My garden in south central Virginia is reaching its peak, with abundant fresh, organic vegetables ready to pick each day. I’ve got a drawer full of peppers waiting for another afternoon of canning, creating delicious garlic sweet-pickled peppers that we … 
By Carole Corlew While visiting down home this summer, I spotted my future signature soaring from the earth near some outbuildings at my sister’s house. She didn’t know the name of the lavender-pink blooms that had popped up every year …
Although I have been gardening for many years, it is still a thrill to find a surprise when I to to the garden. Yes, the seeds germinating and the flowers blooming are wonderful, but I am talking about the natural …
Here in the southeastern United States, it’s crepe myrtle time, and everywhere these gorgeous trees blaze with shades of burgundy, lilac and white. In my small town in Virginia, they are grown as sidewalk trees. Near the bank, several large …
Some of you may have read my Pink Pepper Patch post. (If you didn’t, you can read it here.) There’s a cutesy story behind that title. You’ll just have to click over and read the other post to find out, …
by Janet Clark Fall is a good time to plant a new tree. The extreme heat of summer is past and rains are usually plentiful. While you’re better off planting some varieties in the spring, most trees will do well …
“There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.” – Mirabel Osler It’s a dirty job. I sweat. My back aches. Muscles get …
The hummingbirds are here. My friend’s son Jack saw them first, then I spotted them a few days later. At first, the thing that lured them to my new place was a surprise to me. But really it shouldn’t have …
This year’s weather has been so strange. We often get days of extreme heat, followed by intermittent rain showers. The first rule of thumb in my gardens is never to touch the plants when they are wet. So you can …
Is it just me, or has it been super hot this year?! There’s nothing like being out in the hot sun trying to tend those precious veggies or flowers and finding yourself so drained, so thirsty. I have the answer: …
