It's What's Up Wednesday!We're having some strange weather. It's mild and rainy. All the snow has melted. If I didn't know any better, I would say it feels like spring.Â
Spring used to be my
least favorite season. I grew up in upstate New York, and spring there is just mud, mud, snow, and more mud. Then I moved to Pennsylvania. I’ll never forget my first Pennsylvania spring. I fell in love with the season—all those gorgeous red buds in bloom and flowers everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still mud and surprise snow here in PA, but far less.  Despite my knowing there's still a fair bit of winter to go, Mickey’s new piece about lilacs has me daydreaming about flowers.  This current weather isn't helping any. So, if you need a bit of inspiration to get you through one of the hardest stretches of winter, this What’s Up Wednesday is all about spring and early summer
blooms!  Whether you have plants that will need a little pre-season care for big blooms or you want to add some new color to your garden, we’ve got you covered! Starting with lilacs. I can smell them already.
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Whether you're new to growing lilacs or are curious about that shrub that's been in your backyard for years, you'll want to read this.
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On to roses. They benefit from late-winter pruning. Mickey has you covered on the how and why, here.
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Late winter is the perfect time to prune your roses. Here's exactly how to do it with step-by-step photos.
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I was thinking recently about gardening expectations. About how, if certain plants don't do so well one year, I'm ok with that. But when other plants fail to meet my expectations, I'm decidedly more disappointed.
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And if you don't have roses, this is the year to plant some. Bare root roses are not only affordable, but easy to get started. (Pro tip, order yours now before it's time for them to ship. If you wait until spring many varieties are sold
out.)
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Each spring, garden supplies and plants flood local stores. Whether you need seed starting media, a new trowel, or onion sets, you've got plenty of options. Among all these goodies, usually right by the door
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Read this to unlock the secrets to tons of lavender blossoms this summer.Â
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I once again have lavender on my mind. My husband and I were walking through our residential neighborhood this past weekend, noticing how spring is well and truly here in our neighbors' gardens. Most of
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If you plan on expanding your flower beds this spring, definitely read this so you can start saving boxes. Skip that terrible weed barrier that doesn't work anyway. This is the way to go and it's how I've been refurbishing the neglected flower beds I
inherited.Â
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Creating new garden beds doesn't require you to dig up the turf and turn over the soil. That is, most certainly, the hardest way to do it. Cutting out the sod and breaking up the
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I can't wait for my backyard to be studded with yellow. Daffodils are my favorite spring flower because they're just so darn cheerful.Â
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For many, the first cut flower of the season is the sunny daffodil. Here's how to keep these spring beauties fresh for a week or more.
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I received a gorgeous vase from my best friend for Christmas. As soon as I unwrapped it, I knew it was going to be my designated peony vase this coming spring. I'm already dreaming about those big, floppy blooms.
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I recently wrote an article in which I wondered why peonies are so expensive compared to other perennials. I have seen baby peonies going for anywhere between 35 to 80 dollars. Of course, as soon
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Yes, spring is still a way off, and we've still got weeks worth of winter to slog through, but this is the perfect time of year to read up, so you can plan ahead and have the most glorious blooms this season. Did you miss a newsletter or want to  read a few for inspiration? Find past newsletters here. Don't forget to  visit our Facebook page for daily updates. |
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