Author Archives: Meghan Shinn

It’s Time to Inventory Your Seed Packets

January 13, 2015 | Meghan Shinn | 0

January is a good time to take stock of any seeds you’ve saved. Here are tips for sorting through old seed packets and organizing them ahead of seed-starting season, so you know what you need (and don’t need!) to purchase:

‘Woodward’ Is a Juniper that Grows Tall and Skinny

January 6, 2015 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love ‘Woodward’ juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Woodward’) for its tall, narrow shape, which makes it an ideal accent for small spaces or for use as a hedge or windbreak. This snow- and wind-tolerant evergreen is a Plant Select honoree …

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Watering Houseplants With Fish Tank Water

January 6, 2015 | Meghan Shinn | 0

If you have a certain household item, it just may become an aid in making your houseplants flourish, while cutting back on wasted water, too.

Growing Potted Cyclamen as a Houseplant

December 29, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Cyclamen are available as houseplants in winter, and they’re often given as gifts or purchased to be holiday decorations. Here are tips on caring for potted cyclamen.

Leaving Houseplants Home Alone

December 15, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

If you’re planning a trip away from home this winter, or you’re just concerned that you’ll neglect your houseplants while the holidays keep you busy and distracted, try this easy trick by which they can take care of themselves.

Bird’s Nest Fern Makes a Textural Houseplant for Low Light

December 15, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) for its rippling leaves that provide lively green interest without strong sunlight. Here’s how to grow it as a houseplant.

Partridgeberry: A Native Groundcover for All Seasons

December 8, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: We love partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) for its evergreen foliage, spring flowers and winter berries. This native groundcover can be found in the woodlands of much of eastern North America, making it a good choice for shade gardens.

Do This Where You Planted Flower Bulbs

December 8, 2014 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Warm spells in winter can cause the soil to briefly thaw and send a signal to flower bulbs that it’s time to wake up and grow.

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.