Garden The Plains

06/05/2026

National Donut Day - Let's Talk About Another Donut

How about when you mulch around your newly planted tree? Did you know not to place the mulch up against the bark of the tree?
That allows for moisture to stay on the bark. It causes bark decay or rot. It can also cause fungal diseases, insect activity, but worst of all, reduced oxygen around the root flare. All of these cause a decline in your tree.

So think of a donut hole when you are mulching around your tree. The mulch needs to be 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk.

Photo credit: NYState-National Dept of Environmental Conservation

06/04/2026

Here is a w**d to watch for - Foxtail Grass

It may look pretty, but green or yellow foxtail where the lawn was scapled or the canopy thins or dry spots. Sometimes it happens with compacted soils or inconsistent irrigation. It is a w**d that will appear in disturbed soil.
You will find it in dry sunny places or newly seeded lawns.
Foxtail competes for water, nutrients, and sunlight, as do most w**ds.
They have sharp awns that lodge in skin, pets' paws, or ears.
The best way to handle foxtail is with a preemergent such as prodiamine or pendimethalin. Removing seed heads also helps.

Photo credit: pixbay

06/03/2026

Why does fine fescue make the best grass for shade?

Fine fescue does best in shade. In our area, during drier periods, fine fescue prefers dry conditions. It has the winter hardiness we need here for turf to survive. It also does well in infertile conditions.
Fine fescue tolerates wet, poorly drained soils.
A bonus is that fine fescues are fast germinating seeds. They do not need high nitrogen because that will reduce the quality of the turf. Then the turf will thin.
What more could you ask for in a grass for your lawn?

Photo credit: Themowerguide

06/02/2026

Window boxes

Does anyone have a window box? These are accent pieces to add to the curb appeal of your home. They add a seasonal display. It softens the architecture to add texture and even movement.
Here are a few plant suggestions:
Petunias
Sweet Potato Vine
Geranium - trailing geraniums
Verbena
Succulents
Coleus

What are your suggestions?

Photo credit: www.flowerboxes.com

06/01/2026

Vertical Gardens

If you have limited space or just like the idea of having a vertical garden, then give it a try.
Vertical gardens can be used for privacy screens, cooling and insulation, accessibility, and more.
Do you have one? How do you use yours?

Photo credit: https://designerplants.com

05/29/2026

Warm Season Crops

Have you waited to plant until now? You might be glad you did. With the ups and downs of the weather this spring, warm-season crops would be ruined.

Timing is everything. Waiting until Memorial Day weekend to plant is not the norm. But if the night temperatures are not 55°F or above, your warm-season crops will suffer.

Waiting means that the plants will have a healthy root system. The warmer it is, the more active the root system growth. Otherwise, the roots will not develop much, if any.

Photo credit: Old Farmers Almanac

05/28/2026

Think Of the Wisdom This Tree Has to Offer

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05/27/2026

Giant Elephant Ears

Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant' has leaves that reach 48 inches in length. Care to try this plant on your patio? You may not have the space.

This plant requires full sun to part shade. It grows 6-10 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.

It needs to be fed all summer long. It tolerates wet soil. It can do well in well-drained containers but also in some wet conditions.

It is actually a tender perennial that grows in zones 8-10.

Photo credit: Gardenia

05/26/2026

How to Know the Right Seeds for Your Garden

https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-choose-the-right-seeds-for-you?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Picking%20The%20Right%20Seeds&_kx=gUFif3dl66bhYu3uB4WTzQSYGIUpBa7zV3xlh8yPVVYWpCrbTLVpD0c1U5ktAJpD.VaMbkj

05/25/2026