Kathleen Sonntag

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Stories By Kathleen Sonntag

  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022

    How To Save Dying Purple Fountain Grass

    How to Save Dying Purple Fountain Grass. Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' or purple fountain grass is a very attractive ornamental grass. It is sold as a perennial in many nurseries, but it is not winter hardy. It should be a considered tropical plant and grown as an annual in areas that have cold winters. In mild winter areas, purple fountain grass will survive the winter outdoors. Grasses like full sun and well-drained soil. If your plant is dying, it is either planted in an area that got too cold in winter, or it is not getting enough sun, or the right amount of water.

    By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022

    How To Compost Garden Asparagus

    How to Compost Garden Asparagus. Growing asparagus is a test of your tolerance of delayed gratification. New plants cannot be harvested for at least three years, and the real crop production begins in about five years. Planting asparagus is an investment in time and garden space that will pay off in the long term with a wonderful spring harvest of the tasty spears. Because the tall, feathery asparagus plants are decorative, you can enjoy them even before you have spears to harvest.

    By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022

    Common Mallow Flower

    Common Mallow Flower. The common mallow flower, Malva neglecta, is part of the large family of Malvaceae plants that include cotton, okra and hibiscus. It is an edible plant that has been used for medicinal care as well as food. The fruits are round and have cheese-like wedges which give the common mallow its nickname, cheese plant. The flowers are very pale pink or white and grow in clusters. In most climates the plants start to bloom in spring and die back when the weather cools in the fall.

    By Kathleen Sonntag November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022

    Plants That Complement Lavender

    Plants That Complement Lavender. The relaxing scent of lavender makes it a popular addition to the home garden. The flower spikes attract bees and butterflies. Lavender plants grow in sunny areas and need well-drained soil. Tall varieties like Jean Davis make good hedges and background plantings. Low-growing varieties like English lavender can be placed along a walkway in front of taller plants. Plants that complement lavender need the same growing environment and have foliage and flowers that mix well with the gray-green stalks of most lavenders. Evergreen shrubs and flowers that add color and softer texture are good choices.

    By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022

    How To Plant Flowers Around A Bird Bath

    How to Plant Flowers Around a Bird Bath. A birdbath is not just for the birds. It is also for you to enjoy observing them as they bathe and drink. The plants you select for the area surrounding the birdbath are for both you and the birds, too. Attract birds with plants that provide color, food, shelter, and landing perches near the birdbath. The resource below is a link to enature.com, a good source of native plants by geographical location.

    By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022

    How To Grow Goji Berries From Seeds

    How to Grow Goji Berries From Seeds. Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) plants are native to the Himalayas. They also are referred to as wolf berries. Goji berries are called "super fruits" because of their antioxidant, amino acid, essential mineral and protein content. Growing the shrub that produces the goji berry from seed is a little challenging. Like other fruit plants, it takes a few years to get a crop, and the plants must be kept in full sun to do well. They do best when planted outdoors, and they can survive winter cold.

    By Kathleen Sonntag September 6th, 2022 Read More