Growing herbs in a greenhouse is arguably one of the most satisfying ways you can put the controlled gardening environment to use. This is because you get all of the satisfaction of growing some plants all of your own from seed – and herbs are renowned for being particularly aromatic, which is a desirable characteristic […]
Summer is a wonderful time to be a gardener, as there is such a wide and varied range of tasks to perform that the pastime really comes into its own – regardless of whether you are a seasoned pro or a keen amateur. However, it can be difficult to narrow down a choice of plants […]
Two bird houses sit at opposing corners of the vegetable garden perimeter, perhaps twelve feet apart, attached to the posts supporting our deer fence. Last year we saw four nestings of blue birds move through them. So far this year, the houses have provided temporary shelter to both bluebirds and wrens; we are now on […]
Many plants benefit from the controlled growing environment that a greenhouse brings, but it is always extremely satisfying when you develop a tough-to-grow crop for the table. Grafted heirloom tomatoes are this year’s cultivation craze. Although grafting has its detractors, it helps you get the incredible taste of an plump-looking Brandywine (Solanum lycopersicum) combined with […]
There are many potential uses for a greenhouse – and the fact that you can grow a very wide range of plants outside their typical habitat means that it is a popular choice for a wide range of gardening purposes. However, arguably one of the most satisfying uses for this kind of controlled gardening environment […]
Little by little the greenhouse plants that have been sewn, potted on and juggled about for the last couple of months are finding their way outside. First they have to look sturdy and healthy, and to have produced a few leaves, then they get a week on the back steps – a gentle sunny and […]
Who knew you could be an intrepid plant hunter in your own backyard? Ellen Zachos, that’s who. In her new book, Backyard Foraging—65 Familiar Plants You Didn’t Know You Could Eat, Ellen describes a variety of edibles, from the more common—Jerusalem artichokes, elderberries and crab apples—to those in the “who knew?” category. Written in an […]
The lush rains this spring have invited every last weed seed in my yard to sprout, right when I’d rather be planting. But this is also the most important time for weeding. At least weeds are easier to pull from moist soil. The key to garden sanity is to win the early battles. It’s essential […]
The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the biggest and most prestigious events on the annual gardening calendar and the 2013 run – which came to a close at the end of last week (May 25th) – was no exception. Despite being hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) across the Atlantic in the heart […]
Samuel Untermeyer enjoyed an early career as a corporate lawyer, but he later became famous for trust-busting, perhaps most famously, against J.P. Morgan. He also successfully fought to save the 5 cent subway fare. He was one of the most prominent Jews in America, and the first lawyer to earn a one million dollar fee […]
Nasturtium is a genus of seven plant species that comes from the cabbage family – and it has been singled out as being ideal options for those who are looking for something to populate hanging baskets with. It was suggested that they could also be well suited to potting – and in either case they are a […]
Gardeners are faced with a wide range of difficulties to overcome throughout the year – not least of which is the prevailing problem of pests. While it has to be acknowledged that gardens are inevitably going to become hotspots for all kinds of wildlife, some can become the bane of a green-fingered enthusiast’s life as […]
