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Origins of Groundhog Day

by Lucky on Feb 02, 2012 (0) Comments

February 2 is Groundhog Day, but do you know the origins of Punxatawney Phil, that sage old burrow dweller who has prognosticated the length of winter every February 2 since the 19^thcentury?

It turns out it comes from German folklore. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania, they adopted their belief that if a badger or sacred bear sees his shadow on Candlemas Day (February 2), then there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring will come early. To accommodate for local wildlife, the groundhog dethroned the badger and bear as weather forecaster for North America. Punxatawney, located about 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is the site of the annual event. For more background information, visit this article.

Drive Them Up the Wall with Vertical Gardens

by Lucky on Jan 30, 2012 (0) Comments

It’s only February, but we are all having thoughts of spring and planning ahead for our gardens and how to add texture, beauty and interest to our landscape. This is part 1 of our “Green Ideas” Series.

Today let’s look at vertical gardens. Have you ever seen that delightful wall of green plants growing from the walls of buildings? They’re really popular in Europe and mimic the growth you might see in a jungle. Vertical gardens have a cooling effect on buildings and, when done right, can enliven even the most urban landscapes. It requires careful planning so if you’re looking to design your own, follow the steps in this article.

Have you ever seen a vertical garden? If so, where?

Geranium Blooms in Winter?

by Lucky on Jan 26, 2012 (0) Comments

Is it okay to allow your potted geranium to bloom in the winter time? Absolutely! In fact, even though your geranium will keep growing if kept between 45 and 70 °F, it doesn’t need as much water as it does in the summertime.

Water thoroughly once a month. If you have the room, bring your potted geraniums into the cooler part of your home (an unheated atrium is ideal) and enjoy the blooms that will survive until spring! For more geranium care ideas, go here.

Are Your Container Plants Going to Pot?

by Lucky on Jan 23, 2012 (0) Comments

Soil hardens more quickly in a container than in the ground. Even though this winter has been mild, younger plants whose roots haven’t settled may not do so well outdoors.

Prune your plants once they have gone dormant and store your plants according to their winter hardiness. Consider covering them – anything from evergreen boughs to blankets, straw to shredded bark can be used to safeguard pots and their contents. If they can’t stand freezing temperatures, place them in an unheated garage above freezing. For more container plant ideas, go here.

Winter Backyard Tool Assessment

by Lucky on Jan 19, 2012 (0) Comments

Now is a good time to take stock of what the tools and equipment in your shed look like. Sharpening, cleaning, and fixing tools may all be called for as we near the eventual beginning of spring. The better your tools, the better your pruning and overall plant care.

Do you have any tool maintenance advice? Ways to sharpen or clean tools?

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/sharpening-cleaning-tools.aspx

How to Best Store Your Firewood

by Lucky on Jan 17, 2012 (0) Comments

We love the outdoors, but truth be told, when it gets cold, we are indoors a lot. With winter and cold comes nights by the fire.

If you store firewood, be sure to keep the area clean by occasionally raking the debris away. Wood piles are a great hiding place for bugs so be mindful as you carry the wood into the house that they’re not coming with you.

Just like plants, wood is best managed through proper ventilation. Elevate your stacked wood by about five inches off the ground using concrete blocks. This will ensure that bugs won’t follow the line of moisture to the wood itself, leaving your wood more bug-free and drier for a nice even burn. Want more firewood tips? Visit this site.

Dress Up Your Pet Day

by Lucky on Jan 13, 2012 (0) Comments

January 14th is Dress Up Your Pet Day. Before you get funny ideas and put your ‘Mutt in a dress, remember we dogs like to run around, even in the wintertime. Because this winter has been milder than usual, consider taking a weekend walk through a park. Dog parks are a great place to meet other people; even if you don’t have a pet, nature walks are a great supplement to your exercise routine. According to a recent study, just fifteen minutes of daily movement can extend your lifespan by three years. So enjoy the outdoors, with or without your pet. But, remember to bring the kids!

And, if you are serious about dressing up your pet, here are some tips from Petstyle.com

Personality

Think about your pet’s personality. Your regal Doberman will not appreciate being dressed in a pink sweater with maribou trim. He is more likely to appreciate a fashionable camo fleeceor a suitable biker hat.

Then again, your Bichon Frise might love the pink sweater. Or put some prep in your pet with this yuppie puppy attire. Now if you own a Persian cat, well obviously you’ll want to have her pink velveteen jeweled cat collar ready so she can be presented as the princess that she is. So allow your pet’s personality to guide your wardrobe choices.

Weather

Most places are cold right now, so a hat and jacket are certainly appropriate. However, in warmer climates your pet might prefer a trendy royalty dog cap and a spectacular pair of shades.

Seeds and Mid-Winter Blues

by Lucky on Jan 12, 2012 (0) Comments

The cascade of seed catalogues has started to litter your floor. You’re dreaming of an explosion of blooms just outside your window. Butterflies are dancing as the bees tumble, drunk with nectar, from stem to stem.

Wake up! It’s January! The warmer than usual temperatures might have you motivated for spring already, but before you go overboard ordering more than you need, now is a good time to take inventory of what you already have. Seeds need to be stored in a cool, dry place; otherwise their germination rate sinks rapidly.

Craving flowers at this time of year? Check out this lovely slideshow of dazzling flowers!

New Years and Gardening Catalogs

by Lucky on Jan 03, 2012 (0) Comments

It’s the New Year and what did many of us receive in the mail….? An assortment of gardening catalogs. It seems they know when we are most vulnerable. We are already thinking about planting some new shrub or perennial to fill in that bare corner next spring. Or, we can’t wait to plan our vegetable and herb garden.

So, before ordering anything or making plans, perhaps it’s time to make lawn and garden resolutions for the New Year:

Here are a few we found, but a more complete list is here.

In the New Year, I resolve to:

Mulch my perennials after the ground freezes to help them overwinter comfortably even though temperatures may fluctuate.
When studying plant catalogs, look for pest- and disease-resistant plants, such as mildew-resistant phlox, Fusarium-resistant tomatoes and disease-resistant crabapples that will make my gardening job easier and keep my plants healthier.
Send a soil sample to a laboratory to learn what my lime and fertilizer needs are, rather than guessing.
Set plants in the ground only at the proper depth-deep planting harms roots and kills plants!
Use only the well-drained areas of my garden for plants!

Do you have a resolution you’d like to share?

New Years Resolutions for Your Yard

by Lucky on Dec 27, 2011 (0) Comments

Happy New Year! While the snow may still be lingering (or in full force), why not take advantage of those renewed intentions by plotting out your 2012 yard or garden resolutions? We’ve put together a little list to get you started.

I promise not to overwater, overfertilize or underweed.

I will keep my plants in a growing state throughout the spring and summer by trimming when appropriate.

I promise to enjoy the outdoors more this year.

I intend to green up my indoor and outdoor space starting now.

I resolve to prune where appropriate.

I will make a difference this year by sharing the beauty of green spaces with others.

What would you add to the list?

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