Author Archives: Meghan Shinn

Care and Cleaning of Plant Terrariums

December 2, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Here’s how to take care of common terrarium plants plus how to keep that terrarium clean and looking its best.

Miniature Rex Begonias Make a Bold Small Houseplant

December 2, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love miniature rex begonias named for their colorful foliage that brightens up a winter windowsill. Typically growing just 8 to 10 inches tall, these mini begonias doesn’t take much space.

Grow Korean Fir for Its Purple Cones and Evergreen Needles

November 25, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love Korean fir (Abies koreana) for its distinctive purple cones that add interest alongside its silvery green needles. This relatively small conifer fits better in most garden than many other evergreen tree options.

Attracting Birds With a Platform Feeder

November 25, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

A platform-style bird feeder will attract many kinds of birds, including cardinals, blue jays, grosbeaks and sparrows.

Leaves: When to Let Them Lie

November 18, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

If you garden anywhere near deciduous trees, their leaves likely figure into your fall yard and garden cleanup. You may already know that you can repurpose these leaves as mulch for your garden and lawn. But what to do about …

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Houseplants That Withstand Drafts and Cold Rooms

November 18, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Many of our favorite houseplants come from tropical regions of the world and therefore need warm temperatures to thrive. This doesn’t always jibe with efforts to reduce winter heating costs, such as keeping the thermostat in the low 60s. Since …

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Gray’s Sedge: a Native Grass With Unique Flowers

November 11, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love Gray’s sedge (Carex grayi) for its mace-like green seed heads that appear in summer and for its ability to withstand wet soil. Grow this fascinating grassy plant at a pond’s edge or in a container bog. The …

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Trick Nature With This Flower Bulb Placement

November 11, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Here’s a way to make spring come a bit early to your yard and garden. Just follow this advice when choosing sites to plant spring-blooming bulbs.

White Trillium Is a Spring Flower for Shade Gardens

November 4, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love great white trillium, or wood lily (Trillium grandiflorum), for its large white flowers that announce spring in the woodland garden. This native plant of eastern North America is a must for the shade.

2014 Garden Photo Contest Winners

November 4, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Thousands of professional and amateur photographers entered Horticulture’s 2014 Garden Photo Contest. The final winners in each category were selected by Rob Cardillo, a leading garden photographer. His comments appear alongside each winning picture. Thank you to all who participated …

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What Fall Garden Cleanup Means for Insects

October 28, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Most gardeners clean up their garden to some degree in fall. Some do a thorough cutting back of perennials while others leave their plants standing all winter and still others fall somewhere in between these extremes.