Vegetable Gardening 101
By Sandra Nelson
With the days all seeming to melt together, it’s hard to realize that today is already May 7th. In another week or so it will be time to begin planting the bulk of my vegetable garden — the warm season plants like tomatoes and cucumbers and zucchini, and some seeds like …
Doublefile Viburnum: A Must Have For Your Garden
Reminiscent of a dogwood tree, the doublefile virburnum, “Mariesii” is a true spring beauty. Like so many of the old-fashioned favorites, doublefile viburnum is staging a …
Victory Gardens -- Pandemic Style
By Sandra Nelson Being in shelter-in-place throughout April has given me lots of extra time to read online news articles. I’ve noticed two problems dominating our daily lives: 1) The vast majority of American parents seem to be overwhelmed by homeschooling and online learning; and 2) Backyard vegetable gardens are being acknowledged as …
Butterfly Bush: A Must Have For Your Garden
Brilliant color, delightful fragrance and easy care — a winning combination! Butterfly bush, also known as summer lilac, is a perfect addition to a Midwestern summer garden. Although it absolutely requires full sun, 8 hours a …
The Best of the Blues
I’ve been feeling somewhat blue lately. No, I’m not depressed — I’m debating on a color scheme for the new garden I’m adding this year. Right now I am leaning toward using shades of blue as my predominant color. The idea of adding a quiet, tranquil retreat appeals to me in …
Koreanspice Viburnum: A Must Have For Your Garden
A fragrance that rivals that of the old fashioned lilacs that grew in Grandma’s garden, with the added bonus of blooming at least a month earlier! While many species of …
Color In The Garden
By Sandra Nelson
While line, shape, form and texture tend to be the subtle elements shaping the viewer’s perception of a garden design, color is the one that jumps out and grabs you. It draws you in or pushes you away; it fires your emotions and stokes your energy level or it brings much …
Flowering Dogwood: A Must Have For Your Garden
By Sandra Nelson This week’s pick is by Sandy Defoe, Artistic Director. Flowering Dogwood You can’t beat the graceful form, gorgeous spring flowers and excellent fall color.” Seeing their show right now, it’s easy to see why Flowering Dogwood trees are a Must Have for the garden. Flowering dogwood, Cornus …