Hummingbirds will like new list of recommended flowers as much as humans Prairie Star Flower list reveals latest recommended flowers for Kansas By Mary Lou Peter After years of sometimes-harsh tests, the winners have emerged: Kansas State University has unveiled its latest list of recommended annual flowers, including a sweet treat for hummingbirds and a vine that sports purple foliage with
Read moreGrowing Vegetables in Containers Millions of Americans plant vegetable gardens. But oftentimes we hear comments such as, “I don’t have room,” or, “It is just too much work to combat our local soils.” If you are one of those people who can’t see the forest for the trees then I have the solution for you — containers. Container gardens for
Read moreDolce® Blackcurrant Coral Bells Heuchera hybrid Type: Perennial to zone 4 Sun/Shade: Will perform well in sun or shade in Northern climates, but will do best in shade in Southern climates. Height: The foliage is 8 to 12 inches tall, with flower spikes a foot or more taller than the foliage. Spacing: 16 to 20 inches apart Habit: Mounded, used
Read moreCheerful Winter Bloomers By Jan Vinyard Isn’t it hard for gardeners to be without bloom in the garden? You bet it is! The answer to that issue is to find things that bloom at unusual times, such as in winter. IN THE WINTER? That’s right! Our Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been blooming during all of these nice winter days.
Read moreDo you spend the winter months thinking and planning next year’s garden? Are you looking for plant suggestions? Here’s one worthy of your consideration. Lantana, this stellar garden performer, is one tough cookie. Extremely drought tolerant, easy care and no pests or disease problems, makes Luscious® Citrus Blend™ Lantana a must in the garden. Lantana are easy to maintain. Their
Read morePoinsettia is perhaps the most common plant gift of the Christmas season. It is colorful, traditional and looks like it should be tough to withstand any conditions in the home. Many recipients assume that it will last for months in the home environment. Cared-for properly and the poinsettia will give weeks of color and pleasure to its owner. But, it
Read morePlant Trees and Shrubs Now Fall is an excellent time to plant new trees and shrubs in the landscape. There are several advantages to fall planting, so take advantage of this season to get a jump on the numerous spring landscape chores. Fall weather with the cooler temperatures and warm soil conditions make plant establishment close to ideal. Even though
Read moreBindweed: a noxious weed Like most gardeners I have a strong dislike for weeds. They create more work and rob our plants of much needed nutrients and water. But like many things in life not all weeds are created equally. By that I mean some weeds tend to be more of a pain in the backside than others. Some
Read moreExtended wet periods can cause problems with our area soils. Soils in this part of the country, for the most part, tend to have high clay content. Clay is poorly drained and aerated, and holds high levels of water, which can be detrimental to many plants. Identifying water-damaged plants Waterlogged soils exclude oxygen from the roots thus causing decline
Read morePeppers, a highlight in any garden are one of the easiest plants to grow. Bringing a rainbow of colors, a plethora of shapes and different degrees of heat to your table, peppers are an attractive addition to any garden or container. It’s easy to value these plants for looks and flavor alone, but the pepper is a nutritional powerhouse as
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