Like paint colors and fashion, gardening trends come and go. For 2017, gardening trends range from clean, healthy living with fewer chemicals and more organic food to “sound-scaping” with trees … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Finding feeders for feathered friends
After redoing our 10-year-old yard with new plants and patio, we added the icing on the cake – bird feeders for our feathered friends. After planting eastern red cedars, hollies … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Sourwood, a delight in any season
Sourwood is a tree for all seasons, rewarding you with year-round beauty, according to native plant enthusiast Helen Hamilton of Williamsburg, Va. In spring, the tree is covered with lacy … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Punch up your d�cor with a homemade wreath
Homes decked out for the holidays add to the spirit of the season. When strolling about, take a look at the wreaths, tabletop decor and centerpieces – because you can … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Careful planning creates a no-fuss retirement home
The 10-year-old retirement home we purchased in Virginia Beach, Va., in February was tired and outdated – including the front and back yards. After months of redoing the home’s interior, … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Goldenrods are ‘highly desirable in the fall garden’
Goldenrods are butterfly magnets, and their tiny flowers host many other insects as well, according to native plant expert Helen Hamilton. “In late summer, any spray of goldenrod will be … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Well-planned gardens offer year-round beauty
Too often, winter is considered the dead season in the garden. It doesn’t have to be that way when you plan and plant with every season – not just spring … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Garden in containers to get an easy, colorful, dressed-up look for fall
It’s fall and the feeling is fine – crisp cool days and warm stews. It’s also the season to use container gardening to extend the beauty and good vibes of … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Keep cute deer at bay with spray, plants
Walking quietly toward the edge of our yard, the mother and baby were cute – until they started chomping away on our hardy hibiscus shrubs that were so healthy and … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Plant bulbs in the fall for breathtaking springtime blooms
Late October and November are bulb-planting months – the time to tuck daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs into the soil where they can root and surprise you with … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Dogbane: Good for insects, bad for dogs
Interesting fruits and seeds in the fall garden add a visual interest that draws the eye as much as stunning flowers do. Summer-flowering native dogbane is one of those very … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Native beauties provide food, shelter for wildlife
For years, I fought the urge to plant shrubs, trees and perennials in late spring to early summer. Even though garden centers lush with new varieties tempted me, I decided … Click to Continue »
Read More »Diggin’ In: Vegetable gardener turns love of plants into beer-making cash crop of hops
Vegetable gardener Michael Lackey has taken his love for plants one step further – growing hops for beer. Also a craft beer fan, Lackey started researching how to make beer … Click to Continue »
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