Hummingbirds have spent their spring and summer flitting from flower to feeder, but now it’s time for hummingbirds to migrate south with warmer weather. Most hummingbird migration south starts in late September. Hummingbirds migrate south, heading to Mexico and Central America, where they will spend their winter. Hummingbirds migrate to the warmer south in search … Read more
My perennial pick for September is Rudbeckia fulgida “American Gold Rush,” aka Black-eyed Susan! There are about 20 varieties of Rudbeckia. They are grown for their showy, daisy-type flowers, which feature a dark central eye—hence the common name “Black-Eyed.” Rudbeckia “American Gold Rush” American Gold Rush is a naturally compact cultivar with narrow, 2 inch … Read more
SEPTEMBER IS THE TIME TO CONTROL WHITE GRUB WORMS IN THE LAWN If you had Japanese Beetles eating on your plants this summer, then you will have white grub worms in your lawn this fall and next spring. Now is the best time to control the white grub population in your lawn. What you do … Read more
FALL IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR It may seem a bit early to you about the fall planting season, but in the plant and nursery industry, the fall planting season starts with the first of September. Last week, I wrote my blog on gardening tasks and thoughts for fall. Now, I want to go … Read more
SEPTEMBER IS THE START OF THE FALL IS FOR PLANTING SEASON Fall will officially be here on Monday, September 22nd. So, why is fall the best planting season of the entire year? It comes down to our soil temperature, along with the cooler fall air. Right now, our soil temperature is 82 degrees. Roots grow … Read more
SO, WHAT DOES THE FARMER’S ALMANAC PREDICT FOR US THIS FALL AND WINTER? This blog on the Farmer’s Almanac is more entertaining than factual. Did you know that the Old Farmer’s Almanac was established in 1792? The Almanac makes its weather predictions by comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity. It … Read more
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE BARK ON SOME TREES? This blog is about moss, lichens, exfoliating bark, and the crape myrtle bark scale—all four common characteristics of tree bark. EXFOLIATING BARK Exfoliating bark on certain trees refers to a natural process where the trees shed their outer bark in layers. In doing so, it exposes … Read more
WHAT DO THEY DO FOR OUR SOIL AND OUR PLANTS A couple of weeks ago, I conducted our free educational seminar on watering. Those who stopped by the table to talk about watering had great questions. One question that was asked a couple of times was about perlite and vermiculite. One customer asked about what … Read more
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED GARDENING TASKS THAT SHOULD BE DONE THIS MONTH August is a great month to get organized about what you want to do for your lawn or landscape by September. For this reason, August is sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Fall.” Before going any further, let’s review July. We are … Read more
WHY HUMMINGBIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, AND BEES COME TO MY SMALL GARDEN My wife and I moved to our current home over six years ago. We downsized, and our garden areas are downsized as well. But that doesn’t stop me from planting a variety of native perennials that are pollinator-friendly. A small space may be more challenging. … Read more
