It pains me to see customers spending hundreds of dollars on new plants and simultaneously refusing to spend a few more on a bag or two of compost and a box of starter fertilizer. These two items are not unnecessary “add-ons” that the retailer is just trying to add to the sale, they are critical components of a successful transplanting process - or as I like to refer to them as “plant insurance”. Unless you have phenomenal soil, you should always add compost and starter fertilizers when you are planting new plants. Here is why…
Let the Trilogy of Conifers continue with the finale! Two weeks ago I discussed some basics on conifers to ponder and then last week we went with some beyond blue selections. For this week we move onto flavors, large and small, that boast bright yellow or white variegation. As I have stated in this forum many times, I love me some…
Honesty is always the best policy and since I promised a “Trilogy of Conifers” last week, on we go with even more conifer mojo. We explored their variations in color, texture and growth habits for local landscapes. In episode two this week, I want to focus on the many calming shades of blue, highlighting some selections with both superior color and shape…
With the holiday season now in full swing and Christmas just around the corner, the season of giving is upon us. Friends and family will surely be craving some gardening goodies for the holidays; like vibrant plants, useful supplies, garden art and trendy trinkets to use now and into the future. Simply put, all gardeners big or small, young or old, experienced or novice, deserve some…
I often chuckle each November (and now even in October) as I am berated with the daily Christmas advertisements, seemingly earlier and earlier each year. On my phone, on the TV, in the papers, on the radio stations, via email – literally everywhere. So here I am (my sincere apologies), talking about Christmas in November! Please find some…
I thought it might be fun to ride the wave of perennials that we started last week and continue on with another timely discussion, dividing and transplanting. Think of it this way… how do you get more bang for your buck from these hardy garden treasures? By dividing them of course! It is super easy to do and you are simply…
Now that we are in the full swing of autumn, ornamental grasses in our region are starting to strut their stuff. Instead of “bloom” I get to talk “plume” this week, and they are certainly “pluming” at the moment! As I walk my own landscape, the many grasses I have planted over the years make me smile and even though they…
The Golfing Gardener
Trevor Cameron
Now that we are into the heat of the PNW summer, I thought it would be fun to delve into the world of Hibiscus. When most gardeners close their eyes and think of the word Hibiscus, I would be curious to see what picture comes to mind. There are hundreds of…