• Home
  • Consulting & Coaching
  • Programs
  • Gardening Events
  • Articles & Tips
  • Book
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • Consulting & Coaching
  • Programs
  • Gardening Events
  • Articles & Tips
  • Book
  • Contact Me
Lessons from Nature
  • Home
  • Consulting & Coaching
  • Programs
  • Gardening Events
  • Articles & Tips
  • Book
  • Contact Me

    Author

    Lyn Chimera is a Master Gardener, consultant and lecturer.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    October 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019

    Categories

    All
    Annual Plant Sale
    Article
    Gardening Tips

    RSS Feed

Back to Blog

Ground Cover Beyond Pachysandra

3/4/2023

 
Picture
By: Lyn Chimera
 
Plants to cover bare soil have long been a staple of any garden. Basically, any plant that covers the ground can be used as groundcover. It doesn’t have to be low growing. Groundcover provides all sorts of benefits to a garden including less weeding, protection from soil erosion, reduction of water evaporation, softening edges, and protection of perennials from harsh winter temperature fluctuations. In addition to these benefits, ground cover is also good for the environment. By replacing some lawn with ground cover, you greatly reduce watering needs and use of herbicides along while creating a better habitat for beneficial insects. Ground covers also act as a living mulch to improve soil. Ground covers can be a beautiful addition to any garden by adding interest, texture, and beauty.
 
Pachysandra, myrtle, and ivy are the most common ground covers in our area but there are so many other options. The following are some suggestions for a variety of growing conditions. They are all deer resistant.
 
Bugle weed (Ajuga) is a fast spreading, low growing plant for sun to shade that has a lovely purple to lavender upright bloom in the spring. It comes in a variety of foliage colors from “chocolate” to variegated. Ajuga is a good choice for an area all its own. It is an aggressive spreader once established and not a good choice for between other perennials. It also works well in blooming or bee lawns.
 
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) is an outstanding shade native for hard to grow sites. It forms dense cover with somewhat large attractive heart shaped leaves about 8-10 inches high. I have a wonderful patch under a giant Norway spruce where absolutely nothing else would grow. Better used around a tree than interspersed with other pants. Spreads well when established and would overtake a perennial bed.
 
Astilbe is a shade loving flowering plant that comes in a variety of sizes and color of bloom. Astilbe chinensis, has low growing foliage, 6 – 8 inches, with a spike of lavender bloom in late summer when not much is blooming.  It makes a great dense ground cover for the front of a border. Also makes a good lawn replacement plant. Taller varieties are good ground cover for mid to back of a bed. (see photo)
 
Gold Star (Chrysogonum virginianum) is an excellent native ground cover for sun to shade. It has deep green textured leaves with lovely yellow blooms in spring with a smaller rebloom in late summer. The whole plant stays low even in bloom. An aggressive grower that will quickly cover an area.
 
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) makes a lovely color and texture addition to any shade garden. It is lower growing than many ferns (about 12-16 inches) and has graceful arched fronds as opposed to the upright fronds on many ferns. The Japanese painted fern comes in a variety of color combinations including silver, burgundy and cream. It is not aggressive so can be used among other shade perennials. Prefers moist soil.
 
Bishop’s hat (Epimedium) comes in a variety of sized from 6 - 18 inches tall. The various varieties come in many colors including, white, pink, rose and yellow. It’s a perfect plant for dry shade. Epimedium blooms in spring before the leaves come up. The leaves are heart shaped, some with burgundy edges that turn all burgundy in the fall and persist during winter. Not an aggressive spreader.
Moss There are many varieties of moss that do well in moist, acidic shade. Once established it is a beautiful ground cover. It does need moisture so would need to be irrigated during dry periods. Many people try to remove moss growing in their yards. It’s nature’s way of telling you that’s what wants to grow there so relax and enjoy it! Moss gardening is one of the newest trends in Horticulture.
 
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a lovely spring blooming perennial that comes in a variety of bloom colors. The mottled leaves add great visual interest. It grows well in shaded areas and is not aggressive so won’t take over.

Dwarf comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum) is a real work horse. It’s low growing deep green leaves cover ground quickly. It will do well in part sun or shade and has lovely bell like blossoms in spring. It will even bloom in dense shade under a maple but not as vigorously as when it gets a little more sun. This plant is slow to establish but spreads well once it does.
 
The plants above are just a sampling of the possibilities. With any plant you are considering, make sure it matches your growing conditions and check on its rate of spread. Many ground covers can be very aggressive which is desirable under certain conditions but not others.



​Master Gardener Education Day:


Saturday, March 11
Classics V Banquet Center
Niagara Falls Blvd.
 
Three Excellent speakers:
 
Tim Boebel, Gardening with Flowering Shrubs in the North
 Tim has published two books on hydrangeas--Hydrangeas in the North (2011) and Today’s Hydrangeas (2019).

Paul Zammit, Container Gardening: Drama for Every Season
 A professor at Niagara College in Ontario and past Director of Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Gardens.
 
Allison Morrill Chatrchyan: How Climate Change is Affecting Our Gardening
Allison is Senior Research Associate in the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Services in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.
Time: 8:30 – 3:00
Cost $60 includes Continental breakfast, hot buffet lunch and basket raffle
To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or call 716-652-5400 ext. 176
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

March '23 Tips

3/1/2023

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends,  

This sure has been an interesting winter. So mild for January and February yet overall, so damaging from the various ice and snow storms. Due to so much winter damage to trees and shrubs pruning should be on your mind. The following are some pruning tips:
 
  • Before starting any pruning chores clean and sharpen your tools. It makes a HUGE difference.
    • If pruners and loppers are sticky and don’t open and close smoothly rubbing alcohol will loosen and remove the gummy substance.
    • If the pruners/loppers come apart easily that is the best way to clean them.
    • Sharpening pruners/loppers is also essential for clean cuts that don’t damage or tear the branches. Most blade sharpening tools will work although there are sharpeners made specially for pruners and loppers.
    • Steel wool helps remove rusty sections on pruners and shovels.
    • Try using the blade sharpener on your shovels. It makes a huge difference.
 
  • It’s not too early to prune non spring flowering shrubs. Personally, I’m waiting a bit so my hands don’t freeze.  Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after they bloom.
  • If some of your trees or shrubs are still bent over from the snow and ice wait till it warms up a little and they straighten out.
  • Broken or snapped branches should be pruned off back to the main trunk or nearest branch. DON’T LEAVE STUBS. That’s a basic rule of pruning.
  • Make cuts just over the place where a bud is coming out or if it’s a branch make the cut just outside the branch collar. (a rough section of bark where one branch joins the trunk)
  • Dead or damaged branches can be removed anytime along with branches that are in the way. Also check for branches that are crossing each other and creating a wound from the rubbing.
  • There seems to be a lot of black knot fungus on flowering cherry and plum trees. It can affect ornamental and fruit bearing trees. The affected sections look like swollen black knots on the branches and should be pruned out 8 inches away from the “knot”. This is a highly contagious fungal disease so don’t ignore it. Disinfect your tools after working on an infected tree. For information go to: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/blackknot.pdf
 
Other timely tips:
 
  • Rake or sweep up the road grit from driveway and road edges.
  • Gently rake up mulch/leaves that may be over areas where bulbs and early perennials like daylilies are poking through. I always leave some leaves as protection for late season snow & frost. We are bound to have some of both before consistently warmer weather arrives.
  • Ornamental grasses should be cut back before the new growth starts so now is a good time. Wear long sleeves as they have “razor” edges which is why deer don’t eat them.
  • This is a perfect time for “wishful thinking”. What changes do you want to make, plants to add, move, divide, or remove? First consider the site, light, type of soil etc. THEN research plants suited to that site. Consider a native plant for the site.
  • The soil should be above 50 degrees and form a loose clump in your hand before you start any moving or dividing. Again, patience pays off in the end. It’s doubtful we will be able to do anything other than clean up by the end of the month.
  • If you’ve left plants up from last fall don’t be in a hurry to cut them back. Many beneficial insects overwinter or lay their eggs in the stems and litter around the crown. The same goes for leaf litter in the garden. There are a lot of insects and larva living in the ground litter. Just let it be for now.
  • If you need advice on how to transplant, divide, prune, what to plant etc. contact me for a consultation
  • It’s going to be interesting to see what March brings. It could be Spring or Winter.
  • Patience is the basic recommendation. We’re all anxious to get going but doing things under the wrong conditions can cause damage.
 
Educational Opportunity:
 
Master Gardener Education Day,
The annual MGED is Saturday March 11, 2023 from 9:00am – 3:00pm at Classics V Banquet Center on Niagara Falls Blvd. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 3 outstanding presenters:
 
  • Paul Zammit – Back by popular demand, one of the top garden speakers in the country will present on Container Gardening
  • Tim Boebel – Author of the definitive book on hydrangeas will speak on Growing Hydrangeas and Flowering Shrubs. His books will be available for sale. 
  • Dr. Allison Chatrychyan – from Cornell University will talk about Climate Smart Solutions for the Home Gardener
 
There are a limited amount of seats left. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. Just thinking of spring and seeing beautiful plant photos is uplifting for winter blahs.
 
To register contact Cornell Cooperative Extension 652-5400, ext:176 or online at: mgerie@cornell.edu.
 
Garden Consult:
 
It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.
 
I’m also available for a pruning consult. You can learn proper pruning techniques so you can do it yourself in the future.
 
A garden consult or pruning consult will save you time and money in the long run.
 
Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz
652-2432

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

February '23 Tips

2/1/2023

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends,  

After a mild January looks like February could be more wintery. For those of you longing for spring there are some great gardening events coming up. Details are at the end of this newsletter.
 
Garden Tips:
  • If you are having ice build-up in driveways and sidewalks, be cautious of what you use to melt the ice. Salt can be very damaging to the soil, plants, and the environment in general.
  • It would be wise to shovel the black nasty salt laden “gunk” in the driveway somewhere other than garden beds. My back garden abuts the driveway, so this is always an issue for me. I used to wonder why the plants along the drive never did well! It’s a little more effort, but worth it.
  • If you still have some trees or shrubs bent or frozen to the ground, just keep being patient an let them melt out naturally. I still have a shrub in front near the street, that the snow mound never totally melted. At this rate it may be there till spring!
  • If you didn’t clean and sharpen your tools last fall now is a perfect time. They will be ready to go when you need them in the spring. Most places that sell garden supplies have sharpeners.
 
Pruning:
  • This is a good time to prune. Any day that’s nice enough to work outside is fine. It’s not too early. First check for wind/storm damaged branches. It’s best to remove torn or broken branches. A nice clean pruning cut is much easier for the tree/shrub to heal in the spring.
  • The ideal time to prune non spring blooming trees & shrubs is while they are still dormant, and their buds have not begun opening. Anything that blooms in the spring should be pruned AFTER they bloom.
  • Usually, spring pruning can be done well into March. Once the buds start to open it’s past the ideal time. Some years that was May! It all depends on the weather. That being said, if you don’t get to it before the buds open you won’t hurt the plant.
  • The basic pruning rule is don’t leave stubs. Make clean cuts close to a bud, branch divide or outside the branch collar on the trunk. Sharpen and clean those pruners and loppers before starting. It really makes a difference.
  • For details on pruning specific plants check online at an “.edu” site or contact me for a pruning consultation.
 
Houseplants:
  • Now is a good time to spend some time with your houseplants. A mid- winter “shower” in the sink or bathtub will wash off the accumulated dust and make for a healthier plant. If a plant is too large to move, you can use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the leaves.
  • Now that the days are getting longer you can resume a light plant food application. If you use fertilizer look for a natural rather than chemical formula. Just read the ingredients and follow the directions. I tend to use half strength.
  • You can also start spring repotting houseplants that have become pot bound. If the water drains right through when you water it or if the roots are pushing the plant out of the pot, those are good signs that the plant is pot bound.
  • Another sign to indicate repotting is crusty salt build up on the top of the soil. This residue may be on the outside of terra cotta pots as well. The pots can be scrubbed off before repotting. If the soil crust isn’t severe the top few inches of crusted soil and be removed and replaced with fresh potting soil.
  • Also check for aphids, mealybugs and other houseplant pests. Feeling a sticky residue around a plant is a good sign there is an insect problem. A good soapy water bath is a solution to many problems.
Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale:
 
The Soil & Water Conservation annual seedling sale is available for ordering now. This is a great way to get inexpensive tree and shrub seedings. The sale runs through mid May with pickup mid April-May. Order early as some things sell out. Go to their website (below) for order forms and compete information on what’s available and how to plant seedlings.
 
https://www.ecswcd.org/html/treeshrub.html
 
Educational Opportunities: There are lots of events coming up that will help you learn and get into the mood for spring.
 
 
Communities in Bloom Classes (February 2023)
 
We’re offering a day of 2 great gardening topics on 2 days at two locations. BOTH DAYS WILL BE THE SAME PROGRAMS, just the location changes. The first will be held on February 11 at The Parkside Lodge in Buffalo near the Zoo & the second offering on February 25 at Cornell Cooperative Extension in E Aurora. Both days are the same schedule:
 
9:00 am – 10:30 am - Resources for Home Composting & Soil Testing, discover a variety of methods for composting, how easy and important it is to improve your soil and the role of soil testing in successful gardening.
10:45 am – 12:15 pm - Getting Ready for Spring, covering what to do with plants you’ve overwintered, and easy at home methods for making more plants from what you have.
 
Advanced registration for the program is required. The cost for these events is $30 for MGs and $35 for the public. The day begins with registration from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. To register contact Cornell Cooperative Extension 652-5400, ext:176 or online at: mgerie@cornell.edu.
 
 
Master Gardener Education Day:
 
The annual MGED is Saturday March 11, 2023 at Classics V Banquet Center. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 3 outstanding presenters:
 
  • Paul Zammit – Back by popular demand, one of the top garden speakers in the country will present on Container Gardening
  • Tim Boebel – Author of the definitive book on hydrangeas will speak on Growing Hydrangeas and Flowering Shrubs 
  • Dr. Allison Chatrychyan – from Cornell University will talk about Climate Smart Solutions for the Home Gardener 
Registration is now open. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. Just thinking of spring and seeing beautiful plant photos is uplifting for winter blahs.
 
To register contact Cornell Cooperative Extension 652-5400, ext:176 or online at: mgerie@cornell.edu.
 
Garden Consult: It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get ahead start on the season.
 

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz
652-2432

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

January '23 Tips

1/1/2023

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends, 


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! We are all ready to start a new year with hopefully no more storms! Mother Nature has sure packed a wallop so far this winter. As I write this the storm is over and the snow is melting quickly. The good thing about all this snow is that the ground is well insulated and protected from the harsh temperatures. The following are some tips. Some are the same as last month due to the continued snow.
 
  • If branches are stuck in the snow, don’t try and pull them out. Let the snow melt and the branches come up naturally. Trying to pull them out can cause damage to the branch.
  • Branches that are broken should be pruned back to where they join a main branch, at the base or where you can see a bud for next year’s growth. Don’t leave stubs.
  • Branches that have been bent over from the weight of the snow should be left to straighten out naturally. This could take a long time so relax and let them straighten out when ready.
  • There are many arbs and other shrubs that are totally bent over. It’s so tempting to try to straighten them but leaving them for now is the best approach.
  • If a whole tree has come over and you can right it and cover the roots wit soil it may survive. You’ll probably have to stake it for support until next summer when the roots have taken hold.
  • Gathering lower branches from discarded Christmas trees makes an excellent winter mulch to protect tender perennials from temperature fluctuation 
  • This is a good time to spend time with your houseplants.
    • Give them a bath to wipe off the accumulated dust and grease. This is especially important for plants in the kitchen where grease is more of an issue.
    • If the plant is small enough, you can take them to the sink and spray them with tepid water. It’s also good to let the water drain through the soil. This helps rinse out accumulated salts.
    • For larger plants you can wipe down the leaves with a mild soapy water cloth or sponge. Then wipe with clear water.
    • Give your plants a haircut. Remove damaged or dead leaves or prune to control size.
    • Check for insects. Sticky residue on leaves or surfaces around the plant is caused by insect droppings. Check the plant carefully to see what insect is there. The most common are aphids, spider mites, white fly or scale.
    • To help in ID check “houseplant pests” on the Cornell website. The site will also have suggestions for control.
  • January is when many of us start dreaming of spring and gardening. It’s a good time to plan for improvements and changes. Make a list of what worked and what didn’t then list ideas for what to do next season.
  • There are some great educational opportunities coming up that can help in your planning.
 
Communities in Bloom Classes (February 2023)
 
We’re offering a day of 2 great gardening topics on 2 days at two locations. BOTH DAYS WILL BE THE SAME PROGRAMS, just the location changes. The first will be held on February 11 at The Parkside Lodge in Buffalo near the Zoo & the second offering on February 25 at Cornell Cooperative Extension in E Aurora. Both days are the same schedule:
 
9:00 am – 10:30 am - Resources for Home Composting & Soil Testing, Discover a variety of methods for composting, how easy and important it is to improve your soil and the role of soil testing in successful gardening.
10:45 am – 12:15 pm - Getting Ready for Spring, covering what to do with plants you’ve overwintered, and easy at home methods for making more plants from what you have.
 
Advanced registration for the program is required. The cost for these events is $30 for MGs and $35 for the public. The day begins with registration from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. To register contact Cornell Cooperative Extension 652-5400, ext:176 or online at: mgerie@cornell.edu.
 
 
Master Gardener Education Day:
 
 
The annual MGED is Saturday March 11, 2023 at Classics V Banquet Center. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 3 outstanding presenters:
 
  • Paul Zammit – Back by popular demand, one of the top garden speakers in the country will present on Container Gardening 
  • Tim Boebel – Author of the definitive book on hydrangeas will speak on Growing Hydrangeas and Flowering Shrubs
  • Dr. Allison Chatrychyan – from Cornell University will talk about Climate Smart Solutions for the Home Gardener
 
Save the date. Registration will begin Febuary 1st. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. Just thinking of spring and seeing beautiful plant photos is uplifting for winter blahs. Registration information will be in the Feb. Garden Tips.
 
 
Winter Garden Consultations: Yes, I do winter consultations. If you’re planning changes in your landscape this coming season getting an early start planning now will be helpful. Having a Garden Consultation in the winter is a good way to start. Just call me for an appointment.

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz
652-2432

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

December '22 Tips

12/1/2022

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends, 

I hope all of you have a HAPPY, SAFE and HEALTY Holiday season and New Year!!
 
For those of you who experienced the heavy November snow the following are some tips:
 
  • If branches are stuck in the snow, don’t try and pull them out. Let the snow melt and the branches come up naturally. Trying to pull them out can cause damage to the branch.
  • Branches that are broken should be pruned back to where they join a main branch, at the base or where you can see a bud for next year’s growth. Don’t leave stubs.
  • Branches that have been bent over from the weight of the snow should be left to straighten out naturally. This could take a long time so relax and let them straighten out when ready.
 
One good thing about snow cover is it protects plants from temperature fluctuations. If there is a lack of consistent snow cover, it’s important to protect your plants from these fluctuations. An easy way to do this is to lightly cover plants that were new this year or have shallow roots. A few options are:
 
  • Pine boughs – they make an easy and excellent winter mulch. As soon as people discard their Christmas trees I go around and clip the larger branches from the bottom then place them over plants that needed protection. You can also check out your local dump (where the village/town takes all the trees) and cut enough for the whole yard in a short time. It’s a wonderful way to get some quick and easy mulch that works well. So, take advantage of this free resource. (Just don’t collect from my neighborhood!)
  •  Straw can be used in the same way and purchased at a garden or farm supply         store. The important thing is not to use hay which would drop seeds and turn your garden into a hayfield. Trust me, I speak from experience!
  • Picking up downed branches and debris is always a good winter job. Just be mindful of walking on soft garden or turf.
 
Houseplants: This is the time of year when some houseplants are probably needing a little attention.
  • Trim off yellowing/ browning leaves or branches.
  • Give your plants a shower to wash off the dust. Either in the sink or tub. The laves of larger plants can be wiped down with a natural sponge or damp soft cloth. 
  • Check for insects. If there is sticky residue on leaves or areas under a plant that is a sign of scale, aphid or white fly. Check online at a ”.edu” site for what to do.
  • If your plant has a white crusty residue on the soil or water runs right through the pot when you water, the plant should be repotted later in the winter when the days get longer. Use a good lightweight potting mix.
  • By mid-February you can start repotting and taking cuttings of overwintering annuals or houseplants
 
Misc.:
  • This is a good time to look through catalogues and plan for the upcoming season.
  • Don’t just look at the pretty flowers in catalogues, be sure to match any plants you plan to use to the growing conditions you have and consider adding a few natives.
 
Educational Opportunities:
 
MG Education Day:
 
MGED is Saturday March 11, 2023 at Classics V Banquet Center. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 3 outstanding presenters:
 
  • Paul Zammit – Back by popular demand, one of the top garden speakers in the country will present on Container Gardening
  • Tim Boebel – Author of the definitive book n hydrangeas will speak on  Growing Hydrangeas and Flowering Shrubs
  • Dr. Allison Chatrychyan – from Cornell University will talk about Climate Smart Solutions for the Home Gardener
 
Save the date. Registration will begin Febuary 1st. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. More detailed registration information will be in January Garden Tips.
 
     Gift suggestions: There are a few great books I’d like to suggest giving a fellow gardener or treat yourself:
  •  Nature’s Best Hope, by Doug Tallamy. This book covers a new approach to conservation which starts in your yard.
  •  Deer Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast, by Ruth Rogers Clausen and Gregory Tipper. A wonderful resource for anyone with deer issues. Covers detailed information about each plant.
  • A Lessons from Nature gift certificate for a garden consult or perennials from the plant sale next May.
 
Winter Garden Consultations: Yes, I do winter consultations. If you’re planning changes in your landscape this coming season getting an early start planning now will be helpful. Having a Garden Consultation in the winter is a good way to start. Just call me for an appointment.

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz
652-2432

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

Give the Gift of a Book

12/1/2022

 
Picture
By: Lyn Chimera

Many of us are trying to decide what to buy for friends and family over the holidays. A book is always appreciated and often something people don’t buy for themselves. On the subject of gardening there are books on any topic you can imagine from trees to improving soil and everything in between. The following are some recommendations.

The Living Landscape, by Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke is subtitled Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden. Gardeners who want a landscape that supports nature and is beautiful at the same time will love this book.  By combining the insights of two outstanding authors, this book offers a model that anyone can follow. The book outlines the strategies for making and maintaining a diverse, layered landscape from ground level to trees. The book includes providing for outdoor rooms, areas for children and pets, incorporates fragrance and edible plants all while providing cover, shelter and sustenance for wildlife.  On top of all the excellent information the book is filled with beautiful photographs by Rick Dark who has won awards for his photography. This can be a coffee table book as well as an informational one. One of the most useful sections is at the end where they list plants by region showing growing needs and what they help in nature.

Doug Tallamy had changed the conversation about the importance of home landscaping in supporting pollinators, birds and the plants and insects they need to survive. His book Bringing Nature Home is a must read as it describes the relationship between what you plant and how it matters to nature. It also includes an extensive section showing which plants support butterflies and moths as well as a regional listing of natives that have  a benefit for wildlife.  His second book Nature’s Best Hope covers a new approach to conservation that begins in our yards. He calls it “Homegrown National Parks”. His message is you don’t have to plant all natives but if everyone planted some the overall effect would be so beneficial to nature, beneficial insects and birds.

The decline in honeybees has been in the news for years. The book Honeybee Democracy, by Thomas Seeley will give you an insightful look at the complex life of honeybees. Based on scientific studies, Seeley has written a very good and readable book about how bees operate and function as a group. We have a lot to learn from their “democratic” methods of decision making. You will never look at honeybees in the same way again.

If you’re looking for a general how to book on gardening, The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is excellent. This is one of the most useful and practical books for gardeners at all levels. There are chapters on basic perennial garden planning and maintenance, pruning and an encyclopedia of perennials that includes information on how to grow and maintain each plant. The appendix includes a perennial maintenance manual and listings of month-by-month maintenance suggestions. This book also includes lots of time and work saving techniques. It’s a go to book for basic and advanced perennial gardeners.

If a book that gives detailed information on selected plants is what you’re looking for, Spring Wildflowers of the North East and  Summer Wildflowers of the North East, by Carol Gracie would be perfect. In addition to the most amazing photographs these books educate the reader about each plant, its history, uses, propagation and growing conditions along with interesting facts. There aren’t just a few paragraphs about each plant but multiple pages. Even advanced gardeners will learn from these books.

Anyone interested in trees would enjoy Finding the Mother Tree, Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, by Suzanne Simard. This book is basically a story about her journey into the life of trees and coming to understand how they function. Simard brings us to the intimate world of trees, in which she brilliantly shows us that trees are not simply the source or timber or pulp but are a complicated circle of life. Trees in a healthy forest support each other and even communicate through underground networks. It’s fascinating and reads like a novel.

There are so many books available about gardening and nature that you’re sure to find just the right gift – for yourself or others.

0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

Gardening is Good for You!

10/2/2022

 
Picture
  ​By: Lyn Chimera

There are so many reasons that gardening is good for you. Recently I was invited to give a presentation on the topic, and the research I did made me realize just how very many ways there are. Not only do you get beautiful flowers and/or yummy vegetables it’s great for your physical and mental wellbeing.

For me, gardening helps keep me centered. It’s very relaxing while at the same time it can be hard work which helps work out stress and frustrations. While gardening you focus on what you’re doing and forget about what’s bothering you. Even weeding can almost be meditative and it sure is satisfying once you’re finished. Another benefit is that inhaling a naturally occurring bacteria in the soil M.vaccae, can release serotonin which reduces anxiety.

Besides relieving stress, gardening is good for you in other ways. It helps build strength and flexibility. Hand strength improves from using pruners, a trowel, shovels, gripping any tools, wheelbarrow handles etc.. It’s hard to do any gardening without using your hands. Your back gets lots of exercise from bending and lifting for all sorts of chores which really helps strengthen those muscles. When my back gets a little tired from all that bending, I stand up and flex my spine back like a mini backbend then do a yoga move called scrape the barrel where you rotate your hips as if you were scraping the inside of a barrel. Both these stretches help relieve back strain and help avoid a sore back. Gardening also makes you stronger.

Hauling watering cans, hoses, digging, and all garden chores improve strength. Gardening is an excellent low impact exercise. Studies have shown that people stick with gardening much more than they stick to going to a gym and you don’t have a monthly fee! General gardening can burn 330 calories per hour. It would be more for more strenuous garden work like mowing (not a riding mower), digging, raking etc..

While outside gardening you are exposed to vitamin D through sunshine. Vitamin D helps increase
calcium and makes bone stronger. It also boosts your immune system. However, don’t forget to use
sunscreen. Another benefit of gardening is it gets you outside and away from electronics and screens. This relieves eye strain and gives your brain a rest. Try trading your blackberry for blackberry bushes!

Growing fruits and vegetables dramatically improves your diet. Fresh produce is much more nutritious and healthier for you. You can control and hopefully eliminate the pesticide and herbicide use. Besides it tastes much better. People who grow vegetables tend to include more vegetables in their diet which is another benefit to your health. Children involved with growing food are much more willing to try things and will eat vegetables they might not ordinarily.

If you happen to have back and or knee problems, you can still enjoy gardening. Raised beds, some can be as tall as tables, allow you to garden with little to no bending. Planters and even window boxes can be used to grow food or flowers. Knee pads or movable foam pads are very helpful for sore knees. I’ve used both and preferred knee pads that wrap around your knees. That way you don’t have to move the foam pad from place to place. Bench seats are also available. Some are 2-sided, one side for a kneeling pad and when it's turned over it becomes a raised seat. The legs form a bar for helping you get up.

Therapeutic gardens have been used for centuries. The original Richardson Complex on Elmwood Ave in Buffalo was an asylum for people with mental problems. Working outside in vegetable and flower gardens was part of everyone’s therapy. Many prisons have gardens where prisoners can learn skills that could be turned into employment once released. These gardens also help calm prisoners and generally improve their behavior. My mother was in a nursing home where they had a courtyard garden which gave her hours of pleasure. She didn’t remember a lot but once in the garden she knew what to do. It was amazing to watch.

Don’t worry if you have no access to a garden, just being outside in nature can improve your mood,
health, and wellbeing. So let nature help you relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

July is for Visiting Gardens

7/11/2022

 
Picture
By: Lyn Chimera

For those of you, like myself, who have been waiting all winter for July when we can visit some of the best gardens in the country, the wait is over. The month of July in Western New Yok is all about gardens and gardening.

The gardening events begin in June with the Lewiston Gardenfest, 6/18&19 and The Buffalo Style Garden Art Sale at the Botanical Gardens 6/25&26. However, it’s the month of July that is packed full of garden visit opportunities.

The best way to learn about all the events is to get the booklet, Open Gardens, published by Gardens Buffalo Niagara. It is available at many nurseries and the low cost of $10. Check out their website for full details: https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/

There are three major opportunities for visiting local gardens during July:

Open Gardens The advantage of Open Gardens is you don’t have the crowds to deal with like during Garden Walk Buffalo and parking is not an issue. There are over 100 private gardens open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from July 7th through the 29th covering Erie and Niagara Counties. Some are open both days, some all of one of the days and others part of one of the days. There are even some gardens open at night. All are free. The gardens are divided into 9 geographic sections such as Northtowns East and West, Buffalo and Southtowns Bouquet. The Open Gardens booklet has complete listings including maps and information about the gardens and points of interest in the area. Unfortunately my gardens will not be on this year.

Community Garden Walks Fourteen local communities are sponsoring neighborhood Garden Walks during four weekends in July beginning July 9th. The Open Garden book or their website tells which areas like Hamburg, Lancaster and Grand Island are open when and where to get the maps. Each community puts out their own map with directions and descriptions of the gardens. The tours are self-guided. Most are free but some ask for a donation. This is a lovely way to spend a day or afternoon getting to know a community.

Garden Walk Buffalo July 30 & 31, 10 AM – 4 PM. This is the highlight and biggest draw of the month. The Buffalo Garden walk has evolved into the largest garden tour in America. Tens of thousands of people come from all across the country to see our amazing gardens. It has become the garden event of the year written up in national gardening magazines. There are hundreds of private and public gardens throughout the city open on these 2 days. Maps are available at various locations and at the Garden Walk website.  www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/garden-walk-buffalo
​Some tips for any of the garden visits:

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Some gardens have stone walkways, paths with roots or other difficult walking situations. Also, grass may be wet and slippery. The gardens are open rain or shine so plan to dress appropriately.

Take your camera/cell phone to take pictures. After seeing many gardens you’ll want to remember some of the pants you liked, landscaping ideas, garden art etc. Trust me, after seeing 8-10 gardens it’s hard to remember where you saw what or what it was.

Don’t be hesitant to talk to the owners and ask questions. You’ll be seeing some plants you might not recognize or wonder how much work is involved in their garden, how long did it take to develop, helpful tips etc..

Be mindful of people’s property and stay on paths or designated areas. It’s easy to be distracted by a beautiful plant or whatever and step where you shouldn’t.

Your garden touring experience will be much more enjoyable if you plan a strategy. Get the Open Gardens booklet or download maps from the website to plan your route. Don’t forget to plan a lunch break or shopping jaunt. It’s a delightful way to spend a day with like minded gardening fiends. I guarantee you will get some good ideas. Hope to see you soon!
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

July 2022 Tips

7/1/2022

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends,


Our weather continues to be a see-saw. Thank goodness for the few cool days and rain once in a while. In this heat watering is the biggest issue. Time to get out the hoses. The following are some tips for July:
 
  • Watering has to be a priority and the way you water is important.
    • Most pots in the sun will nee watering every day. If it is a very full pot possibly 2/day. Ones in the shade probably less. Watering until the water runs out the bottom of the pot ensures the whole pot is moistened. The way to tell if a pot needs watering is to poke your finger into the soil down a few inches. If the soil is moist you don’t have to water. Overwatering in pots can be as harmful as underwatering.
    • For vegetables, annuals, and perennials in the ground watering long once or twice a week is better than daily short watering. The water needs to soak into the soil down where the roots are. To check take a trowel or shovel and make a divot. If it’s moist in the root zone (5-6 inches) you don’t need to water. The standard is an inch a week but in this heat that may not be enough especially in a sunny area.
    • Don’t worry if your grass starts to turn brown. Grass naturally goes dormant in dry periods, and it doesn’t harm the grass. It will green up with the next rain.
    • The amount of watering will depend on the amount of sun and wind the area gets and how porous the soil is. In my garden some places in this extreme heat need watering every 4 days others in the shade maybe once a week or less.
    • For those recently planted perennials and annuals, they will need water more often that established plants as their roots aren’t well established.
  • This past week I’ve seen a few Japanese beetles. If you get the first ones, you will decrease the total amount that find you. Check the plants you know they prefer. Get out a container with a few inches of soapy water and knock the little buggers in. Gives me great satisfaction. For more info: https://blogs.cornell.edu/willow/files/2014/10/Japanese-Beetle-Popillia-japonica-fact-sheet-16vi6b4.pdf
  • An insect that is in abundance this season is 4 lined plant bug. It’s a small yellow and black striped true bug that has a piercing mouth part that leaves small round dark circles in the leaves. Fortunately, this doesn’t kill the plants, but it is unsightly. They lay their eggs in the stems of the effected plants so at the end of the season cutting down those stems helps reduce the infestation next year. For more info: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-lined-plant-bug/
  • I’ve also seen signs of powdery mildew. This is a whiteish coating on the leaves. For plants like phlox that are susceptible to fungal disease you can start treatment before it shows symptoms. Treat with an environmentally safe fungicide specific to your problem. Remove affected leaves and disinfect your pruner and hands before moving to another plant. For more info:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/powdery-mildew/
  • If you fertilize your plants, it’s best to do it when the soil is moist. Natural fertilizers are much better for the plants and soil than chemical ones. Chemical fertilizers contain salts which kill the natural microbes in the soil which are what feed the plants. Chemical fertilizer is OK for pots as that soil is discarded each year.
  • Because of the intense heat it’s best to wait till fall to do any transplanting. It’s very stressful for the plants. If you have to move something, give the plant some shelter from the sun with a box or umbrella for a few days and keep it well watered.
  • If any of you are having problems with the lily leaf beetle (a small red beetle on true lilies) try a squirt of Dawn dish liquid in a spray bottle of water. A few people have said that helps. I’ve seen them on tricyrtis (toad lily) this year so check out those as well. For more information check:
http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2001/07/cornell-cooperative-extension-master-gardeners-spot-invasive-unpleasant-beetles-new

A squirt of Dawn & water works well for aphids as well.
 
  • Then there’s weeding… Just when you think you’re finished more pop up. Try and keep up or at least remove or deadhead weeds before they drop seed. If you haven’t mulched this will help control the weeds.


 
Gardening events in July:
 
Garden Walk Buffalo, Open Garens and the weekend community garden walks are up and running. Open Gardens are every Thursday and Friday in July. Unfortunately my gardens will not be open this year.
 
For information and schedules go to https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/ or buffaloniagaragardening,com. The Open Garden books which include all activities are also available at select nurseries and some of the Open Gardens.
 
The East Aurora Garden Walk will be July 16 & 17, 10:00 – 3:00. My gardens will be open that weekend. Stop by and say hello.
 
 
Lessons from Nature events:
 
I will start hypertufa and concrete birdbath and steppingstone classes in a few weeks. Each class is $30 and you get to make 2. Contact me and we can set up a class of up to 4 people.
 
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consult. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money! It’s not too late for improvements.
           
Happy Gardening!
Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz
652-2432
 

 
 
 

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog

May 2022 Plant Sale

5/15/2022

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Gardening Friends,

 

It's that time of year again: our annual plant sale! Please see the list below to learn about our selection of perennial plants that will be available for sale. 

                           Partial Plant List for Perennial Sale 2022
 
Some varieties there are only 1 or 2 of, others quite a few. A few items aren’t even up yet so additional plants will be added during the weeks to come. First come first served.
 
170 Pine Street, E Aurora
Sat, May 21 – 9:00-2:00
 
Shrubs:
                                                           
Pussy Willow                                                  Little Kim Lilac
Lynwood Gold Forsythia                                 Bridal Veil Spirea
Viburnum; Wentworth                                    Button Bush
Flowering Raspberry                                      
                                   
Sun:
                                                                                                                                               
Perennial geranium                                          Shasta daisy                                         Sundrops                                                         Zig-zag goldenrod
Variety of asters                                              Bouncing Bet                                                              Barren Strawberry                                           Mountain Mint
Black-Eyed-Susan                                           Daisy Fleabane
            Filipendula                                                      Crainsbill Geranium
                                                           
Part Sun:
                                                           
Forget-Me-Not                                                Anemone – white, & ruffled
Dwarf  Solomon’s seal                                    Candelabra primrose                                      
Ladies Mantle                                                  Shredded Umbrella
Astilbe (dwarf)                                                 Stary Solomon’s Seal
False Solomon’s Seal                                      Corydalis –Yellow & white                            
Big Leaf Aster                                                 Blue lobelia                                        
Astilbe – variety of colors                                Sundrops
Golden ragwort                                               Solomon’s Seal - variegated
Bachelor buttons                                              Blue Wood Aster        
White Wood Aster                                           Ajuga                                                                          Gold Star                                                      Bleeding Heart
Amsonia                                                          Foxglove
                                               
Shade:
                                                           
Dwarf Comfrey                                               Hosta – a few varieties, minis
Persicaria                                                         Primrose
Toad Lily – 2 varieties                                     Pulmonaria –
European Ginger                                             Lenten Rose, white, pink & deep purple 
Curley Ginger                                                  Native ginger
Primula kisoana – rare variety                         Candelabra primrose                                      
Corydalis                                                         Astilboides tabularis   
Wood Poppy                                                   Bloodroot, single & double
Brunnera                                                         Jacob’s ladder
Early & Tall Meadow Rue                              White Violet
Japanese Painted Fern                                     Ostrich Fern
Epimedium                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                   
            Natives:
 
Evening Primrose                                            Tall Meadow Rue
Solomon’s Seal                                               Twinleaf
Ginger                                                             Golden Ragwort
Gold Star                                                         Amsonia
Viola - purple                                                  Big leaf aster
Blue Wood Aster                                             Early Meadow Rue
Ostrich fern                                                     Clematis
White Wood Aster                                           Wood Poppy
Field goldenrod                                               Bloodroot
Filapendula                                                      White violet
Flowering raspberry                                        Lobelia – blue
Waterleaf                                                         Double Bloodroot
Zig-zag goldenrod                                           Jack-in-the-Pulpit                                                       
Shrub – Button bush                                                   
                                                           
 
 I look forward to seeing you there!

Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments
Read More
<<Previous
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.