Every spring as temperatures heat up and the ground begins to thaw, excitement grows. People can’t wait to get outside, some to play, others to work in their lawn and garden. For those who would rather play ball, take a hike or camp out, understanding why others would rather dig around in the dirt can […]

Gardens are a prime target for pests of all kinds—beetles, caterpillars, ladybugs, maggots, worms and more. If you prefer more organic methods of pest control, read on. One of the best ways to keep pests out of plants and let the light and water in is to use floating row covers. Made of porous polyester […]

Have you ever been to a Zen garden? The Japanese rock gardens are intended to be a peaceful refuge and therefore are very streamlined with carefully arranged elements on a base of sand or gravel. Zen gardens tend to be small and are often surrounded by a wall with a place for visitors to sit […]

Lots to Gardens is a youth and community driven program of St. Mary’s Nutrition Center that uses sustainable urban gardening to provide opportunities for people to grow their own food, create access to affordable fresh food and to involve youth as leaders in building a healthy community. The program helps families develop skills and build […]

Almost anything that can hold soil and plants can be used for a container garden. Consider these options: • Aquariums • Baby buggies • Barrels • Baskets • Bathtubs • Boots and shoes • Bottles • Bowls • Buckets • Cans • Chairs • Coffee mugs • Colanders • Cradles • Crates • Cups • […]

Time-tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled. The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening. * MYTH: Compost tea is more effective than traditional compost. All over North America and the United Kingdom, gardeners have jumped on board the compost tea bandwagon. […]

(BPT) — Weather extremes are brutal on exterior landscaping. Rain, snow, wind and temperature variances all take a toll, especially on residential fencing. Rain accelerates rust and wood-rot, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Gate misalignment — as well as rusty, metal hinges and latches — can lead to […]

(BPT) — With the snow melted and the ground thawed, many eager homeowners and landscape professionals are ready to start projects that require digging this spring. During this transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance, the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them, reminds homeowners and professional diggers that […]

Many flowers compete with one another to attract butterflies, birds and bees for pollination, but at least two species of flowering plants have enhanced their ability to attract insects in unique ways. The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is native to western Sumatra, where it grows in openings in rainforests. It is the largest unbranched flower […]