If I asked you where to find cactus in the United States, you would undoubtedly say Arizona, New Mexico, or the southwestern part of the country. And you would be correct.

Days are getting longer; I tried, unsuccessfully, to pause my thinking about healthy soil for the past couple of months. Now, as we approach warmer, longer days I embrace learning more.

This winter, the Master Gardeners will be teaching three classes for the experienced gardener. Mark your calendar for Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. for some great conversation about gardening. All three classes take place at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, 670 Old …

Aronia (Aronia spp.) is commonly referred to as chokeberry because the berries have an astringent bitter taste. Therefore, they are seldom eaten raw, but make a colorful and healthy addition to jams, jellies, juices, syrups and wine.

Winter. The best time to see the structure in the landscape. There are no flowers to cover, camouflage, or distract from form in the garden.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — On a Sunday afternoon in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, Rosa María Espinosa joins nearly 80 men under a park pavilion to play poleana, a board game requiring mental dexterity that was born in the city’s prisons nearly a century ago.

As I prepared my garden for the dormant season this year during a snowfall, I was reminded, perhaps like many in our eastern temperate climate, that the first blanket of snow often stokes our childhood memories.

Perhaps you’ve heard the proverb, “Mighty oaks, from little acorns grow.” Often used as a metaphor to remind us that greatness grows from seemingly insignificant things, the saying also helps us think about oak trees, which are truly remarkable for many reasons.

Over the years, I have evolved from just wanting my garden to be “pretty,” to working to create a true habitat where many species of wildlife can find their “forever” home. By this, I am speaking of song birds, butterflies, bees and many species of beneficial insects.

So many plant choices to brighten up your home for the holidays! What may work for you, may not work for someone else. It is always a good idea to learn about the plant before purchasing it for yourself or as a gift, so everyone is successful.

When I told my wife I would be writing an article on the history of gardens, she said one word: “Boring!”

I know, I know, it’s only November. But, if you are like me and are already thinking about Christmas, this information is quite timely. When it comes to a Christmas tree, know the plan. What is best for your home and family schedule? Where do you plan on placing it?

Spuds. Taters. Tubers. Whatever you call potatoes, they are a humble food that can lift the spirit on a cold night. They aren’t bad in a summer salad, either. Or stolen from beneath the flowering foliage and oiled, seasoned and roasted.

Dreaming of a beach vacation? My guess is you’re picturing a palm tree. Fantasizing about life on a remote island? You’re probably envisioning a walk among birds of paradise, cannas and bananas. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants, and if you live in…

Readers of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy may remember an exchange between Gollum and Samwise Gamgee, Frodo’s trusted companion and gardener. Gollum asks, “What’s taters, Precious? What’s taters, eh?” Sam, apparently surprised that Gollum doesn’t know, answers, “Po-Tay-Toes! Boil…

Ahhh, November, my second favorite month of the year. October is the best – the weather’s cooler, leaf colors change, garden chores decrease and then November hits, which is the beginning of the holiday season.

As fall approaches, we can reflect on the crazy spring and summer that we just experienced. There was nothing usual about it, we experienced drought conditions, multiple days of 90 plus degree temperatures and weather conditions continue to wreak havoc on our gardens.

One of our best tools in the garden is a garden journal. It can be a notebook, a binder, a nicely bound “journal,” or just a series of notes and drawings.

As we enter the fall and holiday season, many of us begin to focus on family, friends, and entertainment! As a gardener, I love using the things I grow through the holidays, whether it’s for decorating or for eating.

Do you prefer your chili with cinnamon rolls, or are you a traditionalist who swears cornbread is the only true side for chili? Whether you enjoy this iconic comfort food in its classic form or you’re more of an adventurous eater, one thing is certain; there are as many ways to prepare and s…

Callicarpa is a deciduous shrub that is at its peak in the fall. Its beautiful purple berries are stunning in the October landscape. The berries are loved by birds and other small wildlife, and they make nice accents in fall or winter arrangements.