In garden design, there is no philosophy more commonly admired, desired, or replicated than the English Garden. The very thought of the phrase conjures images of lush, manicured, and serene vistas brimming with beautiful plants in harmony. The English garden essentially is a combination of staunchly symmetrical French gardens and naturally-arranged Chinese gardens. The English philosophy relies on the juxtaposition of these two beautiful styles. Another keystone of the English garden is the incorporation of manmade structures set among pastoral landscapes. What makes an English garden my favorite is how easily these principles can be utilized in any garden, no matter how big or small. To best understand the English garden, it helps to know a bit about its origins.
Mar 30 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Delaware County commissioners sparred Thursday during a special budget meeting over proposed 2012 funding for the OSU Extension-Delaware County program, nearly derailing the entire budgetary process.
Anytime of the year is a time for gardeners to dream of being outside, despite the howling wind and cold temperatures. This year, remember the gardener in your life with a holiday gift just for them. Below are some ideas that might make gardening easier and more productive for your favorite gardener.
Dec 17 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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For many gardeners, the season is over after the first frost. Our part of Ohio just is too cold to do much except clean up and tend a few houseplants. Yet, there is a whole world of gardening that can be accomplished over the winter if you have a cold frame. I am often surprised by how little many gardeners know about this simple approach to winter gardening.
Nov 18 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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I approached my first year gardening as a soldier going into battle. I purchased the necessary equipment. I made sure everything was in proper working order. I did my own version of gardening calisthenics. Could I bend over? Could I squat? Did I mind having fingernails permanently stained with the earth?
Oct 21 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Although on a calendar it is still midsummer, by most standards summer is drawing to a close. A new school year is just around the corner and the easy days of summer are suddenly packed with appointments and errands. As a result, often the garden suffers. Annuals and perennials alike are overgrown and under-watered, draining their soil every day of nutrients. Of course it is somewhat tempting to just let it go until autumn…but with just a little bit of effort and a well-laid plan you can maximize the rest of your garden’s summer and begin to prepare for the changing season. Behind every successful garden, there is a master plan.
Aug 12 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Do you have scarabs in your lawn? Are they eating up your garden? No, I haven’t been playing too much Halo or reading about ancient Egypt. Scarabs are alive and well and hitting our window screens and porch lights on hot, summer nights. You probably know them as June bugs, Japanese Beetles, or grubs.
Jul 22 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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The onset of summer brings a plethora of colors to the perennial garden bed. A few summer favorites stand out, like red roses, purple catmint, and yellow coreopsis. Perhaps no other perennial has as many diverse color selections as that of Hemerocallis, or daylily. Many people are familiar with the common orange “ditch lilies” or yellow “Stella d’oro,” These two well known daylilies are just the beginning of the rainbow for the home gardener. Almost any color one can imagine can be found in this easy care perennial. From pastel pinks and yellows to vibrant reds and purples, the home owner has an ever expanding palette. With more than 35,000 registered daylily cultivars, there are sure to be a few you might find suitable for your garden.
Jun 24 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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