If you’ve ever had the misfortune of accidentally encountering a gray, papery nest full of bald-faced hornets or running your lawn mower or string trimmer over the entrance hole of a nest of ground-dwelling yellow jackets, you’re well aware of how defensive paper wasps can be. Particularly in the autumn. But you’d be defensive too, if you thought your queen was under attack and you knew that the survival of your queen meant the survival of your species.
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Growing citrus in pots: 8 simple steps
Though growing citrus in pots in the north isn’t easy, it is very rewarding. Imagine harvesting your own Meyer lemons, Bearss limes, and Satsuma or Calamondin oranges! Yes, they require a bit of care, but indoor citrus is oh so worth it. And here’s the kicker: Even if you never manage to harvest a single fruit, citrus plants are worth growing simply for their amazingly fragranced flowers and beautiful, glossy foliage.
To grow gorgeous citrus plants of your own, follow these steps.
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How long do seeds last?
In other articles, we’ve offered great tips for collecting seeds, saving seeds, sowing seeds, and even ordering seeds. But, if the question “how long do seeds last?” is on your mind, this article will offer you some answers.
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Bird house maintenance
For most gardeners the colder months bring a bit of rest, but they also bring their own share of garden-related chores. From houseplant care and fruit tree pruning, to tool sharpening and seed starting, there are lots of things to be done over the coming weeks. I’d like to add one more important task to your winter to-do list: Clean out and spruce-up ‘used’ bird houses and nest boxes. Here are five quick tips for proper bird house maintenance.
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A quick boxwood wreath
When it comes to the holidays, I’m all about using my garden to provide me with greenery, branches, berries, pinecones and other tidbits for my decorating. Admittedly, I’m not super crafty, but even I can make a quick boxwood wreath with clippings from my boxwood hedge.
I consider this wreath quite rustic because I wasn’t concerned with forming a perfect circle or trimming the boxwood to a smooth, clipped finish. I’m thrilled with the end result and the best part is that this project only took me 30 minutes from start to finish. Stylish and simple!
How to care for paperwhites: Tips to nurture your planted bulbs until they bloom
Paperwhite flowers, alongside amaryllis, are generally associated with the holiday season in our northern climate. Paperwhite bulbs will start to appear in stores and garden centers in mid to late fall—sometimes pre-planted, sometimes ready for you to take home and create your own arrangement. They are a daffodil cousin (Narcissus papyraceus) adapted to the mild climate of the Mediterranean region. Some love their fragrance, while others don’t at all. I suppose it’s the olfactory equivalent of cilantro! If you do decide to plant some of these easy-to-grow bulbs, I’m going to explain how to care for paperwhites until they bloom.
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