Many gardeners are familiar with garden centers, where they can get annuals, supplies, fertilizers, gloves and other items. These are usually found in well-populated areas and carry a wide variety of annuals, perennials and woody plants. But for something a little bit different, gardeners can also turn to specialty nurseries. These nurseries offer an unparalleled
In January and February the flowers of winter arrive, blooming as cheerfully as the showoffs of spring. “One of the coolest things about gardening in the Pacific Northwest is winter gardens,” said Neil Bell, a horticulturist with Oregon State University’s Extension Service. “Spring is overwhelming with flowers, but in winter it’s surprising. It’s nice to
Many homeowners struggle with moss that invades lawns as winter rains provide just the right conditions for its growth. “The most frequent winter time question I receive regarding lawn maintenance is, ‘How do I get rid of moss?’” said Alec Kowalewski, turf grass specialist for Oregon State University Extension Service. To answer that question, Kowalewski
As freezing weather moves in, gardeners may be worrying about how to protect their plants from the cold. Experts with Oregon State University Extension Service, recommend several ways to guard your landscape from frigid conditions. Though snow can act as excellent mulch on the ground, it can also weigh down the branches of shrubs with
Winter-blooming indoor plants are a welcome way to take the edge off the chill and gloom of winter and many are ready to give as holiday gifts.The choices go beyond traditional poinsettias and amaryllis. Colorful African violets, gloxinia, cyclamen, orchids, ornamental peppers and Christmas cactus are blooming and readily available. Dress them up with bows
We’re well into the holidays, daylight is in short supply and rain comes down day after day, but if you can get out in the garden or at least the garage, you’ll be happier come spring. A perennial question is whether to cut down plants now or in spring. The answer is not clear cut,
Insects lurking under leaves, climbing up stems and settling into the soil of houseplants frustrate indoor gardeners to no end. But there are answers, according to experts with Oregon State University’s Extension Service. Winter is a good time to check indoor plants for sap-sucking insects like mites, thrips, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies and aphids. Spotting problems
From the roses of “Romeo and Juliet” to the lilies of “The Winter’s Tale,” William Shakespeare mentioned plants 200 times in his plays and sonnets. He knew the power of plants to elicit emotion and help tell a story, especially in the 16th century. “Plants meant so much to people who went to see his
Ignoring moisture and insect damage in the home leads to serious problems down the line. Annual inspection is essential to head them off. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, start your inspection by checking out the publication, Home Moisture Problems, written by Oregon State University Extension Service experts to help you solve many
Gardening is a constantly changing hobby for many of us. When we visit garden centers, we are often not only buying plants that are familiar to us, but we are on the lookout for something new. Many private gardens have signature plants that might be a tree or shrub, or perhaps it is a plant(s)
The big, beautiful blooms of amaryllis are a wintertime tradition and persuading them to flower couldn’t be easier. Native to Peru and South Africa, the genus Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means “to sparkle.” Some botanists believe bulbs were brought to Europe in the early 16th century and arrived in Europe in
Wisteria delivers a beautiful spring display, but this vigorous vine needs plenty of pruning to keep it from swallowing the garden. “Wisteria are very vigorous vines and can climb easily to 30 to 40 feet,” said Neil Bell, a horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service. “They can be quite heavy and should be grown