Categories
Gardening Science

No Weeding in Winter Gardening

Winter gardening season is the perfect time to indulge in seed catalogs and garden planning, and finally, take a much-needed break from weeding! After all, history has it that weeds have been around way longer than us humans–some of them since the Paleolithic era. They aren’t going anywhere! Not all weeds are bad though. Have […]

Categories
Gardening Science

The Tales Told By Tree Trunk Rings

Beneath the bark of trees, annual growth rings–also known as tree trunk rings—gracefully appear. They showcase alternating bands of light and dark hues; the plump and lighter circles displaying robust Springtime and Summer development, while thin darker ridges represent the slower Autumnal progression. Tree rings are the result of tree growth in response to various […]

Categories
Gardening Science

The Stunning (and Literal) Art of Gardening

I know we often write about the science and art of gardening. We get your emails, too, referencing gardening as something that at least some of you do as an artistic outlet. That makes sense, of course. Gardens are filled with colors, shapes, structures, and patterns. Whether it’s the wispy leaves on a fennel frond […]

Categories
Gardening Science

The Secret Garden Was Real!

My daughter, at the ripe age of almost 5, has just started getting into longer chapter stories before bed, and when we were at the bookstore a few weeks ago, she picked out “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I adored that book, and then the movie, as a kid, so I was so […]

Categories
Daily Gardening Science

Kobus Magnolia: The Time-Traveling Tree of Spring

  When I first encountered a Kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kobus) in full bloom, I was struck by its delicate white flowers floating like clouds against bare branches. But little did I know that I was looking at a living fossil, a tree that has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. This fascinating fact about […]

Categories
Daily Gardening Science

Saucer Magnolia is the Early Bird of Spring Bloomers

  When it comes to magnolias, the Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana) stands out from the crowd in one spectacular way: its timing. While many trees are still shaking off Winter’s chill, this bold beauty bursts into bloom, painting the early Spring landscape with its large, goblet-shaped flowers. As a gardening enthusiast, I’ve always been […]

Categories
Daily Gardening Science

Is Southern Magnolia Edible?

  I’ve always been a bit of a rebel in the gardening world. While others fawned over the latest hybrid tea rose or debated the merits of different tomato varieties, I found myself drawn to the unexpected, the overlooked. And let me tell you, friends, there’s nothing more unexpectedly delightful than the Southern Magnolia. Now, […]

Categories
Gardening Science

Teddy Bear Sunflowers: Huggable Blooms for Your Garden

  I’ve had the pleasure of growing and admiring countless sunflower varieties over the years. However, there’s one particular type that never fails to bring a smile to my face: Teddy Bear Sunflowers. These charming dwarf sunflowers have stolen my heart with their compact size and cheerful blooms, and I’m excited to share some fun […]

Categories
Gardening Science

How to Grow Russian Mammoth Sunflowers

  I’ve grown my fair share of sunflowers over the years. From the cheerful yellows of the classic sunflower to the rich, autumnal hues of the “Moulin Rouge” variety, I thought I had seen it all. That is, until I encountered the awe-inspiring Russian Mammoth Sunflowers. These towering beauties have the power to transform any […]

Categories
Gardening Science

Climbing Hydrangea: The Vertical Virtuoso

  I’ve always been captivated by the allure of climbing plants and am always thinking of new ways to use them. My husband doesn’t love the idea of anything climbing the house, so instead they add a vertical dimension to our gardens, transforming ordinary structures into breathtaking focal points. And when it comes to climbing […]