If there is one houseplant that is intolerant of neglect, it’s the poinsettia. I have often wondered if this is a marketing ploy. After all, it’s hard to enter any store during the holiday season and not be immediately accosted by a poinsettia display. Although I consider myself in possession of two green thumbs, the …
Poinsettia Plant History: Where Did Christmas Poinsettia Come From Read More »
I love to decorate the house for Christmas and adorning a tree with lights and ornaments is one of the highlights of the season. Many years ago, we would go and cut down our own tree, but our more enlightened selves wanted a more sustainable option. That’s when I discovered Norfolk pine holiday plants. Norfolk …
Norfolk Pine Holiday Plants – A Living Christmas Tree You’ll Love Read More »
During the coldest months of the year, activity in the garden has come to a complete standstill. Without the bright summer sunshine, some may feel at a loss. Often, I find myself counting the days until I am once again able to work the soil outdoors. Fortunately, for those of us who are eager to …
Growing Plants Indoors: Forcing Amaryllis Blooms In Winter Read More »
For those who celebrate the holiday, Christmas is a time of festivity and togetherness. As the snow continues to fall in many places, any thought of gardening is frequently moved to the back of the priority list. This does not mean, however, that holiday celebrations cannot be brightened through the use of indoor flower arrangements …
Phalaenopsis Orchid: A Surprising Addition To Holiday Décor Read More »
Poinsettia flowers are the quintessential Christmas plant. Coincidentally, they also happen to be my favorite. That wasn’t always the case, however. There was a time when I would cringe whenever well-meaning family and friends presented me with a holiday poinsettia as a gift. Gifting Holiday Plants Poinsettias are the natural choice when it comes to …
Gifting Holiday Plants: Secret To Keeping Live Poinsettia Plants Healthy Read More »
I’m a gardener, but I also like to make things. So, if I can take something from nature and create a usable work of art, I’ll do that too. Ornaments are no different. My Christmas tree is filled with all manner of ornaments I’ve accumulated over the years, from my childhood creations to those of …
Handmade Ornaments – Holiday Ornaments Crafted From Nature Read More »
I don’t think that I am the only one who finds these times we live in particularly difficult. Though every year has its problems, the past months have brought us face to face with many stressful situations over which we seem to have little control. So many people are hurting, so many animals and plants …
Garden Sanctuary: Using The Garden To Help Make A Difference Read More »
As an adult, I lived in big cities for years, perhaps to balance out a childhood in a small town in central Alaska. I went to Berkeley for law school, San Francisco to take the California Bar, and never really went back to rural life for many years. I traveled a lot and, when I …
Growing Herbs Is Easy: Making And Gifting Herb Gardens Read More »
Giving is a process that benefits both the giver and the receiver. It really is a two-way street that affords opportunities for both sides. Community gardens are open to those who apply and can be a way for those with no land or outdoor space to grow their own food. Often called pea patches, community …
Pea Patch Volunteering: Community Gardens Keep Giving Read More »
Craftiness is happiness, but you don’t have to be particularly “crafty” to bring happiness to others. I’m not artsy or imaginative, but I’m crafty and always have at least one project in the works. I’m restless, and sitting still to watch TV is almost impossible if I don’t have something to occupy my hands. Tales …
