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Updated: Pesticide Free Nurseries and Seed Suppliers

Neonicotinoids—commonly called neonics—are the most widely used insecticides in the United States. Introduced in 1994, these systemic pesticides are now found in hundreds of products, including sprays, seed treatments, soil drenches, tree injections, and even veterinary products. Over the past three decades, scientific evidence linking neonic exposure to environmental harm—and potential human health risks—has continued …

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Cultivated Italy: Gardens, History & Vineyards

  Cultivated Italy: Gardens, History & Vineyards is a curated 14-day journey from Rome to Venice designed for travelers who want to experience Italy deeply through its gardens, villas, art, and landscapes. The tour includes expert guides, private coach transportation, admissions to more than twenty extraordinary sites, and special experiences such as truffle hunting in …

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Extreme Weather Strategies for Birds

Birds at my triple tube feeder

Birds have many strategies to survive without our help, but as a concerned birder, I like to think that offering nutritious food tips the balance in their favor during extreme weather. Mortality during prolonged cold snaps is significantly higher for birds, and studies have shown that survival improves when birds have reliable access to backyard …

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Ice and Snow in the Winter Garden: What to Protect, What to Leave, and What to Let Be

As I write this, a major winter storm is on its way, bringing the familiar mix of snow, ice, and biting cold. For gardeners, these moments always spark the same question: Should I be doing something? The answer is: sometimes yes, often no — and occasionally, absolutely not. A winter garden is not dormant in …

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The Cutting Garden: From Seed Trays to Mason Jars

After months of seed trays under lights, misting, thinning, hardening off, and finally planting out, there comes the best part of all — cutting armfuls of flowers and bringing them inside. This is where seed starting turns into something tangible, generous, and joyful: the cutting garden. The phrase cutting garden can sound a bit elitist. …

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Seed Starting Made Easy

Originally posted in 2019, this seed-starting article has been viewed more than 3 million times over the past six years. Recently updated and refreshed, it reflects both evolving techniques and enduring gardening habits. As January arrives and garden planning begins in earnest, seed starting once again rises to the top of every gardener’s mind—marking the …

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Christmas Meadow: Bringing Ladew’s Gardens Indoors

Decorating the historic Manor House at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland has been a cherished tradition for more than forty years, with local designers and Garden Clubs transforming its rooms into festive holiday splendor. This December, I was honored to be invited to decorate one of the rooms and selected the elegant Dining Room—a …

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Turn Your Christmas Tree into a Bird Buffet

Repurposing a fresh-cut Christmas tree into a winter wildlife buffet is the ultimate form of recycling. Instead of hauling your tree to the curb, set it up outdoors as a bird feeding station and enjoy weeks of entertainment. I placed mine beside my existing feeder last year and spent hours watching birds feeding, chirping—and the …

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Digging and Storing Dahlias — A Fall Ritual Worth Doing Well

As the gardening season winds down and the first hard frosts darken the dahlia foliage, the real work begins. Dahlias won’t survive a mid-Atlantic winter in the ground, but with just a bit of care they can be saved, multiplied, and brought back into bloom next summer even stronger than before. I always think of …

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Lilies for Summer Splendor

There’s nothing quite like lilies for drama in the summer garden. Towering stems topped with exotic blooms perfume the air and stop visitors in their tracks. This spring, I was lucky enough to receive a gorgeous selection of Oriental and Species lily bulbs from Longfield Gardens — and I couldn’t wait to get them into …

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Windflowers in Fall: The Enduring Beauty of Japanese Anemones

Floating above the border on long, willowy stems, Japanese Anemones (Anemone hupehensis) are stalwart perennials that bring elegance and longevity to the garden. Unlike many perennials that fade after only a few seasons, Japanese Anemones are dependable performers—I’ve had clumps blooming faithfully for over 30 years. Reliable and deer resistant (not deer proof!), they spread …

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