The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com

We've Moved!

2010-02-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

You can now read "the inside dirt" at iloveplants.com.

Get the latest information on regional gardening, or use our Plant & Seed Finder to locate mailorder sources for the plants and/or seeds you're searching for.

We look forward to your visit!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - May 2008

2008-04-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

This past month more regional gardening information has been added to our Regional Directory. For your convenience, you can now access a link for your state in the right hand column of our blog. Gardeners located in Texas, Utah, Washington state and Virginia will find a number of new links with information for their particular state. Visit our See What's New page to find these links as well as others for nurseries and garden blogs. In the coming month, I will be adding more links for a number of other states as well. If you have a favorite you'd like to share with others, please send it me via e-mail. I hope you enjoy the many links we have featured this month on sustainable gardening this month.

FEATURED WEBSITES

The Basics of Sustainable Gardening
Since “being green” is so popular these days, it seems appropriate to feature information on sustainable gardening. The term “sustainable gardening” is a fancy term for natural gardening - working in tandem with Mother Nature. The Basics of Sustainable Gardening written by Julie M. Young at do-it-yourself.com is a great basic introduction to this new term but old-time successful gardening practice.

Here are more links that cover the four basic concepts of sustainable gardening:
* Composting by the EPA
* Mulching for a Healthy Landscape by the Virginia Cooperative Extension
* Practice Smart Watering for Healthier Plants by King County.
* Natural Garden Pest Control by Earth Easy.

GARDEN NEWS

Win a garden makeover in Preen Garden Makeover Sweepstakes
This is the third annual Preen Garden Makeover Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize is a $2,500 garden makeover. What a great prize that would be to win! In addition, there will be 3 first place prizes of $500 each also awarded. Visit Preen to submit an official online entry form. Entries must be submitted by July 1st.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE

Jackson & Perkins is featuring their annual Rose Tag Sale. During the month of May you can save up to 54% on your favorite roses. Check out their Knock-out rose. It is beautiful and practically care-free.

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

In Keeping with our “green theme” this month, we’re featuring blogs that feature sustainable gardening practices.

Blooms and Bees
Kristi in Los Angeles, California is a garden designer and writer who refers to herself as “The Green Garden Girl.” She chronicles the joys of environmentally responsible gardening in her blog.

The Compost Bin
A self-confessed “compost addict,” Anthony grows vegetables with his homemade compost. Lots of great information here for anyone who is interested in composting and growing organic vegetables.

The Manic Gardener
An ex-New Yorker now living in Montana, Katie Gardner started her organic gardening blog in November of 2007. She’s off to a good start, and while she’s busy gardening and building her blog, you can check out the 50 Tips & Tricks and the Glossary of sustainable gardening terms.

THE LATEST GARDEN BOOKS

Rosalind Creasy's Recipes from the Garden by Rosalind Creasy. More than 200 recipes from appetizers to desserts using your local or homegrown harvest.

The Informed Gardener by Linda Chalker-Scott. The most common myths and misconceptions regarding sustainable landscaping practices.

Why do Violets Shrink? by Caroline Holmes. Answers to 250 thorny questions on the world of plants.

Great Landscape Evergreens by Vincent A. Simeone. Information on more than 80 species of evergreens for landscaping purposes.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - February 2008

2008-02-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

We’re still firmly entrenched in the middle of winter across the nation, but it won’t be long before our hope is rekindled with the first blooms of hyacinths, daffodils and other spring blooming bulbs. It is already beginning in my zone 9 garden. As I look out the window this dreary morning, I see the neighbor’s Laurel oak is alight with brand new spring green leaves. I stand in amazement of this overnight occurrence, and I quickly check my own tree to discover that teensy baby leaves are well on their way too. Hurray! I wish an early spring for all of you out there.

This past month I added lots of regional gardening web sites, and have loads more to add in the upcoming months - so stay tuned! Hopefully, I will have something for all 50 states. Please feel free to help me out by e-mailing your favorites to me.

Many new butterfly gardening links were added, including the humorously named Butterfly Gardening for Ninnies and the Horticulturally Challenged. You’ll find they keep it simple on this site and, personally speaking, I like simple. One that received a 5-star rating from viewers is Butterflies of North America which offers something for everyone regardless of what state you live in.

Now for some new blogs. We all love blogs and here are some good ones. Dee in Oklahoma rambles on in her Red Dirt Ramblings, and Betsy’s Garden delivers the goods for gardeners in Minnesota, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. I couldn’t resist including this next blog in my newsletter because I love its name - Plant Whatever Brings you Joy. Already the name provides some great advice. You’ll find these sites mentioned above, along with more blogs and Web sites on our What’s New page.

Looking for a Bargain?

In this day and age when gas prices are soaring ever-higher and food costs keep steadily rising, who isn’t in search of a bargain. Our sister-site, Garden Bargains Online keeps tally of the latest coupons, discounts, sales and special offers from nurseries and garden product companies.
Our Garden Bargains blog digs a little deeper by featuring individual products that will save you $$$’s. This blog is interactive, and I am inviting everyone to participate. How? By leaving a comment (positive or negative) on featured products you’ve used, and also by sharing with all of us your latest garden find.

Garden News -

The Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for February 15 - 18th. For more information visit BirdSource.org.

Elizabeth Bickford wants everyone to know they are invited to Historic Garden Week in Virginia (April 19th) which is sponsored by The Ashland Garden Club. For more details, visit Virginia is for Lover’s.

The Perennial Plant Association has named Geranium ‘Rozanne' as the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year.

John Valleau at Perennials.com is creating lists of outstanding plant performers across the U.S. To participate you can send him an e-mail with your best performing perennials.

March 1st is the deadline to apply for the 2008 Youth Garden Grants from the National Gardening Association.

The Latest Regional Gardening Books -

The Rhode Island Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Ocean State by Barbara Gee starting at $10.38

The Michigan Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Great Lakes State by Rita C. Henehan starting at $8.96.

Container Gardening for Washington and Oregon by Marianne Binetti and Don Williamson starting at $13.06.

Herb Gardening for Washington and Oregon by Marianne Binetti and Laura Peters starting at $13.57

As I wrap this post up, the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds and I’m headed outdoors to enjoy the first new leaves of spring on my neighbor’s tree. I hope you enjoyed the featured Web sites and blogs this month. Please email me a link to your garden blog, so I can include it in our Regional Directory.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants

2008-01-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

Discovering new Web sites and blogs to add to the iloveplants.com directory is one of the tasks I enjoy the most. There are so many interesting garden blogs, that I wish I had more time to visit them on a regular basis. This past month I added quite a few blogs from newspapers around the country. If you don’t subscribe to your local paper, you can still read the garden information for your region of the country.

One of the most interesting blogs I discovered is The Daily Dirt which cleverly purports to “dishing out a healthy serving of “green gardening” how-to each weekday morning.” It offers gardeners a fresh perspective on eco-friendly gardening. My Garden Guide - a plant encyclopedia of 40,000 plants created by Connecticut college is a great resource for gardeners in all 50 states. You’ll find these along with more blogs and Web sites on our What’s New page.

Seed Ordering -
The 2008 garden catalogues are arriving in the mail, and soon we computer-savvy gardeners will be placing our orders online. If you’re ordering from a company you haven’t ordered from in the past, you may want to check out our Mail-Order Tips to avoid a disappointing experience. Some of my favorite companies are Park Seed (for flower and vegetable seeds) and Blooming Bulb (for tropical bulbs). They offer great service and good value.

According to the Mailorder Gardening Association they project that orders will be split 50% each for mail and Internet ordering. People still love receiving the colorful and descriptive catalogues, but find online ordering quick and easy. Money saving coupons are abundant at this time of year, and you can find a current listing of them at Garden Bargains Online.

Garden News -
Congrats to Carol at May Dream’s Gardens (featured in our February 2007 newsletter) on her Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day’s one year anniversary. Everyone is welcome to join her and the many other bloggers who participate in this fun monthly blogging event.

Pam at Digging is getting the word out on the first official Garden Bloggers Spring Fling 2008 which will be hosted by the Austin bloggers. It sounds like a fun event for garden bloggers that will include garden tours and a chance to meet and chat about (what else) gardening.

The National Garden Bureau has deemed 2008 the Year of the Rudbeckia and Eggplant, and if you’re looking for the latest information on the newest plant introductions you’ll find those at All-America Selections.

And, now as I finish publishing this new post, I’m off to the couch on this rainy January day to peruse all of those catalogues that are piling up on the floor. It’s just the perfect day for this, and besides the laundry can wait another day! I hope you found this information helpful. Please email me a link to your garden blog, so I can include it in our Regional Directory.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - October 2007

2007-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Site: Learn2Grow
Garden News: Billion Tree Campaign
New Book: Backyard Giants
Garden Bargain: Save at Gardener’s Supply Fall Clean Up Sale
Garden Blogs: My Serenity Garden * Gardens by the Lake * Muum’s Musings * Bert’s Bloomers
From my Garden…Simply Susan!

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks.

Susan

“A Garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever.” - Anonymous

FEATURED WEBSITES:

A LESSON IN GARDENING - Learn2Grow

It doesn’t matter whether you have a green or black thumb, at Learn2Grow you can find the latest gardening information, projects, problem solvers, forums and plenty of inspiration. They even offer online courses.

GARDEN NEWS - PLANT FOR THE PLANET “Billion Tree Campaign”

The United Nations Environment Programme has launched a worldwide tree planting campaign to encourage gardeners to plant trees. Their 2007 goal is to plant 1,000,000 trees to benefit the planet, and so far only 302,971,416 have been planted. If you’ve planted a tree or plan to this fall, drop by their site and get it recorded as they work toward meeting their gallant goal.

BOOK REVIEW - Backyard Giants

Backyard Giants written by Susan Warren is “The Passionate, heartbreaking, and glorious quest to grow the biggest pumpkin ever.” I know that there are gardeners out there that grow record size vegetables, but what I didn’t know is how serious they are about it. I figured they threw a little extra Miracle Gro on them, and voila’ a super-sized vegetable was a result. Boy, was I wrong. The Rhode Island gardeners that Warren features in her new book are what I would call “extreme gardeners.” They eat, drink and (don’t) sleep “extreme” pumpkins, sometimes at the expense of their relationships. This book will attest to the fact that prize winning pumpkins do not happen by accident. In fact, a ton of planning and cultivation goes into producing the next winner. Warren describes the heart-moving account of these gardeners in a humorous and delightful way. You can’t help but be intrigued by these passionate and dedicated gardeners.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Fall Clean-up Sale at Gardener’s Supply Co.

It's Autumn, which means it's time to clean-up the yard! From leaf shredders and burlap wraps to garage organization - Gardener’s Supply has smart tools and timesaving solutions for your yard. And right now, you can save 10% on your order of $50 or more!

For more garden bargains, visit Garden Bargains Online.

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

My Serenity Garden
Becky‘s woodland garden is located in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll enjoy the crisp photos of her garden and the wildlife that visits. She’s also got a second blog that houses photos of her flowers.

Gardens by the Lake
Minnesota (zone 4) gardener, Kris shares her thoughts, ideas, successes and failures in her garden by the lake on her blog. Lots of roses and colorful perennials adorn this cottage-style garden.

Muum’s Musings
Summer is a short season for Muum who gardens at an elevation of 5000 feet in Utah. Already having received their first snow fall, she’s busy harvesting the vegetable garden and preserving the bounty.

Bert’s Bloomers!
I saved Bert’s blog for last because this semi-retired and “slightly eccentric” (as he describes himself) Canadian horticulturist has 3 interesting blogs - Bert’s Bloomers, Bert’s Herbs and Garden Coach. You’ll find plenty to read here, and lots of helpful information from this gardening expert.

NOTE: Just a reminder that you are more than welcome to leave comments on gardener’s blogs should you wish to do so. Be sure to check back to see if they left a reply to your comment.

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - September 2007

2007-08-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Site: Wikipedia
Seasonal Web Site: Autumn Folklore
Garden News: Healthy Sprouts Grant Program Deadline
Garden Bargain: Gardener's Supply Co.'s Hot Summer Sale!
Garden Blogs: My Sister’s Garden * Hoe and Shovel * Leave Me Alone, I’m Digging * A Larrapin Garden
From my Garden…Simply Susan!

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks. Susan

FEATURED WEBSITES

A GARDEN REFERENCE - Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia. Many of you may not realize that it is packed with fabulous plant and garden information. Use their search box to enter a plant/tree name or garden term to find a plethora of information.

FALL IS IN THE AIR - Autumn Folklore
In my eyes, autumn is one of the best seasons. At Ottawa Plus - Autumn Folklore you will find some interesting history on the equinox, the symbols of autumn, and many folklore sayings connected with the season - some you’re familiar with and others not.

GARDEN NEWS - Healthy Sprouts Grant Program
The National Gardening Association & Gardener’s Supply Co. is encouraging schools and organizations through their Healthy Sprouts Award Program to plant health-focused youth gardens that provide healthy foods and nutrition information. This year 20 schools or organizations will be recognized and will receive an award of products to continue their good works. The deadline to submit an application is October 15, 2007.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Gardener’s Supply Co.‘s Hot Summer Sale
Save up to 63% at Gardener’s Supply co.’s Hot Summer Sale! Sizzling offers you can’t resist on self-watering planters, pest controls, landscaping supplies, patio sets and more!

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

My Sister’s Garden
Two sisters, Country Girl and Apple, share with others their gardens located at the east end of Lake Ontario. This is a unique blog in which the two of them use one blog to write about each of their gardens - one located in zone 4 and the other in zone 5. It’s a very inviting blog with plenty of colorful photos and advice mixed in. You’ll feel like part of the family as you read along.

Hoe & Shovel
When you visit this central Florida gardener’s blog, I guarantee you will be adding it to your favorites list. Meems has created a stunning (words pale in comparison) shade garden awash in soft shades of magenta, deep purple, green and white. Just be warned - the photos are intoxicating!

Leave Me Alone, I’m Digging
David in Greensboro, North Carolina shares his garden experiences in his online “gardener’s notebook.” He’s only been blogging since 2006, but has managed to amass a very thick notebook about his garden - birds, butterflies, plants, problems, and even his archeological garden finds. It’s obvious how much he enjoys digging in his garden!

A Larrapin GardenAccording to Leigh in Fayettevile, Arkansas, “"Larrapin" is an old hill term that means delicious, yummy.” And that term describes her one year old organic garden which contains yummy treats for people, birds, wildlife, and the barnyard critters.

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - August 2007

2007-08-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Site: Green Gardening by WWF
Featured Web Site: 163 Things You Can Compost by Marion Owen
Garden Book Review: The Massachusetts Gardener's Companion
Garden Bargain: Plow & Hearth Summer Clearance
Garden Blogs: A Study in Contrasts * Robin’s Nesting Place * Bliss
From my Garden…Simply Susan!

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on a couple of garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks.Susan

“No garden is without weeds.” - Thomas Fuller

FEATURED WEBSITES

GOING GREEN IN THE GARDEN - World Wildlife Federation Green Tips
Going green in the garden is easier than you think, especially with these 16 helpful tips from the World Wildlife Federation. Get involved today by incorporating some of these ideas into your garden, and suggesting some of your own green tips.

COMPOST HAPPENS - 163 Things You Can Compost
Alaskan garden writer, Marion Owen, shares her long list of items you can successfully compost. The list seems endless and some of the items will be ones you never thought of. Turn your everyday trash into rich compost for your garden.

GARDEN BOOK REVIEW: The Massachusetts Gardener's Companion: An Insider's Guide to Gardening from the Berkshires to the Islands

This book is a must have for those who garden in the New England area. Barbara Gee, a regional editor of People, Places and Plants magazine provides a bounty of valuable information and helpful tips in her new book. The book is arranged in three categories:

* Firm Foundations - soils, the site and water.
* Green Things - annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees, shrubs, lawns, invasive plants.
* Garden Solutions - pests & diseases, special challenges for city & seaside gardens, resources.

Gardeners will find that she packs a lot of information into the 185 pages of her book. Everything from water-wise tips, lists of desirable and invasive plants, garden definitions, local and Internet sources, tips to extend your growing season and much more.

Gee feels like a friend and mentor disseminating practical and down-to-earth advice learned from many years of personal trowel and experience. It is a timeless garden book that should be on every New England gardener's bookshelf.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Summer Clearance sale at Plow & Hearth

Save up to 60% on in-season items at the Plow & Hearth Summer Clearance Sale. Choose from a great selection of garden (planters, globes, furniture) and home (lamps, clocks) items.

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

A Study in Contrasts
Kim, who grew up in the Black Swamp in Ohio now gardens on the sandy shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. Her goals for her urban yard is to turn a small garden into one that thinks big, is environmentally sensitive, and one that marries form with function.

Robin’s Nesting Place
This central Indiana gardener is a southern transplant who has learned how to garden in a totally different climate. She adds new posts to her blog frequently, along with lots of beautiful photos of her flowers.

Bliss
Yolanda gardens in the tiny 400 year old village of Dinteloord in the Netherlands, where she has created a fairytale-like kitchen and cottage garden. You will enjoy not only the pictures of her garden, but also those of her beautiful (and many) cats.

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Insider Dirt @ iloveplants.com - June 2007

2007-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Sites: Gardening With Kids
Featured Plant: Endless Summer Hydrangea
Garden News: The Pollinator Partnership
Garden Bargain: Get 15% off your Order at Park Seed Co.
Garden Blogs: Life in Sugar Hollow * Lean and Green * A Salsa Garden
From my Garden…Simply Susan!

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on a couple of garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks. Susan

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It is what sunflowers do!”
- Helen Keller

FEATURED WEBSITE

NEVER TOO YOUNG TO GARDEN - Gardening with Kids
You will find a ton of wonderful ideas for getting kids involved in the garden at Gardening with Kids. A few projects include a kid’s garden party, a nose garden, Lilliputian gardens, the world of make-believe to an odd behavior garden, and much, much more! Spending some time outdoors in the garden teaching kids about plants and nature will make for a fun summer for you and the kids.

FEATURED PLANT

A Summer of blooms with ENDLESS SUMMERÒ HYDRANGEA
Endless SummerÒ (Hydrangea macrophylla Ballmer) owes its success to its ability to bloom on both new and old wood. This mophead ( 8 to 10 inch flowers) begins bearing blooms when the weather warms up in summer and continues through the fall. It is hardy to zone 4. Endless SummerÒ is a standout in any garden with it’s beautiful large pink or blue (depending on your soil) flower. You can purchase Endless Summer hydrangea at Wayside Gardens.

GARDEN NEWS: The Pollinator Partnership
June 24 - 30th has been proclaimed the first annual International Pollinator Week. The U.S. Postal Service will be releasing a booklet of 20 commemorative stamps entitled “Pollination” on June 26th. According to a 2006 report by The National Academy of Sciences, “There is direct evidence of decline of some pollinator species in North America.” The Pollinator Partnership provides news, resources, programs and a digital library to support you in helping pollinators in your own backyard as well as the world. Check their Web site for events scheduled for Pollinator Week.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Get 15% off your total order at Park Seed Co.
Place your order at Park Seed Co. and receive 15% off your total order now through the end of June. Choose from a nice selection of bulbs, perennials, roses, shrubs and trees. Enter the following coupon code at checkout: JUNE15

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

Life in Sugar Hollow
Located deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia lives Tracey who gardens on 5 acres of beautiful countryside. Not so long ago, while working in her Manhattan, New York office she dreamed of the life she lives now in sugar hollow. Her blog chronicles the many learning and humbling experiences that have occurred since moving to Virginia.

Lean and Green
This New York gardener shares her tips for “gardening on the cheap“ from her Brooklyn rooftop garden. You’ll be amazed at how many plants you can grow in a small space.

A Salsa Garden
For all of you who love to grow chile and sweet peppers, you will enjoy visiting this Los Angeles garden in southern California. In her first blog entry in 2004, she writes that she began growing peppers several years ago because “I find that home grown peppers are sweeter and firmer and make my home cooking into a true joy.”

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - May 2007

2007-05-01T06:03:00.001-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Sites: USA Gardener ** Square Foot Gardening
Garden News: Plant a Row for the Hungry
Garden Bargain: Buy Cala Lily Bulbs at Wholesale Prices
Garden Blogs: Today in the Garden * Uncle Tom’s Garden * I Brake for Delphiniums * Ryders Ranch
From my Garden…Simply Susan!
What’s New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on a couple of garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks.Susan

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” - Margaret Atwood

FEATURED WEBSITES

GROWN IN THE USA - USA Gardener
This online garden resource focuses on organic gardening, including natural pest and disease controls. Lots of helpful articles for growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries.

GROW MORE WITH LESS - Square Foot Gardening
Mel Bartholomew is still promoting his proven space-saving garden technique. Enough “how-to” information is provided on his Web site to get you on your way, and he provides lots of helpful information for growing delicious and healthful vegetables.

GARDEN NEWS: Plant a Row for the Hungry
The Garden Writers Association invites you to join them in their efforts to feed the hungry by planting an extra row of vegetables in your garden this spring. “Since 2005, more than 1.5 millions pounds of produce were donated generating meals for over 5.5 million needy recipients.“ It’s so easy to share your extra fruits and vegetables with a local food bank, and know that you are part of the solution. More information about participating can be found online.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Buy Cala Lily Bulbs at Wholesale Prices
Pacific Callas offers a wide variety of bulbs in all colors at wholesale prices. Take advantage of their flat-rate shipping - $8.10 for up to 50 bulbs!

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

Today in the Garden
Lisa in Northern California has a garden full of beautiful roses as demonstrated by the many photos on her blog. Among her other favorites are irises, and birds who frequent her bird feeders.

Uncle Tom’s Garden
Jeanne follows in her uncle’s footsteps with a garden full of vegetables and flowers. Her San Francisco Bay area garden includes black eyed Susan flowers grown from her Uncle Tom’s garden in Maine. Her blog also contains a sprinkling of seed saving tips and recipes.

I Brake for Delphiniums
This self-described “clueless gardener” located in Brooklyn maintains two garden blogs. I Brake for Delphiniums contains posts of comic strips which take a look at the humorous side of gardeners and gardening. I’m sure you will get a chuckle out of her posts, and that we will all see ourselves in her works of art. Be sure to check out her other blog, The Clueless Gardener for pictures of her garden.

Ryders Ranch
If you like to discover time-saving garden hints and new ways to stretch your dollar in the garden, check out this blog. It contains an archive of posts on a number of garden activities.

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - April 2007

2007-04-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
Featured Web Sites: Green Zone Life ** Grow’Em Plant Propagation Database
Garden News: 2007 All-America Rose Selection Winners
Garden Bargain: Save BIG on flowers at Dutch Gardens.
Garden Blogs: Dragonfly Garden * Mr Grandpa’s Garden * Digging * Garden Rant
From my Garden…Simply Susan!
What’s New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the “inside dirt” on a couple of garden Web sites and blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new Web sites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks.

Susan

"When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."
- William Wordsworth

FEATURED WEBSITES

GROWING GREEN - Green Zone Life
This online garden magazine provides a mix of garden and plant how-to articles, seasonal garden tips and calendar, a downloadable garden journal, and some easy to-do garden projects. You’ll find a variety of helpful articles on plants in the Green Zone.

PLANT KNOW-HOW! - Grow’Em Plant Propagation Database
Information on propagating 1,000 plus plant species from seeds, cuttings and layerings can be found in this online database. Additional information on composting techniques, fertilization, growth medium, lighting requirements, water and drainage are also included, along with a photo gallery.

GARDEN NEWS: The 2007 All-America Rose Selection Winners
The All-America Rose Selections winners for 2007 are: Rainbow Knock Outä (Landscape Shrub Rose), Strike it Richä (Grandiflora), and Moondanceä (Floribunda). You can purchase these award-winning roses at Jackson & Perkins.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save BIG on flowers at Dutch Gardens.
For a limited time, you can receive $25 off your order of $50 at Dutch Gardens. Use this half-price offer to fill your garden full of beautiful perennials, dahlias, gladiolus and lilies. A large selection to choose from.

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

DragonFly Garden
A native of Cuba, Rusty who now lives and gardens in Miami is working to create an oasis in his small urban backyard. Judging by the photos of his tropical garden, he has definitely succeeded at creating a restful place away from the busyness of urban life.

My Grandpa’s Garden
This new garden blog (started in February of this year) holds a lot of promise for future posts. Michelle, a Midwest gardener, has recently acquired her first “real” yard, and this spring will begin the fulfilling and frustrating mission of making it her own. She fondly reminisces about her grandpa’s garden, and has dedicated her blog and garden to his memory. A good blog to bookmark for anyone with fond memories of a grandparent’s garden.

Digging - Diary of an Austin Gardener
Pam gardens in the “black gumbo” soil of her central Austin, Texas garden. Inspired by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, she has created a breathtaking garden that contains a mix of drought-tolerant, native prairie plants. Her blog is abundantly filled with one striking photo after another.

Garden Rant
Four flourishing garden writers, Susan Harris, Elizabeth Licata, Michele Owens and Amy Stewart have teamed up to, what else, “rant and rave” about all things gardening. No topic is off limits to them, as witnessed by one of their latest posts on “The Naked Gardeners.” You’ll enjoy their honest bantering on their boredom with perfect magazine gardens, their distrust of the horticulture industry and much more. Check it out for yourself, and feel free to add your two cents worth!

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - March 2007

2007-03-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Web Sites: FrugalGardening.com ** WeekendGardening.net
* Garden News: 2007 Perennial of the Year
* Garden Bargain: Free Iceberg rose offer
* Garden Blogs: Gotta Garden * Michigan Gardening * Betsy’s Herb Garden * Doug’s Green Garden
* From my Garden…Simply Susan!
* What’s New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I bring you the "inside dirt" on a couple of Web sites and garden blogs, keep you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider's look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. And, if you have a garden blog, please email the “url” to me. Thanks.

Susan

“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds ‘round my neck.” -Emma Goldman

FEATURED WEBSITES

KEEPING IT SIMPLE - FrugalGardening.com
Lots of frugal tips on how to grow more for less, with a strong focus on how to obtain “free” plants. Some you’ll be familiar with, others are new but all are good suggestions. Includes photos, monthly tips, garden blog, and links to other frugal living Web sites.

FOR ALL WEEKEND WARRIORS - WeekendGardener.net
This free web magazine offers tips, advice and ideas for your garden in their monthly articles and “how to” tutorials. Also, includes plant gallery, organic solutions, Q&A, monthly to do lists, contests & prizes, as well as clubs & events.

This newsletter is sponsored by Jackson & Perkins
The 2007 roses are available, including the 2007 Double Award Winner (AARS & Floribunda of the Year®), Moondance. Also, available are the First Lady Rose Collections (Laura and Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan and Ladybird), perennials, bulbs, outdoor décor and garden structures.

GARDEN NEWS: The 2007 Perennial of the Year is Catmint 'Walker’s Low'
The Perennial Plant Association names Catmint Walker’s Low as the 2007 Perennial of the Year®. And I think you will agree that this stunning perennial is the cat’s meow in the garden. According to the Perennial Plant Association, “Catmint is the common name of this excellent sun exposure perennial. It has aromatic silver-green foliage and dark blue-purple flowers from late spring to frost, if it is pruned back by two-thirds when the initial flowers fade. ‘Walker’s Low’ is 36 inches tall with a spread of 30 to 36 inches. It is hardy from zones 3 to 8.” It looks great in perennial borders, or as a ground cover, in herb gardens or in containers. It is great for attracting bees and butterflies, but is deer and rabbit resistant. Learn more or purchase Catmint 'Walker’s Low' from Park Seed Co.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Free climbing Iceberg rose from Wayside Gardens.
For a limited time, receive a FREE climbing Iceberg rose when you purchase $75 or more from Wayside Gardens. Iceberg is a popular, stunning white rose that will glow in your garden. Enter Promo Code ‘FREEROSE’ at checkout. Hurry because, as is the case with all good things, this offer expires March 15th!

FEATURED GARDEN BLOGS

Gotta Garden
Katie, a self-described “plant enthusiast” in Viriginia celebrates all that gardening brings to her life. You will enjoy seeing what’s in bloom in her garden, as well as her conversations with herself on why she shouldn’t buy another new plant. Now there’s a conversation we can all relate to!

Michigan Gardening
Louise definitely has a knack for garden design. The photos of her 5 year old garden, which include over 250 varieties of daylilies, are absolutely stunning. This well-read green thumb and bookworm shares her hybridizing techniques, as well as an out of the ordinary list of non-gardening books.

Betsy’s Herb Garden
Betsy, who boldly lists her age as 250, loves growing herbs and perennials in her Grand Blanc, Michigan garden. As evidenced by the posts on her garden blog, she also has a passion for beautiful and flowery garden prose.

Doug Green’s Garden
Doug is an award-winning garden author who shares what’s new in plants, gardening news and anything else that interests him about gardening. I particularly like one of his recent posts, challenging and encouraging gardeners to participate in the United Nation’s “Billion Tree Campaign” by planting trees in their own yard.

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - February 2007

2007-02-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Garden Forums, Lists & Seed Swap
* Garden News: Gardening by the Moon Photo Contest
* Garden Project: Build a Backyard Parterre by Farmer's Almanac
* Garden Bargains: $25 off your $50 Purchase from van Bourgondien
* Garden Blog: May Dreams Gardens
* From my Garden… Simply Susan!

Greetings fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. Susan

“Your first job is to prepare the soil. The best tool for this is your neighbor’s garden tiller. If your neighbor does not own a garden tiller, suggest that he buy one.” - Dave Berry

FEATURED WEBSITES: Garden Forums, Lists & Seed Swaps

February is a restless month for gardeners as old man winter continues his winter rampage. So what is a gardener to do until spring arrives? If you can’t live and breath plants in the garden, perhaps talking about them with other like-minded folks would temporarily soothe a restless garden soul. With that in mind, we are featuring a number of garden forums, lists & seed swaps that may appease the weary gardener until those pleasant days of spring arrive once again. On the next cold and miserable winter’s day when you’re stuck inside, pull up a chair and browse through our list of garden forums, lists and seed swap Web sites, and rate your favorites. You’re sure to find one that speaks to you.

This newsletter is sponsored by Wayside Gardens
Spring has arrived at Wayside Gardens with more than 100 new varieties of perennials, shrubs, roses and annuals to choose from. Don’t miss out on the new Rose Rainbow Knock-Out™ rose.

GARDEN NEWS: Gardening by the Moon Photo Contest

Calling all garden photographers. Divine Inspiration Publications, publisher of the Gardening by the Moon Calendar, is pleased to announce a Garden Art Photo Contest. We are looking for fun photos of your garden art which is homemade, something different than your average garden center birdbath,statuary/sundial type thing. Sculptures made out of natural materials, interesting trellises, stepping stones,planting containers, and creative bed designs will be considered. No people in the picture, please, but humor is good!

The winning photographs will be used in the 2008 Gardening by the Moon Calendar, and all winners will receive a free calendar. One $50 first prize will be awarded, and one second prize of $25. Deadline is February 20, so send in your photos soon!

To enter send your JPGs on a disc, labeled with your name and contact information, or photographs with a cardboard stiffener (so it won't get folded), to our mailing address: Divine Inspiration Publications, P.O. Box 2503, Guerneville, CA 95446. They should be good quality pictures and well focused. JPGs should be PC format disc, 300 dpi and about 5x7 (Because we are on a dial up connection I can't accept the photos by email). Send duplicates, as your submissions will not be returned. Winners will be announced in September 2007. If not enough photos are received to make a whole theme for next year, the top two winners will be paid, and the others kept on hold for another year.

GARDEN PROJECT: Build a Backyard Parterre

If you’re looking to add a little formality to your garden this spring, the Farmer’s Almanac offers a great idea in their “Build a Backyard Parterre” article by Louise Kehoe. A parterre is a slightly less formal type of knot garden. The article includes a detailed diagram with measurements and a step-by-step explanation for creating this beautiful design in your backyard.
Visit the Farmer’s Almanac for Parterre building plans.

The Art of the Kitchen Garden by Jan and Michael Gertley provides more information on creating informal parterre gardens.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: $25 off Orders of $50 from van Bourgondien

Take advantage of van Bourgondien's latest offer and receive $50 of plants for only $25!!!! Enter Promo Code KA1401A at checkout to receive discount. They work hard to ensure that you receive the highest quality bulbs and perennials. Choose from their great selection of bulbs and plants from dahlias and lilies to hostas and daylilies.

This is a great opportunity to add some new varieties to your perennial beds. Hurry because this offer expires February 28th!Don't forget to check out the helpful fints and best buys on bulbs from "The Bulb Lady®." Shop Van Bourgondien and Save Lots of Money.

Visit Garden Bargains Online for the latest coupons, discounts and special offers from nurseries and garden product companies.

GARDEN BLOG: May Dreams Gardens Blog

What better blog to feature in the month of February than May Dreams Gardens by Carol in Indiana. She so eloquently states that she arrived at her blog’s name, “because all year I dream of the days in May when the sun is warm, the skies are blue, the grass is green, and the garden is all new again!” Who can’t relate to that beautiful description of a May garden, especially in the middle of winter.

In her blog, she hopes to inspire all to “get out and do a little digging and hoeing in your own gardens, wherever and whatever that may be.” And I think you’ll agree with me that her love for gardening and people (and the Indianapolis Colts) shines through in her blog entries. She engages other gardeners to participate on her blog by asking questions throughout her posts and in her Garden Bloggers Book Club. She has a witty and playful writing style that makes you feel as though you know her personally. Click here to dream about May, along with Carol in her May Dreams Gardens Blog

FROM MY GARDEN…Simply Susan!

I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

Find your gardening soul mate in 2007 at eHarmony.com. At eharmony they bring the matches to you based on your profile - no need to search. What are you waiting for? Sign up today and receive a FREE personality profile. Click here to take a tour.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for January 2007

2007-01-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Planning a Garden from DoItYourself.com
* Garden Wisdom: Mail-Order Tips for Plants & Seeds
* Garden News: 2007 All-America Selections
* Garden Bargains: Get 10% off your order at Blooming Bulb
* Garden Blog: The Landscape Design Blog
* From my Garden..Simply Susan!

Happy new gardening year fellow gardeners, and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. Susan

“Perhaps what moves us in winter is some reminiscence of far-off summer.” - Henry David Thoreau

FEATURED WEBSITE: Planning a Garden
Are you thinking about creating a butterfly garden or adding a child friendly area to your garden? Perhaps a theme garden, such as French country, English cottage or Japanese tea is on your to-do list for 2007. Or, maybe you would like to spruce up a shady area of the yard, add some stones and rocks, or a retaining wall to your landscape. If so, you will find some great advice and helpful tips for planning a variety of gardens at the DoItYourself.com website.

This newsletter is sponsored by Garden-Fountains.com
Garden-Fountains.com offers a wide selection of outdoor and indoor fountains. Check out our new line of fiberglass wall fountains with a sandstone or classic weathered finish. Fountains are engineered for beauty and utility with minimum maintenance. We are family-owned and have been in business since 1996. Visit Garden-Fountains.com and browse through their wonderful selection of outdoor and indoor fountains.

GARDEN NEWS: All New for 2007 – Flower & Vegetable Varieties
View the 2007 All-America Selections online. The varieties chosen are Celosia ‘Fresh Look Gold,’ Petunia F1 ‘Opera Supreme Pink Morn,’ Vinca ‘Pacifica Burgundy Halo,’ and Pepper F1 ‘Holy Mole’.

2007 All-America Selections are available at Park Seed Co., as well as brand new Park Seed selections.

GARDEN WISDOM: Mail-Order Tips for Buying Plants & Seeds
It’s that time of year, when nursery catalogs begin arriving in the mailbox. The excitement of the spring garden begins as you settle in to a comfortable chair with the catalogs, pen and paper. Before placing your order, read our helpful mail-order tips.

Order your FREE catalog from Nature Hills Nursery
Nature Hills Nursery offers a large selection of perennials (currently 30% off), shrubs, ferns, bulbs (currently 50% off), trees, ornamental grasses, fruit trees, vines, rose and seeds.

GARDEN BARGAIN: Save 10% on your Order from Blooming Bulb.
With a super high customer satisfaction rating of 96% at GardenWatchdog, Blooming Bulb Nursery is a great place to order your spring plants from. They offer a wide selection of bulbs, dahlias, gladiolus, grasses, lilies and peonies at extremely affordable prices. Blooming Bulb sells exclusively over the Internet and in an effort to keep costs low for their customers, they do not print or mail catalogs. Subscribe to the Blooming Bulb e-newsletter and save 10% off your first order.

GARDEN BLOG: The Landscape Design Blog
Designing a landscape is one of the trickiest parts of gardening. If you are like me, When I attempt to put my vision on paper, the task soon becomes overwhelming. That is why I like Steve Boulden's blog on landscape design so much. It offers lots of free advice, along with tons of photos and a step by step guide for creating landscape plans from either a plat map, design sketch or from scratch. You’ll want to take your time at The Landscape Design blog, as you enjoy the beautiful photos and gather lots of ideas for your garden.

FROM MY GARDEN..
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

Find your gardening soul mate in 2007 at eHarmony.com. eharmony.com is one of the most popular online dating sites for successfully bringing people together. Sign up now and receive a FREE personality profile.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for December 2006

2006-12-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Holiday Feature: BH&G Holiday Plants Resource
* Garden News: Audubon Bird Count
* Garden Project: Christmas Flower Pot Bells
* Garden Bargains: Holiday Shopper’s Guide
* Garden Blog: Birds Etcetera
* What’s New at iloveplants.com

Happy Holidays fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays this month and a bloomin’ good new year in 2007!

Susan

“Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them.” Chinese Proverb

HOLIDAY FEATURE: Better Homes & Garden Holiday Plants Resource

There is little time for gardening this month with the holiday rush and all that entails, but most of us purchase holiday plants to enjoy. Better Homes & Garden Holiday Plants Resource page provides some timely tips for holiday plants, Christmas trees and decorating with poinsettias.

With a little extra care you will be able to enjoy your holiday plants and Christmas tree a little longer this year thanks to Better Homes & Gardens helpful tips.

GARDEN PROJECT: Christmas Flower Pot Bells

The folks at Craftown.com have come up with a clever craft project for turning unused clay pots into festive flower pot bells. This quick holiday project will look great in the garden and will help to ring in the new gardening year.

GARDEN NEWS: Audubon Christmas Bird Count

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count begins December 14th and runs through January 5th. Visit the Audubon website for more information and to find out how you can participate in this year's count.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Holiday Shopper’s Guide

If you’re purchasing gifts this holiday season for your gardening friends, then you won’t want to miss Garden Bargains Online HOLIDAY SHOPPER’S GUIDE. We’ve got some very unique gift ideas from beautiful holiday gift baskets to friendly forest faces, evergreen wreaths, heirloom seeds and of course, the very best garden books. Take advantage of the special offers provided and save while you’re shopping for great gifts at GardenBargainsOnline.com.

GARDEN BLOG: Birds Etcetera

Winter is the time of year that our bird friends can use a helping hand. Perhaps some extra seed, a heated water source or shelter from the cold. For those gardeners who love to entertain birds in their yard, the Birds Etcetera blog will be a hit. John Trapp is a bird fanatic and wildlife biologist in West Virginia who shares his love for birds. On his blog he states that, “I eat, drink, sleep, and even dream birds. Birds are my vocation as well as my avocation.” And it shows on his blog. Along with bird information from around the world, John includes an impressive list of 130 plus other bird blogs in the United States, as well as ones from folks in other countries. This has to be the most extensive bird blog on the planet! Take a break from the holiday shopping and perch for a spell at Birds Etcetera.

WHAT’S NEW AT iloveplants.com

Check out the new websites and blogs added to iloveplants this past month. In the upcoming month, I will be moving the garden blogs around and featuring them in our Regional Gardening Directory, so that you can find others who garden in your garden zone.

Some great news for iloveplants.com this past month. Iloveplants.com received the Garden Site Award for our “rich content and excellent links and information about gardening.” A viewer nominated us, and we would like to extend a BIG thank you to that viewer if you are reading this. Also, Garden Gate Magazine mentioned us in their December issue as a “Plant lovers’ (online) paradise.”

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com

2006-11-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Martha Stewart Living
* Garden Project: Create Your Own Personalized Garden Calendar
* Garden Bargains: Gardener’s Supply Co. HUGE Outlet Sale
* Garden Blog: Gotta Garden
* From my Garden..

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. Susan

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs

FEATURED WEBSITE: Martha Stewart Living

Even if you are not a fan of Martha Stewart, you will be a fan of her website. Her section on gardening contains one of the best plant encyclopedias I have found online. You can search by botanical, cultivar or common name and what you’ll get is a plethora of information which includes plant description and photo, a plant profile which describes the plant type, hardiness zone, light requirements, height, spread, soil, bloom time, flower color, foliage color and foliage size. Along with this helpful information is a listing of the plant features, garden uses, other uses, plants to best combine it with, how to sow or plant it, water and fertilizer requirements, general maintenance, hints for growing success AND an uncommonly known fact about the plant. WOW!! You can easily find a ton of information on plants at this one website.

And if that’s not enough, you can search for the right type of plants to plant in your garden in several ways. You can search by a plant’s features (21 in all), such as night blooming, attractive foliage, attracts hummingbirds, etc. You can also search by a plant’s uses (10 in all), such as flowerbed borders, hedges, ground covers, rock gardens, etc. Or search on other uses (6 in all) that a plant may have, such as culinary/edible, cutting, drying, etc. Along with this fabulous plant encyclopedia there is also helpful articles, garden theme information, message boards and more. Drop in for a visit and bookmark the plant encyclopedia as one of your favorites. It is a great resource for gardeners

GARDEN PROJECT: Create Your Own Personalized Garden Calendar

As a gardener, I love to snap photos of my garden throughout the year. Some I post on my blog, while the others just kind of lay around and accumulate. So, I had one of those "light bulb ideas" one day when I was flipping through a scrapbook magazine. I could use some of my extra photos to create my own personal garden calendar. I purchased a calendar making software (which turned out to be remarkably easy to use) and voila' now I’m creating a calendar with photos of my own garden. They are a great idea for creating family calendars as well! Visit Amazon.com for more information about the Calendar Creator Software by Encare

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Gardener’s Supply Co. HUGE Outlet Sale

The arrival of autumn signals a prime clean-up time in the garden. For many it means raking those beautiful colored leaves that are falling to the ground, or if you live in a warmer climate (like me) it’s time to get out there and trim back the jungle of growth from summer. Save at Gardener’s Supply Company’s Huge Outlet Store Sale PLUS 10% off orders of $50 or more. But you’ll need to hurry because THIS SALE ONLY LASTS UNTIL NOVEMBER 8th. Visit Gardener’s Supply Co. today to SAVE BIG at their Outlet Sale.

GARDEN BLOG: Gotta Garden

“So, I did it. And here it begins...a place to journal, discuss, exclaim and celebrate all that gardening brings to my life. A place to think aloud,” is the first entry made in the Gotta Garden blog. I think this master gardener and part-time nursery worker in Virginia perfectly sums up the essence of a garden blog in her first entry. A self-described “plant enthusiast” she’s been journaling since February of this year and you will enjoy seeing what’s in bloom in her garden as well as her conversations with herself on why she shouldn’t buy a new plant that has arrived at the nursery – we can all relate to that. Lots of beautiful photos of daylilys and a couple of public gardens she visited over the summer. Enjoy your visit to Gotta Garden.

FROM MY GARDEN..
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

To create your own free garden blog, visit LiveJournal.com.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - September 2006

2006-10-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Your Garden Club
* Garden News: The 7th Annual Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards
* Garden Bargains: Crocs at an Affordable Price
* Garden Blog: Earth Friendly Gardening Blog
* From my garden...
* What’s New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.
I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

“There shall be an eternal summer in the grateful heart.” - Celia Thaxter

FEATURED WEBSITE: Your Garden Club

Have you ever wanted to join a local garden club but just couldn’t find the extra time for meetings and activities? Well, the next best thing is an online garden club. At “Your Garden Club” (www.gardenclub.net), gardeners can share information and get answers to problems at a time that’s convenient for them. Cilenia who goes by the nickname, The Fake Hermit, is the gardener who dreamed up this idea. She created “Your Garden Club” so that gardeners could communicate with each other, swap plants and share helpful ideas. Each month they feature a slideshow of one of their member’s garden and those who don’t have their own garden blog, can add their thoughts or share their stories in the club blog. Drop by “Your Garden Club” today to see what’s going on.

GARDEN NEWS: 7th Annual Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company created these awards so that gardeners who generously donate their time by helping out with school gardens, urban gardens, community beautification programs and feed the hungry programs can be recognized for their efforts. If you know such an individual, you can submit their name for consideration. Click here to submit an individual you know for Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Affordable Crocs

Everywhere I go I see Crocs. Red ones, blue, yellow, pink – every color under the rainbow. What started out as a functional garden shoe has now gone mainstream, and has become a popular everyday shoe. My stepsister recently told me that she bought a pair for their built-in foot supports on the suggestion of her podiatrist. She was aghast at the $48 price tag she paid at a local department store. A quick check at a popular online shoe store revealed a price of $35.95. After doing a little more research, I discovered an affordable price of $29.95 at Park’s Seed Company. Their selections come in a range of colors, including red, sage, navy, khaki, lime, orange, black, light blue, purple, sea blue, chocolate and pink. Read more about the benefits of CROCS at Park Seed Co.

Visit Garden Bargains Online for more discounts and special offers.

GARDEN BLOG: Earth Friendly Gardening

A self-proclaimed “rat race refugee,” Caroline Brown became interested in sustainable gardening. From that interest grew her blog on earth friendly gardening practices where she shares the resources and information on how we all can garden in a more “earth-friendly” way. Visit Caroline’s Earth Friendly Gardening Blog to learn more about gardening in tandem with nature.

FROM MY GARDEN..

I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

To create your own free garden blog, visit LiveJournal.com.

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com

2006-08-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Your Garden Club
* Garden News: The 7th Annual Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards
* Garden Bargains: Crocs at an Affordable Price
* Garden Blog: Earth Friendly Gardening
* From my Garden...
* What’s New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Thank you for subscribing to The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com. Each month I review a new website, bring you up-to-date on the latest garden news and bargains, and give you an insider’s look at new websites and blogs added to iloveplants.com during the last month.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

“There shall be an eternal summer in the grateful heart.” - Celia Thaxter

FEATURED WEBSITE: Your Garden Club
Have you ever wanted to join a local garden club but just couldn’t find the extra time for meetings and activities? Well, the next best thing is an online garden club. At “Your Garden Club” (www.gardenclub.net), gardeners can share information and get answers to problems at a time that’s convenient for them. Cilenia who goes by the nickname, The Fake Hermit, is the gardener who dreamed up this idea. She created “Your Garden Club” so that gardeners could communicate with each other, swap plants and share helpful ideas. Each month they feature a slideshow of one of their member’s garden and those who don’t have their own garden blog, can add their thoughts or share their stories in the club blog. Drop by “Your Garden Club” today to see what’s going on.

GARDEN NEWS: 7th Annual Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company created these awards so that gardeners who generously donate their time by helping out with school gardens, urban gardens, community beautification programs and feed the hungry programs can be recognized for their efforts. If you know such an individual, you can submit their name for consideration. Click here to submit an individual you know for Scott’s Give Back to Grow Awards.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Affordable Crocs
Everywhere I go I see Crocs. Red ones, blue, yellow, pink – every color under the rainbow. What started out as a functional garden shoe has now gone mainstream, and has become a popular everyday shoe. My stepsister recently told me that she bought a pair for their built-in foot supports on the suggestion of her podiatrist. She was aghast at the $48 price tag she paid at a local department store. A quick check at a popular online shoe store revealed a price of $35.95. After doing a little more research, I discovered an affordable price of $29.95 at Park’s Seed Company. Their selections come in a range of colors, including red, sage, navy, khaki, lime, orange, black, light blue, purple, sea blue, chocolate and pink. Read more about the benefits of CROCS at Park Seed Co.

Visit Garden Bargains Online for more discounts and special offers.

GARDEN BLOG: Earth Friendly Gardening
A self-proclaimed “rat race refugee,” Caroline Brown became interested in sustainable gardening. From that interest grew her blog on earth friendly gardening practices where she shares the resources and information on how we all can garden in a more “earth-friendly” way. Visit Caroline’s Earth Friendly Gardening Blog to learn more about gardening in tandem with nature.

FROM MY GARDEN..
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for June 2006

2006-05-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Bare Bones Gardening
* Featured Flower: Gladiolus
* Featured Vegetable: Onion
* Featured Herb: Basil * Garden Folklore: Summer Solstice
* Garden News: The 2006 All-American Daylily Selections
* Garden Wisdom: Lawn Care Tips
* Garden Bargains: Bargains on Perennials
* Garden Blog: How Mary’s Garden Grows * From my Garden..

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

The flowers of summer are filling gardens and creating dreams of an endless summer of blooms in the heart of gardeners. Summer is a busy time spent in the garden, so we’ve included lots of great gardening information for you. Our featured web site, Bare Bones Gardening, offers some great suggestions on cutting costs in the garden without sacrificing your dream garden. You’ll also learn more about growing gladiolus, onions and basil.

We’ve also included photos and information on the winners of the 2006 All-American Daylily Selections. Read about the Summer Solstice, lawn care tips and save money on some of your favorite perennial plants. Flower lovers will enjoy visiting Mary’s garden blog and website where she reveals her secret passion for a particular color of flowers. And don’t forget to visit my garden blog to see what’s blooming in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

“It is the month of June, the month of leaves and roses when pleasant sights salute the eyes, and pleasant scents the noses.” - N.P. Willis

FEATURED WEBSITE: Bare Bones Gardening
Gardening can become an expensive habit, as Ron Williams, father of four, freelance writer, horticulturist and creator of the Bare Bones Gardening web site well knows. Ron enjoys discovering ways to garden smarter and sharing those ideas with other gardeners. He has successfully done that in the articles contained on his site, which provide ideas of ways to save money in the garden. Visit Bare Bones Gardening for tips on gardening economically.

FEATURED FLOWER: Gladiolus
Gladiolus, originally known as “corn lilies,” were discovered growing over 2,000 years ago in Asia Minor. They are terrific as a cut flower to enjoy indoors, and with over 180 species available they come in a variety of petal shapes and colors to choose from. Click here for growing tips from the North American Gladiolus Council.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Onion
Onions have been used for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. They are a member of the allium family and have been recommended as a food source in the fight against cancer and cardiovascular disease. They are cholesterol and fat free. Gardener’s choices include green, yellow, red and sweet onions, as well as many other varieties. Click here to read Growing Onions in the Home Garden by the Ohio State University Extension.

FEATURED HERB: Basil
Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), known as the “Herb of Love,” is a popular ingredient in Italian cooking. There are a large variety of interesting basils to choose from. It is easy to grow from seeds and thrives in the garden or containers. Click here to read Growing Basil, Herb of Love from GardenAction Mini-Project.

Gardening With the Moon
Full Moon – June 11th
New Moon – June 25th

PLANTING DATES:
Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: May 27 – June 11
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: June 12 – June 24

GARDEN FOLKLORE: The Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice also known as midsummer, occurs around the middle of June. It is a celebration of the beginning of summer and is the longest day of the year. Click here to learn more about the Summer Solstice from equinoxandsolstice.com.

GARDEN NEWS: The 2006 All American Daylily Winners
And the winners are… Persian Market and Buttered Popcorn. Both of these 2006 daylily winners are beautiful either paired together in the garden or grown separately. Buttered Popcorn is a yummy buttery yellow, while Persian Market boasts soft yellow-gold accents throughout the deep rose pink petals. Visit the All-American Daylily web site for more information on these 2006 winners.

“Gladioli generally hold court among the cut flowers of summer.” – Philip Swindells

GARDEN WISDOM: Summer Lawn Care Tips
The Yard Doctor provides a simple to-do list for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn throughout the summer. Visit Briggs & Stratton’s website for the Yard Doctor’s Prescription for a Healthy Lawn.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Plant dependable perennials and save money!
June is Perennials Gardening Month according to the Perennial Gardening Association. Including perennials in the garden is a great way to save money and enjoy the dependable blooms of these hard-working garden plants. Visit Springhill Nursery for their buy one, get one for one cent sale and save on perennials.

Visit Garden Bargains Online for more discounts and special offers.

GARDEN BLOG: How Mary’s Garden Grows
Like many of us, Mary is a self-confessed “obsessed gardener.” However, her obsession goes a step further in that she loves every blue-blooming plant that exists. Her blog and web site “Blue Blooms the Blossoms of Mary’s Garden” chronicles her garden and obsession with blue flowers. You’ll enjoy reading more about Mary’s passion and if you’re like me, you’ll be surprised at how many varieties of flowers are available in blue. Visit How Mary’s Garden Grows blog. And don’t forget to visit her web site for all flowers in blue.

FROM MY GARDEN..
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

To create your own free garden blog visit LiveJournal.com.

“Shall I sing of happy hours numbered by opening and closing flowers.” - Hartley Coleridge

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for May 2006

2006-05-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: National Gardening Association
* Featured Flower: Petunia
* Featured Vegetable: Tomato
* Featured Herb: Fennel
* Garden Folklore: Three Sisters Garden
* Garden News: The Pope John Paul II Commemorative Rose
* Garden Wisdom: Drought-Tolerant Plants for the Landscape
* Garden Bargains: Save on Flower Collections
* Garden Blog: Kenny’s Veggie Gardening Tips Blog
* From my Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

As the gardening season gets into full swing, we’ve got lots of great gardening information for you this month. Our featured web site, the National Gardening Association, offers something for every gardener. It is a great starting point for anyone who loves to garden. Learn more about growing a couple of America’s favorites – the petunia and tomato, as well as the less familiar fennel.

We’ve also included information on a collector’s rose offered by Jackson & Perkins, which contributes 10% of net sales to assist those who live in sub-Saharan Africa. Read about the Three Sisters Garden technique created by Native Americans, learn which plants are drought-tolerant, and save money by purchasing plants collections from White Flower Farm. All veggie gardeners will enjoy visiting this month’s garden blog, which includes a ton of advice. And don’t forget to visit my garden blog to see what’s blooming in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. Susan

"Horticulturally, the month of May is opening night, homecoming and graduation day all rolled into one.” - Tammy Mossman

FEATURED WEBSITE: National Gardening Association
The National Gardening Association’s website offers a ton of information from articles, how-to projects, pest control, plant care guides, weed library and plant finder. You will also find message boards, seed swaps, regional reports, national news, a kid’s gardening section and much more. Visit the National Gardening Association website for a bounty of gardening information.

FEATURED FLOWER: Petunia
Petunias are a classic vintage garden flower. One of those stand-up performers that add a bright splash of color to the garden or a subtle delicate cottage-style look depending on the color you choose. New introductions of petunias offer the gardener more options for use in today’s garden. Click here to read Growing Petunias by Deborah Brown, University of Minnesota Extension for information on varieties, soil requirements, fertilize, watering needs and planting tips.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Tomato
The tomato is without a doubt one of today’s most popular homegrown vegetable. Who doesn’t look forward to the first bite of a homegrown, fresh picked tomato. This healthy vegetable, high in vitamin C, is easy to grow in containers, which makes them perfect for balconies or patios. Click here to read Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden by Marianne Riofrio, Ohio State University Extension for soil requirements, fertilizer, recommended cultivars and growing tips.

FEATURED HERB: Fennel
All parts of fennel (seeds, leaves and roots) are edible. This herb has a unique and tasty slightly licorice flavor when cooked. It originated in the Mediterranean and in medieval times was thought to ward off evil spirits. It is a great food source for ladybug larvae and a beautiful plant specimen in the garden growing 4 to 5 feet tall with sprays of yellow flowers. Click here to read about the history of fennel, as well as information on cultivating this herb at Botanical.com.

Gardening With the Moon
Full Moon – May 13th
New Moon – May 27th

PLANTING DATES: Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: April 27 – May 13
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: May 14 – May 26

GARDEN FOLKLORE: Three Sisters GardenNative Americans created the Three Sisters Garden technique, which consists of planting corn, beans and squash together. The three crops benefit each other. The corn provides a support for the beans to grow on. Bacteria, lives on the roots of beans and helps them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a source that all three of the crops can use. The large leaves of squash shade the soil and reduce the number of weeds that grow. This unique companion planting technique is beneficial to all three crops and is a fun project for kids in the summer garden. Click here for guidelines on Creating a Three Sisters Garden” from kidsgardening.com.

For more information on companion planting see the Vegetable Companion Chart at GardenGuides.com.

GARDEN NEWS: The Pope John Paul II Commemorative RoseJackson & Perkins introduces the world premier of The Pope John Paul II Commemorative Rose. This unique collector's item is available on a limited basis - only 2,500 are available this year.The collection includes a Pope John Paul II bareroot rose, cast aluminum marker to place alongside the planted rose in your garden, an embossed keepsake which holds a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity, a full-color photograph of the rose and one of the late Pontiff's homilies.Ten percent of this rose's net sales benefit the poor of sub-Saharan Africa, one of the late Pontiff's closest concerns. Visit Jackson & Perkins for more information on the Pope John Paul II Commemorative Rose.

“A dry May and a leaking June, make the farmer whistle a merry tune.” – Old English Rhyme

GARDEN WISDOM: Drought-Tolerant Plants for the Garden If you’re adding new plants to your home landscape, you may want to consider including a host of drought-tolerant plants. These plants will reduce your watering time and will thrive during the heat and dry periods of summer. Visit Lowes.com for a list of Drought-Tolerant Plants.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save on Shade, Sun & Cutting Flower Collections
White Flower Farm makes designing a flowerbed easy with their successful plant collections. There is a plant collection for every garden. Choose from their Sunny Garden (16 plants of 7 varieties), Shady Garden (15 plants of 6 varieties) or Cutting Garden (21 plants of 7 varieties). What could be easier! Visit White Flower Farm for more information on these beautiful plant collections.

Visit Garden Bargains Online for more discounts and special offers.

GARDEN BLOG: Veggie Gardening Tips by Kenny PointIf you love growing your own vegetables, you will love Kenny’s blog. He generously shares his successful vegetable gardening tips, which include labor-saving techniques for gardening without pesticides and reaping a bounty of fresh healthy vegetables. You can even sign up to receive Kenny’s free gardening secrets e-newsletter. This is a guy who has created a simple, productive gardening method and is eager to share his experiences and love for gardening with others. Visit Kenny’s Veggie Gardening Tips blog.

FROM MY GARDEN..
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!To create your own free garden blog visit LiveJournal.com.

“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May.” - William Shakespeare

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for April 2006

2006-03-31T17:12:00.000-08:00

iloveplants.com - YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET!

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Organic Rose Gardening
* Featured Flower: Edible Flowers
* Featured Vegetable: Artichoke
* Featured Herb: Sage
* Garden Folklore: The Sundial
* Garden News: Dutch Garden’s Survivor Tulip
* Garden Wisdom: Tree Planting Tips
* Garden Bargains: Save on Spring Offers!
* Garden Blog: Diana’s Baja Desert Garden Blog

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

I can see spring slowly beginning to spread northward through the garden blogs I visit on a regular basis. Many of the gardeners are sharing their enthusiasm for the first signs of spring by posting photos of spring flowers. Soon gardeners everywhere will be spending countless hours in the garden and enjoying every minute of it.

Our spring celebration brings a wave of interesting websites your way this month. Our featured web site, Organic Rose Gardening, is for those of you who would love to grow roses using less pesticides. Learn more about growing and cooking edible flowers and artichokes, as well as the many uses of sage. We’ve also included information on how you can contribute to the research efforts to fight breast cancer by purchasing the Survivor tulip offered by Dutch Gardens, and some great tree planting tips from The National Arbor Day Foundation. And be sure to read this month’s garden blog which includes some incredibly beautiful pictures, as well as my own garden blog to see what’s blooming in my zone 9 spring garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden. Susan

"Spring is sooner recognized by plants than man." Chinese proverb

FEATURED WEBSITE: Organic Rose Gardening

This website is for those of you who wish to grow roses in a more environmentally friendly way. It contains lots of valuable information arranged in a very simple and easy to navigate format. It begins with a little history of roses followed by an informative explanation of the delicate balance of how nature works. It includes topics on soil preparation, rose selection, companion planting, irrigation, mulching, pruning and deadheading, along with some additional tips for rose gardening success. This website is definitely a worthwhile visit for anyone who loves to grow roses. Click here to visit OrganicRoseGardening.com.

FEATURED FLOWER: Edible Flowers

Flowers have been used as an edible source for centuries by European, Asian, East Indian, Victorian English and Middle Eastern cultures. Today there is a renewed interest in including edible flowers in salads, teas, wines, spreads, marinades and many more types of dishes. But beware, not every flower is edible and it is very important to never eat flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides. Click here to read Edible Flowers by Linda Stradley on the What’s Cooking America website for a list of edible flowers and their uses.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Artichokes

An artichoke is a member of the sunflower family and is considered a thistle. Artichokes originated in Sicily and were considered a delicacy. They are a good source of vitamin C, and also provide Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A, potassium and folate. They are low in sodium and fat-free! Click here to read Farm & Garden’s article on Growing Artichokes.

FEATURED HERB: Sage

Sage (salvare) means “to save.” For many centuries, sage was considered to have healing properties. Sage can be easily grown from seeds and is used to flavor turkey, chicken and meat dishes. Click here to read more about Growing Sage by the National Gardening Association.

Gardening With the Moon

Full Moon – April 13th
New Moon – April 27th

PLANTING DATES:
Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: March 29 – April 13
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: April 14 – April 26

GARDEN FOLKLORE: The Sundial

Sundials have been placed on houses, churches, tombs and public buildings for centuries. The Egyptians were known to have used sundials as early as 1500 B.C. to mark the passage of time. They are a reliable source for telling time when placed in the proper position. Today they are used as a popular ornament in the garden.

At the time of their discovery it appears as though not everyone was pleased with the newfangled invention that carved our days into bits and pieces. Plautus, a comic playwright of the Roman Republic, was quoted as saying, “the gods confound the man who first found out how to distinguish hours. Who in this place set up a sundial to cut and hack my days so wretchedly into small pieces!” Click here to read the History of Sun Dial at ColorsOfIndia.com.

The attractive dragonfly sundial from Yardiac.com provides elegant style to any outdoor living space and is a great way to personalize your garden. It is made from 100% cast aluminum in America. It may be placed on any level surface or securely mounted to a simple wooden post or pedestal. It comes with a Lifetime Guarantee and a low price.Click here to purchase this dragonfly sundial from Yardiac.com.

GARDEN NEWS: Dutch Gardens Survivor Tulip

Dutch Gardens is joining the fight against breast cancer. For every package of Survivor Tulips sold they will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for continued research and community outreach programs. Click here to read more and to purchase the Survivor Tulip.

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.” – David Orr

GARDEN WISDOM: Tree Planting Tips

Trees are one of the hardest working members of the plant kingdom. According to The National Arbor Day Foundation, “trees absorb six tons of carbon dioxide and provide four tons of oxygen per acre. They filter out air and water polluntants, filter noise pollution, prevent erosion, provide shelter and food for wildlife, as well as reducing temperatures by an average of 9 degrees farenheit, thereby helping to reduce air-conditioning bills.”

Unfortunately, many full grown trees end up having to be removed because they were planted to close to a home or in an inappropriate location. Fortunately, The National Arbor Day Foundation provides some helpful tree planning tips that will help you “produce a landscape that will cool your home in summer and tame the winter winds.” Click here to read The Right Tree in the Right Place by The National Arbor Day Foundation.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save on Garden Supplies & Products

Receive $15 off your order of $100 or more from Wayside Gardens. Enter Bonus Code "waysidegardens01" at checkout. Offer Expires 4/7/06.

Click here to take advantage of this offer from Wayside Gardens and for the latest special offers, sales & discounts at Garden Bargains Online.

GARDEN BLOG: Diane’s Baja Desert Garden Blog

You are in for a feast of gorgeous garden photos in this month’s blog. Diane Varney has so eloquently captured the awesome beauty of a desert garden in these photos of her Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico garden. The earthy warm, yet bold tropical colors are truly a feast for the eyes and bring a new appreciation for how beautiful desert gardens can be. Even the weeds look beautiful in this garden. Click here to visit Diane’s Baja Desert Garden Blog.

FROM MY GARDEN..

I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what’s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

To create your own free garden blog visit LiveJournal.com.

“The more we are separated from nature, the unhappier we get.” - Unknown

For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com for March 2006

2006-02-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: The Garden Grapevine
* Featured Flower: Daisy
* Featured Vegetable: Peppers
* Featured Herb: Chives
* Garden Folklore: Garden Gnomes
* Garden News: 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year
* Garden Wisdom: Spring Garden Supply Inventory
* Garden Bargains: Save on Spring Offers!
* Garden Blog: Moosey�s Country Garden

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

It won�t be long before spring comes knocking at the door. As the trees wake from their winter slumber, the delicate breath of warm breezes circle all around the colorful burst of flowers. It is this intoxicating picture of spring that has me longing for my favorite season.

To kick off the new spring gardening season we have some helpful websites and information for you this month. Our featured web site, The Garden Grapevine, has some great garden information for the picking. Learn more about growing daisies and the ever-popular peppers, as well as the many uses of chives. You�ll be intrigued by the mysterious garden gnome, delighted with the 2006 Perennial of the Year and totally entertained by this month�s garden blog. And don�t miss the pictures of spring in my zone 9 garden!

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

"Anyone who has a bulb has spring." - Anonymous

FEATURED WEBSITE: The Garden Grapevine
This simple, no-frills website offers gardeners plenty of good basic gardening information. You will find a lengthy list of articles on growing plants, garden tips and tricks that include how to create your own fruit-fly traps and manure tea. There is also plenty of do it yourself, money-saving garden projects. The birds in your garden will love the bird bath sauna and the bottom heater plans will help seeds sprout quicker. Click here to visit The Garden Grapevine.

FEATURED FLOWER: Daisy
What flower better represents the freshness of spring than the Daisy (Asteraceae). With over 1500 genera and 23,000 species it�s probably the largest family of flowering plants according to Daisy Paradise website. For information on growing daisies see their A to Z menu at the top of their homepage. Click here to visit Daisy Paradise.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Peppers
Peppers are one of the most popular vegetables grown by the home gardener. It�s not surprising since they are so easy to grow and contain high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Click here for information on growing peppers by Steve Aegerter, Colorado Master Gardener at the Colorado State University Coop Extension.

FEATURED HERB: Chives
Delicate lavender flowers make the chive plant (Allium schoenoprasum) a popular plant for the garden. Used as borders or grown in containers, it is the smallest member of the onion family and imparts a flavorful taste to breads, salads and dips. Click here for information on growing chives by the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension.

Gardening With the Moon
Full Moon � March 14th
New Moon � March 29th

PLANTING DATES:
Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: February 28 � March 14
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: March 15 � March 28

GARDEN FOLKLORE: Garden Gnomes
It has always been considered good luck to have a gnome in the garden. These adorable wee men were first discovered in Germany in the 1800�s. Today they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

These demur bearded stocky gentlemen add a bit of charm to a garden, as well as a mysterious note. But place one in your yard with care as these �gentle woodland creatures� are often kidnapped and held for ransom. Click here to read more about garden gnomes.
Purchase this adorable garden gnome from Lillian Vernon and bring a little luck of the wee people to your garden. Click here to purchase these garden gnomes (now on sale) for your garden.

GARDEN NEWS: 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year
Dianthus gratianopolitanus (�feuerhexe� Firewitch) has been designated the 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year by The Perennial Plant Association. Cheddar pink is the common name for this purplish-pink, fragrant dianthus. According to the Association �it is excellent as a border edger, as a rock garden plant or as a ground cover on a sunny slope. Click here for information and to view the 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year.

�I ask not for a larger garden, but for finer seeds.�

� Russel Herman Conwell

GARDEN WISDOM: Pre-spring GardeningTips
Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to organize and take inventory of your garden tools and supplies. Start by separating chemicals and placing them in a safe location out of the reach of children. Whenever possible replace toxic chemicals with earth-friendly products.

Use baskets, extra flower pots and plastic food containers to store garden tools, seed packets and supplies in. Store potting soil and orchid bark in plastic storage containers. As you organize and dispose of unneeded items, make a list of the supplies you will need for this year�s garden and order now to ensure delivery by springtime. Click here for Spring Gardening Sale on now at Yardiac.com.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save on Garden Supplies & Products
Free Shipping, spring sales and discounts on plants, seeds, tools and supplies now at Garden Bargains Online. Click here for the latest special offers, sales & discounts at Garden Bargains Online.

GARDEN BLOG: Moosey�s Country Garden
I must offer a warning to you before you visit MOOSEY�S COUNTRY GARDEN journal. Her journal is so large (since 1997) that you will want to make sure to schedule a block of time to sit down and enjoy this New Zealand�s gardener�s experiences. Her blog contains a treasure trove of beautiful photos to enjoy. She is a true country gardener who�s blog has gained popularity around the world. Click here to visit Moosey�s Country Garden.

FROM MY GARDEN: Simply Susan!
I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what�s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

To create your own free garden blog visit LiveJournal.com.

Click here to see what�s new at iloveplants.com

�That God once loved a garden we learn in Holy Writ, and seeing gardens in the spring I well can credit it.� - Winifred Letts

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - February 2006

2006-01-31T06:34:00.000-08:00

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: Perennial Resource
* Featured Flower: Rose
* Featured Vegetable: Leeks
* Featured Herb: Rosemary
* Garden Folklore: The Language of Flowers
* Garden News: Great Backyard Bird Count
* Garden Wisdom: Landscape Design Tips
* Garden Bargains: Save on Landscape Design Software
* Garden Blog: Takoma Gardener
* From my garden..
* See What's New at iloveplants.com

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

February always makes me think of flowers. I suppose it�s because of Valentine�s Day but also because spring is right around the corner and I love flowers. One can never have too many flowers in the garden. The web site we are featuring this month is all about flowers. If you love perennials, you will love this web site. And we�ve got more on flowers - the new roses for 2006 and the magical language of flowers. You will also find information on growing leeks and tips on landscape design.

Beginning this month we will feature a new �garden blog� each month. There are so many interesting blogs out in the blogosphere that I am delighted to bring them to you. And news From my Garden can be found on my garden blog, a link for which I have included in this newsletter.

Treat yourself to a fresh bouquet of spring flowers, a new rose bush or some love-in-a-mist, heart�s ease, sweet pea or forget-me-not seeds. Afterall, it is February!

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

"A flowerless room is a soulless room, to my way of thinking; but even a solitary little vase of a living flower may redeem it. - Vita Sackville-West

FEATURED WEBSITE: Perennial Resource

Perennial Resource brings you the latest information on perennials � how to use them and how to grow them. And who better to do this than Walter�s Gardens, a field grower of perennials. At Perennial Resources you�ll find over 1,000 plants in their perennial library, growing information, images of gardens and plant combinations, as well as landscape designs for creating beautiful perennial gardens. Click here to visit Perennial Resource.

FEATURED FLOWER: Rose

Roses (Rosa) have existed for some 35 million years according to discovered fossils. Over the years they have become symbols for love, beauty and war. With over 150 species available in today�s market, there is a rose for everyone. The new roses selected as winners for 2006 by the All-America Rose Selections � Julia Child, Rainbow Sorbet, Wild Blue Yonder and Tahitian Sunset � are a collection of warm, rich jewel-toned colors. Click here to view the All-America Rose Selections for 2006.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Leeks

Leeks are a member of the alum family (Allium porrum) which includes all types of onions and garlic. They are best known for their cleansing and detoxifying effects. Naturally low in fat, they supply more vitamins and minerals than onions or scallion. Their mild sweet flavor is perfect as an addition to soups. Click here for information on growing leeks by doityourself.com.

FEATURED HERB: Rosemary

Derived from the Latin word meaning �dew of the sea,� rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a native of southern Europe. It is a symbol for friendship. At one time it was thought to keep away evil spirits. It adds an aromatic fragrance to flower bouquets and a unique flavor to bread or marinades. Click here for information on growing rosemary by ehow.com.

Purchase flower and vegetable seeds from Park Seed Co. Providing vegetable seed and perennial seed to American gardens since 1868. Click here to order from Park Seed Co.

GARDENING WITH THE MOOM
Full Moon � February 12th
New Moon � February 27th

PLANTING DATES:
Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: January 29 � February 12
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: February 13 � February 26

GARDEN FOLKLORE: The Language of Flowers

Flowers have always been given to express a person�s sentiment. We use flowers in lieu of words to express love, friendship, sympathy or some other meaning. In 1818, Mme. Charlotte de la Tour of France published the first dictionary of flowers titled Le Language des Fleurs or The Language of Flowers.

While a red tulip stands for love, a yellow tulip says �I am hopelessly in love!� There are many ways to say I love you other than with red roses. If you wish to express the perfect sentiment to your valentine this month, me2u.com�s extensive list of flowers and their meanings will help you create a personalized romantic message. Click here to learn more about the language of flowers.

�Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.� John Harrigan

GARDEN NEWS: Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for February 17 � 20th. You can join in and report your backyard findings online at the Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Click here for information on the Great Backyard Bird Count.

GARDEN WISDOM: Landscape & Garden Design Tips

Now is a great time to begin the daunting task of designing a new landscape or redesigning an existing flowerbed. Landscape & Garden Design Tips by Landscape USA comes to the rescue with their detailed step-by-step list that simplifies the process. Click here to read the Landscape & Garden Design Tips by Landscape USA.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save on Landscape Design Software

Save up to 16% on Garden Design Software at Amazon.com. Great selections to choose from as well as many other new bargains at Garden Bargains Online. Click here for a selection of landscape design software.

GARDEN BLOG: Takoma Gardener

The garden blog community is bringing gardeners together from all around the world to share their love for gardening. It is with great delight that iloveplants.com will feature a garden blog each month. In a world of negative news, it is uplifting to see people who are passionate about gardening and happy to share the beautiful environment they have created. As you read each blog, you�ll begin to feel as though you know these gardeners personally. It�s fun to share with like-minded people and many bloggers welcome your comments.

The TAKOMA GARDENER blog penned by Susan Harris in her Maryland Garden is a collection of posts on gardening, gardens, horticulture clubs, nature and plants. Susan told me, "I started my blog as a way to share my photos and experiences of gardening, but love it now for the community, which is worldwide and growing."

She writes as though she is speaking directly to you, sharing her excitement of the latest bargain she found at a favorite nursery or a recent visit to a public garden. Her enthusiasm for gardening shines through in every post. Click here to visit the Takoma Gardener.

FROM MY GARDEN..

I have now taken to the cultivation of my own garden blog. Please visit Simply Susan! to see what�s happening in my zone 9 garden and please be sure to leave your footprints by posting a comment. I would love to hear from you! Click here to visit Simply Susan!

Click here to read more garden blogs at iloveplants.com.

Click here to create your own FREE garden blog at Live Journal.

Click here to see what�s new at iloveplants.com

�Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.� - Hans Christian Andersen

New Web Site for Gardeners Saves Time and Money

2006-01-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

GardenBargainsOnline.com offers coupons, discounts, clearance sales and special offers on plants and garden supplies. See the latest Press Release at PRWeb.

The Inside Dirt @ iloveplants.com - January 2006

2005-12-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

January 2006

In This Issue:
* Featured Website: GardenNut.com
* Featured Flower: Pansies
* Featured Vegetable: Winter Squash
* Garden Folklore: Who is the Green Man? Do You Know?
* Garden News: 2006 All-America Selections
* Garden Wisdom: Mail-Order Tips
* Garden Bargains: Save on Spring Garden Supplies & Garden Journals
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Happy new �gardening� year! It�s the start of a new gardening season and even though many of you won�t be heading out into the garden for a few months yet, there is plenty of work to do before spring arrives. It all starts with a little planning, and that�s where we come in. This month we�ve included information on a website where gardeners can exchange or buy seeds from other gardeners, the �new� 2006 All-America Selections, mail-order tips, garden bargains, featured plant and vegetable, a little garden folklore and what�s new in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

"Perhaps what moves us in winter is some reminiscence of far-off summer."
- Henry David Thoreau

FEATURED WEBSITE: GardenNut.com

This homespun website was created to provide a place for gardeners and small nurseries to buy, sell, trade or donate excess plants. Home gardeners can post an ad for free and everyone is invited to browse the ads in search of particular plants or hard to find seeds. It�s a great place to find affordable seeds. Click here to visit Garden Nut.

FEATURED FLOWER: Pansy

Shakespeare included the cheerful PANSY in his play �A Midsummer�s Night Dream� as a component of love potion. The pansy is also known as Heart�s Ease, Love-in-idleness, Johnny Jump-up and Ladies� Delight. Botany.com provides top-notch information on growing pansies. Click here to read about growing pansies.

FEATURED VEGETABLE: Winter Squash

Winter Squash is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, protein, iron, calcium and antioxidants of vitamin A. The health benefits of squash include reducing the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease and hypertension. The University of Illinois provides a ton of information on varieties, when to plant, care, harvesting, common problems, and more. Click here to read about growing winter squash.

Gardening With the Moon
Full Moon - January 14th
New Moon - January 29th

PLANTING DATES:
Flowers & Above Ground Vegetables: December 30th - January 14th
Flower Bulbs & Root Vegetables: January 15th - January 28th

GARDEN FOLKLORE: Who is the Green Man? Do You Know?

The �Green Man,� who was named by Lady Raglan in 1939, is a medieval image appearing in churches and on gravestones throughout Europe. This unique image is of a man�s face surrounded by leaves and vines. The oldest images are somewhat scarier than the new versions of the 20th century.

No one is sure of the actual meaning behind the Green Man but many believe him to be the symbol of the natural cycle of life, the continuous regeneration of life and the interdependence of all things. This ancient image has regained popularity today as a modern ecological symbol. Click here to read more about The Green Man.

GARDEN NEWS: All New for 2006 - Flower & Vegetable Varieties

The 2006 All-America Selections are available for viewing. The varieties chosen produced the best results, and include 46 new flowers ranging from alyssums to zinnias; and 25 new fruit and vegetable varieties all deliciously described. Click here for information on the 2006 All-America Selections.

Purchase the 2006 All-America Selections seeds from Park Seed Co.
Providing vegetable seed and perennial seed to American gardens since 1868.

Enter the following description into their search box: 2006 AAS Seed Winners to find a list of the seeds. Click here to purchase the 2006 All-America Selections Seeds from Park Seed Co.

GARDEN WISDOM: Mail-Order Tips

It�s that time of year when nursery catalogs begin arriving in the mail. You feel like a kid as you flip through each catalog, enthusiastically creating your list of flower and vegetable seeds to purchase. Click here for some helpful mail-order tips.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE: Save on Spring Garden Supplies

Hurry - Expiring 1/8/06 - Gardener's Supply Co.: Get 15% off orders of $25 or more! A great opportunity to stock up on spring garden supplies.

Garden journals, The Old Farmer's Almanac and Garden Calendar are on sale now at Amazon.com. A great selection includes Mary Engelbreit's Garden Journal, Three Year Garden Journal with Regional Gardening Guides and P. Allen Smith's Home Garden Journal.

Click here for the latest special offers, sales & discounts at Garden Bargains Online.

From My Garden�The Faces in my Garden!

I don�t have a Green Man in my garden, but I do have a number of faces watching me while I work. I smile when I come across one of the tree men located around my garden and I take a minute or two to talk with them. They are friendly tree spirits and their watchful eyes seem to follow my every move. The two tree men pictured above are Carlos and Max. The old-man winter face is the closest thing I have to the Green Man. At one time he had a beautiful mint green covering of mold spread evenly across his face. It sounds gross, but it really was pretty. The mold turned gray when he was wrapped in paper and packed for a move. Unfortunately, I've never been able to get the mold to grow back. And at last, a face of the moon. I love the shape of this moon and the serene look on his face. It looks like the perfect moon picture that you might find in a child's fairy tale. One thing for sure, these faces add a whimsical touch to my garden!

Happy new gardening year to all of you and may your garden bloom with abundance this year!

Susan

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - December 2005

2005-12-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

December 2005

In This Issue:
* Decorate a Tree for Wildlife
* Garden Folklore for Holiday Plants
* Garden Wisdom - Winter Care for Houseplants
* Garden Bargains
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

The weather outside may be frightful, or at least cooler than normal for gardening, but that won't keep die-hard gardeners from participating in their favorite hobby. This month we've included a great outdoor project from the National Wildlife Federation that is lots of fun and beneficial for wildlife.

You will also find some helpful tips on caring for your houseplants during the winter months, some affordable gift suggestions for gardeners, interesting holiday garden folklore, as well as what's new at iloveplants.com and in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Wishing all of you a joyful holiday season!

Susan

"At Christmas I no more desire a rose than wish a snow in May's new fangled mirth; But like of each thing that in season grows." - William Shakespeare

Decorate a Tree in the Garden for Wildlife

Why not extend your holiday decorating out into the garden this year! Select a tree you can see from inside your home and place some yummy edible treats on it for the wildlife in your backyard. The National Wildlife Federation provides tips for this project in their article, "Decorating a Tree for Wildlife." They've included lots of tasty treats such as popcorn, peanuts, cranberries, grapes, apples and more. Also, included are suggestions from other gardeners across the country. One creative viewer sent in her recipes for Bread Birdseed Cookies, Friendly Snowmen, Yummy Seed Snow Angels and Bird Day Cake. All it takes is a little imagination to create a festive tree that will surely attract grateful birds to your backyard. Click here to read Decorating a Tree for Wildlife.

Did You Know?

There are many legends associated with holiday plants. For instance, did you know that the Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in 1604, or that the Aztec Indians cultivated poinsettias, or that most of the mistletoe sold today is harvested in Oklahoma and Texas, or that holly was considered sacred by the ancient Romans?

You can read more about these legends and others in the Iowa State Extension article entitled "The Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants." Your gardening friends will surely be impressed with these interesting tidbits of plant folklore!!! Click here to read The Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants.

Garden Wisdom � Winter Care for Houseplants

Old man winter may be blowing outside, but you can still enjoy and fuss over your indoor plants. Winter can be a stressful time for houseplants because of dryer air and shorter days. Keep your plants healthy with the tips provided in the "Winter Care for Houseplants" article from Kansas State University Extension. Click here for Tips on Winter Care for Houseplants.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet

Garden Bargains Online

Check out Garden Bargains Online for the latest special offers, sales & discounts!

From My Garden�

Holiday Greetings

Wishing you a magical Holiday Season filled with the fresh scent of pine, the luminous sparkle of poinsettias, a sprig of mistletoe from someone special, a warm cup of spiced apple cider, and plenty of time to savor it all.

Warmest wishes,
Susan

Click here to visit iloveplants.com - Your #1 Resource for Garden Information on the Internet.

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - November 2005

2005-11-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

In This Issue:
* Pass-along Plants
* Garden Wisdom � Putting the Garden Tools Away for Winter
* Garden Bargains
* Rate & Review a Website
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

As the air grows cooler, the heart grows warmer with thanks and gratitude during the month of November. There is so much to be grateful for, and the love for plants that gardeners have is one small blessing that we each share. One way that we share our love for plants is by sharing them with others, and this month we�re featuring a wonderful article on pass-along plants.

You will also find some helpful tips on cleaning and storing your garden tools for the winter. And as usual, there are some money-saving garden bargains, website reviews, garden folklore, as well as what's new at iloveplants.com and in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Wishing all of you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving holiday!

Susan

�A garden is a link to the passing seasons� - Sheryl London

Pass-along Plants

Pass-along plants are very near and dear to my heart. In my garden, I have the offspring of an angel trumpet and a golden candlestick plant that my mother grew when I was a young girl. I�ve also got several orchid cactus� from my aunt in Germany, amaryllis from the garden of the woman who used to baby sit me, bromeliads from another aunt, daylilies from my step-father, mint from my mother-in-law, morning glory from a friend, as well as several other plants received from a neighbor who loves to garden and share her bounty.

Gardener�s are generous in spirit and eager to share with others, which is why I think you will really enjoy this article called, �Pass-along Plants, Passing on Values� from The Christian Science Monitor. This article is bound to bring back welcome memories of a relative�s garden. Click here to read about Pass-along Plants.

Did You Know?

Early English settlers introduced cider to America by bringing seeds with them upon their arrival to the new land. Hard cider quickly became one of the most popular beverages in its day, largely in part to the efforts of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), who planted a large number of trees across the Midwest. Click here to read more about Johnny Appleseed.

Garden Wisdom � Putting Away the Garden Tools for Winter

Once the fall garden chores have been completed, its time to put the garden tools away until spring. But before you do, Ed Hume Seeds offers some simple and easy tips for cleaning and storing tools so they will last longer. Click here for the Tips on Putting Away Garden Tools for Winter.

�Nature is not at variance with Art, nor Art with Nature, they both being servants of His Providence. Art is the perfection of Nature�Nature is the Art of God.� � Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, 1635

Garden Bargains Online

Check out Garden Bargains Online for the latest special offers, sales & discounts!

In My Garden�

Nature has a way of keeping us on our toes. For the most part, she seems predictable but then when you least expect it, things can change. We experienced that in October when Hurricane Wilma and a cold front blew through hand in hand. A first for us! I popped outside early on the morning Wilma arrived hoping to rescue my gazing ball before the wind whisked it away. I was expecting to be blanketed by the heavy humid air that accompanies such storms, but to my surprise the wind felt like a blast of arctic air (a little exaggeration, but in Florida fifty degrees feels like arctic air to us). It served as a reminder to me that the unexpected can be a pleasant surprise. The mix of a volatile tropical storm with a cold front from the North produced a unique fall storm for us � a much needed watering and the arrival of fall. Hurray!

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - October 2005

2005-10-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Wild About Gardening
* Garden News - Dig In Dirt Garden Blogs
* Garden Wisdom - Compost those Fall Leaves
* Garden Bargains
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Fall is arriving in all of its coloful splendor. While the days may be growing shorter, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the garden. The milder temps have a way of rejuvenating us, and there is much fun to be had planting cool season annuals, bulbs and yes, even raking the abundance of leaves drifting to the ground.

Each month we feature the best garden websites and information on the internet that we can find. This month I've found a website on providing a place for wildlife in your garden, and a very interesting new type of online garden journal called a blog. There's also some handy advice on how to make good use of the fall leaves. And as usual, you'll find some money-saving garden bargains, website reviews, garden folklore, as well as what's new at iloveplants.com and in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it contains some helpful gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

Susan

"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!" - Humbert Wolfe, Autumn Resignation

WILD ABOUT GARDENING

Plants and flowers create a beautiful garden, but it's the wildlife that brings a garden to life. One can spend endless time watching the antics of busy squirrels or listening to the melodies of song birds. Wild About Gardening is a website devoted to bringing harmony to your garden. It is loaded with valuable tips on how your garden can meet the needs of wildlife, while preventing problems.

Creating habitats that attract a multitude of wildlife is easy with specific information for butterflies and other pollinators, amphibians and reptiles, birds, bats, beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Learn how to provide homes for a multitude of creatures or just for a group or two.

Other information includes features on plants, articles, plant encyclopedia and gardening calendar. There is a lot of great information on this website! Click here to visit Wild About Gardening.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pumpkins and pumpkin pie are a sure sign that fall has arrived. Native Americans dried strips of pumpkins and wove them into mats. They also roasted long strips of pumpkin on the open fire and ate them.

The origin of pumpkin pie occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in hot ashes. Click here for more pumpkin history.

Garden News � GARDEN BLOGS ON THE GROW!

For those of you who like to keep notes and pictures of your garden, there is a new type of online tool available to help you do so. It is called a "web" "log" or blog, for short. A blog, simply put, is an online journal. There are lots of garden blogs currently online and with its current popularity, there are sure to be plenty more in the future.

Blogs are easy to set up and flexible enough so that you can add graphics, photos, link to other websites and receive comments from viewers. You can choose to keep your blog private (for your use only) or you can share it with other online gardeners.

"Dig in Dirt" Garden Blogs is specifically designed with gardeners in mind. It is a community of gardeners writing about and sharing their gardens with others. They currently have about 640 public blogs and 9 private blogs on their website.
Click here to visit Dig in Dirt Garden Blogs

MORE GARDEN BLOGS

iloveplants.com contains a directory of garden blogs that viewers have written to us about. If you have a current garden blog or a soon to be one, please contact me with the URL and I will gladly include it on our list. Click here to read the garden blogs listed on iloveplants.com

Garden Wisdom � COMPOST THOSE FALL LEAVES!

WAIT! Don't toss those bags of raked leaves out to the curb. Those colorful leaves contain magic. Not only do they dazzle us with their striking colors, they also provide our gardens with much needed nutrients. If tossed out, the leaves are unable to complete their natural cycle in the garden. As they die and decompose they bring new life to the soil. Just another reminder that all in nature is recyclable and renewable.

You can find more information on composting fall leaves at Plantalk by Colorado State Extension. Click here to find out more about composting fall leaves.

"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE

Pacific Callas offers cala lily bulbs in all colors at wholesale prices! Click here to visit Pacific Callas.

From my garden...

Autumn is my second favorite season. While it's true that we don't experience the dramatic color display that many parts of the country do, there definitely are signs to be seen by the observant eye. The golden raintrees are breaking out in gold color which will eventually turn to auburn. Holly berries are turning red and squirrels are busy burying their acorn harvest. The days are shorter and the temps are milder. Northern birds are arriving daily and fall vegetable gardens are well under way.

The reduced humidity is drawing me back out into the garden which is in need of a major trim. Hot weather and steamy rainshowers have doubled the size of most tropical-weather plants. The pothos vine (see photo) wrapped around the oak tree has become a monster. It's hard to believe this tame house plant has a truly wild side.

My daughter and I discovered a new butterfly in the yard. It was a white peacock butterfly that summers in Central Florida and returns to South Florida for the winter. We had never seen one before and were excited to make the new discovery. I was sitting outside the other day enjoying the moist coolness of the early morning air and the concert of the mockingbird. He was singing at the top of his lungs. One song after another, he continued on -clear and unabated - delivering his own gift to the new day.

I'll see you next month! Susan

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - September 2005

2005-09-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Gardeners Rate Favorite Vegetable Varieties
* Garden Wisdom - Deer Tolerant Plants
* Garden Bargains
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

It is September, and as usual I find myself wondering where the year has gone. For many of you the gardening season will begin to wind down as fall approaches, but for those in hot climates the onset of milder temps will spur on more garden activity.

Wherever your garden may be, it is my intention to feature the best garden websites and information on the Internet in this newsletter. This month I've found a very helpful website where gardeners can rate the vegetables varieties they grow. There's also a helpful guide for selecting plants for your garden that won't attract the local deer, and for those of you who love to snap pictures of your garden, be sure to check out the photography contest. And as usual, you'll find some garden bargains, website reviews, garden folklore, as well as what's new at iloveplants.com and in my zone 9 garden.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that it provides you with some beneficial gardening information. Drop me a line anytime you like with requests for future information or just to say hi and let me know what's growing in your garden.

"The more one gardens, the more one learns; and the more one learns, the more one realizes how little one knows." - Vita Sackville-West

Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners

With the vast amount of vegetable varieties available on the market today, how do you know which ones will do best? In the past, gardeners learned through trial and error but today there is an easier way. Cornell University has created a website where gardeners can rate their experience with more than 2,000 vegetable varieties. Listed on their homepage for quick reference are the 10 most popular varieties grown, as well as the top 10 rated varieties. This website is a great resource for selecting the best and most tasty vegetable varieties for your own garden.
Click here to visit Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners and rate the vegetables in your garden.

Did You Know?

"In the Civil War, the Cherokee Rose was often planted as a memorial on the graves of fallen heroes by their surviving comrades." Ernest Wilson, Aristocrats of the Garden, 1926.

Antique rose enthusiasts and history buffs should find this tidbit of plant history fascinating. The next time you're in a cemetery, take a look around and see if you can spot the white flowers blooming on the Cherokee Rose.

Garden Wisdom

Are the deer turning your garden into a fast food restaurant? If so, you'll want to take the advice of the University of Georgia Extension and replace plants deer love to eat with those less palatable to their taste buds. In their horticultural fact sheet entitled Deer-Tolerant Ornamental Plants you will find a list of plants deer love to eat, plants that they will occasionally munch on and a more extensive list of those known to have a higher degree of deer tolerance. These lists could save you a lot of time, money and frustration, while letting you appreciate the beauty of the deer who live around you. Click here to find out more about deer-resistant plants.

"Truths and roses have thorns about them." - Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854

Garden Bargains Online

Reserve your fall bulbs now from BLOOMING BULB and save 10% plus free shipping! Click here to reserve your fall bulbs at Blooming Bulb.

From my garden...

August has been a dry month for us this summer. Without our usual rainfall the weather has felt hotter than normal, but the garden is holding up well. The sycamore tree leaves are beginning to turn brown (a natural process at this time of year), and soon there will be some subtle changes in the early morning temperatures and the golden raintrees will shower us with their bright yellow blooms.

In Florida we are fortunate to have two vegetable gardening seasons. In preparation for our fall garden we planted some Seminole pumpkin squash (an heirloom variety that the Seminole Indians planted) that we started from seeds. We also planted a yellow oxheart tomato and a couple of cucumber vines. I'll soon be adding several plants of parsley and dill to the garden, some for us and some for the butterflies. This month I've included a picture looking down from a second story balcony of my shade garden. It's full of bromeliads (a/k/a hurricane plants), fern, peacock ginger, impatiens and geraniums.

The other day I was tossing out some old bread to the birds when I noticed an anxious squirrel was eyeing me cautiously. I'm sure he was wishing I would hurry up and leave so he could get to the bread before the birds. There was a soft warm breeze and the butterflies seemed to glide effortlessly on the air currents, soaking up the warmth of the sun. A cormorant was perched on a dead tree branch poking out of the lake, holding his wings out to dry while a couple of anole lizards were playfully chasing each other around the oak tree. As I turned around to go back inside, I was glad that I decided to linger for a little while and enjoy the small wonders of nature that each day provides.

I'll see you next month! Susan

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - August 2005

2005-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
*The Veggie Lady
*Kitchen Gardener�s International
*How to Save Seeds
*Flower Blooming Tips
*Garden Bargains

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

August is the quintessential summer month. Hot weather, summer showers, fresh cut grass and vegetables - lots of vegetables! With vegetable gardens beginning to reach their peak, we�ve included lots of information from the Veggie Lady and Kitchen Gardener�s International. We�ve also included some tips to keep your summer flowers blooming and on saving seeds for next season.

The nurseries are running their summer clearance sales this month, so there are plenty of garden bargains to be had. Check out our Garden Bargains section for the latest offers!

�To get the best results, you must talk to your vegetables.� - Prince Charles

Our Featured Website for August is THE VEGGIE LADY.

The Veggie Lady offers �FREE� organic gardening advice to all who will listen. Toni Salter, also known as The Veggie Lady provides tips on what to do in the garden each month, as well as a monthly planting guide, organic pest and disease control, featured plants, free e-newsletter and more. Click here to visit The Veggie Lady.

Did You Know?

The hard black seeds of Cannas are used for Buddhist rosaries. The word Canna means �help from Buddha.�

GARDEN NEWS:

If you like to garden and cook, the Kitchen Gardeners International Organization is a website you won�t want to miss. Visit their forums to share experiences and seek helpful advice from other like-minded kitchen gardeners. Take advantage of their resources on organic gardening, composting, cooking, food storage, seed exchange and more. Click here to find out more about Kitchen Gardeners International.

�Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.� -Marcel Proust

How To Save Seeds

Seeds of Diversity has published a new edition of their popular �How to Save Seeds� book. It contains the basic principles in seed saving, and the procedures to save vegetables in certain families to encourage or avoid pollination with another family. This practical book is written for the novice seed-saver and expert alike. It is easy to understand and filled with a wealth of knowledge. Click here to visit Seeds of Diversity website to purchase the book.

Flower Blooming Tips for the Summer Garden

Remove spent flowers to prevent perennials from using their energy on seed production, and to stimulate reblooming. Click here to visit the Farmer�s Almanac for more Summer Gardening Advice.
Garden Bargains

Summer clearance sales abound this month. Take advantage of these specials to keep your garden going strong into fall. Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online.

The memories of a summer garden seem to stay with us forever. Whether you prefer the vibrant shades of flowers boasting in the sun or the mellow hues of the soothing shade garden, summer is definitely the time to enjoy the garden.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for July 2005

2005-08-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Like a garden that is constantly changing and evolving, iloveplants.com's homepage is undergoing a major renovation. Over the summer we'll be working to streamline our look and make it easier for you to find the information you need more quickly. I believe you will find the changes to be helpful.

June kicks off the summer gardening season and this month's issue includes some helpful information, as well as fun projects. Our featured website - Gardening With Kids - has some great ideas on how you can share your love for gardening with kids. We've also included an article on how-to create your dream garden, and an update on the Garden Conservancy's Open Days tour schedule.

Don't forget to check out this month's garden bargains, and the latest "From My Garden..." where you can see "tree man" in my zone 9 garden! Summer is arriving, so have fun planting and creating your very own colorful summer garden!

Susan Myers

p.s. If you enjoy our newsletter, please share it with your gardening friends by using the email box at the end of this newsletter to forward it to them. Thank you!

�There is something of summer in the hum of insects� - Walter Savage Landor

Our Featured Website for July is the WEEKEND GARDENER.

They provide horticulture tips for busy people in their website which is designed to simplify gardening by helping you choose the right plants, tools and techniques and breaking the activities into manageable weekly tasks. Their goal is to help folks with limited time create a beautiful garden and still have time to enjoy it. Click here to visit the Weekend Gardner.
Did You Know?

It was an American Indian who first domesticated the plant into a single headed plant with a variety of seed colors including black, white, red and black/white striped. For more fascinating facts about the Sunflower see the History of the Amazing Sunflower by the National Sunflower Association.

GARDEN NEWS:

1st ANNUAL POND TOUR NORTH AMERICA
is sponsored by the North American Water Garden Society. It is a two-day event in which private water gardens in communities across the continent will open to visitors. Click here for more information about this tour or to find a tour in your area.

�What a delight it is when, of a morning I get up and go out to find in full bloom a flower that yesterday was not there.� -Tachibana Akemi

All-American Daylilies for 2005
The All-American Daylilies for 2005 are Red Volunteer and Miss Mary Mary. Click here for more information on the All-American Daylily Selection Council�s Daylilies for 2005.

Water Saving Tips in the Garden

Saving water in the garden is as easy as adjusting your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass retains water better. For more helpful tips on saving water, visit Earth Share�s website.
This is a busy time for gardeners. We�re up to our elbows in dirt and loving every minute of it. Have fun creating the garden of your dreams!

Susan Myers

iloveplants.com - YOUR #1 RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for June 2005

2005-06-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Gardening with Kids!
* Garden Conservancy - Garden Tours Schedule
* Garden Bargains
* What's New at iloveplants.com!
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Like a garden that is constantly changing and evolving, iloveplants.com's homepage is undergoing a major renovation. Over the summer we'll be working to streamline our look and make it easier for you to find the information you need more quickly. I believe you will find the changes to be helpful.

June kicks off the summer gardening season and this month's issue includes some helpful information, as well as fun projects. Our featured website - Gardening With Kids - has some great ideas on how you can share your love for gardening with kids. We've also included an article on how-to create your dream garden, and an update on the Garden Conservancy's Open Days tour schedule.

Don't forget to check out this month's garden bargains, and the latest "From My Garden..." where you can see "tree man" in my zone 9 garden! Summer is arriving, so have fun planting and creating your very own colorful summer garden!

Susan
Susan Myers

p.s. If you enjoy our newsletter, please share it with your gardening friends by using the email box at the end of this newsletter to forward it to them. Thank you!

What a delight it is when of a morning, I get up and go out to find in full bloom a flower that yesterday was not there. - Tachibana Akemi

GARDENING WITH KIDS

What kid doesn't like to get his or her hands in the dirt? By sharing your passion for gardening with your kids, grandchildren or a neighbor's kids you just may spark a life-long love for gardening in their curious little minds. GARDENING WITH KIDS is a nice resource with some fun projects for those busy little hands.

Click here to visit Gardening With Kids

GARDEN CONSERVANCY OPEN DAYS TOUR

The Garden Conservancy is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of opening America's best private gardens to the public. In 21 states across the U.S. there will be 63 gardens open to visitors on specific dates. Strolling through a garden is not only enjoyable, but a great way to garner ideas for your own garden. If you're traveling this summer, you may want to check their list of open gardens to find one to visit.

Click here to view the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Tour Schedule

This Newsletter is sponsored by - The Tasteful Garden
The Tasteful Garden, it's all about the flavor. We have plants for Tasteful Garden treats such as Mammoth Basil, French Sorrel, Barbeque Rosemary, Lemon Verbena, Bay Laurel and Pineapple Sage!

Check out our 45 Heirloom and Hybrid tomatoes as well as many other vegetables and edible plants. We have recipes, growing tips, our herb encyclopedia and insect information. Order online and read more about growing a kitchen garden at www.tastefulgarden.com.

Click here to visit The Tasteful Garden

THE LATEST WEBSITE REVIEWS

Here is a sampling of reviews we received on websites in May.

The Daylily Barn (Located in the Plants and Seed Directory/Daylilies/Plant & Seed Sources) received the following review from Nyokia - "Beautiful site, great daylilies, great folks!

Blackrock Farm (Located in the Regional Gardening Directory/Maine/Local Garden Centers) received the following review from J. Mallen - "Great site, very pretty.

Hyrdo-Stacker (Located in the Garden Products Directory/Hydroponic Supplies Category) received the following review from Pat - "They sell a "vertical garden," which is something I haven't seen before. It looks pretty neat!

I invite you to rate and review websites, especially companies that you purchase plants or products from via mail-order, so that other gardeners can share in the benefit of your experience. To review a website just go to any website throughout iloveplants.com, click on "review it" in the upper right hand corner and type your review. There will be a delay in your review being posted, as all reviews are scanned for inappropriate and offensive language.

Click here to access iloveplants.com homepage and review a website.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE - Shop now and save money!

Spring Hill Nursery�s One Cent Sale. Buy one plant and get another for one cent.

Lillian Vernon - Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more. Enter Code: 865840100 at checkout.

All garden tools and ornaments at Collections, Etc. for $14.99 or less.

Great selection of bonsai trees from Bonsai Boy for under $30.

Purchase summer bulbs now at Breck�s Bulbs and save $25 off a $50 order!

Reserve your fall bulbs now at Blooming Bulb and save 10%.

Get $5 off any purchase over $50 at the Better Homes and Gardens Store! Use coupon code: SAVE5

Save $20 on a $40 order for environmentally friendly garden supplies from Gardens Alive

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

WHAT'S NEW AT ILOVEPLANTS.COM

Check out the NEW websites added to iloveplants.com in the month of May!
Click here to see what's new at iloveplants.com

FROM MY GARDEN...

Our (almost) daily summer rains are beginning, and with great relief. As the heat and humidity begins to build, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain the plants and lawn with sprinklers on a mandatory two-day watering regimen.

As our cleome plants fade, we are collecting the seeds for fall planting. The purple agapanthus and society garlic are adding a touch of color to our front yard, as well as a beautiful "Knock-Out" rose I received as a gift from my sister. This rose truly is a "knock-out." It blooms non-stop most of the year with few pest or disease problems, and the color is stunning.

We planted sunflowers and cosmos for summer color. And one of my very favorite plants - caladiums - have emerged from the ground to add splashes of color to the shaded areas.

This month I've included pictures of one of my favorite caladiums combined in a pot with silver fern, and my very own "tree man" which my daughter calls Carlos. I'm thinking of adding a few more of these adorable forest faces to my trees to create my very own forest of "tree men." I bought this inexpensive one at Lillian Vernon. These days you can find me relaxing on my back deck talking to Carlos. Happy summer gardening! Susan

iloveplants.com - YOUR #1 RESOURCE FOR THE BEST GARDENING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for May 2005

2005-05-04T05:50:00.001-07:00

In This Issue:
* Rate Your Tulips
* Bulbs for Summer Gardens
* Garden Pathways
* Wildflowers in the Garden
* The Heirloom Gardener
* Plant-A-Row for the Hungry
* Garden Bargains
* From My Garden...

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

May is traditionally known as the month of flowers, and in keeping with that tradition we've included websites with information on summer bulbs and wildflowers. We're also introducing a new feature on iloveplants.com this month. You can now rate and review the different tulips that you grow in your garden. Your ratings will help other gardeners choose the very best performing or most beautiful tulips to include in their own gardens.

We've also included a website with great tips for creating garden pathways and information on a really fabulous and beautiful magazine on heirloom gardening.

Don't forget to check out this month's "garden bargains, and the latest "From My Garden..." where you can see a garden pathway in my zone 9 garden! This is a busy time for gardeners. We�re up to our elbows in dirt and loving every minute of it. Have fun creating the garden of your dreams!

Susan
Susan Myers

You can donate excess produce from your garden to help feed the hungry in America?
The Garden Writer�s Association has teamed up with Second Harvest and other local organizations that will gladly accept homegrown fruit and vegetable donations from local gardeners. Click here to learn how you can participate!

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

RATE YOUR TULIPS
We�ve added a new feature to iloveplants.com. You can now rate and review the tulips that you grow. Your ratings and experience with different tulip varieties will help other gardeners decide which tulips to plant in their own gardens. Click here to review and rate our list of tulips.

BULBS FOR SUMMER GARDENS
Summer bulbs are not as well known as our spring favorites. But with summer right around the corner, it�s time to plant canna, caladium, dahlias, begonias and other beautiful summer blooming bulbs. The University of Illinois Extension provides plenty of tips and advice in their Home Hort Hints Publication: Think Summer, Buy Summer Bulbs Now. Click here to read Think Summer, Buy Summer Bulbs Now.

Gather your friends together and save money on a great selection of summer bulbs at Breck�s Bulbs. First-time shoppers can save $25 on an order of $50 or more! Click here to visit Breck's Bulbs.

GARDEN PATHWAYS
Pathways in the garden invite us to wander and wonder. Creating inviting pathways in your garden is easy with the suggestions in GARDEN PATHWAYS provided by the Missouri Agricultural Engineering Extension. Click here to read Garden Pathways.

WILDFLOWERS IN THE GARDEN
Wildflowers make a great addition to any home landscape. They�re easy to grow and require minimum care. The Nebraska Cooperative Extension�s NebGuide article, WILDFLOWERS FOR THE HOME LANDSCAPE provides site preparation, planting and maintenance advice, as well as a list 42 common perennial wildflowers for use in home landscapes around the country. Click here to read Wildflowers For the Home Landscape.

THE HEIRLOOM GARDENER
If you love growing heirloom flowers and vegetables, then you will love THE HEIRLOOM GARDENER MAGAZINE created by the folks at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. It is loaded with lots of great articles, information and wonderful pictures. Click here to find out more about The Heirloom Gardener Magazine.

Garden Bargains Online
Shop now and save money!

All garden tools and ornaments at Collections, Etc. for $14.99 or less.

Save $10 on orders of $100 or greater at Plow & Hearth when you enter the promo code PHASPR. Offer ends May 31.

Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more at JoAnn.com.
Use Promo Code MAYFSA525 at checkout. Nice selection of
garden ornaments and decorations.

Great selection of bonsai trees from Bonsai Boy for under $30.

Spring Hill Nursery�s One Cent Sale. Buy one plant and get another for one cent.

Purchase summer bulbs now at Breck�s Bulbs and save $25 off a $50 order!

Reserve your fall bulbs now at Blooming Bulb and save 10%.

Get $5 off any purchase over $50 at the Better Homes and Gardens Store! Use coupon code: SAVE5

Save $20 on a $40 order for environmentally friendly garden supplies from Gardens Alive

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

From my garden...
We've had the pleasure of experiencing a long spring this year, but any day now the heat and humidity will come to stay for awhile. Our tomato plant is producing smaller than normal tomatoes and will soon be finished altogether. I have planted a summer tomato called 'heat wave' which is supposed to keep setting tomatoes during hot and humid weather. I'll let you know how it does.

We replaced our nasturtians with cosmos that we grew from seeds, and we're nurturing a batch of sunflower seedlings that we will transplant outdoors very soon.

This month I've included a picture of a pathway in my garden. Originally this was a muddy path leading to a deck. My husband did a great job creating this path with bricks. Along the pathway we have planted bromeliads, crotons, peace lily, impatiens, aztec grass and begonias. Soon peacock ginger and caladiums will appear for summer color. Enjoy your time in the garden this month. Susan

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for April 2005

2005-04-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

April 2005

In This Issue:
* Chamomile Times & Herbal News
* Add Color with Annuals
* A Sneeze-Free Garden
* Attracting Ladybugs to Your Garden
* Every Day is Earth Day!
* Garden Bargains - Show Now for Spring and Save!
* From My Garden...
* Plus New Websites added to iloveplants.com & Website Reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

I was just recently visiting family in the northeast where there is no sign of spring yet. The trees are still bare, and not a flower could be found. The week following my return to Florida I was just amazed at how brilliant the flower colors seemed and how green all the trees are. They seemed more beautiful than I had ever remembered in past years. Realizing that some areas of the country are still draped in winter gave me a double appreciation for spring and its magnificence.

So for those of you still waiting for the first signs of spring, we've selected some interesting websites and web articles to help you pass the time. For herb lovers you'll enjoy visiting the Chamomile Times & Herbal News website. If you want lots of color in your yard, don't miss the article on annuals. For those who suffer from spring allergies we've found an article that will help you reduce the allergens in your yard, and everyone will enjoy the article on attracting ladybugs to help you fend off the nasty insects that attack your plants.
As winter slowly releases it hold, spring is arriving in all of its colorful finery. Dust off your garden gloves, grab your clippers and shovel and sing your praises to spring along with the flowers! Enjoy every minute in your garden!
Susan

Did You Know? April 22nd is Earth Day! Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Earth Day EVERYDAY with Dale Groom�s Green Gardening Earth Kind Tips.

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

THE CHAMOMILE TIMES. Herb lovers will enjoy the Chamomile Times and Herbal News website. Their Garden Guides Herb Guide includes an array of uses for herbs in cooking, recipes for potpourri mixes, homemade creams and fragrant mist sprays. You will also find helpful advice for growing seeds, such as when to sew seeds indoors or outdoors, the correct planting depth and spacing requirements for success. Click here to visit The Chamomile Times.
For more websites containing information on herbs, please visit our Herb Page.

ADD COLOR WITH ANNUALS
There�s no question that annual flowers can add a real punch of color to the garden. The University of Illinois Extension passes along good basic information in their no-nonsense article entitled, Annuals Add Color with Minimum Care. Find out how to select the right annuals for your planting site (shade or sun), proper soil preparation to maximize their lifespan and bloom production.

Shop now for a great selection of environmentally friendly garden products from Garden�s Alive! You can select from a large variety of natural fertilizers for your lawn and plants, as well as pest, disease and weed control products all designed with the earth in mind. First-time shoppers can save $20 on an order of $40 or more!

A SNEEZE-FREE GARDEN
Don�t get stuck inside this spring because of allergies. Learn How to Create an Allergy-Free Garden at eHow.com. Here you will find lots of advice and tips on ways to eliminate pollen, mold and other allergens so that you can enjoy your garden again.

ATTRACTING LADYBUGS
Ladybugs are a welcome addition to the garden as they are tireless workers when it comes to eliminating aphids and other insect pests from the garden. GardenGuides.com provides a handy article on Luring Ladybugs Into Your Garden. Learn more about how to attract them and identify them in their larval stage so that you don�t accidentally eliminate them.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE - Shop now for spring and save money!

Purchase summer bulbs now at Breck�s Bulbs and save $25 off a $50 order!

Free Shipping for a limited time on orders of $55 or more at
Dutch Gardens.

Get 3 Free Peacock Bulbs with any purchase from Direct Gardening. Use Coupon Code G5666 at checkout.

Purchase calla lily bulbs from Pacific Callas at wholesale prices.

Reserve your fall bulbs now at Blooming Bulb and save 10%.

Save 40% on the current special at Wind & Weather

Get $5 off any purchase over $50 at the Better Homes and Gardens Store! Use coupon code: SAVE5

Save $20 on a $40 order for environmentally friendly garden supplies from Gardens Alive!

Save on the Jerry Baker �Value Pack.� Purchase any Jerry Baker book with a hose end sprayer set and save 10%.

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for March 2005

2005-03-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

March 2005

In This Issue:
* The Garden Helper
* Seed Starting 101
* Spring Bulbs
* You Can Name a Hellebore
* Taking Inventory
* Garden Bargains - Show Now for Spring and Save!
* From My Garden...
* Plus New Websites added to iloveplants.com & Website Reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Spring is on its way and if you're like me, you're probably itching to get your hands in the earth's rich soil. I do believe that gardeners are some of the most hopeful and persistent people in the world. Each spring we set about with our new dreams, hopes and plans for our little piece of earth. As Mary Cantwell said, �Gardeners, I think, dream bigger dreams than emperors.� I totally agree with her! Keep dreaming and happy spring to all!

We've got a great line-up of information for you this month. First and foremost, you can find some really helpful information on growing plants from The Garden Helper website. Get a jump on spring with some great tips for starting seeds indoors and find out everything you ever wanted to know about spring bulbs in Bulb.com's Spring Bulb Guide. Use our Garden Products Directory to stock up on garden supplies and tools. And if you've ever wanted to name a plant here is your chance to name one or more of the new 82 selections of hellebores at Sun Farm. And don't miss "From My Garden..." where I'll keep you posted on what's blooming in my zone 9 garden!

I hope you had a chance to visit our new website - GardenBargainsOnline.com. We'll be adding new coupons, discounts and special offers on a weekly basis. So drop in often to see what's new or sign up for the Garden Bargains Newsletter. Thanks for some really great comments on the new website. Keep your comments coming to me at blackeyedsus@cs.com - I love hearing from you!

Susan

Did You Know?

You can participate in naming 82 new selections of �Sunshine Spectacular� hellebores at Sun Farm. Submitters of the winning names will receive a 4-inch pot of that particular plant. Get creative and submit as many names as you like.

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

THE GARDEN HELPER. This site is designed for both the beginner and experienced gardener. There�s something here for everyone from their garden guides to plant profiles that provide tips and suggestions for growing and maintaining beautiful plants. Other helpful information includes plant lists for specific growing situations, dealing with pests, guide to houseplants and a monthly garden to-do list. And if you would like to chat with other like-minded gardeners you can visit their gardener�s forum. Click here to visit The Garden Helper.

For more websites containing garden information, visit our Garden Information Page.

SEED STARTING 101
Starting Seeds Indoors by Garden Guides is a helpful information source for getting a jump on spring gardening. Everything you�ll need to know from containers, seeds, growing medium to transplanting your seedlings is here in this time-saving guide. Their useful chart of commonly grown vegetables provides you with the estimated number of weeks from planting seeds to transplanting outdoors. Click here for information on starting seeds indoors.

AN ODE TO SPRING!
Spring is arriving this month and the bulbs are here to graciously usher her in. You can learn all about spring bulbs at Bulb.com. Their spring bulb guide includes information on container planting, bulb-forcing, planting themes and color, as well as fragrance. Don�t miss their list of the ten tulips that Americans think are tops! Click here to find out more about spring bulbs.

TAKING INVENTORY
Don�t let spring sneak up on you and catch you unprepared. Now is the time to take inventory of your tools and garden supplies and purchase what you need. Click here to visit our Garden Products Directory to find just the right tools and supplies to create a beautiful garden.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE - Shop now for spring and save money!

Get $20 off a $50 order at Michigan Bulb �Over 100 prices reduced from last year.�

Get 3 Free Peacock Bulbs with any purchase from Direct Gardening. Use Coupon Code G5666 at checkout.

Gurneys Nursery & Seed Co. - Save $20 on Internet Orders

Save $20 on a $40 order for environmentally friendly garden supplies from Gardens Alive!

Save on the Jerry Baker �Value Pack.� Purchase any Jerry Baker book with a hose end sprayer set and save 10%.

Order garden magazines at Net Magazines and receive $5 off a $20 or more order. Use Coupon Code DC222 at checkout.

Purchase summer bulbs now at Breck�s Bulbs and save $25 off a $50 order!

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for February 2005

2005-02-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

In This Issue:
� The Butterfly Farm Butterfly Gardening Guide
� 2005 All-America Rose Selections
� Mail-Order Gardening Tips
� Gardening in your State
� Garden Bargains � Shop Now for Spring and Save!
� From my Garden�
� New websites added in January and website reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Old man winter may still be blowing outside but there is plenty we can do to get ready for spring. It�s the perfect time to take your gardening online and this month we've got some great information for you.

If you're ordering seeds you may want to read our mail-order gardening tips before you place your order. You can view the new 2005 All-America rose selections that are now available and you can find information pertinent to your gardening zone in our Regional Gardening directory. If you're planning to add some butterfly plants to your garden this spring the Butterfly Gardening Guide from The Butterfly Farm will help you choose selections that will grow in your area. And don't miss "From My Garden..." where I'll keep you posted on what's blooming in my zone 9 garden!

Have fun planning and dreaming about spring!

Susan

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

The Butterfly Farm Butterfly Gardening Guide. There are so many wonderful websites on butterfly gardening, but I chose this one because it includes a regional guide. Along with basic information common to all, their regional guide assists in identifying the most easy butterflies to attract to your area, plus nectar plants and host/larval plants. Lots of helpful information to help make your garden a warm and welcoming place for these beautiful creatures. Click here to learn more about butterfly gardening.

For a few more websites of interest on butterfly gardening visit our Butterfly Gardening Page.

Stop and Smell the Roses
The 2005 All-America Rose Selection winners are About Face, Day Dream, Elle and Lady Elsie May. The best of the best, they all would make a beautiful addition to anyone�s garden. Click here to view the 2005 All-America Rose Selection winners.

Mail-Order Gardening Tips
The mail-order seed and plant catalogs are arriving and gardeners are eager to place their orders. Today the Internet plays an important role in a gardener�s ability to choose from a larger variety of plants. If you are new to mail-order gardening this article offers some helpful tips to get your garden off to a good start. Click here to read the mail-order gardening tips.

GARDENING IN YOUR STATE
It�s easy to find gardening information related to your area of the country in our Regional Gardening Directory. You�ll find links to botanical gardens, local garden clubs, nurseries and garden websites for each state. There are some really terrific websites out there, some created by experts and others by backyard gardeners who have been generous enough to record and share their time-experienced gardening lessons. Click here to find garden information for your state in our Regional Gardening Directory.

KID�S GARDEN GRANTS
Find out more about grant programs that foster a love for gardening that are available from the National Gardening Association and Mailorder Gardening Association. Deadlines to submit applications are approaching quickly!

Garden Bargains Online
Shop now for spring and save money!

34% off the book Butterfly Gardening: Creating Summer Magic in your Garden at Amazon.com.

Green Shoes Lawn & Garden Supplies � Free Standard Shipping on all orders of $49 or more!

Request a FREE catalog from Nature Hills Nursery. Trees, roses, perennials, annuals, vines, groundcovers and more.

Save up to 70%at Jerry Baker�s End of the Season Sale. Choose from garden supplies, critter control products, books and more.

Shop Now at Gardens Alive! for Environmentally Friendly Products & receive $20 off an order of $40 or more.

Gurneys Nursery & Seed Company Save $20 on Internet Orders of $40 or more!

Patio Heaters on sale at Yardiac.com. Includes free shipping!

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for February 2005

2005-02-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

In This Issue:
� The Butterfly Farm Butterfly Gardening Guide
� 2005 All-America Rose Selections
� Mail-Order Gardening Tips
� Gardening in your State
� Garden Bargains � Shop Now for Spring and Save!
� From my Garden�
� New websites added in January and website reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Old man winter may still be blowing outside but there is plenty we can do to get ready for spring. It�s the perfect time to take your gardening online and this month we've got some great information for you. If you're ordering seeds you may want to read our mail-order gardening tips before you place your order. You can view the new 2005 All-America rose selections that are now available and you can find information pertinent to your gardening zone in our Regional Gardening directory. If you're planning to add some butterfly plants to your garden this spring the Butterfly Gardening Guide from The Butterfly Farm will help you choose selections that will grow in your area. And don't miss "From My Garden..." where I'll keep you posted on what's blooming in my zone 9 garden!

Have fun planning and dreaming about spring! Susan

Did You Know?
You�re invited to join in the 8th annual
Great Backyard Bird Count coming up
February 18 - 21. Visit the BirdSource Website for more information.

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

The Butterfly Farm Butterfly Gardening Guide. There are so many wonderful websites on butterfly gardening, but I chose this one because it includes a regional guide. Along with basic information common to all, their regional guide assists in identifying the most easy butterflies to attract to your area, plus nectar plants and host/larval plants. Lots of helpful information to help make your garden a warm and welcoming place for these beautiful creatures. Click here to learn more about butterfly gardening.

For a few more websites of interest on butterfly gardening visit our Butterfly Gardening Page.

Shop now for a great selection of butterfly plants at reasonable prices from Spring Hill Gardens. Select from their Butterfly Bush Collection or their Step-By-Step Butterfly Garden package which includes plants and a design plan.

Stop and Smell the Roses
The 2005 All-America Rose Selection winners are About Face, Day Dream, Elle and Lady Elsie May. The best of the best, they all would make a beautiful addition to anyone�s garden. Click here to view the 2005 All-America Rose Selection winners.

Pictured is Lady Elsie May � provided by All-America Rose Selections

Mail-Order Gardening Tips
The mail-order seed and plant catalogs are arriving and gardeners are eager to place their orders. Today the Internet plays an important role in a gardener�s ability to choose from a larger variety of plants. If you are new to mail-order gardening this article offers some helpful tips to get your garden off to a good start. Click here to read the mail-order gardening tips.

GARDENING IN YOUR STATE
It�s easy to find gardening information related to your area of the country in our Regional Gardening Directory. You�ll find links to botanical gardens, local garden clubs, nurseries and garden websites for each state. There are some really terrific websites out there, some created by experts and others by backyard gardeners who have been generous enough to record and share their time-experienced gardening lessons. Click here to find garden information for your state in our Regional Gardening Directory.

KID�S GARDEN GRANTS
Find out more about grant programs that foster a love for gardening that are available from the National Gardening Association and Mailorder Gardening Association. Deadlines to submit applications are approaching quickly!

Garden Bargains Online Shop now for spring and save money! 34% off the book Butterfly Gardening: Creating Summer Magic in your Garden at Amazon.com. Green Shoes Lawn & Garden Supplies � Free Standard Shipping on all orders of $49 or more! Request a FREE catalog from Nature Hills Nursery. Trees, roses, perennials, annuals, vines, groundcovers and more. Save up to 70%at Jerry Baker�s End of the Season Sale. Choose from garden supplies, critter control products, books and more. Shop Now at Gardens Alive! for Environmentally Friendly Products & receive $20 off an order of $40 or more. Gurneys Nursery & Seed Company Save $20 on Internet Orders of $40 or more! Patio Heaters on sale at Yardiac.com. Includes free shipping! Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for January 2005

2005-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

January 2005

In This Issue:
� The Helpful Gardener
� 2005 All-America Selections
� Time to Order Seeds
� Repotting Christmas Cactus
� Keeping Track of the Garden with a Journal
� Garden Bargains
� From my Garden�
� New websites added in December and website reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Happy new gardening year! It�s a new year and with that comes a new gardening season. A time to dream and scheme and plan for spring. As your #1 Internet gardening resource we are dedicated to bringing you the best garden websites and articles each month. We know that everyone�s time is limited these days, so our goal in 2005 is to help you find what you need fast, so that you can spend more time doing what you love � gardening!

This month we�ve included information on winter gardening tasks that would be suitable for all climates, such as selecting and ordering seeds for spring, repotting the Christmas cactus, starting a garden journal and stocking up on garden supplies. And don�t miss �From my Garden�� Each month I�ll be including a photo and a little information about my garden.

Did You Know?
The American Garden Museum wants to hear your story? Click here for details on how to share your love for gardening with others.

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

THE HELPFUL GARDENER
The helpful Gardener features a variety of practical and appealing articles on vegetable, rose and flower gardening. They�ve included information on growing plants in containers, helpful advice on creating Japanese gardens, and the mechanics of good garden design. Click here to enjoy their articles chock-full of sensible advice guaranteed to make gardening enjoyable and successful.

2005 ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS
Tested nationally and proven to have superior performance. The winners are: Arizona Sun gaillardia, Magellan Coral zinnia, First Kiss Blueberry vinca, Fairy Tale eggplant, Sugary tomato and Bonbon winter squash. Click here to view all of the winners.

Place your order now for the 2005 All-America Selections seeds of your choice from Gurney�s Seed & Nursery Company.

TIME TO ORDER SEEDS
Now that the holidays have passed, it�s time to begin planning your spring garden. Grab a seat at the computer, a warm cup of your favorite
beverage and start clicking your way through the online plant catalogs. In our Garden Catalog Directory you will find nurseries with some familiar offerings and others with some unusual varieties. Whatever you�re looking for, you�re sure to find it here. Click here to view our time-saving Garden Catalog Directory.

REPOTTING CHRISTMAS CACTUS
Give your Christmas cactus a little extra boost this year by repotting it. A light pruning, some fresh soil, and it just may reward you with a bevy of beautiful blooms this coming holiday. Click here for instructions from the College of Agriculture & Home Economics.

KEEPING TRACK OF THE GARDEN
With a new gardening season upon us you may find it helpful to jot down your successes and failures in the garden. The New Three-Year Garden Journal by Louise Carter provides space for three years worth of gardening experience in her spiral-bound journal, which provides plenty of room for notes, sketches and photos. It also includes gardening tips and a to-do list for every gardening region in the U.S.

It�s a new year and with that comes a new gardening season. A time to dream and scheme and plan for spring. Happy new gardening season, and may this be the year when all your garden dreams come true!

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for December 2004

2004-12-01T07:10:00.000-08:00

In this Issue:
*Gifts for the Gardener

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! The holidays are quickly approaching, and this month we�re bringing you our very best list of favorite holiday gift ideas for the gardener. There are so many great items out there that you may have difficulty deciding which one to buy. Personally, I�m requesting Suzy Bales� latest book entitled, �Down-to-Earth Gardener.� I can�t wait to curl up in a chair with it and enjoy her warm writing style and the stunning garden photos.Gifts for the Gardener

Yes, it�s that time again. Time to decide what to give our loved ones for the holidays. If you�re in search of a gift for someone who loves to garden then read on for tons of good ideas and sources to purchase them from.

For the bird and wildlife enthusiast there is a large variety of interesting birdhouses (including one with your college logo), feeders, and adorable bat, butterfly, bee or lady bug houses.

Bring cheer to any home with a Candy Cane Basket Bouquet or a poinsettia plant.

Computer savvy gardeners will welcome a landscape design software where they can create the garden of their dreams.

A fantastic new book this year is Suzy Bales� �Down-to-Earth Gardener.� Lots of great tips on gardening in tandem with nature. Or choose from our selection of gardening books that cover a variety of topics.

Garden arbors, furniture, bridges, hammocks and stepping stones are delightful d�cor in the garden and they make great gifts.

Garden Accessories are fun gifts to receive. And there are plenty to choose from, such as obelisks, wind chimes, weathervanes, sundials, thermometers, rain gauges and more.

Art lovers will enjoy some garden art they can add to their gardens for a whimsical touch.

A unique planter or piece of pottery will provide a home for a special plant.

Useful items like these botanically inspired garden gloves and aprons will delight any gardener.

A bargain on a triple package of magazine subscriptions for Better Homes & Gardens, House & Garden and Home for only $25 will indulge the gardener�s need for visual ideas.

Give the gift of green. Tree Givers plants trees as part of the reforestation efforts in all 50 states to honor special individuals on special occasions.

Share your love for gardening with a child. Purchase a special garden gift for kids.

There are plenty of Organic products to choose from for the natural gardener or a host of environmentally sensitive products for the home and garden.

And, for the budget conscious shopper, visit our Garden Bargains page where you can shop and save money at the same time.

I hope this list of gifts will make it easy for you to find a very nice gift for a unique and special gardener in your life.

May the spirit of the season fill your heart with love and gratitude. Happy Holidays!

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for November 2004

2004-11-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

A Season for Gratitude

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month I am reminded of everything I have to be thankful for. And counted among family, friends, love and health are the wonders of nature - the endless varieties of beautiful flowers, nurturing herbs, healthful fruit and vegetables. What a joy it is to be a gardener!

Carefree Cactus

Cacti come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes and require minimal care. Place them in a sunny location and they make perfect houseplants.

Our viewers have given these two comprehensive websites on cactus & succulents a rating of 10!

Cactus by Aggie Horticulture contains plenty of information for the cactus novice or collector. You will find a little history on these interesting plants, as well as tips on sowing them from seed, light & water requirements, fertilization needs, diseases and pests. Follow their advice, and you�ll find these non-fussy plants easy to grow.

Hints on Growing Cacti & other Succulent Plants by succulent-plant.com offers information on general care, handling, fertilizers, pots and containers, propagation and soil mixtures and water needs. Don�t miss their repotting tips to help you handle these prickly plants.

See our Cactus & Succulents Page for more websites with information on growing cactus, as well as some mail-order sources.

Decorating for Thanksgiving with Flowers

Giving thanks with fresh cut flowers celebrates the season and creates lasting impressions. Make your own special holiday bouquets with help from Flower Possibilities. This website contains lots of flower recipes and decorating tips from the experts. Each month there are new flower possibility projects.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Visit our new Gardener�s Bookshelf directory to view our great selection of gardening books. We have a large selection of books on perennials, roses, orchids, landscape design, water gardening, trees, garden structures and annuals.

By choosing books through our partnership with Amazon you will be helping to support iloveplants.com. We will donate 10% of the profits generated from book purchases to the Garden Conservancy Organization to help conserve gardens today and for future generations. Thank you for your support!

Garden News for November

Winterizing the Garden

For those who live in a cool climate it is necessary to put the garden to bed each fall. These seven all-purpose tips from marthastewart.com will help make the task easier.

Growing Pansies for Winter Cheer

A planter of pansies is all you need to brighten a dreary winter day. Peg Fisher�s article contains suggestions and tips for growing these charming flowers.

Gardening Indoors with Houseplants

Now�s a great time to focus on indoor plants. The University of Illinois provides some terrific information on houseplant needs, selection and care, plus lots more. Great Website!

Garden Bargains Online � Fall Clearance Sales!

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts, coupons and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

Now that winter is close at hand, we can still enjoy gardening indoors. Give your houseplants a little extra care and have fun adding fresh flowers to your d�cor to brighten the day.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - October 2004

2004-10-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* The Miracle of Fall
* Top Website Choices for Ornamental Grasses
* Chrysanthemums for Fall Color
* Garden Bargains - Fall Garden Savings
* Recipes for your Fall Harvest
* Successful Seed Saving
* The Lady in Red Hydrangea - New Plant Available in 2005

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! Fall is one of the nicest times of the year. Here in Florida and many warmer climates it is the beginning of a milder growing season and a pleasant time to be in the garden. For cooler climates it is a time to clean up and prepare the garden for winter. Wherever you live it is a great time to be outdoors enjoying the splendid days of Autumn.

We've got some great information on Fall for you this month. You won't want to miss The Miracle of Fall which contains a plethora of information on all things Fall. Our top website choice for the month is on ornamental grasses which add beauty to the garden in all four seasons of the year. Plus more - chysanthemums for fall color, recipes for your garden harvest and tips to successful seed saving. You will also find information on a new variety of hydrangea that will be available in 2005, and lots of Fall garden bargains online.

THE MIRACLE OF FALL

Colorful leaves dance and swirl in the wind. The pleasant coolness of the air combined with warm autumn colors reminds us that fall is here.

If fall is one of your favorite seasons, then you will enjoy the photos, foliage updates, and the live foliage cams that can be found on The Miracle of Fall page created by the University of Illinois Extension Center. It�s a terrific resource with a combination of fun activities, tips on the selection of best fall foliage trees to plant and other things fall.

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Ornamental grasses add a creative element to a garden. Their needs are few, yet they contribute so much to every season. Soft flowing new growth in Spring, blooms on drought-tolerant plants in Summer, golden Autumn color and beautiful dried foliage in Winter.

Our viewers have given this website on ornamental grasses a rating of 10!

Growing Ornamental Grasses in the Garden by the Garden Helper covers it all. Everything you need to know about growing grasses from preparing the soil, plant hardiness, choosing the right variety, site preparation and planting, fertilization requirements, and dividing mature plants.

See our Ornamental Grass Page for more websites with information on growing ornamental grasses, as well as some mail-order sources.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

The jewel-tone colors of chrysanthemums are the perfect addition to the fall garden. Planted in flowerbeds or displayed in pots at your front door, they create a warm welcome for visitors. Sandra Mason (University of Illinois) provides timely tips on maximizing their bloom power and what to do with them when they�re finished blooming in her article entitled Chrysanthemums for Fall Color.

GARDEN RECIPES

At freerecipe.org you will find 74 tasty recipes for your fall vegetable harvest.

SUCCESSFUL SEED SAVING

If you like to save seeds from your plants for next year�s garden, then you won�t want to miss the tips offered by Joyce Moore, Oregon Master Gardener in her Guide to Successful Seed Saving.

LADY IN RED HYDRANGEA� NEW IN 2005!

The Lady in Red is an exciting new hydrangea that will be available in 2005. The plant features distinctive red stems, rich fall foliage color and lush pink lacecaps that mature red. Visit the Lady in Red Hydrangea website for information on care and planting, as well as where to buy.

GARDEN BARGAINS

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

THE GARDENER'S BOOKSHELF

Visit our new Gardener�s Bookshelf directory to view our selection of books on roses, annuals, perennials, trees, orchids, landscape design, water gardening, trees and garden structures.

By choosing books through our partnership with Amazon you will be helping to support iloveplants.com. We will donate 10% of the profits generated from book purchases to the Garden Conservancy Organization to help conserve gardens today and for future generations. Thank you for your support!

REVIEW A WEBSITE

Share your experiences with other gardeners by reviewing a website, especially companies that you purchase plants or products from via mail-order. To review a website just go to any website throughout iloveplants.com, click on �review it� in the upper right hand corner and type your review.

Until next month, I hope you enjoy your time in the garden this fall whether you�re planting chrysanthemums, raking leaves, picking apples or just relaxing!

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for September 2004

2004-09-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
*Our Top Website Choices for September on Butterfly Gardens and Dried Flowers

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! A lot can happen in a garden overnight as I found out this past month. Less than three weeks ago when Hurricane Charley dropped in for an overnight visit, and changed my shade garden into a bright sunny one. We lost a live oak and Chinese elm tree when they were toppled over by strong winds. Fortunately, they both fell onto the lawn and into the neighbor's driveway just barely brushing his house (see pictures below). As I was out surveying the damage the next morning, I couldn't help but notice that there was a lot of butterflies around. I wondered where these delicate creatures had hidden in order to weather the storm. Seeing them amidst the damage and debris was uplifting and brightened my day. So, out of respect for the mysteries of nature we are featuring these "flying flowers" who survived the powerful forces of nature. Learn more about butterflies and how to attract them to your garden in the three highly rated websites we are featuring this month.

This month you will also find a cool site for dried flower enthusiasts, a special gardening contest for women ONLY and the 2005 All-America Selections for vegetables and flowers. The summer clearance sales are in full force this month. Gardeners can reap a ton of savings on all garden-related products. Check out our Garden Bargains section for the latest offers!

We've added the Gardener's Bookshelf as a new directory on our homepage. When you purchase any type of book you have the opportunity to help support iloveplants.com by choosing to make your purchase through our affiliate program with Amazon.com. Check out our large selection of books on roses, perennials, orchids, landscape design, water gardening, trees, garden structures and annuals.

Butterfly Gardens

Butterflies have been referred to as �dancing flowers.� They bring a garden to life with their bright colors and poetic dance from one flower to another.

Our viewers have given these 3 websites on butterfly gardening top ratings.

To attract a variety of species of butterflies to your garden you will need to plant a variety of nectar and larvae plants. Stephanie Bailey with the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology provides great information on this topic in her article entitled, How to Make Butterfly Gardens (Rated 10). She also includes an explanation of the butterfly anatomy, as well as other goodies that attract butterflies. Lots of good information!

Garden Country.com provides a list of 46 annuals, perennials and herbs in their list of Flowers that Attract Butterflies (Rated 10). Their list indicates which plants serve as nectar and/or larvae food plants, and includes water & light requirements. This is a helpful quick reference!

Butterflies of North America (Rated 10) is a fantastic site for information on butterflies. They provide very detailed and informative lists, which include an identification guide, wing span, life history, caterpillar host plants, adult food plants, habitat, range, and great photos of their various stages: eggs, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly. Butterfly lovers will love this site!

See our Butterfly page for more great websites with information on butterfly gardening, as well as some mail-order sources for plants and products.

Dried Flowers Galore

Drying the flowers that you grow in your garden is a fun hobby and a great way to continue to enjoy them year round. The Dried Flowers Galore website is a growing community of dried flower enthusiasts, novice to expert, who share their experiences, knowledge and all their drying expertise. Visit today to learn more or to participate in their forum.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Visit our new Gardener�s Bookshelf directory to view our great selection of gardening books. We have a large selection of books on perennials, roses, orchids, landscape design, water gardening, trees, garden structures and annuals.

By choosing books through our partnership with Amazon you will be helping to support iloveplants.com. We will donate 10% of the profits generated from book purchases to the Garden Conservancy Organization to help conserve gardens today and for future generations. Thank you for your support!

Garden News for September

Are you America�s Most Yard Smart Woman?

Find out today by entering Briggs & Stratton�s contest. Send a 200-word or less description of why you should be named America�s Most Yard Smart Woman and win a chance to receive a trip to Europe�s landmark parks or gardens in either London or Rome. Deadline is October 15th.

2005 All-America Selections

View the 2005 All-America Selections: Arizona Sun (Gaillardia), First Kiss Blueberry (Vinca), Magellan Coral (Zinnia), Fairy Tale (Eggplant), Sugary (Tomato), Bonbon (Winter Squash) and more!

Garden Bargains Online � Summer Clearance Sales!

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts, coupons and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

In closing, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the last of the summer flowers and prepare for the first blooms of spring. Enjoy these later summer days in the garden!

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - August 2004

2004-08-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
*Our Top Website Choices for August on Sunflowers
*Using Water Wisely in the Garden
*All-America Rose Selections, Ames True-Temper Product Recall, Kid�s
Gardening Grant Deadlines
*Books on Annuals
*Garden Bargains

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! August is the quintessential summer month. Hot weather, summer showers, fresh cut grass and flowers - lots of flowers! And what flower best represents summer than the one we are featuring this month - the sunflower. We've included great articles on growing sunflowers and watering wisely in the garden, plus some current information on the All-America rose selections and kid's gardening grant deadlines. The nurseries are running their summer clearance sales this month, so there are plenty of garden bargains to be had. Check out our Garden Bargains section for the latest offers!

Soaring Sunflowers

There is not another flower that epitomizes summer better than the sunflower. Its warm sunny-yellow color and super-sized flower is a real attention grabber. Sunflowers are fun to grow and they even provide a tasty treat.

Our viewers have given these 3 websites on sunflowers top ratings.

The National Sunflower Association (Rated 9) website offers a brief history of the origination of the sunflower, as well as a helpful FAQ�s section. An added bonus is a printable coloring book for kids called �The Story of the Sunflower.� You will discover some amazing things about the sunflower on this website. For instance, did you know that the roots on some sunflowers can run as deep as 9 feet?

Growing Sunflowers (Rated 10) by Ohio State University Extension is a good starting point for information on sunflowers. They provide information on the plants uses, species, culture, diseases and pests, harvesting, and roasting the tasty seeds.

Another good source of information on sunflowers by Colorado State University Extension is provided in their article entitled �Sunflowers � Growing Sunshine.� (Rated 10) This brief article provides a little history, plant uses, growing information and some helpful hints. It is well written and gives a good overview of the sunflower.

See our Sunflower page for more great websites with information on growing these beautiful flowers, as well as some mail-order sources with a good variety of seeds to choose from.

Our Top Website Pick for Garden Information

Many areas of the country are experiencing less rainfall than normal which can make gardening a bit of a challenge. Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service has compiled some very beneficial information to help gardeners conserve water while still helping gardens to flourish. In their article �Using Water Wisely in the Garden� you will find a number of simple, but helpful tips to help conserve water in the flower beds, vegetable garden, trees, shrubs and lawns.

Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for later use in your garden is a practical solution. You can either make your own or purchase one. Gardener�s Supply Co.�s Deluxe Rain Barrel comes with lots of great features that you would usually pay extra for. It features a huge 75-gallon capacity, safety grid and removable debris screen, a 4-ft hose with on/off thumb valve. And it�s made of durable UV-stable recycled material.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Check out these insightful books on GROWING SUN-LOVING ANNUALS. They�re bubbling over with tips and advice.

ANNUALS: A Growing Guide for Easy, Colorful Gardens by Emma Sweeney. It is a BIG book at a very good price with plenty of wonderful pictures, a plant encyclopedia and lots of information on garden design, annuals, perennials and bulbs.

A GUIDE TO GROWING AMAZING ANNUALS by Richard Bird contains descriptions of 75 annuals chosen for easy care, availability, and variety. You will also find a monthly calendar of tasks, a table of the dates of first and last frosts in North America, and a basic garden glossary. This is an extremely practical growing guide that new gardeners will use, wear out, & enjoy.

More Information on Gardening

All-America Rose Selections for 2004

Visit the American Rose Society�s website to view the 2004 winners. The three beautiful winners are: Memorial Day (hybrid tea), Day Breaker (floribunda) and Honey Perfume (floribunda).

Ames Garden Product Recall

Ames True Temper recall information for certain wheelbarrows made by O. Ames between 1993 and 2000. These products contain a plastic wheel assembly that has been known to rupture and cause serious damage.

Kid�s Gardening Grant Deadlines

The �Hooked on Hydroponics� grant award deadline is 9/30/04. Click here for more information and an application.

Garden Bargains

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the lastest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden products companies.

In closing, long hot summer days remind me of cool crisp salads with fresh tomatoes, sweet melons and berries. Stay cool this month and enjoy the refreshing tastes of the summer garden.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - July 2004

2004-08-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
*Our Top Website Choices for July on Tomatoes
*Weather in the Garden
*Free Trees and Plants
*Kid�s Gardening Project � Pressing Flowers
*Books on Perennials
*Summer Garden Bargains

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Summer is humming along. The flowers are in full-bloom and the vegetables are ripening. The tomato is by far the most popular vegetable grown, and this month we have included 3 websites with super information on growing tomatoes. You will reap tons of information, helpful tips and cures for whatever ails your tomatoes.

You will also find some NEW summer garden bargains to save you dollars in the garden, as well as some information on a new project that puts �free� plants and trees into the hands of gardeners, while at the same time helping workers with disabilities. We�ve also included a fun kids project on pressing flowers. A great project for kids from age 3 to 99!

We�ve got lots of good information, so let�s get started!

Tomatoes with Taste

There�s nothing better on a summer salad than fresh delicious homegrown tomatoes. So whether you grow them in the garden or in containers, these websites offer a variety of information on growing these flavorful fruits.

Our viewers have given these 3 websites a top rating of 10!

Tomato by the University of Illinois Extension contains the ultimate information on growing tomatoes. Its 18 pages are packed full of information on recommended varieties, when to plant, the proper spacing & depth, care, harvesting, common problems, growing Q&A, selection and storage, nutrition, preparation, home preservation and recipes. This detailed guide is guaranteed to turn you into a tomato-growing expert.

Growing Tomatoes by Daisy Moore is for the gardener who is short on time. This two page article is brief but contains enough information for a novice to successfully grow tomatoes. She provides an explanation of the different varieties, planting, staking, moisture & light requirements, as well as common problems.

Tomato Disorders by the Texas Cooperative Extension is a guide to the identification of common problems. This article is comprehensive in that it addresses problems you may experience with the various aspects of a tomato plant: green fruit, ripened fruit, leaf, stem or root.

See our Tomato Page for more great websites with information on growing tomatoes, as well as a list of 18 mail-order sources to purchase seeds from.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Information

Weather is a BIG factor in our gardens during the hot summer months. The Weather Channel website is gardener friendly. Their website contains the information you would expect such as rainfall forecast, drought conditions, dew points, etc., but it also contains a lot of information on gardening for your particular area.

Weather.com now offers its viewers comprehensive and timely local weather information available online. Their Desktop Weather Platinum features no advertising, up-to-the-minute personal pan-and-zoom radar, local video forecasts and customizable severe weather alerts all for a very affordable price. Try it FREE for 7 days to see if you are satisfied.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Check out these highly favored books on growing tasty tomatoes.

The Great Tomato Book by Gary Ibsen. This book includes tips on growing tomatoes successfully, including seed starting, soil preparation, watering and fertilizing. A glossary of 85 tomato varieties is provided and 27 appetizing recipes.

Let�s Grow Tomatoes by Jacob R. Mittleider. Growing from seeds, transplanting, close planting, vertical growing, automatic watering, proper feeding, weeding, and pruning are all covered with hundreds of pictures to reinforce the important lessons. A must-have for anyone who loves tomatoes.

More Garden Information for July

Free Plants & Trees!

Garden photographer, Cheryl Richter started Project Free Trees and Plants to help save unsold high-quality nursery plants and help workers with disabilities. Visit her website to select from many types of plants and trees. The Plants are FREE, you pay only shipping and processing.

Kid�s Project Pressing Flowers

This is a great project for kids. Bestgardening.com gives easy instructions on how to press flowers and create bookmarks, cards, sun-catchers and decorate boxes.

Garden Bargains

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies. For your convenience, this page is always current.

In closing, the fruits (or blooms) of your labor are reaching their peak during the warm summer months! Take a few minutes to grab your favorite cold beverage, take a front-row seat and enjoy this special gift from nature.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - June 2004

2004-08-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Our Top Website Choices for May on Perennials & Kid�s Gardening
* Garden Bargains for June
* All-America Daylilies for 2004, Great Backyard Bird Count Results & Garden Conservancy
Open Garden Days.
* Books on Perennial Gardening

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Warm weather has arrived and gardens are beginning to burst forth in colorful blooms. Perennials play an important role in the garden, providing plenty of color year after year. This month we have included some timely information on these dependable beauties. And since school is out, we have not forgotten the kids. Lots of activities and items sure to create a love for gardening and nature can be found in this month�s newsletter.

You will also find some NEW summer garden bargains this month to save you dollars in the garden, as well as an update on the latest and greatest daylilies, the results of the Great Backyard Bird Count and private gardens in the United States and British Columbia open for the public to tour and enjoy in the Garden Conservancy�s Open Garden Days Directory.

AWESOME BLOSSOMS � Gardening with Perennials

Who wouldn�t like a summer garden overflowing with the awesome blossoms of perennials. Include perennials in your garden for a continuous symphony of color throughout the lazy hazy days of summer.

Our viewers have given this website a top rating of 10!

Perennial Resource is the source for inspiration and information on perennial gardening. You will find plenty of information here on perennials, including new ways to use them in your garden, outstanding new introductions and growing information. And most of all, you won�t want to miss their Perennial Library which includes over 1,000 plants with stunning photos and companion plant suggestions.

See our Perennial Page for more great websites on perennials, as well as 80 mail-order sources to purchase plants from.

Our Top Website Picks for Gardening Information on - Kid�s Gardening

School is out and the kids are looking for something to do. Gardening is a natural for kids, especially since they love bugs, dirt, butterflies and experimenting.

A favorite website article listed in our Garden Information Directory that viewers have rated a 10 is:

FOR KIDS by the University of Illinois Extension contains some really cool ideas to get kids interested in gardening and nature. My First Garden includes tips on the FUNdamentals of creating a kid�s garden. The Adventures of Herman the Worm is an adorable look at a worm�s history, family tree, anatomy, facts and fun on the squiggly wiggly worm. And don�t miss the audio versions for: Trees are Terrific, Exploring the Secret Life of Trees, A Walk in the Woods and Let�s Talk About Insects. Not only are they educational, but kids and adults will find them lots of fun.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Products

National Gardening Association�s Gardening with Kid�s Store has some great items that are guaranteed to get kids interested in gardening and nature.

Kids will love these items: Create a Butterfly Kit, Grow a Frog Kit, Gardening Journal, Worm Habitats, Stepping Stone Kit, Herbal Cooler Headbands, Kid�s size Waterproof Mudd Gloves, Set of 3 Mid-sized Garden Tools and lots more! You will also find some great books, such as the Wonderful World of Wigglers, Consider the Earth, The Butterfly Book and Weather Forecasting for Kids. There site is also loaded with gardening information for kids, as well as a KidsGardening e-newsletter which contains activities, projects and discounts!

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Check out these highly-rated (five star) books on gardening with perennials.

Continuous Blooms by Pam Duthie. �This book covers 272 perennials, including traditional perennials, selected bulbs, ferns, grasses & shrubs. Each �plant portrait� provides the scientific and common names of the plant; details of its flower, foliage, care, uses, and propagation; plants to combine it with; and problems, insider�s tips, and a good color photograph of the perennial.�

Perennial All-Stars: 150 Best Perennials by Jeff Cox (host of HGTV�s �Grow It!). In this book you will find a selection of flowers and grasses with information on planting, propagating, hardiness zone, blooming season, size, color, light and soil requirements.

Garden News

All-American Daylilies for 2004

Visit the All-American Daylilies website to view photos of the 2004 selections: Lady Lucille and Chorus Line. The daylily winners are scientifically proven for superior performance nationwide.

The Great Backyard Bird Count Results

Results for the February Great Backyard Bird Count are now available. See how many different varieties of birds were reported for your neck of the woods.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days

Summer is a great time to visit some �private gardens� located throughout the U.S. and British Columbia. Browse the Garden Conservancy�s website for information on gardens listed in their 2004 Open Days Program.

GARDEN BARGAINS

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

Summer is here and soon our gardens will be peaking with colorful blooms. Take a little time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. I wish each and everyone of you a bloomin� good summer!

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - May 2004

2004-05-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Top Website Choices for Fabulous Foliage & Good "Garden Bones"
* 2004 All-America Selections, Garden Clubs, May Day Celebration
* The Gardener's Bookshelf
* Garden Bargains for May

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Since everyone is most likely out in the garden this month, I will keep things short so that you can continue to enjoy your time outdoors. This month we are featuring our most highly rated websites on fabulous foliage and on good form in the garden, or as they say, "great bones." Both of these featured websites are loaded with terrific information. I hope you enjoy them and reap some good ideas for your own garden.

We have also included a couple of NEW spring garden bargains this month to save you dollars in the garden!

Have fun in your garden and don't forget to stay tuned for future special offers on plants and garden supplies.

Susan Myers

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

Plants with colorful foliage add year round color and interest to a garden, and are a wonderful compliment to flowering plants.

Our viewers have given this website a top rating of 10!

Fantastic Foliageby University of Illinois Extension is an outstanding collection of information on plants with colorful foliage. The article contains information on the three guiding principles of creating an inviting landscape by using form, texture and color. They have included a directory of 23 plants with beautiful photos, plus lists of hardy perennials, annuals, hardy trees, shrubs and tender plants with colorful foliage, and guidelines for using various shades together. Lots of GREAT information!

See our Colorful Foliage page for more great articles on how to include colorful foliage plants in your garden and 5 mail-order sources to purchase plants from.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Information

A favorite website listed in our Garden Information Directory that viewers have rated a 10 is:

Form in the Garden by Marge Talt. Her article provides information on how to establish the �bones of a garden� so that it looks great in all seasons. Lots of valuable information on establishing a solid foundation of plantings on which to begin with.

Our Top Pick for Garden Products

Gardener�s Supply Co. is a leading internet supplier of everything for the garden. Their selection includes items from birding to yard clean-up. We are featuring them this month because they have some great special offers for gardeners going on right now.

The first is a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree by signing up for their newsletter (Contest ends July 1st). Secondly, they have a Spring clearance sale with products at great prices.

Some of the products on clearance are: compost aerator for $14.99 ($7 savings), vented garden clogs for $9.99 ($10 savings), Sun-Gro light bulbs for 1.99 ($7 savings) and unique items like a butterfly puddle rock for only $12.77.

One of the most interesting and clever items is the Barley Ball for natural pond cleaning. The Barley Ball contains barley straw, which is an effective solution for keeping ponds clean. It is safe for fish, pets and plants and is refillable. Read more about this product and check out their Spring clearance items at Gardener�s Supply Co.

GARDEN BARGAINS

Visit our new GARDEN BARGAINS directory where you will find 10 special offers from nurseries and garden product companies.

All-America Selections

Visit the All-America Selections website to see the 2004 AAS winners. These are annual and vegetable plants that were �tested nationally and proven locally.�

National Garden Clubs

If you want to find out more about gardening or share your interest with others, a garden club may be just what you are looking for. Visit the National Garden Club Organization�s website to find a club near you.

May Day

May Day is an international holiday celebration. For a fun activity to do in the garden with children, visit Around the Maypole.

The Gardener's Bookshelf!

These books provide more useful information on gardening with colorful foliage and creating a great all-season garden.

CONSIDER THE LEAF: Foliage in Garden Design by Judy Glattstein. ��leaves are among the most significant elements to be considered when planning�visually exciting garden displays. Glattstein makes a case for thinking long and hard about using the foliage aspects of plants to best advantage, including an entire palette of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and tender annuals.� This book includes over 110 photographs demonstrating the subtle and dramatic effects of foliage in a garden.

THE HARMONIOUS GARDEN: Color, Form, and Texture by Catherine Ziegler. �This book takes much of the guesswork out of garden design. Organized by hue, the pictures are accompanied by accessible discussions of composition, form and texture, as well as nuts-and-bolts information on optimum plant quantities and space and environment requirements.

Choosing to purchase garden books through iloveplants.com's affiliate program with Amazon.com helps to support our website and enables us to continue to provide iloveplants.com as a valuable resource to gardeners. Thank you for your support!

May is a great gardening month. Enjoy! And if you are planting your vegetable garden you might want to Plant a Row for the Hungry and donate it to your local food bank.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - April 2004

2004-04-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Our Top Website Choices for April on Herbs and Container Gardening.

Happy Spring greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Spring has arrived and in most parts of the country gardeners are busy in the garden doing what they love to do. The National Gardening Association has designated April as "National Garden Month." It's not hard to see why they have chosen April as the month to "Celebrate the Power of Gardening!" It's a wonderful time of the year, and with each new flower that blooms so does our sense of wonder and delight.

This month we are featuring our most highly rated websites on herbs. Herbs are magical plants in their ability to delight our senses, flavor our food, and provide herbal remedies. They are a great addition to any garden.

We have also included a couple of spring garden bargains this month and some timely information on the many plant and garden related celebrations in April.

Enjoy Spring and "celebrate the power of gardening" as you indulge in one of your favorite pasttimes.

GROW YOUR OWN HERBS

Herbs are unique plants in that they appeal to our sense of smell, touch, site and taste. Growing herbs is not only fun, but very useful as well. So, if you�re long on interest, but short on �thyme� these favorite websites are packed with the information you need to grow your own herbs.

Our viewers have given these websites top ratings!

Growing Herbs in the Garden (Rated 10) is a well-written article by James C. Schmidt (University of Illinois) on various ways to grow herbs. So, however you choose to grow herbs you will find information on choosing a site and preparing the soil or incorporating them into your existing landscape or growing them in containers.

HerbNet (Rated 10) is a large site with tons of information on everything herbal � growing tips, products, facts, remedies, events, an herbal exchange and more.

For folks who garden in the Pacific Northwest our viewers recommend the herb page on the Rainy Side Gardeners (Rated 10) website. It contains great tips for growing herbs in your moist climate.

This article entitled Herbs (Rated 8) by the University of Illinois Extension is a quick-read with an herbal glossary and to-the-point tips on getting started, harvesting, drying,and freezing herbs, as well as suggested uses with food.

Visit these websites on our HERB PAGE where you will also find 54 mailorder sources to purchase herb plants and seeds from.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Information

A favorite website listed in our Garden Information Directory that viewers have rated a 10 is:

ContainerGardeningTips.com which touts itself as �a complete guide to container gardening.� This website packs a lot of information into a small site on gardening in containers, including the advantages, how to get started, various containers available, essential tools and lists of the best plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs to grow in containers. A must read for those who love to garden in containers.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Products

WindowBox.com is the biggest name in little gardens. You won�t be disappointed with the creative selection of handcrafted, wooden and metal windowboxes offered here. They also have an array of ceramic, hanging, wall and self-watering (great for vacations) containers, as well as brackets, plant stands, kid�s gardening kits, supplies and more.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

These books offer beneficial tips on growing herbs and their many uses.

Little Herb Gardens: Simple Secrets for Glorious Gardens by G. Brennan & M. Luebbermann offers growing instructions for over 30 herbs, with ideas on planning, maintenance, harvesting and cooking. This is a warm and inviting book that is useful in the kitchen and the garden.

The Edible Container Garden by Michael Guerra explains how to plant, grow and harvest vegetables, edible flowers, fruits and herbs when time & space are limited. Illustrated with beautiful color photos this book will create a bounty of edible delights.

The Herbfarm Cookbook by Jerry Traunfeld (Chef at Herbfarm Restaurant near Seattle) includes 200 recipes, information on growing herbs and how to use them to transform your own favorite dishes.

Garden Celebrations for April

Celebrate Arbor Day

Celebrate Arbor Day on April 30th by planting a tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen in return. They reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees which helps reduce your air conditioning bill. For more information on Arbor Day visit the National Arbor Day Foundation websiite.

Every Day should be Earth Day

We officially celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, but each day we can do things that help improve our environment, especially in the garden. PRDDY offers easy to do suggestions for Recycling in the Garden which can save you money and help the environment.

America in Bloom

America in Bloom s a nationwide community beautification competition. If you are interested in helping your community to spruce up and green up, please visit their website for more details on this program sponsored by The National Garden Bureau.

GARDEN BARGAINS

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

In closing, why not add a little sensory delight to your garden this Spring with herbs. Your taste buds will thank you! And if you are planting your vegetable garden you might want to Plant a Row for the Hungry and donate it to your local food bank.

Susan Myers

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - March 2004

2004-04-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:
* Our Top Website Choices for Heirloom Plants

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Spring is right around the corner. Here in the South, I look forward to the warm Spring breezes and the colorful blooms of azaleas that can be found in almost every yard. With each new tree that bursts forth in all of its Spring green glory I feel the renewal of life, the miracle of nature and the beginning of my favorite season of the year!

This month we are featuring our viewer's favorite websites on Heirloom plants. Heirlooms are our connection to the gardens and the gardeners of the past. As you will see in the websites on our Heirloom Page, there are many people who relish these "living antiques" and are dedicated to preserving them for future generations.

HEIRLOOM PLANTS - A living link to the past

There is no doubt that heirloom plants are a treasure � a piece of living history that we can grow and enjoy, just as much as our ancestors before us.

Here is a collection of some of our viewers favorite heirloom plant websites.

Heirlooms, Historical Plants and Folklore by Georgiana Marshen is a gem of an article loaded with timeless information on heirloom plants.

The Heirloom Gardener magazine is a must-have for the serious heirloom gardener. Each issue contains comprehensive articles on growing heirloom vegetables and plants, as well as their history, cultivation and beautiful photos of old seed packets. Lots of great information!

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Products

Thomas Jefferson loved to garden and kept detailed information on vegetables and flowers that he grew at Monticello. Today you can purchase the same heirloom seeds, bulbs and plant varieties that Jefferson grew from their Twinleaf Catalog. See their �Index of Common Names� to select from among 111 varieties of seeds, seed samplers, bulbs, perennials, annuals, herbs & vegetables.

Visit our HEIRLOOM PAGE to view these websites, as well as lists of organizations that offer seed exchange programs and information websites with tips for growing heirlooms and saving seeds. And 111 mailorder sources to purchase heirloom bulbs, fragrant plants, herbs, Native American species, roses, vegetables, coleus, fruit, irises, perennials and seeds from.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

Anyone who loves to include plants from the past in their garden will find these books indispensable. Click on any of the three book links below to find additional books on heirloom gardening.

Passalong Plants by Steve Bender describes 117 plants (with 82 color photos) that have been passed down through the generations from one person to another.

Heirloom Country Gardens by Sarah Wolfgang is a timeless treasure for today�s gardeners. It contains various garden layouts, and an alphabetical listing of vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits.

Heirloom Vegetable Gardening by William W. Weaver is a master gardener�s guide to planting, seed saving and cultural history.

GARDEN BARGAINS

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS page for the latest special offers, discounts and sales from nurseries and garden product companies.

In closing, this is a busy time of the year preparing for warmer days and a return to the garden. I hope you have found the special offers we included this month to be useful to you in saving money on your plant and supply purchases. Keep dreaming, spring is just around the corner!

Susan Myers

The Insider Dirt at iloveplants.com - February 2004

2004-04-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

In this issue:
* Our Top Website Choices for February on Birds

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

February is the month of love, and we've got a lineup of websites, and gift suggestions you are going to love. We start out with our viewers favorite sites for bird lovers, followed by the National Garden Bureau's designation of 2004 as the year of the dianthus and pea.

February is a bright point in the midst of winter. A time to celebrate love. While most people might think of romantic love, I like to expand that thought and think of it as the month to celebrate all things I love. So celebrate all month (and everyday of the year) by surrounding yourself with the people and things you love!

A GARDEN FOR THE BIRDS

More than 65 million people in the United States enjoy feeding birds. A garden would not be complete without the harmonious sounds and delightful antics of birds.

Here are two of the most popular birding websites on iloveplants.com. Our viewers have rated these two websites a �10� � the highest rating possible:

BIRDING/WILD BIRDS by About.com - Here you will find some great articles on wild bird photography, fascinating folklore, birds and cold weather, birds and their feathers, field guides, songs & calls, book reviews, plus free feeder and bird house plans, and that�s just for starters. Lots of super information!

BIRD SOURCE � Birding with a Purpose - The Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology has on ongoing project to track and count birds. They are seeking volunteers across the country to participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count scheduled for February 13-16, 2004. Visit their site to see how to participate and log your observations online. It�s lots of fun and very easy to do.

For more information on attracting and feeding birds, as well as plants that attract birds visit our BIRD page.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Products

February is National Bird Feeding Month.

A BIRD'S WORLD - If you love birds you will love �A Bird�s World.� This company offers an endless supply of everything for birds. Your choice of pedestal, premium, artistic, college, specie or martin birdhouses, as well as domed, tube, specialty, globe, haven, squirrel-proof, hummingbird and exotic bird feeders. You will also find some unique gift ideas, water fountains, wildlife art, and bat, butterfly, and ladybug houses. Some really great selections for the garden!

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Information

Our REGIONAL GARDENING directory is chock full of gardening information for all 50 states. If the weather is keeping you indoors this is a great place to surf for information on local garden clubs, regional growing advice, and local nurseries.

THE GARDENER'S BOOKSHELF

Since February is the month for cupids, hearts and love we have a very special book on our bookshelf for you this month.

The Language of Flowers: Symbols & Myths by Marina Heilmeyer. Flowers have a long history of symbolism and have been included in myths, poetry and the Bible. Heilmeyer is both a botanist and art historian and in her book you will find incredibly beautiful pictures of flowers along with their meanings and associations. It�s a must have for anyone who loves flowers.

If you are looking for a unique valentine gift, give this book to your sweetheart along with a flower that matches your feelings. I guarantee you can�t go wrong!!!!

2004 is the Year of the Dianthus and Pea

The National Garden Bureau, Inc. celebrates 2004 as the year of the Dianthus and Pea. For the history and growing information on these two plants visit their website.

Visit our GARDEN BARGAINS directory for the latest special offers, discounts and sales offered by nurseries and garden product companies.

The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com - January 2004

2004-03-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

In This Issue:
* Our Top Website Choices for January for Garden Catalogs, Garden Websites and Garden Products

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

Happy New Gardening Year! A brand new year is a great time to make some changes and this year we will be featuring our most popular websites. Our top choices will be determined by you. All visitors to iloveplants.com can rate and review every website we have listed. So take advantage of this opportunity and leave your comments as you browse our links. January may not be the best time to garden in some parts of the country, but it's a great time to begin preparing for spring.

This month our top website choices include the top two garden catalogs and garden information websites on iloveplants.com. Enjoy browsing through these catalogs as you begin placing your spring orders and don't miss out on all the 'free' gardening advice and tips offered in the garden websites. If you're not able to go outdoors and enjoy your garden then pull up a seat and do your gardening online.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Catalogs

Now that the holidays are over it�s time to surf the web for plant and seed catalogs and place your orders for spring. A quick and easy way to locate garden catalogs or order them online is in our �ORDER YOUR GARDEN CATALOGS DIRECTORY.� We�ve got links to 19 catalogs covering everything from apples to wildflowers. Here are two of the most popular catalogs contained in our directory. You can order them online in one easy step or visit their websites.

AMERICAN MEADOWS carries 70 individual wildflower species. You�ll find a great variety to choose from such as regional mixes, partial shade mix, all-perennial and all-annual mix, butterfly and hummingbird mix and a kid�s ladybug garden kit.

GRACEFUL GARDENS provides a selection of English cottage garden plants, with a specialization in delphiniums, annuals and perennials. Here you will find easy to grow plants at affordable prices.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Information

The weather outside might be dismal, but garden websites are filled with inspiration. Our GARDEN WEBSITES PAGE has links to 60 garden related websites offering a vast amount of gardening advice for free! Our viewers have rated these two websites a �10� � the highest rating possible:

THE GARDEN HELPER is peppered with gardening and landscape advice and tips, including a garden encyclopedia, photo gallery, help for beginners, gardening and plant guides, a forum for sharing with other gardeners and much more.

THE GARDENER'S NETWORK contains an abundance of plant and seasonal information, garden fun and a garden message board. If you have created your own gardening homepage, you can add it to their website to share it with others.

Our Top Website Picks for Garden Products

Now is a great time to check your garden tools and supplies to see what needs replacing. Our GARDEN SUPPLIES PAGE provides 26 links to companies with all sorts of helpful products.

One website of interest offering garden supplies is YARDIAC.COM. Here you will find a multitude of products ranging from animal repellants to trellises and everything in between. They�ve got a great selelction of Felco Tools � hand pruners, tools, pruning saws, loppers and hedge shears.

The Gardener�s Bookshelf

It's the start of a new gardening year and a garden journal is a practical and easy way to help you remember monthly tasks, plant names and much more. The New Three-Year Garden Journal: With Regional Planning Guides by Louise Carter and Joanne S. Lawson is �chock full of information, it is spiral-bound to lay flat so it�s easy to write in. Each month begins with advice on plants and design. It is illustrated with color photos and weather warnings and garden tasks are given by regions of the country.�