As is the natural cycle of things, January in the Virginia Piedmont is a period of dormancy and regeneration for our outdoor plants and for gardeners. It is ideally a relaxing time of planning and preparation for the coming spring, with a little bit … [Read more...]
BEST NEW VEGETABLES, HERBS, AND FRUITS OF 2020
We’re only about nine weeks away from traditional pea-planting time (St. Patrick’s Day) and the beginning of a new growing season. It’s not too soon to think about what to buy, order, or make plans to plant while the selection is best. Especially … [Read more...]
Winter Pruning
Winter is the right time to prune many types of plants in our landscapes. For those who are interested in pruning timing and techniques, I hope this helps. CONTINUE SOURCE: https://pitt.ces.ncsu.edu/2016/02/winter-pruning-2/ … [Read more...]
Evaluating the Garden
Winter is the perfect time to reflect on the successes and disappointments of last year's garden. In the lull after the holidays, stop and take a few minutes to assess the successes, challenges, and disappointments of the past growing season. … [Read more...]
African Violets – Bringing Beauty Indoors
Bringing beauty to the indoors is a goal of any gardener in the winter months. African violets have a reputation of being fussy plants, but with just a little care and the right conditions, they can thrive, bloom, and enhance any home. … [Read more...]
Common Bugs And Pests On Houseplants
Many houseplants are susceptible to indoor bugs and insects due to the lack of natural atmosphere indoors. There’s no wind to blow the pests away or rain to wash them off. Houseplants are totally reliant on their owners for protection for pests. The … [Read more...]
Poinsettia
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the most popular flowering plant sold in the United States with more than 70 million sold nationwide each year. When South Carolinian Joel R. Poinsett (1779 – 1851), the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, … [Read more...]
Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery
Decorating the house with fresh greenery is one of the oldest winter holiday traditions. Evergreens have been a part of winter festivals since ancient times. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. … [Read more...]
Root Vegetable Tart
I made this Root Vegetable Tart last weekend, and it slayed me. Apparently it slayed Mr. Fox, too, because he suggested that I make the tart again, for guests at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. What’s not to love about root vegetables that are … [Read more...]
Christmas Cactus Care
While the poinsettia remains the most popular holiday plant, a healthy Christmas cactus in full bloom makes a great gift or decoration. Christmas cactus is easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year. The flowers range in color from … [Read more...]