Hearts for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 by Zidack, Heather

Hearts for Valentine’s Day
By Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

While there’s always the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts of flowers and candy, why not give that special someone a plant with heart-shaped leaves that will likely last much longer than chocolates or bouquets. There are actually a number of plant species to choose from with some being quite easy to grow.

Perhaps the cutest, as well as the easiest is the Sweetheart hoya (Hoya kerrii). Hoyas are a very slow growing, vining plant with stems that may reach 13 feet in length. Typically, it is grown in a wreath form or on a trellis. The pink or white flowers are fragrant but not produced in great abundance.

While this plant has the most adorable heart-shaped leaves, the ones that are sold as a single leaf in a pot will, in most cases, remain as a single leaf. Unless a piece of stem was left attached to the potted leaf, the plant is not able to initiate new leaf or stem formation. This makes for a simple plant to care for, however. Keep your Sweetheart hoya leaf in a bright sunny spot with temperatures in the 60 to 80 degree F range and water when dry.

Another plant for small spaces with charming marbled, heart-shaped leaves is the String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii). While the dainty individual stems can grow 12 feet long, they can be trimmed to keep the plant compact. The grey-green leaves are small, only about ½ inch in diameter. String of Hearts is a succulent best grown in a potting mix labeled for cacti and set in bright, filtered sunlight. Let plants dry out slightly between waterings. Keep away from drafts and note that plants may go dormant if the temperature falls below 60 F.

Philodendrons (P. hederaceum) have been grown for ages and with good reason. These tough, vining plants with heart-shaped leaves tolerate the lower light levels found in many homes. Stems may grow 3 feet or longer and plants are best suited to a hanging basket or trellis. Exciting newer cultivars such as ‘Brasil’, ‘Cream Splash’ and ‘Rio’ offer variegated leaves. Grow plants in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering. Trim plants if they overgrow their bounds.

More recently, anthuriums with their flashy colored spathes in red, orange, pinks, and purples have been livening up the holiday plant scene. Both the spathes, which are modified leaves, and the true glossy, green leaves are shaped like hearts. Plants grow to about 16 inches high and if content will produce long-lasting colorful spathes several months of the year. Tiny flowers are on the tail-like spike that emerges from each spathe. Anthuriums also appreciate bright but indirect light, a well-draining, acidic soilless potting media and to be kept moderately moist.

Similar in care to anthuriums, syngoniums have heart-shaped leaves and new varieties come in various shades of pink, purplish red and even variegated cultivars. Syngoniums are evergreen climbers but can be maintained as a shrubby houseplant if trailing stems are removed. As the plant ages, leaves become more arrow-shaped. Plants enjoy warmth and humidity and do best in moderately moist potting mixes and in bright diffused light.

A little harder to find but worth the search is the Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia). Like many tropical ferns, it prefers indirect light in a warm, humid location. Plants may reach 10 inches tall and wide. The leaves are dimorphic, with the sterile fronds being heart-shaped and the fertile ones resembling arrowheads. Unlike most ferns, the foliage is thick and leathery. Being an epiphyte, plants should be grown in a light, airy potting mix and kept moist at all times.

Lastly, there are varieties of English ivy (Hedera helix) with heart-shaped leaves. ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘Heart’ are two common cultivars. Blue-green leaves form along stems that can be trimmed to any length. Grow as a hanging basket or in a decorative pot. English ivy enjoys cooler temperatures and bright but diffused light. East or north facing windows are ideal locations.

This year, mix it up a little for Valentine’s Day and give the heart-felt gift of a plant with heart-shaped leaves. Do note that some of the above plants are toxic if consumed so should be kept away from children and pets.

If you have questions about these plants or if you have any other gardening questions, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.

Chocolates for your Valentine and other February News

Posted on February 1, 2024April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

Chocolates for Your Valentine!

Chocolate scented helianthus in bloom — Chocolate scented helianthus by Pamm Cooper

Many of us celebrate Valentine’s Day with a box of chocolates. What if you surprised your valentine with a chocolate garden that could last them all growing season long? We've found a couple of lists for you that can help you plan a garden that has the sights, smells, and even tastes of our favorite valentine’s day treat and compliments to make it pop! Check out these plant lists to help you create your own chocolate garden for this spring!

Plants for the Chocolate Theme Garden

Chocolate Plants

What’s the Buzz About Cicadas in 2024?

You may have heard the media buzz already that there is going to be a significant event this year in the entomology world. Periodical cicadas, who emerge on either a 13 year or 17 year cycle, will overlap for the first time in 221 years! Many are preparing to see an increase in insect activity and asking us how to best prepare their gardens. While this is indeed fascinating, there are a few details that are being left out of the whole story and we want to help set the record straight!

These periodical cicadas are species that spend a significant part of their life underground. However, there are multiple populations, known as "broods" that emerge on different schedules. Because of this, it is typical to see a 13 year brood and a 17 year brood emerge "together" roughly every 5 years. These insects will emerge, begin singing their chorus of mating songs, and feed on nearby woody ornamentals. However, their damage is rarely extensive.

Over the years, scientists have been able to map exactly where specific broods live. The two broods of interest this year, Brood XIX (13 year) and Brood XIII (17 Year) will emerge in adjacent locations, but the overlap is not anticipated to be significant. It is indeed the first time in 221 years that these two specific broods are emerging at the same time.

The greatest impact may be found around Springfield, Illinois and surrounding areas. Here in Connecticut, we will not see these broods. While we may not see the once in a lifetime periodical cicada emergence here at home, we will still be able to enjoy the songs of our Annual Cicadas. Keep an ear out for them this summer. To learn more about periodical cicadas, check out the link below!

The 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence

Native Plant Highlight: Red Columbine

Red Columbine Flower — Image of Red Columbine flower by GoBotany

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadenis) is a shade-loving perennial that has attractive foliage and eye-catching red and yellow flowers that resemble tiny ballerinas. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and hawk moths. As a short-lived perennial, it prefers to self-sow and pop up in places with bare soil. Plant or sow columbine seeds in areas where you are waiting for other plants to grow. It will prove to be a good competitor for weeds To learn more about this beautiful native perennial, visit GoBotany: Aquilegia canadensis

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center will have a booth at the CT Flower & Garden Show to answer plant questions, provide free pH testing for your soil samples, and we will be having speakers every day of the show.
- Thursday 11:00AM - Dawn Pettinelli
  - Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants, Healthy You
- Friday 12:30PM - Pamm Cooper
  - Home on DeRange
- Saturday 12:30 PM - Heather Zidack
  - Home Gardening Tips in a New Home
- Sunday 11:00AM - Dr. Nick Goltz
  - The Plant Doctor is In: Flower Disease 101

Check out the CT Winter Wine Trail - From January 6th to March 30th, 13 wineries in the state participate in a passport program where visiting each of the sponsors can lead to prizes and adventure!
Get your seeds and seed starting supplies, locally! While many big box stores can be a great resource for affordable seed and seed starting products, local businesses like Natureworks Organic Garden Center, Hart Seed Company, Comstock Ferre and other garden centers throughout the state are starting to provide these products and their expertise as well! February is still a great time to get a jump on your gardening chores!

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

The 2024 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium winter series features sessions in February and March. Specific dates for various sessions and registration information can be found on their web page.
February 10th, 11AM-2PM in Litchfield, CT Cut it Out! The Local History and Practice of Ice Harvesting - Learn about how ice was harvested and stored right here in Connecticut!
Mark your calendars for the CT Compost Conference (Details Below)

February Gardening Tips

1. Recent temperature swings may cause perennials to heave out of the ground. Gently push them back into the soil or cover with mulch.

2. If you potted bulbs for forcing last fall, check their progress. Soil should be barely moist. If tips have sprouted and have a few inches of growth, bring the pot into a cool, bright room (50 to 60 degrees F). Gradually expose the plant to increasing warmth, indirect sunlight, and increased watering. Feed once a week with half-strength houseplant fertilizer. To help the stems grow straight, turn the pot every day. When buds and foliage are fully developed, bring into full sunlight, and enjoy!

3. Begin fertilizing houseplants with a water-soluble fertilizer as they resume active growth.

4. Turn the compost pile during any stretches of mild weather.

5. If you’re starting seeds under fluorescent lights, check the light tubes for signs of age. Dark rings on the ends of tubes means they should be replaced. Dispose of properly.

6. Prune grape vines at the end of the month.

7. This is the tine to prune currants. On a mild day, remove all deadwood and low shoots that are over 3 years old. Prune to an outward-facing bud. Prune apple and pear trees as the weather allows.

8. When using salt to melt ice on walks and driveways, spread it carefully to avoid damage to nearby shrubs. Consider using sand or sawdust instead. After the snow melts, flush the area around the roots exposed to salt with fresh water.

9. If you are overwintering plants into your garage or cellar, check the soil to see if it needs water. If the soil is frozen, it may be in too cold of a spot.

10. Bring pruning tools inside and clean them for the upcoming season. Disassemble hand pruners, and loppers. Sharpen the blades, oil the levers, and remove any rust.

Watch Out for These Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Posted on January 31, 2024April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

Watch Out for These Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
By Haiying Tao, Ph.D., UConn Home & Garden Education Center

Plants need at least seventeen essential nutrients to complete their life cycles. Scientists group these essential nutrients into macronutrients (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and magnesium), which are required in large quantities and micronutrients (zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese, chlorine, molybdenum and nickel) which are required in small quantities. Sufficient amounts of these nutrients are required in order for plants to produce well. If there is a deficiency of any essential element, yield and quality can be reduced. Alternatively, too much of a nutrient can be toxic to plants. Diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities is important for both growers and gardeners to ensure optimum harvests.

When low in an essential nutrient, plants exhibit distinct visual symptoms, which often allows us to distinguish which nutrient is deficient. A first step in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies is to describe what the symptoms look like. Symptoms caused by nutrient deficiencies are generally grouped into five categories: 1) stunted growth; 2) chlorosis or yellowing; 3) leaf spots; 4) purplish-red coloring; and 5) necrosis or death of plant parts.

The next step is to identify whether the deficiency symptoms appear on older (lower) leaves or younger (upper) leaves first. If the deficiency symptoms appear on older leaves first, then the deficiency symptoms are possibly caused by one of the nutrients that are mobile in plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, or molybdenum. In contrast, deficiency of nutrients that are immobile (calcium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, nickel), the symptoms first appear on younger or upper leaves.

Nitrogen deficiency on corn leaf. Photo by Dr. Haiying Tao

Nitrogen deficiency symptoms include yellowing of the lower leaves (chlorosis), stunted and slow growth, and death of older leaves in severe cases. Nitrogen deficient plants will mature early, and the crop quality and yield are often reduced.

Phosphorus deficiency symptoms occur in the older leaves first and typical deficiency symptoms are purpling of leaves and leaf margins and stunted growth. Plants that are deficient in phosphorus are generally weak and maturity is delayed.

Potassium deficiency symptoms first appear on older leaves. Typical deficiency symptoms are yellowing and necrosis of the leaf margins. When potassium deficiency is severe, older leaves turn yellow with brown dead tissue around the edges, but the upper new leaves may stay green. Sometimes one may confuse potassium and nitrogen deficiency because both show yellowing on older (lower) leaves first. The difference is that the chlorosis starts from the tip and progresses along the ribs of the leaf if nitrogen is deficient, but the chlorosis starts from the tip and progresses along the edge of the leaf if potassium is deficient.

Blossom End Rot on Tomato. Photo by dmp2024

Another nutrient that is commonly found deficient is calcium. Typical calcium deficiency symptoms are poor leaf expansion, curling followed by necrotic patches in the young leaves. Calcium deficiency can cause misshapen fruit and aborted buds. If you find the tip of tomatoes or peppers rotting, cavity spot in carrots, and black heart in peanuts and celery, it’s likely the plants are calcium deficient. However, don’t hurry to apply calcium fertilizers. Check on other stresses such as drought because lack of moisture in the soil can lead to insufficient uptake and transportation of calcium within plants, which leads to symptoms similar to calcium deficiency.

In sandy and low organic matter soils, sulfur deficiency can occur. Typical sulfur deficiency symptoms are reduced growth rate with plants becoming stunted and thin stemmed. In cole crops (such as cabbage, broccoli, etc.), discoloration appears in younger leaves first. Symptoms may include light green or yellow leaves, a reddish coloration on the undersides of leaves as well as leaves that are cupped inward.

Sulfur deficiency in cabbage. Photo by Dr. Haiying Tao

It is not always easy to identify nutrient deficiencies just by looking at a plant because the symptoms of several deficiencies are similar in appearance. Also, more than one nutrient may be deficient. It is not uncommon for other stresses such as disease, drought, excess water, genetic abnormalities, herbicide and pesticide residue injury, insects or salt injury may cause symptoms that are similar to nutrient deficiency. The best way to confirm if you have nutrient deficiency is to test your soil and plant tissue.

For questions on nutrient management in the garden or farm, feel free to contact the UConn Soil Lab at (860) 486-4271. For all your other gardening questions, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr,uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.

Dr. Tao is an Assistant Professor and Soil Fertility Specialist in the UConn Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture.

Alluring African Violets Chosen as 2024 Houseplant of the Year

Posted on January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 by Zidack, Heather

Alluring African Violets Chosen as 2024 Houseplant of the Year
By Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

This last decade or so has seen a burgeoning interest in houseplants. While this has led to the introduction of some new and exciting species, classic stalwarts are still in demand as evidenced by the National Garden Bureau naming African violet the 2024 Houseplant of the Year. They are from Africa, as their name implies, but they are not related to the violets we commonly encounter in our gardens. These plants were discovered in the mountainous regions of Tanzania and Kenya where they grew in shady, rocky locations.

The first person to successfully send plant material back to Germany where it eventually reached the Royal Botanic Gardens at Herrenhausen was Captain Baron Walter Saint Paul in 1892. This new species of plant was placed in the Gesneriad family and given the Latin name, Saintpaulia ionantha. A number of additional species were described over the next half century. More recently, after DNA analysis, African violets were put in the genus, Streptocarpus.

Regardless of their classification, African violets are endearing plants showering their caretakers with an almost continuous parade of blossoms if properly taken care of. Maybe the most difficult part of growing African violets is deciding which ones to grow. They can be found as miniature, standard, and trailing varieties and there are thousands of cultivars. In fact, the African Violet Society of America (www.africanvioletsocietyofamerica.org) has a Master Variety List of over 16,000 recorded species and cultivars.

Flower color ranges from white to pink, purple, blue, violet as well as bicolored cultivars. They can be single, double or semi-double, ruffled or picoteed. Leaves can be a handsome green, some with burgundy overtones while others can be variegated or mosaic. Whichever type or cultivar of African violet you choose, care is similar.

The proper amount of light is key to good flowering. Plants need lots of bright indirect light. East windows are usually ideal as they get morning sun. If only a west or south facing window is available, filter the light with sheers. African violets do exceptionally well under fluorescent or LED lights. Consider artificial lighting if natural light is limited.

Temperature is also important. African violets mostly thrive in the same temperatures we do, around 65 to 70 degrees F. Place them where nighttime temperatures do not drop below 55 F. This is more likely to be a problem during cold winters when plants are left too close to windows. Often exposure to cold results in the plant starting to wilt. Daytime highs ideally should not exceed 75 F.

When watering your African violets, avoid getting water on the hairy leaves as this may cause spotting. Many African violet enthusiasts choose to water from the bottom. Plants can be grown in special ceramic African violet pots where a well is filled with water, and it keeps the root ball just moistened enough. Plants can also be watered using a watering can with a long narrow spout so water can be directed at the potting mix and not land on the leaves. The potting mix should stay moderately moist at all times but should not be saturated. If watering from the top and excess water drains into a saucer, be sure to empty it. Soggy soils promote crown and stem rots.

African violets like a very well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter with an acidic pH. One can purchase specialty mixes for African violets, or a standard soilless commercial potting mix will do. While plants do need to be fertilized during their period of active growth, which is usually spring and summer, note if when repotting the mix you are using already contains fertilizer. If it does, don’t start fertilizing until plants start looking a little light in color. If no fertilizer was added to the potting mix, you can use a half strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks or so from mid-March until about mid-October.

Plants bloom best when slightly pot-bound. Often the plant can be lifted once a year and then groomed and reset back into its original pot with some fresh potting media or in a slightly larger one. Remove spent flowers to encourage more flower buds to form.

Sometimes cyclamen mites, spider mites or root rots can be a problem so pay attention to your plants and see that they are receiving the proper care. Always isolate new plants for 30 days before introducing to your collection.

For questions about African violets or if you have any other gardening questions, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr,uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.

How to Identify and Treat Salt Damage on Plants

Posted on January 17, 2024April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

How to Identify and Treat Salt Damage on Plants
Laurel Humphrey, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

From freezing temperatures to blistering winds, the harsh winter elements can pose a challenge for people and plants alike. One common issue many gardeners face during the wintertime is salt damage on plants. While deicing road salts help to ease our troubles by keeping roads, driveways, and sidewalks clear, they only intensify winter damage on the ecosystems and plants nearby. As a country, the U.S. is estimated to apply about 20 million tons of salt per year for public safety on roadways. The most common form of deicing salt used to keep ice from forming on the roads is sodium chloride, or rock salt, which can be very damaging to vegetation. Deicing salts contribute to the damage and dieback of landscape plants each year, however there are steps one can take to identify salt injury and minimize its effects.

What are Symptoms of Salt Damage in Plants?

When deicing salts inevitably wash off the roads, they threaten plants both directly through contact with the foliage, as well as indirectly by changing the soil chemistry. In what is known as “spray zone” injury, salt water collects on plant foliage and enters the plant cells directly. This type of salt injury results in discoloration beginning at the margins of the plant and may eventually lead to premature leaf or needle drop. Salt spray can also dry out bud scales, exposing the developing leaves and flower buds to reduce growth later in the spring. Spray zone injury often produces a distinct pattern of damage, where symptoms are restricted to foliage facing the roadside and increase in severity as plants are found closer to the road.

Another way plants are affected by road salts is when runoff salt water dissolves in the soil and is taken up by plant roots. Within the soil, sodium chloride breaks down into ions that compete with the other nutrients plants need to survive. As a result, plants take in more of the harmful sodium salts and less of the beneficial nutrients they require. Plants tolerate small amounts of salt naturally, but toxic concentrations can result in symptoms of wilting, scorch, and burn. Overall, deicing salt exposure causes symptoms similar to drought and root damage in plants, such as tip browning, bud death, stem dieback, stunted growth, marginal burn and discoloration, and even tree death. These effects may vary depending on the plant species and degree of exposure, with salt applications in late winter thought to be most damaging to plants and less likely to be leached away from roots.

A row of bushes exhibiting salt damage — Deicing salt exposure can result in the damage and discoloration of plant foliage along roadsides. Photo courtesy of Joseph LaForest, UGA, Bugwood.org.

How can Road Salt Injuries be Managed?

In order to minimize the harmful effects of road salts and be sure your plants will make it to see a healthy spring, there are some steps you can take to reduce salt injury. One obvious option is to limit the use of road salts when possible, especially near lawns and landscapes. This can be done by mixing salt with other materials such as sand or sawdust to help maintain road traction, as well as choosing other salt options like calcium chloride that are less harmful to plants, although more expensive. Gardeners can also protect their plants from salt damage by covering them with materials like wood or burlap, and being careful to plant salt tolerant species near roads and sidewalks. Trees such as hedge maple, paper birch, and Northern red oak are more tolerant to salt exposure than sensitive species including red maple, boxwood, and Eastern white pine.

While it is not always possible to prevent salt damage from becoming an issue during the winter months, other management strategies can be used to treat salt injury. If you do identify exposure to salt damage in your landscape, be sure to wash salts off plant foliage as soon as possible. Prevent snow piles, sand, and runoff from building up near sensitive plants, and maintain healthy soil salinity levels through the addition of organic matter. The most effective way to minimize salt damage is by leaching salts away from the plant roots. Apply fresh water often to flush salts down through the soil when the ground is not frozen, and plant roots should be less vulnerable to the toxic effects of road salts.

Laurel Humphrey is a student employee working with the Plant Diagnostic Lab and Home & Garden Education Center. For questions on road salt or if you have any other gardening questions, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr,uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.

2024 All-American Selections

Posted on January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 by Zidack, Heather and Pettinelli, Dawn

2024 All American Selection Winners
By Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

As we usher in the New Year, garden enthusiasts and horticulturists alike eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the All-America Selections (AAS) winners for 2024. The AAS is a prestigious organization that annually recognizes outstanding new varieties of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that have proven their excellence through rigorous trials. Trial gardens were established throughout the United States and even as far north as Canada. New varieties, species or strains of annuals, vegetables and bedding plants are grown and evaluated based on their performance. Two vegetables and 5 flowers were chosen as national winners this year. Those selected as winners are outstanding plants and deserve a trial in your gardens as well.

Broccoli ‘Purple Magic F1’ takes center stage among the vegetable winners. With its striking purple hue and exceptional taste, this broccoli variety is a standout choice for home gardeners. This easy to grow variety is tolerant to heat and stress with tight uniform heads on 30-inch tall plants. Plants should be spaced about 2 feet apart and harvests can begin about 90 days after transplant. Beyond its visual appeal, ‘Purple Magic F1’ offers a nutritious addition to meals, providing both beauty and health benefits to your garden and table.

For those seeking a vibrant addition to their vegetable patch, sweet pepper ‘Red Impact’ is a true gem. ‘Red Impact’ is a Lamuyo type that are typically difficult to grow because of the long time it takes these large peppers to mature to red. The 7-inch long, sweet crispy fruits have thick skins and can be harvested red or green. Plants reach up to 3 feet in height and since there can be 10 to 15 peppers per plant, staking is recommended. The dark red, uniform fruits mature in 90 days from transplant. ‘Red Impact’ is resistant to a number of diseases including tobacco mosaic virus.

In the realm of flowers, ‘Burning Embers’ celosia captures attention with its vibrant pink blooms that contrast well with its striking pink veined bronze foliage. This well-branched, vibrantly colored celosia will add drama and flair to gardens and containers. The very long-lasting flowers hold up well through periods of heat and humidity. The 8 to 9-inch plants can be spaced a foot apart in garden beds and used as edging or massed in groups. No staking or deadheading is necessary. Blooming from late spring through frost, makes ‘Burning Embers’ a standout choice for those looking to infuse outdoor spaces with bold colors and distinctive shapes.

Celosia 'Burning Embers' — Celosia ‘Burning Embers’ from https://all-americaselections.org

Geranium lovers rejoice. ‘Big EEZE Pink Batik’ is a true show stopper with its large, eye-catching pink blooms that are streaked and spotted with darker pink markings in a batik-like pattern. Upright 18-inch plants are very floriferous with 4 to 5-inch flower clusters. Deadhead to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season. Plants do especially well in containers and are vigorous and heat tolerant.

Impatiens ‘Solarscape XL Pink Jewel’ lives up to its name offering an abundance of vibrant pink blooms that will add sparkle to any garden or container. The foot high plants spread out to almost 20 inches so give them room to grow. The single pink blossoms open to almost 3 inches across. Plants do great in containers or in the ground and no staking or deadheading is needed. ‘Solarscape XL Pink Jewel’ will do well in sun to part shade as long as regularly watered. Gardeners will be glad to know plants are resistant to impatiens downy mildew.

With its vibrant, fully double, golden blooms and compact growth habit, marigold ‘Siam Gold F1’ is a reliable choice for borders, edging, or as a cheerful addition to mixed plantings. The 3 to 4-inch blooms are held high and continue throughout until frost if deadheaded. Staking is not needed for the sturdy 20-inch-tall plants that are tolerant of heat, drought and rain. Use the flowers in arrangements to bring a golden glow indoors. Plants are easily started from seed directly sown in the garden after the last frost date or can be started 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date indoors. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions makes it a go-to option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet stunning floral displays.

The final national winner, Petchoa ‘En Viva Pink’, represents a unique and exciting addition to gardens and containers. This innovative hybrid combines the best qualities of petunias and calibrachoas, resulting in a plant that offers the best of both worlds. Plants are loaded with bright, iridescent pink, 2 to 3-inch, yellow-throated blossoms that stand up to heat, wind and rain. These plants require no staking or dead-heading and at 10 to 16-inches high and wide would be outstanding in hanging baskets, containers or cascading over garden edges.

The 2024 All America Selections national winners represent the pinnacle of horticultural achievement. As we embrace the gardening season ahead, let these national winners inspire and guide your choices for a flourishing and vibrant outdoor space. For your gardening questions, feel free to contact us, toll-free, at the UConn Home & Garden Education Center at (877) 486-6271, visit our website at www.homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu or contact your local Cooperative Extension center.

Planning Your Gardens Early and other January News

Posted on January 1, 2024April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

Planning your Gardens Early

Whether you're planning a vegetable garden, foundation planting, or otherwise, January can be a great time to sit down and start planning! Here are a few tips that are helpful.

Check out those seed catalogs!
- This is a great way to think spring during the coldest time of year! Be sure to look at catalogs from multiple vendors to get a complete picture of the varieties you're growing. A lot of plant growth data can be based on averages. Looking at multiple sources keeps you more informed!
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station provides a quality control test of vegetable seed every year! If you felt you had issues with a particular brand or variety they may have some data for you!

Get out your calendar and check your seed packets!
- Most seed companies recommend counting backwards from your last frost date. Instead, some find it easier to review your days to germination & days to maturity to create this timeline
- As a general rule of thumb, "days to maturity" for seeds started indoors, will mean the number of days your plant will take to mature after the transplant date. Using this knowledge and giving yourself a buffer for failed germination, you will be able to calculate when your plants will be ready for seeding and transplant into your gardens!

Review your notes!
- If you didn't do this in the fall, take some time to reflect on your previous growing season. Take stock of what plants performed well, and what you might skip next year to maximize space or increase yields

Get out the tracing paper!
- Sketch out your garden on a blank sheet of paper. Mark all the hardscape, pathways, and established plants. This will be your "foundation"
- Grab a sheet of tracing paper for each season. On each season's respective page draw ONLY the plants that are in place in that season.
  - For additional affect, color them the color that they bloom.
- You should only draw over plants that are annuals/replaced on a regular schedule.
  - For veggie gardeners this can help you plan crop rotations!
- Layer your 4 sheets on top of eachother in seasonal order to see the flow of your colors, shapes, or produce in the garden. This is a great way to make sure you have plants in flower/production for as long as possible!

Winter Sowing Native Seeds

Seed heads stored in paper bags. Photo by HZidack

At the 2023 UConn Pollinator & Native Plants Conference, Sarah Michel, a Community Ecologist with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County in Illinois shared her knowledge about sowing native seeds in the home landscape.

It turns out, saving the seeds of native plants is an easy, cost effective and family friendly way to create a native landscape in your yard! Seeding native plants in January and February can be a great way to save time and get out into the garden in those "off season" months.

While Sarah is from a different region with some different native plants, her tips on harvest, storage and sowing were invaluable! She also highlighted the importance of always harvesting seed ethically and respecting community and private spaces. To learn more about how to sow native yourself, see the links below.

Creating Brush Piles for Wildlife

Brush pile against natural stone wall. Photo by MW2023

Got extra brush? Why burn it when you can build a brush pile for wildlife. With more people being aware of the environmental effects of burning, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommends this rediscovered method. Brush piles not only help the environment, but they create cover for small birds, reptiles and mammals who may be facing limited habitat. This is a great way to provide protection from harsh winter conditions. To learn more about brush piles and how to build them, visit the link below.

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

Visit a greenhouse! The UConn Botanical Conservatory Greenhouse is open to the public Monday - Friday 8AM-4PM. The Greenhouses at Marsh Botanical Garden at Yale are also open to the public at this time of year!

January 13th - Life on the Webster Farm: Work Days. Visit the museum on select Saturdays every month from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and enjoy live demonstrations from our experienced team of museum educators. Each demonstration will focus on a unique aspect of early American work and play. Stop by and learn about the trades and activities of life on the Webster farm

Visit a local brewery, winery, or distillery. Many of these local businesses are still open at this time of year and offer entertainment options during the winter months like comedy shows, trivia nights, and even workshops to learn a new skill!

See butterflies up close! The Connecticut Science Center's Butterfly Encounter is open! Explore their all season butterfly habitat housing over 40 species of butterflies! If you're looking to take a day trip, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is in South Deerfield MA. This conservatory hatches and maintains its butterfly population year round as well.

Mark your calendars! The CT Flower & Garden Show will be Feb 22-25, 2024! We will be there and offering free soil pH testing at our booth! As long as the ground is still not frozen, we'll be able to process this for you at the show!

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

January 9th - CT Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference - Hosted by UConn Extension program. Spots are still available! Visit the link above for agenda and registration details.
January 24th - Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk - Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he leads you around the extensive hatchery grounds. This location often has many bird species wintering there, due to the open water conifer trees and dense shrub areas. Registration required. See link for details.
Multiple Dates in January - Owl Prowls - Join the CT Audubon Society for an evening walk to look for Owls in nature!
January 28th - Winter Ecology and Wildlife Tracking hike/snowshoe at Northwest Park Windsor, CT 1-3pm. Join naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director and co-founder of the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center on a winter ecology hike (or snowshoe) through Northwest Park. Participants will learn how to observe and identify wildlife tracks and patterns, signs of wildlife such as scent markings, scat and other wildlife activity that gives a glimpse into the lives of wildlife that stay active in winter. Along the way, participants will learn how to identify evergreen and deciduous trees in winter by bark, buds and branching patterns plus evergreen ferns and plants. Exploring the woods in winter provides an opportunity to understand how fauna and flora adapt to the cold. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Northwest Park. Registration required. See link above
Registration is now open for NOFA's Land Care Accreditation course to start Feb. 1st, 2024

January Gardening Tips

1. Start seeds of pansies, dusty miller, browallia, begonias, snapdragons, and delphiniums indoors under lights.

2. Inspect stored bulbs, tubers and corms for rot or infestation. Discard those showing signs of decay or insect damage.

3. Turn and prune houseplants regularly to keep them shapely. Pinch back new growth to promote bushy plants.

4. When placing your seed and plant orders keep in mind that many seeds have improved insect and/or disease resistance. Watch also for drought-tolerant types. Our fact sheet Vegetable Garden: Basics and Plant Selection has some useful suggestions.

5. At month's end, start seeds of onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower indoors under lights.

6. Avoid using salt to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks which may end up on the lawn, when possible use sand or kitty litter. This will help prevent salt damage to plant roots.

7. Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm. Use a broom in an upward, sweeping motion. Serious damage may be caused by heavy snow or ice accumulating on the branches.

8. When you are finished with holiday evergreen boughs, use them to mulch tender perennials and shrubs.

9. Use wood ashes from the fireplace as a good source of potash. Keep in mind the pH of wood ashes is 11 so only use them on areas where the pH needs to be raised.

10.Clean bird feeders and baths regularly to avoid the spread of avian diseases. Disinfect feeders and baths monthly.

Looking back on 2023 and Other December News

Posted on December 1, 2023April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

Flooding
This could have been the year of the fish, with many rainfall events that had inches of rain at a time. The Connecticut River flooded and acres of crops were taken out by standing water. Once edible crops have been flooded by rivers, crops are not suitable for human consumption, and farmers without insurance for this type of event suffer economically. To avoid compaction, gardens and lawns should not be worked in or walked on until surface water has infiltrated into the ground or evaporated from the soil surface. Vegetable gardens affected by floodwater generally have other issues, especially those concerning food safety.

Rime Ice Events in Parts of Connecticut
Rime ice forms quickly when the moisture contained in a winter fog freezes onto an object having colder temperatures. As more moisture droplets from the fog contact these freezing surfaces, this ice can build up, sometimes appearing as feathery frosting rather than as a clear ice. If foggy conditions continue over a few days, rime ice can build up and get heavy, which it did in some areas of Connecticut. When the sun comes out, rime ice can melt quickly.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires hanging over Vernon, CT in the summer of 2023.

Canadian Wildfires and Ashy Skies

Many perennials that were starting growth spurts in the spring were affected by weeks of hazy skies in May and June caused by wildfire ash from Canadian wildfires mingled with extended cloudy days. Many perennials were noticeably taller than normal as they reached upward for some sun and had difficulty finding adequate amounts of light for lengthy periods. Next year height of plants should be normal. Image is from Vernon, Ct.

Did your Lilacs lose their leaves this year?

Older lilacs that had not been pruned regularly to allow foliage to dry out better may have been affected by a fungal pathogen of a Pseudocercospora spp. Leaves may have turned brown and fallen by the end of summer. If this happened to your lilacs, make sure to remove the leaves from the ground and discard them. Prune if needed to allow better air circulation. With all the rain and humidity this year, lilacs may still have been infected, but next year may be drier with less incidences of this leaf disease.

Christmas Tree Recycling?

Many homes across the country will be celebrating Christmas this year with a live tree. Environmentally conscious gardeners may be wondering if there are other uses for it besides putting it on the street for the town to pick up. "Old" Christmas trees and holiday greens can be used as a shelter and food source for wildlife, compostable organic material, or wood chips. Always remember to remove any wire or decorations from trees and greens before recycling them.

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

The UConn Horticulture Club will be selling poinsettias and a collection of rosemary plants shaped and decorated like miniature Christmas trees. The sale will be on Monday (12/4), Wednesday (12/6), and Friday (12/8) from 2-5 pm each day, in the Floriculture building.
It's a great time of year for craft fairs and festive shopping! Check your with your local recreation department for events like Holidays on Main in Wethersfield, CT or the Winter Festival at the Woodstock Fairgrounds.
Winterfest Hartford is an opportunity to go ice skating in Bushnell Park! They host free events, including free skating lessons and visits with Santa through the month of December.
Twilight Tours at Osbourne Homestead Museum - Museum volunteers transform this historic museum into a festive, holiday showcase!
Holiday Light Festival & Market in Hartford, CT - Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market and daily live entertainment.
Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum takes guests on an evening trolley ride along with carols and other festivities.
Visit the Lobster Trap Tree in Stonington, CT - This is the third annual event honoring the rich fishing history in the town of Stonington. Artists paint buoys to hang from the lit tree of lobster traps - quite a sight to see!
Go Snow tubing, skiing or visit the artisan market at Powder Ridge's Lifted Spirits event in Middlefield, CT
Celebrate Hanukkah by participating in a community Menorah Lighting
Wood Library 13^th Annual Gingerbread House Festival is one of the largest gingerbread festivals in our region- features replications of historical buildings and other structures. Opens the day after Thanksgiving- December 17^th.

Christmas Bird Count- participate in the annual bird count in your area this year. The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season. Join in the count or sign up to see the results of this annual Christmas season bird species count.

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

Learn to make a Christmas Themed Charcuterie Board with Preston Ridge Vineyard in Preston, CT
Learn to make a holiday boxwood tree! Our Kids Farm in Canterbury, CT and Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (LEAF) in Southington, CT are just a couple of many local businesses in the state hosting these build your own boxwood tree events. Check with local small farms, florists and other associations for workshops like this.
Webinar: Humanity for Habitat hosted by the Ecological Landscape Alliance
The CT Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Conference is coming back this January. Early Bird Registration ends December 20th, 2023

Master Gardener Calendar Sale

The UConn Master Gardeners have assembled a calendar for Connecticut gardeners! There are tips through every month on how to plan and maintain your garden for fresh blooms and abundant vegetables. This year there is additional information on supporting beneficial insects in the landscape, with tips on using integrated pest management, creating habitat for beneficials, and starting native plants by seed in the winter. All photos were submitted by local gardeners and selected by MG Volunteers during a statewide photo contest. This makes a great holiday gift for the gardener on your list!

December Gardening Tips

Rotate windowsill plants a quarter turn each week to give all branches equal exposure to the winter sun.
Holiday plants, including amaryllis, mistletoe, and yew are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a problem.
Reduced light during the winter can cause houseplants to become dormant. Be careful not to overwater them during this time although they may need to be watered more often when the heating system is on.
Harvest any leeks and root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips that are still in the garden
Mark perennials and bulbs before they become covered in snow to help you identify plants in early spring.
Avoid using salt to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks which may end up on the lawn, when possible, use sand or kitty litter. This will help prevent salt damage to plant roots.
Tap the evergreen branches gently to remove snow and ice to prevent the branches from breaking.
Be sure to keep bird feeders stocked with seed and suet for the winter months.
If you have friends or family that like to garden, think of gardening gifts for the holidays. Books, gloves, hand tools, weather instruments, and fancy pots are some fun ideas to consider.
Turn compost piles one more time before they freeze for the winter.

Why Your Lilacs Flowered & Other November News

Posted on November 1, 2023April 16, 2025 by Zidack, Heather

Fall Lilac Bloom?

This fall many lilacs have bloomed for the second time this season. Stress factors such as heat, drought or the loss of most of the plant’s leaves can have a lot to do with spring blooming plants that become remontant (flowering out of season). This year a major stress to some lilacs was severe defoliation caused by a fungal pathogen known as Pseudocercospora. Infected leaves should be raked up and discarded to avoid the winter survival of the spores, which could cause re-infection next year if conditions are right. Plants should recover, and some flower buds may remain for bloom next spring.

Lilac Re-Bloom in Fall

November is a Good Time to Tie Climbing & Rambling Roses

Now is a good time to train climbing or rambling roses. Young canes are easy to tie due to their flexibility. In addition, tying them in the fall adds support and protects them from damaging winter winds. Canes can be tied to fences, posts or use a straining wire to create a support anywhere in your garden.

How to Train your Roses

After the Turkey, Hunt for the Tree

The holiday season is quickly approaching us! Many Connecticut families prepare to get their Christmas trees and holiday greens as early as Black Friday.

Finding the right species of tree can help you achieve your holiday decorating aesthetic and home needs. Consider not only the overall look of the tree, but also the sturdiness of the branches and texture of the needles. The classic Frasier Fir will have dense, compact needles, sturdy branches for hanging heavier ornaments and that unforgettable evergreen smell!

The Douglas fir will have softer needles and a brighter green color than its counterpart but be advised that lighter ornaments are best for this type of tree. The Concolor Fir has a more open and softer needle structure that creates a bushier look overall with a blueish tint. Keeping with the blue trend, Blue Spruce has a similar structure and sturdiness to the Frasier Fir, but with a silvery blueish hue. Lastly, white pine will have the fluffiest look of the trees and will again need lighter ornaments to hold up to the holiday season.

There are many other species of Christmas trees available to homeowners who love a fresh tree for their holiday festivities. No matter what type of tree you select, check out these tips from the CT Christmas Tree Growers Association to help you select and keep a healthy tree all season long!

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’

This late-blooming perennial is an ideal addition to the landscape for a bloom that can last from September into late October. Bees that are active late in the season will benefit from these late flowers. Related to the Joe-pye weeds, this plant likes moist soil and full sun to part shade for optimum flowering. It does tolerate drier conditions. Common Name: Chocolate Snakeroot, Joe-Pye Weed

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’

American Oil Beetles

American oil beetles are a member of the beetle family Melòidae, the blister beetles. These blister beetles cannot fly, and they are often seen crawling over lawns and on roads and sidewalks in October as they look for a suitable place to spend the winter. They are sometimes pests of vegetables and some perennials. Above, left, an oil beetle on parsley. Blister beetles may release a chemical when alarmed that can cause skin to blister. Oil beetle larvae are parasitoids of certain solitary ground-nesting bees. Adults eat plant material.

American Oil Beetle

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly! Here’s November’s Highlights:

Fall for Composting!

Incredible New Houseplant Varieties

Fall Cleanup Provides an Opportunity for Dazzling Dried Bouquets!

All About Pumpkins: Celebrating Fall’s Most Festive Fruit

Upcoming Events & Things to Do

Take a Fall Foliage Drive – These self-guided, drivable tours of the fall foliage are a fantastic way to take in the local autumn colors. They even recommend stops along the way!
Wine & Design: Craft your Thanksgiving Centerpiece – Create your own seasonal centerpiece using a selection of fresh-cut flowers and accent pieces curated by Amy Sapirstein of Eye Candy Florals. Registration required.
Mattabasett Trail – Located near Middlefield, CT. There are spectacular views even in November as oaks should be in full fall foliage color.
Consider buying local produce, baked goods, turkeys and other goodies for your Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve found a few to get you started:

Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm in Sterling

Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury

Red Barn Creamery in Mansfield

Gozzi’s Turkey Farm Guilford

Clark’s Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard in Granby

Silverman’s Farm in Easton

Manchester Road Race – Take part as a runner in the 43rd Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day or enjoy as a spectator along the route!

Holiday Light Festival & Market – Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market and daily live entertainment.

1881 Series featuring UConn Brewing Innovation & Student Brewed Can Release – Join us at Kinsmen Brewing Co. to help us launch UConn Brewing Innovation, including a collaborative brewing effort with UConn students and great breweries in Connecticut, with our goal of growing our impact on the Connecticut brewing scene

Educational Opportunities & Workshops

The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants – This national webinar will be held November 16th at 6:00PM. Authors Neil Diboll & Hilary Cox will discuss their book, The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants
James L. Goodwin State Forest letterboxing program – registration is required for this program which will take place on November 20, 2023 at the James L. Goodwin State Forest in Hampton.
Winter Birds – Gain an understanding of birds that spend the winter in Connecticut. Learn how to identify by recognizing characteristics and behaviors. We will walk the habitats in search of species and end at the center’s feeding stations. Wrap up by making a simple feeder to take home with you by repurposing a plastic bottle. Registration is required.

Information and Registration at https://www.cfba.org

Information and Registration at s.uconn.edu/winter-riding

November Gardening Tips

It’s your last chance to plant bulbs in the first week of November.

Be sure not to store apples or pears with vegetables. The fruits give off ethylene gas which speeds up the breakdown of vegetables and will cause them to develop a strange taste.

Cut back most perennials to 3-4 inches, but ornamental grasses can be left to provide winter interest.

Asian lady beetles, Western Conifer Seed Bugs and Brown marmorated stink bugs may enter the home to overwinter. Use weather stripping or caulking to keep them out.

Continue to thoroughly water trees, shrubs, planting beds, lawn areas and recently planted evergreens until a hard frost. Plants should go into the winter well-water.

Be persistent in collecting leaves that fall late as it will make cleanup in the spring much easier.

Keep mowing your lawn as long as the grass is growing. Meadow voles and field mice will damage turf and nearby trees and shrubs if they have long grass for food and cover.

Clay and ceramic pots can crack over the winter if they fill with rain or melted snow that subsequently freezes and expands. Empty pots and place them upside down under a tarp or store them in a shed or the garage

Drain Garden hoses and store in a shed, garage, or basement for the winter. Turn off all outside faucets.

Pull stakes and plant supports. Clean them with a 10% bleach solution before storing them for the winter.

Bonus Tip: Ornamental grasses can be cut back for the winter or left as they are if winter interest is desired. The tall grasses are a suitable place for birds to find shelter during the winter.

More November Gardening Tips

Notice something going on in your garden? The UCONN Plant Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses plant problems including diseases, insect pests and abiotic causes. Submitting a sample is easy! For details, visit the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory

Have Your Soil Tested for Macro- & Micronutrients: Send your soil sample in for testing now to avoid the spring rush. For details on submitting a sample, go to the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights in the Garden

Diaperis maculata Olivier fungus beetles on Phlebiopsis crassa fungus on a decaying log

See something cool in your garden? Send your pictures to us at ladybug@uconn.edu with subject line “Newsletter Photo” and a brief caption to be considered for next month’s highlight!

Before We Go…

Did you know…The USDA estimated that more than 46 million Turkeys were eaten across the United States on Thanksgiving last year!

UConn Extension offers food safety guidance for home cooks all year; but the holidays are a suitable time to review your home practices to ensure safe preparation, cooking and storage of leftovers through the holiday season.

This Month’s Newsletter Contributors:
Pamm Cooper, Dr. Nick Goltz, Dawn Pettinelli, Marie Woodward, Heather Zidack

Fall Garden Care Means a More Bountiful Season Next Year

Posted on October 30, 2023March 25, 2024 by Zidack, Heather

Ask UConn Extension: Fall Garden Care Means a More Bountiful Season Next Year

UConn Today – Dawn Pettinelli offers advice on fall gardening chores to ensure a strong start to your spring season!

Phone:	(877) 486-6271
E-mail:	ladybug@uconn.edu
Address:	1380 Storrs Road, Unit 4115 Storrs, CT 06269-4115
More:	Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Chocolates for Your Valentine!

What’s the Buzz About Cicadas in 2024?

Native Plant Highlight: Red Columbine

Wildlife Highlight: Brandt Goose

February 2024 Weather Outlook

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

February Gardening Tips

The Master Gardener program is selling garden journals and calendars as a fundraiser and they still have some left! Order yours while there's still availability!

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights

Happy New Year!

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center is here to help you make all those gardening resolutions a success!

Planning your Gardens Early

Winter Sowing Native Seeds

Creating Brush Piles for Wildlife

2024 Perennial of the Year

January 2024 Weather Outlook

Knowledge to Grow On

Read our Ladybug blogs written weekly

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

January Gardening Tips

We Want to Hear From You!

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights

Before We Go...

Looking Back at 2023

The USDA Updates Their Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Christmas Tree Recycling?

Holiday Food Safety Tips

Knowledge to Grow On

Upcoming Events and Things to Do

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

December Gardening Tips

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights

Before We Go...

Fall Lilac Bloom?

November is a Good Time to Tie Climbing & Rambling Roses

After the Turkey, Hunt for the Tree

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’

American Oil Beetles

Knowledge to Grow On

Upcoming Events & Things to Do

Educational Opportunities & Workshops

November Gardening Tips

Photo Op: Fascinating Sights in the Garden

Diaperis maculata Olivier fungus beetles on Phlebiopsis crassa fungus on a decaying log

Before We Go…