Green Communities

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Health, nature, and living outdoors  are some of the key gardening trends nationwide for this coming year.  Each year, the Garden Media Group (www.gardenmediagroup.com)– a marketing firm for the home and garden industry—identifies key trends for the coming season. For 2015 they’ve pegged nine of these, which…

Leonard Perry, UVM Extension Horticulturist and Charlie Nardozzi, Horticulturist Checking houseplants for spider mites and other insects, cleaning bird feeders, and disinfecting seed starting containers are some of the gardening activities for this month. Aphids and spider mites may be multiplying like crazy amidst your houseplants, especially if they are grouped close together. Isolate each…

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Do you like trivia, or at least learning more about the top-selling holiday plant? If so, perhaps you will be interested in a dozen fun facts about the poinsettia plants you buy and see everywhere each December. Fact 1: Did you know that the poinsettia’s main attraction…

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Versatile, variety, and nutritious are all adjectives that can be used for winter squash. Whether you grew your own, or buy them from local farmers and markets, consider putting some up for winter. With proper storage of squash, you’ll benefit from their fresh flavors for months—often until…

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Just as you make sure your car is ready for winter this time of year, so should you make sure your garden is ready. Cleaning up the debris in your garden, removing dead foliage, and cutting back dead growth on perennials are some of the ways to…

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Trees are essential to life, providing significant aesthetic, environmental, and ecological benefits.  Yet trees can fall or shed branches, potentially injuring property or even people.  If you have trees in a landscape, or simply walk or work in public spaces with trees, it’s important to be on…

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Do you have some roses that you would like to have survive the upcoming winter, if at all possible, and particularly if new plantings?  Or, are you one of those who had roses going into last winter, only to have many die while those of your neighbor…

A picture perfect garden doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. The secret lies in choosing plants that thrive on neglect. Plant them in the…