I did a little happy dance yesterday when the year’s first issue of Buckeye Yard Garden Line landed in my email inbox.

BYGL, or “Beagle,” as the participants call it, is a weekly news report from experts with the Ohio State University Extension. They offer tips on lawn and garden maintenance and provide updates on issues such as pests, diseases and weather damage – often with a healthy dose of humor.

As a garden geek, I consider it one of my favorite reads. Besides, its arrival means gardening season is really here, no matter how lousy the weather is.

Among the gems in this week’s issue is some guidance on spring garden cleanup from Pam Bennett, a horticulture educator with the extension. Among her tips:

— Cut back perennial and vegetable plants you left standing in the fall, including ornamental grasses. It’s best to do this before spring growth begins.

— Cut back old asparagus fronds to the ground.

— Divide or transplant perennials that bloom in the summer or fall, if needed. This is also a good time to divide ornamental grasses.

— Prune roses to shape them, encourage new growth and allow air and sunlight to reach the mddle of the plant.

— Get a soil test, and then fertilize plants only if the test shows nutrients are needed.

You can read BYGL online. If you’d like to receive it by email, send a request to Cheryl Fischnich at fischnich.1@osu.edu.

And then you can do your own little dance each week.

Every year, I have a plethora of annual flower container gardens because I like to try new plants and color combinations. This year will be no exception.

For the past several years I have been planting lantana. Native to South America, lantana is a shrubby annual in our region but can be grown as a woody perennial in warmer zones (USDA Zone 9). Lantana blooms all summer long, producing clusters of little flowers that look like bouquets. Many of the newer cultivars offer flowers in two to three bright colors within the same cluster, with the older individual flowers in the center of the cluster turning to a different color than the younger outer flowers.

What I like about lantana is that it is drought tolerant, blooms well in the heat of summer, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and has few pests. Plus, it is not a high-maintenance plant and does not require deadheading to keep flowering. You pretty much plant it and ignore it, other than admiring the pretty flowers.

Plant breeders have been working on developing a wider selection of lantana cultivars for gardeners. When selecting a lantana for your garden, check the plant tag. Lantana cultivars come in a variety of shapes, sizes and growth habits.

My recent favorites have been in the Bandana series because of their extraordinary flower colors. The cultivars include Bandana Cherry, Cherry Sunrise, Pink, Lemon Zest, Light Yellow, Peach, Red, Rose, White and Trailing Gold. I like Bandana Cherry Sunrise, Peach and Pink the best because of the spectacular contrast between the center and the outer flowers. Except for Trailing Gold, these Bandana cultivars generally grow about 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Trailing Gold is lower and wider in habit.

There are two other new notable lantana series you might encounter. One is the Bandito series, closely related to the Bandana series except these cultivars are more compact and bloom more freely. The series includes Bandito Orange Sunrise, Red and Rose.

The Lucky series of lantana are heavy bloomers and compact, growing only about a foot tall and wide. This series includes Lucky Lemon Glow, Pot of Gold, Pure Gold, Flame, Rose Sunrise, Peach, Lavender and White.

Extraordinary bloom color is one reason that I am gravitating toward lantana, but the other reason is the tobacco budworm. This dastardly little caterpillar feeds voraciously on my petunia and geranium flower petals and buds, destroying many flowers by late summer. The budworm leaves the lantana flowers alone.

One of the pyrethroid insecticides would provide fairly good control, but it would also be harmful to most of the beneficial insects that visit the flowers. A safer option would be one of the organic garden insecticides, containing either Spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis, but it would require repeated spray applications for satisfactory results.

So because of this nasty green worm, I am trying different “spiller” options in my planters. Lantana is just one of them.

— Garden Note

— An important thing to know about lantana is that the green, unripe berries are toxic. Many of the new lantana that are prolific, continuous bloomers set fewer fruit than older cultivars.

— Lantana leaves are also toxic to livestock. When brushing the skin, the leaves may also cause a minor skin irritation or rash in some people.

— Marianne C. Ophardt is a horticulturist for Washington State University Benton County Extension.

April 3, 2014

Groves seniors learn gardening tips

Mary Meaux

The Port Arthur News
The Port Arthur News

Thu Apr 03, 2014, 05:50 PM CDT

GROVES —
The joy of gardening can be appreciated by people of all ages, just ask  Jeanene Ebeling.

Ebeling, horticulture program assistant with Texas AM AgriLife Extension, met with upwards of 20 people at the Groves Public Library during an Adult Life Enrichment Series regarding gardening tips for seniors on Thursday.

Gilbert and Vera Lege of Groves went from the Groves Senior Citizens Center where they had lunch to the library across the street to learn helpful hints. The Lege’s have amaryllis flowers and bluebonnets plus some vegetables as well.

“I always have my Texas AM jalapeno,” Gilbert Lege said with a smile. “They’re mild.”

Pat Donnelly, who took home a basil grow kit as a door prize at the event, was pleased with the seminar.

“I loved it,” Donnelly said about the event.

Donnelly enjoys gardening and said she’s like to see more seminars such as the one of Thursday that deal with specifics on gardening and other topics.

Ebeling told the group that gardening enriches people physically, mentally and spiritually and increases a person’s physical activity.

And while aging can cause diminished physical strength due to arthritis or limited mobility there are still ways to enjoy gardening such as : gardening in five and 10 minute increments and work your way up to 30 minute increments if possible, utilizing an “enabling” garden which is elevated with raised bed so the gardener doesn’t have to bend over and using hanging plants and window sill herb gardens.

Vertical gardens such as growing beans and cucumbers along a fence or chicken coop wire is also a way for people to enjoy gardening and make sure you have a place to sit and rest if needed.

“If you can go and sit in the shade and check your plants you’re more likely to do that,” Ebeling said. “Plus you can avoid constant stooping and squatting.”

Gardening in the early morning or afternoon is a good way to avoid the heat of the day and she advised the group to wear lightweight comfortable clothing.

For more information on gardening or other such topics contact the AgriLife office at 1225 Pearl St., Suite 200 in Beaumont or call 835-8461.

The library’s Adult Life Enrichment Series will continue with The Art of Making Cheese on April 9. The class is limited to 20 participants.

Thursday, May 8 and 9 is a two-part class on Making Coiled Basketry and requires a $5 donation for material costs. Only 10 to 12 students will be scheduled.

Thursday, May 15 will be The Art of Making Wine.

For more information about the classes, call the library at 962-6281.

E-mail: mmeaux@panews.com

Twitter: MaryMeauxPANews

Text Only

Copyright
2014
PAnews.com, Port Arthur, Texas. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast,
rewritten or redistributed.

(Family Features) The benefits of having your own backyard vegetable garden are plentiful, and can include significant lifestyle impacts, such as healthier eating habits, money saving perks and more.

A Relaxing, Healthful Hobby
Looking for a hobby that allows you to contribute to the health of your family? Take up gardening. Beyond producing nutritious foods, it can help you teach your family about local agriculture, all while basking in the tranquility of the great outdoors. Though starting your own home garden can be intimidating, there are a few simple steps to get you started. Once developed, it can yield fruits and vegetables from early spring and into the fall.

1) Do Some Research
Find out what vegetables grow best in your area and when is the right time to plant and harvest. Many local university extension programs have this information readily available online. For each plant, consider the amount of water needed, how much sunlight is required and if it should be started from seed or a transplanted seedling.
2) Choose a Good Spot
Keep in mind vegetables need at least six hours of sun each day, so plant away from the shade of buildings, trees and shrubs. Planting close to your house may make you more likely to bring your harvest right into your kitchen, and will help you remember to weed and water. Including rain and irrigation, your garden needs at least one inch of water per week. Make sure you can easily access a water supply nearby. Some products, such as an Ames NeverLeak hose reel, provide convenient hose storage and can easily reach all parts of your yard. Be sure to choose a level area of your yard so when watering it will not pool in lower areas.

3) Clear the Area
Use your garden hose or a string to mark the area for proper placement of your garden. Use a sod lifter or garden spade, keeping the area level and removing as little topsoil as possible. Next, use a round point shovel, such as the True Temper True American Round-Point Shovel, to dig into the soil about 12 inches, breaking it up and removing clumps. To encourage proper drainage and escape light freezes in early spring and fall, construct a raised bed by creating a border with wood slats and filling in with soil.

4) Prepare the Soil
Use a rake to create a smooth finish and remove debris or stones on the surface. You may want to add manure, compost or soil additives to provide additional nutrients in the soil.

5) Plant Your Seeds
Determine if you will be starting your plants from seeds or transplanting small seedlings. Be sure to research how much room each plant will need and plot the layout of your garden. Dig V-shaped furrows using a warren hoe or the edge of a garden hoe. Carefully distribute the seeds in the furrows evenly and in accordance with the instructions on the seed packet. Cover the seeds and pat down gently, then water thoroughly.

Use this information for a fruitful harvest this gardening season. For more tips, visit www.AmesTrueTemper.com or www.Facebook.com/TrueTemperTools.

Photo: courtesy of Getty Images (Mother and Son) 

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Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2014 10:30 pm

Extension: Tips on growing culinary, medicinal herbs

Mary Jac Brennan/Special Correspondent

Winston-Salem Journal

Q: What is the difference between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs? Can both be grown in our area?

Answer: Culinary and medicinal are terms that refer to the end use of the herb after harvest. Culinary herbs are typically used in cooking. Some of the more popular commercially grown herbs that will grow well include cilantro, chives, dill, French tarragon, horseradish, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet basil and thyme. Medicinal herbs have been grown for hundreds of years as traditional medicines. Some of our modern medicines are derived from herbs or are manufactured in laboratories to mimic the botanical compounds found in medicinal herbs. Herbs such as American ginseng, black cohosh, bloodroot, purple coneflower, pale purple coneflower, narrow leaf purple coneflower, false unicorn, and goldenseal are examples of herbs grown for medicinal uses. Both culinary and medicinal herbs can be grown in our area. Each herb has specific conditions for growth. Research the herb you are interested in growing and set up a small test plot to see if you enjoy growing it. More information is available in the following leaflets from the Extension: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/introsheets/herbs.pdf (culinary herbs) http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/medherbs/1.htm (medicinal herbs).

Q: I have heard that using no-till practices is good for the soil. How do you grow vegetables in a no-till system?

Answer: No-till is an agricultural practice most often associated with agronomic or row crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. It is a practice that can be used with vegetable crops under the right soil conditions. Our clay soil must be amended. Adding organic matter to the soil will help improve the structure, workability and water-holding capacity. A two-inch layer of compost added to the soil surface and then worked in to a depth of 4 to 6 inches works well. Raising your seed or planting beds in the garden is a good idea. Some growers construct permanent raised beds. Avoid walking on your seed/planting beds as compaction will destroy your hard work. Use of wheat straw mulch during the growing season helps to protect the soil from winds and pelting raindrops. There is the added benefit of turning the straw under as another source of organic matter at the end of the growing season. Once the soil structure has been improved, use hand tools to turn under and prepare your seed/planting beds. Tilling pulverizes soil particles, allowing water to evaporate more quickly. Tilling also disturbs soil microbes, the tiny livestock that is helping to promote nutrient uptake through healthy roots. Tilling exposes weeds from the dormant weed seedbed underneath the soil surface. Moving to no-till gardening is a transitional process and it may take some time and hard work. It may take as long as a season to move away from churning power equipment, but doing so will reduce your workload, save money on fuel and equipment, as well as reduce the noise pollution in the spring.

Mary Jac Brennan is the commercial horticulture agent for small farms and local food for the Forsyth Cooperative Extension. For information on home and gardening issues, contact the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office at extension@forsyth.cc or call (336) 703-2850.

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Thursday, April 3, 2014 10:30 pm.

Raphael recently went out to eat at Olive Garden, the food and service were, he says, “fine.” He was less delighted when he looked at the receipt, though. It provided useful suggested tips for 15%, 18%, and 20%. Only these suggestions weren’t actually 15-20% of his before-tax dinner tab, which is what you’re supposed to base tips on. Or are things different on Planet Darden?

Raphael snapped a picture of his receipt and sent it to Consumerist. “Tips are supposed to be based on the total amount before taxes, to which a 15% tip on $39.21 is $5.88,” he wrote to us. “Even if I were to tip on the total plus tax of $41.95, it’s still under the suggested 15% tip amount at $6.29.” Did someone make a mistake while setting up the systems, or is Olive Garden out to scam higher tips for its servers?

Before we contacted Darden, Olive Garden’s parent company, we checked their receipt math. Something wasn’t adding up: $6.61 isn’t 15% of $41.95, either. So we wrote back to Raphael. “Did you use any coupons, gift cards, or vouchers?” we asked. “Either they calculated the suggested tip based on your before-coupon total, which would be correct, or these numbers have no basis in reality.” It’s certainly possible to have numbers and prices with no basis in reality: the continuing existence of Target proves that.

That wasn’t the case here, though. Raphael went back to his itemized receipt and noticed that, oh yeah, they had received a free dessert. One of your food items might be comped, but that doesn’t mean that your server didn’t bring it to you and you shouldn’t account for it in your tips. That’s why Olive Garden included it in the tip.

Take it from us: not everyone is out to screw you over. It’s good to be watchful and catch errors or miscalculations when they happen, but also to think critically and figure out and check things out before declaring consumer war.

RELATED:
Chili’s Helpfully Suggests 18% Tip On My Tab

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PA Photo/RHS.

As National Gardening Week approaches and the Easter school holidays arrive, Hannah Stephenson looks at how to get your children interested in gardening.

If the weather is fine this Easter, (and it’s beginning to look like it might be), many parents will be wanting to sort out their gardens – and hopefully encouraging their children to give them a hand along the way.

Certainly, with National Gardening Week (April 14-20) on its way too – a scheme launched three years ago by the RHS to celebrate gardening with nationwide events – there really is no excuse not to get your little ones outdoors.

Andrea Fowler, horticultural educator at RHS Garden Wisley, points out that attracting wildlife, seed-sowing and vegetable-growing are all sources of inspiration to young gardeners.

“Spring is definitely here so we can be seed-sowing and planting in earnest. If you just want to get the children outside do an Easter egg hunt in the garden – there are also Easter holiday activities at all four RHS gardens over the holidays.

“If you’re sowing seeds with children, sow something that’s going to spark their imagination. Plant flower seeds which children will be excited about, like calendula – there’s a calendula called ‘Porcupine’ which is an extra spiky pot marigold. There’s also cornflower ‘Blue Boy’ and sunflowers, which everyone loves.

“Nasturtiums are fantastic and make great container plants so you don’t need to have a huge garden, you can just grow them in a window box. Herbs are also great.

“If you’re growing veg with children, have a go with ‘Pink Fir Apple’ potatoes (a maincrop variety with knobbly pink skinned tubers of butter yellow, waxy flesh) or purple potatoes, purple beans and yellow tomatoes, which will get them interested.”

Attracting wildlife into the garden will also engage the children, so help them build a mini-beast hotel (although autumn can be a better time to do this when wildlife is looking to hibernate).

A simple bug hotel can be made from a collection of hollow stems packed into a plastic bottle with the end cut off. Several hotels could be placed in different positions such as on the ground among vegetation, fixed on top of a post, next to a wall, half way up a hedge, in a tree, under a bird table. Grander bug hotels can be made by piling up a variety of materials into a tower, or making a wooden frame with a series of compartments and packing these with different fillings.

Remember rotting wood is both a home and source of food for various beetle grubs and a vast army of other mini-beasts, which in turn make a tasty snack for birds, hedgehogs and frogs, so leave an area of the garden wild and build a log pile with the children.

“Children also love worms. If you are working in the garden let them dig with a trowel and they’ll love it. But don’t let them chop the worms in half.”

You could also help your children make a bird cake, using fat, good quality wild birdseed, raisins, peanuts and grated cheese. Just leave the fat in a warm place to soften, put the other ingredients into a bowl, chop the fat into small pieces and add to the mixture, mixing it together using fingers or a spoon. Put the mixture into a yoghurt pot to hang from your bird table or roll into balls to place on it.

“We need to get the next generation inspired by gardening,” Fowler says.

And there’s no time like the present to do so.

:: For more information about National Gardening Week events, go to www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk

The blankets of snow will melt. The sun will bring renewed warmth to garden soils. We can begin planning for our vegetable garden that we have made a vow to create this year.

Vegetables are popular and easy to grow, especially if you have full sun. The first question is where the garden should be placed. Placement has no size requirements — gardens can be potted and cared for on your patio, deck, edges of sidewalks or a prepared garden plot. Vegetable plants need full sun, good soil, fertilizer with a slow release and a watering schedule.

Listed in this article are great vegetables for beginning gardeners (suggestions are based on a 12-foot-by-4-foot plot). These are easy to start from seed or you may choose to purchase garden-store transplants. Plant this selection all at once during late May in the greater Mankato area.

Suggestions: when spinach is harvested or bolts (shoots up), replant with lettuce. Extra plantings of basil or nasturtium may be added for color, flavor and to help ward off pests.

Vegetable planting directions

■ Summer squash / zucchini: Plant seeds. Three hills, 12 inches apart, three seeds per hill; thin to one plant.

■ Tomato: Use transplants. Two plants, 24 inches apart when staked or caged.

■ Pepper: Use transplants. Three plants, 15 inches apart.

■ Swiss chard: Plant seeds. Every 8 inches sow a few seeds; thin to one plant.

■ Bush bean: Plant seeds. Sow seeds 2 inches apart and 1 inch deep; thin to 4 inches apart.

■ Beet carrot (half-row for each): Plant seeds. Sow seeds 1 inch apart; thin to 3 inches for beets and 2 inches for carrots. Plant a double row of each, 4 inches between rows.

■ Spinach (plant first) and Lettuce (after spinach bolts): Sow spinach 9-10 seeds per foot and thin to 3-4 inches. Sow lettuce 1 inch apart, grow as salad mix. Plant seeds in a double row, 6 inches between rows.

■ Onion: Use transplants. Plant 4 inches apart in a double row with 4 inches between rows.

Even if you do not have space or time for a traditional garden you can grow a few vegetables or herbs in the summer. You do need sun and a container that can be placed where you can easily water and harvest the plants. Use a container that drains well, holds enough lightweight potting soil so you do not have to water more than once a day in the summer and will be big enough for the plants you choose.

Here are some ideas: an 8-inch pot holds about 1 gallon and can grow up to three lettuce, spinach or Swiss chard plants or one herb. A 10-inch pot holds closer to 2 gallons and can grow two pepper plants or one small tomato plant, such as Tiny Tim, Pixie or Hybrid Patio — all smaller tomato plants that are good for containers. Cherry tomatoes such as Sweet 100 or Sweet Million are large plants and need large containers – use 3 gallon size or more.

Information for this article taken from: MN Landscape Arboretum Education website and Julie Weisenhorn of University of Minnesota Horticultural Science.

Vegetable variety suggestions
Zucchini: Gold Rush
Tomato: Celebrity
Tomato: Red Grape
Pepper: Ace
Pepper: Carmen
Swiss chard: Bright Lights
Bush bean: Foremost
Beet: Red Ace
Carrot: Nelson
Spinach: Spargo
Lettuce: Black-seeded Simpson
Onion: Big Daddy
Source: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

MISSION, KS–(Marketwired – Mar 31, 2014) – (Family Features) The benefits of having your own backyard vegetable garden are plentiful, and can include significant lifestyle impacts, such as healthier eating habits, money saving perks and more.

A Relaxing, Healthful Hobby
Looking for a hobby that allows you to contribute to the health of your family? Take up gardening. Beyond producing nutritious foods, it can help you teach your family about local agriculture, all while basking in the tranquility of the great outdoors. Though starting your own home garden can be intimidating, there are a few simple steps to get you started. Once developed, it can yield fruits and vegetables from early spring and into the fall.

1) Do Some Research
Find out what vegetables grow best in your area and when is the right time to plant and harvest. Many local university extension programs have this information readily available online. For each plant, consider the amount of water needed, how much sunlight is required and if it should be started from seed or a transplanted seedling.

2) Choose a Good Spot
Keep in mind vegetables need at least six hours of sun each day, so plant away from the shade of buildings, trees and shrubs. Planting close to your house may make you more likely to bring your harvest right into your kitchen, and will help you remember to weed and water. Including rain and irrigation, your garden needs at least one inch of water per week. Make sure you can easily access a water supply nearby. Some products, such as an Ames NeverLeak hose reel, provide convenient hose storage and can easily reach all parts of your yard. Be sure to choose a level area of your yard so when watering it will not pool in lower areas.

3) Clear the Area
Use your garden hose or a string to mark the area for proper placement of your garden. Use a sod lifter or garden spade, keeping the area level and removing as little topsoil as possible. Next, use a round point shovel, such as the True Temper True American Round-Point Shovel, to dig into the soil about 12 inches, breaking it up and removing clumps. To encourage proper drainage and escape light freezes in early spring and fall, construct a raised bed by creating a border with wood slats and filling in with soil.

4) Prepare the Soil
Use a rake to create a smooth finish and remove debris or stones on the surface. You may want to add manure, compost or soil additives to provide additional nutrients in the soil.

5) Plant Your Seeds
Determine if you will be starting your plants from seeds or transplanting small seedlings. Be sure to research how much room each plant will need and plot the layout of your garden. Dig V-shaped furrows using a warren hoe or the edge of a garden hoe. Carefully distribute the seeds in the furrows evenly and in accordance with the instructions on the seed packet. Cover the seeds and pat down gently, then water thoroughly.

Use this information for a fruitful harvest this gardening season. For more tips, visit www.AmesTrueTemper.com or www.Facebook.com/TrueTemperTools.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.

By Kathy Van Mullekon
Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) (MCT)
Don Engebretson, aka the Renegade Gardener and writer/scouter for Better Homes Gardens magazine, travels the county, dispensing his brand of no-nonsense landscape design.
His name, Renegade Gardener, comes from his willingness to “tell it like it is, and sometimes that runs contrary to what the gardening industry sells and espouses,” he says.
“No one is born with a green thumb,” he adds.
“If you have trouble getting plants to grow and remain healthy on your property, while a friend of yours plants stuff and it grows like Jack and the Beanstalk, it may be as simple as you having bought property with lousy soil, while your friend got lucky and has much better soil. Gardening has a massive and sophisticated learning curve. Learn how to garden and you will turn your thumbs green.”
Don’s just beginning his spring sprint of gardening shows, where he typically does a stage program and then offers one-on-one consultations with people who bring in photos of a current or potential landscape project.
“I can give some good suggestions in a brief consultation at the show, mainly concerning bed size, shape, and placement,” he says.
“Tree placement also, and placement of landscape features such as patios, pathways, water features. It’s difficult to get very involved in actual plant types and varieties. It’s up to the homeowners to decide what they like; my opinion in that regard does not take precedence over theirs. They need to visit nurseries and go online and choose the plants they like.
“A common thread through many past consultations I have done with homeowners is their reluctance to remove existing plant material that negatively impacts future design. Very often the start of a new landscape involves removal of old material.”
A landscape designer for 20 years, Engebretson has published five books on gardening and landscaping. For four seasons, he was the gardening expert on HGTV’s “TIPICAL MaryEllen” show, and in 2002 served as landscaping consultant to the PBS TV series “Hometime.” Online, he’s at www.renegadegardener.com.
“I see a continuation of the trend toward growing food, vegetable gardens, fruiting trees, etc.,” he says. “Container gardening and using containers as artful accents is also going strong. Unfortunately, I also see a trend toward the continuation of the quest toward ‘low-maintenance’ landscapes, which do not exist.
“I do see a move toward sustainable gardening, even if the definition is somewhat muddled. Water conservation, gardening so as to cut down on the use of organic and synthetic chemical products, reducing lawn areas, planting more trees – these are all good and important things to move toward. But yes, many in the media are writing and talking over their heads. Sometimes you need to control insect pests, and fungal diseases, but far too few realize that it’s never a choice between an organic product and a chemical product. Your choice is between an organic chemical product and a synthetic chemical product. Either way, you are always using a chemical. Some organic chemicals are safer for the gardener and for the environment than some synthetic chemicals, and some synthetic chemicals are safer and better for the environment than some organic chemical alternatives.
“Homeowners should always be leery of gardening trends. Do what you like and what serves your needs.”
“I’m famous for not liking daylilies (Hemerocallis). I think they are fabulous in flower, but their foliage brings nothing to the party and they soon grow into this large, mounding eyesore for much of the growing season.
“Americans are afraid to cut down trees in their yards, often trees that are on their last legs and already in decline. I often recommend tree removal of trees that are going to be dead or felled in a storm in 10 years anyway. There’s nothing wrong with removing an old, battered, ugly tree – or even a healthy tree that looks fine, but is planted in a really dumb spot. We can always plant new trees as a part of the redesign, while using the opportunity to plant new, properly sized, disease-resistant varieties in better spots than the old ones.”
“Perennials, I love lilies – true lilies, not daylilies – as well as iris, heuchera and sedum,” he says. “Shrubs, I love rhodendrons and azaleas, junipers, fothergilla and Physocarpus (ninebarks. Flowering trees, I love magnolias (yes, we grow them in Minnesota), cherries and redbuds.
Kathy Van Mullekom is garden/home columnist for the Daily Press in Newport News, Va. Follow Kathy at FacebookKathy Hogan Van Mullekom, Twitterdiggindirt and Pinterestdigginin; her blog can be read at DigginRoomandYard.com. Email her at kvanmullekomaol.com.
©2014 Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Photo from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099: digging-in

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