We should all take a moment to reflect on the bounty the past series of storms have brought, and give thanks to those who truly deserve it: the manufacturers of pain relievers, soothing salves, and those stick-on heating pads. But while people can find relief from the aches of shoveling snow via potions or warmth, [...]
Archive for December, 2009
Deicing without harm
Posted in Lawns, Trees and shrubs, Uncategorized, tagged deicing salt, pet safe deicing products, protecting plants from salt, salt burn, snow removal on December 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Holiday plant care
Posted in Houseplants, tagged Amaryllis, Christmas cactus, Christmas pepper, Holiday plant care, Kalanchoe, Norfolk island Pine on December 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
If your family and friends decided the best thing to give you was a plant this season, don’t sigh in resignation of having to care for another fussy houseguest. Most of the plants given at this time of year aren’t picky; they just need a little understanding. If you need a refresher on caring for [...]
An abbreviated history of evergreen decor
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged evergreen decor, evergreens, history of evergreen use on December 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
This close to so many holiday celebrations, a gardener can’t help but notice how many plants are part of our traditions. Evergreens seem particular favorites; their roots in decking the halls go far back to very ancient times. History credits Martin Luther in the early 1500’s with the first Christmas tree. Walking through the frosty [...]
Perk up your decor with pine cone wreath
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged holiday decor, pine cone wreath making, wreath making on December 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Today’s post is provided by guest writer Nicolle Sloane: So, you’re out in the yard lolling around kicking at the pine cones littering your front yard beneath that massive Scotch pine you had promised yourself you’d prune back this year – but didn’t. Or maybe you took your kids up to the mountains for a [...]
Festive touches for the holiday season
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged hanging lights, porch displays, wreaths on December 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Ask an expert on holiday decor, and they’ll probably tell you there are three types of do-it-yourselfers: those who start early in November, those who pace themselves after Thanksgiving, and those who do nothing at all. But there’s a fourth type of celebrant – Those Who Wait Until The Last Minute. You’ve seen us. We’re [...]
Selecting the right holiday tree
Posted in Uncategorized on December 7, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Today’s post can be heard on the public radio show Crop to Cuisine, hosted by Dov Hirsch. That magical time of the year is upon us, when we huddle in our homes hoping we don’t have to venture out in the cold. To make ourselves feel better, we cut down and bring a tree in [...]
Colorado State University hosts poinsettia trials
Posted in Houseplants, tagged Colorado State University, Dummen, Ecke, John Ray, Poinsettia trials, poinsettias, Steven Newman, Syngenta on December 1, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Getting back on the court after a few years off can make you wonder if you’ve still got game. When your show draws everyone’s attention, there’s a bit of pressure to make your return season your best. Toss in invitations for the glitterati of growing to come and assess your work, and even hardened veterans [...]