There are numerous aids that assist us in our endeavors to grow fruits and vegetable during the gardening season. Many of these garden products range from grow tunnels, plant protectors, floating row covers, compost tumblers, garden seeders and hoop houses. When selecting a garden helper make sure you conduct the proper research to ensure the product you select will be the appropriate choice to assist in your overall gardening goals. Cheers

One of my personal favorite sown flowers is our featured flower of the month, the Petunia. Petunias are one of the most rewarding plants to grow. They have light silky blooms that appear to float on lush green foliage. The buds bloom into a multitude of colors and patterns and will thrive in the shaded and full sun areas in your garden’s landscape. They are well suited for hot dry conditions and will excel in containers. I prefer to plant petunias in early spring using rich well drained soil as a boarder flower in my garden. Cheers

Reflect on the year that has past. Savor and recall the good. Let go of what remains. We wish you a Happy New Year and many blessings in 2017. Cheers

Our featured flowers of the month come in both annual and perennial varieties.

Poppy

Poppies appear to be delicate but are rather rugged. Poppies have paper like blooms that make a stunning impression, appearing like magic year after year. They make an excellent addition to any outdoor floral setting.

Salvia

My favorite drought tolerant plant is Salvia. It is able to flourish in hot, dry conditions. It exhibits blooms on long sturdy stems from early spring until late fall.

Snap Dragon

The delicate translucent flower appears from May until late fall. Its durability allows it to thrive in many adverse conditions. They are drought tolerant and are a great addition to any cut floral arrangement.

One of my favorite things to do for relaxation is to go fishing. In my youth, my father took me to the James River Bridge in Richmond Virginia to seek out the elusive cat fish. We fished at the crack of dawn or after midnight utilizing a variety of baits. I can remember the profound effect of being introduced to my first glimpse of nature and the calming effect of the water in addition to the sudden exhilaration of the strike. With the pole bent and the line tight, one would yell “fish on”, a statement that to me represents the true meaning of happiness.

Over time I have come to love all types and styles of fishing. I’m often asked “what time of day is the best time to go fishing?” Generally the best time to go is when fish appear to be more active, during sunrise and sunset and also during periods of a full moon. Look for areas where fish are feeding on hatch flies like caddis and mayflies. Perhaps, the best time to go fishing is whenever you can!  Cheers

The first frost of the year generally marks the end of the floral blooming season.  Freezing cold temperatures scorch flowers causing them to die.  Rather than throwing them into the garbage bin, these spent flowers can be added to a compost pile.  The annuals break down creating new life as rich soil for next year’s blooms.   Cheers

Fall is here and winter is on the horizon but we’re still experiencing glorious weather with summer like conditions in zone 4. It has been an amazing record setting fall season that has not only extended the floral blooms but is giving me more time to partake in some of my favorite outdoor activities. From hiking, biking, fishing or just taking a stroll, make sure to take advantage of this magnificent and rare gift from Mother Nature. Enjoy!

When you begin to plan for next season’s blossoms, consider adding Vinca to your garden’s landscape. Vinca is an easy to grow annual flower also known as “periwinkle”.  Starting seeds in a partially shaded area of your garden in rich well draining soil will produce 2 inch blooms that are capable of spreading up to 30 inches. Colors include rose, pink, peach, red, white and more. Directly sow seeds in early spring after the last frost for blooms that will last until late fall. Cheers

Winter is rapidly approaching in zone 4 and I have started to prepare for next season by using one of my favorite soil enhancements.  Worm castings are an eco-friendly way to add necessary nutrients to your soil. The castings can improve soil structure, aeration and drainage. When mixed with your current soil the castings will provide the beneficial bacteria and microbes to help sustain plant life. The castings are also capable of correcting soil deficiencies, promoting plant hardiness and disease resistance. Cheers

Our featured flower of the month is the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabillis) and is one of my favorite perennial shade plants to grow. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and produces blooms during the early spring months of May thru June. Its lavish green foliage can reach heights of 24-36 inches. The blooms are rose pink heart shaped blossoms that are suspended on arched stems. To add this plant to your garden’s landscape simply plant in rich well draining soil in the shaded area of your garden. Cheers