If you are planning a new garden area this season, conventional wisdom tells us  we should begin by digging up and turning over the soil.  I too subscribed to that framework for my first few years in gardening.  Growing up in a farm rich region I remember the lot next to my house being...

After back to back “Nor’easters”, I need something to get me out of this “winter funk”.  Enter “Seed Starting”.  That wonderful time between February and March when I make my tentative growing plans, check out the new seed offerings, place my orders, collect my packets and get my first taste of gardening for the...

Taking a walk around your gardens during this week’s warmer temps you may notice some disturbing changes in your shrubs.  Winter weather challenges our woody plants in many ways.  Even if you are vigilant in selecting plants hardy to our region, variable weather conditions can create problems that begin to show winter garden challenges...

The garden season has ended.  Here in the North Country the favorable fall weather extended our 2017 season a few extra weeks.    I am certain this contributed to the  bountiful harvest our Saratoga County Plant A Row for the Hungry program experienced this year.  This national program, created by the Garden Writer’s Association...

My lawn and gardens are now covered with leaves as a result of this week’s high winds and rain.  As I drive through towns I see piles of leaves lining the side of the streets.  Eventually those leaves will make their way to the landfill or a composting area.  At my house we have...

The tropical cana plants are a beautiful addition to our landscapes and containers.  I use them as a “thriller” element in my containers and a center focal in many of my annual displays.  In our region, the cana display lining the center island of Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs is a traditional sign of...

Mums seem to dominate most fall garden landscapes.  They have become the “go-to” fall garden choice.  I however, like to use Asters in my fall displays.   Sadly the Aster is often overlooked by gardeners when planning out their late season gardens.    So you will not find an abundant number of  varieties at your garden...

What is it about this time of year?  Retailers are shouting Fall, most of my garden communications are promoting Fall practices.  Let’s slow down and enjoy these waning days of summer in the garden.  Here in the North Country, our summers are rather short and winter arrives all too soon.  Besides, I have worked...

I swear my August garden is smiling back at me!  I attribute this to the presence of my sunflowers!  There is nothing quite like the fresh, smiling bloom of sunflowers welcoming you at a garden entrance.  Perhaps this “smiling face” plant characterization comes from my childhood.   As a baby boomer, I recall the...