Gardeners are optimists. We know that planting hardy bulbs now will bring us flowers in spring — tulips, daffodils, crocus, squills, hyacinths, fritillaria and alliums, to name a few. Bulbs should be in the ground four to six weeks before the ground freezes. In Colorado Springs, that means plant them from mid-September through mid-October. Bulbs … Read more
Plant this Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a stalwart of a “hot” border, producing generous explosions of scarlet flowers against stiff iris-like foliage in late summer. It makes a wonderful cut flower, too. Grow in full sun or partial shade in any reasonably fertile soil. Height and spread 1m x 1m. Treat this If something is taking irregular notches out … Read more
Stone House Garden made it through the garden walk and by all accounts it was a great success. Folks loved the color and diversity of plants. The purple garden is always the fave of visitors and this year it was a challenge due again to the weather. The warm season annuals sat and sulked after … Read more
With animal products out of bounds for vegan gardeners, what do they use? “Certainly not blood and bone!” Fiona Harman, who has a micro-organic farm near Oxford in the North Canterbury foothills, is almost spluttering down the phone. “I don’t think I would ever use it even if I weren’t vegan,” she laughs. “All those antibiotics.” Some gardeners … Read more
Is that your garden?’ my friend Michele, who was smoking a cigarette out of our kitchen window, gestured down at the bramble jungle below that was, technically, our garden. ‘What a waste,’ he said. He was staying with us in north London while he flat-hunted and most of the places he saw didn’t even have … Read more
Since August 2009, the Garden project has served as a full production urban farm and the cornerstone of our Nutrition Education Program. In 2010, the one-acre site produced 20,000 lbs of fresh produce including watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, beans, and many herbs. Have your own garden? Please consider “Plant a Row for the … Read more
Though soil has always been the most natural medium for growing plants, it comes with a host of problems. As garden soil is a living, breathing material, it often contains harmful bacteria and is the source of many soil-borne diseases. Battling these pests is the constant bane of every gardener. Inert soil-less mediums have the … Read more
Now is the season of dreams, when gardeners flip through seed catalogs circling enticing pictures. As a child I did the same with the Sears catalog, until the toy section was filled with black marker. My parents pointed out that since I’d circled everything, Santa wouldn’t know what I really wanted, and I’d likely end … Read more
Clematis are among the most stunning climbers, with flowers ranging from delicate bells to blousy show-stoppers. Those who want a dazzling display of large blooms will often opt for the large hybrids known as Group 2 clematis, which flower firstly in spring and early summer on shoots produced in the previous year, then in mid … Read more
CONIFERS may have a reputation for being boring, but they add valuable colour and structure in winter. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting, according to plant specialist Lubera.co.uk: 1. Beware of pruning potted trees: The right location is crucial so potted trees can develop unhindered. A size-limiting cut should … Read more