Category: Compost

Groundcovers Are Great!

There are lots of locations in a landscape where turf and large trees just won’t grow well – too much shade, steep slopes and narrow spaces are just a few. Installing groundcovers might be the solution to some of these challenges. Of course, they’re not maintenance free, but considering the various options of better adapted plants can improve the appearance and function of the site.

2025 Gardening Resolutions

Since January in the Midwest is usually not all that favorable for outdoor activities, we can grab the trowel by the handle and think ahead and backwards. Asking the question, “what didn’t go so well last year?” is a good one to springboard forward, or to borrow from the world of personal finance or fitness, to make new gardening resolutions.

Suddenly Sun

Following extreme windstorms, many homeowners find themselves dealing with the “Suddenly Sun Syndrome” or SSS. What’s that? SSS is an influence on the landscape in which lawns, flowers, shrubs and small trees that used to be shaded by trees are now in greater sunlight exposure because they were significantly thinned by Mother Nature or were removed for safety reasons.

Gardening in Shade

Shaded areas in the landscape may be difficult areas to grow turfgrass and vegetables, but offer an opportunity for a shade garden. Success in shade gardening is heavily influenced by plant selection and site preparation.

Pansies & Violas – Great for Early Spring!

If you’re anxious to see some early color in the landscape, and your tulips and hyacinths aren’t up and blooming yet, think about a pot of pansies. Pansies and violas work great for scratching the itch, both in ground beds and container gardens.

Turn the Compost Pile

Turn over a new leaf. One good turn deserves another. A turn for the worse. Turn the page. Turn the beat around. Turn to stone. Wait your turn. All common phrases or songs that have found their way into our vernacular. Turning applies to gardening too. About once a month you should turn the compost pile. Once a week would be better, but let’s be realistic.

Tree Leaves – Are They Treasure or Trash?

The old saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. It was never more true than with tree leaves. Soon they will be raining down (if they haven’t already) and you can cast your vote. Perhaps a case can be made for both perspectives.

Should you Aerate?

Throughout the growing season, lawn enthusiasts (and lawn worriers too!) tend to focus their thoughts to mowing, fertilizing and controlling weeds. Often, aeration comes up in conversations between neighbors as a point of concern as well as what is it and do we want it or not?

Lawn Fertilizer and Pest Control Products in 2022

The past 22 months have brought a tremendous burden to the U.S. and other countries around the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the unforeseen issues is the spillover effects that the supply chain problems and worker shortages have had on the lawn and landscape industries.