Now is the time to prepare your garden for spring. Perhaps spring fever is embedded in our DNA. Vernal or spring equinox means day and night are equal in length. The chemical processes that occur from shorter nights signal sleepy time is over for all living things. Plants begin new growth, animals emerge from hibernation, …
This year, gift nature for Valentine’s Day. Other than staple offerings of exotic cut flowers or sweet edibles, the following are a few sustainable gifts for your gardening buddy or loved one. Lasting Roses Roses as a bare-root, container plant or miniature variety make a lasting impression and investment. Choose a spot receiving six or …
It’s time for cool weather tree and shrub planting. Rebirth and Renewal are hallmarks of the new year. Celebrate by planting something green. January is an excellent month for planting – or transplanting trees and shrubs because cool temperatures are kinder to root systems. Consider following these best practices for planning successful plantings. Goal: What …
Iris Time It’s time for tips on growing Louisiana Irises. Our state has several native iris species but only five are grouped horticulturally as “Louisiana irises.” Iris brevicaulis (Zigzag), Iris fulva (Copper), Iris giganticaerulea (Giant blue), Iris hexagona (Dixie), and Iris nelsonii (Abbeville red/yellow). The many colorful cultivars we know today are the result of these …
THE PROSPECT OF of re-working garden beds for fall may be too daunting after weeks of debris clearing, so here are some simple tips for container gardening for fall. Container gardening is great for dressing up any entry, porch or tree stump. Container Choice Sunlight hours are reduced in October and continue through December, but …
It’s time to prepare summer gardens for fall. This summer has been an exercise in patience. At least cloudy skies make cooler temperatures. The current warm season will continue for another couple of months. This checklist will have your plantings in fine form for milder months ahead. 1. Support: More common in large mixed beds, …
Want colorful plants that can stand the heat? Undeterred by the searing summers, here are top 10 warm-season plants that can be grown now. Plus, it’s a fun learning activity to keep kids occupied and engaged before school resumes. Undeterred by the searing heat of summer, here are top 10 warm-season plants that can be …
June temperatures are approaching too-hot-to-bother for many gardening enthusiasts. But consider investigating those areas of the yard or garden that aren’t performing well. Vines, ground covers, and ornamental grasses could be the perfect summer solutions for your garden. Vines need support but are fast growing. You can choose between two characteristics: twining or clinging. Twining …
Let’s talk about weeds. The best weed control is utilizing best practices for growing lush lawns: fertilizing, mowing, and watering. Fertilizing The first application of fertilizer is usually mid-April to mid-May. Tax day is a good benchmark. Look for 3-1-2 ratios of N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). Those are the small numbers usually under the product name. Slow …
LONGER HOURS OF sunlight beckon unhurried strolls through many of the most spectacular landscapes our region has to offer. Bring your mask and consider visiting one or all of the following venues in April. Enjoying local treasures in the great outdoors should not be missed. Covington Garden Club’s Annual Flower Show “Happiness is Homemade,” Apr …
PRUNING IS ONE of those necessary gardening tasks that often goes awry or is intentionally neglected for fear of doing it wrong. No need for concern! Follow these Pruning Made Simple guidelines to get it right. 1. What is the intended goal? Overgrown holly bush along the driveway scratching the car? Leggy growth after hydrangeas …
HOW MANY OF us can name a month of the year by what is blooming? Holly berries in December, camellias in January, paperwhites in February, azaleas in March and the list goes on. Perennial gardening can offer repeat displays over multiple years. Perennials are plants that live more than three years. Trees, shrubs, bulbs and …
