A few days ago, I grabbed a stinging nettle for the third time in my life and was reminded why I started wearing gloves when weeding. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has ...
There’s nothing green about Scotts except $
I have been involved with about a half dozen Web seminars sponsored by Scotts. In each one, the insecticide, herbicide, fungicide and fertilizer company claims to have adopted ...
A Nancy Drew inspirational
Back in my youth, I read all of the Nancy Drew mysteries. I was introduced to this series of girl-detective novels by my Aunt Helen, who read them when she was a child. This ...
Moss lawn works for shade
With all the interest in sustainable landscape, I thought I'd share an idea that's been trafficking on one of the listservs I participate in. Betty Mackey, an author, publisher, ...
Clean up critical for storm-damaged trees
Strong winds can uproot a tree, snap it in half, blow off limbs or knock small twigs to the ground. The latter, considered natural pruning, usually is harmless. Uprooting or ...
Hoosier Gardener on Fox 59
I was on Indianapolis' Fox 59 morning program on Wednesday to talk about increased interest in container gardening and how to plant a tomato in a pot. It looks like I might be ...
Pamphlet lists invasive species in Indiana
Garden centers and nurseries are full of trees, shrubs and perennials ready for consumers to plant. To guide us in our selections comes a publication from the Invasive Plant ...
Naughty plants claim human, animal and natural victims
Amy Stewart’s new book of botanical atrocities is the stuff of accidental poisonings, murder, death and mysteries, all plant related. “People think if it grows in the ground, it ...
Today is National Public Garden Day
I’m a guide in training at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and last night, just as the sky cleared and the sun broke through, about a half dozen of my ...
Tree care manual covers Midwest, Northeast
One common issue facing our urban forests is the premature death of trees. Many are planted improperly, setting them up for failure. Many do not receive regular maintenance. And ...
