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May 2020

Waging War on Critters -- Raccoons and Groundhogs Beware!

By Sandra Nelson  

Last year I battled groundhogs and squirrels for control of my yard. (It was a draw; neither side took complete control.) This year, they have added another ally to their side  —  a pair of devious raccoons. On the surface, they appear innocent, almost disarmingly cute with their black face masks …

The Best Flowers For A Hummingbird Garden

By Sandra Nelson   While a great design is the first step to a hummin’ garden (See last week’s post for design tips), the plants that you chose can actually make it or break it. Hummingbirds, like many bees and butterflies, have some fairly specific preferences when it comes to their food sources. Keeping these characteristics …

Keepin' Things Humming

By Sandra Nelson  

My neighbor two houses down routinely has 4 or 5 hummingbirds flitting around her two feeders every day. (I have to admit that I have been known to “check” occasionally.) I, on the other hand, have one diehard who comes once a day, drinks and then flies off to the neighbor’s …

Siberian Bugloss: A Must Have For Your Garden

By Sandra Nelson

Siberian bugloss   Finding attractive, well-behaved plants for moist, full- shade locations can be tricky, but Siberian bugloss (Brunnera) could be your answer.  This easy to grow groundcover thrives in areas that receive as few as 4 hours of sunlight per day. It loves rich, moist soil, but once established, will tolerate …

Great Companions

By Sandra Nelson   My daughter FaceTimed me the other day. She wanted me to see a plant and tell her what would look good with it in her garden. I gave her a few suggestions, but the conversation really got me thinking. I don’t know how many times I have stood in a garden …

New Jersey Tea: A Must Have For Your Garden

 By Sandra Nelson    New Jersey Tea       Picture masses of gorgeous,  pure white flowers hosting visits from dozens of brightly colored butterflies and a delicate fragrance filling the air. Even better, picture that idyllic scene on the rocky hillside in your yard where …

Vegetable Gardening 101

By Sandra Nelson  

With the days all seeming to melt together, it’s hard to realize that today is already May 7th. In another week or so it will be time to begin planting the bulk of my vegetable garden  —  the warm season plants like tomatoes and cucumbers and zucchini, and some seeds like …