I'm A Garden Meemaw! There is a special moment in a gardener's life when your kids ask for garden advice for the first time. I’m a Garden Meemaw!
As a parent, there are milestone moments in your children’s lives that let you know you’re on the right path and doing a decent job. When they learn to walk and talk or begin to notice the words on pages of the picture books you read to them at night. When you overhear them give a friend advice that you dolled out to them just a few weeks before. When they move into their first apartment and recreate a favorite meal they grew up eating at home.
But last spring, the greatest of all great milestones happened. My 20-year-old, who attends college ten hours away, called to chat.
“I have big news,” they said. “I want to plant a garden. Will you help me?” You know that scene in the movie where the Grinch’s heart swells seven sizes bigger than before, and his eyes become little hearts like he was watching the stray dog commercial narrated by Sarah McLachlan? That was me! My heart swelled up with pride and love like a cartoon. My eyes went all googly and misty, and I can’t say for sure, but I may have blacked out from sheer joy for a second or two.
When I returned to my body, we discussed the pros and cons of building a small, raised-bed garden, which was the first choice. I reminded my child that they lived in a rental on a college student budget. A raised bed might have to wait until they had a place of their own because it’s semi-permanent and more expensive. Finally, they decided to start with various pots and planters instead and headed off to the hardware store.
Garden questions galore
Over the next week, I received a flurry of excited texts, calls, and Facetimes that went
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Horse manure makes an extremely good soil improver for the garden. Often combined with stable bedding and allowed to rot down for a couple of years, horse manure is perfect for digging into planting holes or spreading onto the surface of bare soil. Fresh manure mustn’t be used directly on the garden as it can actually remove nutrients from the soil and scorch plants, but it can be added to compost heaps.
Fall is a great time for garden chores. This is the time to clean up before winter, protect vulnerable plants, and wind down the growing season. This isn’t the right time for all tasks, though. Know what to do with your garden in the fall and what not to do — for instance, what plants should not be cut back in the fall — to best prepare it for next year.
Take a tour of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and discover a meeting ground of natural beauty, expert design, and horticultural excellence. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of coastal Maine, this garden offers a symphony of colors, fragrances, and serene vistas that will surely captivate any nature enthusiast. In this video, director of horticulture (and frequent Fine Gardening contributing writer) Andy Brand takes us on a journey through three of his favorite gardens and gives insights as to what makes them unique. This tour barely scratches the surface of what CMBG has to offer, however, with its more than 300 acres and 16 unique gardens connected by well-maintained paths and trails. You can spend days at the garden and still find something new.
Explore the aromatic world of mint with these 11 Fragrant Mint Varieties for Herb Garden. Each mint type boasts a unique scent, from refreshing peppermint to chocolatey notes and citrusy hints. Learn how to cultivate these delightful herbs and elevate your culinary creations.
If, like the plants, you’re starting to feel the chills of winter, here are some of the best glasshouses and hot houses you can visit using our 2-for-1 Gardens card.
If you’re in search of easy-growing, yet visually stunning blooms, these White and Purple Calla Lily Varieties are your best fit. Not only do they bring a unique blend of sophistication and vibrancy, but thrive with minimal fuss too. Pick the best for your garden!
There are many mint varieties famous for their refreshing taste. These different Types of Mint offer a diverse range of flavors and scents, making them a fascinating subject of exploration. In this article, you will delve into the captivating world of many forms of this amazing herb.
Multiseason Garden Bed with Hesse Cotoneaster Get fall garden interest that lasts into winter with this easy-care plant combination featuring a Hesse cotoneaster shrub. Fall into winter with multiseason plants
When the sun is shining, the garden is the place to be. Gardening with kids is a great way to get them outside and learning about the natural world. However, if your kids would rather spend time with a screen than a garden spade, it can be a struggle to get them outdoors. Luckily, there are plenty of kids’ garden toys to make being outdoors more fun – from toys they can play with by themselves to games for the whole family to enjoy.
Today we’re visiting with Rachel, a gardener and artist living in Elgin, Illinois (Zone 5b). She moved in 2022 to 1.5 acres and is in the process of designing and planting a fabulous front garden. She’s also diving into forest restoration for the back half-acre—making it beautiful for wildlife and her kiddos.