Blog

Don’t be fooled by the adorable periwinkle flowers and evergreen leaves. Vinca is EVIL. I let it fester in my yard for too long, but I have finally choked out this invasive plant. Since vinca is more attractive, less invasive, and still sold in some stores, it finds its way into the yards of unsuspecting … Read more

When you find snails or slugs in the garden and they’ve started demolishing your plants, you might be willing to do just about anything to get rid of these pests. For many people the first thought is to pick up a commercial snail repellent or the first slug-killing concoction you can find at your local … Read more

For a tropical look, even in cold climates, add rose of Sharon to your yard. This hardy flowering shrub has showy flowers that bloom from midsummer into fall, when most other shrubs are finished for the season. Rose of Sharon is easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, rose of … Read more

Butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp) are beloved ornamental shrubs, prized for their gracefully arching branches covered in long, attractive flower spikes Their blooms draw in butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making them star performers in the late summer garden. However, if your butterfly bush leaves start looking yellow and lackluster instead of green and healthy, something … Read more

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost back-to-school season! This busy time of year for many families is also a crucial season for caring for your lawn. The Green Care team will soon be tackling many important lawn care tasks for our clients. From N fertilizer and lime applications to core aerations, there is much … Read more

Planting bulbs is a great way to add color and interest to your garden in Oregon. With our mild winters and wet springs, bulbs do very well here. Knowing when to plant them is key to success. This article will go over the best planting times for spring summer and fall bulbs in Oregon. Spring … Read more

Ornamental grasses have never been so popular…and for good reason.They have attractive summer foliage that dances in the wind and often persists, after changing color, through the autumn and even the winter. Plus many have feathery flowerheads that are just as long-lasting. They can create islands, hedges or screens in the garden or simply fit … Read more

I have been building conservatories for almost 25 years, and still most of my friends have no idea what I do. They call them “greenhouses,” “sunrooms,” “sun porches,” “garden rooms,” “gazebos,” and for those with a bit of imagination; “gazebotoriums!” One of our customers once told us, “If I ever build another house, it will … Read more

This is part of my monthly series about small fruits that can be grown sustainably in a mid-Atlantic climate or similar. I cover planting, pruning, harvesting and care of the plants, according to the season. I’ll give links to useful publications. We have a focus fruit, and then more about others that need attention during … Read more

Apple scab is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis. It infects crabapples and apples (Malus spp.), mountain ash (Sorbus spp.), pear (Pyrus communis) and Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.). Seeing brown leaves on your apple tree can be worrying But don’t panic – brown leaves are common and usually easy to treat. This comprehensive guide explores all … Read more