Gardening Tips

Ivy – The Christmas Magic and History Behind It

Ivy Christmas Wreath

What are Christmas decorations without some beautiful ivy wrapped around a stairway or wreath? Many people have used this delightful greenery as a Christmas decoration, but have you ever wondered why? Maybe you are familiar with the old 17th – 18th century Christmas carol, The Holly and the Ivy. How did this unique plant make its way into Christmas songs, traditions, and decorations?

When you begin to study the characteristics of plants, you begin to see what sets them apart from others. There is always more than meets the eye, and ivy is no exception. This climbing plant stays lush and green even when the weather outside is frightful.

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What You Want to Know About Planting Flowering Bulbs

Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs

Are you thinking about planting flowering bulbs?

Planting bulbs in the fall is a great idea if you want spring flowers. Snowdrops and Scillas are one of the earliest flowers to bloom and will be a welcomed sight as the long winter months come to close. Remember last spring time when all your neighbors had beautiful daffodils and bright yellow, red, and purple tulips popping up everywhere? Well, if you want to add those stunning beauties to your landscape, now is the time to plant.

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2015 Dirty Dozen List and What You Need to Know

The 2015 Dirty Dozen

Throughout recent years, there has been a movement related to the food we eat. With the more information available that we as consumers have, we continue to grow in our understanding and education that helps us to make healthy food decisions.

Each year, the EWG investigates which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticides on them so as consumers, we can make the best decisions about foods we eat. The EWG’s goal is to make your food as transparent as possible. They created a Shoppers Guide to help consumers. Buying organic food is expensive, so knowing which foods are the most contaminated with pesticides might help you as you decide which organic foods to buy.

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How to Grow Summer Vegetables All Winter Long

How to Grow Summer Vegetables Indoors

As you watch your beautiful summer garden slowly come to a close as the cool crisp fall air comes in, you might be wondering if there is any possible way to preserve those summer vegetable favorites that you worked so hard to cultivate.

There is nothing like fresh, home garden grown cucumbers, pepper, and tomatoes and the thought of having them throughout the winter is compelling not to mention that continuing to grow your own vegetables is a great way to supplement your budget and your diet.

We are here to share with you some great news. With the right lighting, container, and space, you can continue to grow many different vegetables and herbs.

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Grow amazing apples

How to Grow Amazing Apples Your Family Will Love

How to Grow Amazing Apples
If you are looking for a fun fall activity then visiting your local apple orchard is a must. This past weekend, my family and I visited The McIntosh Orchard in beautiful South Haven, Michigan. With the apple blossom being the state flower, Michigan is a state that is sure to produce some amazing apples. The orchard hosted row after row of ripe, crisp, juicy apples. The children ran up and down each isle of apple trees, picking apples and placing them into big wooden barrels to be weighed and brought home.

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Trees - fall color

9 Trees to Grow for Beautiful Fall Colors

Beautiful Fall Colors

There is something magical about fall. It seems to be a moment in time when trees and plants come to their truest splendor. Even if you are a die-hard summer fan, you have to admit the beauty of all that encompasses this amazing season. Or maybe it’s the pumpkin spice lattes, football games, warm sweaters and boots that make everyone love this season so much.

Regardless what makes you love fall, having your own home garden that lets you enjoy the changing beauty is worth the effort.

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The Amazing Chrysanthemum: Must Have Fall Flower for Every Yard

Chrysanthemum  plants

Imagine an array of bright yellows, dazzling burgundies, and stunning purple flowers placed elegantly around your yard this fall. Look no further than the amazing Chrysanthemum, nicked named “mum.”

Chrysanthemum plants are the perfect flower for fall. With their amazing range of fall colors, shapes, and sizes these mums will add that perfect pop of color and texture to your yard. They can be an amazing stand-alone plant that sits invitingly at your front door, placed lined up in a window box, or planted into the ground. They are sure to make any landscape shine.

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How to Expand Your Garden with Root Vegetables

Root vegetables

Root vegetables are likely be one of the most underrated categories of vegetables for home gardeners. While most home gardens are filled with the typical tomato and cucumber plants, you might have a harder time finding gardens filled with rutabaga and turnips. The main reason might be that they can be intimidating. Unless you are accustomed to growing up eating dandelion root, you might just write it off as a weed and miss all the amazing benefits that make up this great veggie.

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11 Perfect Plants for Your Water Garden

Water garden

Did you know that you can bring paradise to your own backyard with a magnificent water garden?

Imagine yourself relaxing after a long day to the tranquil sounds of a running fountain and the lush beauty of the foliage that surrounds and engulfs your water garden.

A water garden is home to many beautiful plants that can transform your backyard into a true oasis. Adding water plants are essential to your water garden’s success as they help maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem in your backyard pond.

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