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
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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
When to Divide Hostas and Other Perennials
If you are wondering when to divide hostas and other perennials, you have come to the right place. In this story, I will cover when to divide hostas, daylilies and other perennial plants. I will also discuss the best way to divide and transplant perennials such as daylilies, peonies, hostas, ornamental grasses and other perennial plants. Here are some tips that will come in handy when deciding how and when to divide perennials in your garden. It’s not difficult to divide hostas and daylilies and lots of other types of perennials. It’s easy to transplant them once they have been dug up and divided. But there are a few things you need to know to make sure your perennial plants continue to grow and thrive. Three Signs It’s Time to Divide Hostas, Daylilies, Etc. Are your hostas or daylilies getting crowded in your flowerbeds? Are some of your coneflowers and perennial salvias not blossoming like they used to? Then, it’s time to divide and plant your perennials. The rule of … [Read more...] about When to Divide Hostas and Other Perennials
Fall Planting for Spring Flowers
Fall planting is awesome. Experienced gardeners know that fall is a great season for planting. The dreams of colorful spring gardens begin with the fall planting of bulbs, perennials and shrubs. In the autumn, it’s starting to get cool outside. The cooler temperatures make it much more appealing to be outdoors planting. Plus, your list of garden tasks is probably shorter than in the spring. Best of all, the soil is still warm enough for plant roots to thrive. They will grow and get established until the ground freezes. In addition, fall plant sales are the best. Many garden centers offer deep discounts because they don’t want to overwinter plants. Take advantage of these deals with fall planting. Autumn is a great time to add new plants to your yard and garden that will delight you come spring. “Fall planting gives spring-blooming bulbs and perennials a chance to get established in your garden before winter,” says Greg Niewold, owner of Power Planter. “And when you want new … [Read more...] about Fall Planting for Spring Flowers
