Attracting Bluebirds
My kids just called me to share interesting facts about bluebirds they just learned. Since we started homeschooling in 2018, my kids have the ability to learn at their own rate, on things in the world around them, not useless facts and figures. And learning about attracting bluebirds is one of those things. There are […]
As the Ash Tree Goes – What Are We Losing?
With the introduction of emerald ash borer into the United States in 2002, hundreds of millions of ash trees have been lost. But what else are we losing with the invasion of this pest? Why are ash trees so important to the landscape of the Unites States and Canada. For years now, we here in […]
New Plants – I Cannot Keep Up!
New plants are always coming down the wire. But there have become so many that I cannot keep up with them! In the past, we have always strived to bring the best product to our customers, from years of trialing in our own gardens and at the arboretum. But now there are so many new […]
Maple Trees
Maple trees are one of the most requested trees in the nursery here at the Gardens. Besides having amazing fall colors, they are durable, wind-tolerant, and fast growing. So maples are king in the tree world. I love maples too, for their color and fast growth rate. And I love maple syrup! But there is […]
Keeping Trees Healthy in Stressful Conditions
Keeping trees healthy can be one of the most challenging things for gardeners. I once heard a colleague from Kansas State University say that trees in Kansas cannot be healthy, because our environment is too tough on them. But there are ways in which you can keep a tree as healthy as possible. There are […]
Callery Pear Says Goodbye
For many years now I have been expecting to say goodbye (and good riddance) to the callery pear. Why? There are a lot of reasons to dislike something, but this tree takes the cake. I will divulge into the origins of this troublesome tree, cultivars, problems, why it is going away, and what to plant […]
Fall Blooming Flowers
When we think of fall, flowers are not the typical idea. Leaves turning colors are what most of thinks about. But there are a number of fall blooming flowers which can certainly add depth and color to the garden. Why talk about it in July though? Because if we are to have fall blooming flowers, […]
Love A Tree Day
Today, May 16th, is National Love a Tree Day. But what does that mean? Should you love a certain kind of tree, or just pick one? As I see it, you can do either. For me and today, I am just going to pick one tree. But not even my favorite. If you have read […]
Crabapple – April Plant of the Month
Crabapple is our 2024 April plant of the month. When I think of small trees for spring color, I think of the crabapple. Once a native tree widely spread across the North American landscape, the crabapple now exists as a series of cultivated hybrids that are found mostly in gardens, landscapes, and along roadways. Here […]
