The temptation is great this time of year to shape up the shrubs. Don’t. Pruning forces new growth. The new leaves and branch tips will not have enough time to harden off or ...
Development threatens 300-year-old forest land at Crown Hill Cemetery
For the third time in 11 years, the oldest forested section of Crown Hill Cemetery is under threat of development. Instead of apartment buildings, condos and retail, this time ...
The high season of lawncare is upon us
If you’re like most people, you’re into the lawn big time in spring. Fertilizing. Sowing grass seed. Applying crabgrass and dandelion killers. Interest wans during the summer, ...
Prepare to move houseplants back indoors
Pretty soon, it will be time for our houseplants to leave their outdoor summer setting to return indoors. It’s best to bring houseplants indoors in early September, before ...
A begonia for every situation
Begonias are an under appreciated plant. There are so many types, forms and sizes that there’s one for every pot of annuals or in-ground planting scheme. Some thrive, even flower, ...
Sit back and enjoy the evening garden with a cocktail
The dog days of summer are upon us and what better way to enjoy this little bit of leisure time than with a cocktail in the garden. First up, set the stage for the evening, said ...
Eye-catching new plants to try
A few weeks ago, I made my annual trek to Cultivate, the country’s largest horticulture trade show in Columbus, Ohio. It’s where about 10,000 people go to see new plants, pots, ...
Good tools make gardening easier
When I worked fulltime at a garden center, one of my jobs was watering the plants. It was kind of a mindless, peaceful, relaxing job, cursed by hauling heavy hoses that kinked and ...
Let’s take a peek at our neighbors’ midsummer gardens
Let’s pretend we’re in a drone, buzzing some Indianapolis-area, midsummer gardens to see what’s going on. Immediately observable: Plants seem bigger and more lush than ...
Sweltering summer heat? Time to think about spring bulbs
Yes, I know it’s still July, but now is a good time to be thinking about next spring’s bulbs. Why is that? Because now is the time to order bulbs from online and mail-order ...