July 3, 2025

Staking Dahlias

Bright, beautiful, and colorful dahlias are starting to bloom here at my farm.

Dahlias begin to flower with great profusion just as many summer plants pass their prime, and they last right up until the first frost. My dahlia garden is tucked behind my vegetable greenhouse in an area exposed to full sun and protected from strong winds; however, as they grow it's important to provide tall, hollow, dahlia stems with good support to prevent them from flopping. My crew stakes each plant every year using wood and jute twine.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

July 2, 2025

A Visit to Scotts Miracle-Gro Headquarters

As a passionate gardener, I am always very interested in learning how I can improve my gardens.

This past spring, I travelled to Marysville, Ohio, to visit the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products.  The Scotts Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott as a premium seed company for the United States agricultural industry. In 1995, the company celebrated a significant milestone when Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, merged with Miracle-Gro, the leading gardening brand, creating the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. During my day-long visit, I was happy to meet the Research and Development and Brand teams, and to hear about and provide insights on key strategies and new innovations they are developing.

Here are some photos.

July 1, 2025

Transforming My Greenhouse Gardens

Totally transforming an existing garden bed is a good way to revitalize an outdoor space.

The two garden beds in front of my main greenhouse were once home to my currant bushes. Six years ago, I moved the berries and created more formal gardens with hostas and white lilies. Recently, I decided the beds would be perfect for displaying my new Martha Stewart Hybrid Tea Roses. I wanted them to be planted in a grid pattern alternating each rose with boxwood. In the center of each bed, I planted four tall conical boxwood. I know these gardens will grow so beautifully in the coming years.

Here are some photos.