Nursery plants can help create instant autumn display
Frost will be slipping in soon to finish off any summer plants, but there’s still time to add color to container gardens and planting beds. Winter pansies, hardy mums, late-blooming asters...
View ArticleWinterize: Prepare lawn ahead of dormant stage
The third week of October is time to winterize the patio furniture and vegetable garden, roll up the hoses and stow away the mowing machine.
View ArticlePoinsettia a perfect gift
I’ll tell you the secret for a gift that fits everyone: the poinsettia. It says “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” “Thanks for your...
View ArticleCheer up greenthumbs, spring isn’t all that far away
The third week of January is time to banish the mid-winter blues with colorful thoughts of spring. If dark days and cold weather has you winter-weary, perk up your outlook with these tips for renewal:
View ArticleEnjoy early blossoms while you ready your garden
Forget the frost — February is the month for forcing flowers. Ignore the chill outside and enjoy an indoor early spring with a few garden tricks.
View ArticleDeriving inspiration from silver screen for your garden
If the Northwest Flower & Garden Show kicks off this month, can spring be far behind? This year, Western Washington’s tribute to all things green and blooming runs Feb. 20-24, and the...
View ArticleBare-root roses and strawberries among plants that can go in now
The third week of February and it is time to start planting — but not everything can go into the ground. It still is too cold and early to set out annuals, plant most new perennials or to...
View ArticleSeek and destroy now to halt full-on invasion
The end of February is all about the weeds. The start of longer days and warmer weather means that annual weeds will be sprouting up anyplace they can find open ground, and early spring is the time to...
View ArticleMarch is time to gear up for wet weather gardening
This is the month to march right outdoors and start gardening. There are weeds to pull and smother, perennials to dig and divide, plants to move, trees and shrubs to add and the soul-satisfying,...
View ArticleHere’s how to segue into spring
Spring is here, but you still need to protect your flowers. Don’t get too confident and think you can start planting warm-season crops.
View ArticleA rainbow for your garden
Spring and summer color in the Pacific Northwest is as easy as picking the right plant for the right place. If nature sings with flowers you can create an entire symphony of blooms just by placing...
View ArticleSpring could give tender plants the cold shoulder
The beginning of April is always going to be somebody’s heartache. Spring can be a flirt but the nights are still cold. If you fall madly in love with a gorgeous but tender young thing at...
View ArticlePlants that will love you – and you’ll love them back
Why put up with problem plants when there are so many well-behaved trees, shrubs and flowers that love to grow here and never complain?
View ArticleHardy flora for the 'dark side'
Head to the nursery this week because new plants are arriving daily and the best plants go first. Last week, I gushed over unbeatable plants for the sun, and to be fair to gardeners on the dark side,...
View ArticleArea soil great for rhodies but also great for moss
Gardeners, your lawn needs your attention right now. This is the week you should get into your garden and fertilize grass with a slow release plant food.
View ArticlePatio decor inspired by sites around the globe
The third week of May means it is time to fill your garden with color. Gardeners all over the world bask in the beauty of natural color. Take a cue from global inspiration to design a patio or deck...
View ArticleGood time to prune, aerate and fertilize
The last week of May means it is time for some pruning if you have spring flowering shrubs such as rhododendrons, forsythia, quince or viburnums that already have bloomed.
View ArticleJune’s arrival means it’s time to conquer wet weather
The beginning of June 2013 arrives with a flood of questions about damp, wet and suffering plants. May ended with rain and more rain and this brought mushrooms, fungus, a plethora of moss and problems...
View ArticlePut out the feedbag for your plants
The second week in June means your roses have bloomed and are looking for more food for the second wave of flowers. Fertilize roses, perennials and annuals this week. Anything growing in a container,...
View ArticleA tour of amazing gardens
Curious what my garden looks like? Here’s your chance. My hometown of Enumclaw is hosting a tour of eight local gardens to benefit our hospital care van. The tour is Saturday and includes...
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