Flowers
Why Aren’t the Flowers in My Garden Blooming?
Ask Julie Answers, Flowers, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
Julie M. asks, “All of a sudden, my flower garden, which is normally full of color all year, has turned green. Why aren’t my plants blooming?”
It’s so frustrating to take good care of your plants and be rewarded with a lack of blooms! Here are the main reasons why plants don’t bloom, and some things you can do about it. Read in full.
How to Use Neem Oil in Your Garden
Ask Julie Answers, Diseases & Pests, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, Lawn and Garden, Organic Gardening by Julie Day
Sherry asks, “When I read about organic gardening, I see a lot of references to neem oil. What is it, and how do I use it in my garden?”
Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and is a popular choice for organic insect and disease control. Read on to find out more. Read in full.
Pruning Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Flowers, Julie's Blog, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day
Well, here we are in late winter, and for once in the year, when asked if it’s a good time to prune, the answer is “Yes!” For many shrubs and trees, late winter/early spring is a great time to do large scale pruning and rejuvenating. Taking advantage of a rare warm day, I headed outdoors with my pruning shears in tow. What I found were the startling consequences of not practicing what I preach! Read in full.
Is It Safe to Use Pre-Emergent Weed Preventers Around Bulbs?
Ask Julie Answers, Diseases & Pests, Flowers, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
Helen asks, “Is it safe to use pre-emergent herbicides around my established bulb beds?”
The short answer is “sometimes,” because in gardening a simple question doesn’t always have a simple answer! Read on to learn more about which weed prevention products are safe to use around bulbs. Read in full.
How to Grow Poinsettias Year-Round
Cacti & Tropical Plants, Featured, Flowers, Houseplants, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
Once the holidays come to an end, many of us find ourselves with a lovely assortment of poinsettias that we guiltily throw in the trash during the great post-holiday cleanup. This year, why not practice a little year-round cheer and keep your poinsettias as houseplants? They’re beautiful, lush plants, and you’ve never received a holiday gift quite as special as coaxing a poinsettia into bloom. Read on to find out more. Read in full.
How to Deal with Snow and Ice in the Garden
Featured, Flowers, Gardening Basics, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day
In most cases, snow is nothing to fear in the garden – it’s a great insulator, and it melts to provide much needed water to dry plants in the winter. However, heavy snow and ice buildup can cause devastating damage in the garden if limbs and trunks bend or break. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with snow and ice in the yard and garden. Read in full.
How to Prune Leggy Flowers
Flowers, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
Meredith asks, “My summer flowers – like vinca and petunias – tend to get leggy. If I prune them back, will they bloom again?”
Absolutely! Summer annuals will keep blooming until frost. However, if you prune them back severely, it may take a few weeks for them to grow back out and bloom again. Read on to find out more. Read in full.
Plants in Your Garden that Produce Seed for Birds
Animals & Wildlife, Flowers, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
As you clean up your garden this fall, don’t forget the birds! Leave some seed heads to dry on your perennial flowers, to provide winter food for finches, cardinals, and other year-round birds. Read on for some popular garden plants that are great for feeding the birds. Read in full.
How to Landscape Your Yard with Deer-Resistant Plants
Animals & Wildlife, Flowers, Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day
If you live in an area with foraging deer, you’ve likely watched with dismay as some of your favorite plants disappear overnight. But before you give up on gardening altogether, try making your yard less appealing to deer by choosing plants that deer find less appealing. Read on to find out more. Read in full.
How to Grow Geraniums Over the Winter
Container Gardens, Flowers, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day
Geraniums are one of the most popular container and garden plants. You just can’t beat their bright colors and sturdy, well-shaped foliage. Geraniums can easily be stored over the winter and enjoyed again next year. So if you hate to see your lovely geraniums killed by frost this fall, read on to find out how to overwinter them indoors. Read in full.








