As acreage owners ponder the winter landscape, trying to answer the question – “Is now a good time to prune my shrubs?” – it’s wise to consider a few basic guidelines.
Prune Evergreen Shrubs in Winter?
Care for Holiday Plants
Christmas cactus, amaryllis and poinsettias are popular gift plants during the holidays. They are beautiful, and fortunately, are not difficult to grow. Here are a few tips for each, to keep plants healthy until next Christmas, if you gave or received one this year. Poinsettias Many poinsettias hold their leaves and remain attractive after the... Continue Reading →
Tools for Gardeners
Good tools make the work in my landscape much easier. I get the majority of my work done with just five tools, so if you have a gardener on your gift list consider one of these ideas. Hori-Hori - Garden or Soil Knife If there was just one gift I could give a gardener, this... Continue Reading →
Unusual Gift Plants – Citrus
Looking for an unusual gift plant for your gardening friend? Consider a potted citrus tree to grow as a houseplant and even produce edible fruits. But if you're curious to try and grow a plant from an orange or lemon pip (seed) for yourself, don't do it. Although the seeds will grow, they will produce... Continue Reading →
Holly
In December, we have a lot of great plants that are used for holiday decorations. We have the Christmas tree, wreaths, poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. Holly is a fun plant we can grow in our landscapes for winter interest from the berries and evergreen foliage. Holly, Ilex x meserveae, is a broadleaf evergreen also called... Continue Reading →
A Dog-friendly Yard (for yard-friendly dogs)
It can be a challenge to have a yard that’s perfect for you as well as for your dog. The primary goals are often at odds… a place to run and dig versus the somewhat fragile beauty of seasonal plants. But with a little bit of thoughtful planning, there are ways to accommodate both. Like... Continue Reading →
Winter Care of Indoor Plants
Most plants are energized and invigorated by a summer outdoors. Even delicate plants like ferns have a growth spurt if placed in a shaded location and watered properly. While outside, houseplants require large amounts of water due to increased light levels, heat and wind evaporation. When houseplants are brought back indoors in fall, seasonal light... Continue Reading →
4 Fall Season Tips for Living With Wildlife
Moving from late fall into winter is a transition period for wildlife. Colder weather and declining food sources make damage to landscape plants and wildlife moving into our homes a significant possibility. Below are tips to help make the transition smoother for both wildlife and us, including tips for enjoying birds at your feeders this winter.... Continue Reading →
Acreage Life - Nebraska 