PENN STATE —Are you interested in learning more about houseplant care? If so, sign up for the Houseplant Master Class on propagation, which will review various techniques including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, air layering, and division to propagate your favorite indoor plants. Whether ...

METRO — Disinfecting garden tools can help ensure the long-term health of plants and vegetables. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, cause diseases that can damage and even kill plants. These pathogens can be ...

How exciting to think of a full-size tree locked up within each seed still clinging to the branches of sugar maples, hornbeams, oaks, sycamores and other trees at the end of summer. It was with such visions that I dropped an apple seed into some potting soil in an 8-inch clay flowerpot one ...

If you have ever seen a crow-sized woodpecker with a flaming red back-swept crown, reminiscent of Woody Woodpecker, then you have been fortunate enough to observe a Pileated Woodpecker! Pileated means “crested,” and it is by far our largest woodpecker. The male has a bright red moustache ...

My young trees are decked out in their winter finery: arboreal attire, perfumes and cosmetics that will protect them through the winter. Insects and disease-causing fungi are dead or dormant, but larger, furrier animals now pose a threat. Deer, rabbits and mice are eager to gnaw on ...

According to Wikipedia, “Cabin fever refers to the distressing claustrophobic irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended time.” It had its origins in centuries past when people were often ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the eighth and final in a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) On the bright side, we are only days away from the winter solstice where the nights will shorten and the days grow longer. ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the seventh of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) This column continues our journey on Pine Creek Rail Trail through the seasons as we move into summer. Plant exploration can be a family affair ...

If you’re thinking about growing apples, take some time now to test varieties and talk with local growers. I grow an apple called Hudson’s Golden Gem and I do so for one reason. Yes, this apple’s russeted, golden skin is beautiful. But it’s the flavor that puts it above the ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the sixth of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) New Jersey was given the nickname Garden State back in the late 1800s. Before it gave way to suburban development, it was mostly farmland that provided ...

At this time of year, it’s not uncommon to see Amaryllis bulbs sold as holiday gifts. In fact, they seem to be everywhere. There’s something especially appealing about a colorful, blooming plant during the cold, dark days of winter. Amaryllis bulbs do not disappoint in that respect. When ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the fifth of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) The past several columns in this series explored the managed (vineyards) and natural (Watkins Glen and Treman state parks) plant communities within the ...

(Editors Note: This article is the fourth of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) The previous column in this series centered around plants and the Finger Lake wineries. Those with children may not find this as a viable option but there ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the third of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) Last week’s column explored the idea of venturing into the Finger Lakes region to create a vacation around plants. That article talked about the ...

(Editor’s Note: This article is the second of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) In the previous column, I talked about the wonders of Innisfree Garden. While beautiful, it is a long drive into New York. For those that are looking ...

(Editors Note: This article is the first of a series exploring plants and horticulture within driving distance of central Pennsylvania.) It is going to be a long winter this year. Moods are altered and activities limited during these long nights, cold temperatures, and sunless days. The ...

Chrysanthemums and asters are often the workhorses of fall gardens here in Central Pennsylvania. As the flowers of summer blooming perennials fade, many gardeners look to mums and asters to keep things colorful during September and October. A lesser known, but equally beautiful fall-flowering ...

PHOTO PROVIDED Dogwood Circle Garden Club has bestowed the October Garden of the Month Award to Dana Suter, 128 N. Summit St. in Lock Haven. The foundation planting is colorful and lush, a rarity and accomplishment in this hot dry summer. Dana loves pinks and purples. Blue ageratum, red ...

Cleaning up some frosted bean and marigold plants the other day, I thought of a weather report I heard recently on the radio. The announcer stated: “Freezing temperatures are predicted for tonight, thus ending the gardening season.” His deadpan delivery of this dramatic — for gardeners ...

Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do to help the planet, and these days it’s gotten easier. There’s a better understanding now of what trees need, including when they should generally be planted (the fall). Why plant trees? It’s well-known that trees mitigate global ...