It’s that time of year when gardeners start feeling as if winter will never end. What’s a gardener to do? Why not start a few seeds indoors and watch them grow! There are many household items that make great containers for young seedlings and are biodegradable. Toilet paper rolls can be cut in half, eggshells… Read More
The rooms in your home are made better and healthier by adding houseplants to add interest and beauty. There is something extra special about adding living potted plants to a room. Grouping them together in a room creates visual impact. Vary the height and shape of your plants to add interest on a coffee table,… Read More
As we move indoors for the winter months it’s time to give a nod to those hardworking indoor plants that are more than just a “pretty face” in the living room or kitchen. They work hard to clean indoor air from volatile organic compounds. From health benefits to improving concentration, indoor houseplants are easy on… Read More
Don’t forget the celebration of love on February 14. Of course a night out is wonderful for Valentine’s Day but a bouquet of roses (from Wagners) is appreciated and lasts longer. The day of love originated many centuries ago during the middle ages and many saints are honored on February 14. Even today, there are… Read More
We hope you had a festive holiday and a joyous new year! With the cold winter weather now here, my thoughts turn to spring and summer. Now is the time to start looking at those seed catalogs that may arrive in the mail or by browsing the various seed company websites. It’s fun to think… Read More
Do you know 2016 is the Chinese year of the Monkey? This year claims to be a lively and positive one oriented towards an active social life. We are supposed to experience a year full of laughter, optimism and creativity. Sounds good to me! This would be the ideal time to pursue your creativity and… Read More
There are many legends about Valentine’s Day. Some believed if a lady saw a robin on that day, she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man but be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire! Valentine was a priest back in early… Read More
It’s time for poinsettias! Here are a few tips to keep your plant lush and healthy throughout the holidays and beyond: Pick a plant where the yellow flower buds in the middle of the colored bracts are unopened. Poinsettias originate in Mexico so they don’t like drafts or cold temperatures. We’ll wrap it up well… Read More
Now that the Halloween decorations are packed away, you may have started thinking about the holidays and asked yourself what you can do to set the mood. First, draw attention to the front door. Maybe position a pair of lanterns on either side of the entryway to set the scene for your special occasion or… Read More
It is both rewarding and entertaining to watch birds at your feeders and the kids will love it, too! Besides providing food for the birds, some shelter and protection is another great way to help get them through the long, cold winter months. Instead of throwing your Christmas tree in the compost bin, stake or tie… Read More
Now that your outdoor “clean-up” is done, or nearly so, you can start thinking about indoor color for winter. Flowering bulbs are so rewarding, colorful, and easy to grow indoors. Paperwhite narcissus have long been a favorite and no wonder! The fragrant, white flowers brighten any room and are easy to grow inside. Amaryllis bulbs are another… Read More
We don’t like to admit it but in another month we will need to plan for fall and winter. If you have your favorite herbs growing outside now, think about planting a container that you can bring indoors to use and enjoy all winter. They will need bright light in a south or west window when… Read More
Yes, there is a chilly wind and very cold weather outside, but here at Wagners we are “Thinking Spring”. Pantone recently released the fashion colors for 2014. Topping the list is Radiant Orchid, but the total palette ranges from neutrals to vibrant shades of plum and purple. In your garden you can choose a composition… Read More
“Come woo me for now I am in a holiday mood”. A quote from the Shakespeare play, “ As you like it”. That is just to remind you that Valentine’s Day is near and I suggest you remember to honor one of your loved ones on that day. Celebrations are a great excuse to escape… Read More
Here we are in the New Year! What a wonderful holiday, but now we need a fresh start. What better way to do that than “de-clutter”! Yes, that is what I wrote. Doesn’t sound like much fun, but just think how good you will feel when all the “clutter” is gone. Are holiday decorations in… Read More
Welcome to Winter! Time to take part in traditions and celebrate the holidays we look forward to each year. Family, friends and loved ones are so important, and now is the best time to create ways to show how you care and inspire them for generations to come. Decorating your space for all to enjoy… Read More
Fall is the best time to seed and feed your lawn. Add plenty of moisture to your lawn, as well as your trees and perennials. They need that extra hydration to store-up for the winter and to have a good show next year. Keep the color going. Add a touch of fall to your landscape… Read More
“Don’t just sit there, Plant Something!” – pretty much my motto in life, but it can also be said for a new campaign by the Arizona Nursery Association (ANA). About 3 years ago, the ANA received a grant from the USDA to develop a plan to help consumers create better gardens. Including guidance on plant… Read More
I know. You’ve heard it before. Just hear me out – give a raised bed garden a chance. If you want better soil, fewer weeds and an end to gardening backaches, a raised bed garden could be a great solution this spring. Raised bed gardens are a great landscaping technique, and provide better drainage and less… Read More
When friends and family come to visit this year, let the first thing they see be a handsome wreath or festive swag that says: “Welcome Friends! Good to see you! That’s a lovely sweater! Isn’t it a wonderful Holiday Season? Merry, Merry Christmas!” And although talking wreaths may be out of the question, when you add… Read More
