Winter Seed Sowing: A Guide to a Thriving Garden

Winter seed sowing is a method of planting seeds during the colder months that enables gardeners to take advantage of winter’s natural conditions to prepare for a fruitful spring. This technique, while not widely practiced, can significantly enhance the viability of plants, particularly hardy annuals, perennials, and certain vegetables. Benefits of Winter Seed Sowing OneContinue reading “Winter Seed Sowing: A Guide to a Thriving Garden”

Natural Flora for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with friends and family to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. One of the most beloved holidays in the Northeast U.S., Thanksgiving is typically celebrated with a mouth-watering feast of traditional dishes. But have you ever wondered about the natural flora that make this holiday seasonContinue reading “Natural Flora for the Thanksgiving Holiday”

The Pumpkin Story

Long ago, in a small rural village nestled amidst the rolling hills and dense forests of Europe, a tradition was born that would forever link pumpkins to Halloween. This village relied heavily on agriculture and celebrated the end of the harvest season with a festival to honor the spirits of their ancestors and ensure prosperityContinue reading “The Pumpkin Story”

Fall Gardening Clean-Up

For effective fall clean-up gardening in southeastern Pennsylvania, consider the following tips gathered from various reliable sources: General Fall Preparation: According to the Hoffman Design Group, autumn is an ideal time for landscaping enhancements, such as planting trees and shrubs. The period from September to November offers the best opportunities for these additions. Thus, useContinue reading “Fall Gardening Clean-Up”

Invasives

Invasive species often appear attractive because they have evolved in a way that helps them thrive in their new environments. The traits that make them visually appealing can contribute to their spread by attracting pollinators or making them desirable for cultivation. However, it’s important to remember that the beauty of an invasive species does notContinue reading “Invasives”

April Showers

April showers play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Pennsylvania, especially in preparing the soil for planting and sustaining plant life throughout the growing season. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” highlighting the significance of precipitation during this time of year. In Pennsylvania, the arrival of April showers marks the transitionContinue reading “April Showers”

Exploring the Beauty of Native Plants in Southeast PA During February

February in Southeast Pennsylvania may seem like a quiet month for plant life, but native flora has its own unique charm during this season. Despite the cold temperatures, several native plants showcase resilience and contribute to the region’s biodiversity. One notable native plant is the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), an evergreen tree that retainsContinue reading “Exploring the Beauty of Native Plants in Southeast PA During February”

January Gardening To-Do List

Even in the doldrums of winter, there are garden tasks to tackle. Find out what chores you can do now to keep your garden growing and get ready for spring. Order Seeds for Spring + Summer Order seeds for the new year around New Year’s Day, if not before, especially for spring crops like radishes,Continue reading “January Gardening To-Do List”

What is the Winter Solstice?

Brr! For people in the Northern Hemisphere (above the Equator, like the United States), winter is a season of cold, dark days—and if you’re lucky, lots of snow to sled on! The winter solstice marks the exact moment when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. It usually happens on December 21 or 22, atContinue reading “What is the Winter Solstice?”

Wreaths as a Classic Holiday Decoration

Hanging a wreath on a door or a wall is almost as essential to decorating for yuletide as setting up a Christmas tree — and, as it turns out, the two traditions come from the same place. The custom of bringing evergreens home during the winter began in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans —Continue reading “Wreaths as a Classic Holiday Decoration”