Mushrooms make their appearance in lawns and gardens anytime, but more conspicuously in the fall. That’s when wetter weather and cooler temperatures make ideal conditions for them to emerge. Should you be concerned? Or, can you embrace your garden mushrooms? Read on for more information about these fascinating funghi.
The marigold is much more than a beautiful garden flower. Its utility as a colorful annual, edible flower, and companion plant for vegetable gardens is greatly enhanced by its profound role in religious and cultural practices around the world.
When fall arrives, it always inspires me to nest. I search out new recipes, spend weekends cooking and baking, and then test my creations on my friends and family. There’s just something about the chill in the air and the early sunsets that encourage a hearty, home-cooked meal or sweet treat. Here are a few of my favorite fall recipes, including fall cocktails, sweet treats, and savory dishes.
Dahlias die back each year as autumn advances, but, with the proper care, the tuberous root system can live on to produce a stunning display year after year. The advice in this post is based on many years of growing dahlias in a low-lying area of Seattle with relatively moderate winter temperatures and excellent drainage.
Sure, you can buy garlic, but for the best flavor - and an incredible sense of satisfaction - nothing beats growing it yourself. Unlike most vegetables, garlic is planted in the fall but not harvested until the following summer, making it a very long-season crop that’s worth the wait. In fact, it can be very encouraging to plant something new in late fall when all around you, most plants are fading in anticipation of winter.
Not every plant is destined to be a Garden Superstar. Every stable needs a thoroughbred but also a team of workhorses. Every musical needs a few divas, but also a solid chorus line. Every killer app development team... okay, you get the idea. Every garden needs a few (or many) plants that might not shout for attention but do their job quietly and dependably. Here are a few of my favorites:
Not many gardeners have a neutral opinion when it comes to moss. Either we love the impossibly green fairyland it evokes on our forest walks and aged garden or we hate the layer of slippery moisture it lays over our roof or patio, and the way it crowd out our showpiece lawn. Both camps recount legends of the virtues or evils of moss.
For a tough spot, sometimes you just need a tough but easy-going plant. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for unattractive or boring. Try these beautiful, high-performing plants for year-round interest and worry-free care. They are some of my personal favorites, put to the test in my Northwest garden.
Become a Swansons Plant Partner and you’ll receive members-only perks, like plant care resources and helpful gardening tips, notification of new arrivals and promotions, invitations to special events, and exclusive member discounts. Sign up now to receive $5 off your next purchase!
By signing up below, you agree to receive member benefits through our digital newsletter, approximately 2-4 times per month. Phone numbers are needed for record-keeping only.
Our promise: we will never sell your personal information or use it to make unsolicited contact by email or phone!
