If you’re looking for a striking houseplant to add to your collection, look no further than string of dolphins. You may already be familiar with its more common relatives, string of pearls and string of bananas, but string of dolphins has a unique look all its own. Sometimes also called dolphin necklace, I find it to be the most intriguing member of this unique group of succulent plants. In this article, I’ll discuss how to care for a string of dolphins plant year-round and what to do to ensure it is thriving and healthy.
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Winter aconite: Add this cheerful, early-spring flower to your garden
As winter starts to wind down and there are early hints of spring in the air (and in the garden), my eyes are always glued to the ground on my walks for signs the first spring-flowering bulbs are starting to emerge. Winter aconite is one of those seasonal treasures that pops up first, sometimes even before the snow has had a chance to melt. The cheerful, yellow flowers are a most welcome site and burst of color after a long drab winter. They even arrive a wee bit earlier than snowdrops and crocuses!
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Straw bale cold frame: An easy DIY for autumn and winter harvesting
A straw bale cold frame is a temporary structure used to protect hardy vegetables in autumn and winter. They require no building skills and are quick and easy to put together. Once the bales are in place, they’re topped with a clear material like an old window or a piece of polycarbonate. With the arrival of spring, the frames are taken apart and the straw can be used for straw bale gardens, mulching, or added to the compost bin. Keep reading to learn more about straw bale cold frames.
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Cissus discolor: How to grow and care for the rex begonia vine
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a rex begonia vine. At the Naples Botanic Garden in Florida, I spied it tumbling down over the side of a very tall container and I was awestruck. I had never seen a Cissus discolor plant before and fell immediately in love. I’ve had this beautiful plant growing in my patio pots or on my windowsill ever since. In this article, I’ll share the many virtues of this climbing plant. I’ll also fill you in on how to take care of it, regardless of whether you grow it indoors or out. Plus, you’ll learn three ways you can propagate Cissus discolor to share it with friends.
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Preparing raised beds for winter: What to leave, what to pull, what to add, and what to put away
Preparing raised beds for winter, if you garden in them, should be an essential part of your autumn to-do list. I have several raised beds, and there are a few steps I take before I call it a season and give my green thumbs a break for the winter. Some of those tasks I start to think about in late summer. Others I try to make sure I do as I don more layers to go outside and finish up before the snow flies.
Low tunnel hoops for weather and pest protection
Low tunnel hoops are one of my favorite ways to extend the homegrown harvest in my vegetable garden as well as protect my crops from pests. These compact structures are just miniature greenhouses and are quick and easy to build. I make mine from easily sourced materials like PVC conduit or 9 gauge wire and top them with an assortment of lightweight covers. Keep reading to learn how you can use low tunnel hoops to maximize production in your vegetable garden.
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