As I write this, we are remembering our loved ones and friends who have served to defend our country and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce … Continued

Happy Spring – finally!  I am writing this column on Earth Day.  The theme of this Earth Day is “End Plastic Pollution!”  It is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.  We celebrated at our church service this morning with story and song.  I brought in seeds from my gardens and gave them to whomever had garden … Continued

Welcome to spring.  March came in like a lion and he is still roaring.  After four storms, we will be very happy to say hello to April and hope for better days. I have a patch of heather by my front door and it has been blooming since February, even under the snow.  The daffodils … Continued

I hope this finds you in good spirits and good health.  I have a short column this month. If you plan to have a live Christmas tree, it is very important to have the stem with a fresh cut – no more than 6 hours old.  The solution that works best is seltzer and bottled … Continued

Hope you have enjoyed the warm days so far into the fall.  I think the plants are confused, too!  We just received a much needed rainfall.  The rain will help trees and bushes survive better going into winter. For December blooms, start paper white bulbs now.  Place bulbs pointy end up in a shallow container … Continued

Hope all of you are enjoying the last of the summer flowers.  My fall asters are in full bloom – taller than ever from all the CO2 in the air.  My Korean mums are full of buds.  I have pink, rust and yellow.  My rose hedge is giving its last burst of bloom. I cut … Continued

I have good news to report on monarch butterflies.  Previously, I told you that I had about 40 milkweed plants in my old vegetable garden.  Now I have more monarchs than ever before.  The moms lay up to 500 eggs in a week and then the mom dies. The larvae munch on the milkweed leaves … Continued

Hope you are able to stay cool.  I have been melting when I go outside to water.  If I can stress anything at this time, it is to keep watering.  Pots dry out overnight. Deadhead perennials, roses and annuals to encourage continued blooming.  Clean birdbaths and change water daily to discourage breeding mosquitoes.  Take in bird … Continued