It's February — time for the annual collection of seed catalogs to pile into my mailbox and onto my desk, coffee table, dining room, kitchen...everywhere! You can save money by growing your own plants. In addition, you can choose from hundreds of varieties compared to just a few at the garden center. It's comforting to know that your food came from your own yard. Starting seeds and harvesting plants with family and friends can be rewarding. The anticipation is half the fun! Warning: witnessing the miracle of plant growth is contagious! When I started out growing seeds years ago, I purchased a…

"Garden as if life depends on it!" Doug Tallamy's words will echo in my mind always. If we garden with this in mind, we'll make better plant selections that help foster wildlife. Tallamy, The University of Delaware Professor and author, has been conducting research that shows that the higher the percentage of native plants, the greater the number of native nesting birds, butterflies and moths. Gardens with more exotic plants (Asian, European, etc.) had far fewer native nesting birds and butterflies. When native plants disappear, insects disappear, and so do the birds and other wildlife that …

I've been gardening for nearly twenty years. Throughout the years, I've grown many plants and purchased numerous gardening products. Here are some tips to help you save time and money this gardening season. Purchasing plants can be expensive. As you search for plant bargains this year, there are a few things to keep in mind.  When shopping for plants stick to the nurseries that have knowledgeable horticulturalists around to answer your questions, if you are a novice. These nurseries want to keep their customers satisfied and they want to see them return throughout the season. Perennials are …