THE SPRING SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Here we are in the last week of February. Basically, up to this point, I have no complaints about winter. Yes, we had a little snow and a few cold days but –hey, it is winter. I keep saying that the weather in Virginia can be fickle….
We just had a well-attended seminar this past weekend on orchids. In case you missed it, here are some fun orchid facts: Orchids are the largest family of blooming plants in the world with nearly 28,000 naturally occurring species and well over a hundred thousand man-made hybrids. They are also the most highly evolved family…
The IHA (International Herb Association) has selected PARSLEY Petroselinum ‘Moss Curled’ as its HERB OF THE YEAR FOR 2021. Most everyone is familiar with parsley. But, do you know why? Parsley is used for elevating the flavor of dishes like soups, salads, and fish. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. HISTORY I…
So many people are buying plants to decorate their indoor environment over the winter and I’ve had so many questions about which ones are toxic to pets. So here is a “partial” list: TOXIC INDOOR PLANTS (FOR PETS) Aloe Amaryllis Asparagus Fern Avocado Anthurium Bird of Paradise Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus) Caladiums Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Creeping…
HELL-O FEBRUARY, GOOD-BYE JANUARY – ONLY ONE MONTH FROM SPRING!! I am getting excited about spring. As of this writing, spring is only 48 days away. Our daylight is getting longer. February is the last full month of winter. For some of us gardeners, we view February as the GATEWAY MONTH to spring. Sure, we…
This time of year finds me pawing through seed racks and wishing spring was here. I’ve already pulled my favorite varieties of seeds, as well as a few new varieties I want to try. So now I’m ready to sit down with the seed packets. Single Best Source of Information! The seed packet is the single best source…
ENHANCE YOUR LIFE WITH PLANTS Tropical plants are more than just decorative accents in our home or office. Houseplants are correctly being labeled as CLEAN AIR MACHINES. Have you ever considered going indoors to “get a breath of fresh air?” It’s not as crazy as it sounds, considering the level of air pollution we experience…
By mid to late February, I usually begin feeding my indoor plants again—days are getting longer and the sunlight is getting a little brighter, so indoor plants are beginning to wake-up from their winter boredom. I usually stop feeding my indoor plants in November, December, and January. Days are short and the sunlight is weaker…
PLANTS & HUMANS ARE CONFUSED WITH THIS WINTER Wow, my last writing for February. March will be here next week. The spring season is officially here in 24 days. But, as I drive around the area I am seeing plants in bloom that shouldn’t be this time of year. Yesterday, I saw both the Star…
Citrus trees are fun and easy to grow—if you give them what they need. Correct light Pick a window that gets six or more hours of direct sunlight. An unobstructed south window is best—no sheer curtains, blinds, tinted glass or overhang, and no trees outside. Because winter sun is weak and days are short, during…
