By JESSICA DAMIANO – Associated Press Many people try to save water just to do the right thing (and save money too). But when a severe drought hits and state and local governments enforce restrictions, water conservation becomes non-negotiable. So far this summer, nearly 65% of the United States and Puerto Rico have experienced “unusually … Read more
Tom Ingram Ask a master gardener “I have friends who have been gardening for a long time and they all seem excited to start their fall vegetable gardens. In fact, they are already starting sowing, although it is only July. Is that correct?” —DD Yes, although we’ve recently transitioned into summer, it’s time to get … Read more
They are baaaaccck!! That’s right, the Japanese Beetles are back. What Exactly is a Japanese Beetle and Why Should We Worry? Knowing a little about these tiny horrors will help ensure your landscape doesn’t become their next meal. This beetle is related to other common pests that we see. The Japanese beetle is related to … Read more
Avid gardeners weren’t the only visitors when I hosted a stop on the Omaha Rose Society tour last weekend. A few people shared that they had seen Japanese bugs on some of my roses, disappointing news for everyone. “We’re not sure what the population will be like this year,” said Scott Evans of Nebraska Extension … Read more
Brian Jervis Ask a master gardener “My tomatoes are not bearing fruit. What’s going on?” — CO Tomatoes are like the prima donnas of the garden. If everything is not right, they will not bear fruit. For better or worse, we had a cooler spring, then rain for a couple of weeks, and then we … Read more
It’s a big deal to build a house, let alone buy a property. From raising finance for one build to a thousand and one decisions and choices… time and money add up quickly. Did you take the garden into account? Most of the time, your beautiful new home overlooks a patch of land that is … Read more
If scavenging deer, ravenous insects, scorching sun or freaky frosts have ever threatened the existence of your favorite flowering plants, don’t despair. Native plants are superheroes waiting to defeat them all. Here are three that sport crackling red blooms and thrive despite their natural predators. Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) is one of the … Read more
SAUK COUNTY GARDENERS Jeannie Manis Sauk County Master Gardeners Association “It’s exciting to see things reappear, plants that you’ve had for twenty or thirty years. It’s like seeing an old friend again.”– Tasha Tudor I was excited to finally see my white peony bush bloom this year. It was a piece of peony that our … Read more
Nick Clifton Special for the Roanoke Times This is an exciting time of year for a gardener. The weather is warm day and night. The sun is high in the sky and intense. You seem to notice the growth when you stare at your plants. The anticipation of your first tomato or “tomato” harvest is … Read more
Native joe pye weed grows alongside native coneflowers and non-native spirea and catnip. Jessica Damiano via AP As home gardeners learn more about the role of native plants in the ecosystem and their importance to pollinators, wildlife and people, many are turning to “rewilding”. The term refers to a landscaping approach that depends on the … Read more