Hello fellow readers, This is the first since spring I’m starting our chat from the writing chair in the library—not to say the screen porch won’t be put into play over winter. I especially love to bundle up and write when snow is puffing through the screens. But today, if

Hello fellow readers, The other day, while shopping for groceries, I stumbled upon an array of poinsettia varieties arranged at the floral department entrance. Hopefully not annoying other shoppers, I snagged a bunch of photos to capture their beauty. Of course, there were the traditi

Hello Fellow Readers, I have a top-heavy aloe plant leaning precariously over other plants on the bay window in the kitchen that needs help. The thing is, I'm puzzled as to how, despite thorough research. So here we are, column number 400 (can you believe?), and I am stumped.

Mealybugs and whiteflies are similar and can look like mold on your indoor plants. They both suck sap, causing curling and yellowing leaves, and are stealth in finding their way inside. Click through to how-to remedy your unwelcome guests.

Fiddlehead Fig Trees, also known as Fiddle-leaf Figs, have become quite a craze, and I can see why. They have foot-long leathery leaves that look like a fiddle, hence the common name. Fiddle-leaf Figs can be fickle, though. Learn the tips in making them happy in your home.

Hello Fellow Readers, There’s Christmas cactus that came my way by adoption from a then-husband, a story shared in a column long ago (link below).  Neglected and riddled with old deadwood, I revived it, and it bloomed beautifully for many years. Then it mysteriously returned to

Hello Fellow Readers, Just before our gardens kicked into gear, I attended 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 terrarium. Trays of succulen

Hello Fellow Readers, Poinsettias are one of the most popular plants to decorate our homes for Christmas. Their history and legend of why poinsettias are known as the Flowers of the Holy Night will fill your heart. I recall the first time seeing them growing outside in Florida while w

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 lovers of all things green, Some of my houseplants are desperate. The low humidity of the heated house has wreaked havoc. Plus, some of their pots are too tight, like my pants after the holidays. Thank goodness for stretchy jeans. Even if there were stretchy pots, the la