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...

Three years ago I began to apply a relatively new design trend to my landscapes: Blended Gardens.  I had interest in adding edibles to my gardens but had no space (or desire for that matter) to plot out a “farmers row”  of veggies and herbs.  So I began to assess how I might infuse...

The peony takes me back to my childhood.  This large fragrant bloom was abundant in my Grandmother’s garden.  These days when I go out to cut the blooms I flashback to my grandmother sending me home with large bouquets of peonies, stems wrapped in a wet paper towel and aluminum foil.  I sometimes feel...