While gardeners reap the benefits of long, warm days tending to the outdoor garden, landscapes, and lawns, it's often easy to forget about those indoor plants that give residents loyal and continual pleasure 12 months of the year. While the vegetation inside appear to be maintenance free, the “indoor landscape” has requirements that need to be met to keep them happy and healthy. The good news is, following some of the basic tips below and applying some preventative care, many common problems can be avoided or corrected. Fertilizer Believe it or not, summer is the time that that indoor plants …

Test your Patience with Perennials July is a great time to consider long-term plans for the garden. Take a minute to look at the landscape and try to recall which months has blossoms and which periods looked a little bare. Are there times in between weeks, months or seasons when the garden could use a little more oomph? Examine the colors thriving throughout season. After a close inspection, it may be determined that there are some times of the year to add certain colors to the yard. This might also be a good time to consider adding more perennials into the scenery. While creating a garden …

  Summertime temperatures have started to soar, with several days topping out at 90-plus and more such days likely on the way. While many people feel uncomfortable in such heat, plants are more tolerant and can thrive in such conditions as long as they are well cared for. Without proper attention, however, containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower gardens and the lawn may suffer damage. Here are some tips on how to help the garden beat the heat.Containers: Container-based plants are often the most at jeopardy in high heat. The reason for their elevated risk is that the planters hold …

  The 4th of July is right around the corner, and whether hosting company or celebrating elsewhere, now is the time to finish your garden with a pop, bang and wow of color. Many gardeners consider the 4th of July to be the height of the season; and believe it or not, days are already getting shorter as the season creeps toward fall. So leading up to the forth, take a quick walk through the gardens, review the initial design and look for plants that maybe just didn’t turn out as planned. Remember to take a holistic view of the garden. This is a personal paradise and notice what colors might …

  The recent wet weather and cool nights have unfortunately created the perfect growing environment for unwanted garden guests: mildew and fungus. Sam Bradford of Wilson Farm’s Garden Shop has heard many stories from customers. “It seems like overnight we’re getting reports of powdery mildew (a type of mildew), and many customers are rushing in to find out how to treat it.” says Bradford. Unfortunately mildew and other funguses are difficult to treat after they have infected plants. The only way to treat for fungus is to do is through prophylactics. Some fungi can be so potent, that it can …

Is your dad a big fan of steak? Does he like them juicy, and a bit red in the middle? Well this is the perfect time of year to plant some steaks for dad - Beefsteak Tomatoes of course! If your dad has a green thumb, or simply just loves his tomatoes, a tomato plant might be a fantastic Father's Day gift.  Container or Garden? Containers Containers offer the convenience and flexibility to transfer if necessary. This route can be advantageous in extreme weather conditions and the ability to finely control water and soil conditions. One thing to keep in mind when choosing a container for a …

Memorial Day is approaching, and while it does mark the unofficial launch of the summer season, the weekend is also designated as a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Their resting places are often significant commemoration sites for the ones left behind as a symbol for their presence in the world and many family members feel peaceful contentment by their visits. This week is the perfect time to create a remembrance garden for loved ones and many will find personal contentment not only by its presence as a lovely accent, but also in the planning and crafting of the …

  While our backs may have benefited from the mild winter, low snow totals could be even better news for the winter moth. Translation: a higher survival rate for the winter moth eggs and hatching in greater numbers. Winter moths are white/gray, and are often seen late in fall or early winter. These are male moths flying around looking for females (who are smaller and nearly wingless). With topical temperatures this spring, the winter moths may begin emerging and looking to feed. Acting this week could reduce their populations and ease the tree and shrub damage they can create. Vegetation can …