We’re halfway through the month of November and we’re still raking leaves. Although we try to keep them off our sidewalk, street gutters, front steps, and so-called lawn, many are left on our garden beds to benefit the wildlife. According to the Xerces Society, swallowtail butterflies disguise their cocoons and chrysalises as “dried leaves,” blending … Continue reading Much To Be Thankful For! →

Incredibly, in our garden we are still being “gifted” by our three tomato plants, which I mentioned in my September 1st column “As Fall Approaches.” The rest of the veggie garden is a disaster, except for the chives, which are growing in a pot. Because of the drought, tree foliage began to turn colors early … Continue reading Growing Season Winding Down →

This year’s abnormally high temperatures, along with the lack of rain, have affected all gardens in a negative way for sure. Although we don’t really care about our so-called lawn, it’s been sad to see long-established shrubs, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, with their drooping leaves and dead branches. Much time has been spent in … Continue reading As Fall Approaches →

The recent sweltering days of extreme heat accompanied by a record-setting severe drought has made this year’s gardening a challenge for sure. Temperatures in the high 90s along with watering restrictions have resulted in sad-looking perennial plants, especially our daylilies, ferns, creeping phlox, and hostas. There were days when some of our rhododendrons, azaleas, and … Continue reading A Hot and Dry August Garden →