Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries, Ask Mary Stone, New Jersey Garden blog

Annuals vs. Perennials

Hello fellow readers, We are officially through our risk of frost so it’s time to shop for annuals. Many nurseries sell perennials in flats as well. Bob from Hackettstown was brave enough to ask what the difference between annuals and perennials is. I am certain it is confusing to man
Read More

Shopping for Annuals

Hello fellow readers, Mother’s Day triggers shopping for Annuals as gifts and adding continuous color to our gardens and pots. There’s something fun about being in the frenzy of it all – The hurry to grab a plant cart, drooling over all the colors, and the tendency to load up wi
Read More

Beautiful Brunnera

Hello fellow readers, It’s challenging to talk when your mouth is wide open with a sucking device, dental tools and a set of hands. In fact it can be trying and I wonder if the strategy of encouraging conversation is to keep our mind off their work. Let’s just say I would rather go to
Read More
Dividing Hosta Mary Stone Garden Dilemmas

Dividing Perennials

Column updated April 1, 2021  Hello fellow readers, Divide and multiply, and while you’re at it, why not move those that may be better living somewhere else. Of course, I am referring to dividing and moving perennials, not family members :^) Sally from Wind Gap asked if spring is a go
Read More
Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting Veggie & Perennial Seeds Indoors

Hello Fellow Readers, Ready to dig in? A rule of thumb is eight weeks before the last frost date (typically May 19th here in Northern New Jersey) is the time to start seeds indoors. I don’t know about you, but I am counting on normal despite our crazy winter! Hence I plan to start see
Read More