Green Living

Controlling Animal Pests in Gardens and Landscapes Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont Effective control of animal pests is possible though your success will depend on your timing, method, and perseverance.  A control that works for your neighbor, or that worked for you last year, may not work this time around. You may…

It seems like everywhere you look there is some new and special diet that will make you not only feel better but look better too. One of the latest crazes: kale. Kale is being deemed a “superfood,” but what makes it so special?

Pruning tomato plants, removing strawberry “runners”, and fertilizing container annuals are some of the gardening activities for this month.

A common problem in many landscapes is the competition of trees and lawn for the same light and resources. In many home landscapes, what began as a lush lawn with small trees has become a thin and weedy lawn shaded by many large trees. By knowing what both trees and lawns require for site and maintenance, you can determine if you can have a lawn in the shade of trees and, if so, how.

Growing roses successfully, and for more than one season, starts with proper selection of both plants and the site. Plant properly, give sufficient water and fertilizer, and regularly watch for pests or problems as you admire these beautiful shrubs. Unless you’re a rose fancier or exhibitor, roses don’t require a great deal of care.

Lavender flowers can be used in cooking, although its flowers are most often used in potpourri and as sachets, and the leaves distilled for their oils. Most are familiar with lavender through cosmetic products. Herbalists consider its oil one of the most important for therapeutic uses and healing, such as wounds and burns. Lavender oil scent is used for calming, and to induce sleep. Its first documented use was by the Romans in 77 A.D. for insect bites and to repel insects.

Each year, members of the Perennial Plant Association– the industry group representing growers and professional garden designers nationwide-vote on their top perennials.

Using rain barrels to collect and conserve water, pruning rose suckers, and preventing tomato blossom end rot are some of the gardening activities for this month.

Most know cucumbers from their use in salads, eaten fresh, or pickled. They are among the top five vegetables nationwide, and in recent Vermont surveys they ranked the fifth most grown vegetable.