Nothing says the holidays like a poinsettia. This year, try some new ways to display this festive plant. Poinsettias are available in a variety of colors including white, pink, hot pink, yellow, peach, marbled and speckled. These colorful parts of the plant, often referred to as flowers, are actually modified leaves called bracts. The real […]
Melinda Myers
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released “Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition” and “Small Space Gardening.” She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and is commissioned by different brands for her expertise to write these articles.
Posted inGardeners Corner
Give the Gift of Preserving the Garden’s Harvest
Give a gift that helps your favorite gardeners enjoy the flavors of their garden well past the end of the growing season. Both new and experienced gardeners often spend their gardening budget on plants and seeds, leaving little or none to invest in food preservation equipment and supplies. Prepare your favorite gardener for the next […]
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Plant Alliums This Fall to Add Variety and Beauty to Your Garden
Take your garden to new heights with alliums. This ornamental member of the onion family provides welcome color as spring bulbs fade and before summer perennials fill our gardens with colorful blooms. Most people have seen pictures of the giant allium but there are many other options of flower sizes and heights suitable for any […]
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Sustainable Water Use in the Landscape
No matter where we live, the conservation and wise use of water in our gardens and landscapes is important. Sustainable water use helps grow beautiful gardens while conserving water and helping reduce water pollution and stormwater overflows. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to increase the soil’s ability to absorb and retain […]
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Take a Color-Themed Approach for More Attractive Arrangements
Growing dahlias is a must for anyone who loves cutting and arranging flowers. But there are hundreds of beautiful dahlia varieties to choose from and that can be overwhelming. To make the selection process easier, choose compatible colors that will look good together in the garden and in arrangements. The combination of peach and burgundy […]
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Grow Herbs Indoors for Year-round Enjoyment
Add garden fresh flavor to your meals year-round. Grow a few of your favorite herbs indoors, harvest and enjoy. Select a variety of herbs you and your family enjoy and use for cooking, decoration or fragrance. Basil, chives, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, sage and thyme are some of the easier herbs to grow indoors. […]
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Gift Ideas for Bird Watchers and Gardeners
Give a gift that provides beauty, entertainment and health benefits throughout the year. With the recent increase in people gardening and bird watching, what could be more perfect than a gift that supports both interests? Birds visiting feeders, munching on the coneflower seeds in the garden and perching in the shelter of evergreens help brighten […]
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Fall Landscape Care to Keep Plants and Pollinators Healthy
As the weather and gardens transition from summer to fall, it’s time to adjust your maintenance practices to ensure the health, longevity and beauty of your landscape. Proper fall care will increase winter survival, support pollinators and reduce your future workload. Continue watering as needed. This is especially important for new plantings and moisture-loving plants. Don’t […]
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Designing Gardens for Year-Round Color and Protecting Your Investment
Create a colorful year-round garden filled with flowers, greenery, colorful fruit, fall color, winter interest and a few surprises. Consider seasonal interest when planning a new garden or landscape. Adding a few key plants to existing gardens can help boost your landscape’s seasonal appeal. Include a variety of plants with multiple seasons of interest as […]