Amy Lowell’s love song to lilacs appeals to our sentimental side. But who isn’t sentimental about lilacs? Do they not melt our hearts and fill our memories with April’s first bloom and wafting sweet aroma? Don’t they make you think about lemonade and freshly baked cookies on grandma’s porch? For me, lilacs were a constant on my childishly constructed May Altar where my friends and I would light candles and practice devotions.
Apr 27 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Although snow and ice can transform Ohio into a winter wonderland, this same snow and ice can threaten the very trees and plants they adorn.
Feb 18 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Last week, the revised USDA Hardiness Zone Map was released. The revision is the first change since 1990. Most locations were moved one-half of a zone higher. The USDA attribute the changes to these criteria: They used data measured at weather stations over a 30 year period (1976–2005), while the 1990 map used data from a 13-year period (1974–1986).
Feb 4 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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As I have touched on already this winter, gardeners easily grow restless this time of year. Forcing bulbs inside helps but unfortunately there are few substitutes for working earth between one’s hands. There is, however, one easy project that is a fabulous way to start the summer garden in the quiet lull of winter: composting.
Jan 21 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Interest in community gardens has reached an all-time high, but a garden could fizzle and fade unless the right training and support is provided for startup groups.
Jan 7 2012 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Finally snow has begun to fall, and unbelievably Christmas is here. The trees are up, the outside décor is perfectly in place, and the refrigerator (and in my case — the patio) is packed and stacked far beyond capacity full of ingredients for the holiday meal.
Dec 24 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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Bulbs bring a welcome sight in the spring with an eruption of color. Spring flowering bulbs are attractive and very resilient. They do well almost anywhere they are planted, and give a surprising show of color to any garden.
Dec 10 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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This time of year presents the onslaught of many favorite things: the fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg fill shops, children get their first break since summer, holiday lights begin to illuminate the streets in the evening and everyone pays attention to my very favorite herb — sage. Sage is the quintessential flavor of Thanksgiving because many staples of the Thanksgiving table include sage. I would like to share with you a few of my favorite ways to use sage for Thanksgiving, but also for the other 364 days. Also, sage is tremendously easy to grow in your summer garden or even in a windowsill through the winter.
Nov 11 2011 | Posted in
Master Gardener |
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