The Dirt: Gardening Resources from Dennis' 7 Dees

February in the Garden
The month of February can deliver unpredictable weather, but plenty of “sun breaks”! Be ready to jump in the garden when conditions are right. For Fresh Color Bring easy color to porch and walkway: Freshen up window boxes and flowerpots with primroses, violas and/or...
Mounting Indoor Plants to Wood
Plants on bookshelves, floor plants, countertop and coffee table plants, plants hanging from the ceiling… so many ways to display them! If you are like me and love to fill your indoor space with...
Basic Indoor Plant Propagation
Many indoor plants can easily be propagated by using one of the following methods: Offsets Plantlets Stem/cane cuttings Leaf cuttings Layering Division Often, there may be more than one way to...
Basic Indoor Plant Selection & Winter Care
Although they live indoors, houseplants “know” what season it is by the length of daylight and the angle of the sun. Winter days can be short and dark, and when the sun does appear, it is low and in...
DIY Moss Pole for Indoor Plant Support
Trailing plants are fun to hang from macramé or display on high shelves, but for many of our favorite trailing plants, there is another way to grow... up! Popular selections such as Pothos,...
January in the Garden
January in the garden is mostly a time for planning and preparation for spring! For the Home Take down holiday decorations. Plant your living Christmas tree or scatter cut branches from your...
All About Air Plants
My ever-growing collection of air plants live mostly in my north-facing kitchen window—some hang in decorative tropical seed pods and others sit on branches of a whimsical felt tree. Many of the...
The Benefits of Biophilia
Feeling a little disheartened? Coming out of an especially rough year, it’s not a surprise if your mental health isn’t what it used to be, but don’t go blaming 2020 for your problems just yet. It...
Hello Hellebores & Flowers of Winter
The genus Helleborus consists of 15 different species of hardy, low-growing, mostly evergreen perennials that bloom in a range of colors in late winter or early spring with long-lasting flowers....
DIY Winter Wreath Instructions
A simple circle of wire adorned with ornaments and fresh evergreen cuttings symbolizes unity and eternity while also celebrating our fertile earth, rebirth, and the changing of the seasons. With the...
December in the Garden
Our temperate climate and generally mild winter allows us to plant practically year-round (we’re so lucky)! It’s still a good time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs. For Fresh Color We had a...
Growing Holiday Bulbs: Amaryllis & Paperwhites
Amaryllis Amaryllis are tropical bulbs that bloom in the winter indoors with dramatically large, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall, sturdy stems. Bloom colors range from red and pink to white or...
Living Christmas Tree Tips
Start a new tradition or celebrate an old one by having a living Christmas Tree this holiday season. Selecting a living Christmas tree requires a different set of criteria than when choosing a...
Winter Houseplant Care Featuring Seasonal/Holiday Plants
Although they live indoors, houseplants “know” what season it is by the length of daylight and the angle of the sun. Winter days can be short and dark, and when the sun does appear, it is low and in...
Fall & Winter-Blooming Camellias
It has become more popular and acceptable in recent years to want to create landscapes and gardens that attract and benefit pollinators, birds, and wildlife, while also pleasing us and our...
Gardening to Attract Birds
The Basic Elements of Habitat Food: seeds, nectar, insects, fruits, and berries Water: bird bath, fountain, water feature, stream/pond, sprinkler Cover/shelter: thickets/hedges, dense shrubs, rock...
November in the Garden
For Fresh Color If recent cold weather has gotten to your summer container plantings, redo them with winter combinations for evergreen color and seasonal interest. Get pansies and violas planted...
What Are Aroids?
Botanically speaking, several of our favorite houseplants all belong to the same family, but in many ways look different from one another. Plants included in this large family are Philodendrons,...
Pumpkins Galore!
Colorful displays of fall pumpkins, straw bales, and gourds signal a festive change of seasons as we transition into autumn. One can't help but marvel at the range of colors, shapes, and sizes...
Pruning 102: Pruning for Shaping & Structure
Review of Pruning Basics Goals/reasons to prune Tools, Terms, Techniques Timing: Most often done during dormant season (November–March) Know when to call the professionals: Colliers Arbor Care,...
Pruning 101: Tools, Techniques & Timing
Take note of the specific type of plant being pruned and ask yourself what the pruning goal is. Think about the desired effect before deciding what time of year and which pruning technique to...
Winter Houseplant Care
As fall gradually transitions to winter, we bundle up against the crisp air while soaking up every last minute of daylight. In a similar fashion, indoor plants make seasonal adjustments too; during...
DIY Succulent Pumpkins
Succulent pumpkins are all the rage this season; they take everything wonderful about fall and distill it into the perfect, long-lasting arrangement. The only problem is we can't seem to keep them...
October in the Garden
This is the best month for planting woody shrubs, trees, and herbaceous perennials. Our year-round garden centers are well stocked with great plant selections—remember that fall is for planting! For...
Improving Soil Health
Soil: A Brief Overview The single most valuable investment in your home landscape is soil improvement—healthy soil means healthy, productive, beautiful plants! Healthy soil is loose, nutritious...