When it comes to starting a wildlife garden project, most gardeners tend to focus on the spring and summer months, when wildlife is very active. But the truth is that autumn and winter are the most critical times to be supporting wildlife. Some animals migrate south for the winter, but many others stay put by either remaining active or hibernating for the frosty months. In addition to providing summer-time nutrition and habitat, supporting a diverse array of wildlife on your property also means making sure there’s ample food available in the weeks before winter’s arrival, so the animals can consume and store as much nutrition as possible. Whether providing nectar, seeds, or another source of food, your garden can become a critical haven for the many small animals living there.
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10 of the longest flowering perennials for your garden
A well-designed garden provides interest from early spring through late autumn, and beyond if you also select plants for winter structure. But, for the main growing season, much of that interest comes from flowering and foliage plants. Gardeners who want a lower maintenance landscape would be wise to look for perennial plants that are both easy-to-grow and offer a long blooming period. Most perennial plants flower for two to four weeks, but the longest flowering perennials, like coneflowers and catmint, measure their flowering period in months, not weeks.
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Hardneck vs softneck garlic: Choosing and planting the best garlic
Garlic planting is best performed during the month of October in most parts of the country. But, did you know that not all garlic is created equal? There are hundreds of different varieties, but not every one is right for every region of the country. Prior to planting, examine the features of hardneck vs softneck garlic to discover which type is best for you.
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Tips on pruning a rose of Sharon
When I moved into my current home and started to get to know my garden, I discovered I had five rose of Sharon plants on the property. We moved in the fall and the trees had been meticulously pruned, so we didn’t need to worry about pruning them that first year. Fast forward to our second spring and I couldn’t figure out what all these tiny little weeds sprouting up in my lawn were. I soon discovered they were miniature rose of Sharon plants—hundreds of them trying to make their way in the world. So this article is both a lesson in pruning a rose of Sharon and a cautionary tale.
3 Ways to Grow Fresh Vegetables in Winter
You don’t need a heated greenhouse to grow fresh vegetables in winter; there are many simple season extenders and techniques that can take your garden from summer to fall to winter. In my books, The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Growing Under Cover, I share the various crop protectors and winter vegetables that allow me to enjoy a year-round harvest in my zone 5 garden. Maybe you’re already a winter gardener and have planned and planted for the cold season? Or, you’re new to season extending and are wondering if it’s too late to establish winter crops? Read on. I’ve got three easy ways to help you harvest into winter.
Unusual flower bulbs for your garden and how to plant them
Don’t get me wrong, I like tulips and daffodils. Their cheery faces usher in spring with a rush of color and enthusiasm, and like most gardeners, I welcome them with open arms. But, I also like to include more unusual flower bulbs in my garden, too; ones that you don’t find on every corner. These exceptional beauties herald spring in a very different way than a riot of bright yellow daffodils. Instead, these unique spring-flowering bulbs offer their uncommon beauty in a way that’s both subtle and curious.
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