May 02
To those birders who faithfully, or maybe not so faithfully, put out and maintain birdfeeders: What is your biggest pest problem? Is it ants, undesired birds, squirrels or something else? Let me know! Also, please specify what type of feeder you are using (not necessarily brand, but style). I look forward to finding out and maybe even helping with your pest problem!
-Adria
Apr 14
For those looking to grow the newly popular Goji Berry, we have the plants! Plant them in full sun and water regularly but do not over water. They can grow to 8′ so don’t be afraid to prune them to shape.
They are available in #1 size pots and only in limited quantities.
Good Luck!
-Adria
Apr 14
If you are looking to add beneficial insects like Ladybugs or Praying Mantids to your garden, now is the time. It is best to release them before the harmful insects populate. Now Ladybugs, also called Ladybird Beetles, are most known for their beneficial capabilities. Not to mention they are pretty to look at and kids love them. However my favorite beneficial is the Praying Mantis. Ladybugs tend to be very flighty and leave if there is not enough harmful insects to pray on, whereas Praying Mantids tend to stick around. Now you can use Ladybug Lures that have pheromones (insect hormones) in them to keep them attracted to your garden. The pheromones make the Ladybugs think there is someone there to mate with, so they try to stick around. Praying Mantids don’t have to be coerced to stay. Ladybugs also prefer to prey on aphids and other soft bodied insects while Mantids are not so picky.
Praying Mantids are very territorial so they find a plot in your garden and hang out, literally! They will even fight with other Mantids that approach their territory. Their actions are fun to watch. Sometimes you can find one perching on a leaf, slowly swaying. I learned that they do this to pretend they are a part of the leaf, then when an insect flies by, they grab it and munch down. How cool is that!
So adding beneficial insects to your garden is without a doubt the best way to fight insect populations the natural way. Just pick your favorite and enjoy!
-Adria
Mar 18
On Saturday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m we are excited to have a very knowledgeable guest speaker on Organic Gardening. Gisele Schoniger, Organic Gardening Educator with Kelloggs Garden Products will be discussing which products to use and which products not to use to maximize the benefits of organic gardening.
If you are interested in attending, visit our Calendar of Events page.
See you there!
-Adria
Mar 18
This Saturday we are offering a hands on seminar about planting a herb bowl for cooking uses. Rick will be offering advice on selecting herbs for your own herb container and then help you plant it to take home. Should be a great class and a great excuse to get your hands in the soil! If you haven’t signed up and would like to, visit the Calendar of Events page for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!
-Adria
Mar 09
Are you pumped at the idea of tackling your yard this Spring but hesitating on where to start? Want to be more self reliant in lawn, irrigation, tree and shrub diagnosis, repair and installation? Then come join me on March 13th, at 10 a.m. for an exciting Homeowner’s Seminar I like to call ‘Yard Revival’. Even if you’re an expert green thumb and just want to spend the morning outside we would be delighted to have you.
See you soon!
~Jesse
Feb 03
Today is such a beautiful day and we have had a few lately, but don’t let it fool you! It is still only February 2nd and the groundhog saw his shadow today. Which means 6 more weeks of winter.
So veggie and flower gardeners don’t get too excited and plant too early. Tomato growers should wait too. Even when tomatoes are first planted be sure to protect them thoroughly. I like to use a Season Starter that is like a mini greenhouse where the walls are filled with water. This can be left on until the end of April or beginning of May to ensure a good early crop.
So enjoy the weather while it is nice and imagine the beautiful weather to come!
-Adria
Jan 12
For those who enjoy birding but don’t always get a chance to do it, I observed something the other day that may be consoling.
Since my pregnancy with twins began, I became increasingly unable to do things, even simple ones like refill my birdfeeder. I was also unable to do any fall cleanup in my yard but had already planted all my summer flowers and vegetables before I had to retreat to the house. Last week I was sitting in my dining room and happened to notice lots of sparrows hopping around in the weeds in my backyard. I sat there and watched them a minute and realized that they were enjoying the seeds from the weeds that I hadn’t pulled. Oh, that made me feel so much better knowing that my laziness resulted in some food for my feathered friends.
Well, a few days later I heard the goldfinches in my backyard. Knowing I didn’t have anything out there for them I watched them to see where they were and what they were doing. Well, much to my surprise, they were flitting around in my neglected herb bed eating the seeds from my dead and overgrown basil! Ah, another triumph in the name of laziness!! It was interesting that the finches wanted nothing to do with the weed seeds and the sparrows wanted nothing to do with the basil seeds. Hmmm, the wonder of nature. This week the sparrows are still working on the weed seeds and I have seen the finches come in a few times but they are never both there at the same time.
I wanted to share this with you so hopefully for those who were too busy this winter or were unable, like me, to conciously feed the birds take solace in knowing that neglect isn’t always a bad thing! I definitely will remember this next fall when my twin girls keep me so busy that I bet I won’t be able to do any fall clean up again!
-Adria
Jan 12
On February 20th, at 10 a.m., The Greenery will be offering the first ever Fruit Tree Seminar. Come see how easy it is to grow fresh fruit in your own backyard. Jay will be teaching about pruning, selecting and planting fruit trees. Sign up for this free seminar on our Calendar of Events page, or click here.
Jan 12
For those who are passionate about roses or feel you are clueless and want to learn more, check out this free seminar. Rick of The Greenery will be teaching all about pruning, spraying and other maintenance that is important in the winter. Rick is very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to roses. Just ask him how many he has in his yard!
We look forward to seeing you there!
-Adria
