July 11, 2020 - Issue #469

Essential advice for the gardener: grow peas of mind, lettuce be thankful, squash selfishness, turnip to help thy neighbor, and always make thyme for loved ones.

ARTICLES TO READ

Light and Darkness in Our Environment

Can we discuss LIGHT? -Not natural sunlight or how much you need or don't need for plants to grow properly, but the light that we as humans beings generate, especially in the last 50 years or so. Could you take a moment to think over your relationship with light in your gardens and on your property?

Establishing a Wildflower Meadow

A meadow of mixed flowers and native grasses can replace your lawn, cover a slope, or enhance a roadside. Most meadows require much less water and fertilizer than lawns do, and they rarely need mowing. For best results, prepare the soil thoroughly before planting.

Growing Flowers 101

If you'd like a low-maintenance flower garden, your most important work will be done with pencil, paper, and some reference materials.

Herbal Tea Recipe

Once you've harvesting your herbs for tea, here's how to blend and brew up a healthy pot of tea.

Redbuds for Small Gardens

Dwarf and weeping ornamental trees are hot. With yard sizes of new homes getting smaller, homeowners are looking for attractive trees that will fit in small spaces. Breeders have responded by creating many dwarf and weeping versions of popular flowering trees. Redbuds (Cercis) are the latest tree to undergo this attention. The ?Covey? redbud (Cercis canadensis ?Covey?) produces bright purplish pink flowers in early spring. The tree has an umbrella form so when in bloom it looks like a cascade of color. It?s hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Another small redbud is the ?Ace of Hearts? (Cercis canadensis ?Ace of Hearts?). Featuring the same purplish pink flowers, this variety has small, heart-shaped leaves that are spaced close together, giving the tree a bushy appearance. It?s hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. Both redbuds grow less than 10 feet tall and wide at maturity, can be grown in full sun or part shade, and have yellow fall foliage color.

Getting Started With Garden Perennials

You don't need to be an expert gardener to grow perennials. Many types of perennials are easy to grow and provide years of pleasure with minimal upkeep.

Lima Beans- Easy to Grow and Good to Eat

So, you want to get off the couch and go outdoors to work in your garden but fatigue, dizziness and lack of energy are preventing you? Something has stolen your "umph" and you just want it back! The answer might be as simple as adding lima beans to your summer garden and to your diet.

Popular Houseplants

Indoor houseplant popularity is once again, so we have listed the most popular houseplants in homes and businesses across the country. Smile as you see old friends listed (houseplants are friends, too!), and browse the list looking for new acquaintances to add to your collection. There is a houseplant here for you.