While doing research into fencing for my garden, I fell down a hole. I was looking at using recyled products in the garden and came across articles mentioning on railroad ties. Consider today's blog a short publice service announcement.  "Avoid Railroad Ties!" As tempting as may seem to use them for raised beds, retaining walls and garden steps. DON'T! Railroad ties are coated with creosote which contains over 300 chemicals. What the EPA says…. https://www.epa.gov/ingredien

One of the joys of my childhood was catalog shopping. Oh the excitement when we would get our Sears “Wish Book” For the Christmas Season! My mother received seasonal catalogs from Spiegel, JC Penny, and Montgomery Ward. We would find the toys and clothes we liked and point them out to mom.  She would either complete the order form or call the number on the catalog place it and then 4-6 weeks later…. Our items arrived! Fortunately, I was a slow growing child, and most of the c

If you read this blog, you will notice that I will be referencing a lot from the Oregon State Extension Service. (In my first blog post I explained my connection to the Extension Service). Amy Jo Detweiler is the Horticulture Agent for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and has several excellent publications on gardening in Central Oregon. Today, I am excerpting from/ highlighting her article, "Winter Care of Perennials". Mainly, because it talks about mulch. You can

Blog Introduces the Master Gardner Program and Encourages Gardeners to apply