… of coniferous and deciduous trees such as spruce, birch, and alder in winter. Seed crops vary from year to year, and when it's a particularly lean winter, the siskins fly south looking for … the American goldfinch, as they vie for favorite perches on feeders and trees. Pine siskins start courting and choosing mates as early as February. So if you're out at the Enabling Garden … and offers it to her. If she accepts, that's a good sign! Aerial display: The male flies from his perchs, spreads his tail, and flies in circles while singing. After a while, he lands on …
Type: Birding
… is grown in a clay pot year-round. Clay permits faster evaporation of water, thus aiding in quick drainage. Year-round container growth also eliminates the need to transplant the rosemary … is dry, and fertilize with a dilute 20-20-20 solution every two weeks. Rosemary benefits from frequent snipping or pruning, whether grown as a topiary or simply as a small herb. To …
Type: Plant Info
… Some of the brightest holiday colors come from potted flowers, often presented as gifts. Here are some tips for keeping them healthy and … but not soggy conditions. Place the pot in a bright location, out of direct sunlight and away from cool drafts or warm heating vents. Because the flower stalk grows quickly and leans toward … holiday gifts and can last several seasons. Ivy prefers cool conditions and bright light, away from direct sun and heating vents. Mist the plant regularly with room temperature water. As the …
Type: Plant Info
… like swiss chard, lettuce, spinach, beets, brussels sprouts, or cabbage, you can protect them from freezing with a cover. Use frost cloth (available at some big box stores, garden centers, … reach freezing—can help prevent frost cracks. (Remove the wrap in spring.) Protect tree trunks from hungry rabbits by securing 12 to 16 inches of hardware cloth in the soil about 3 inches away from the trunk. If deer visit your garden, deter them from eating twigs or rubbing antlers by …
Type: Plant Info
… shaded yards, bugbanes stand about 3 feet tall, stretching up to 5 feet when spikes flower (from September to October). Tall, Dark, and "Tropical" Stopped in your tracks by … variety? Walk toward the Model Railroad Garden, where 'Hefner's Red,' stands around the corner from the entrance. Its starry leaves and brighter red color are especially wonderful in fall—but … Dark, and Airy One of the easiest tall and dark plants to grow, bronze fennel can be sown from seed. Its dark and delicate, wispy foliage can be used to great effect in the border. An …
Type: Plant Info
… “Where does a titan arum come from?” That’s a question we heard a lot from Spike’s visitors this past weekend. The titan arum, native to the rainforests of the island … Photo © Luke Mackin What can we do to help conserve the titan arum and similar plants? Start by learning more about tropical rainforests, and the impact of deforestation in these …
Type: Blog
… Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) A dozen years ago, the three-acre Krasberg Rose Garden would start shutting down soon after Labor Day. That’s changed. “Back then, we were getting ready to … insect damage. Come fall, they’d cover their plants with styrofoam rose cones to protect them from freezing temperatures. Those tasks have evolved and now roses require far less maintenance … hard to find some of the newest and best breeding.” There are many newer roses to choose from these days. “Richard Hawke and I participate in the rose evaluation, so we see a lot of …
Type: Plant Info
… one over to see if the handles are split or if the tines are bent or rusty. Some tools benefit from a light sanding to remove rust or splinters. Others may need replacing—and this is a good … a rasp (for sharpening tool edges), and some coarse sandpaper, and you’re off to a great start. Trowel A trowel is a good tool for digging small holes, transplanting, removing weeds, … rust with a stiff brush or some steel wool. A light coat of mineral oil can help keep the rust from reappearing. Learn more about preparing tools for winter . Five essentials for any garden …
Type: Plant Info
… Our Plant Experts’ Picks. Gardens are growing, and so are the trends shaping them. From eco-savvy native gardening designs to responsibly sourcing your seeds and plants, our … and a magnet for pollinators—a perfect addition to meadow-style gardens. To achieve this look, start by reducing lawn space and planting a mix of hardy perennials, grasses, and wildflowers in … These plants work beautifully as borders between garden beds and lawns, helping transition from taller plants to neat, manicured grass. Species like Pussytoes ( Antennaria neglecta ), …
Type: Blog
… the soil, if necessary. Water regularly until the seeds germinate, making sure that once you start watering you do not allow the soil to dry out. Initially, keep the soil constantly moist …
Type: Plant Info
