Winter/Spring Blooming Trees: Tulip Tree
Every time I pass the saucer magnolia outside my house, I have to stop and admire its splendor. During most of the year, this tree blends into the background, but in mid-to late winter or spring...
View ArticleWinter/Spring Blooming Shrubs: Flowering Quince
Flowering quince (Chaenomeles species) is a gem for any garden. It’s one of the first shrubs to bloom each year. Flower color can be white, pink, orange or red and some varieties have double blooms....
View ArticleWinter/Spring Flowering Tree/Shrub: Western Redbud
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a tree for all seasons. In late winter/spring (depending on your climate) it produces small clusters of purplish pink blooms on bare branches, followed by flat,...
View ArticleWinter/Spring Flowering Tree: Purple Leaf Flowering Plum
There are many varieties of flowering plums (Prunus cerasifera). In late winter or early spring, abundant white or varying shades of pink flowers cover the tree, depending on the variety. Although the...
View ArticleThe Cheerful Daffodil
When it comes to images that represent spring, daffodils must be included! I discovered this cluster of flowers during a walk through the UC Davis Arboretum last weekend. The weather was sunny, leading...
View ArticleFlowering Pears
In late winter to early spring, the flowering pear absolutely bursts into the street tree scene. The white blooms are followed by shiny green foliage that stays on the tree until fall. Once fall...
View ArticlePotato Update!
Do you remember the potato planting video from January? If not, check out this link for a quick review. The potatoes are doing really well, and aside from a frost that nipped at them slightly, the tops...
View ArticleSpring Seed Starting 101 Part 2 of 2
After seeds germinate, use a complete houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 strength to provide nutrients. Two weeks later, use the recommended fertilizer rate on the fertilizer bottle. Over-fertilizing...
View ArticlePlant Bulbs Now for Spring Color!
Good things come to those who “plant” ahead. This includes seeing the lovely blossoms of spring bulbs. In many areas there is still time to plant. Check out this bulb planting chart (scroll down a page...
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