Bringing outdoors in


Fri. Dec. 7, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Bringing outdoors in

We’re headed to the shortest day of the year…  That means we’re living in darkness with mostly just the light of a computer/mobile device screen!  Not the healthiest of environments for our bodies OR our psyche! So, bringing outdoors IS IN.

According to Garden Trends, there has been a huge jump in houseplant purchases.  Millenials are spurring on the trend via social media. One garden research outlet calls them Plant Parents!  The point being that  … [Continue reading]

Sustainability


Thu. Dec. 6, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min.  Garden Bite radio show:  Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore.  It’s a necessity with multiple applications. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged”.  

Not all that long ago, many people seemed to think that our resources were endless and we could do what we wanted with the land and what was in it, be that plant or animal. Turns out, that’s not true!  

The  … [Continue reading]

Soothing bath salts


Wed. Dec. 5, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Soothing bath salts

Tis the season of gifting!  Yesterday I talked about infused sugars for a unique, personal gift.  

Today we’ll create soothing bath salts! Historically baths were a way of treating ailments..  

Holistic practitioners use salt and herbs for a number of maladies. There are different types of salts as well.  Epsom is probably the most popular and the one we’ll focus on. It’s actually magnesium and sulfate, minerals known for their medicinal value as well as  … [Continue reading]

Infused sugars


Tue. Dec. 4, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Infused sugars

This time of year our calendars are filled with party dates.  Hostess gifts are sometimes one of those last minute thoughts.  One super fun and easy idea, that’s also popular is Infused Sugar.  A small sweet token of appreciation in a cool looking jar.

Start with organic sugar, be it cane, beet or coconut;  and a dried herb or spice. Or a mix! Make sure your container remains dry.  Combine the sugar and herb or spice  … [Continue reading]

Time to mulch


Mon. Dec. 3, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Time to mulch

Last year record warmth… this year not so much!  Baby it’s been cold outside for those of us in the Upper Midwest.  And plenty of snow already too.  That’s a great insulator but it’s not a bad time to throw down some additional organic mulch for your newly planted plants!

It’s important to let the ground freeze first, then place your mulch.  We are looking to stabilize the soil temperature for our plants so that  … [Continue reading]

The Benefits of Bats and other Birds


Fri. Nov. 30, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  The Benefits of Bats and other Birds

While some may scoff, bats have benefits.  You may not feel that way as you battle one inside your bedroom, however, before killing it, capture it and set it free.  Then look for the place in the bats are coming in and seal it up!

Take a look at this site, eXtension, to find great information on finding the bat in your house and how to release them.

Bats won’t  … [Continue reading]

Amaryllis – THE holiday plant


Thu. Nov. 29, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Amaryllis – THE holiday plant

Amaryllis truly are THE holiday plant!  What great hostess gifts they make too.  How to choose them and then care for them:

  • Choose large, firm bulbs – grapefruit size will give you the most blooms for your buck
  • Before bloom, keep your Amaryllis in a sunny window away from cold drafts.
  • when the flower buds start to show color, move your plant OUT of direct sunlight to a bright, indirect sunlit area
  • water
 … [Continue reading]

Christmas tree care


Wed. Nov. 28, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Christmas tree care

Oh the wonderful scent of a real tree!  Before you go out to cut your tree, make sure you measure the area where you plan to place it.  You may think you’re good at eyeballing it, but really, who wants to have to cut the tree to fit the space once it’s in your home!?!

How to care for your tree!

  • Figure out WHERE you’re going to place your tree and…
  • Keep your tree away
 … [Continue reading]

Firs, pine, spruce? Christmas Tree selection


Tue. Nov. 27, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Firs, pine, spruce?  Christmas tree selection

Oh the weather outside is frightful,  but the Christmas tree is so delightful!  Wait a minute, that’s not right…. But it will be after you select the perfect one!

Local nurseries are stocked with fabulous fresh greens and copious amounts of Christmas trees.  

The scent of a real tree has created many a lasting memory for most of us. Although there was that period in the 60’s with metal trees and colored  … [Continue reading]

Dormant oils


Mon. Nov. 26, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Dormant oils

What are dormant oils and when would you apply them?  That is my mission today as a listener made the suggestion!  I did some research on this topic as it’s not been on my radar.

A true dormant oil originally referred to heavier weight, less well-refined oils that were unsafe to use on plants after they broke dormancy (started to bud out in Spring) because they would burn and kill plant foliage.

Dormant oil is an  … [Continue reading]