I knew my job as Garden Editor at Mother Earth News was about to end. The magazine had been sold, and the offices were moving out of state. I had no idea I was about to learn gardening lessons that would teach me a lot about life. What should I do now? I was driving the last stretch of road before I reached my rural home when it came to me. “I can’t compete with all the how-to garden magazines out there,” I thought. “What if I start one that shares the personal rewards of gardening instead?” Thirty-one years later, I’m still publishing GreenPrints, “The Weeder’s Digest,” and sharing it with thousands of gardeners across the country. Here are six things I have I learned—gardening lessons and lessons about life—as the editor and publisher of an award-winning magazine. 1. Gardening means a great deal to gardeners. Gardening not just a hobby, or even a passion. It truly connects people to the natural world. Gardeners nurture—they parent—their plants. And by doing so, they … [Read more...] about Lessons I Learned as Editor of GreenPrints Magazine
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How to Create a Goth Garden
Halloween marks the beginning of the trifecta of big Fall and Winter holidays. Whether you are into scary gardens, a witch’s medicinal ‘cures and curses’ herb garden, or a Goth garden full of vampires and zombies-- creating a Halloween landscape doesn’t have to be a nightmare. But trends being the way they are, Goth gardens aren't just for Halloween anymore. A sinister-looking Goth garden can be awesome all year long. A Goth Garden and the love of Goth gardening is inspired by the dark, brooding Gothic gardens popular in the Victorian era. Quite simply, a Goth garden suggests a fascination with cemeteries and death. Themes of death and decay dictate the use of black plants. Today, expressing your inner dark side with homemade or store-bought tombstones, gargoyles, flickering lights (no open flames, please) and cobwebs will add drama as uneasy guests make their way to your front door. A Scary Goth Garden Creating a Goth garden is the perfect time to repurpose any lifeless … [Read more...] about How to Create a Goth Garden
Overgrown Trees, Volunteer Plants and Tough Love in the Landscape
The end of the growing season doesn’t mean the job of the gardener or homeowner is done. Not when there are overgrown trees to trim and volunteer plants to remove. And that’s just the beginning. The annual flowers and spent vegetables need to be pulled from the garden and the growing containers. Fallen leaves need to be mowed, composted or raked. But that’s just the beginning. Those black-eyed Susans have traveled from one sunny spot to five. The ninebark shrub grew so much this summer that its branches now crowd the sidewalk. Over the last few years, you’ve noticed there are fewer flowers on the daylilies. And, then you remember the co-worker who couldn’t find your house because the shrubs hide the front door and address. It’s time to walk the yard and determine what’s working and what’s not. It’s time for tough love in the landscape. Overgrown trees Some plants have gotten too big for their borders, so to speak. Overgrown trees and shrubs fit into this category. … [Read more...] about Overgrown Trees, Volunteer Plants and Tough Love in the Landscape
How to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard
If you’ve got a dog—or you are consider getting one, then now is the time to think about creating a dog-friendly yard and garden. We've all heard tales of puppies pulling out flowers and dogs digging holes in the yard. Many of us have lived through these experiences ourselves. However, with some careful consideration, you can make sure both your plants and your pets will happily and safely share your yard. A dog-friendly garden can certainly be beautiful and lush, and these helpful tips will help guide you through the process. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a dog-friendly yard that your pets will be able to access. Before you get started on creating a dog-friendly yard, it's important to understand your own dog's unique personality traits and characteristics. Is your dog large or small? Does it like to jump and dig? Is your dog a high energy puppy—or is he (or she) calmly enjoying the golden years? Does your dog chase squirrels, or would she rather laze around … [Read more...] about How to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard
Top 10 Vegetables for Container Gardening
Container gardens can be an oasis of beauty on a deck, balcony or patio. Even container vegetable gardens can be beautiful. But most gardeners who grow vegetables in containers don’t do it for the beauty. They’re in it for the tasty vine-ripened tomatoes, the spicy hot peppers, the crunchy radishes and the tender salad greens. If you’ve never tried container gardening before, you’re missing out on a great way to learn about gardening. And if you have grown vegetables in containers, you might be surprised at the new varieties of veggies that have recently been introduced with container gardening in mind. Whether you are a newbie to gardening or a Master Gardener, now is a great time to grow a container garden full of edible plants. My list of the Top 10 Container Garden Vegetables is below, along with descriptions, photos and a link to where you can buy the seeds. If you want to read more about container gardening, read Tips for Growing Successful Container Gardens. Start … [Read more...] about Top 10 Vegetables for Container Gardening
