by Mala Gunadasa-Rohling During May, the last days of spring slowly turn into early summer. This is the time when the last of the perennials appear above ground, and the daffodils and tulips and all their springtime companions fade away. The magnolias are almost over, their unreal goblet-shaped flowers shedding huge pink petals onto the [Continue]
Horticulture News From Around the World 1. England: Celebrating the Oak May 29 is oak apple day, which commemorates the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. The oak apple was chosen to represent the oak that Charles II hid in after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Many of the customs that take place [Continue]
Even experienced gardeners can benefit by using some seedtapes – this is a super easy and fast way to sow seeds that are the perfect space apart every time (no more thinning, which is great for people like myself that can’t bear to remove perfectly healthy seedlings just because they are too close to another [Continue]
May and June are really the best months for many perennials, before the real heat of the summer cuts them short. Work in the garden takes on the familiar rhythm of seasons past, with some staking, potting up seedlings, preparing beds for annuals, planting out, etc etc. A busy time, but filled with promise and [Continue]
“Beneficial Insects – Part III” by Sharon Hanna. Lacewings are unmistakeable: pale green, with slender, elongated bodies, and two pairs of extremely delicate netted wings. Their larvae are similar to that of the ladybird beetle (ladybug), in that they resemble little dragons or alligators, except that they are beige with brown markings. Adult lacewing [Continue]
Reprinted with permission from the New York Institute of Photography website at www.nyip.com. All photographs on this page by Mala Gunadasa-Rohling. Sunshine on the new buds and blossoms of a lavatera. (MGR) It’s spring in many parts of the world. For those of us who spent the winter trapped inside, spring means, among other things, [Continue]