I have various plant obsessions, but spotted bee balm is my latest. My local seed library introduced me to this fascinating plant. I picked up some seeds, winter sowed them (along with a few other native plants), and was delighted by the result when they bloomed in summer. The flowers, which are pollinator magnets, are really hard to describe. Layers of bracts and flowers look like they’ve been stacked on top of each other, and encircle a bright green stem with long, narrow leaves. The sturdy-looking bracts that resemble petals are a light mauve or pink hue, while the delicate flowers, that look a bit like talons, are pale yellow with maroon polka dots (I’ve read that these are nectar guides). They remind me a bit of snapdragons or the pattern of a toad lily.
Garlic spacing: How far apart to plant garlic for big bulbs
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow in a home garden and to encourage the biggest bulbs, it’s important to pay attention to garlic spacing. If the cloves are planted too close together the bulbs won’t size up. Too far apart and you’re not maximizing your garden space. Below you’ll discover recommendations for the best spacing for hardneck and softneck varieties in an in-ground garden, raised bed, or container. You’ll also learn more about the factors that impact how far apart to plant garlic.
READ MORE » about Garlic spacing: How far apart to plant garlic for big bulbs
Growing kiwi fruit: It’s easier than you think
Do you enjoy growing fruit? Perhaps you have a few blueberry bushes, a handful of strawberry plants, or some apple trees and you’re looking to expand your garden’s offerings? Consider growing kiwi fruit. It is a surprisingly easy fruit to grow in a home garden, as long as you have a sturdy trellis and a male and female plant. In this article, I’ll share all the information you’ll need to know to grow kiwi fruit and offer tips for success.
READ MORE » about Growing kiwi fruit: It’s easier than you think
When to cut back peonies: Time your pruning to help next year’s blooms
After the first spring bulbs appear, the flowers I look forward to with the most anticipation in the spring are peonies. I love when I finally spot those big flower buds getting ready to burst open and reveal all the layered petals they’ve been holding in. Knowing when to cut back peonies will ensure those beautiful blooms reappear next spring. And, luckily once the petals start to fall to the garden below, you’re left with nice, strong foliage that will provide a backdrop for other plants in the garden.
READ MORE » about When to cut back peonies: Time your pruning to help next year’s blooms
Grow your own holiday decor: 4 native berry-producing shrubs you need to plant
Grow your own holiday decor for a convenient supply of berried branches to clip for holiday containers, window boxes, centrepieces, wreaths, garlands, and swags. Not only are these plants perfect for providing lots of berried branches for decorations, they’re also beautiful landscape plants. Berry producing shrubs also provide food and shelter for birds and add interest to the cold season landscape. In this article you’ll discover four native shrubs with berries you need to plant in your garden.
READ MORE » about Grow your own holiday decor: 4 native berry-producing shrubs you need to plant
Build a small lettuce table for a patio or porch
There’s something fun and challenging about trying to fit as many veggies and herbs into a small space. This small lettuce table is perfectly sized to be placed between two chairs on a patio or porch. There is still a place to put your morning coffee along the side, but the center is where the magic happens. You can grow lettuces and other salad greens, as well as some herbs in this garden that’s the width of a picture frame. This article provides step-by-step instructions, as well as the project plan to build this DIY project.
READ MORE » about Build a small lettuce table for a patio or porch
