One of the mercies found within an Ohio winter are those small windows of dry enough conditions and relatively pleasant weather. They are almost always very short, so the opportunities need to grasped. We have a short window at this moment and I have used it to carry on the weeding and garden preparation that the beautiful fall allowed in 2016. I'm so grateful to be able to work in the yard, … [Read more...] about Snippets of Gardening, February’s Mercies
garden planning
More for me than you, Garden Planning
I haven't surfed garden blogs in forever, it seems. But today was different and I garnered some great ideas that I hope to put to work for me this year. We'll see. It all depends on both how diligent I am and how much traveling I need to do. (Since I am the sole gardener, traveling can really put a wrench into my gardening plans). OK. Idea #1 Growing a blue garden phlox called 'Moody Blues'. … [Read more...] about More for me than you, Garden Planning
What Makes a Low Maintenance Garden?
It is increasingly the Holy Grail of garden designs: making a landscape low maintenance. For many reasons, reducing the work load of our outdoor spaces has become a priority. We are busy with many activities We are aging Viewing flowers rather than weeding flowerbeds is preferable That is not the definitive list, by any means, but it does hit the highlights of why this style of … [Read more...] about What Makes a Low Maintenance Garden?
Thoughts from the Deep Freezer
It is a normal weather pattern for central Ohio to plumb the depths of single digit temperatures with little or no snow. It is equally expected for gardeners to go into planning mode during the deep freeze of January. Reviewing the last year has made me realize that I'm more prone than ever to the unknown vagaries to mess up my well laid plans. It is enough to tempt me to have no plan at all, … [Read more...] about Thoughts from the Deep Freezer
Landscaping 101, A Mini Course
Plan To Landscape Your Own Yard And Garden Here is a quick course in planning your landscape- what to think about and where to find your information. There is so much excellent tutorial information available that any homeowner can design and install their own beautiful landscape if they wish to do it on their own. Why would you? Well, economic reasons for one - landscaping is one of the … [Read more...] about Landscaping 101, A Mini Course
Brand New Post On The New Site
Here we are... the first post in a new season. It inspires me. The first inspiration is to update my garden as well. For years I have renovated, and renovation is always somehow lacking. I want to return to some of the joy that comes from creating something new. My idea is to redo some of the gardens in a ways that identifies and places focal points inside the garden rooms, and indeed make more … [Read more...] about Brand New Post On The New Site
Making Your First Garden Plan
I've been holed up at home because I don't like to go out in the cold when I don't have to, and I made my first infographic. One of the benefits of spending a little time on Twitter was the link to this site where I could try out a program that promises a good looking infographic even for beginners.It was a lot of fun to do, and maybe someone will be inspired to try making their garden plan … [Read more...] about Making Your First Garden Plan
Hard Decisions
My garden, like myself, is no longer young and freshly planted. We have been here awhile, and the signs of maturity are equal parts dignified and disconcerting. Once this property was almost a blank space with few trees and mown grass, now it holds almost thirty years worth of plantings, some grown quite large. Large enough that it is time to consider whether to keep some of the less stellar … [Read more...] about Hard Decisions
Making Moss
mossgraffiti: "Moss Graffiti" is something I've tried before, but not with such an easy recipe. Time to try again. there are times you want to dress down your pond area and things like that.... gardeners like things like moss and lichens:) moss art The basic recipe is as follows, with more detailed instructions here: 1 can of beer 1/2 teaspoon sugar Several clumps garden moss a plastic … [Read more...] about Making Moss
Garden Planning in February
My garden is in the throes of February. It thaws, it freezes, it is ice, it is puddles, it is whatever February wants to be! I am hesitant to start seeds because I have so many irons in the fire at this time; yet I know I will be sorry if I don't. Maybe if I keep my plans small (unlikely once started) I can manage. I would like some pansies to set out in the spring, and really ought to start … [Read more...] about Garden Planning in February
short thoughts
Rainy. Cold. Blah. I will be forced to go out today. Doing obligatory things. Maybe this weekend I will set up my light stand for seed starting later in the month, that would be cheering. I really want to start some perennials for this year. Some of them are better and cheaper that way, but they do take a season to get going. Decisions, decisions. February is the time for that, March should be … [Read more...] about short thoughts