Green Living

Energy Savings… Green living does a household, and the world, a lot of good. Now that we’re in the 21st century, we have access to dozens of ways to live more sustainably. A great first step to discovering them all is to explore green communities, where a greener, more environment-conscious lifestyle is the norm. Consider…

GROW HEALTHY LAWNS WITH LESS NITROGEN Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont Most know nitrogen is important for growth and good quality lawns, even if just from watching television commercials. But if some nitrogen is good, more is not necessarily better. Nitrogen is one of the main fertilizer elements, the percent in a…

PERENNIAL PLANT FEATURE FALL ASTERS Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont There are many reasons to use fall-blooming asters in landscapes. There is much variety in this large group of hardy perennials, coming in various heights and showy flower colors. You’ll find selections in all shades of red, pink, purple, white, and even…

Did you know that community gardens increase a sense of ownership and stewardship within a community? And did you know that they can foster and build a sense of community identity and spirit? Community gardens bring people together and can serve as a focal point for community organizing.

Species Roses For Cold Climates Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont Roses in northern New England face many challenges, including long, cold winters that often kill hybrid roses. Old-fashioned or heirloom species roses offer an excellent alternative to hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas. But which ones of these species and their cultivars (cultivated…

Asparagus is a tasty perennial (comes back each year) vegetable that many gardeners like to grow. While most vegetables produce later in the season, asparagus produces its edible parts (stems) right up front early in spring.

Perennial Plant Feature: Solomon’s Seal Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont The Solomon’s Seal is a low maintenance, long-lived, hardy perennial well-adapted to shady sites.  It has attractive flowers early in the season, no significant problems, and several variations.  Perennial professionals think highly of it, having voted it the 2013 Perennial Plant of…

Sowing seeds of some flowers and vegetables, pruning, and checking perennials for soil heaving are some of the gardening activities for this month.