Author Archives: dirtynailz

I wish I had colchicums in my garden now. I used to grow them, and they never failed to wow me in the fall, when they would send up big, showy flowers from the grass or bed. No foliage – … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, I reported on the poinsettias that the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners are growing for sale in early December. Despite assaults from the above-mentioned (and common) greenhouse pests, the poinsettias are thriving. Many of the … Continue reading →

Herbdoc discusses some tried and true herbal cold and flu treatments: If you were to ask an old-timer what could be done for colds and flu, you probably get a quizzical look and a “Nothing you can do” answer.  My … Continue reading →

Here’s HerbDoc with yet another timely (and tasty) post: Garlic grows in zones 5-10 and prefers full sun although it will grow in partial shade.  Soil should be humusy, deep and well drained with a pH suitable for vegetables.  I … Continue reading →

Here’s more practical gardening advice from our friend and colleague, HerbDoc: A check of the calendar indicates that October 4th is the date of the Harvest Moon this year.  It always reminds me that frost is imminent and that all … Continue reading →

So you’re minding your own business, and one day you see little black spots on your house, and on your car. You try washing them off. You try to scrape them off, but they won’t budge. You, my friend, are … Continue reading →

With nighttime temperatures in coastal Rhode Island dipping into the 40s, all but a very few houseplants need to come inside now for the winter. Tropical plants do not grow in 60 degrees or lower and temps in the 40s … Continue reading →

This month, the Asian longhorned beetle was discovered outside the eradication zone in Worcester, Mass. and the surrounding area. A resident found one of the insects in the town of West Boylston, and officials say the beetles have probably been … Continue reading →

He’s “The Man in the Red Suspenders,” former host of “The Victory Garden” television show, and former “Horticulture” magazine editor. His name is Roger Swain, and if there are icons in our “hort world” he must  be one of them. … Continue reading →

Here’s a timely post from our friend and gardener extrordinaire, HerbDoc. This is the time of year that I begin to think about saving seeds for next year. It’s one way to save a little bit of money and promote … Continue reading →