Some of these may not be specifically gardening related, but appeal to this editor nonetheless… A plant is the best decorative accessory. ~Interior decorator Tom Scheerer, interviewed by Jill Radsken for The Boston Globe, April 12, 2014 The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain! ~Dolly … Continue reading Favorite Gardening Quotations
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List of Prohibited Plants in Massachusetts
The importation, sale, and trade of the plants listed is banned. This ban also covers the purchase and distribution of these plants and related activities, and includes all cultivars, varieties and hybrids of the plants listed. The ban does not impact any existing plantings for any of the listed species, but is limited to the … Continue reading List of Prohibited Plants in Massachusetts
Downsizing Your Tool Collection?
COGdesign, the Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality landscape design services to community-based groups. They are in need of used or new tools for their volunteers and trainees. To make drop-off or pick-up plans, email info@cogdesign.org or call 781-642-6662. For more information about COGdesign, visit www.cogdesign.org. … Continue reading Downsizing Your Tool Collection?
The Origins of April Fools’ Day
“In all likelihood, April Fools’ Day [grew] out of one or more festivals celebrated around the vernal equinox, like the Roman festival of Hilaria, a day of joy marked by games, amusements and masquerades. “Some scholars point out that April Fools’ Day could be much older. The 13th day of the Persian new year is … Continue reading The Origins of April Fools’ Day
Ireland’s Shamrocks
According to the syndicated newspaper feature, “Did You Know?” …. In Ireland, the plant most identified as a ‘shamrock’ is the white clover. However, according to Horticulture Magazine (March 2009 email), the shamrock houseplant is Oxalis regnellii. It’s described as follows: “Houseplant with shamrock-shaped bright green foliage and dainty white flowers on tall, delicate stems. … Continue reading Ireland’s Shamrocks
Fertilizer: Organic vs. Inorganic
Fertilizers are added to the soil to supply elements essential to the growth of plants. These elements include the major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, as well as the trace elements such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Organic fertilizers are made from materials derived from living things. Animal manures, compost, bonemeal and … Continue reading Fertilizer: Organic vs. Inorganic
Prevent Deer Damage to Hostas
The following suggestion was received from AOL Garden Message Boards contributor “Mary”: “Beat two eggs and mix well with a gallon of water. Spray or pour over the hostas. I think the eggs spoil and smell; and the deer will not touch. I have used it to good results. It works!”” ….Mary (061298) Editorial Note: … Continue reading Prevent Deer Damage to Hostas
De-icing Chemicals vs. Sand
Resist the urge to use de-icing chemicals on icy sidewalks and driveways. Damp sand, spread lightly, will form a gritty, non-slip surface that can be swept up in spring. De-icers often damage nearby grass and shrubbery…. Deborah Brown (Deborah Brown hails from St. Paul, Minnesota and is a former professor of horticulture at the University … Continue reading De-icing Chemicals vs. Sand
Houseplant Care During Vacation
By Phyllis Van Horn The bathtub routine has worked great for me. Was once gone for ten days, and all my plants did fine. I put several layers of bath towels in the bottom of the bathtub. Then I watered all the plants thoroughly and left some water in the bottom of the tub, with … Continue reading Houseplant Care During Vacation