Author Archives: dirtynailz

There has been an interesting development in the continuing saga of small growers and the chemical giant, Monsanto. Please read this carefully, because it has to be fully understood to be believed: Monsanto has been suing farmers in the United … Continue reading →

The forsythia is in bloom here now, and it seems to be a good year for this shrub. Most of the ones I am seeing are looking healthy and in-your-face YELLOW. Forsythia is a member of the Oleaceae, or olive … Continue reading →

The scilla siberica is in bloom here in RI right now. It’s such a fleeting show – over by May – but so welcome. When I lived in Montreal, people in my neighborhood planted it extensively, and it would form … Continue reading →

HerbDoc has some useful tips on growing one of my favorite herbs: Horseradish (Amoracia rusticana) has been named the 2011 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association.  The usable part of the horseradish is the white root of … Continue reading →

Check out my aerangis citrata, in full bloom. Last year, it produced two spikes, and this year it graced me with three. These small orchids, native to Madagascar, are supposed to  do much better when mounted on a tree fern … Continue reading →

Last year was the first season for my new vegetable garden, and in the rush to prepare the soil and order and start my seeds, I neglected to inoculate my pole beans and my peas. The crops were OK, but … Continue reading →

I was not dissatisfied with last year’s potato crop, but now I’m ready for something different. It seems that everyone is selling “Yellow Finn” and “All Blue” and “Red Pearl,” and they are all fine cultivars. But I like to … Continue reading →

HerbDoc just loves her mason bees: I’ve always wanted to keep bees and even went so far as to take the beekeeping course two years ago.  Unfortunately my husband is highly allergic to beestings, and I was never able to … Continue reading →

Recently, I came across a thought-provoking piece in the latest “Organic Gardening” magazine. The article explores the ornamental plant growing industry and the chemicals used to produce those perfect little plants we see in flats at nurseries. It seems that … Continue reading →

With new apps coming out every day, I thought I would take a look at a couple of new offerings that pertain to trees. The one everyone’s talking about right now is “Dirr’s Tree and Shrub Finder.” It costs $14.99. … Continue reading →