My introductions to new plants come from an array of sources—trial garden visits, emails from growers and colleagues, gardening presentations, garden catalogs, etc. Sometimes, the plants themselves (or seeds) arrive on my doorstep to trial. The seeds will be started under grow lights in spring or direct-sown in the garden. The annuals and perennial plants I dig into gardens or arrange in pots. Then, I watch them closely to see how they perform in my growing zone and take a lot of pictures to share with fellow green thumbs. I love to share my experiences with new favorites, as well as plants that are on my ever-expanding “must-grow” list.
Climate change gardening: 12 strategies for a resilient garden
Climate change gardening is a set of tactics that make our yards and gardens more resilient to extreme weather as well as reduce our personal impacts on the climate. There are several ways to approach climate change gardening. You can use sustainable and organic gardening practices that put soil, biodiversity, and pollinators first. You can also plan to reduce plastic waste, up-cycle materials, and collect rainwater. Keep reading to discover 12 strategies for climate change gardening.
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Fittonia: How to grow and care for the nerve plant
The colorful leaves of fittonia make it among the most interesting houseplant varieties you can grow. Also known by the common names of the nerve plant, the net plant, and the mosaic plant, it’s easy to see why this native of tropical rainforests has become a favorite of so many houseplant growers. This article shares care information for the many varieties of fittonia available today.
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Garden catalogs: Options for ordering seeds, plants, garden gear, and more
One of my favorite times of the year is when gardening companies ship their garden catalogs and make them available online. It’s a time when I can start dreaming about what I can grow for the upcoming season, and make a list of supplies I might need. And then I scale that list back to make it more realistic! Personally, I like to spread the love around when it comes to seed companies. I have my local go-tos, but I often order from other companies, as well.
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The best meadow grasses for native plantings
As I work to get rid of my lawn in favor of growing more perennials and edible crops, meadow grasses are among some of the native plants I’ve been adding to the garden. Meadow plantings have become increasingly popular in the home landscape for plenty of good reasons. Once established, a meadow garden can provide food and habitat for songbirds and insects—particularly many kinds of butterflies and moths.
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When to repot a snake plant and how to do it right
Snake plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow and I have over a dozen growing in my home. They have eye-catching vertical growth and pointed, sword-shaped leaves often with attractive variegations. One of the reasons snake plants are so popular is that they thrive in a range of light conditions – from full sun to low light. Although they are considered low-care indoor plants, snake plants benefit from repotting every 3 to 4 years. If you’re wondering when to repot a snake plant, keep reading for my step-by-step instructions on repotting as well as advice on dividing.
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