The peak of summer is the worst time for transplanting perennials. If you’re even thinking about moving those flowers, herbs, or shrubs this month, take my advice and wait. Really. Unless, of course, it’s a life or...
Read MoreGarden photography has its challenges, not the least of which is the light. Golden sunlight at dawn and dusk turns everything a rich, warm tone, which is lovely for some uses and not others. The diffused light of a moderately...
Read MoreNow blooming out here in the boonies . . . Jackamanii clematis (above) in the perennial garden, transplanted in 2005 from its spot by the front porch at our last house. Bearded Iris in the front yard, transplanted from a large,...
Read MoreI can’t walk through the orchard without stopping once or twice to check a broken twig, a curled leaf or some other little thing I’ve noticed. I like to catch any problems early and deal with them. Every week...
Read MoreEvery good seedsman tests his stock for germination before offering it for sale. Most gardeners who save their own seeds or carry over purchased seed from previous years perform germination tests, too, well before planting time...
Read MoreThe warm spring air blew in on the wind and stayed around long enough for the upper end of the big garden to dry out a bit. We tilled the upper portion and left the lowest quarter for later since it still was much too wet. We...
Read MoreAnother sign of spring’s approach – flats of seedlings growing under lights. On the left are tiny petunia seedlings, which can be a challenge to grow. I start with pelleted seed, which is more expensive, but worth...
Read MoreThe daffodils are nearly ready to bloom. These sprouted right through the snow, and their tips have been nipped by several hard freezes. In years past I worried that they wouldn’t bloom, that the damage would be so...
Read MoreWhen I start a new batch of seedlings, I tend to plant a few extra. Or a lot extra. I like to allow for mishaps and disasters. Last fall, I planted a lot extra because we had more than our share of garden disasters last year....
Read MoreEvery time there’s a frost advisory in the forecast I pick all the roses in bloom. Just in case. If I didn’t, and I woke up to find the blossoms frost-kissed, browning, spilling their ruined petals on the ground ....
Read MoreAutumn has been kind to the flowers this year. The two light frosts thus far have barely nipped the tender plants in more exposed areas. Most of the farm is protected by sheltering belts of trees that ease the sharp bite of the wind. Rock outcrops gather heat from the day’s sunshine and the tender plants nearby benefit from these warmer pockets as the heat radiates back into the air at night.
It’s the time of year when all things seem possible. I dream of verdant growth, record harvests, perfect blossoms, and fruit unmarked by insect damage and snacking birds. My wish list of seeds and plants is long and...
Read More