May is a wonderful month because it brings warmth and sunshine into the garden. You are now putting plants into the garden and reaping the rewards with blooms and vegetables. Exercising—Continue exercising so your legs and arms can safely handle the workload. Bulbs—Allow bulb leaves to die naturally so the bulbs receive the sun’s energy […]
Christmas trees can be put to good use after the holidays. Here are some tips for repurposing a tree. Begin by removing all decorations, including tinsel. And of course, don’t do this with an artificial tree! The first thing is to get it out of the house. Dragging a no-longer-fresh Christmas tree outside after the […]
December is our most festive of months and twinkling lights have sprung up outside to cheer us into the Christmas season. Our weather has brought us the cold weather with most of our gardening outside completed. If you’re like me it’s time to buy a real Christmas tree, listen to Christmas songs and put up […]
June is planting time. Your dreams have now come to fruition. Sit back and enjoy your garden colors and blooms. ANNUALS Annuals are great to fill in the spaces your perennials, shrubs and trees leave. Remember which annuals you planted last year and watch for seedlings of those annuals (and make a note or list for next […]
March seems to be the anticipation month. March gives us Daylight Savings Time, St. Patrick’s Day and the best of days – MARCH 20th, THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING! We’re about to be very busy! Where to begin? Monitor and Planning–As you walk around your garden make a list of jobs to be completed. Look […]
February is a preparing and monitoring month. We’re finally seeing some snow to blanket our gardens, yet there’s still plenty of time to dream and plan. Decide now how you will design your gardens and where new plants will go. Stay warm and have a cup of cocoa as you make your plans. Planning—Finish ordering […]
January is usually spent recovering from the holidays and taking down decorations. In the gardening world it’s a time to really get to know your garden, to plan for next year and to dream what could be. Like everyone, you’ve tried plants and they either were a great success or a complete failure. But there’s […]
Recipe for Homemade Suet Cakes 1 1/2 cups lard or shortening (palm free) 3/4 cup peanut butter 3 1/2 cups bird seed 1 cup quick oats 1/2 cup corn meal Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl Melt lard and peanut butter. Pour over dry ingredients and stir to combine. Pour or press into molds. […]
November starts crisp days and snuggly nights. Our gardens are winding down and the anticipation of snow is on the horizon. Winter is upon us and gardens should be put to bed. Perennials—Leave most perennials for the birds and wildlife. However, some should be cut back (2-3”) due to disease problems or flopping in […]
April is a horticulturist, retired from the Chicago Botanic Garden. She shares monthly gardening tips and would love to help you out with plant and gardening questions. Just send her an email and she will get back to you. OCTOBER October is the time to enjoy the beauty of Fall in all its […]