Dirt Therapy

My season at Yard n' Garden Land has not started yet but I did work yesterday to help out in anticipation of a busy day. Nice weather was predicted and there were a lot of customers who were attending a rose seminar.  The greenhouse was beautiful (Kellie does such a great job with displays) and seeing all the colors and blooms gives a great energy boost this time of year. One entire side of the greenhouse is roses although they will be moved outside in a few weeks. This photo was taken before the rose seminar was over and lots were sold following that - There are many new pots and I'm told that more are on the way. Hopefully, more bird baths and water features too - So many camellias! This is 'Yume' and I wish I had a spot for this one. It is gorgeous! - And many hellebores as well - And, if there was room, I would plant a paperbush ( Edgeworthia ) -  And stepping outside to the trees and shrubs, the area where I work - Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Crocus Cyclamen coum Hellebore 'Merlin' Snowdrop Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

The Ultimate Wildlife Habitat Garden by Stacy Tornio Timber Press, 2024 This colorful guide is a good introduction for beginning gardeners who want to attract wildlife. The focus is on four major groups - birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. There is also an additional chapter on "Other Wildlife" which offers brief notes on attracting dragonflies, spiders, amphibians, reptiles, earthworms, etc. It even mentions squirrels and rabbits, but my question is - who would want these in the garden?!! Each section begins with profiles of the major players with a description, photo and list of statistical information such as physical characteristics, nesting habits, diet and range. This is followed by a section of plants that are beneficial. The plants include trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. A section titled "Show Me How to Plan a Garden" features five or six plants with an illustration to use in whatever type of garden you are making (shade, drought-tolerant, so...

After months of inactivity, it seems like the "to do" list of chores in the garden is overwhelming. Most of this revolves around pruning. In the past, I've not been good at cutting plants back and I learned in my last garden that it is a mistake to just let everything grow unchecked. I'm much better now but I lack the ability to look at a plant and intuitively know where to make cuts or how to shape it. Michael is a master at this (I think it stems from him being a hairdresser) and he has shaped many of our trees beautifully. I need guidance so I am continually referring to books and YouTube videos. Here is my stash of pruning books - When approaching a plant to prune, I consult every one of these books and compare notes. The American Horticultural Society book is the most detailed although I sometimes find it confusing and hard to follow. A co-worker turned me on to Cass Turnbull and her book is humorous and down-to-earth but she doesn't cover every plant.  I...

We get so much pleasure out of watching our bird visitors that we can overlook the mess they make on the deck. House finch and Goldfinch  This feeder pictured above is the favorite and I was disappointed when I could not find another one. You can see this one has been repaired. The top portion holds larger seeds and the bottom part holds small seeds like nyjer. The top part simply unscrews. It is so easy to fill and the birds love it. I got this feeder free as a product to review but it is no longer available and I have not seen any similar ones. The heated bird bath is another favorite and it is a lifesaver in freezing temperatures. Downy Woodpecker After having our suet feeders rapidly depleted by starlings and squirrels, I purchased one of these suet feeders that have cages around them. They still get into it but not nearly as much as before. The Downy Woodpecker loves the suet as does... Bushtit The Bushtits! I love these guys but I admit this can be a disconcerting sight. They...