Hello fellow readers, While walking Miss Ellie, Lori and Gary of Blairstown were out doing yard work and shared their dilemma of a challenging slope along the driveway. Steep hills can be an eyesore and difficult to maintain. As with any plant selection, consider soil,light, root spac

Hello fellow readers, I had the privilege of digging in with the North Warren Garden Club who held their monthly meeting in the new park behind Agway in Blairstown next to where the seasonal Farmers’ Market is hosted. You may recall I met with the club almost two years ago to talk abo

I marvel at the perfection of my first harvested cherry tomato of the season! Happiness inspired mostly because a chipmunk didn’t get the first bite; the fate of all my tomato attempts in years past.   Just goes to show failed attempts can become joyful. Happy first tomato!

Hello fellow readers, Last week we spoke about annoying crabgrass and how to keep it at bay. Unfortunately, there’s more to be crabby about, writes Carol from Blairstown, NJ, who sent a picture of what looks like mini-bamboo, which she’s trying to wipe out to allow her pac

Hello fellow readers, A visit with my dear Mom leads to a story about how to overcome being crabby about crabgrass. Last week we spoke about the pesky Japanese beetle, and I chuckle at how many of you shared your intense aversion towards the bothersome bug. What is there to like about

Hello fellow readers, I saw the first of the season, as did Tom of Mt. Bethel, who asked if he should hang the Japanese beetle traps you find at the hardware store. The subject opens up a can of worms, or should I say grubs? Studies have shown that these pheromone lures attract many m

Hello fellow readers, Counting One Mississippi, Two Mississippi was the advice of the JCP&L operator who suggested not taking a shower during a thunderstorm – precisely where I was when a storm clambered through and kicked out the power, cable, internet, and telephone. ̶

Hello fellow readers, I am flattered how many of you introduced yourselves at last week 4th of July festivities. It goes to show the energy of our local paper and the sense of community it promotes.  I am grateful to The Press and to all of you for engaging in our chat. Well the heat

Hello fellow readers, Is it a beaver or woodchuck eating Lucia’s trees? You’ll enjoy the story :^) “Help! A woodchuck is eating my trees,” writes Lucia, “and he’s moved in right near my front door where there’s a deep hole about a foot in diameter.

Hello fellow readers, I think you’ll enjoy this little ditty of home remedies to garden dilemmas that reintroduced me to Neem Oil – the old tried and true I call my “duct tape” for the garden. Home Remedies Last week we spoke about aphids and a remedy using dis