Monthly Archives: June 2011

Black Magic

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As I looked for flowers to complement some marigolds in a container planting, I stumbled upon Black Magic violas, the blackest flower I've ever seen. Most "black" flowers are very dark purple, but Black Magic is a pure matte black. Wow. Almost-black plants and foliage, clockwise from top left: Black Magic Viola, Sweet Caroline Purple Sweet Potato Vine, Colorblaze Dark Star Coleus and Pinstripe Petunia. As I looked for flowers to complement some marigolds in a container planting, I stumbled Read more [...]

Pesticide Ban Milestone

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Should your local government have the right to tell you what you can and cannot spray on your lawn and garden? Last month marked a milestone in that debate. Twenty years ago, Hudson, a town just outside Montreal, passed a law banning the use of synthetic pesticides on public and private lawns and gardens. Should your local government have the right to tell you what you can and cannot spray on your lawn and garden? Last month marked a milestone in that debate. Twenty years ago, Hudson, Read more [...]

Caterpillars First, then Butterflies

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If you want to attract butterflies, it's important to think about caterpillars. My favorites, the moths, begin life as caterpillars, too. Start by choosing plants that will provide food for the hatching caterpillars. This is a promethea moth (woodland moth) that I raised from an egg. The caterpillar of the promethea moth. A luna moth that I raised from an egg. If you have gardening questions, we've got answers. Just fill out the Ask an Expert form and our team Read more [...]

Spring Forward

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In many parts of the country, it's been a rough spring for gardeners. Our hearts go out to the small farmers who are trying to make a go of it despite nature's challenges. We'd like to share this inspiring post from one of our Vermont neighbors, Mara Welton of Half Pint Farm. The Half Pint farmstand during drier times. Flooding during April. In many parts of the country, it's been a rough spring for gardeners. Our hearts go out to the small farmers who are trying to make a go of Read more [...]

Our Support Team

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Every year toward the end of May, there comes a day when I can sit back and admire the gardens I care for — whether my own, or my gardening clients — and give myself a little pat on the back. I feel immensely satisfied looking at the cleanly edged beds, newly mulched with leaf mold. The Jardin Birdcage Supports, shown here are among my new favorites. This huge peony plant is being supported by the largest birdcage, which is 48 inches in diameter. Me with the 7-foot Essex Read more [...]

Funds for Flood Victims

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Like much of the nation, Vermont has been faced with extreme weather this spring: flooding, hail, high winds and more. Lake Champlain is at an all-time high, causing devastating floods along the shore. This week, we're joining singer Jamie Lee Thurston, who will perform a concert in support of Lake Champlain flood victims. Looking toward North Cove Road from the bike path in Burlington, VT. Photo by Valerie Ryan of Gardener's Supply. Concert to Benefit Flood Victims Jamie Lee Thurston Read more [...]

Speaking Up for Pollinators

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I'm always surprised that not everyone knows about the decline of pollinators, such as bees, bats and moths. Of the estimated 240,000 flowering plants worldwide, 91 percent require an insect or animal to distribute their pollen to set fruit and seed. That represents one-third of all crops grown for people, including citrus fruits, almonds, berries, squash and cotton. Bee balm (Monarda) is one of the perennials that bees love. This Mason Bee House hangs in our Burlington, VT, display Read more [...]

Testing for Success

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We're always looking for ways to improve our products, so we test, test and retest in our "backyard" here in Burlington, VT. It's a great way for us to review existing products and develop new ones. Tomato Success Kits, thriving in the heat of Sun City, AZ. Virginia Adams of Sun City, AZ, one of the many gardeners across the country who are testing our products. We're always looking for ways to improve our products, so we test, test and retest in our "backyard" here in Burlington, Read more [...]