If there’s one thing gardening science can do, it’s connect dinosaurs and the water we use to keep our roses happy and healthy, right? In truth, you probably already know that gardening is as much an art as it is a science. One walk through your local botanical garden is likely enough to convince anyone that a garden is where science and art come to hang out together.
Before your eyes gloss over, though, gardening science isn’t just about the genetics of peas or the pH of your soil or the ideal combination of fertilizer for your gardenias. Sure, it is that, but it’s so much more.
Surely, you’ve wondered about all those microbes in your soil or stood in awe as a tiny seed turns into a delicious, mouth-watering heirloom tomato. I know I have. Gardens, and the gardening science that they represent, are endlessly fascinating to me.
The stories here bring us into the joys and fascinations of gardening by appealing to our spirits and the scientific explanations that feed our sense of wonder. And sometimes, our childlike sense of humor. Such is the case when Becky Rupp explores whether April Showers are really just the recycled remnants of dinosaur pee from the Jurassic era.
Then, in Time in the Garden, Barbara Ott wonders if time really does move more slowly in the garden. It might!
It’s not quite as strange as it sounds when you consider we’re talking about gardening science. Grow (Your) Microbes takes us on a tour of our inner microbial gardens to help us understand that, like our gardens, we, too, are part of an ecosystem.
Feel free to stay a while and enjoy all the gardening science stories we have to share below. And be sure to check out our Gardening Science Collection while you’re here, which features a hand-picked selection of our favorite stories from this category.
As an avid gardener, I’m always on the lookout for show-stopping plants, and let me tell you, growing Limelight Hydrangea has quickly become one of my absolute favorites! With its unique lime-green-to-white flower clusters, lush foliage, and adaptability to various growing conditions, this hydrangea cultivar is a true gem in any garden setting. If you’ve […]
We’ve all probably heard of “Movember” by now, the month of November when men decide not to shave their beards, sometimes for charity, and sometimes just for social media views. But this year was the first time I heard the term “No Mow May,” and it inspired me to share an old piece about the […]
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 […]
Imagine the joy of stepping into your garden, basket in hand, and harvesting plump, sun-ripened tomatoes and crisp bell peppers. Each bite of your homegrown crop bursts with flavor, nourishing your family with fresh, healthy produce that you’ve lovingly nurtured. The simple pleasure of growing your own food brings a profound sense of satisfaction and […]
It’s true that you never know what you’ll dig up, but most of the time when you dig deep into a garden, all you discover is rock or clay. One time I dug up a rusty old bear trap! But one of the most fun things I’ve heard of being dug up from gardens was […]
There is something truly magical about roses that has captivated gardeners for centuries. The sight of a rose in full bloom, with its silky petals and heady fragrance, never fails to lift the spirit and gladden the heart. In my own garden, I find that tending to my roses provides some of the deepest joys […]
Stress? What do trees know about stress? Do they have to get the kids to school on time or get dinner in the oven or figure out what keeps eating the blueberries? Maybe not. But they do experience stress and we can learn some lessons from trees about handling that stress. And it all starts […]
Imagine a self-sustaining ecosystem in your backyard that delivers fresh, organic produce and pays for itself. A home garden creates a network of plants, soil and water that enhances the natural environment. Some perceive it as an investment in their home and their well-being. If you plan accordingly, you can reap the health and financial […]
I get it. Garden decor is usually along the lines of gnomes or flags or maybe pinwheels. But garden monkeys? It gets more interesting, though, because I’m not talking about garden monkeys as a decoration. Nope. I mean real, live, actual monkeys. In truth, I have no idea how much it would cost to hire […]
Hey GreenPrints Garden Club enthusiasts, Don Nicholas here, your friendly neighborhood cultivator of good vibes and purveyor of plant-inspired wisdom. I’m buzzing with excitement as I unveil our latest horticultural masterpiece that’s guaranteed to make your green thumb twitch with anticipation–”Cultivating Wisdom: 31 Essays on the Art of Intelligent Gardening.” Now, I know what […]
