Three readers sent me photos of their lawns with gouged soil and I observed this condition in several landscapes when on my walks this fall. Blame raccoons. They dig up the turf ...
Hoosier Gardener
Osage orange fruits can be fun…and hazardous
Poison isn't the only way plants can kill you. Take the legendary osage orange, aka hedge apple (Maclura pomifera). Orange, apple and pomifera make it sound all fruity doesn’t it? ...
Cracked, dry soil signals need for water
Everyone I’ve talked to lately says the same thing. “We need some rain.” Ok. We got some rain Sunday night. About one-half inch, according to my rain gauge. But the ground is ...
Houseplants: Easier care than pets or kids
Like a lot of people, my first introduction to gardening was houseplants. Those of us who came through the 1970s remember windows adorned with grape ivy, Boston ferns, and macramé. ...
Indy Star discontinues Hoosier Gardener column
I've been watching from the sidelines all the changes taking place at the IndyStar and was not surprised when an editor called me a few weeks ago to let me know they had decided to ...
Indiana Landmarks honors Jens Jensen garden at Marian University
Indiana Landmarks recently recognized one of Indianapolis’ most hidden treasures, the Jens Jensen-designed garden at Marian University. Technically known as Riverdale, the ...
Dahlias revive Zionsville’s horticulture roots
About 100 years ago, two nurseries in Zionsville were having a duel, of sorts, over which one could produce the best dahlias. Dahlias were incredibly popular in the early 20th ...
See now and future plants for your Indiana garden
As you stroll around the Indiana State Fair, wander to the north end, just east of the DNR exhibit and you’ll get a glimpse of your future garden. Yes, that’s right. Step right ...
Hostas fry in full sun
I don’t care what the tags say, don’t plant hostas in full sun. Yes, there are several, such as ‘Sum and Substance’, labeled for full sun, but resist, I beg you. The hostas ...
Leggy plants, aggressive dames and a reluctant hibiscus, what to do
A few readers share their plant worries, worries that many gardeners have. Here are suggestions to allay concerns. Leggy plants hanging around Perry M. of Greenwood, ...