Spring is all about plants, and autumn is a good time to renovate soil and prepare new beds that will be ready for planting as soon as frost leaves the ground. Often these activities begin with ordering several cubic yards of fresh topsoil or triple mix (equal parts topsoil, peat moss and compost) that are delivered and dumped in the driveway, and then must be moved by … [Read more...] about An easy way to make soil
soil
Conifer needles good for the soil
It seems that overnight, all my coniferous trees have yellowing foliage in the interior sections of their branches. This is their way of shedding up to a third of the oldest needles in preparation for new foliage that will grow next spring. The yellowing needles will begin dropping toward the end of October. I have several mature conifers in the garden, including a white pine, … [Read more...] about Conifer needles good for the soil
How to grow lupines
Lupines are a perennial I always notice and admire, but I've had no luck growing them in my own garden. They grow abundantly on the east coast and in other places (some may say too abundantly), but they do have a few “special requests.” I decided to ask a friend of mine who has grown from seed for years in her Ontario garden for a few tips on how to grow lupines. 1) Lupines … [Read more...] about How to grow lupines
How to winterize roses
For several mornings, my garden has been coated with hoar frost, a warning that soon the earth will be frozen solid. This is the time I begin to winterize all my roses, giving special attention to ‘Clair Matin’, a climber supported by the open framework of a ginkgo’s branches. The ‘Clair Matin’ canes are entirely exposed to winter temperatures and even lower wind-chill … [Read more...] about How to winterize roses
Why we feed the soil
With all my prattling on about saving leaves and covering every square inch of soil with them, you might wonder why I’m leaning toward obsession on this issue. Well, there are new thoughts about possibly overfeeding plants with manufactured or commercially processed fertilizers. When I look at a plant, I want to see health and vigorous growth. But sometimes I forget that plants … [Read more...] about Why we feed the soil
