Covering Ground
Much to Love About Moss
For every time I hear the question, "Why is there moss in my lawn?", I would like to turn it around. Why is there lawn growing in the moss? For many spaces, moss is an excellent natural ground cover.
Please download the PDF below.
Also, see Annie Martin's book, "The Magical World of Moss Gardening."
After the Tree Falls: What About Stumps?
Got tree stumps, snags,or root sprouts? You can take care of stumps and snags in three basic ways: Decay, repurpose, or remove. Download the article below.
The beautifully carved stump shown here was made by sculptor Kris Connors of Clinton, CT .
Evolution of a Lakeside Buffer Garden
Waterside buffer gardens offer lots more than summer blooms (though they surely do offer those!). They help sequester storm water and road runoff, keeping unwanted nitrogen and road pollutants from public water bodies. Through the joint efforts of several organizations, a new buffer garden was installed at Lake Hayward, East Haddam, CT in 2013.
Where's Your Personal Parkland?
Do you have a special place around the yard or garden or neighborhood? Maybe it's your own personal park. It doesn't take a lot to create a personal park. Consider these:
Landscapes of Long Ago on Display at Sturbridge Village
Power lines, street lamps, cars, the sounds of engines--they're not on the village green at Old Sturbridge Village. If the point of OSV is to give a visitor a virtual nanosecond of another, older reality, I got it this sunny Sunday, June 23, as I turned the corner from the admission gate into the main thoroughfare.
What To Do with Plastic Nursery Pots Now
Even though all of these plastic nursery pots are labeled recyclable, the black plastic pot on the left is not accepted anywhere in Connecticut's municipal recycling programs. To find out why and what to do with used horticultural containers after the plants are removed, read this recent story in the New London Day/Zip06:
Close the Door at the Deer Cafe
Now I Know Why It's Called Winter Savory
Here's Winter Savory, Satureja montana, on March 31. Any plant that holds its color, scent and leaves that well through the winter is worthy of consideration for the herb garden!
Northeastern Native Trees for Windy Conditions
A favorite pastime of mine is making lists of plants for special conditions. One outcome is the list below, Storm-worthy Native Trees of New England.
Dr. Mel's Connecticut Climate Book
Dr. Mel Goldstein was a much-loved Connecticut weather reporter and meteorologist whose humorous touch and insightful forecasting endeared him to state audiences. He passed away in January 2012.