Hello Fellow Gardeners,

Fall bulbs are in full bloom right now! This is your last chance before winter to enjoy the lovely colors, scents, and general joy that flowers bring! Here we will take you on a picture tour of some fall flowers that are blooming in public gardens around my area. Enjoy while you can!

Some Crocus peak out through lovely leaves…

Gladiolus provide rich and bright colors to a fall garden! These are a great addition because they continue to bloom right until the first frost, allowing you maximum enjoyment!

Bee Balm and Alyssum planted together can provide nice contrast and visual appeal to a fall garden…

Black-Eyed Susans are an old favorite that just happen to grow wild in my area!

A bird bath and a wreath of Marigolds is both striking and beautiful!

A dramatic river of perennial sunflowers…

You know me! I can’t resist roses! Here is a lovely antique rose from my own garden…

To add some drama to your garden, try mixing textures! Rocks are plentiful in this area, are free (yes free!), and can be quite beautiful with flowers planted in their various nooks and crannies!

Don’t forget a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Happy Gardening,

Marie Suzanne

Hello Fellow Gardeners,

Although this year’s gardening season wasn’t without it’s worries (such as the drought we dealt with for two months) its still sad to see the season come to an end. Luckily, you don’t have to go cold turkey! Here we will share some ways to keep in touch with your favorite past time during the long cold winter! Want even more ideas? Check out Winter Gardening 101 Part 1!

Join a Garden Club!

A garden club is a fun way to learn about what’s new in the world of gardening! You can find out about new plants, get ideas for your own garden, share tips and tricks, exchange plants and seeds, get help with those monstrous Spring chores, and more! In the summer you can visit each other’s gardens, but for now just sit back, relax, and enjoy a bit of garden gossip!

Check Out: 10 Great Reasons to Start a Garden Club

Order Your Plants!

In January, websites start selling new plants that they will ship to you in the Spring. New varieties go fast and tend to be fairly expensive depending on the plant. Don’t have an unlimited budget? Try some different versions of the plants you love– if they are not brand new varieties, the price is generally much more reasonable! Also, don’t forget to check if you can get a clipping from a friend for free!

Start Seeds!

If you just can’t wait to get your hands dirty, try starting seeds! The cold months of January, February and March are the perfect time to start seeds indoors for your Spring garden! You can save money, get more varieties, and have the pride of growing a big beautiful plant from a tiny seed! Some equipment is required of course, but seed starting is a great way to get a head start on Spring!

Check Out: Seed Starting 101 Part 1, and Part 2

Get Organized!

We learn something new everyday! However, you’d be surprised how much you will forget before Spring comes! If you have ideas, tricks, tips, or other sound advice, write them down! It really helps to keep a garden journal filled with pictures, plant seed packets, and any information that you find useful (such as ways to combat plant diseases, pesky animals, and more). Also write down chores you plan on doing in the Spring such as transplanting certain plants, fertilizing a bed, or digging up a clump of something for a friend! In Spring you’ll be glad you took the time to take note!

Shop the Sales!

In Fall and Winter you can find all sorts of great garden deals online! That expensive trellis, harbor, or other gardening gear you’ve been coveting may be within reach out of season! The perfect garden decorations, pots, fences, and more can be found if you just take time to look around! Just make sure you have enough storage space and don’t spend your entire Spring garden budget (I speak from experience!).

Coming Soon to the Daily Weeder: Seed collecting, rocks in the garden, and more ways to garden during the winter!

Enjoy the beautiful color Fall brings!

Happy Gardening,

Marie Suzanne

Hello Fellow Gardeners,

As the leaves turn, the temperatures drop, and we check off our list of garden chores, it hits you—winter is coming. Sigh. Soon your colorful blossoms and grass will be replaced with snow, your Maples will be leafless, and the warm sunshine replaced with cold cloudy days. For gardeners, this is a very big deal, because it means saying goodbye for 4-6 months to our number one hobby. However, there is good news! There are lots of ways to keep in touch with your garden during the long cold winter months! And none of them require weeding (oh darn!)! Here are some tips to help you garden during the winter…

Watch a Garden Video!

I use gardening videos to gain inspiration and information! Taking a tour of a garden in California, England, or another part of the world will give you ideas for your own garden! You can learn about new plants, find new ideas for garden ornaments and layouts, and just generally luxuriate in the colorful flowers and beautiful gardens!

There are plenty of videos to choose from, many from England (which tend to be my favorites due to the heavy rose factor), but before you spend your hard earned money, make sure to check out your local library to find a few to view for free!

Plan Your Spring Garden!

Just because you can’t go out and start rototilling right away, doesn’t mean you can’t plan where you want your new garden! First, figure out the shape and size on some graph paper (for inspiration check out BHG’s free garden plans). Next, plan what you want to plant and where (don’t forget to check bloom dates and plant needs!). Finally make a list of the things you’re going to need to get it done (fertilizer, landscape fabric, ornaments, and more). In the Spring you’ll be ready to go!

Save and Recycle!

As you all know, many items we use in the house can be recycled in the garden. However, you often run out and end up having to buy expensive products that do the same thing! That is why, during the winter I like to save mushroom containers (they make great containers for seed starting), newspapers (for fighting weeds), and milk jugs (to help water my garden).
I simply clear a spot to store them in the basement, and when the Spring comes I have a good stockpile to help me get Spring chores done!

For more ideas check out two of my previous articles: Save the Environment and Save Money Part 1, and Part 2.

Visit a Public Garden!

Many of us escape the cold for a week or two by taking a trip to a sunny destination! Instead of getting caught in the tourist traps, try visiting some gardens, greenhouses, and estates open to the public! Often these places are free or extremely inexpensive, so its a good way to save a little money. Its likely most of the plants will not be able to be grown in our cold climates, but many times you can find cold weather versions and lookalikes. Also you get your gardening fix for a few more months!
Check out our article: 10 Tips for visiting a public garden!

Become a Master Gardener!

Master gardener classes are often offered in the winter. Not only will you be considered a master in your field (and can make your significant other bow to your infinite wisdom in all things gardening) but you will learn a lot of useful information that will help you avoid costly mistakes and fix problems in your own garden. Check out your County Extension office to see when classes are offered!

There are more ways to garden during the winter coming soon to a Daily Weeder near you! Keep your computer tuned to this website for more great gardening tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration!

Happy Gardening,
Marie Suzanne