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Are you a snowbird, or do you like to hit the road the second summer weather hits? No matter what season you prefer to travel, there is likely a public garden that would make an excellent addition to your getaway. If you find yourself traveling to the eastern shores of Canada this summer, Gloria Timmons from Beaconsfield, Quebec, has shared a garden worthy of a spot on your itinerary. Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens is a designated historic site in Grand-Métis, Quebec, with a surrounding landscape that is as stunning as the cultivated spaces within its grounds. Designed in the abundant English style, these gardens are filled with amazing plants, interesting art, and fascinating history.
I thought many of your readers may be planning some road trips for the summer. This garden is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Quebec, Canada. It is at the entrance of a loop road that circles a peninsula that protrudes into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known as La Gaspésie.
This public garden at the entrance to the Gaspé peninsula of Eastern Canada in Quebec province is a little jewel. It was rescued in 1995 by Alexander Reford, great-grandson of Elsie Reford, its creator. Post surgery, she was told by her doctor to avoid strenuous activities like fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Elsie took up gardening!
This is a digital painting by T. M. Glass, Toronto artist in residence, 2018, of the famous Himalayan blue poppy(Meconopsis betonicifolia, Zones 4–7). The blue poppy made its debut at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1926, and many historical gardeners were anxious to cultivate it. Elsie must have recognized a microclimate in Métis (the garden is in Zone 4), as she was one of the few successful gardeners to grow and harvest seeds of this rare beauty.
Unfortunately, I have never visited the gardens during July when it flowers, but here are the nursery plants. I have visited the garden many times but always on my way to visit my family in Percé during August.
Virginia bluebells(Mertensia virginica, Zones 3–8)along a pathway. Early summer plants can be found even in August in this part of the country.
Mosses and a “bonsaied” conifer growing in a creative way on an old tree stump, and a millstone.Throughout the garden, there are works of art by local artists. This is a plexiglass and aluminum sculpture by Marie Claude Hamel. It is an ode to the garden’s emblem; it gleams when the sun is shining.
The growing season is very short in this part of the country (June through September). A mixed border of common traditional flowers: everything seems to bloom at the same time.
These blue globe thistles (Echinops ritro, Zones 3–8) growing along a wilder pathway that leads to the International Garden Festival Grounds: Each year, international artists are invited to present their interpretation of a theme. The theme for 2025 was “Borders,” rather significant for Canadians at this time.
The lodge and gardens are situated at the junction of the Métis River and the St. Lawrence River. Elsie used these mussel shells, which she crushed, to create a pathway she called the Long Walk. It is a traditional English perennial border.
Thank you so much for sharing this spectacular garden with us, Gloria! As someone who is constantly looking for lesser-known gardens to explore, Jardins de Métis just found a spot on my garden bucket list.
Is there a public garden near you that deserves more attention? Please consider sharing photos of your favorite public garden with the blog. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition
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Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.
Nelson Multi-Pattern Stationary Sprinkler
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– 8 Pre-Set Watering Patterns
– Impact-resistant, plastic base
– Soft grip on multi-pattern head
Lee Valley Garden Obelisks
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Sturdy yet lightweight, these obelisks provide ample support for climbing plants while being easy to install and move. The medium obelisk stands 68 1/2″ high overall with a diameter of about 9 1/2″, compact enough for smaller containers indoors or out. The large size stands 86 1/2″ high with a diameter of 15 3/4″, ideal for larger outdoor spaces and containers.
These cool weather crops can be direct sown – or started indoors and transplanted out – after the first frost date for better results.
Short Season Tender Annuals
Other vegetables that do well with direct sowing are tender annuals that can fully mature during a short summer season – within 110 days or less.
These plants are not cold hardy, so they should be sown after all risk of frost has passed, and they will generally have plenty of time to reach maturity.
Short season tender annuals include most varieties of:
However, some varieties of cucumbers, melons, and squash are slower to mature. I’ll address those in just a bit.
Seedlings that Don’t Transplant Well
There are some veggies – both cool season and warm season crops – that should be direct sown because their seedlings aren’t typically very successful when transplanted.
Some have sensitive root systems, which are easily disturbed during transplanting – such as carrots and spinach, two cool season plants.
Others, like radicchio, tend to bolt when transplanted, so direct sowing remains the best planting method.
Here’s a list of veggies that are poor candidates for transplanting, and should always be direct sown:
And then there is another group of veggies that only do moderately well with transplanting, so direct sowing is recommended where possible:
If you do need to transplant, you’ll have greater success if you use biodegradable pots for starting your seeds.
However, transplanting in biodegradable pots will only work if you live in a climate where the biodegradable pot will actually break down.
For those of us who are gardening in dry climates, the biodegradable pot won’t stay wet enough to break down properly, and this could eventually stunt the roots of the transplant.
An alternative that works even in dry climates is to grow these delicate-rooted veggies in compressed soil blocks.
According to Master Gardener Sandy Patry, in a 1993 edition of “Cognition: The Voice of Canadian Organic Growers,” published by McGill University’s Ecological Agriculture Projects, these blocks increase survival rates of seedlings dramatically by reducing damage to seedling roots during transplanting.
You can make your own blocks of compressed soil with the Ladbrooke soil blocker, available via Amazon.
Crops to Start Indoors
Unlike the freewheelers mentioned above, some types of vegetables perform better when started indoors.
And beyond the preferences of your seeds as to how they get their start, there are times when you may want to give your preferences priority, and start some of the above indoors anyway.
Long Season Tender Annuals
Generally, the vegetables that are sown indoors are the ones that are tender, require warmer germination conditions, and need additional time to reach maturity – long season tender annuals.
These seeds are started indoors, either in a warm and sunny southern facing window, under grow lights, or in a heated greenhouse, usually six to 10 weeks before the first frost.
Then they are transplanted out to the garden after all risk of frost has passed.
Depending on the variety, different plants can require varying amounts of time to grow from seed to maturity.
Some tomatoes can take 140 days to reach maturity, and some pepper varieties need 175 days.
Plus, many plants will produce harvestable crops over an extended period – so we don’t want to choose cultivars that won’t reach maturity until the day before our first frost.
In fall the Instagram feeds of many of our favorite gardeners, quite understandably, start to wither or move indoors. Not so that of Dutch garden designer Frank Heijligers. Indeed, much like the dames of imperial Russia, who, rather that retreating from the cold, donned furs and tiaras in anticipation of the social high season, Frank’s winter garden seemed to reach the height of its sparkling charm.
Enchanted, we decided to ask Frank, who grows grasses, perennials, trees, and shrubs at his nursery, Plantwerk, to divulge his secrets for a successful winter garden. Here are his nine tips for adding sparkle and moody color:
Above: Now a dramatic black, the once purple cones of Agastache ‘Black Adder’ still stand tall in the frosty winter garden.
“Successful winter gardens need a lot of plants with good structure in them,” says Frank. “The plants have to be strong and have more than one interest: nice foliage, bloom, color, seed head, change of color in fall, strong skeleton in winter.”
Showcase long-lasting seedheads.
Above: Like spectators at the ballet, crowds of Monarda ‘Croftway Pink’ seedheads watch a changing fall landscape.
Fill the gaps.
Above: Because plants with good structure tend to bloom later, Frank notes that the successful four-season garden “starts with having a little more patience in spring.” To fill in the gap, he uses bulbs. Alliums, which maintain a sculptural seed head after they have gone by, are a good choice. Above: One of Frank’s gardens in summer. Though lust and leafy, it still maintains a textured feel.
Consider frost-proof plants.
Above: A similar border garden in winter, when the regal heads of Phlomis take on a silver sheen.
“Hosta or Alchemilla mollis are plants that look good early on in the year, but with the first bit of frost, they collapse,” Frank says. “You need plants like Phlomis, Aster, Eupatorium, Veronicastrum, and Anemone combined with grasses like Deschampsia, Miscanthus, Sporobolus, and Festuca mairei to make the garden look good until March.”
Above: Another sculptural favorite: Veronicastrum ‘Pink Spike.’
Bonus: Birds love all the leftover seedheads in Frank’s hibernal garden.
As promised, we’re back in Douglassville, Pennsylvania (Zone 7a), today to enjoy more garden highlights from Marty Oostveen. Built from scratch less than 10 years ago, there is a tremendous amount of beauty to see and appreciate in this landscape, so circle back to Part 1 if you missed it or continue on to enjoy more of this marvelous garden.
Marty’s gorgeous garden pond is a focal point in the landscape and is made extra beautiful when the dogwood on its borders is in bloom.
My garden is home to many different pulmonaria, or lungwort. They start blooming in early spring and just keep going.
Mom’s yellow garden, with a little added pink, turns into a fragrant garden thanks to an assortment of lilies.
Clouds reflected in the pond
A variety of celosia grows throughout the front garden. Some are grown from seed, others bought as plugs. At planting, I cut them back by half to promote sturdy growth.
As fall arrives, the color changes again.
Cooler weather transforms Marty’s landscape of rich greens, with pops of red and orange foliage.
December 23rd, the world looks magical. It doesn’t last long!
And one final look at Marty’s winter wonderland.
Thank you so much for sharing this 2025 garden retrospective with us, Marty! Your landscape is a delight in every season, and your fabulous plant selections make every corner interesting and inviting.
Please consider sharing your 2025 garden highlights with the blog! As winter wears on, photos from last year’s gardens are a great way to fight off the seasonal blues and look ahead to the new color that will emerge next season. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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Fine Gardening Recommended Products
ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner
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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
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Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.
VegTrug Classic Cold Frame
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Provide a natural growing habitat for your plants with VegTrug’s durable and versatile Cold Frame. A spacious and visually attractive cold frame provides the perfect microclimate environment to extend your growing season. The wood frame has 6mm double insulated and shatterproof polycarbonate that safeguards your plants from extreme weather conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, apple trees (Malus domestica) can grow and produce fruit in Louisiana. In fact, apples have historically prospered in home orchards throughout much of the state. A century ago, Louisiana nurseries marketed a wide variety of apple trees recommended for Louisiana home orchards. Today, only a few apple varieties with comparatively low chill requirements are marketed to home growers in Louisiana. Fueled by a renaissance in old Southern varieties, the LSU AgCenter’s efforts to identify and test old Southern apple varieties are paving the way for better, tastier options for modern home orchards.
European colonists brought the first apple seeds to North America in the 1600s. By the early 20th century, there were an estimated 17,000 named apple cultivars in circulation. Today, only a few hundred of those old varieties remain available. Before railroads, an interstate trucking system and modern fruit storage allowed for a steady supply of apples from Washington, Michigan and New York to be delivered to the rest of the nation, most farms and homesteads in the southern United States, including the Deep South, kept a small fruit orchard, and apples were a popular crop. A century ago, apples were a more versatile, utilitarian crop than today. Rather than raising apples merely for fresh eating, home growers prized apples for making cider, frying, baking in pies and cakes, and drying to store for wintertime sustenance. Farmers also used them to feed horses, pigs and other livestock.
Unfortunately, trees from this era are mostly gone except for the few that have survived descendants selling off farmland and urbanization. A few old apple trees have been found in northern Louisiana. One apple tree in Union Parish is a root sprout off a tree brought to Louisiana from Alabama in the early 1900s and consistently produces beautiful red apples that ripen in July.
Cultivating apples in Louisiana demands diligence because of high maintenance needs from pest and disease pressure…
I came across this article while reading on the old Horse apple that used to be grown across the South. We have a limited amount of them coming into the store as bare root trees this week. We’ve had one growing for three years now behind the house and it produced its first apple last year.
I was also able to get some Ein Shemer trees at the shop (and one for the yard). My friend Derek reported that his tree was very productive on his homestead a little southeast of us. Let’s go!
The South isn’t perfectly adapted to apples, but it’s not impossible. Especially when you skip the mainstream commercial varieties from up north and dig into the South’s apple-growing past. Prohibition KILLED a lot of apple growing, destroying many orchards and varieties once used for hard cider (which is the only REAL cider).
It’s time to put the phone down. I want to introduce you to a morning routine that eliminates screens and aims to reconnect you with the real world. The best morning routine is one that isn’t difficult or overly complicated. Let’s make a peaceful morning routine that works for YOU.
Your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Woke up from a bad dream? You start the day grumpy. Had a deep, restful sleep? You’ll hit the ground running in your slippers. Start off with 30 minutes of comparing your garden to others on social media? Not the best mindset to kick things off.
I’ve been doing a morning routine of going for a garden walk first thing in the morning, and it has completely revamped my day.
I’m talking no screens in the morning, whatsoever. Just a few minutes of uninterrupted time outside to soak in the benefits of fresh air and greenery.
Here’s how you can create your own peaceful morning routine in a realistic and achievable way. We’re looking for consistency, not perfection here!
The key is to observe, not get outside and be active.
5 Steps to Create the Best Morning Routine for YOU
The only way a morning routine and habit work is if it’s actually feasible for you personally. This framework will help you create a new morning routine that caters to your lifestyle.
Step 1: Move Your Phone
Most people start their day with their phone’s alarm going off. It’s probably plugged in to an outlet and resting on the bedside table. It’s been there since last night, as the last thing they did before bed was scroll on their phone.
A lot of people start their day by reaching for that phone, turning off the alarm, and scrolling for a few minutes before getting up. I’ve certainly been guilty of this!
There are many reasons why this isn’t a good idea, but the first is that we’re getting a mental overload before the day even starts. From news stress to social media comparison to small dopamine spikes, scrolling on your phone means you’re reacting to your morning vs choosing how it begins.
A recent Canadian study by MHRC analyzed Canadian youth (aged 16-24) and the effects of screen time. Those who reported more than 7 hours of screen time were nearly twice as likely to experience severe anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. On the other hand, those with less than 2 hours of personal screen time showed higher levels of resilience and positive relationships.
It’s also astonishing how quickly time passes when you’re scrolling. A few minutes can turn into a half hour of lost time.
Ask yourself, “How can I start my day in a different way?”
Our first step is to move that phone away from you. Keep your phone out of arm’s reach. Ideally, it shouldn’t even be in the bedroom with you. Use a real alarm clock if needed! Better yet, replace the spot on the nightstand with a plant.
My bedroom setup, free of phone and plant in place!
Step 2: Initiate the Routine
So if not the phone, what will be the new trigger to start your day? Triggers are essential for creating habits. Ideally, you do this so often that your body goes on autopilot.
I have two big triggers. The first is that I start my day with coffee. I really love hot drinks in the morning. Even if you don’t like coffee or tea, hot water with a lemon wedge is a great way to kick off your morning routine.
My other trigger is that I have a dog who inevitably needs to go outside and pee, so his morning enthusiasm gets me out of bed. Pets and small kids make you get up, even when your bed feels like the coziest, warmest place you’ve ever been.
Everyone could have their own triggers, big or small. It could be a splash of cold water on the face. Putting on your coziest robe. Reading your morning manifestations in front of the mirror. Grabbing your journal and favourite pen.
Sometimes I like to start my morning with a matcha instead.
Step 3: Go Outside
This is where my version of the morning routine differs from many others, and I encourage you to take up the practice of getting outside.
I like to start my day off with a gardening walk. I’ll grab my raincoat and boots and toss them over my pyjamas. I take a loop around my garden to see what’s happening, leaning in to observe a new bud or touch a soft leaf.
It takes some discipline not to pull weeds or move things around or begin harvesting. You’re outside simply as an observer.
Everyone is going to have a different version of getting outside. It could look like:
The idea here is to keep it simple. You only need to be outside for five to ten minutes (or more, I won’t stop you). It should be something you actually enjoy doing to make the habit easily attainable.
You might even have a small walking path to lead you through your garden.
Step 4: What’s Your Backup?
I don’t want to set you up for failure. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you have a day where you don’t want to go outside. Maybe it’s raining cats or dogs, or perhaps your body is sore from a strenuous day before.
Have a backup for how to begin your morning when you don’t want to go outside. The key is that the backup should still involve some level of greenery, and it should NOT involve any screens.
For me, this usually means sitting where I can either look outside or be amongst my houseplants. Sometimes, sipping coffee is all I need to do while I enjoy the view; other times, I want more active engagement, so I might write or read.
Beyond your backup, you might want to adjust your routine based on the different seasons or schedules. Your weekend routine might look different than a weekday when you have to go to work. A wintery morning may look different than a summer one.
Remember, it’s about consistency, not perfection.
Step 5: Extend Your Habits Beyond the Morning
Once you have this routine well in place, it can be of use throughout the day as well. Any time you need a reset or feel a wave of stress coming on, step outside for a moment. Incorporate it into your lunch or after-work routine. Think of it as your daily outdoor checkpoints!
It can also be immensely helpful at nighttime. Having a no-screen rule before bed will help you fall asleep faster and better support your circadian rhythm.
Start small, or it quickly won’t become realistic. One habit at a time rather than a full overload.
A five-minute break to harvest vegetables or flowers is always a great pick-me-up.
Your morning doesn’t need to be productive to be powerful. Try incorporating just one screen-free outdoor morning this week and see how it makes you feel. Let me know in the comments if you end up giving this a try!
More Tips for Gardening and Well-Being
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
For many families, the idea of a traditional holiday is appealing but often comes with high costs, rigid schedules, and added pressure to make everything “perfect.” Travel expenses, accommodation, meals out, and peak-season pricing can quickly turn a relaxing break into a financial and logistical challenge, particularly for households with children of different ages. While these trips can be memorable, they’re not the only way to enjoy meaningful family time.
Increasingly, families are rethinking what a “holiday” looks like. Instead of one large annual trip, there is growing interest in smaller, more frequent experiences that fit into everyday life. These alternatives can still break the routine, offer novelty, and create shared memories, without the stress of packing, travelling long distances, or overspending.
This article explores budget-friendly family getaway activities that work all year round, both indoors and outdoors. Rather than focusing on predictable tourist destinations, it highlights accessible experiences that feel special while remaining practical. With thoughtful planning and the right resources, family life can include regular moments of excitement and connection that are affordable, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Year-round indoor and outdoor family activities that feel like a holiday
Indoor skiing and snow play
Indoor snow centres allow families to experience real snow regardless of the season. From beginner ski slopes to dedicated snow play areas, these venues offer a winter-holiday atmosphere in urban settings. Entry prices typically range from £10–£20 for children, making them a manageable option for an occasional family getaway.
Swimming pools and indoor water parks
Indoor water parks recreate the feeling of a beach holiday with wave pools, slides, and lazy rivers, without relying on good weather. These facilities suit a wide age range and often include family tickets or off-peak pricing, usually around £8–£15 per person.
Trampoline parks
Trampoline parks combine physical activity with playful fun, making them popular for families seeking energetic experiences. Sessions are generally time-based and affordable, often costing £10–£12 per child. They provide an easy way to encourage movement while sharing laughter and excitement.
Indoor climbing and bouldering
Climbing centres bring a sense of adventure similar to a mountain getaway. With routes designed for beginners and children, these spaces focus on problem-solving, confidence-building, and teamwork. Family sessions are commonly priced between £8–£15, depending on location and duration.
Botanical gardens and tropical greenhouses
For families looking for a calmer experience, botanical gardens and indoor greenhouses offer an immersive, nature-focused outing. These environments can provide educational value alongside relaxation. Many charge modest entry fees or offer free access for children.
How to get affordable tickets for family activities
One of the main barriers to regular family experiences is cost, but smart planning can significantly reduce this challenge.
Dedicated platforms play an important role in helping families access activities that might otherwise feel out of reach. Picniq is a well-established UK-based service designed to help families find affordable family days out across the country. Through Picniq, families can regularly enjoy cheap tickets and special offers for a wide range of activities, including indoor water parks, trampoline centres, snow experiences, climbing venues, and nature attractions. This variety allows you to choose experiences that suit different interests, ages, and energy levels without committing to a single type of outing.
To save more money on these activities, discount codes, bundle deals, and seasonal promotions can be helpful. Try to catch them on specialised websites, like Discoup for example. Here you’ll find a very useful way to save money on your choice of exciting activity. The value of discount codes goes beyond simple savings. By reducing the cost of individual experiences, families can plan more frequent activities throughout the year rather than saving exclusively for one expensive trip. This approach supports better budgeting and creates opportunities for regular quality time together.
Picniq also makes it easier to discover new local options, encouraging families to explore experiences they may not have previously considered. Used thoughtfully, platforms like it become part of a practical strategy for enjoying family experiences all year round. This makes it possible to combine the need to save money, which is becoming increasingly important for families, with the need to spend quality time together.
Creating lasting memories without the cost
Meaningful family moments don’t have to depend on long-distance travel or large budgets. Small, well-chosen activities spread throughout the year can offer just as much enjoyment as traditional holidays, often with less stress and greater flexibility. By focusing on accessible experiences and making use of affordable options, you can prioritise family time without financial strain.
Reframing leisure as a series of mini-adventures can also encourage creativity and balance in family life. Whether through active play, shared learning, or simple relaxation, these moments contribute to lasting memories. Exploring nearby opportunities and using tools such as Picniq to make experiences more accessible can help families build richer, more connected lives, one affordable outing at a time.
At the end of a hard day, there’s always one comforting ritual to look forward to: coming home to your lovely abode. For this reason, creating an interior that you and your family love coming back to is essential.
An inviting and welcoming space makes being at home feel not just comfortable, but also safe for family members of all ages, from children to senior adults.
The choice of furniture plays a big role in influencing the comfort levels of a family home. Get furniture setup wrong and you could end up feeling cramped or moody inside your own dwelling. Your family may feel the same way, and this could lead to a negative family dynamic that can be difficult to overcome.
A subtle yet effective solution to this issue is by incorporating comfort-centred furniture around the house, particularly in shared spaces like the living room and dining area. When these spaces are decorated with comfort in mind, the family home will feel much more pleasant to return to, even on the worst of days.
Let’s explore a few key ways in which comfort-centred furniture can support family well-being.
1. Comfort-centred furniture supports physical health
When the body feels good and supported, such as when it’s being massaged or when you’re lying down after hours of standing up, it can feel very pleasant and comfortable.
Conversely, if the body is under a great deal of stress, it can feel a sense of discomfort and fatigue. When you choose furniture that doesn’t physically support the body, it can apply excess pressure on the joints and cause long-term health problems or aches. This is especially true for sensitive individuals, like seniors and people with mobility or joint issues. This is why it’s essential to choose furniture that can support the body’s posture and comfort.
For instance, you can opt for a home office chair that has proper lumbar and ergonomic support. You can also get comfort bean bags for therapy and care instead of placing a simple rug on the floor. Furniture with rounded edges instead of sharp ones will minimise the risk of injuries when bumping into them.
By picking comfortable furniture pieces, you can keep your family’s physical wellness in top shape.
2. Encourages relaxation
After long days at work and school, nothing beats sitting down in a comfortable, familiar, cushioned chair and unwinding at home. That said, if your furniture lacks adequate comfort and cushioning, you may not get the sufficient rest you need from this moment of “me time.” Instead of feeling relaxed, your body may remain tense or restless, preventing you from fully switching off.
Comfortable furniture helps put you at ease by supporting the body naturally. It does this by supporting the body’s pressure points, reducing strain in crucial areas that affect posture, like the back and joints.
When the body’s at ease, the mind naturally follows. This level of physical comfort can boost your mood and calm down nerves and stress. In turn, this allows each family member to enter a state of relaxation and downtime that can make them feel genuinely well-rested.
3. Promotes quality family time
Another way that comfortable furniture improves the family dynamic is by encouraging families to spend time at home with each other.
When shared spaces like the living room are inviting and cosy, this naturally compels family members to lounge in these areas instead of retreating to the comfort of their rooms.
Having furniture like sofas, lounge chairs, round tables, and carpets is great for facilitating family interactions. A comfy furniture set can act as a living room’s centrepiece where members gather, talk, and do activities together, like watch movies or play board games. This can be a great opportunity to bond and strengthen connections, making the household experience positive for all of its members.
4. Supports emotional wellbeing
Another way comfort-centred furniture can help improve the family’s quality of life is by promoting feelings of safety and comfort.
When the family is in a positive mood, the energy can be infectious. A lively and happy atmosphere around the house is great for making everyone feel calm and emotionally well. Comfortable furniture can help achieve this because it contributes to a sense of security, allowing individuals to relax and get into a positive mind space.
Over time, this consistent sense of comfort can help lower stress levels and reduce emotional tension within the household. When family members feel at ease in their surroundings, they’re more likely to engage with one another pleasantly. This, in turn, makes the house a more harmonious space for all family members.
5. Keeps the vulnerable safe
Comfort-centred furniture plays an important role in protecting vulnerable and sensitive individuals.
Seniors, for instance, don’t have as much mobility and range of movement as younger adults do. This makes them more prone to injuries, such as falls and trips. Younger children may also inadvertently put themselves in harm’s way by engaging with furniture pieces that aren’t entirely safe for them.
Using comfort-centred furniture pieces can be a great way to keep vulnerable individuals safe and provide peace of mind for the entire family.
We hope that these benefits have shed some light on the importance of having comfort-centred furniture pieces around the house. Have you focused on comfort when choosing furniture for your home?
Since its founding in 1922, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) has published dozens of books, including deep-dive guides on single issues like propagation and starting seeds. The organization’s latest is Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening, a broad yet in-depth manual on ecological gardening practices. The book is part of many new efforts underway at AHS and the third in a new series focussed on sustainably minded gardening (AHS’s Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening and Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening were published last winter).
The new books’ timing coincides with both a wave of interest in organic and ecological gardening practices and a tsunami of less-than-reliable advice on the internet and social media. Matt Matthus, senior director of horticulture at AHS, says that the organization felt the need to offer a comprehensive guide that reflected the latest horticultural research. “Home gardeners really want more accurate information and less hacks,” he says. “We felt there needed to be a book that top-line addresses all of these ecological trends across the country.” And while it may be hard to believe, even as recently as five years ago most garden books weren’t talking about keystone species, fire-wise landscapes, and forever chemicals in fertilizers, just a few of the many topics covered in Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening.
Above: AHS is headquartered at the twenty-seven-acre River Farm, which is located on part of George Washington’s original farmlands in Alexandria. Photograph courtesy of American Horticultural Society.
One thing that stands out flipping through the book is how many photos of birds, bees, butterflies, and even toads appear in its photos, a reflection of AHS encouraging gardeners to think of their gardens as a part of their local ecosystem. But this is a book for gardeners–not conservationists–so it’s not dogmatic about planting only straight-species native plants, nor does it shame gardeners for occasionally using pesticides. Rather, it offers advice for how to make better ecological choices while maintaining the aesthetics you prefer.
Above: In fall and winter, dozens of bird species feast on seeds in the gardens. In spring, queen bumblebees head straight to the blooms of blueberries and other spring-flowering shrubs and perennials. Photography by Janet Davis, courtesy of American Horticultural Society.
Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening is neither a garden design guide nor a dream book of garden tours (although we glimpse many attractive gardens in its pages): It’s a handbook and a reference book that gardeners can trust. Written by the staff of one of the oldest national gardening organizations in the United States and a team of professional consultants, its content was also reviewed by a horticultural advisory committee.
This book will appeal to beginner gardeners, but there is much for advanced gardeners as well. Here are six tips that the Gardenista team took away from this helpful new guide:
Cut back halfway in fall.
Above: Ecologically diverse landscapes have many layers and include a combination of both woody plants and herbaceous ones. They include many bloom shapes, colors, and times. Photograph by Kelly Norris, courtesy of American Horticultural Society.
By now many gardeners know that leaving old stems and leaves in place provides much-needed habitat for hibernating insects, but for gardeners accustomed to a neat and tidy cut back, this can feel messy. AHS proposes cutting plants back partially instead, writing, “Rather than cutting plants down to the ground, you can leave half to a third of the stem length in place, which provides plenty of habitat, but also gives a tidier appearance.” Come spring the fresh growth will also cover the old stems faster.
‘Tis the season for garden reflections, and today we have another fantastic round of standout scenes from a gorgeous 2025 garden. Marty Oostveen shared her garden in Douglassville, Pennsylvania (Zone 7a), for the first time last summer (check out that post, if you missed it: Marty’s Garden from Scratch in Pennsylvania). Her stunning landscape is an impressive creation, especially considering that everything was built from scratch after they moved to the brand-new property in May of 2016. As Marty prepares for the 10th growing season in this now spectacular space, there is a lot to appreciate and celebrate.
The north side of the house became home to my hostas when we first moved. Then I found more—many more!
A favorite hosta, called Wheee! Yes, Wheee!(Hosta ‘Wheee!’, Zones 3–8)
Hostas and ferns play well together.
An overachieving miniature hosta (as far as flowers are concerned) grows in the shade of a much larger cousin.
On “Galápagos peninsula,” miniature hostas share space with tortoises.
A raised bed at the back of the waterfall is home to a variety of shrubs and perennials.
Yellow allium(Allium moly, Zones 3–8)turns this corner into a beacon.
The front garden turns into a sea of blue with grape hyacinths(Muscari armeniacum, Zones 4–8),which spread… and spread.
Hellebores are a big part of my late winter/early spring garden.
An incredible entry into the garden, and then the trellis fell over in a storm.
Of course, these aren’t Marty’s only garden highlights from last year. Check back in to Garden Photo of the Day tomorrow to see fabulous photos of this garden during the latter half of 2025.
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Buffalo-Style Gardens is a one-of-a-kind, offbeat garden design book that showcases the wildly inventive gardens and gardeners of Buffalo – and offers readers “the best of the best” ideas to use in their own small-space gardens.
The Crevice Garden: How to make the perfect home for plants from rocky places
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A crevice garden replicates the environmental conditions of mountain tops, deserts, coastlines, and other exposed or rocky places on earth. These striking garden features provide perfect conditions for the plants native to these far-off places, bringing the cultivation of these precious gems within everybody’s reach.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
What are your goals for this ‘death hedge’? At my house, I want a native hazard hedge . Unfortunately the plants I’m finding to work with aren’t natives. I have lots of hardy orange and Cherokee rose going in, I’m also transplanting American holly into the perimeter plantings.
Trying to keep it native here in Southeast North America would lower our options. No Eleagnus and no trifoliate orange, both of which are good hedge plants. Though we could plant native Osage orange and thorny honey locust/black locust. And there’s always poison ivy.
As for our Death Hedge plans, the goal is to create a strip of wild, thorny, thick forest rather than a standard single-row hedge.
We planted some trifoliate oranges and some osage orange seedlings along one edge, but it doesn’t cover much area. The main area of the hedge would be interspersed with a few mature trees that cast some shade, so we need both shade and sun plants.
My current idea is to just start sticking a ton of various plants out there from the nursery. We have a lot of honey locust seedings so we’ll probably stick some of those. We also have some razor-thorned roses we started from an old home site. We have awful prickly pears covered in glochids, and we have a few silverthorn Eleagnus.
To fill in more area, I could also plant some of the sadder looking ornamental shrubs from Atmore Farm & Garden. We have a few ugly junipers and arborvitae and some other ornamentals I don’t even know the name of.
Whatever we plant is also going to be invaded by non-native invasives, like privet and popcorn tree, which show up everywhere here. People are endlessly yanking them from their azalea hedges and gardenia plantings. We’re also certain to end up with smilax vines.
Instead of fighting all these, we’ll just let them fill in where they like and become a rough thicket. If it wants to grow and block the view and pedestrian traffic, why not? It’s hard to stop anyhow.
As always, I am tempted to plant food plants. However, fruit trees would attract attention and we don’t want that. Chestnuts would be fine, though, and we’re getting some bare root trees very soon at the shop. We could also seed the area with Dioscorea alata yam bulbils which would make roots beneath the canopy.
The trick is to just start planting. And that keeps getting delayed.
That’s the plan so far. Feel free to share any more ideas you have in the comments.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to drop, the living room becomes the heart of the home. For families especially, it’s the space where evenings are spent together, whether that’s reading, watching films or simply unwinding after a busy day.
Many people assume that creating a warmer, cosier living room requires renovation work, new flooring or even changes to the heating system. In reality, small and thoughtful adjustments can completely transform how a space feels, without the disruption or cost of building work.
With a focus on comfort, warmth and family-friendly solutions, it’s possible to make your living room feel inviting throughout autumn and winter while keeping your home practical and stylish.
Warmth starts with atmosphere, not construction
A cosy living room isn’t just about temperature, but about how warm a space feels. According to research from the UK Energy Saving Trust, perception of warmth plays a major role in comfort, and factors like textiles, lighting and draught reduction significantly influence how warm a room feels without raising energy use.
Soft furnishings such as thicker curtains help reduce heat loss through windows, while rugs create insulation underfoot and add visual warmth to the space. These changes are especially effective in family homes, where comfort needs to be balanced with durability and ease of cleaning.
Lighting also plays a key role in creating a seasonal atmosphere. Cooler, bright lighting can make a room feel clinical in winter, while warmer-toned lamps help create a relaxed and welcoming environment. Using multiple light sources rather than relying on one overhead light allows the room to feel softer and more intimate during darker evenings.
Layering comfort for family living
Autumn and winter are ideal seasons for layering. Throws, cushions and upholstered furniture all help soften a living room and make it more inviting. Interior design studies referenced by House Beautiful UK show that layered textiles increase perceived comfort and encourage people to relax longer in a space. For families, this also means practical comfort, as children often sit or play on the floor, and added softness makes the room more usable for everyone.
Personal warmth is another important factor, particularly in households where not everyone feels the cold in the same way. Rather than heating the entire room more intensely, many families are choosing targeted warmth solutions. Brands such as Stoov have become popular for this reason, offering stylish, cordless heated cushions that fit seamlessly into modern living rooms. These solutions allow you to stay warm while keeping overall energy use lower, which is increasingly important for households managing rising energy costs.
Comfort without turning up the thermostat
One of the most effective ways to stay warm without major renovations is to focus on localised heat. The NHS and various health publications note that staying warm supports circulation and muscle comfort, especially during colder months. Using heated cushions or blankets provides warmth exactly where it’s needed, whether you’re sitting on the sofa, reading to your children or working from home in the living room.
For families looking to improve comfort, it can make sense to buy a heat pillow as part of a winter-ready living room. These products offer gentle, controlled warmth and can be used safely under supervision, making them suitable for shared family spaces. When combined with good insulation practices like closing curtains at dusk and minimising draughts, they contribute to a consistently cosy environment without structural changes.
Creating routines that support cosiness
Cosiness in a family home is as much about habits as it is about design. Evening routines that involve slowing down, dimming lights and gathering together help reinforce the feeling of warmth and security. Psychologists writing for the British Psychological Society have highlighted how familiar, comfortable environments contribute to emotional wellbeing, especially for children. A living room that feels warm, calm and welcoming supports these routines naturally.
Simple changes, such as rearranging seating to feel more enclosed or positioning sofas away from cold windows, can make a noticeable difference. These adjustments don’t cost anything, yet they can significantly affect how the room is experienced during colder seasons.
Creating a cosy living room for autumn and winter doesn’t have to involve knocking down walls or investing in major renovations. By focusing on atmosphere, layered textiles, warm lighting and personal comfort solutions, you can transform your living space into a warm and inviting retreat. Thoughtful choices such as using targeted warmth, improving insulation through soft furnishings and adopting cosy daily routines all contribute to a space that feels comfortable and supportive throughout the colder months. With the right approach, your living room can become the place where your family naturally gathers, relaxes and enjoys the season together, without stress or unnecessary expense.
The houseplant surge continues to climb, and I couldn’t be happier to see it. Houseplants are a wonderful way for people to get a little bit of gardening therapy no matter where they live and what time of year it is. They’re an incredible tool to foster your well-being, so let’s keep your houseplants alive this winter, shall we? Read on for all my winter houseplant care hacks you need to know.
I don’t know about you, but I’m really starting to feel the toll of the shorter days and the colder weather. Because of my back issues, I’ve been feeling it pretty severely this year. I haven’t been out walking outside every day, and I’m missing my daily dose of nature.
Instead, I’ve been focusing on my houseplants. I went through and changed up all their soil and bought a bunch of new plants to replace the ones that weren’t growing. Any excuse to go to the garden centre, right??
I know many people love getting specialized plants and ones that require a lot of care. Right now, I want some easier plants that won’t require too much attention from me. And ones that can handle the lack of watering and sunlight that comes from the winter months.
Luckily, my houseplants are willing to provide me plenty of company in the house, all while being beautiful décor.
Let’s talk a little bit about how nurturing houseplants can actually help you and provide you with plenty of winter houseplant care tips so you can enjoy their company all winter long…and then some!
This post will cover…
The Emotional Benefits of Houseplants
I’m a firm believer that everyone should have at least one indoor plant in their home. Having a little piece of greenery around connects us to nature. And nature is a powerful tool for maintaining our overall well-being.
In the winter, finding the green connection we need can be more challenging, which can lead to nature deficit disorder. I find a home without greenery a little lifeless, and I think people notice the difference immediately once they add a plant.
The design of my new house includes plants in every corner. And not just plants but little plant projects. You might see the herbs I’m drying or the orange slice garland I still have up from Christmas. Over the holidays, I had Chinese chestnuts that I collected from my tree on display.
You’ll find artwork on the walls featuring flowers, plants, and nature. Being surrounded by this kind of greenery and interacting with plants can make us feel more comfortable and soothed. It lowers your stress levels, which, in turn, actually helps your physical and mental health.
Plants and greenery are also proven to help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Just having houseplants around you in the winter can act as horticultural therapy.
So, when we feel the seasonal depression creeping in, houseplants can be a useful tool to help you foster some emotional resilience during the winter.
Choose Your Plants
When it comes to my indoor plants, I’m going for simple. I have a dog, a cat, a garden, a house, and a kid to take care of, and I’ve already got enough tasks on my plate to deal with some finicky plants.
But I know how much these plants give us a sense of calm, so for me, the best thing to hold onto that calm is to ensure the plants are simple and easy to care for.
There are many people out there who like that sort of commitment. People who may not have things that require a lot of nurturing will enjoy their routine and connection to some very special plants. Helping take care of them can help us take care of ourselves.
Here are a few easy-to-care-for houseplants that you can grow during the winter:
This jade has traveled with me from home to home.
Plants that do well in low light translate as plants that tolerate neglect. They’re very high reward, as they keep growing and look amazing without you having to do much besides placing it in the right spot and water it.
My personal favourites? I currently love my two monsteras because they’re so big and beefy. They make a very large impact in any room they’re in (just remember that they like it humid!).
I also love anything with interesting colour. Many pothos and philodendrons come with nice variegation and are quite easy to care for. Some plants also have dark leaves or even fuzzy ones, like the African violet.
Anything that trails also is fun to include. I put them high on cabinets or along a mantle and let them trail down.
This lime green pothos adds so much colour, while also trailing down.
Get Some Gorgeous Pots
While you’re at it, why not get some really gorgeous pots for your houseplants? I treat my houseplants as décor as well as friends, and dressing them up is a fun way to incorporate your style into your home.
Most recently, I got these beautiful concrete pots with lavender sprigs on them. They’re adding to my already plentiful collection of pots, but a few more won’t hurt.
Potting up your houseplants is a small project, but it’s an easy way to get some garden therapy, even in the winter.
Large pots are also welcome indoors.
Need to Know Winter Houseplant Care
Your routine should switch up a bit for the winter. Don’t worry; your plants will actually require less TLC in the winter!
Sunlight Needs for Houseplants in Winter
The days are much shorter in winter than they are in summer. Plants that are already struggling to get enough sunlight inside the house will have a really hard time in the winter. I mean, 4 PM feels like midnight here in Vancouver!
Your houseplants may need to be moved somewhere where they can get more light. Ideally, you’ll want a south or west-facing window since they get the most light throughout the day.
That being said, you want to keep your plants away from frosty windows, as the cold temperatures can affect your plants. So, be mindful of your window placement depending on where you live.
You may also need to add some supplemental light. You can set up some grow lights and put them on a timer so they give your plants plenty of light. Just keep in mind that one hour of grow light time isn’t as good as one hour of sunlight, so plants will need longer under the grow light to get their fill.
Finally, dust can affect your plant’s ability to absorb sunlight. While it won’t make a huge difference, it’s still a good idea to wipe down the leaves and clean them off occasionally.
If you’re lucky, you’ll have wide windowsills to place pots while keeping the leaves off the glass.
Watering and Humidity in Winter
In the winter, our houseplants enter a period of dormancy—much like the plants outside. While they may not be losing their leaves like the trees, they are slowing down their growth this time of year. This means they require fewer resources than they normally do, water included.
Watering the plants will stimulate them to need more. When we alter the watering routine and water the plants less, it slows down the plants, and in turn, it helps to slow us down, too.
Water less often in the winter.
Humidity is something you want to keep an eye on in the winter. Indoor furnaces pump out really dry air, and it affects us all. Our skin dries up, and we need to hydrate more. Plants also dry out.
Here are a few ways you can increase the humidity in your home:
Add a humidifier near your plants. Already have one running? Consider moving your plants closer to it.
Add a humidity tray. These are a low-cost and simple way to add extra water to your plant but also keep the roots from sitting in water.
Move your plants to an area of the house with more natural humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens have more moisture and can be a great place for plants if they have enough light.
Keep your plants away from drafts and heat sources.
Spritz your plants more regularly with a plant mister.
I have always found that my terrariums do well this time of year, as they get that trapped humidity while other plants look a little dry. Some people even mimic these conditions by grouping their plans in a glass cabinet to hold onto the humidity inside.
Soil and Fertilizing
As I mentioned above, houseplants in winter are in a state of dormancy, so we don’t have to worry much about their soil or fertilizing. I wait to refresh my soil and do any repotting in the spring. If you notice the soil is getting dry and crusty, you can revive it in the spring. Your plant should be fine until then!
Once spring begins, the temperature and amount of sunlight naturally begin to rise. Your plant will notice and slowly begin to push out more growth again. Follow its lead and start fertilizing when it does.
Wait until the spring to refresh soil and start fertilizing.
Do you have any more questions about winter houseplant care? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able. Happy growing!
More Tips for Taking Care of Your Houseplants
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
When Sarah Pajwani and her family moved into their house near Maidenhead (an hour from London) in 2011, it was surrounded by an “overgrown field.” Having created a design rationale with the help of professional landscapers, Sarah set about filling her garden with plants of her choice, border by border. Despite her best efforts, in winter she would gaze out of the windows and still feel that there was nothing to look at.
Now, every garden-facing room in the house frames a different aspect of the winter scene, and the house has a lot of windows. Dare we suggest that winter is the garden’s best season? We can report that Saint Timothee, as it is called, was the first garden of the year to be open for the National Garden Scheme and Sarah gave us a tour.
Read on for 11 clever design ideas from Sarah to make the garden glow in the winter:
Above: A row of glowing red Cornus sanginea ‘Midwinter Fire’ brings out the best in Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii. Famously vivid in spring, the euphorbia holds on to its structure and excellent leaf color in winter.
Saint Timothee is a picture of 1930s gentility, with an Enid Blyton kind of name. Yet the garden is not in a time warp. Sarah uses colorful stems, scented shrubs (such as Lonicera fragrantissima,Viburnum x bodnantese ‘Dawn’, Sarcococca confusa), sparsely flowering trees (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) as well as grasses mixed with evergreens to brighten the winter scene. Several paths and borders lead the eye from one of the inside windows, across the garden.
2. Mixed Grasses
Above: Smoldering dogwood stems draw attention to the drama of super-sized pampas grass, flanking a pond.
Winter may be at its peak, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start anticipating spring color. Nina Eadie in Corvallis, Montana, shared her new garden with the blog last spring (Nina’s Spring Garden in Montana), and today she’s back to celebrate the season again. This time, she’s giving attention to a plant she was not able to enjoy before her move to Hardiness Zone 5: peonies. In a short amount of time she has amassed a wonderful collection, and her photos might just have you salivating for spring.
I’ve gardened all my life, but the last 20 years in Montana. Going from a lifetime of Zone 4 gardening to Zone 5 was a peculiar challenge, but it’s also opened up a whole new world of plant opportunities, particularly peonies. I’m a big fan of the intersectionals, mainly because they don’t need staking. The color selections are somewhat limited though, so there’s still a need for the herbaceous ones!
Intersectional ‘Hillary’ peony(Paeonia ‘Hillary’, Zones 4–8)
Intersectional ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ peony(Paeonia ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, Zones 4–8)
Herbaceous ‘Rose Heart’ peony(Paeonia ‘Rose Heart’, Zones 3–8)
Herbaceous ‘Lois’ Choice’ peony(Paeonia ‘Lois’ Choice’, Zones 3–8)
Intersectional ‘Scarlet Heaven’ peony(Paeonia ‘Scarlet Heaven’, Zones 4–8) with ‘The President’ clematis(Clematis ‘The President’, Zones 4–8). Note the frost cloth over the vegetable bed in upper left, a permanent fixture until the end of June, just in case!
Herbaceous ‘Bowl of Beauty’ peony(Paeonia ‘Bowl of Beauty’, Zones 4–8)
Intersectional ‘Old Rose Dandy’ peony(Paeonia ‘Old Rose Dandy’, Zones 4–8)with swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
When finished blooming, peony foliage adds texture and depth until frost.
And they’re unsurpassed as cut flowers.
Thank you so much for this tour of your sensational peony collection, Nina! You’ve selected a fantastic assortment that adds stunning color in your garden and inside your home.
What spring flowers are you most looking forward to? Are you a peony admirer like Nina? Do you sprinkle your landscape in endless spring bulbs or do you let early-flowering trees and shrubs steal the show? Let us know in the comments, or consider sharing photos of your favorite spring plants with the blog. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
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Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
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The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area.
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Why is it growing all over my trees and what can/should I do about it?
As mentioned, lichens do not harm trees and actually contribute a great deal to ecosystems. Resist the temptation to pick or cut them off of tree bark which can damage the bark itself.
Increased lichen growth might be simply a sign of age. Mature, but healthy, trees tend to develop more furrows or crevices on their bark (depending on species), so lichens, mosses, and other clinging organisms have more favorable surfaces on which to get a foothold. Also, individual lichens slowly grow and increase, so older trees can keep growing happy lichens.
But increased lichen growth can also hint that a tree is struggling, if that’s not apparent from other symptoms. Reduced vigor from stress, disease, pest damage, or environment can cause trees to attract more lichen due to:
Increased light penetration: If a stressed tree loses more foliage and branches, more sunlight reaches its bark surfaces, where lichen can thrive.
Slower bark growth: Many vigorous trees continuously shed and renew their outer bark, making it difficult for slow-growing lichen to establish (except on older trees or species with naturally furrowed bark). Stressed trees have slower bark turnover, providing stable surfaces for lichen.
Reduced tree defenses: A vigorous tree produces compounds and maintains bark characteristics that naturally discourage epiphytic growth (a category of plants and plant-like organisms that grow on the surface of another plant). A declining tree may lose some of these protective mechanisms.
If you suspect that lichen growth is accelerating on your tree due to loss of vigor, the best approach is to improve your tree’s base health. This might include adding compost over the root zone, fertilizing, consistent watering, and treating any pest or disease issues.
So try to foster healthy, full-leaved trees for a long life. But enjoy those weird-looking lichens and appreciate all they are doing for us behind the scenes!
‘Red Russian’ is a sweet and tender kale cultivar with exceptional cold-tolerance.
This heirloom has large leaves that are softer than other varieties, making it a welcome change from greens that require lots of cooking.
The plant also has a unique appearance with its frilly green leaves and purple-red stems.
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In fact, some gardeners cultivate it just for ornamental purposes, adding rich color to their cool-weather gardens.
This cultivar is grown in a similar way to other varieties of kale, but I’ll provide the details for growing ‘Red Russian’ in this guide.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
This particular cultivar of Brassica napus subsp. pabularia is also known as ragged jack and sweet red.
You may also see it classified as a cultivar of B. oleracea var. acephala which is considered a synonym.
With flat leaves that have jagged edges, this cultivar is one of the most tender and mild of the different types of kale.
Quick Look
Common name(s): Red Russian, ragged jack, sweet red
Plant type: Leafy biennial vegetable
Hardiness (USDA Zone): 2-9
Native to: Cultivated variety
Bloom time / season: Spring, fall, summer in cool climates, winter
Exposure: Full sun in cool seasons, afternoon shade in summer
Soil type: Loamy, organically-rich, well-draining
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral
Time to maturity: 25 days (baby greens), 50 days (mature leaves)
Spacing: 6-12 inches after thinning
Planting depth: 1/4 inch (seeds)
Mature size: 12 to 36 inches tall and wide
Water Needs:Moderate
Taxonomy
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus:Brassica
Species:Napus
Subspecies:Pabularia
Cultivars: ‘Red Russian’
As it is so tender, ‘Red Russian’ is often grown for baby greens. These small leaves make great additions to salads.
The bright purple stems differentiate this variety from ‘White Russian,’ another variety that’s extremely cold hardy.
The purple color indicates the presence of compounds called anthocyanins.
According to a 2017 study in the Food and Nutrition Research Journal, anthocyanins provide a number of health benefits including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
How to Sow
Like all types of kale, ‘Red Russian’ enjoys cool temperatures and is prone to bolt in excessive heat. So it’s best grown in the spring and again in the fall.
For Zones 2 to 5, sow seeds in April and again in late July.
If your Zone is 6 to 8, sow seeds in March and again in early-mid August.
If you are in Zone 9 or above, sow seeds in February and again in September.
The seedlings will be ready to plant out into your garden after three to four weeks. At this point, plant the transplants a foot apart.
If you plan to grow ‘Red Russian’ kale in containers, select a pot at least a foot in diameter and 10 inches deep. Follow the seeding and transplanting dates recommended above.
If there is still danger of frost in the forecast, protect your transplants with floating row covers.
If you are direct-seeding, sow seeds in your garden after the last frost date in spring. You can continue sowing seeds until daytime temperatures are above 80ºF.
You can sow seeds once again in August through September. The latest you should sow seeds outdoors is two weeks before your predicted first frost date.
Despite being natively at home in bogs and on the edges of kettle ponds and other wetlands, winterberry, a native holly species, does not require wet feet in order to thrive. Ilex verticillata is a deciduous shrub that escapes notice until late in the season when its rounder-than-round fruit turn scarlet. When its leaves drop, and the fruit blazes on bare branches, it is suddenly the star of any landscape and garden.
Here’s how to grow it.
Above: Winterberry’s fruit ripens to red in early autumn.
Native to the damp and boggy bits of eastern North America, winterberry has been cultivated since at least the late 18th century for its dramatically attractive fruit. It is surprisingly adaptable in terms of its water requirements, though, flourishing in sites that are not moist as long as the soil is acidic. High pH soils will cause chlorosis in the leaves and shrubs may die, while periods of real drought may cause the fruit to drop.
While winterberry will grow well in high and semi shade, full sun produces more fruit on female plants. Yes, you need a male, too. But one boy shrub is sufficient to provide pollen for several female plants.
Above: This yellow cultivar is ‘Winter Gold.’
Winterberry fruit are an important food for resident bird populations as well as small animals who tend to eat them after they have softened, well into winter and often through early spring
Above: Placing winterberry against an evergreen backdrop makes its branches pop. Above: The fruit persists, even during an ice storm.
Cheat Sheet
Winterberry’s native range is from Alabama to Newfoundland.
It grows naturally near streams, and in swamps and bogs.
The leaves of winter berry are larval food for the pawpaw sphinx, a native butterfly that also feeds on pawpaw (Asimina triloba) leaves.
The tiny summer flowers are a food source for small pollinators.
The shrubs are dioecious, and you need a male in order for the females to set fruit.
Above: Living holiday decorations.
Keep It Alive
Winterberry is hardy from USDA zones 3 to 9.
It requires acidic soil (low pH) and tolerates wet soil, clay, and very urban conditions.
The shrubs will not thrive—and may die—in alkaline soils.
