(Via Gardening Question of the Day (from the Old Farmer's Almanac))

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 20:00:00

I want to plant roses, but sunlight is scarce in my yard. Can I do it? (answer).

From The Old Farmer's Almanac.

(Via Country Gardener)

Posted by admin to ice storm, snow storm on 2008-02-07, 17:27:00

As regular readers of this blog know, I'm kind of a weather geek. And have we had weather this week: an ice storm yesterday morning, followed by a snow storm in the evening.

This meant one thing - time to get out the camera. Here are some pictures:

Sedum and Russian sage coated in ice

Old clematis vines coated in ice

After the snow storm

© Yvonne Cunnington, Country Gardener

(Via An Iowa Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 15:36:00

Morning is like feeding time at the zoo here; first our two cats must be fed... they usually wake us up as the sun just peeps over the horizon, by repeatedly jumping up on the bed, and then jumping off with a loud "THUMP"! Then the goldfish that spend the winter in a tank in the greenhouse need to be fed. By that time several deer are peering into the house to see if everybody died or if somebody is EVER going to bring out some corn (I don't normally feed the deer, but this is not a normal winter). Feeding the deer also takes care of the local squirrels, who spend most of the rest of the day puzzling out how to get up on our birdfeeders; the birdfeeders in question of course need to be filled. Finally, it's time for peanut butter toast and a glass of V8 to feed the hungry gardener/zookeeper... and so the day begins.

(Via An Iowa Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 15:36:00

Morning is like feeding time at the zoo here; first our two cats must be fed... they usually wake us up as the sun just peeps over the horizon, by repeatedly jumping up on the bed, and then jumping off with a loud "THUMP"! Then the goldfish that spend the winter in a tank in the greenhouse need to be fed. By that time several deer are peering into the house to see if everybody died or if somebody is EVER going to bring out some corn (I don't normally feed the deer, but this is not a normal winter). Feeding the deer also takes care of the local squirrels, who spend most of the rest of the day puzzling out how to get up on our birdfeeders; the birdfeeders in question of course need to be filled. Finally, it's time for peanut butter toast and a glass of V8 to feed the hungry gardener/zookeeper... and so the day begins.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 13:34:30

Home composting is one of the most environmentally beneficial activities you can do in your home. Compost is the way nature recycles organic materials into humus, or soil amendments like fertilizer. Finished compost is great for your plants, as it helps retain water and keep pH levels balanced. Essentially, it is far more effective and nutritious than topsoil, and can be made in your backyard just by using materials you would otherwise throw away.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 12:57:06

Many people are unaware of what they should put in a compost bin or tumbler in the first place. Here's a rundown of what can go in and what has to stay out of your compost pile.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 11:42:25

There are a few essential resource tools for the Moon Phase Gardener that are critical for success. Without them you will be lost.

(Via OregonLive.com: Dig in with Kym)

Posted by admin to Events on 2008-02-07, 10:44:38

I spend the month of February not eating chocolate or arranging flowers, but traipsing through exhibits, taking in seminars and (of course) buying plants. Take three guesses where I'm spending my time. To quote Jeopardy contestants: What are the Yard,...

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 09:44:54

The Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is one of the most ideal choices for a tree in a small garden, backyard or patio. It is also fairly modest in its water needs and so is particularly suitable for dry and Mediterranean gardens. It has an attractive form, delicate leaf texture and as a deciduous plant, looks good when out of leaf, not least due to its reddish pealing bark.

(Via A Larrapin Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-07, 08:37:00

I'm posting this the Sunday after Arkansas and other southern states were hit by a swath of tornados. I took this photo, maybe the afternoon of that day, but the storms never bothered us here in the Northwest Arkansas.  I read an interview with a lifelong rancher who said that warm winter weather always indicated storms and I worry with the increase in warm weather we could be seeing an