If you’ve got some big planters in your landscape, they don’t have to stay empty and boring this winter. The rest of your landscape might be dormant, but your containers can add a pop of color and interest until spring blooms return. A colorful container can be a decorative element by itself. Use brightly colored ceramic pots to add some interest to your porch or stoop. But if you’ve gone with muted colors in your containers, you can still add some pizzazz…
The backyard garden may be finished for the season, but you can keep your green thumb in shape with an indoor herb garden this fall and winter. If you choose the right conditions, windowsill herb gardening requires little time and effort. If you have a sunny exposure for a south or west facing window you’ve got most of what you need to cultivate an herb garden all winter long. In return, you’ll get the joy of greenery plus some extra…
If you haven’t planted bulbs yet for next spring, there may still be time. Planting now gives them time to develop roots before the ground freezes. It’s an easy project as long as you know a few things to do – and not do – when planting. Do: Choose a location that is well-drained and gets plenty of sun. Plan your planting around bloom time. Daffodils and crocuses will appear early in the season, while tulips will come along later. Check with…
If you haven’t yet winterized your sprinkler system – it’s that time – or call a professional to get on their schedule soon. Hard freezes typically involve temps at 28 degrees or below for a minimum of 4 hours. A frost can occur at or below the freezing mark of 32 degrees if the humidity is high. If you see a frost warning, here are three things you can do: 1. Cover tender annual veggies and flowers. Use fabric household…
As the growing season winds down and you prepare your landscape for winter, you may find yourself with a lot of yard waste. Instead of bagging it and tossing it into the garbage, why not make that yard waste continue to benefit your plants by composting? What to put in your compost bin: Leaves Grass clippings Straw Plant debris While you’re at it, you can also add food waste from indoors, like coffee grounds, fruit peels and cores, and vegetables.…
Plant fall bulbs now for spring color. The fall months, specifically September and October, are the best times to plant bulbs for a colorful display next spring. To break out of their dormant state, bulbs need 12 – 14 weeks of cold temperatures (below 45 degrees). There are many different bulbs to choose from including; tulips, daffodils, crocus, and alliums. You can plant the bulbs individually or in a mass to create a more vibrant display. Water well when you…
Lawns help cool our environment and make our backyards more enjoyable in the warm months. Through spring and summer—especially this year—they can be the focus of our outdoor activities. As we head into fall, take some time to change up your lawncare routine to help it continue to serve us well next year. Here are some things to consider for fall lawn maintenance: Reduce weekly maintenance. Cut down on watering and mow less frequently. Cooler nights combined with fewer hours of…
There are a number of flower choices that like the cool weather of fall that we can replace the worn-out ones with and keep the color going. Pansies and Violas are the main ones for fall planting. They prefer the cool weather. They can take frosts and still bloom! You really get your money’s worth when you plant them in the fall as they will bloom all fall, periodically through the winter and burst out in spring! Also, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Ornamental Cabbage…
Top items you can think about doing in the fall and early winter months: Clean up your garden beds: remove debris, leaves and weeds. You can put in edging and re-mulch for the winter. Put potted material inside to protect them from the upcoming freezing temperatures. Plant bulbs for spring. Popular bulbs are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. Remove dead and dying plants and cut back ornamental grasses for the fall. Add new plants to your landscape and get them…
It’s getting late in the season. There are only 28 days until fall. Spring and fall remain full of landscaping tasks, but there are plenty of ways to spruce up your lawn and garden as the summer ends. Check out these easy and effective end of summer landscaping tips, designed to extend the season and keep your outdoor living area healthy and comfortable. Watering your lawn and garden can be problematic, depending on local limitations. About 1-inch of water is all…
