There are many reasons why people love to putter around in the garden. Some people adore it because it gives them a way to grow their own food, while others can’t get enough of gardening because it’s great for their mental health. Since the presence of plants helps to fight seasonal depression and bring a sense of life into a room, many gardeners are now bringing their favorite plants indoors to enhance productivity and wellbeing, and make their shared spaces look and feel livelier and happier. Growing your outdoor plants indoors takes more than just transferring them into pretty plant […]
Author: James Johnsen
Make Your Landscape A Winter Wildlife Refuge
Have you heard the phrase “things are not as they appear”? Our gardens look quiet in winter, but they’re full of life. From birds to squirrels and insects, these critters are fighting for survival. Check out these tips for supporting wildlife during the coldest time of year. And for patio gardeners, there are tips for you, too! How To Provide Winter Shelter In Your Garden Perennial Stems As winter settles in, you can provide shelter for animals. For birds and other small creatures, consider leaving the old stems of perennials until spring. Those stems look unimportant, but they’re often filled […]
Solving Common Winter Garden Issues
Do you look forward to winter? On the one hand, the quiet days and fresh snowfalls can be wonderful. However, those cold conditions create challenges for our gardens. Let’s check out some common problems and how to prevent them. Winter Burn Have you ever noticed brown leaves on your evergreens in spring? This problem, known as winter burn, is caused by the leaves drying out. Winter burn mainly affects evergreens like boxwood, yew, and junipers. Several factors can impact the severity of winterburn, like a plant’s age. New transplants have smaller root systems that are prone to drying out. In […]
Plant Now for a Beautiful Spring: Tips for Fall Bulbs
When is the best time to plant? For spring blooming bulbs, it’s fall. From tulips to daffodils and crocus, these colorful plants lead the transition from winter to spring. And if you crave variety, bulbs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. There are over 26,000 varieties of daffodils in the world! Today, we’ll focus on different types of bulbs and how they add color to the garden. Fall Bulb Types In my home state (Wisconsin), winter holds its grip on spring. And that’s why these early bloomers are such a welcome sight! While each bulb only blooms for a […]
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Apple Trees & Growing Them Successfully
On average, Americans eat 16 pounds of apples each year. Imagine picking those apples off your trees and enjoying them for months. Whether you have lots of space or a small patio, apple trees come in many sizes, allowing you to grow them nearly anywhere. Understanding the Characteristics of Different Apple Tree Varieties Remember, you’ll need two varieties to have fruit since apples cross-pollinate. Jung offers four basic types of apples, along with dozens of varieties. Here’s an overview of each tree. Overview of Apple Tree Anatomy Apple trees have two main parts, called the scion and rootstock. The bottom […]
How Having Plants In Your Home Office Can Enhance Productivity And Wellbeing
More people are beginning to see the appeal of having an office or work area in their homes. According to a National Association of Home Builders report, 63 percent of homebuyers consider a home office as a desirable feature, while nearly one-fourth of all homebuyers consider it as an essential. Over the past years, remote and hybrid workers have experienced the benefits of having a dedicated place to do their tasks since it allows them to stay focused and block out any potential distractions. But did you know that adding plants to your home office can also help to enhance productivity while […]
Honeyberry / Haskap Growing Guide
If you’re looking for a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that brings delicious, blueberry-like fruits to your garden, look no further than Honeyberry, also known as Haskap. These remarkable bushes can withstand frigid temperatures down to -40°F, making them a perfect choice for colder climates. They bloom in March with small, white, slightly fragrant flowers, setting the stage for fruit ripening about two weeks before strawberries. The berries are similar in color and flavor to large blueberries and are a delightful treat for early-season harvesting. With few pest or disease issues, these plants are low-maintenance and thrive with little fuss. While they […]
Create A Cottage Garden
Imagine yourself sitting outside and enjoying the warm air on a summer evening. Now picture yourself sitting outside surrounded by an oasis of flowering and edible plants. Perhaps there’s a meandering path weaving through the flower beds, allowing you to enjoy the different colors and fragrances. The sight of pollinators gathering nectar from native flowers adds even more life to the space. Whether your property is large or small, cottage gardens bring a sense of tranquility and beauty to any space. They also allow you to break the rules and run wild with creativity. Historically, these spaces are filled with […]
Composting Basics for Beginners
Experienced gardeners understand that the foundation of a thriving garden lies in the quality of the soil. Properly made compost acts like a potent elixir, enriching the garden with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It enhances the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, stabilizes its pH levels, and even fortifies plants against pests and diseases. Given its significant benefits, the term “garden gold” for compost is truly fitting. Composting is a natural process that occurs continuously as bacteria and other soil organisms decompose organic material. A stroll through the woods reveals this phenomenon; beneath the leaf litter, you’ll find […]
11 Drought-Tolerant Perennials For Your Summer Garden
As I’m typing this, the sound of rain fills the early morning air, providing the garden with another dose of moisture. We’ve come to expect fluctuating weather, so growing plants that can withstand those changes is important. Using perennials with drought tolerance is a great way to create a low-maintenance landscape that brings beauty and function to your garden. Mid-summer is also when certain perennials start looking worn, especially during dry spells, so now is ideal for finding gaps in the garden that could use a fresh look. Whether you’re growing flowers or foliage plants, drought tolerance can be found […]