Author: Lilac

Posted on

Gift Ideas for the Garden Lover

Lou Manfredini is Ace Hardware’s Home Expert. He is a nationally recognized DIY expert, hosting his own home improvement call-in radio show on WGN Radio in Chicago and a nationally syndicated home show, HouseSmarts. Lou is also the official home improvement expert for NBC’s TODAY Show. To learn about more tips and projects from Lou visit here:

Lou has written the following post in which he recommends four gifts for the garden lover.

While it’s still cold outside, it’s never too early to start thinking about gifts for the garden enthusiasts in your life. Even though they may have to wait for warmer weather, it’s the thought that counts, and here are some great ideas for your green-thumbed friends and family (check your local Ace Hardware store for availability):

Fiskars® 18in Momentum Reel Mower

Not much has changed in the mower arena until now. This push, people-powered mower has a new design, an easier height adjustment and a self-sharpening blade. It also contains an inertia drive system that actually helps the unit propel with the help of your arms and legs. It retails for about $230.00, so this one should be for a really special person.

Garden Weasel Garden Cultivator

This is truly one of the most useful tools for the garden. It’s lightweight and can accomplish a variety of tasks. The rotary action will turn and aerate the soil and help to control weeds. It retails for around $30.99.

Continue reading “Gift Ideas for the Garden Lover”

Posted on

Garden Furniture

Ginkgo Biloba garden table and chairs by sunshinesyrie

Now that winter seems almost over and with the woodchuck predicting an early spring, this GardenLady is dreaming both day and night about her garden and what changes may take place. Since the garden is really an outdoor room, to decorate is the fun thing to do. There one can sit on a nice chair in the hot afternoon with perhaps a nice cool drink in hand, my favorite is lemon or limeade,* and admire one’s flowers and garden.

I know that there will be great outdoor garden furniture ideas at the garden shows that will soon be taking place around this country and around the world. If one is handy one can build some interesting outdoor furniture for your garden and with pretty homemade pillows, your place will look unique. Alas, I am not that handy. So I have been browsing the internet to see what ideas are new in outdoor furniture for 2011.

Continue reading “Garden Furniture”

Posted on

Where to Buy Snowdrops

snowdrop sign of Spring by algo

TheGardenLady received this question from Vlad.

I would love to buy some snowdrops for my girlfriend but I could not find them  anywhere. We are from Europe and we used to enjoy the snowdrops every spring

Galanthus or Snowdrops seem to be much more popular in Europe than in the U.S. It is sad that so few Americans have the pleasure of this charming plant growing in their garden to welcome spring.

I have to assume that this writer is from Europe but presently living in the US and is looking to buy Galanthus or snowdrops in the US. I am also assuming that the writer wishes to purchase either the plants or the bulbs to give to his girlfriend. (TheGardenLady does not know the names of any florists in the US that sells snowdrops as cut flowers though some of the more expensive florists might be willing to order them from Holland for a customer.)

I recommend Carolyn’s Shade Garden for those who want Galanthus plants. If you contact Carolyn please tell her that TheGardenLady recommended her.  Read this.

Continue reading “Where to Buy Snowdrops”

Posted on

Pineapple Plant Pot

pineapple vase by Mrs. Dalloway

TheGardenLady received this question from Sadie.

I thought not only would it look really neat, but also be a way to compost.  I would like to take a cored pineapple and be able to fill it with soil and use it as a pot, then plant the whole thing into the ground. Is there any plant that would like the nourishment/acidic environment from a pineapple.

Using the cored pineapple as a pot is certainly an unusual idea. I have never heard of this usage. I do hope that you eat the flesh of the fruit before you make the shell of the fruit into a pot.

Continue reading “Pineapple Plant Pot”

Posted on

Why Plant Leaves Fold

folded leaf spider nest by mycocortex

TheGardenLady received this question from Jim.

I believe my snake plant is underwatered. The leaves are folding in half length-wise. I have probably underwatered in fear of overwatering. Any suggestions for bringing my snake plant back without overwatering it?

Snake plant or Sansevieria is a tough plant that has few pests. But it does have some pests. My guess, and it can only be a guess because I cannot examine your plant, is that you are not under watering your plant but that your plant may have some pests.

When you have plants indoors, the environment is not what the plant is used to; so a plant can be stressed much more than it would be if it were growing outside in its natural environment. The stress might be from your not giving the plant the minimum amount of water that it needs. I water my  Sansevieria plants just a few times when it is indoors during cold weather and they are perfectly healthy. However, if I felt the plant were under watered, I would give it a drink- which I hope you have done for your plants.  Whatever is stressing your plant and whenever your plant gets stressed, it becomes less resistant to problems. Therefore your plant might become vulnerable to some insects pests. The three main insect pests of the Sansevieria plant are 1) the Vine Weevil grub, 2) mealy bugs or 3) spider mites.

Continue reading “Why Plant Leaves Fold”

Posted on

The Himalyan Blue Poppy

Meconopsis betonicifolia flower against sun by vincentdunne

TheGardenLady received this question from Chazz.

I was wondering if you know anything about Himalayan blue poppy. Do you know what soil and climate they like to grow in, and if they will do well in Northern Pennsylvania climate?

There are two poppies called Himalayan blue poppy. One is Meconopsis betonicifolia (see here) and the other is Meconopsis grandis (see here). Both have true blue gorgeous poppy flowers. Both seem to have similar cultures. ThisGardenLady thinks that perhaps Meconopsis betonicifolia is easier to find in the US which may mean that it is hardier in this country. The UK seems to have more sources for the Meconopsis grandis.

Continue reading “The Himalyan Blue Poppy”

Posted on

Flower Shows 2011

Chelsea Flowers by naughton321

It is that time of year again when Gardeners need to have their gardening spirits lifted by seeing flowers in bloom. This is the time for Flower Shows. TheGardenLady column wants to share some good links to locate flower shows near you or places you may want to travel for Flower Shows. The joy of seeing any flowers in bloom at this time of the year is great, but which do connoisseurs claim are the top 4 in the world?

Philadelphia Flower Show by kightp

Philadelphia International Flower Show – This is billed as the oldest flower show in the US as well as the nation’s largest indoor flower show. TheGardenLady has been to this show numerous times and the warning is that crowds seem to be getting larger every year. The least crowded time to be there is around dinner time when many people start leaving. The 2011 theme for The Philadelphia Flower show is Springtime in Paris. How romantic is that?
Tickets can be purchased in advance at PNC banks and Acme.  PNC has a contest to give some free tickets away.  See here.  Of course, if you are a member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, you get free passes with membership. It is worth joining PHS for these tickets, their outstanding magazine and discounts at various stores.   See here.


Chelsea Flower Show – This extravagant show has flower displays that are absolutely world class. TheGardenLady has been to this show one time. One hasn’t seen crowds at a Flower Show until one attends this show. Unbelievable. TheGardenLady was advised to get there before the opening hour when the line is shortest and of course one is the first on the grounds. Good advice. Of course, if you are a member of the RHS, there is one day set aside just for members so that the crowds are not so horrendous.   You can join the Royal Horticultural Society to get discounted tickets if you know you will be going to the Chelsea Flower Show.  You don’t have to live in Great Britain to be a member.  Their magazine is outstanding, too.   See here.

Continue reading “Flower Shows 2011”

Posted on

Protecting Plants from Snow and Ice in the Winter

Ice Tree by Spiritwoman1

There are many websites about how to plan to prevent damage to trees in winter snow or ice storms.  See here, for example.   These articles tell one how to pick strong trees that won’t be as prone to winter breakage and how to wrap trees or shrubs to try to protect these plants from damage.

But no one expected such a harsh winter as we are having this year and no one predicted the amount of snow. When I checked the Farmer’s Almanac in 2010, they predicted a rather normal winter. They have an updated version if you want to see what they think will happen for the rest of the winter.  See here.  So at this stage of winter, no one can really tell you what damage your shrubs and trees will suffer because of the amount of snow we have had. We will all have to wait to see how our plants survive.

Continue reading “Protecting Plants from Snow and Ice in the Winter”

Posted on

Caring for Knockout Roses Down South

Raindrops on Double Pink Knock Out rose in November garden by pawightm

TheGardenLady received several questions about Knock Out roses.

Here’s a question from Dan about caring for Knock Out roses in the winter.

How do you care for Knock Out roses in the winter in Tallahassee, Florida. Can I put hay around and cover the up with trash can or do they need sun light in the winter? They got new buds on them now.  How do you keep them looking good for next summer?

According to Conard-Pyle, a company that specializes in Knock Out Roses, Knock Out® Roses shouldn’t need much protection at all in winter in the south. There is no need to cover them up with a trash can. They would benefit from a hard trim once every two to three years. They should be trimmed ½ to 1/3 of the way back just before they begin to leaf out – this would probably be around mid February in the Tallahassee region.

Continue reading “Caring for Knockout Roses Down South”

Posted on

Amsonia: 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year

Arkansas Amsonia In Spring by deepintheforestcat

In my garden I grow a plant that I love called Amsonia. l am also flattered that so many people who pass – even those driving by- my garden stop to ask the name of the plant when it is in flower. One woman, a friend who is a member of the local Master Gardening Assoc., even stopped to ask me what it was and where I bought it. I had bought my plant at Russell Gardens Wholesale. Because I was planning another trip there when she asked, I offered to purchase an Amsonia for her.

Continue reading “Amsonia: 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year”