I have previously noted that we should start growing Ohio native grasses in our yards. A few of my readers wanted more information along these lines. Specifically, one reader asked for more information on the two of the native grasses I mentioned and whether they would work in her yard. Part of the sustainability I […]
A Stroll Through the Garden
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Roses are the queen of the flower bed
A friend from church, who loves his roses and has fond memories of his family’s rose garden, was disappointed with how they grew this year and asked me for advice. A few years ago, following my hip surgery I had a therapist to help me get back on my feet. She was likewise disappointed with […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Watch for the elves in the Sycamores
A few years ago, a reader told me about a big Sycamore near Buckhannon, West Virginia, which he called the Pringle tree. I spoke with him about it two weekends after visiting the Jerome Fork sycamore with the Lions Club. At first, I didn’t believe his story — he’s usually a bit ornery — and […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Hemlock Woolly Adelgids are pests in north central Ohio
An evergreen in a garden always reminds us that hope sticks around, even in winter. There are more than 250 registered cultivars of hemlock in existence. These Hemlocks vary in color, shape, leaf type, and much more.
Posted inNews
A Stroll Through the Garden: Organic and traditional lawn care explained
Anyone who owns yard space asks a similar question, “What can I do to improve the look of my lawn?” I haven’t mowed my lawn in about two weeks. It has not needed it. Wet soil and lower temperatures have slowed growth in my shady lawn.
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Yellow Jackets can be deadly
I recently got a call from a lady who told me bees exploded out of the ground in her yard and started swarming her. That’s way more excitement than this old man wanted. She was at a Hillsdale football game and said that she heard that several bee-like insects had attacked these people and died […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Stone Garden in Mount Vernon shows squash bug invasions can vary
I was recently invited to visit a little-known treasure in Mount Vernon called the Stone Garden, which sits next to a busy community garden. The Stone Garden is noted for stones that are mentioned in the Bible. The beauty and maintenance performed impressed me.
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: What are the perils of Tomato Southern Blight?
In mid-July, I found out the Mansfield Extension Office got a call about a tomato problem while I was volunteering to answer gardening questions. I’m part of the Master Gardeners, a national volunteer group connected to the Ohio extension service. This year, I wanted to get more involved.
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Serviceberry is a native American favorite
What fruit-bearing tree I would grow in my garden if I had space for only one? My choice has always been the Serviceberry, or Shadbloom, or Amelanchier, which is a tall shrub or small tree.
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Peaches provide summer sunshine from a jar
Peach pies have been a weakness of mine for many years. A friend’s wife from church made the most incredible peach pies I’ve ever tasted. I’m sorry to say that she passed away several years ago.