We were all surprised, shocked and saddened to learn about the April 21 death of Prince at a youthful 57 years. We send our condolences to his family and friends. We can ...
Virginia bluebells: here and gone
This post was published here originally April 25, 2009. At the heart of the season are spring ephemerals, plants that are here for a few weeks and then they are gone. One of my ...
Garden tours rich with ideas to try at home
One of the best ways to get ideas for your landscape is to go on a garden tour. This spring there are several to get the creative juices flowing, whether looking at new plant ...
The big freeze took a toll
Mother Nature has not been kind the last couple of weeks. Warmer-than-normal temperatures teased flowering shrubs, fruit trees, Japanese maples, perennials and other plants out ...
Start now to protect plants from deer and other critters
If deer like your plants as much or maybe even more than you do, you should be taking the offensive as soon as plants start to grow. There are two basic ways to keep deer, ...
Tips for starting seeds indoors
April is prime season for starting seeds indoors, especially tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. On the herb list, there’s basil, cilantro and parsley. For the exact starting times, ...
Guiltless way to enjoy potted hydrangea, azalea
This time of year, potted hydrangea and azalea are popular gifts. Unintentionally, these gifts come with guilt. That’s because a lot of recipients don’t know what to do with these ...
Use caution with Easter lilies if you have cats
Lilies of all types are poisonous to cats, including the beautiful white Eastern lilies we got for the holiday. Eating just one or two flower petals or leaves can trigger kidney ...
Chicago Botanic Garden evaluates lady and Japanese painted ferns
The Chicago Botanic Garden has released its six-year evaluation of lady ferns and Japanese painted fern (Athyrium spp.). This group of ferns is among the most elegant, yet ...
Herb society celebrates year of peppers
The International Herb Association has declared this the year of the pepper and the Herb Society of Central Indiana decided to celebrate. Peppers were featured at the group’s ...