynne Leslie’s garden in Wellington, New Zealand (check out her previous entries: Lynne’s Windswept Garden in New Zealand and Late Spring in Lynne’s Garden). Getting updates from Lynne is a double treat. Firstly, Lynne grows some amazing plants with a huge range of gorgeous flowers that will wow no matter where she is. Secondly, while we Northern Hemisphere gardeners are dealing with a heatwave at the height of summer, New Zealand is going through their winter. We get to see some interesting and completely unfamiliar plants growing and blooming…
Common name Orach, orache, garden orache, red orache, mountain spinach Botanical name Atriplex hortensis Family Amaranthaceae (subfamily Chenopodiaceae) Plant type Annual, Herbaceous Adult size Up to 6ft tall and 2ft wide Bask Full Soil type Moist, well drained Soil pH Acid, neutral, alkaline Bloom time Summer Flower color Green and insignificant Tolerance zone 2-11 (USDA) Native area Asia Orach Care Here are the main care requirements for orach plants for beginners: Location with full sunlight.Plant in moist, well-drained soil to avoid root rot.Fertilize regularly or amend the soil with organic matter.Prune tall plants to produce the most flavorful leaves. Want…
Take the sweet pea Lathyrus sativus var. blue For example, with its small bright blue flowers with a hint of pink, held in a cluster of narrow leaves. It would be suitable for growing in a hanging basket to hang down the side, or in a sunny spot in a gravel garden. Prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage new growth and more flowers. It is an annual, so collect some seed after the flowers have faded and sow again the following spring.Lathyrus belinensis has small, eye-catching yellow flowers, the upper petals are veined with terracotta red. This…