I have been an Episcopalian most of my life, but as a child, I was a Southern Baptist. Before I became an Episcopalian, I participated in an Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, but that was many years ago. This past week, I have joined another Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class. It has been about 40 years since I became…
What Is A Garden Zone? How to Find Your Garden Zone – Check Again – Garden Zones Have Changed
Yesterday, I discussed Frost Dates. Today, I’m discussing Garden Zones. While you can find both your frost dates and garden zone by submitting your email in a specified place, Garden Zones and Frost Dates are not the same. A conscientious gardener needs to know both his gardening zone and his frost dates. Because of Climate…
What Is A Frost Date? How to Find Your Frost Dates – Distinguishing Between the Degrees of Freezing. & How It Affects Your Garden
Jacki Kellum Garden January 12, 2025 Note all the green plants on this wintry day–well after the first frost, Frost Dates Are Relative What Is a Frost Date? “A frost date is the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall. “The classification of freeze temperatures is based on their effect on plants:…
Picture This by Molly Bang – How Pictures Work – A Study of the Language of Shapes, Color, and Composition
Picture This by Molly Bang Published in 1991 Image Credit: Molly Bang on Amazon In her book Picture This, picture book illustrator Molly Baignng undertakes the task of telling the well-known story Little Red Riding Hood via nothing more than a series of shapes and colors, She begins with a red triangle, and she asks…
Jimmy Carter’s Life Celebrated – Imagine the Day When Another President Will Serve with Honor and Grace
Yesterday, I watched Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, and I wept throughout it. But when Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang “Imagine,” the floodgates opened. “You may think that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…” I’m not certain why I cried throughout the service for Jimmy Carter, but I think that I wept…
Variegated Iris Pallida – Fragrant Old Plant with Foliage that Adds Interest in Gardens
This has been a cold week, but today, the sun is shining, and the temperature is a degree or two warmer. I received my order of variegated palida iris, and I feel an urge to rush outside and plant these beauties. Variegated Iris Pallida Image Credit: Daylily Nursery Height: 2′ – 3′ Very Old Garden…
Common Flowers & Herbs: A Database – Growing Info & Plant Characteristics
Growing Guide for Amaranth “Amaranth is a versatile and vibrant plant, renowned for its brightly colored flowers and nutritious seeds. It’s a popular choice in gardens for both its ornamental beauty and its edible leaves and seeds. Amaranth plants are tough and fast-growing, often reaching impressive heights, and can add a dramatic effect to your…
Annual Flowers – When to Plant Them – Starting Seeds Indoors
Most Annual Flower Seeds Need No Cold Stratification What Is Cold Stratification of Seeds? Some seeds, especially those of the perennial native wildflowers, need to be placed in a cold place for a period before the time for germination. It is okay if those seeds are stored in a refrigerator, but I choose to sow…
Perennial Summer Garden Plan with Helianthus Sunflowers 12′ x 12′
Image Credit: Better Homes and Gardens This is a Free Better Homes and Gardens Plan. Plants for Creating the Easy-Care Summer Garden Plan “While the plants in this garden plan aren’t picky about soil, site them in full sun for maximum blooming. Keep them well watered the first year after planting. After that, these…
Flower Seeds that Require Cold Stratification
Milkweed (Asclepias) Lupine (Lupinus) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida) Prairie Violet (Viola pedatifida) Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa) Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) Perennial Sunflowers (Helianthus) Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) Rudbeckia (most varieties) Coneflower (some varieties) Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) Primrose (Oenothera speciosa) Larkspur (Delphinium) Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia) Heliopsis Lavender/Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) Catmint (nepeta) Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) Prairie Violet Image Credit: American Meadows Height 3″ – 6″ Soapwort Image Credit:…