The 2022 Green Thumb Award winners have been announced by National Garden Bureau (NGB). This year’s winners include four outstanding new plant varieties and one new gardening product. Winners of the 2022 Green Thumb Awards were chosen based on four criteria. These are: uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to solve a gardening problem or provide a gardening opportunity, and appeal to gardeners. Winners were selected by a panel of National Garden Bureau members. “The Green Thumb Award is an exciting program that aligns well with NGB’s mission to inspire, connect and grow,” said NGB Vice-President Jeannine Bogard from Syngenta. “Our members are proud to evaluate and provide our ‘thumbs-up’ to the outstanding new garden plants and products.” The Green Thumb Award program was created in 1998 to recognize the best new plants and gardening products available each year. The Green Thumb Awards were originally created by the Mailorder Gardening Association, which later … [Read more...] about 2022 Green Thumb Award Winners
7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
Do you have plants for winter interest in your yard? If not, your landscape suffers from the winter blahs. When the cold season arrives and leaves drop from the trees and bushes, there is no winter interest. There’s simply nothing to catch your eye during winter season. “Most homeowners buy plants that are full of life and color in the spring and summer,” said Jeff Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery. “But these plants go dormant and look lifeless in the colder months.” Dinslage points out that many attractive plants look great during the growing season. Plus, they add much-needed color and winter interest during the coldest months of the year. Here are 7 of his favorite plants for adding color and texture to the landscape during winter. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) for sales generated from the links in this story. Thanks so much for supporting this website! Trees Can Be Plants for Winter Interest Evergreen conifers … [Read more...] about 7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
The best cordless vacuum cleaners are more impressive than ever. It doesn’t matter whether you call them cordless vacuums or stick vacuum cleaners. Many lightweight cordless vacuums can now offer the performance of the heavier, full-size vacuum cleaners. Perhaps best of all, these vacuum cleaners are powered by rechargeable batteries. So, they don’t have to be plugged in and tethered to a power cord when you use them. Want a vacuum cleaner that is convenient to use? Looking for one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners that quickly goes from stand-up vacuuming to hand-held cleaning? No problem. There is a wide range of prices for the best cordless vacuum cleaners. There are big brand names and lower-priced options from newer manufacturers. No matter what your budget is, you can find a good cordless vacuum that’s right for you. Here is a review of the best cordless vacuum cleaners now available. Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners: Premium Models LG CordZero LG says its … [Read more...] about Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let's face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn't mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during "the most wonderful time of the year." It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That's why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Tools The Ultimate Weeding Tools The CobraHead Weeder gets its name from the shape of the tempered steel blade, which … [Read more...] about Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
A living Christmas tree can make this year's holiday season special for many, many years. Selecting the family Christmas tree is an exciting holiday tradition. But instead of buying a cut tree this year, why not choose a living Christmas tree? A decorated living Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season—and then becomes a growing part of your landscape for years to come. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the average retail price of a farm-grown holiday tree is approaching $100. Sure, a freshly cut holiday brings the delightful scent of a pine forest into your home. But for a few dollars more, you can buy a living Christmas tree. A living, container-grown tree can be purchased at local garden centers and some “big box” stores. If strong north winds are a problem in your yard, now is a good time to start planting the first of that hedgerow of evergreens to break the wind. This is the fun way to get the job done. Each living Christmas tree will have its … [Read more...] about How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
