Mulch isn’t just for looking pretty

Mulch isn’t just for looking pretty

by adminNo Comments
  Year-Round Benefits   Spreading chopped up wood chips around your plants has become a pretty popular standard for many yards in many areas. But why do we do it and what is our reasoning behind which mulch we choose? It's not just to keep up with the neighbors. And while most mulch is purchased in the spring, mulch is actually plentiful in year-round benefits. - Protection from the sun and heat. Providing an extra barrier between the hot sun and those sensitive roots. - Protection from the cold of winter. Just think of it as a little winter blanket of insulation for the roots of all your prized plants. - Prevents weeds from popping up - the more obstacles you give the weeds, the less likely they are to come up. - Helps hang on to some of that moisture, not only does mulch provide shade for the roots, it keeps the roots a little moister for a little longer. - Organic...
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Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

by barbNo Comments
Gardening unveils an abundance of great life lessons. From tilling rich soil in the spring to harvesting the final flowers and fruit, gardens yield more than the simple fruits, vegetables and flowers. A good garden teaches patience and peace. A great garden holds memories of delicious meals shared with loved ones and graced with fragrant and beautiful arrangements for months on end. From an apartment balcony to a full backyard, each garden of mine has had advice, cuttings and conversations from neighbors and friends included in its design and function.     FlowersGood summer choices for cutting and bringing indoors include colorful zinnias, dahlias (depending on location), roses, snapdragons and cosmos. Cosmos have the added advantage of being kind to those of us with allergies. I love to mix them up in bouquets and surprise a neighbor or friend to liven up their day. Another great idea: snip a few flowers before going to a friend’s cook-out. Lay them in a simple piece...
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Butterflies in the desert

Butterflies in the desert

by barbNo Comments
Karen sent these photos from a butterfly exhibit at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Gardens, which is nestled in the beautiful red buttes of Papago Park. Serving the community for over 70 years, the gardens are committed to preserving desert plants and educating people about the fragile desert eco-environment.  They offer a variety of classes to learn more about how to preserve the desert - and how to plan your own gardens. They also offer many events throughout the year, including art exhibits and a jazz series in the gardens. Check out the Allan Houser exhibit through the end of this month, or attend one of the many jazz events through June. Or, simply enjoy these beautiful photos from Karen's desert visit. : )...
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Dahlias, dahlin’

Dahlias, dahlin’

by barbNo Comments
French gardeners often plant dahlias in their herb gardens to brighten the landscape. I suspect that bringing flowers to a dinner prepared from the garden is a big motivation as well. What a joyful dining experience! Fresh food you've grown to please your stomach, and beautiful flowers to soothe your eyes. I've grown a number of dahlias over the years. Our climate has winter, so around early October I cut back the foliage, dig up the tubers and nestle them in a box of cedar shavings for winter rest in my basement. In the spring, I re-plant once the danger of frost is gone.  When they bloom, its like welcoming old friends back to my yard. Dahlias come in many sizes and colors. I love them all - one has a face like bright sunshine, another is a big purple shere. Of course, they have their own society, the American Dahlia Society, complete with their own Website chock full of information. Other than staking...
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