Hello Fellow Readers, Just before our gardens kicked into gear, I had the privilege of dropping in on a succulent event hosted by A&J Messina Greenhouses in Blairstown NJ which served as a mini-gardening warmup. What a lively group of over seventy guests learning how to make a ter

Hello Fellow Readers, Poinsettias are one of the most popular plants to decorate our homes for Christmas. I recall the first time seeing them growing outside in Florida while walking the neighborhood with my folks who lived there for over 30 years. Poinsettias as tall as the houses! C

Hello fellow readers, I love questions on things I wish to learn more about. Gloria of Columbia NJ, has enjoyed her Lady Slipper orchid for 23 years. She divided it recently and the twins are now beginning their bloom cycle. However, some of the leaves are turning yellow and Gloria is

Hello fellow readers, Some of my houseplants are desperate. The low humidity of the heated house has wreaked havoc coupled with some of their pots being too tight; much like my pants after the holidays. Thank goodness for stretchy jeans. Even if there were stretchy pots, it’s the lack

Hello fellow readers, ‘You can’t water their faces’ recalls brother Rick; one of Mom’s instructions on how to care for African violets as water on their leaves can cause spotting damage. Mom had quite a collection of violets when we were kids. As I write we are visiting her in a nursi

Hello fellow readers, This time of year my indoor plants start to show signs of distress. Which, frankly, may have to do with over doting; that’s my gardening term for overwatering and maybe overfeeding. Because of the dry heat indoors, watering your indoor plants can be tricky. It’s

Hello fellow readers, I recently visited with Diana of the Hospice Grief Center in Newton. What gifts her wisdom, kindness and the services of Hospice are. In the entry area is a beautiful tropical looking plant with a nifty braided trunk that I asked her about; teasing that it looked

Hello fellow readers, It’s starting already. Gardening withdrawals. Margaret of Washington asked how to force Paperwhite bulbs which reminds me of a simple winter withdrawal remedy that also makes a wonderful Christmas gift. It’s as easy as putting the Narcissus papyraceus bulbs in wa

Hello Fellow Readers, I had the privilege of helping Holly and Joao of Montclair with plant decorations to also serve as gifts for attendees of their upcoming nuptials. While chatting with Patti of Little Big Farm here in Blairstown she suggested succulents. They’re very trendy, easy

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