The old saying, “good things come in small packages,” is especially true for the spring bulb garden. Although large Dutch tulips and yellow daffodils certainly have their place in the garden, spring-blooming miniatures–called minor bulbs in the nursery trade–add pizzazz. Most are prolific bloomers, with some, like snow drops and snow crocuses, among the first to flower in the spring. […]
Spring Vegetable Gardening
In May gardening begins in earnest. April weather is too uncertain for many vegetables to be planted in the open and even early May cannot be trusted far. By the end of the month, however, practically the first planting of everything we wish to include in our program is in the ground. Tomato plants must be guarded carefully against frost, […]
How Would You Get Your Garden Ready For Spring?
Come the summer, your garden should be an abundant lush place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Spring is the time the garden comes back to life after its winter hiatus and with this handy gardening guide, the time you spend getting your garden ready will certainly pay off. Maintenance tips and more The guide covers everything you need […]
Pruning Spring Flowering Branches
This is the time of year when garden pundits tell their disciples to bring in branches of forsythia, pussy willow or flowering quince for indoor bloom. A minority of those disciples will follow orders; the rest (and I am one of them) will wish they had actually planted some of those spring flowering shrubs last year or the year before […]
How to prune roses this Spring
SPRING PRUNING of established roses is always a gamble. If you prune too early, late spring frosts can kill all the canes. If you prune too late, some of the plants’ strength will be lost in the growth of the top shoots (spinach). You and you alone must be the judge of when to prune your roses. All roses must […]
First Signs of Spring
I am lucky. Gardening has always been a slightly guilty pleasure for me. I used to think that it was because I never had enough time in the garden. Now I am positive that I would feel the same way even if I had all the time in the world. As a little more light and a bit more warmth […]
SPRING LAWN CARE
SPRING LAWN CARE By Dr. Leonard Perry Extension Nursery and Greenhouse Crops Specialist University of Vermont Your lawn has just survived another long winter. In order to restore it to its former lush, green glory, it will need to be raked, renovated, repaired, and fertilized. First, make sure there is good drainage. You cannot grow grass in standing water. Drainage […]
Plant bulbs now for spring blooms
Now is the time to get your garden ready for fall, and instead of dreading the task, think about the glorious spring blooms to be had. Garden centres are supplied with spring-flowering bulbs of daffodils, hyacinths, narcissus, tulips,and crocus, but let’s not stop there. Unusual bulbs that can brighten any area of the garden can be purchased as well, some […]
Welcome Spring with Your New Potting Shed
Springtime is quickly approaching and with it will bring new life in the form of budding flowers, baby animals, warm weather, and feelings of inspiration for what’s to come. The most anticipated thing about spring? Planting your garden, of course! Whether you enjoy a garden full of ornamental flowers or one filled with fresh vegetables and herbs; sowing, planting, and […]
Spring Clean-Up
Lately, I have been reminded of the classic German chorale melody that organists know as “Schmuecke Dich”. Johann Crueger composed it in 1649, and in some Christian hymnals the first line of the hymn sung to the old melody is “Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness.” When I go outside to do a spring clean up in my garden beds […]