by Laurel Aiello Annuals paint our landscapes with vibrant colors and textures that are only available in the warm months, breathing new life into flower beds, rock gardens and outdoor planters. There are so many plants to choose from when designing an annual garden, and since we don’t have to worry about overwintering them, the […]
Category: FCN Blog
Summer Bulbs
By Alex Tisthammer It is such a joy when all the daffodils, crocus and tulips start to pop up in the spring, especially this year, after such a long and cold winter. When they start to pop up I find myself thinking, why didn’t I plant some in my yard? Luckily, I don’t need to […]
The Power of Plants
Our need for plants is written into our human DNA, and the joy they bring us is undeniable. For some of us, plants are a pleasant background, for others, a borderline obsession! But what exactly is it that draws us to plants and makes them so important to our well-being? The short answer is that […]
Creating a Container Garden
by Laurel Aiello Gardening isn’t just for homeowners with sprawling lawns and immaculate landscaping. Anyone with an apartment balcony or patio can grow flowers and vegetables in various types of containers—all you need is a little bit of space, potting soil, and creativity. CHOOSING YOUR CONTAINERSNearly anything can be turned into a container for planting, […]
Gardening on a Budget
By Laurel Aiello While gardening might seem like a cheap hobby, it can easily become an expensive one due tothe vast selection of plants, gardening tools, and landscaping supplies available online and atlocal nurseries. These things certainly keep gardening interesting, but they aren’t alwaysnecessary in order to grow beautiful flower beds or to have a […]
A Year of Garden To-Do’s
By Alex Tisthammer There is a common misconception that gardeners take the winter off. However, there is plenty you can do throughout the year to keep your yard happy, healthy and looking beautiful! Print this guide out and hang it on your fridge so you have it handy when you’re wondering, “What do I need […]
10 Gardening Goals for the New Year
By Alex Tisthammer This is the time of year when we reflect on the past growing season. What worked, what failed, and what we’re excited to try for next year. By the end of October I am usually ready for some rest and to clean the dirt out from under my fingernails for the winter, […]
Caring for Holiday Houseplants
by Laurel Aiello With shorter days and chilly weather settling in, the holidays are a perfect excuse to bring life and color into the home. Decorating with pine boughs, wreaths, and mistletoe can make any space feel festive, but sadly they only last a few weeks before drying up and becoming brittle. Consider investing in […]
Choosing the Right Plants: Plants to Avoid
By Alex Tisthammer It is easy to find lists identifying plants to seek out for harsh environments, low-water gardens, poor soil, and more, but rarely is there discussion about what you shouldn’t plant. There’s some gray area when talking about this subject because there are some plants that don’t do well here and will die […]
Therapeutic Gardens
By Alex Tisthammer Garden refuges serving as calming environments date back as far as 2000 BC in Mesopotamia. Persians in 500 BC created gardens that were arranged harmoniously, had calming water features, and were centered around satisfying all the senses. Not only is being in nature enjoyable, but it also can improve many aspects of […]