Bob’s Blog
Apples: Making History Then & Now
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans. The tree originated in Western Asia, where its wild ancestor, the Alma, is still found today.
Pansies Ain't No Pansies
To the new gardener, planting pansies now may seem like a futile effort considering that the first frosts of fall are looming on the horizon. Despite their name, pansies are a hardy plant that can thrive in seemingly sub-arctic temperatures. Pansies also have a rich history.
Fall Flower Ideas
With autumn just around the corner, it might seem like the gardening season is coming to an end. However, now is the perfect time to bring a splash of fall color into your landscape to welcome the changing seasons. I know you’ll fall for these plants that are sure to get you thinking about falling leaves, cozy fireplaces, and pumpkin-spiced everything.
Easy Grape Juice
Grapes are perhaps one of the easiest fruit crops to grow. Once established they are easy to maintain with occasional training of vines and seasonal trimming. It takes newly planted grapes about three years to produce their first good crop.
Trial Gardens
Plant breeders around the world are constantly working to develop new varieties and improve existing varieties. It typically takes 3 to 5 years to develop a new variety. Even then there's no guarantee it will be a commercial success. That's where trial gardens come in.
Raised Beds (Part 2)
This week, I constructed the beds from treated 8 x 12s to make 4 foot by 8 foot beds. This way I could get by with using only 3 boards for each bed and only needing to make a single cut for each one. Easy!